Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Workplace Discrimination And Visual Impairment: An Analysis Of Eeoc Charges And Resolutions, Jane Mcneil

Theses and Dissertations

Workplace discrimination for individuals with visual impairments in the U.S. is an ongoing issue dating before the founding of the EEOC and the enactment of the ADA. Despite laws enacted to protect against unequal treatment in the workplace, the EEOC continues to receive submissions of formal discrimination charges from individuals with visual impairments.

The workplace is experiencing changes with increasing amounts of older adults, women, minorities, and the use of technology and the Internet. By examining characteristics of the discrimination charges and the resulting outcomes, the knowledge gained can describe the current situation and the historical progression of workplace discrimination …

Relieving Post-Stroke Fatigue Using A Group-Based Educational Training Approach, Catherine E. Emery

Theses and Dissertations

Post-stroke fatigue is a common problem that may limit participation in everyday activities. Emerging evidence suggests that group-based training in fatigue management may be an efficient means of reducing the effects of post-stroke fatigue. This mixed methods, quasi-experimental study proposed to determine whether a group-based educational program could be successful in relieving post-stroke fatigue and improving participation in daily activities. A convenience sample of stroke survivors (n=20) from retirement communities in southeastern PA were invited to participate in the research. Participants were screened for depression, motor and cognitive recovery, and sleep quality. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale …

Jane Case-Smith, Edd, Otr/L, Faota

OJOT Sponsor Profiles

No abstract provided.

Relaxation Techniques For People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review And A Meta-Analysis, Eleonora Volpato, Paolo Banfi, Sheena M. Rogers, Francesco Pagnini

Dartmouth Scholarship

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) people suffer from severe physical impairments, which often elicit significant psychological distress and impact their quality of life. This meta-analysis aimed to assess evidence from the scientific literature on the effects of relaxation techniques. Methods. We investigated 9 databases to select 25 RCTs. Studies included both inpatients and outpatients with COPD. Both respiratory and psychological outcomes were considered.

Rehabilitation Of A Patient With A Jones Fracture, Calvin Crawford

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Ankle and foot injuries are common for all age groups, no matter the activity level. Ankle and foot injures can include strains, sprains, and/or fractures in any combination which can be debilitating for ambulation and functional activities. The most common foot fracture is an avulsion of the fifth metatarsal base, also called a Jones fracture, often associated with forced inversion of the foot. Almost all patients will return to their prior ambulatory state with proper care and rehabilitation within 12-16 weeks. The purpose of this scholarly project is to show the rehabilitation of a Jones fracture in …

Current Knowledge Of Occupational Therapists In Wyoming Regarding The Affordable Care Act: A Quantitative Pilot Study, Christopher J. Greenman, Lauren C. Harvey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is little information and research addressing occupational therapists’ knowledge level and ability to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This leads to the following problem statements: occupational therapists’ knowledge level of and ability to implement changes to practice is unknown; furthermore, it is unknown if there is a difference in knowledge level based on professional membership, years of practice, and area of practice; and it is also unknown which aspects or areas of the ACA occupational therapists would like to know more about, and if there is a difference based upon professional membership, years of practice or area of …

Occupational Therapy's Role: A Foundational Occupational Therapy Education Resource For Ghana, Shalyn K. Hample, Maria J. Sundsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the developing country of Ghana, West Africa, there is a population of over 1 million individuals with disabilities (Timney, 2007). Ninety-five percent of these people have no rehabilitation service access (Timney, 2007). Due to the presence of social, political, and economic factors including negative societal stigma towards people with disabilities, political corruption and poverty, Ghana's population is vulnerable for occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation places this population at risk for preventing engagement in or forceful discontinuation of meaningful daily occupations such as farming, education, and employment opportunities (Whiteford, 2000; Yeoman, 1998).

The U.S. has helped offer some assistance to Ghana, …

Infusing An Occupational Perspective Into Chronic Disease Management: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Katelyn Mari, Abby Wicklund

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: In 2014, the National Council on Aging reported that almost 92% of older adults were affected by a chronic condition and 77% of these individuals had at least two chronic conditions. In addition, chronic disease is responsible for 75% of United States health care spending. Ironically, only 1% of health care dollars are spent on public education and other efforts to reduce the incidence of chronic disease.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide a framework for occupational therapists to deliver effective treatment for individuals with chronic disease. Due to the longevity of chronic disease, encouraging …

A Manual For Caregivers Of Infants With Brachial Plexus Injuries, Maranda Myrold, Taryn Wagner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a holistic manual for occupational therapists to provide to caregivers of infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). A literature review was conducted on the impact of NBPP on both the infant’s and their caregiver’s quality of life. The literature review revealed that NBPP can lead to functional deficits for infants, increasing the amount of care, attention, and resources they require. Due to these challenges, a caregiver may experience high levels of stress, which could result in depression, anger, and frustration (Matlow, Stevens, Harrison, & Laxer, 2006). Also, current research is …

Facilitating The Role Of An Occupational Therapist As A Primary Care Provider For Clients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alexis Nims, Kayli Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Chronic disease management is an ever-growing need within the current population. One of those chronic diseases, arthritis, is the present leader in cause for disability among adults (Helmick et al., 2008). This incidence is expected to increase by 40% over the next 25 years. Among this population are those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is anticipated to affect over 1.2 million Americans each year alone (Helmick et al., 2008). Incurable, RA is a debilitating condition that results in the loss of function within various occupations of daily life. The needs of this population are great, yet are often left …

The Experience Of Occupational Therapists' Approaches And Interventions For School-Aged Children And Adolescents With Anxiety, Meg O'Brien, Emily Terhaar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the realm of occupational therapy there is not a clear or cohesive evidencebased approach that OT's use to guide intervention planning with school-aged children or adolescent who have anxiety or anxiety secondary to another medical condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of 6 pediatric occupational therapists in an outpatient setting in developing and implementing interventions for this population. Researchers utilized a phenomenological qualitative research method completing six interviews to understand the experience of the participants. Findings suggest that occupational therapists who participated in this study feel that they have skills …

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Comparing And Contrasting Operative Versus Non-Operative Treatment Abstract, Ethan Morris

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis. It affects 2-4 percent of adolescents aged 10-16 years. Although most adolescents diagnosed with scoliosis will not develop clinical symptoms, ten percent will progress and require medical intervention due to the potential for rib deformity and respiratory compromise as well as significant emotional distress due to aesthetic changes in appearance. Primary care providers should be prepared to evaluate and recommend treatment when idiopathic scoliosis is discovered or addressed by the patient. Three major factors that determine whether scoliosis will progress are patient gender, magnitude of curve on presentation, …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Hip Muscle Activity During Stair Climbing: A Pilot Study, Alexander Barney, Mary Loken, Paige Torgerson, Lyndsey Wunderlich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Prior to this study, little evidence exists for a quality predictive tool correlating maximum velocity contraction (MVC) strength of the hip abductor muscles to walking and stair climbing (ascending/descending, side-stepping) ability. Stair climbing is an important functional activity of daily living and as physical therapists we are involved in training clients to ascend/descend stairs safely, which can be difficult for clients with hip abductor muscle weakness. Subjects: Eleven females voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. All participants were under the age of 30 years old, nonpregnant, physical therapy students without a current musculoskeletal injury. Methods: …

Rehabilitation Following A Distal Fibular Fracture In A 16 Year Old Female Athlete: A Case Report., Brett Morlock

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Distal fibular fractures are an uncommon injury in athletes, they are produced by repetitive stress to the fibula often due to overuse. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the rehabilitation following a distal fibular fracture of a young, female athlete and how the rehabilitation prepared the patient to return to her sports.

Case Description: The patient is 16 year old Caucasian female who participated in both cheerleading and gymnastics. She sustained a left distal fibular fracture while performing a stunt in cheerleading. The patient was referred to physical therapy following six weeks …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Interventions For The Cervical Spine: A Case Report, Brandon Szklarski

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is currently little evidence available to determine which conservative treatment options are best for management of patients with cervical pain and radiculopathy. The purpose of this case report is to describe a cost-effective, non-operative approach for symptom management-with physical therapy interventions in individuals with cervical neck pain and radiculopathy. The patient's diagnosis was determined by the physical signs and symptoms that were presented, as well as classification of the patient's symptoms with the clinical prediction rules used to identify patients with cervical radiculopathy. The results of the examination were consistent with her primary care physician's referral and diagnostic imaging …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical And Occupational Therapy Students, Patricia Bisek, Hannah Owen, Maleeka Rozeboom, Leah Tunseth

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: A prior research study showed that the prevalence of hypermobility was higher among Physical and Occupational Therapy students as compared to the general population. The literature shows that certain injury rates are higher among those who are hypermobile. This has led to the question of whether or not hypermobility is directly related to injury and recurrence of injury.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) students for hypermobility as well as survey previous injury history. This study analyzed the prevalence of hypermobility with types of injuries in order …

Evaluation Of Program Satisfaction, Quality Of Life, Strength, And Fall Risk Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Participating In A Community Exercise Program, Rachel Bothun, Christine Gillespie, Zachariah Kvidt, Krista Moonnan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Exercise programs aimed at prevention of osteoporosis are effective in fall prevention and improving mobility in older adults. This trial examined whether the Bone Builder's community exercise program decreases fall risk and improves mobility in community dwelling females over the age of 60.

Methods: Fifty one females ages 60-90 who currently are participating in the Bone Builder's program volunteered to participate in four different assessments as well as two questionnaires. Tests included: the 4-stage balance, timed up and go, gait speed (measured with the GAITRite system), 30 second sit-to-stand, and grip strength. The Functional Efficacy …

Low Back Pain: A Case Study, Samir Maleki

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the U.S., and has many possible causes. Multiple physical therapy interventions, including electrotherapy, traction, and lumbar stabilization exercises such as bridging and planking variations, have been shown to be very effective in reducing LBP. The purpose of this case study is to examine the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and electrotherapy on LBP.

Case Description: The patient was a 43 year-old male, who had been experiencing LBP for the past year. He reported falling off of a truck and landing with his hand tucked into the …

Training Toys ... Bells, Ropes, And Balls - Oh My!, Dixie Stanforth, Jason Brumitt, Nicholas Ratamess, Whitney Atkins, Steven J. Keteyian

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Participation in regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity often decreases with increasing age (16), and among people who do exercise, long-term adherence often is a challenge because of various factors including lack of enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, or social support; poor environment; inconvenience; fear of injury; and health-related issues. During the past decade, general fitness professionals and personal trainers have incorporated numerous adjunct modalities (‘‘toys’’) to ‘‘break up’’ the rigors of fitness training and as a means to introduce some diversion and goal-specific activities. Three popular modalities are kettlebells, battling ropes, and medicine balls. This article briefly reviews each device and presents some …

The Effect Of Bmi On Oxygen Saturation At Rest And During Mild Walking, Jerrold S. Petrofsky, Michael S. Laymon, Iman Akef Khowailed, Stacy Fisher, Andrew Mills

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

Eighty one subjects were examined for the relationship between BMI, body fat, arterial oxygen saturation and arterial PO2 with the subjects at rest and after 5 minutes of walking on a treadmill ergometer at 3 mph at a 3% grade. They had BMIs between 19 and 50. All subjects were free of cardiovascular disease and had normal blood pressure making it safe for them to participate in mild exercise. They were all able to walk for at least 10 minutes without cardiovascular complications and were not taking any medications that altered the autonomic nervous system. The age was between 22 …

The Effect Of Continuous Heat Wraps On Balance And Gait In The Elderly, Jerrold S. Petrofsky, Michael S. Laymon, Iman Akef Khowailed

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

Background: In an ageing geriatric population, tremor and poor balance become more pronounced and can lead to falls. Falls are the leading cause of mortality in this population. Continuous heat wraps have been shown to increase tissue flexibility. It was the purpose of this study to examine the effects of heat on balance and gait in the elderly with impaired mobility.

Subjects: Twenty people with impaired mobility (assessed as a score of more than 4 on the “Stepping On” questionnaire) were tested with a balance platform after using ThermaCare continuous heat wraps on their legs and knees for …

Environment: Improving Access And Participation, Tricia A. Catalino, Lori E. Meyer

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

In this introduction to the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices, we will briefly explain what we mean by the environment and what it means for young children with disabilities and their families. This will provide a framework for conceptualizing the inter-relatedness of environmental settings and features. We will also define types of environments in which children develop and grow and outline key ideas to consider when implementing the Environment recommended practices. This chapter will use vignettes to illustrate important themes and show examples of how practitioners can best use the Environment recommended practices.

Joint Attention Intervention With Assisting Parent­ Mediated Techniques To Increase A Toddler With Autism Spectrum Disorders' Use Of Joint Attention: A Single Case Study, Rebecca Schulz

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Attention Intervention (JAI) conducted by graduate researcher, parent, and caregiver, would change the use of joint attention (JA) by a three-year-old suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The participant was a three-­year-­old child suspected of having ASD. Intervention was conducted twice per week for 30-45 minute duration by the student graduate researcher at a university clinic under the supervisor of Dr. Bonnie Berg, CCC­SLP. The parent and child's caregiver were trained in JAI and implemented the intervention daily in the home environment. The author's research question was, "Will the use of a JAI parent­mediated intervention model increase the JA …

State Agency Promising Practice: Project Gate In Alabama - Creative Sequencing Of Funding, Susanne Freeze, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

Alabama has piloted the Gaining Access to Employment project, a collaborative effort between the state’s Department of Mental Health/ Developmental Disabilities (MH/DD) and its Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Through this project, known as Project GATE, the two agencies work together to help local service providers use funds to support integrated employment opportunities. MH/DD and VR have a long history of partnering, including joint efforts on a supported employment workgroup, due to the strong relationships between colleagues at each department.

State Agency Promising Practices: New Hampshire’S Employment Data Collection - The Power To Transform Communication, Partnership, And Service Delivery, Jennifer Bose, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

In 2010, when the New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS) received grant funds to strengthen multisystem service delivery, its administrators partnered with area agencies; community rehabilitation providers, or CRPs (employment providers); and other stakeholders to improve and streamline the process of collecting employment data. Originally a multi-system process, BDS continued the data-collection effort when other systems withdrew. BDS’s new data-collection system allows unprecedented access to clear data displays, as well as the ability to run a variety of detailed reports to guide the statewide promotion of integrated employment.

State Agency Promising Practice: Washington’S Investment In Robust Training And Technical Assistance, Jennifer Bose, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

In the mid-1980s, the state of Washington was awarded a five-year federal systems change grant to kick-start their supported employment efforts via the Washington State Employment Initiative. Funding from this grant was used to develop training on best practices and to generate high-quality integrated employment supports among agencies. At the end of this five-year period, with state funding and support from state leadership, the Washington State Employment Initiative re-formed as WISE, an independent training and technical assistance (TA) organization. WISE now contracts with the Washington Developmental Disabilities Administration to provide ongoing, high-quality training and TA across the state and to …

The Benefits Of Aquatic Therapy For Older Adults, Erin Erickson

Honors Projects

No abstract provided.

Exploration Of Factors Associated With Patient Adherence In Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Methods Embedded Design, Enrique V. Smith-Forbes

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Adherence is considered a prerequisite for the success of exercise programs for musculoskeletal disorders. The negative effects of non-adherence to exercise recommendations impact the cost of care, and also treatment effectiveness, treatment duration, the therapeutic relationship, waiting times, the efficiency of personnel and use of equipment. Adherence to therapeutic exercise intervention is a multifaceted problem.

The World Health Organization (WHO) established the multidimensional adherence model (MAM). The MAM describes five interactive dimensions (socioeconomic, healthcare team and system, condition-related, therapy-related, and patient-related factors) that have an effect on patient adherence.

The first purpose of this dissertation was to explore the MAM …

"Bent But Not Broken": A Mixed Methods Study Of Mothering During Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer, Julie A. Baltisberger

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis of women, with an estimated 232,670 new cases in 2014. With 89.2% of breast cancer patients surviving five years or longer, studies are needed to investigate the long-term impact of breast cancer on women and families (National Cancer Institute, 2014).

The purpose of this study was to examine, using a mixed methods approach, the impact of chemotherapy on mothering occupations for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Thirty-one women (mean age=39.6, SD=5.79), with breast cancer of any stage, who were currently undergoing chemotherapy and had at least one child under the age of …

Cross-Generational Occupation-Based Interventions For Upper Extremity Injuries, William B. Creel, Blake L. Sweney

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Decreased adherence to therapy protocols after upper extremity injury has been correlated with increased risk of re-injury and decreased general therapy outcomes. Occupation-based therapy has been shown to increase adherence to therapy protocol. To date, there have been several occupation-based protocols in upper-extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but never one that addresses occupation across the lifespan and attempts to develop a tool to assist therapist in developing occupation based protocols specific to the developmental group.

The main theoretical background for the development of the clinical tool was the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and Erickson's Developmental Stages Model. An extensive literature review …