Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Applying Occupation-Centered Coaching For Caregivers Of Children With Disabilities, Ali S. Gregory, Mary A. Smith Phd, Otr/L, Mary E. Godman Otd, Ms

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Statement of the problem: Caregivers of children with disabilities (CWD) experience stress, mental health conditions, sleep disruption, and fatigue leading to decreased occupational engagement and family community participation.

Purpose Statement: This project applied Occupation-Centered Coaching with a family-centered approach to promote caregiver empowerment, advocacy for mental health services, and family community participation.

The Clinical Experience Of Occupational Therapy And A Young Adult With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report, Paige Flickinger, Allyssa Grant, Renee Olsen, Madielyn Knaggs, Jonathan Newby

Masters Theses

The purpose of this case report is to explore the clinical experience of an occupational therapist working with a young adult with Cerebral Palsy with non-cognitive disabilities in order to determine appropriate interventions for improved occupational performance and participation. Goals for this study, and for future research, include establishing resources for occupational therapists and occupational therapy interventions that improve the occupational performance, social participation and the occupational experience of young adults with Cerebral Palsy, without intellectual disabilities.

The Importance Of Addressing Sleep As An Occupation Within Assisted Living Communities, Brittany Kiattitananan, Kendra Orcutt, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Around 40-70% of older adults have difficulty sleeping (Sheth & Thomas, 2019). This poster presents an occupation-based sleep intervention program developed for residents of an assisted living community and serves to inform OT practitioners on addressing sleep in their own practice.

Developing A Holistic Outlook Through Art, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Guy McCormack, PhD., OTR/L, FAOTA, an occupational therapist and retired academic program director based in Seaside, California, provided the cover art for the Summer 2023 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Tree of Life” is a 20” x 24” painting made from acrylic on panel. McCormack has served as an occupational therapist and educator for nearly 50 years. His career includes many notable clinical and academic achievements. Today, he finds joy in painting landscapes, animals, and abstract compositions. Since his retirement, art has helped McCormack develop a more holistic outlook on life.

Occupational Therapy In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu) & Implementation Of The Test Of Infant Motor Performance, Juliana C. Keane

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Current literature identifies the recognizable value of occupational therapy within the NICU; however, not all NICUs utilize therapy services. The purpose of this project was to highlight the role of occupational therapy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and implement the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) within this setting through a variety of goals, objectives, and produced deliverables. Als’ Synactive Theory of Development and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) Model guided this capstone project. In addition to in-depth clinical practice, education and program development were the methods utilized to achieve the project’s goals. The results of this project further support …

Analysis Of Firefighters’ Psychological Trauma And Interrupted Domains, Alyssa Garcia, Pamela Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Kristian Llaca

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Firefighters are at a high risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression (Teoh et al., 2019), suicidality, substance abuse (Bing-Canar et al., 2019), and burnout (Teoh et al., 2019). Firefighters are regularly exposed to traumatic events on calls which results in their decreased mental health; and associated decreased participation in meaningful occupations, routines, and roles (Edgelow & Cramm, 2020; Edgelow et al., 2021; Wittwer et al., 2021). This project contains both research and a program. The purpose of this research was to understand how firefighter demographics interact with interrupted occupations, routines, and roles and at what frequency when faced with …

Analysis Of Firefighters’ Psychological Trauma And Interrupted Domains, Alyssa Garcia, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville, Kristian Llaca

Student Capstone Papers

Firefighters are at a high risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression (Teoh et al., 2019), suicidality, substance abuse (Bing-Canar et al., 2019), and burnout (Teoh et al., 2019). Firefighters are regularly exposed to traumatic events on calls which results in their decreased mental health; and associated decreased participation in meaningful occupations, routines, and roles (Edgelow & Cramm, 2020; Edgelow et al., 2021; Wittwer et al., 2021). This project contains both research and a program. The purpose of this research was to understand how firefighter demographics interact with interrupted occupations, routines, and roles and at what frequency when faced with …

Regaining Quality Of Life Painting Pet Portraits, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Tina Primer, an artist based in Illinois, provided the cover art for the Spring 2023 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Wriggly” is an 11” x 14” painting made from acrylic on stretched canvas. After a debilitating stroke, Tina began using art as therapy. When the strength in her dominant hand did not return, painting pet portraits provided the motivation to do things differently. Tina’s playful use of color and attention to detail capture each pet’s unique personality. Discovering a new way to paint improved Tina’s quality of life.

Imposter Phenomenon: The Occupational Experiences Of First-Generation College Students, Karen Mccarthy, Kevin Chavez, Krysta Gastelum, Javier Gomez, Jacqueline Salas, Yashi Severson, Jamie Zabat

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: First-generation college students (FGCS) represent an underserved population navigating higher education. There is a current gap in the literature regarding the interaction of occupational experiences, imposter phenomenon (IP), and FGCS. The purpose of this study is to use grounded theory to explore the occupational experience of IP among FGCS enrolled in a four-year university in California.

Method: This research is a qualitative study using grounded theory. Data was collected through a screening survey and interview with 11 participants who identified as FGCS.

Results: Thematic analysis generated five themes: (a) emotional aspects of IP, (b) collectivism, (c) balance, (d) communities …

Occupational Therapy In The Criminal Justice System: Assessing Social And Occupational Engagement Within The Correctional Facility Context, Erika Tucker

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone consisted of conducting an observational research study at Northeast Reintegration Center utilizing the Assessment tool for Occupation and Social Engagement -- Correctional Facilities to understand how a prison environment supports and/or limits pro-social behaviors and engagement in productive activities among the understudied population of females who are incarcerated.

‘Can You See What I See?’: An Art Project Promoting Living Well With Dementia, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Caroline Hyland, an illustrator and former occupational therapist based in Dublin, Ireland, provided the cover art for the Winter 2023 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Can You See What I See?” is an acrylic painting on black textured paper. The piece was inspired by Caroline’s grandmother Kathleen Duhig, her love of flowers, and the song “The Dutchman.” Kathleen and three of her sisters lived with dementia. This painting, and several others, are featured in a book Caroline wrote to support living well with dementia. By combining her artistic talents and training as an occupational therapist, Caroline …

How Adaptive Sports Promote Occupational Engagement And Quality Of Life For Individuals With Disabilities In A Rural Community, Michael Helgeson

Frank Low Research Day Posters

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to address the barriers individuals with physical disabilities face through the development of adaptive sports programs; hereby, increasing their occupational engagement, quality of life (QOL), and life satisfaction.

Background: Individuals with disabilities, compared to the general population, have diminished health and QOL due to limited community participation and occupational engagement (Yazicioglu et al., 2012). Adaptive sports have shown to increase QOL and well-being for individuals with physical disabilities (Brown et al., 2021; Yazicioglu et al., 2012). Although, this population, specifically in rural communities, face many barriers to adaptive sports engagement including …

Exploring Coloniality In Occupation-Based Education: Perspectives Of Ghanaian Occupational Therapists, Joana Nana Serwaa Akrofi, Amber M. Angell, Bright Gyamfi, Stefanie Bodison

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The history, scope, and practice of occupational therapy are taught in many parts of the world using western perspectives. Recently, occupational scientists have explored occupation-based education, including the extent to which occupation is central in occupational therapy programs and the mechanisms of teaching occupation. This study explores how western ideologies have influenced occupation-based education in Ghana by examining the teaching and practice of occupational therapy. We conducted a qualitative study using purposive sampling to recruit four participants from the first four cohorts of practitioners. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Our analysis yielded three main themes: Power, participants described power …

Stress, Mindfulness And Occupational Engagement: A Pilot Study Of The Home Protocol, Laura Gerig, Patricia Henton, Megan Butterweck, Jory Swider, Laura Cameron, Kaylee Marihugh, Kathryn Close

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Stress and disengagement from meaningful occupations are barriers graduate students face daily. This mixed methods study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the nine-minute Huntington Occupational Mindfulness and Engagement (HOME) protocol for occupational therapy (OT) graduate students to re-engage in meaningful occupations. Participants (N=29) were selected through a convenience sample at a Midwestern university’s OT doctoral program and randomly assigned to either an experimental HOME Protocol group or a control journaling group. Students completed the Coping Orientation to Problems (COPE) Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) as pre and post assessments and received training in the assigned protocols. For …

Promoting Longevity Through Engagement In Purposeful Occupations, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Ron Henry, an artist based in Grand Junction, CO, provided the cover art for the Fall 2022 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “On the Trail to Durango” is a 36” x 36” painting made from oil and acrylic on gesso board. Ron has been creating beautiful art since he was a child. Art has provided Ron with a strong sense of purpose throughout his life. At age 90, Ron attributes his longevity to living a healthy lifestyle and regular engagement in purposeful occupations, such as painting. In this tenth anniversary issue of OJOT, Occupation and the …

An Exploration Of The Lifestyle Of Rodeo Athletes, Brooke Tunnell, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Summer 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Rodeo is considered one of the most rapid-growing sports across many nations and consists of highly talented, tough athletes (Haney & Pearson, 1999). There is a gap in the research that examines the occupation of rodeo through an occupational therapy and occupational science perspective. Occupational science, the study of human occupation, focuses on how the form, function, and meaning of daily activities influence health and well-being (Larson & Zemke, 2003). Form, function, and meaning guided the mixed-method research study utilizing survey, interview, narrative prompt, and photo elicitation. Three themes were extracted from the data and embodied the personal and occupational …

The Anatomy Of Human Occupation, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Emily Balog, PhD., OTR/L, ECHM, an occupational therapy professor and artist based in New Jersey, provided the cover art for the Summer 2022 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “The Knitting Brain” is an 11” x 15” painting made from watercolors. The inspiration for this painting came from years of experience working with individuals with head injury, stroke, and mental illness. The piece is from her Anatomy of Human Occupation series. This collection of paintings is a unique and authentic representation of Dr. Balog’s love of the human body and the healing power of occupation. Dr. …

Oral History Service Learning: Veterans Studies And Sosa, Amanda S. Hansford

Veterans Studies Undergraduate Capstones

As professionals, it is important to promote interprofessional education and collaboration among disciplines. This project explores connections between Veterans Studies, Library Science, and Occupational Science / Therapy. An oral history protocol was developed between the student sponsored organization Student Occupational Science Association (SOSA) and the Eastern Kentucky University Veterans Studies academic program. The goal was to promote deeper learning and cultural competency about members of veteran and military communities. Participants also gain leadership and interviewing skills applicable in a variety of career settings.

The model of human occupation (MOHO) guided aspects of the project design is used to discover the …

Identifying Motivators, Facilitators, And Barriers To Engaging In An Online Fine Motor Exercise Program, Kristine Ricossa, Kyndra Menefee, Lauren Rally, Mia Do, Charis Chan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the impact of the motivators, facilitators and barriers for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in engaging in a fine motor exercise program given online. Methods: Using a phenomenological design, a purposive sample of 6 individuals with PD were recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews via zoom with follow up member checks. Data were analyzed through an inductive approach by developing generalizations from themes based on the interview data. Results: Three common themes were developed, ‘integrating and forming habits’, ‘acknowledging participation in exercise can fight the disease’, ‘recognizing improvement in …

Promoting Occupational Therapy Involvement In End-Of-Life Care Through Advocacy And Education, Macey Genzlinger

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The end of life is a difficult stage of life to manage, but people who are dying still desire to participate in meaningful occupations. This participation can be negatively affected by the challenges faced at the end of life. Occupational therapy is a profession perfectly fitted to facilitate occupational participation for patients at the end of their lives. However, occupational therapy is underutilized in end-of-life care, and many knowledge gaps exist surrounding its use. Much work needs to be done to solve these problems which this Capstone project begins to address. The theoretical framework underlying this project is the Occupational …

A Virtual View Of Occupation: Transactionalism In Mmorpgs, John Miklos, Alex Nold, Shasta Rice, Amanda Flores

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

To date, most research on massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) has focused on the effects playing MMORPGs has on players’ health and wellness. The virtual environment of MMORPGs has yet to be explored as a space where meaningful occupations occur. This qualitative study explored the virtual environment using a transactional perspective in order to define the qualities of virtual worlds, how transactional relationships operate more clearly within these virtual worlds to construct occupational meaning, and subsequently to provide a foundation of qualitative data to support future research including virtual worlds. The sample included six MMORPG players with experience playing …

A Conceptual Framework: Life Course Health Development And Partial Hand Loss, Alison L. Johnson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Partial hand loss can be a profound source of disability with far-reaching economic and social consequences across the lifespan. Compared to other limb loss populations, perhaps surprisingly, the partial hand loss population experiences higher rates of whole-person impairment and disabling mental health conditions. Despite these known health disparities, the long-term health outcomes of the partial hand loss population are not adequately understood. Deepening understanding and preventing further disparity requires a multi-perspective approach examining factors contributing to health and well-being across the lifespan. This paper examines the partial hand loss population through two separate but overlapping lenses: population health and the …

Improving Mental Health After Sci: An Occupation-Based Program, Kerston Ring

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy in promoting positive mental health in those with SCI. Formal conversations related to mental health as well as various leisure activities took place throughout the program. The leisure activities were determined prior to initiating the program during the needs assessment. These were activities that the participants were either familiar with or novel. The activities were client-centered and modified as necessary to meet the client’s needs for full participation. The objectives of this capstone were to conduct a needs assessment to understand what factors could be changed to …

Foundational Curriculum To Engage Students In The Occupation Of Cooking, Brooke Mehus, Karen Park

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The reason for this project is that adolescents are not being provided with the knowledge surrounding cooking and meal preparation from their household, secondary schooling systems, and/or a lack of culinary programs resulting in a decrease in independence and life skills. Therefore, an additional program needs to be implemented in order to address these barriers.

The purpose of this project was to develop a program to enhance participation of adolescents in the occupation of cooking emphasizing life skills, safety, confidence, and knowledge within the kitchen. The program was completed at The Winston School which had an existing culinary arts program; …

Addressing Als Caregiver Needs: An Occupation-Based Caregiver Education Program, Kylee Hall, Helen Carey, Lauren Webb, Lisa Griggs-Stapleton

Spring 2022 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This program adds a new component to the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s already established online educational programs. The foundation had a program for people living with ALS but did not have a program for caregivers prior to this project.

A needs assessment was completed to determine caregiver needs and materials for caregivers were developed based on the needs found. The materials developed were implemented with ten caregivers to determine effectiveness and outcomes before launching the program to the general public.

Community Accessibility For Individuals With Disabilities, Marshall Dumas

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this project was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experience of individuals with disabilities and to identify what accessibility barriers may exist in community settings. Individuals with disabilities may face increased environmental barriers that influence their ability to successfully access and fully participate in community settings. This project attempts to provide community accessibility resources for individuals with disabilities in order to make community outings as successful as possible for all persons.

Using Creative Making To Redesign Life After Stroke, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Kate Davies, a knitwear designer and author based in Scotland, provided the cover art for the Winter 2022 edition of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. “Balance for Better” is a blanket made from wool and mohair. The blanket consists of 30 individual squares designed and knitted by KDD & Co. employees. The colors and pattern of each square reflect the work, achievements, and legacy of the inspirational women celebrated in the blanket. At age 36, Kate suffered a near-fatal stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side of her body. Forced to give up her career as …

An Occupation-Based Clinic Makeover: Perceptions And Experiences Of Occupational Therapists, Wendy B. Stav, Alison Herman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Researchers sought to discover the experiences of occupational therapists transitioning from existing clinical practice to exclusively occupation-based approaches.

Method: This phenomenological study captured the experiences of clinicians as exercise-based equipment was temporarily removed from the rehabilitation gym and replaced with occupation-based kits. The therapists used the new occupation-based materials with all clients for 4 months and participated in interviews and a focus group.

Results: The study yielded a greater understanding therapists’ process and experiences through the themes: (a) challenges to occupation-based practice and (b) occupation-based metamorphosis.

Conclusions: The personal and contextual obstacles associated with implementing …

Chronic Shoulder Pain In Manual Wheelchair (Mwc) Users With Spinal Cord Injury (Sci): The Lived Experience, Jennifer L. Silvestri, Sonia Lawson, Cristina Sadowsky

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Existing research on the lived experience of those with spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting in paraplegia who use a manual wheelchair and experience shoulder pain is extremely limited. This research aimed to begin the process of understanding the lived experience of this population and to describe how chronic shoulder pain impacts occupational engagement and quality of life.

Method: A phenomenological approach using a constant comparative method was used to analyze data and to construct and redefine themes throughout the research process. The qualitative data obtained from two semi-structured interviews with the four study participants is presented below. …

Analysis Of Zero Balancing Case Studies Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Deanna Waggy Otr, Msa, Czb, Csla

Journal of Transformative Touch

Does Zero Balancing positively impact occupational performance? This is a question many Occupational Therapists (OTs) ask when discerning if Zero Balancing (ZB) is an evidence-based treatment modality. Case studies from the book Experiencing the Power of Zero Balancing: Case Studies of Journeys to Health and Wholeness (Quarry & King, 2016) were reviewed and compared to the Occupational Therapy domain of practice to show clear evidence that each case study had a positive impact on occupational performance. A comparison chart shows a direct link between the occupational categories and documented evidence of improved occupational performance through practitioner observation and client feedback …