Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Burnout Of Physical Therapist: Impact Of Agitated Behaviors In The Traumatic Brain Injury Population, Francine Sage-King

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact patient agitation post traumatic brain injury (TBI) has on physical therapist burnout and the factors that contribute to its presence. Therefore, the following research questions were posed: 1) What is the prevalence of burnout among physical therapists (PTs) providing direct patient care for patients with post-TBI agitation? 2) Is there a relationship between clinical setting and 3) percentage of direct patient care and PT burnout? 4) How do scores of resilience differ between those that do and do not have burnout? And 5) What work system factors do PTs working …

Nsu Otd Peer Mentoring Program: Improving Otd Student Knowledge And Professionalism, Mckinley Rivas

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Education, Awareness, And Resources Related To Aging In Place For Older Adults And Stakeholders Within Community-Based Care, Nevaria M. Rumery

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Meghan Rohde, Jason Brumitt, Jodi Sandvik, Kari Bo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and …

Predictors Of Sleep Duration In Undergraduate Students Attending A Health Sciences University In Japan, Aaron M. Eakman, Yuki Kawakatsu, Miki Takahata, Daisuke Kudo, Shinji Satake, Toshiaki Sato

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Inadequate sleep is a pressing public health concern contributing to absenteeism and poor school performance, especially in health sciences students. In this study we investigated the sleep quality and duration of undergraduate students in a prefectural university of health sciences program and explored factors explaining sleep duration (i.e., < 6 hours per night vs > 6 hours) using multiple variable logistic regression.

Method: This cross-sectional survey study included 369 nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy students who completed Japanese versions of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, in addition to well validated sleep-related and mental health-related assessments.

Results: We found just 11.7% of the …

Navigating Cultural Barriers In Clinical Education: Unique Experiences And Insights From Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (Cald) Physiotherapy Students, Non-Cald Students, And Clinical Educators, Annie Yu, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Hams, Benjamin K. Weeks, Saras Henderson, Liisa Laakso

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) students commonly face cultural barriers in the clinical learning environment that can impact on the success of clinical education experiences. Lack of effective strategies to facilitate clinical learning can be challenging for students and clinical educators alike. This study aimed to explore the issues impacting on clinical learning from the perspectives of CALD physiotherapy students and their clinical educators, and seeks suggestions from both participant groups to improve the clinical education experience. Methods: Qualitative descriptive design using grounded theory principles was utilised to gain insights from physiotherapy students and clinical educators regarding their clinical …

A National Study Of Opioid Knowledge Of Physical Therapy Professionals, Shelene Thomas, John Kiesel, Steven G. Kinney, Isain Zapata

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Deaths from opioid overdoses persist as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Musculoskeletal pain remains the primary symptom for opioid prescription. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) provide non-prescription pain management strategies to people with musculoskeletal pain. Currently, there lacks research quantifying opioid overdose management knowledge possessed by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students. The purpose of this study was to quantify opioid overdose knowledge by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students, collectively termed physical therapy professionals (PTP). Methods: The electronic survey included several demographic characteristics and the opioid overdose knowledge scale (OOKS) …

Conflict Between Student Physical Therapists And Clinical Instructors During Full-Time Clinical Education, Megan W. Moran

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine what conflicts student physical therapists perceive with their clinical instructors during full-time clinical education experiences and if there was an association between conflict and the students’ opinions of their learning and the overall clinical education experience. Students in other healthcare disciplines experience conflict during clinical education. Additionally, research shows that licensed healthcare providers report conflict in the workplace. These conflicts can result in positive and negative consequences for the learner or provider and the patients. Tailored training may help to minimize the negative consequences; however, there is a lack of available …

Evaluating Assistive Technologies In High Acuity Patients: A Scoping Review With Swot Analysis, Mallory Kargela Pt, Dpt, Amanda Anderson Pt, Dpt, Lindsay Anderson Pt, Dpt, Tian Gong Pt, Dpt, Kylie Scott Pt, Dpt, Edd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This publication examines the application of assistive technologies (AT) in high-acuity environments, including intensive care units (ICUs), acute care hospitals, and others. The aim is to systematically explore and synthesize the use of AT across these settings, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated. Methods: A literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2023 using PubMed, Tufts and Midwestern University Library databases. Search terms included ('physical therapy' OR 'physiotherapy') AND ('critically ill' OR 'acute' OR 'intensive care') AND ('assistive technology' OR 'technology' OR 'telerehabilitation' OR 'telePT' OR 'functional electrical stimulation' OR 'FES' OR 'cycle ergometry' …

Do Gender-Related Characteristics Impact Female Faculty Career Progression In Academic Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs?, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study explored the experiences of female faculty in academic Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the US and if gender, or more specifically any gender-related characteristics such as pregnancy or motherhood, impacts female faculty career progression. Evidence has demonstrated that several challenges disproportionately affect women in academia, but there is currently no research available related to female faculty experiences in academic DPT programs. Methods: This study used a qualitative research design with a descriptive statistics component. It utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional design with a nonexperimental survey methodology. The Culture Conducive to Women’s Academic Success instrument was used …

Defining And Addressing Student Unprofessional Behaviors From The Physical Therapy Clinical Instructors’ Perspective, Michele "Shelly" Lewis, Nicole Biltz, Moyo B. Tillery, Jamie Dunlap Coates, Tracy Ellison, Elsa M. Drevyn

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Developing professional behaviors is an integral part of health professional education. Despite physical therapy education programs’ efforts to assist student physical therapists in developing professional behaviors before entering the clinic, some students still struggle with professional behaviors during clinical education experiences. Literature describing unprofessional behaviors in the clinic and providing guidance for clinical instructors to assess and address professional behavior issues is scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the type of unprofessional behaviors student physical therapists display during clinical education experiences and to describe successful and unsuccessful strategies used by clinical instructors to address challenging behaviors. Method: A …

A Model For Teaching Social Determinants Of Health In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Elise N. Bjork, Rupal M. Patel Pt, Phd, Rebecca Operacz, Deandrea B. Melvey, Luciano Garcia Iii

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to 1) describe the development and implementation of a novel educational module on social determinants of health (SDOH) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, and 2) to assess the effectiveness of the module on altering DPT students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers in addressing SDOH. Methods: Drawing on current literature, content expert feedback, identity theory, and experiential learning theory, a two-hour module on SDOH was created and delivered at two universities. The Physical Therapy Social Determinants of Health Scale (PT-SDHS) was used to assess change in students’ knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers …

The Effect Of A Therapy Dog On Pressure Pain Threshold In Healthy Individuals, Lydia L. Haak, Rhonda L. Verdegan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pain is the most common reason for healthcare consultation in the United States. Pain affects every area of life; biologically, psychologically, and socially. These three constructs make up every individual and thus contribute to their perceived quality of life. The use of therapy dogs (TD) has been widely researched as a source of non-pharmacological pain management. Studies have proven that a dog can reduce perceived pain in people with a variety of comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to prove that pain is modulated biologically by dogs and not just by human perception. Methods: This was …

Virtual Lecture, Live Lecture, Flipped Classroom: Does Dpt Pain Curriculum Format Affect Student Pain Beliefs? A Preliminary Study, Jeb Helms, Jamie Ball, Kory J. Zimney Pt, Dpt, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Currently there are multiple published examples of successful DPT delivery models for the International Association for the Study of Pain curricular guidelines. However, there are no direct comparisons between different IASP delivery models such as in-person vs hybrid or lecture vs flipped classroom. The purpose of this study was to compare 3 delivery formats for teaching a DPT pain science IASP based course (1. Virtual Lecture 2. In-person Lecture 3. Flipped in-person) for pre course and post course differences in student biomedical/biopsychosocial beliefs, and confidence to treat patients in pain.Method The instructors remained consistent throughout the study period, …

Enjoyment, Motivation, And Self-Efficacy Towards Physical Activity Among Physical Therapy Students, Lauren Butler, Amanda Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Erasmo Alvarez, David Capote, Alexa Almonte, Madeline Dawson, Jordan Hale, Mikayla Kerekes, Kaitlyn Mitchell, Mark D. Rossi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine physical therapy (PT) students’ participation in and attitudes toward physical activity (PA).

Methods An electronic survey assessed demographic, academic, and sports history. Student’s PA level was assessed with the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin); PA enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES); motivation was assessed using 4 items from the Modified Behavioral Regulation in Exercise (BREQ 3); and self-efficacy towards PA was assessed with the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent t-tests with 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) were used.

Results In total, 228 …

Meeting Interprofessional Education Competencies Through A Multi-Scene Standardized Patient Simulation: A Pilot Study, Joanna Behm, Kristen Slabaugh, Karen Burket

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Healthcare is increasingly delivered by teams of diverse disciplines. Interprofessional education for healthcare students is essential so that when students enter their respective fields, they come prepared with experience in interdisciplinary communication, teamwork, and communication. Accreditation and regulatory requirements for health professions programs have also increased the focus on interprofessional collaboration, requiring programs to be creative in finding effective and efficient integration methods. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the perceived impact of an interprofessional collaboration event on enhancing students’ interprofessional education competency attainment. Methods. An interprofessional collaboration committee created a multi-scene, unfolding case study …

The Impact Of Non-Athletic, Flat-Soled Sneakers On Gait Kinematics: A Comparative Analysis With Socks, Aaron Aguilar, Kharen Bautista, Juan Claros, Raquel Dimaano, Ciara Franke, Mason Huber, Evan Kurishige, Anton Lam, Kevin Le, Alohi Sheung, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Sivakumar Rajagopal, Seong Hyun Moon, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This study investigates the kinematic effects of non-athletic, flat-soled sneakers on lower extremity joints during walking. Ten healthy gym-goers (24.4 ± 1.7 years) underwent treadmill gait analysis under two conditions: wearing non-athletic sneakers and walking with only socks. Gait was captured using the Gait Real-time Analysis and Interactive Lab (GRAIL). Dependent variables included cadence, support times, and stride length. Walking with socks significantly increased cadence (p <  .0001) and single support time (p = .0103), and decreased initial (p = .018), terminal (p = .0056), and total double support times (p = .0092). No significant difference in stride length was observed. These …

Gait Adaptations Under Cognitive And Motor Dual-Task Conditions, Gabriel Coutinho Gazio, Denise Litonjua, Alex Omaszta, Lindsey Perry, Sophia Tsotras, Mason Salazar, Julie Woo, Alicia Qiu, Julian Palmer, Emma Rogers, Christopher Sagahon, Ethan Parker, Ray Kasama, Joonsuk Choi, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Sivakumar Rajagopal, Seong Hyun Moon, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Modern walking often involves secondary tasks that may increase fall risk, especially in older adults. About one-third of adults aged 65+ fall annually, with dual-tasking further elevating this risk. This study examines how cognitive and motor dual-tasks affect gait variability. Ten healthy young adults completed baseline and three dual-task conditions: (1) walking with a Stroop test, (2) walking while carrying a tray with water, and (3) both tasks combined. Gait parameters—including step length, step width, stride length, and double support time—were analyzed. Significant alterations were observed with P-values of 0.0019 (right step length), 0.004 (step width), 0.0007 (stride length), and …

Multitasking While Walking: How Green Noise And Texting Alter Gait, Kirstin Merrill, Kyle Navarro, Raymond Ngu, Nathan Nguyen, Alex Owyang, Anthony Prajin, Karli Slater, Uyen Truong, Ryan Ye, Eileen Zhu, Sebastian Herrera Vargas, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Sivakumar Rajagopal, Seong Hyun Moon, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This study examines the combined effects of green noise and texting on gait to understand how multitasking and auditory stimuli affect walking stability. Green noise, associated with relaxation, was the environmental stimulus; texting the cognitive distractor. We hypothesized texting would reduce cadence and stride length, with green noise either stabilizing or disrupting gait. Ten participants walked on a treadmill under five conditions: normal walking (NW), no texting/sound (WNTNS), sound only (WNTS), texting only (WTNS), and texting with sound (WTS). Gait parameters—step length, step width, single support time, and terminal double support time—were analyzed. Step length decreased in WNTS (p …

Examining The Relationship Between Stigma And Physical Disability Through Lived Experiences, Apphia M. Donoghue

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

The primary objective of this study is to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, to discover the impact that perceived stigma has on several factors in a person’s life including overall health, well-being, and quality of life. A qualitative research design was used. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the relationship between stigma and physical disability, and to discover the impact of stigma on overall health and well-being. Three themes are identified: stigma narratives, shifts in awareness, and factors inhibiting quality of life. Stigma narratives contained three subthemes: experiences with stigma, frequency of stigma, and settings where …

Contributions Of Occupational Therapy In Sport Provider Training Using A Health-Promoting Environment For Positive Youth Development, Jennifer Papenfuse Otd, Otr/L, Chc, Camille Skubik-Peplaski Phd, Otr/L, Faota, Shirley P. O'Brien Phd, Otr/L, Faota

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Rising youth public health disparities can be attributed to the social determinants of health that influence health and wellness. Youth sport providers can be influential in creating healthier environments that facilitate positive youth development and social emotional learning, thus positively impacting life-long health behaviors choices and public health. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an education module developed by an occupational therapist on sport’s providers perceptions of their capacity to implement positive youth development programming and to create a health-promoting environment.

A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study allowing for purposive sampling, inductive …

The Experience Of People Living With Dementia (Pwd) In Participating In Virtual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (Vcst)—A Qualitative Systematic Review, Hau Ying Chan, Heather Bullen

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: This systematic review aims to explore the experiences of people living with dementia (PwD) participating in virtual cognitive stimulation therapy (vCST). With the global shift of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) online during the COVID-19 pandemic, little research has explored how PwD experience telehealth interventions. This is the first qualitative systematic review on the experience of PwD participating in vCST.

Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for qualitative systematic reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted across six databases and the grey literature from January 1, 2013, to August 31, 2023.

Conclusion: Two synthesized findings were identified from two …

Biblical Servant Leadership And Physical Therapists' Clinical Decision Making For Breast Cancer Patients After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Correlational Study, Cleve Carter Iii

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, correlational study was to determine whether a relationship exists between physical therapists’ (PTs’) perceptions of their manager’s or director’s application of BSL and the clinical decision-making of the PT when treating patients of varying socioeconomic status (SES) and race after breast cancer surgery (e.g., mastectomy, lumpectomy) in the United States (U.S.). This study utilized case-based vignettes for a patient population seeking skilled physical therapy services after breast cancer surgery within the U.S. healthcare system context. The sample population consisted of PTs from across the U.S. who actively evaluate and treat patients following breast cancer (BC) …

Computational Thinking As A Novel Framework For Enhancing Cognitive Organization In Older Adults With Cognitive Frailty (Letter To The Editor), Daisuke Akiba

Publications and Research

As aging populations grow, especially in high-income nations, the burden of dementia-related care continues to escalate both economically and socially. In response, this article introduces Computational Thinking (CT) as a novel, non-pharmacological framework to support cognitive organization in older adults experiencing cognitive frailty. Though CT has gained traction in fields like PK-16 education, including special education, for enhancing executive function and problem-solving, it has not yet been applied to geriatric- or memory-care contexts. This perspective proposes that CT’s core components (i.e., decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking) may align with residual cognitive strengths in mild-to-moderate dementia, offering a strengths-based, …

Following Painting's Quiet Call To Adventure, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Yael Goverover, OTR/L, Ph.D., professor and post-professional program director of occupational therapy at New York University at Steinhardt (NYU), provided the cover art for the summer issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. This oil painting on canvas, titled, Still Life, 2024, features an arrangement of everyday objects with vibrant tones of gold, yellow, orange, and green found in the vase, and a coffeepot, fruits, and botanicals set against a backdrop of scarlet and striped patterned fabrics. She created this piece while on sabbatical in Israel as she studied under the tutelage of a seasoned oil …

Letter To The Editor: Embedding Indigenous Knowledges In Occupational Therapy: ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’, Chontel Gibson, Isla Emery-Whittington, Lavonne Fox, Tirritpa Ritchie, Kaarina Valavaara, Angela Phenix, Tara Pride

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As a collective of Indigenous occupational therapists, we write this letter not only in response to McColl et al.'s (2024) Letter to the Editor, but as a call to action for the profession, to enhance its ability to apply decoloniality and Indigenous human rights via strengths-based approaches.

Occupation-Based Practice Needs Occupation-Based Assessments: The Loss Of The Amps Family Assessments And How We Move Forward From Here, Leon Kirschner

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy Domain and Process identifies participation in life activities as a key aspect of occupational therapy’s domain. It also identifies assessment as a key process in our practice. Still, few commonly used assessments use real, meaningful activities in real context to identify what factors are affecting performance. The AMPS family of assessments were among the only assessments used for these purposes. Because of a series of factors, these assessments recently became unavailable for new users and are no longer supported by a central organization. This paper explores the strengths and needs for these types of assessments, the factors …

The Urgent Need For Global Nuclear Disarmament: An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Ryan Thomure, Leon Kirschner, Robert Croonquist

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The risk of nuclear war, exacerbated by recent global conflict, poses an existential threat to humanity and undermines the ability of individuals and communities to engage in meaningful occupation. This article argues that occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants have a role to play in supporting global nuclear disarmament and that such efforts align with both our ethical responsibilities and scope of practice. It explores the profound impact of nuclear weapons on health and well-being, emphasizing the relevance of this issue to occupational therapy. The article outlines practical strategies for occupational therapists to engage in advocacy, including public education campaigns, …

Environmental Advocacy As An Occupation: Perceived Self-Efficacy And Occupational Justice In Community Programming, Emma Sims, Laura H. Vanpuymbrouck

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Current occupational therapy literature demonstrates a gap in knowledge of environmental advocacy as an occupation, which directly impacts occupational justice in those experiencing environmental racism or discrimination. This study’s purpose was to provide foundational information on the importance of advocacy work in the sphere of environmental and occupational justice through the lived experiences of those directly involved in community environmental advocacy.

Method: Qualitative data was collected via three focus groups using semi-structured interviews focused on perceptions of participant experiences in environmental advocacy occupations. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes relating to research questions.

Results: When …

Benefits Of Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (Smart) In Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Asha K. Vas, Lori G. Cook, Wanyi Wang, Alisha Schaefer

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists engage in critical thinking to integrate knowledge into clinical application. Academic curricula offer critical thinking strategies to facilitate flexible thinking and innovation to optimize clinical outcomes. Prior research has demonstrated that a gist-based reasoning program called Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) is beneficial in improving critical thinking skills in both healthy and clinical populations. The current study examined the benefits of the SMART program in masters-level occupational therapy (OT) students. Fourteen students between the ages of 22 and 45 (M = 25.71, SD = 6.34) completed the research study. The SMART program teaches strategies of strategic attention, …