Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Health Benefits Of Group-Based Cooking With Fresh Produce In A Skilled Nursing Facility, Kacey Ewing, Jenny Nguyen

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

This study explored the health-related benefits of a cooking intervention on participants within a skilled nursing facility.

Strategies For Integrating Health Literacy Into Entry-Level Ot Curricula: A Comprehensive Approach, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Cheryl Miller, Drot, Otr/L, Mary Muhlenhaupt, Otd, Otr/L, Faota, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Synopsis:

Health literacy is a significant factor impacting the efficacy of healthcare services. Initiatives related to health literacy demonstrate that OTs have unique opportunities to promote health literacy and facilitate its integration into practice. It is therefore critical to explore ways in which health literacy content can be incorporated into entry-­‐level OT curricula. Doing so will help ensure that future practitioners are prepared to meet key standards related to health literacy, including those established by ACOTE. This session will highlight strategies and methods to incorporate health literacy into entry-­‐level OT curricula.

Arts Of Life: A Place For Artists To Participate And Engage, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Arts of Life is an innovative, Chicago-based day program where artists with and without disabilities have the opportunity to participate in artwork. It was created out of an identified need for individuals with a developmental disability to foster community engagement in artistic endeavors. Arts of Life has its foundation in four core values: inspiring artistic expression, building community, promoting self-respect, and developing independence. It bases its programming on these values, which help to maintain a collective environment that promotes artistic freedom for all individuals.

Assessing Functional Impairment In Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment, Patricia Da Cunha Belchior, Taranpreet Bains, Jennifer Hargadon, Sofia Tran, Courtney Uphoff, Jade Chiu W. Kwok, Navaldeep Kaur, Isabelle Gelinas

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

To date, there is no consensus on how to assess functional impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and this lack of consensus is reflected in the clinical practice. Since the criterion used in the literature is very vague, clinicians are still left without much guidance in this area. Thus, the main goal of this study was to examine how functional impairment in individuals with MCI has been assessed in the literature.

An electronic database search strategy was developed in consultation with an experienced librarian. Four databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and MEDLINE) were searched from 2000 to May 2014 …

The Care For The Dying: A Critical Historical Analysis Of Occupational Therapy In Hospice., Marion Russell, Angela Bahle-Lampe

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper presents an historical analysis of occupational therapy’s role in hospice care with relation to past and current hospice practices, as well as cultural forces that impact that role. Since the beginning of the movement, hospice has developed into a strong component of end-of-life care, and occupational therapy practice models and interventions are unique in addressing the occupational needs of clients during this stage of life. Despite compelling evidence of the positive impact of employing occupational therapists, there continue to be significant barriers to implementation of services. The author proposes that the concept of occupation, as experienced at the …

Interprofessional Education In Occupational Therapy: The Idaho State University Model, Bryan M. Gee, Jennifer Holst, Kathleen Baron, Eydie Kendall, Sarah Knudson, Laura Mcknight, Karren Streagle

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming a common practice among most allied health professions as a part of entry level training. IPE is intended to promote greater professional collaboration in routine clinical practice. The prerequisites for this type of educational process include gaining an understanding of one’s own and other professions while developing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills. The Idaho State University (ISU) Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team (IET) course delivery model is one such vehicle which fosters IPE across numerous disciplines while providing significant clinical support to the local community. This study presents the ISU IET course process, which combines clinical …

Knowledge Translation Activities In Occupational Therapy Organizations: The Canadian Landscape, Catherine A. Donnelly, Heidi Cramm, Amanda Mofina, Marie-Eve Lamontagne, Shalini Lal, Heather Colquhoun

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Despite acknowledging the importance of knowledge translation (KT), the occupational therapy profession has demonstrated only emerging KT activity. Organizations are seen as playing an important role in supporting KT. To date, there have been no known attempts to explore KT activities conducted by occupational therapy organizations in Canada. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe KT activities occurring in Canadian occupational therapy organizations. An environmental scan was used to identify KT activities. The websites of occupational therapy national and provincial associations and/or regulatory bodies and the educational programs were searched. A Knowledge Mobilization Matrix (KMM) website was …

Exploring The Relationship Between Entry-Level Master’S Program Class Size And The Number Of Graduate Credits Offered And Aggregate Nbcot Pass Rates, Scott Truskowski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The AOTA and ACOTE have discussed a transition to a mandated entry-level clinical doctorate degree (Harvison, 2013). Following the move to the entry-level master’s degree in 2007, the overall national pass rate on the national certification examination fell from 88% in 2006 to 77% by 2009 (Harvison, 2011; Harvison, 2012). This study sought to determine if the number of graduate credits offered or the class size of an entry-level master’s program impacts student outcomes on the national certification examination. Publicly available data was mined from all accredited entry-level master’s programs. Data were imported into the SPSS for statistical analysis. The …

An Open-Access Review To Determine Best Evidence-Based Practice For Copd, Beth Ann Walker, Heidi Breckner, Morgan Carrier, Wendy Pullen, Erin Reagan, Lisa Telfer, Taryn Zimmerman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The manifestation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can have an enormous impact on individuals’ areas of occupation, specifically activities of daily living. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have the ability to efficiently treat these clients using evidence-based interventions to achieve optimal functioning and quality of life. The purpose of this research study was to identify specific interventions supported by evidence for consumers with COPD using an open-access database for OT.

Method: A thematic synthesis of 102 articles available on COPD via the open-access database OTseeker was used in this study. A constant comparison approach revealed seven descriptive themes for …

Use Of Occupational Performance Coaching For Stroke Survivors (Opc-Stroke) In Late Rehabilitation: A Descriptive Case Study, Danika Belliveau, Isabelle Belliveau, Aniane Camire-Raymond, Dorothy Kessler, Mary Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults. Following stroke, 60% of people report needing help with everyday activities, and 80% report having very few meaningful activities. These restrictions often continue for years. This study explored the efficacy of Occupational Performance Coaching for stroke survivors (OPC-Stroke) on the participation level of adults in the later stage of stroke rehabilitation.

Method: A descriptive case study design was used. One participant in the later stages of rehabilitation was recruited. Outcome measures for participation, goal performance and satisfaction, and emotional well-being were administered pre and postintervention to observe for direction of …

Feasibility Of A Research Protocol To Investigate The Effect Of The Therapressuretm Program Using Salivary Cortisol, Scott Weeks, Kobie Boshoff, Hugh Stewart, Shona Kelly, Chris B. Della Vedova

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: There is an absence of high quality research to support the use of the Therapressure Program^TM. This pilot study aimed at developing appropriate research protocols to investigate the effectiveness of the Therapressure Program^TM on the stress response in children with sensory overresponsivity.

Method: A one-group pre-test/post-test repeated measures design was conducted using a convenience sample. Six children (6-8 years of age) with sensory overresponsivity received 14 consecutive days of the Therapressure Program^TM by their parents at home. Parents concurrently collected salivary cortisol samples from their children.

Results: Children with sensory overresponsivity displayed …

What Do Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities Learn About Sexuality And Dating? A Potential Role For Occupational Therapy, Grace Krantz, Veronica Tolan, Kimmi Pontarelli, Susan M. Cahill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The objective of the qualitative study was to describe the perspectives of high school educators regarding how adolescents with developmental disabilities are taught about sexuality and dating. In addition, the investigators sought to examine how occupational therapy practitioners could be better integrated into the educational team to address this need.

Method: Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results: Three major themes emerged: (a) sexuality is unique to each student, (b) teachers and parents do not know what to do, and (c) a potential role for OT.

Conclusions: Occupational therapy …

The Significance Of Comforting Touch To Children With Autism: Sensory Processing Implications For Occupational Therapy, Guy L. Mccormack, Lisa Holsinger

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with autism have unusual sensory processing issues. The aim of this study was to examine how mothers comforted their children. Clinical observation has shown that mothers of children with autism often have difficulty calming their children. This study describes the differences in the response to comforting touch among children diagnosed with autism and normally developing children.

Method: The study was a self-report survey using a questionnaire to compare the responses of mothers of children with autism (N = 25) to mothers of typically developing children (N = 26).

Results: The results showed that the methods …

A Comparison Of Print And Cursive Handwriting In Fifth And Sixth Grade Students: A Pilot Study, Anne H. Zachry, Allison P. Doan, Stephanie B. Lancaster, Brittany Simmons, Cary Smith, Jaclyn N. Wicker

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Handwriting is an important skill to master because handwriting demands take up a significant portion of the school day. Pediatric occupational therapists evaluate and treat children who are experiencing challenges with handwriting; therefore, it is important for practitioners to understand the performance of children using both of these writing styles.

Method: A convenience sample of 36 fifth and sixth grade students participated in the study. Print and cursive handwriting samples were collected on two separate occasions, and a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to examine speed and legibility differences in these writing styles.

Results: Speed in print writing did not …

Sensory Processing As A Predictor Of Feeding/Eating Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jerilyn A. Smith

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have feeding and eating difficulties as well as unusual responses to sensory stimuli. This can lead to significantly compromised occupational performance.

Method: A secondary data analysis study design was used to investigate sensory processing characteristics as predictors of feeding and eating disturbances. Study subjects were children aged 2 to 14 years (N = 171) with ASD. The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was used to determine the child’s sensory processing abilities. Correlational and multiple regression methods were employed to analyze the relationship between sensory processing and feeding and eating behaviors.

Results …

Personalized Medicine And Evidence-Based Practice: Merging The Art And Science Of Ot, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Nebraska Sex Trafficking Survivors Speak – A Qualitative Research Study, Shireen S. Rajaram, Sriyani Tidball

College of Journalism and Mass Communications: Faculty Publications

This exploratory, qualitative research study was conducted by researchers Dr. Shireen S. Rajaram in the College of Public Health at University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Ms. Sriyani Tidball in the College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL), and was funded by the Women’s Fund of Omaha. The purpose of this study was to document the perspectives of adult women survivors of sex trafficking about the “3Ps” paradigm: to identify strategies to prevent sex trafficking, provide protection and support for survivors and prosecution of the perpetrators to reduce the demand for sex …

Assessing Student Self-Perception Of Confidence In The Evaluation And Treatment Of The Neurologically Involved Across The Lifespan, Kristen Barta, Megan Flores

Physical Therapy Collection

PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to investigate student confidence in the evaluation and treatment of a person with a neurological condition through the use of Patient Oriented Integrated Neurological Treatment (POINT) labs. We hypothesized that POINT labs would significantly improve students' confidence in evaluation and treatment this population.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: As part of their curriculum, physical therapy students at the University of St. Augustine are required to participate in POINT labs during their Neuromuscular III and Pediatric PT classes. The POINT labs are divided into an adult and pediatric section, in which the students evaluate …

Prehabilitation Impact On Post-Operative Risk, Readmission Rates And Patient Satisfaction, Pamela Fields

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Background: Prehabilitation programs may improve 30-day readmission rates, post-operative infections and patient satisfaction in obese total joint replacement (TJR) patients. Joint replacement patients who participate in prehabilitation have improved physical function and patient satisfaction. In an effort to improve TJR patients’ mobility and recovery, a prehabilitation performance improvement project was implemented at a local wellness center.

Method: The Institute of Healthcare Improvement, Triple Aim Initiative (IHI, TAI) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) performance improvement goals provided the project foundation (IHI, 2015; CMS; 2015). The physical exercise routine utilized in this program was identified as appropriate for use with …

Oxytocin Receptor (Oxtr) Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Indirectly Predict Prosocial Behavior Through Perspective Taking And Empathic Concern, Christa C. Christ, Gustavo Carlo, Scott F. Stoltenberg

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Engaging in prosocial behavior can provide positive outcomes for self and others. Prosocial tendencies contribute to the propensity to engage in prosocial behavior.The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has also been associated with prosocial tendencies and behaviors. There has been little research, however, investigating whether the relationship between OXTR and prosocial behaviors is mediated by prosocial tendencies.This relationship may also vary among different types of prosocial behavior. The current study examines the relationship between OXTR, gender, prosocial tendencies, and both altruistic and public prosocial behavior endorsement. Students at a midwestern university (N = 398; 89.2% Caucasian; M …

Validation Of A Pressure Pain Threshold Scale In Patients Diagnosed With Myofascial Pain Syndrome And Fibromyalgia, Scott William Cheatham

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Palpation is an examination technique used to diagnose and treat myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and fibromyalgia (FM). Currently, there is no validated technique for classifying the results. A valid and reliable pressure pain threshold scale (PPTS) may provide a means for clinicians to grade, document, and report findings. The purpose of this dissertation was to validate a PPTS in patients diagnosed with MPS and FM. Design and Methods: An observational study. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were placed into three equal groups: MPS, FM, and control. All participants underwent one, two-part testing sessions using the American College of …

Sensory Closet Program Design For Alzheimer's And Dementia Population, Grace V. Willard

MOT Student Capstones

Background: The prevalence of individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia is growing exponentially in long term care facilities, with restraints and seclusion becoming the method of intervention when behaviors arise (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2015). North Carolina is moving to decrease the amount of physical restraints and psychotropic medication usage in long term care to decrease harm caused to the residents. Project Purpose: This project intends to design a sensory integration closet program for use in a long-term care facility to facilitate a decrease in behavior outbursts and correlating psychotropic medication usage in residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Coinciding training …

Using Occupational Adaptation: A Telerehabilitation Program For The Homebound Elder, Amber Armstrong

MOT Student Capstones

Executive Summary The objectives of this project were to design a type of telerehabilitation program for the homebound elder that could be utilized by occupational therapy practitioners in the home health setting, design a program that is practical, easy and convenient for the occupational therapy staff to utilize, and to include adaptive equipment/durable medical equipment that is common and relevant for this population and setting. The program is for client and caregiver education on proper use of common adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment (tub transfer bench, 3-in-1 commode, sock aid, reacher). To accomplish this objective, the student created videos …

Examining The Validity Of The Preschool Kitchen Task Assessment, Christine Kim, Angelica Soltis

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Background and purpose. Executive function (EF) skills are necessary to set a strong foundation for play development, school readiness and social participation in young children. However, few ecologically valid assessments are available to detect potential executive function deficits in preschool aged children. The Preschool Kitchen Task Assessment (PKTA) is a new tool that measures EF in preschool aged children. The PKTA was adapted from the Kitchen Task Assessment and The Children Task Assessment by Christine Berg, Ph.D., OTR/L. This study aimed to validate the PKTA as an ecological assessment of EF in preschool aged children.

Subjects. Twenty-four typically developing children …

Spine Biomechanics Associated With The Shortened, Modern One-Plane Golf Swing, R. Barry Dale, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The purpose of this study was to compare kinetic, kinematic, and performance variables associated with full and shortened modern backswings in a skilled group of modern swing (one-plane) golfers. Shortening the modern golf backswing is proposed to reduce vertebral spine stress, but supporting evidence is lacking and performance implications are unknown. Thirteen male golfers performed ten swings of each swing type using their own 7-iron club. Biomechanical-dependent variables included the X-Factor kinematic data and spine kinetics. Performance-related dependent variables included club head velocity (CHV), shot distance, and accuracy (distance from the target line). Data were analysed with repeated measures …

Effects Of Body Weight Loading On Arch Height, Anastasia Bjelopetrovich

Honors Theses

Deformation of the medial longitudinal arch under body weight loading is often assessed using the Arch Height Index Measurement System. This system assesses change in arch height between sitting and standing, estimated to be 10 and 50% of body weight, respectively. However, body weight forces during ambulation exceed these loads, therefore limiting our understanding of arch deformation under ambulatory load ranges. Thus, the study aims were 1) to assess if sitting and standing arch height differed from that seen under 10 and 50% body weight using a force target-matching procedure, and 2) to characterize the relationship between arch deformation and …

Fall Risk Assessment Of Older Adults With Dementia Attending Goodwill Easter Seals Adult Day Services Programs, Jamie Wynk

Honors Theses

Background and Purpose: Elderly individuals, especially those with dementia, are at an increased risk for falls. These falls can result in extremely serious injuries. However, little is known as to what factors put an Alzheimer’s patient most at risk for falls. This study seeks to determine which known fall risk factors are experienced by adults with dementia who attend adult day services. By understanding what risk factors put an individual at an increased likelihood for falls, a specific intervention can be designed to prevent falls in this population.

Participants: To be included in this study, participants had to …

Investigating Student Approaches To Learning With Structured Or Unstructured Client Collaboration, Cara E. Masselink

Masters Theses

As a profession, occupational therapists pride themselves on providing client-centered treatment. It is hypothesized that increased structured client collaboration as well as incorporating reflective journaling in the fieldwork setting (to meet the students at their level of learning) will improve student's critical thinking skills, and encourage them to seek deeper learning techniques to ensure they are providing 'best practice' occupational therapy for the client and his/her family. In this pilot study, the learning approaches of students in two existing University-based clinic programs were measured over the course of one semester. The treatment group was required to participate in structured, intentional …

Effects Of Local Blood Flow On Muscle Stiffness, Megan E. White, Aaron J. Engel, Greg Bashford

UCARE: Research Products

Muscle injuries, in the form of strains or even tears, affect millions of people each year through undue tension on muscles during everyday activities, work tasks, or physical activity including sports or working out. These injuries can take from a few weeks to even months to heal, with patients having to deal with inflammation, swelling, and pain throughout the healing process. Scar tissue also forms when the muscle is injured, which regenerates throughout the healing process, but never fully recovers to its state prior to injury. This scar tissue is thought to make the muscle more prone to subsequent injury, …

Is Preoperative Functional Status A Predictor Of Postoperative Mortality, Morbidity And Quality Of Life In Open Heart Patients?, A. Kate Macphedran

Dissertations

The very nature of mortality and morbidity surrounding cardiac surgery is complex with numerous risk factors involved and researchers have found functional status to be a stronger predictor of outcomes than the admitting diagnosis. Preoperative functional status, however, is not measured by any of the cardiac risk scores. Functional status can be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). In 3 studies, the impact and association of functional status changes over time was explored in patients who have undergone elective open heart surgery. Analyses in Study 1 demonstrated significantly improved functional status …