Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Advocating For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Addressing Ptsd In Veterans: A Video Series, Ralei Wine, Keisa Boykin

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project is to further advocate for occupational therapy with veterans who experience PTSD through a video series. The intent is to educate veterans about the role of occupational therapy and encourage engagement in meaningful occupations to increase quality of life.

A Program For The Occupational Needs Of Women With Urinary Incontinence In Independent/Assisted Living Facilities, Blair Riddell, Rebecca King

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a multimedia educational program for women with UI living in an independent living facility(ILF)/assisted living facility (ALF) to foster engagement in health management behaviors for enhanced overall quality of life.

Improving The Quality Of Life Of Adults With Visual Impairments Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Vanessa R. Patel, Rebecca King, Jaimee Fielder

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adults with visual impairments often experience decreased independence, safety concerns, and reduced confidence in daily occupations, particularly during meal preparation. This capstone project aimed to develop and implement an occupation-based educational program to support safe and independent cooking for adults with visual impairments. A needs assessment was conducted at Envision Dallas, resulting in a program focused on meal preparation and the use of adaptive strategies. The program consisted of twelve structured lessons delivered through a combination of individual sessions and group-based instruction. Outcomes were measured using pre- and post-session questionnaires, informal observation, and participant and family feedback. Results indicated improvements …

Expanding Occupational Therapists’ Role In Youth Adaptive Sports: A Comprehensive Guidebook, Alexandria K. Lannoo, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities are less likely to participate in adaptive sports or physical activity than typically developing children, despite the proven benefits adaptive sports provide for physical, social, and emotional well-being. Adaptive sports can be modified to accommodate a variety of ability levels and can improve quality of life (QoL) of children with disabilities through enhanced mobility, social participation, and self efficacy. However many occupational therapists (OTs) underutilize adaptive sports within their practice and are unaware of their role in promoting participation and of resources within their community. Guided by the Synthesis of Child, Occupational Performance, and Environment in Time …

Harmony In Motion: An Adaptive Dance Program For Enhancing Motor Skills And Social Engagement In Children With Down Syndrome, Diamond D. Sampson, Mary Jan Greer, Jennifer Johnson

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Harmony in Motion is an occupational therapy–inspired adaptive dance program designed to create inclusive, sensory-friendly ballet experiences for children with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. Through tailored movement activities, environmental modifications, and the use of adaptive props, the program promotes participation, social connection, and self-expression.

Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Low Vision Affecting Their Mental Health, De'aundria M. Gipson, Jaimee Fielder, Becky King

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Low vision is a prevalent public health issue among older adults, often leading to functional limitations, reduced participation in activities of daily living (ADLs), and increased risk of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation. This capstone project explored the relationship between low vision and mental health by developing and evaluating a program to address both functional and psychosocial needs. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, the program was implemented at Envision Dallas and included a needs assessment, tailored strategies, and group activities targeting emotional well-being, independence, and social participation. Data from surveys, interviews, and observation indicated …

Facilitating Engagement And Well-Being In Older Adults Through Personalized Background Music, Anna Heady

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project explores personalized background music as a client-centered intervention to enhance engagement, emotional well-being, and quality of life for older adults in a senior living community. Conducted at Treyton Oak Towers in Louisville, KY, the project integrated meaningful music into daily leisure and social activities. Key goals included building rapport with residents and staff, assessing residents’ functional needs, planning and adapting activities, and incorporating music preferences to support participation and enjoyment. Older adults in long-term care often experience cognitive decline, low motivation, and limited engagement in meaningful occupations. Literature supports music’s ability to stimulate memory, enhance mood, and …

Strength Beyond Cancer: An Occupational Therapy Guidebook For African American Breast Cancer Survivors, Taihia A. Wilson

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project aims to explore the nuanced and often underrepresented experiences of African American women (AAW) who have survived breast cancer (BC), with a specific focus on the recovery phase. By examining the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial obstacles encountered during survivorship, the project seeks to highlight significant gaps in care and support. The primary goal of this project is to develop an accessible and culturally responsive guidebook that provides healthy strategies to enhance quality of life (QoL), promote occupational wellbeing, and empower AAW to manage their overall health beyond treatment. This paper will begin by presenting the background and …

Chronic Pain After Traumatic Brain Injury: Treatment Experiences And Effects On Cognition And Functioning, Rachael L. Snyder

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can contribute to changes in cognitive and emotional functioning, quality of life, and psychosocial reintegration. Chronic pain is a common consequence of TBI which can uniquely impact such outcomes. Still, the exact nature of the contribution of pain on post-TBI outcomes remains unclear, and there are few existing studies exploring the treatment journey for chronic pain and injury rehabilitation through qualitative methods, specifically individual interviews with TBI survivors. This study aimed to document these narratives and to identify precisely how the experiences of TBI survivors seeking treatments, rather than the treatments themselves, impact outcomes. It also …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of Tap Dance As A Therapeutic Intervention For Adults With Lower Limb Amputation: A Pilot Study, Julianne Roser, Allison Strande, Bailey Taggart

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of an 8-week adapted tap dance program as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA).

Methods

Three participants with LLA (two with unilateral transfemoral amputation and one with bilateral transtibial amputations) attended weekly 1-hour tap dance classes, with movements adapted for their needs and mobility aids and dance barres available as needed. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) and participant feedback assessed acceptability. Functional mobility, balance and quality of life were measured using the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), Berg Balance Scale …

The Empowerment Through Assistive Devices: A Program For Older Adults Post-Stroke And Their Caregivers, Gillian L. Cole, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project aimed to develop a holistic and sustainable educational program for post-stroke adults using mobility devices in long-term care at CC Young. The program was to empower stroke survivors to regain independence, enhance their quality of life, and reduce caregiver burden by focusing on functional mobility, safety, caregiver support, device adherence, and multiple other factors that increase functional independence and safety. The program achieved significant outcomes through in-depth training, consistent education, feedback incorporation, and ongoing follow-up. Device usage rates were notably increased, helping participants continue using mobility aids effectively and consistently. Additionally, the program played a critical role …

Social Program For Adults Living In Group Homes, Kailee Oram, Mary Jan Greer

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) living in group homes have lower quality of life outcomes, particularly for the domain of social inclusion, compared to adults with IDDs who live alone or with family. This capstone experience aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate a social program for this population to promote community engagement and interpersonal relationships. The 8-week social program was planned for participants living in group homes led by Trinity Services in suburban IL. A needs assessment included interviews with clients and staff about supports and barriers to social participation and ideas for community activities. The program was …

Simulated Adventures: Occupational Therapy's Role In Outdoor Participation, Erica Martinez, Rebecca King

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Access to outdoor leisure activities remains limited for individuals with disabilities due to barriers such as transportation challenges, functional limitations, and social/psychological constraints. These limitations significantly reduce opportunities for participation in outdoor recreation, which has been proven to enhance the overall quality of life. This capstone program aims to address these challenges by supporting the special abilities community in developing transferable skills necessary for meaningful engagement in outdoor activities. The program emphasizes emotional regulation, social participation, health promotion, and safety education while enhancing the quality of life. Through this program, participants develop essential skills for engaging in outdoor activities by …

Thriving Beyond Barriers: A Wellness Guide For Athletes And Coaches, Sydnie Allen, Ots, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Emily Andersen, Otd, Otr

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project addressed gaps in knowledge and skills among athletes and coaches regarding the social, physical, and environmental dimensions of wellness, which impact participation, health, quality of life, and overall wellness. The purpose was to create a wellness guide focused on the social, physical, and environmental dimensions of wellness, which may inhibit participation, health, quality of life, and overall wellness while fostering social inclusion and accommodating individual abilities to reduce injury risk and promote motivation. Though research on occupational therapy (OT) in sports is limited, emerging studies highlight the importance of participation for long-term independence. Environmental barriers like accessibility issues …

Evidence Based Resource Creation: Building Knowledge And Supporting Curriculum Rationale For Individuals With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities At Friends Life Community, Ruth D. Jones

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with Friends Life Community (FLC), a nonprofit, community-based day program that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A comprehensive needs assessment revealed a gap in evidence-based research supporting the purpose and impact of FLC’s daily curriculum. Additionally, there was a need for custom outcome measurement tools to better capture the growth and progress of program participants. In response, the focus of this capstone was to develop an educational resource tailored for multiple stakeholder audiences, including FLC staff, parents/caregivers, board members, and donors. The goal of the resource was to reinforce the …

Exploring The Benefits Of Nature-Based Occupations And Transition Into Retirement, Kelly Gorton, Amy Lyons-Brown

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster outlines a doctoral capstone project that explores how nature-based occupations can support older adults transitioning into retirement, addressing their unique needs and improving their overall quality of life. The transition into retirement can be a challenging time, often accompanied by anxiety, loss of routine, and social isolation. Nature-based occupations offer significant benefits, such as improved mood, reduced stress, a sense of purpose, and increased social engagement. This poster emphasizes the importance of understanding older adults' attitudes and behaviors toward nature-based occupations to maximize their benefits. It also examines how occupational therapists can integrate nature-based interventions to help older …

Exploring The Impact Of Ot On Pain Management & Quality Of Life In Individuals Following Lower Limb Amputation, Fernanda D. Massey, Lakeisa Boykin

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explores the role of occupational therapy (OT) in managing pain and enhancing quality of life (QoL) for individuals following lower limb amputation (LLA). Despite OT's recognized potential in addressing physical and psychosocial challenges, there is a lack of research specifically examining its impact on pain management outcomes post-amputation. This mixed-methods study involved quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with 11 participants to assess their experiences with OT services, pain strategies, and QoL. Results highlighted both the benefits and limitations of current OT interventions, emphasizing the need for personalized, client-centered approaches. Themes such as the search for non-pharmacological strategies, …

Enhancing Psychosocial Well-Being For Pediatric Oncology Clients: A Guidebook For Occupational Therapists, Marzia Khan, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Brooke Weber

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project addressed the critical gap in psychosocial support for pediatric oncology clients by developing an evidence-based guidebook for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners. Grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), the guidebook provides therapists with developmentally appropriate strategies to enhance emotional regulation, social participation, and engagement in meaningful activities for children aged 3 to 12 undergoing cancer treatment. The project identified key psychosocial challenges through qualitative interviews, needs assessments, and real-time clinical feedback and designed targeted interventions aligned with OT principles. The digital guidebook provides accessible, structured resources to support holistic, client-centered care and improve the quality of …

Fostering Autonomy And Self Efficacy: An Informal Caregiver's Guide To Encouraging Participation In Self-Care, Jade A. Evans, Steven M. Gerardi, Precious Osuoha

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Helping Hands and Active Lives is a practical guidebook designed to empower informal caregivers to support senior independence and well-being. It offers evidence-based strategies to enhance communication, mobility, and daily function while emphasizing the impact of caregiving approaches on occupational success.

Enhancing Quality Of Life Through Participant-Led Programming For Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Hannah Bolton

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

There are currently over 6.5 million Americans living with an intellectual disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). Research shows that individuals with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience a lower quality of life (QOL) compared to those without disabilities (Hughes-McCormack et al., 2017). Eight core domains have been identified as essential to quality of life: emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, material well-being, personal development, physical well-being, self-determination, social inclusion, and rights (Lachapelle et al., 2005). In response to these needs, this capstone project aimed to implement customized, supported, participant-led programming at a day program for adults with …

Comprehensive Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Management Programs Addressing Both Psychosocial And Physical Needs: A Scoping Review, Amanda Wheeler, Claudine Campbell, Chenchen Cui

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer worldwide, which can lead to many negative sequelae, with up to a third of women developing breast cancer-related lymphedema. Breast cancer-related lymphedema requires chronic maintenance and is associated with worse physical and mental health outcomes compared to women without lymphedema. Occupational therapists are well-positioned to address the complex needs of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. This review aimed to identify existing research that reports outcomes of lymphedema management programs addressing both physical and mental health needs of women with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Method: A scoping review was conducted …

The Use Of Virtual Reality To Improve Gait And Balance In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register …

Retrospective Chart Review Of The Acute Care Psychosocial Evaluation Process For Females Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, Kimberly Conrad, Lou Jensen, Shelley Ashcroft, Antoine Bailliard, Vanessa D. Jewell

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: A breast cancer diagnosis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. This retrospective chart review explored the occupational therapy evaluation process with female patients in an inpatient acute care hospital with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods: This descriptive retrospective chart review analyzed 134 occupational therapy evaluations of female patients with breast cancer admitted to a southeastern US academic medical center. Data were extracted and categorized using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework.

Results: The most frequently administered assessments were non-standardized and the AM-PAC "6-Clicks." Documented short-term goals primarily focused on self-care (56.6%), gross motor skills (24.7%), and instrumental activities …

The Impact Of Social Participation Through Adaptive Sports On Quality Of Life In Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Mikayla Martin, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project researched and explored how socialization through adaptive sports in this case impacts the perception of quality of life among individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury.

Ambulation Challenges Post High-Voltage Electrical Burn Involving Three Extremities, Complicated With Osteomyelitis: A Case Report, Chiang-Hui Huang, Katie Pei-Hsuan Wu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

High-voltage electrical burns in occupational settings can leave detrimental injuries with immediate impact and long-term sequel. Despite extensive literature on the injury mechanism, comprehensive long-term rehabilitation descriptions for such devastating cases remain scarce. This report presents a significant traumatized high-voltage electrical injury involved three out of four extremities. A late complication with extensive tibial osteomyelitis affecting two-thirds of the bone severely compromised the patient’s ambulation potential, emphasizing the importance of segmental rehabilitation with progressive tolerance in ambulatory weight-bearing. We evaluated the patient’s physical, mental, and social component using Barthel Index, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement …

The Potential Impact Of Social Prescribing On Meaningful Engagement In Collective Aged Care Settings: Perspectives From The Global South, Melissa Kilian, Tania Rauch Van Der Merwe, Itumeleng Tsatsi, Ronelle Jansen, Marieta Visser, Rayne Stroebel, Sanetta Henrietta Johanna Du Toit

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Promoting collective care philosophies in residential aged care homes that enhances person-centred care remains a global challenge. More success is evident when an organisation’s approach to care impacts the well-being of everyone who lives and works in the home. However, funding systems are seldom applied in favour of a collective approach. The uptake of social prescribing is potential yet another obstacle in eradicating the prevailing dominance of the medical model of care in aged care homes. Objective: In the Global South, institutionalised care is becoming a more acceptable and viable option to ensure health and well-being of older adults. …

Assistive Technology Abandonment With Veterans And Leisure Activities, Tara Lamson, Lee Ann Hoffman, Mary Greer

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Veterans using assistive technology (AT) often face barriers that limit their participation in meaningful leisure activities, negatively impacting their mental health and quality of life. This project aimed to address these challenges by developing an educational program focused on improving AT management, reducing abandonment, and promoting leisure engagement. A needs assessment of veterans in Abilene, TX, revealed critical issues, including barriers to leisure, limited community involvement, and gaps in AT maintenance education. The program delivered web-based and in-person resources on AT use, adaptive leisure strategies, and equipment recycling. Key outcomes included enhanced social participation, improved independence, and sustainable solutions for …

Tailored Activity Program For Ltc Residents With Dementia, Madison Olds, Rebecca King

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Nursing home residents with dementia diagnoses should have the opportunity to participate fully in community activities and receive the proper assistance and accommodations to do so. This project developed a tailored activity program to promote socialization, occupational justice, and quality of life for residents in an assistive living facility with various diagnoses. This program provides both environmental and activity adaptations to support full engagement for all participants regardless of any preexisting deficits.

Increasing Leisure Activity Participation And The Quality Of Life Of People With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Karla Vela, Rebecca King, Keegan Mckay

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The problems associated with the progression of dementia, such as increased stress, and a decrease in engagement in leisure activities and social participation have a negative impact on the patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. In addition, there is limited research on the long-term impact of occupational therapy leisure activity programs on patients with dementia and their caregivers’ quality of life. A leisure activity program was created for people with dementia and their caregivers to improve their leisure activity engagement and quality of life. Overall, the participant’s and caregivers benefitted from this program and had positive opinions based on the …

An Educational Video Guide To Aging In Place, Cecilia Ramos, Steven Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Elizabeth Deluca-Berg Otd, Otr, Caps

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The growing population of older adults in the U.S. faces numerous challenges in maintaining independence while aging in place. Key findings from the needs assessment and literature review underscore the importance of accessible resources, health promotion, and health literacy in fostering autonomy and well-being among older adults. Occupational therapy addresses individual needs, educates on resource availability, and promotes interventions to enhance older adults' independence and safety. The purpose of this project was to create an educational video guide aimed at empowering older adults and their families with the knowledge and tools to overcome barriers to aging in place. This project …