Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Effect Of Practice On The Control Of Reach Extent, Faith N. Schroers, Troy M. Herter, Dylan Bruemmer, Takeo Ichiyanagi, Austin Herherington, Michael O'Dpnnell, Janelle Ozorowski, Chad Simmons, Jill Campbell Stewart Pt, Phd

Faculty Publications

The control of reaches to targets that vary in distance involves a combination of anticipatory planning and feedback-based adjustments. However, it is not known if their contributions to the control of reach extent change with repetitive practice. This study investigated the effect of three days of practice on the control of reach extent. Right-hand dominant participants reached with either the non-dominant left arm or dominant right arm to six targets presented in two directions and three distances in a virtual environment. The effect of practice on planning and feedback-based adjustments to control reach extent was examined by determining how well …

Resource Fair 2025, University Of Dayton. Department Of Counselor Education And Human Services

Documents of the Brain Health Collective

The Brain Collective is hosting a Brain Health Resource Fair in partnership with GESMV, University of Dayton, Play4Payne Foundation, and The Dayton Foundation. This special event is designed to connect you with local organizations equipped to: - Help those who have experienced a brain injury - Assist loved ones supporting those with a brain injury - Support individuals interested in learning more about brain health - Provide education for students interested in entering brain health-related fields

From Classroom To Clinic: Innovative Strategies To Develop And Assess Clinical Readiness And Student Success, Megan Frazee, Nicole M. Sleddens, Tessa M. Wells

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Clinical education readiness is a foundational expectation in physical therapist education and a core requirement of CAPTE accreditation. In response to national concerns regarding variability in student preparedness, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy published a set of core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that students should demonstrate prior to beginning full-time clinical experiences. Many of these KSAs emphasize competencies within the affective domain, such as adherence to professional standards and effective communication. Clinical reasoning is also highlighted as a key component essential for clinical readiness. However, these competencies are often underemphasized and difficult to assess prior to clinical …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Clinical Management Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome As A Curriculum Thread To Meet Accreditation Standards In Physical Therapy Education, Sallie W. Rediske, Heidi Shearin, Todd E. Davenport, Melinda W. Maxwell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: ME/CFS is a debilitating, complex, chronic illness that is estimated to affect up to nine million Americans. It requires a paradigm shift in treatment approach to one of energy conservation due to metabolic effects resulting in exercise and activity intolerance. Including clinical management of ME/CFS as a curriculum thread in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is vital for safe and effective care of people with ME/CFS and can help meet accreditation standards. Methods: ME/CFS significantly impacts quality of life. It has been recognized by the World Health Organization since 1969 as a biomedical neurological disorder. Prior to …

Unraveling The Impact Of Spider Cage Therapy On Static And Dynamic Standing Balance In Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Varsha Anbu, Senthil Kumar Natarajan, Jagatheesan Alagesan, Akshaya Venkat, Rekha Chitrada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The intent of this study was to ascertain the efficacy of spider cage therapy for static and dynamic standing balance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Cerebral palsy described as a group of disorders with uneven posture and movement were spastic diplegia is the most prevalent type. Method: This study was a randomized controlled trial that used random sampling and blinded evaluators. Children with diplegic CP aged between 5 and 10 years, with GMFCS levels II-IV, were assigned to spider cage therapy group and conventional …

Patient- And Proxy-Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Pulmonary Hypertension: Study Protocol For A Cosmin-Based Systematic Review, Meredith T. Yeung, Melissa Y. Chan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive disease that significantly affects patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Despite advances in medical therapies, managing PH remains challenging, and the need for practical, patient-centred tools to evaluate therapeutic outcomes is critical. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and proxy-reported outcome measures (proxy ROM) are pivotal in assessing the therapeutic impacts of interventions, including symptom relief, treatment efficacy, and quality of life. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of these tools in PH, hindering their optimal use in both clinical practice and research. This protocol outlines …

Evaluating The Impact Of Sit-On-Top Pelvic Stimulator And Pelvic Exerciser On Pelvic Floor Function And Quality Of Life Among Postpartum Women, Veenakirthika S, Kayathri M, Senthilnathan C.V, Selvaraj Sudhakar, Mohankumar G, Ramachandran S, Senthil Kumar Natarajan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), affecting up to 50% of postpartum women, can lead to conditions like pelvic pain, incontinence, bowel issues, and even prolapse. Standard treatments for PFD include surgical options, medications, and physical therapy. However, non-invasive alternatives, such as sit-on-top pelvic stimulators and pelvic exercisers like Kegel devices, are showing evidence based results for their ability to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve quality of life. This research evaluates the impact of these devices on pelvic floor function and overall well-being in postpartum women. Method: The study was conducted as an experimental trial with 30 postpartum women aged …

Preparedness And Engagement Of Rehabilitation Professionals In Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Ots, Pts, And Slps In Florida, Rebecca I. Estes, Shari Rone-Adams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health professionals, specifically, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are under-recognized and underutilized in disaster management. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, prevalence of engagement, interest level, roles, perceptions, and training of rehabilitation professionals in the disaster management cycle. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to OTs, PTs, and SLPs, licensed in Florida, a convenience sample. Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: Respondents believe that licensed clinicians have a role in disaster management. Respondents had little familiarity, …

Printing The Future: A Collaborative Approach To Integrating 3d Printing In Physical Therapy Education, Amanda L. Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Andreina Lander, Amber Sivalls, Abigail Tong, Tyler Turner, Lauren Butler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Integrating 3D printing into healthcare education presents an opportunity to enhance learning, foster innovation, and address challenges in patient care. This study explores a collaborative approach to incorporating 3D printing into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program through interdisciplinary partnerships with biomedical engineering, architecture, and immersive studio technologies. The study's primary aim was to provide DPT students with hands-on experience in designing and creating 3D printed adaptive devices for individuals with unique healthcare needs while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance innovation and problem-solving. The initiative was structured around a series of pilot projects embedded in the DPT curriculum, focusing …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

The Feasibility Of Virtual Reality To Provide Visual Feedback To Correct Lower Extremity Biomechanics: A Descriptive Retrospective Case Series, Margaret R. Klausing, Kylie Scott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) to enhance visual biofeedback for patients with lower quarter pain, aiming to improve awareness of faulty movement patterns. Methods: Six patients aged 19-66 (3 males, 3 females), with lower quarter pain involving the ankles, knees, or hips completed one session in an outpatient orthopedic setting using CAREN. The motion capture system projected an avatar onto a 180-degree screen, providing visual biofeedback from sagittal and frontal planes. Joint angles, Knee dominant squat (KDS), and Dynamic Q-Angle (DQA) were compared pre- and post-biofeedback during gait and squats. KDS …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

The Practice Of Perfect Mistakes, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Cheryl VanderMolen Neway, a fashion designer and textile artist residing in Fairfax, Virginia, provided the cover art for the Fall 2025 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The photograph features a flowing, floor-length duster jacket entitled, The Free Spirit, 2024, made from an upcycled denim jacket with lace and hand-dyed linen, using shibori and indigo-dyeing techniques, modeled by Shamola Crosbie. Cheryl’s designs serve to express emotion, meet her need for creative exploration, and empower her community through fashion. Using resist-dyeing techniques paired with upcycled textiles and salvaged materials, she creates vibrantly unique clothing and mixed-media artwork …

An Authentic Leader Never Dies: Lessons Learned From The Seminal Work Of Elizabeth Yerxa, Daniel Cezar Da Cruz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This Opinion in the Profession is based on the enduring legacy of Elizabeth June Yerxa, a pioneering leader in occupational therapy and occupational science, following her passing in December 2024. Rather than a traditional "in memoriam," the author uses the present tense to emphasize Yerxa's ongoing influence. The paper highlights four key themes from Yerxa’s work: the commitment of occupational therapy to social change, the importance of an occupation-centered education, the term “engaging in occupation”, and the establishment of occupational science as a foundational discipline. Yerxa’s advocacy for critical thinking, holistic perspectives, and the integration of diverse fields …

Promoting Sense Of Belonging Among First-Generation Students In Occupational Therapy, Pola Ham

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

First-generation students in occupational therapy programs face unique challenges that can impact their sense of belonging and academic success, potentially hindering efforts to diversify the profession. There is limited data on occupational therapy students who identify as first-generation students. However, the literature has noted improved efforts toward a sense of belonging in higher education among students leads to feeling a sense of connectedness with their peers and faculty, aiding in overall well-being, academic performance and retention. In contrast, a lack of these efforts can lead students to experience a diminished sense of belonging to the institution. This article examines the …

Mentoring Matters: Enhancing Occupational Therapy Capstone Experiences Through Effective Mentorship, Sara J. Stephenson, Gretchen L. Bachman, Michelle L. Bollom, Alexandria N. Calca

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Mentoring plays a crucial role in occupational therapy education, particularly in doctoral capstone experiences. Yet, specific assessment tools tailored to the profession are lacking. This study aimed to gather insights from occupational therapy stakeholders on mentor qualities and skills essential for capstone success. The authors employed a descriptive, cross-sectional study design using an interactive poster featuring the Mentor Competency Assessment (MCA) domains and the ACOTE-defined capstone focus areas. Data were collected at two occupational therapy events using ordinal ranking methodology.Fifty-three participants identified their occupational therapy roles and ranked mentor skills and capstone focus areas. Effective communication was consistently identified as …

Diversity Gaps In Ot Education: Addressing The Challenges And Support Needs Of Underrepresented Faculty, Divya Desai, Natalie A. Perkins

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Understanding the status of diversity in OT academia is crucial for promoting equitable representation and addressing the needs of underrepresented faculty. This exploratory mixed-methods study sought to assess the diversity landscape in OT academic programs and explore the support needed by diverse faculty to enter and remain in academic positions. The researchers used an online survey distributed to faculty members of accredited OT programs across the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with select respondents to gain deeper insights into their experiences. The interview participants were selected based on survey responses through purposive sampling. The study focused on capturing perspectives …

Occupational Balance Of Occupational Therapy Students Before And After Occupational Disruption Caused By Covid-19, Juan Pablo Saa, Georgia King, Kylee Lockwood, Tamara Tse

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions have caused occupational disruption, yet little is known about their relationship with occupational balance, student satisfaction, and stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the occupational balance of occupational therapy students in the state of Victoria, Australia, and its association with measures of life satisfaction and distress.

Method: Participants completed the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) twice (once rating their occupational balance before COVID-19 social distancing restrictions and again during the time these restrictions were in place); the Global Life Satisfaction Questionnaire; and the Depression, Anxiety and …

The Perception Of Occupational Therapists And Their Use Of Therapeutic Use Of Self When Interacting With Clients And Fieldwork Students, Maria T. Zock, Barbara Nadeau

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The therapeutic use of self is an essential instrument in every occupational therapists' toolbox. Fieldwork is vital to a student’s transition to clinician and the student and fieldwork educator relationship is a critical component of the fieldwork experience. The researchers employed a phenomenological design to explore perceptions of 12 fieldwork educators regarding the similarities and differences in the way they use the therapeutic use of self with clients and students. How one develops their therapeutic use of self begins and evolves throughout fieldwork, impacting a clinician’s practice long-term. Results indicated that while the therapeutic use of self is readily used …

The Need For ‘Soft Skills’ In Occupational Therapy Curricula: A Descriptive Analysis Of French Students’ Internship Comments, Cynthia Engels, Nadia Oubaya, Aliki Thomas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

A competent occupational therapist needs soft skills. Although the French national occupational therapy (OT) curriculum lists 10 competences to be acquired, they do not include soft skills. The objectives of this study were to (a) Identify the proportion of soft skills in OT students’ internship comments written by internship tutors and (b) characterize the mentioned soft skills to help determine whether and which soft skills should be included in the new OT curriculum nationwide in France. This was a qualitative descriptive analysis of tutors’ comments on internship evaluations based on the framework method. Of the 1060 internship reports, 1035 (98%) …

Occupational Therapy Guidelines For Rehabilitating People With Spinal Metastasis: Pathophysiology And Biomechanics, Julie H. Hunley, Ying Guo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are increasingly treating people living with metastatic spinal cancer because of advancements in cancer treatment. Specific occupational therapy guidance for serving this growing and vulnerable population is limited. This paper provides evidence for occupational therapists to expand their understanding of the pathophysiological and biomechanical reasons for spinal precautions and the importance of individualizing interventions for people with metastatic spinal cancer. Metastatic lesions can compromise bone integrity, increasing the risk of pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression, leading to irreversible neurological damage. Daily life activities create large forces in the spine, putting people with spinal metastasis at high risk …

Improving Relationship-Based Feeding Of Infants And Young Children With Disabilities: Developing A Guideline For Practice, Patricia Henton, Tsu-Hsin Howe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Feeding is a significant co-occupation of young children and their caregivers, unfolding in a social context. While addressing feeding challenges comprehensively because multiple contributing factors, the social-emotional dimension is often overlooked. This paper proposes a relationship-based feeding guideline to help occupational therapists incorporate this critical component. Centered on the child-caregiver dyad, the guideline prioritizes supporting the developmental, social-emotional, and environmental needs of the child. The guideline employs a biopsycho-ecological framework and family-centered approach, emphasizing caregiver training for promoting positive interaction. Actively involving caregivers and employing caregiver-child coaching facilitates the learning of developmentally appropriate feeding strategies that are then applied at …

Integrative Neural Networks Frame Of Reference: Application In Practice, Glenda E. Hux, Sarah Schoen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The INN Frame of Reference supports occupational engagement in caregivers of children and youth with complex health care needs. It guides the occupational therapist from evaluation to intervention providing a structure to identify challenges in occupational engagement. It describes the process of selecting evidence-based interventions to mitigate the impact of prolonged stress on the “whole” parent across contexts. The theoretical base outlines the mechanisms of action that support physiological, affective/cognitive, and social/spiritual health, and the concepts related to intervention. The completion of an occupational profile and the INN Evaluation Checklist sets the stage for data-driven decision making. The occupational therapist …

Integrative Neural Networks: A Novel Frame Of Reference To Support Occupational Engagement In Caregivers, Glenda E. Hux, Sarah A. Schoen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Integrative Neural Networks (INN) frame of reference is an integrated approach to support occupational engagement in parents and primary caregivers of children and youth with complex health care needs (CYSHCN) guided by principles of family-centered care. Given the potential influence of prolonged, cumulative, and or repeated stress on physiological, affective/cognitive, and social/spiritual health, it is imperative that occupational therapists partner with parents and primary caregivers to positively impact occupational engagement across contexts. Further, this frame of reference provides an avenue to identify potential health and occupational disparities historically under-recognized as independent from the needs of the child. Based on …

Effects Of Yoga On The Mental Health Of Women With Gynecological Cancers: A Systematic Literature Review, Sabina Khan, Christianah Edema

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers have substantial psychological impacts. Occupational therapists use relaxation and mindfulness techniques to manage pain, distress, and other mental health symptoms associated with cancer. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga on the mental health and quality of life of women diagnosed with gynecological cancers.

Methods: A systematic search of five databases was conducted from their inception to the present. Grey literature was searched via Google Scholar and relevant conference proceedings. Eligible studies reported on the effect of yoga on mental health symptoms in women with gynecological cancers. A …

Uncovering Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Postpartum Anxiety: A Scoping Review, Felicia Markfield, Carlin D. Reaume

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapists are qualified to provide needed support for individuals experiencing postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression is a more well known and researched disorder; however, postpartum anxiety is theorized to be more prevalent and less discussed (Nakić et al., 2018; Zappas et al., 2021). The objective of this scoping review is to find the themes in the literature highlighting the unique settings, assessments, and interventions used to support individuals with postpartum anxiety.

Methods: A literature search was conducted from Scopus, Sage Journals, OTSeeker, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases. Twenty articles were found and selected for review.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Receptiveness And Barriers To Including Occupational Therapists On Primary Care Teams, Jacquelyn P. Nash, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, Dayna Maureen Maniccia, Debra Collette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Although primary care providers (PCP) and occupational therapists recognize occupational therapists can be on the primary care (PC) team to address lifestyle management related to chronic conditions, health literacy, and behavioral health, few occupational therapists work in this setting; PC remains an emerging practice area.

Method: We sought to determine if receptiveness to adding occupational therapists to PC teams has changed. We modified surveys from a 2017 study and added interviews to answer the following questions regarding occupational therapists in PC: (1) What are PCPs' and occupational therapists’ perceptions? (2) What are PCPs' comfort levels in delegating patient appointments …

An Interdisciplinary Functional Exercise Program For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Series, Lauren Turbeville, Caroline Adams, Amy Wedge, Kailey Smitherman, Kathrin Rothermich

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traditional exercise programs are beneficial in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Little research exists on interdisciplinary, functional exercise programs designed and implemented by licensed therapists.

Method: Our case series presents the development, implementation, and results of an interdisciplinary functional exercise program for individuals with PD and the effects this program had on daily functioning and quality of life. Participants were recruited via flyers, email, and phone communication, and consented to data collection for our objectives. Participants attended two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Sessions addressed fine and gross motor skills, dexterity, cognition, functional strength, gait, balance, and …

Guidelines For Analyzing Health Care Policies, Kieran Fogarty, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.