Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy And Health Sciences News, January 2014, Occupational Therapy Department

News, Magazines and Reports

2013, a year in review. In OT we have 2 new faculty members, Sharon McCloskey and Lola Halperin. The Health Sciences program is pleased to welcome Dr. Raja Staggers-Hakim. Student events. Faculty achievements.

Improving Occupational Performance Using Therapeutic Activities On A Geropsychiatric Unit, Brenda L. Cain

Online Theses and Dissertations

The following study was conducted on a Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Mercy Hospital Western Hills. The unit specialized in psychiatric services structured to meet the needs of patients 65 years of age and older. The purpose of the study was to measure the self-perceived improvement in occupational performance in five patients on a geropsychiactric unit who participated in therapeutic activities.

The literature review includes information related to various diagnoses most often seen on the behavioral unit. Additionally, literature about the assessment and screening tools utilized in the study was reviewed. Literature pertaining to therapeutic activities provided on the unit …

Experience Of Occupational Therapists Practicing In Rural Kenya, Picoty Cherotich Leitich

Online Theses and Dissertations

In Kenya, occupational therapy, which is slowly gaining attention, is still concentrated in the cities with a very small number working in rural areas. Occupational therapy practice in rural areas is impacted by various factors that are naturally occurring in rural settings such as poor infrastructure, cultural beliefs and values, language barriers, economic statuses, lack of resources, geographical barriers, lack of transportation and limited number of occupational therapists. In this study, three occupational therapists were interviewed as well as photographs of the resources used in these rural settings were collected in order to understand the nature of their work in …

The Occupational Participation Of A Family Of Children With Disabilities, Kim Steele

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain an understanding of how one family of children with disabilities views their occupational participation. A qualitative case study was used to provide a holistic view of occupational participation from individual family members. Data were gathered through interviews with all members of the family, observations of the family engaging in typical occupations, and artwork collected from the children. Data collected during interviews and observations were analyzed using the a priori coding method, with the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) serving as the theoretical framework used to identify codes. Current findings indicate that an …

The Art Of Collaboration In Academic And Clinical Partnerships, Kelsey Spencer Bennett

Online Theses and Dissertations

Occupational therapists in various settings share a professional identity valuing occupation. Their socialization into a practice setting is context-dependent, in terms of the skills needed and roles to be enacted. Collaboration between occupational therapists in clinical and academic settings benefits each participant, along with presenting challenges given the systems where they work. The purpose of this project was to delve into understanding the culture of the settings (academic and clinical) influencing a community-based research partnership. Through a mini-ethnographic approach, similarities and differences of culture emerged describing the depth of components for the collaboration between research group members. This description may …

The Description Of Life Experiences Of A Person With Pediatric-Onset Tetraplegia During His Upper Teen And Young Adult Years, Kelsey M. Yarberry

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative case study was to understand how a young man with pediatric-onset tetraplegia described his life experiences during his upper teen and young adult years. Data was obtained through two individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed by the primary investigator at the home of the participant. The participant provided information about his life including his experiences with family, friends, and healthcare providers. Six themes that emerged from the data included I always have someone with me, I'm not easily broken, I'm stubborn, I've made it the best I can make it, …

How Not Being Able To Drive Can Affect Routines And Occupations Related To Transportation, Stedmon Deon Hopkins

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals who have experienced a TBI described the effects not being able to drive has on their routines and occupations related to transportation. Two participants were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview protocol, about their participation in daily routines and occupations related to driving cessation after experiencing a TBI. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed by coding significant phrases, grouping the codes into categories, and generating descriptions of the participants' perceptions. Member checks were performed for trustworthiness. After analyzing the data, four themes emerged. The themes were; hoping to …

Farmers With Upper-Limb Amputations And Their Daily Routine, Emily Louise Fintel

Online Theses and Dissertations

For upper-limb amputees who are associated with the farming industry, the process of completing daily occupations may be challenging, especially for those who have not received guidance from occupational therapy. Currently, there is little research in the area of farmers with amputations and their daily routine. The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and needs related to the daily routines of upper-limb amputee who is currently working or has previously worked in the farming industry. Participant was asked to share his/her daily routine and how the amputation has affected her ability to perform everyday …

The Influence Of Hip Strength On Lower-Limb, Pelvis, And Trunk Kinematics And Coordination Patterns During Walking And Hopping In Healthy Women, Jo Armour Smith, John M. Popovich, Kornelia Kulig

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Study Design

Cross-sectional laboratory study.

Objectives

To compare peak lower-limb, pelvis, and trunk kinematics and interjoint and intersegmental coordination in women with strong and weak hip muscle performance.

Background

Persons with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders often demonstrate a combination of weak hip musculature and altered kinematics during weight-bearing dynamic tasks. However, the association between hip strength and kinematics independent of pathology or pain is unclear.

Methods

Peak hip extensor and abductor torques were measured in 150 healthy young women. Of these, 10 fit the criteria for the strong group and 9 for the weak group, representing those with the strongest …

Critically Appraised Paper For "Does Cognitive Treatment For Illness Perceptions Increase Patient-Specific Physical Activity Levels Of Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain When Compared To No Intervention?", Jaclyn Fok, Shannon Landau, Liberty Bellah, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

1. To test the hypothesis that patient-relevant activity limitations can be reduced in patients with CLBP after receiving CTIP.
2. To determine which maladaptive illness perceptions are detected and impacted by the CTIP.

Driving Errors In Parkinson’S Disease: Moving Closer To Predicting On-Road Outcomes, Sherrilene Classen, Babetter Brumback, Miriam Monahan, Irene I. Malaty, Ramon L. Rodriguez, Michael S. Okun, Nikolaus R. Mcfarland

Collected Faculty Scholarship

Age-related medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) compromise driver fitness. Results from studies are unclear on the specific driving errors that underlie passing or failing an on-road assessment. In this study, we determined the between-group differences and quantified the on-road driving errors that predicted pass or fail on-road outcomes in 101 drivers with PD (mean age 5 69.38 ± 7.43) and 138 healthy control (HC) drivers (mean age 5 71.76 ± 5.08). Participants with PD had minor differences in demographics and driving habits and history but made more and different driving errors than HC participants. Drivers with PD failed …

For Younger Patients With Stroke, Does Rehabilitation In The Home, Compared To Rehabilitation In The Day Clinic, Improve Early Level Of Activity Participation?, Elizabeth Ashley Brown, Alex Robert Shragg, Jovita Vasquez, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The main purpose of this study was to determine if 3 weeks of rehabilitation in the home setting improves activity to a larger extent and facilitates rehabilitation in younger patients following a stroke compared to patients receiving intervention in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Cost effectiveness among these interventions was also described.

Assessing Visual Perception Using Letters And Numbers, Janet Richmond

ECU Posters

To create a new visual perceptual test using letters and numbers in isolation and in context. Producing a linear scale to measure the ability of primary school children to visually discriminate upper and lower case letters in readiness for learning to read and perform mathematical calculations.

Increasing Physical Activity In Post Liver Transplant Patients, Jennifer Lynn Serotta

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase physical activity among postoperative adult liver transplant patients, improve documentation of daily activity, and ultimately influence quality of life (QOL). Quality of life has been shown to improve dramatically after liver transplant, as patients enter transplant severely debilitated with limitations on their physical activity which carry over following transplant. The literature supports that liver transplant patients should engage in physical activity which may improve QOL. Thirteen liver transplant patients were recruited within the seven days of their post-operative hospitalization. Twelve patients consented, were educated about the benefits of walking, given …

Hope Model: A Method Of Goal Attainment With Rehabilitation Services Clients, Wendy A. Coduti, Barbara Schoen

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

The construct of hope has been studied across multiple disciplines and with varying populations. Findings consistently show that high hope individuals are more effective in reaching their goals. This paper will look at the developmental process of Snyder's hope theory, its basic tenets and the impact of barriers or emotions on the process. We will also examine the role hope can play in the field of rehabilitation counseling including the tools necessary to build and facilitate hope in individuals with disabilities.

The Effect Of Soft Tissue Oscillation Therapy On The Management Of Pain Associated With Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Jenifer Ann Shoultz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Context: Soft tissue oscillation therapy is utilized in the medical profession with limited research to support its use. This study evaluates the effectiveness of soft tissue oscillation therapy on musculoskeletal pain associated with DOMS, among a healthy, physically active population. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of soft tissue oscillation therapy compared to a placebo in the management of pain associated with musculoskeletal injury. Design: Experimental Crossover, Repeated Measure Design. Participants: Thirty physically active volunteers with a mean age 21.30 ± 1.47. Methods: Participants were induced with delayed onset muscle soreness to their elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm. Participants were randomly …

Trunk Coordination In Dancers And Non-Dancers, Danielle N. Jarvis, Jo Armour Smith, Kornelia Kulig

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Variability, or how a task changes across trials, may reveal differences between athletes of differing skill levels. The purpose of this study was to examine trunk and lower extremity (LE) single joint kinematic variability and inter-segmental coordination variability in dancers and non-dancers during bipedal vertical dance jumps (sautés). Twenty healthy females, ten with no formal dance training and ten professional dancers, performed 20 consecutive sautés. Single joint kinematic variability was assessed using mean standard deviation of angular displacement, and inter-segmental coordination variability was assessed using angular deviation of the coupling angle between segments. Within the context of the standard error …

Potential For Using Smartphone Accelerometers In Non-Laboratory Environments, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart, Christopher W. Frames, Jian Zhang, Seong Hyun Moon, Jongsoon Park

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

In recent years, there has been rising interest in using accelerometers as an alternative instrument to measure the center of pressure. Accelerometers are inexpensive, small, sensitive, and can be readily used in non-laboratory environments. In addition to this, smartphones with built-in accelerometers add to their capability with real-time processing of data from sensors. Clinicians and researchers are currently in disagreement from whether these measurements provide the same physiological information about the participant’s balance. In this study, twelve participants were asked to wear smartphone on their right ASIS using a belt clip and stand still on the forceplate. The data was …

Agreement In Gait Speed From Smartphone And Stopwatch For Five Meter Walk In Laboratory And Clinical Environments, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon E. Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Gait speed is suggested as an independent predictor of post-operative morbidity and mortality in elderly cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. Society of thoracic surgeons has recently classified gait speed as the only important indicator of health for CVD patients. It has been seen that patients with slow gait speed above 70 years of age, taking more than 6 seconds to walk 5 meters are particularly at high risk for adverse outcomes. Twelve young participants walked in their self-selected, slow and fast speed with five reflective markers at sternum and heels and toes of both feet in laboratory environment. A smartphone was …

Developing Bilateral And Spatial Concepts In Primary School-Aged Children: An Empirical Evaluation Of The Anker Bilateral Spatial System, Janet Richmond Dr, M Taylor Dr, S Evans

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties contribute to school-aged learning problems. Hence, a need exists to address children’s visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties as early as possible in the child’s school career. Thus, this study reports on the evaluation of the Anker Bilateral Spatial System’s (ABSS) effectiveness in remediating primary school children’s perceptual difficulties.

Method: Thirty-one children (17 boys and 14 girls) aged 6 to 12 years who had been identified by their classroom teacher as having observable visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties participated in a 10-week pre/posttest intervention study. The study’s pre/posttest assessments included the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor …

Enablers And Barriers Experienced By Grandparents Who Become Primary Caregivers Of Grandchildren: An Occupational Perspective, Janice Du Preez

Theses : Honours

Aim: The aim of this review was to identify current issues affecting grandparents who are raising their grandchildren in Australia.

Method: The study systematically reviewed twelve studies that evaluated supports for grandparents. The Checklist Analysis of Research for Systematic Review and the Quantitative and Qualitative Checklist were used to evaluate the studies.

Findings: Five support issues affecting grandparent-headed families were evidenced in the literature as being of priority. These include stress, intergenerational conflict, community support, legal and financial aspects, policies and service frameworks.

Conclusions: The paucity of research implies that further funding for large-scale research is required. Implications for informal …

The Identity Of The Heart Patient In The Context Of The Gift Economy: Heartnet And Media Framing, Lynsey Uridge

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This health communication research examines the identity levels of the heart patient on a therapeutic website HeartNET through an empirical investigation of site interactions as manifestations of a gift economy. The thesis also explores the media’s representation of heart health in both television and print.

This research utilised a longitudinal qualitative ethnographic and netnographic approach involving twenty-six participants who completed two in-depth interviews. The first one-on-one interview occurred during the early stages of the participants’ heart journey, explored their heart story and use of interactive technology for heart health support. The second interview occurred six to twelve months later, and …

Role Of Physical Exercise In Reducing Depression And Improving Mental Health In Cancer Survivors, Gregory Levin

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Cancer survivors are more than twice as likely as the general population to suffer the debilitating effects of depression. This comorbid condition is associated with several negative consequences, such as reduction in compliance with cancer treatments, and hastened mortality. Recent research has examined the therapeutic effect of exercise on depression and reported excellent results of similar magnitude to those achieved with pharmacotherapy or psychological intervention. However, no research, to date, has examined the effectiveness of exercise on reducing depression in depressed cancer survivors. In order to address this important question this thesis reviewed previous literature in the area of cancer …

Speech And Swallowing Rehabilitation In The Home: A Comparison Of Two Service Delivery Models For Stroke Survivors, Katy J. E. Stewart

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background and Aims

Speech and swallowing difficulties are common sequelae for people who have suffered a stroke. Recently, there has been an increase in early discharge, community rehabilitation and the use of therapy assistants to support health professionals in stroke rehabilitation. However, the impact of these factors on communication and swallowing outcomes remains under researched. This research explored Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) Speech Pathology (SP) services for stroke survivors with dysarthria and dysphagia. More specifically, this research investigated whether traditional speech pathology interventions, supplemented with a home practice program are effective, as well as compare usual treatment to that …

A Randomized Clinical Trial On The Effects Of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Joint Mobilizations And Exercise On Plantar Heel Pain In Patients With Plantar Fasciitis, Paolo Sanzo, Elizabeth Oakley

Faculty Publications

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain today impacting on the patient’s walking ability, work tolerance, and ability to participate in active sport. Two million people in the United States (US) are treated for PF yearly with heel pain accounting for 11 to 15% of visits to medical professionals. It is estimated that 10% of the US population will develop PF during their lifetime. Treatment for PF may include a variety of interventions ranging from conservative treatment to surgical interventions. One of the suggested treatments for PF is the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSWT). ECSWT …

Appalachian And Pacific Crest Trail Hikers: A Comparison Of Benefits And Motivations, Eddie Hill, Edwin Gómez, Marni Goldenberg, Barbara Freidt, Stephanie Fellows, Laura Hill

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) are two scenic trails named in the National Trails System Act of 1968. Recently, trails and footpaths have been used to promote such benefits as healthy lifestyles, sense of community, and an increased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the motivations and benefits from hikers of the AT and the PCT. Grounded in Driver’s benefits model and means-end theory, and using an Internet questionnaire, 766 usable questionnaires were collected. Significant differences were found between AT and PCT users who: hike to prevent a worse health condition; …

Its All In The Mind: Mind Controlled Prosthetics, Tziril Joselit

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

The problem with prosthetics is a longstanding problem that researchers have been working on for many years. They are attempting to create a prosthetic that acts as if it is the original limb or body part. In recent years they have discovered a technology that has assisted many of those who are greatly in need of a prosthetic, such as an amputee or someone who is “locked in”. “Locked in” refers to a person who is technically confined in his own body and has no methods of communication with the world. Brain-computer interface (BCI) has opened up a whole new …

Effects Of Exercise Training On Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Cardiac Function Among Heart Failure Patients With Decreased Left Ventricular Function: A Pilot Study, Chia-Huei Lin, Bing-Hsiean Tzeng, Li-Chi Chiang, Wen-Chii Tzeng, Liang-Cheng Chen, Shang-Lin Chiang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Exercise is not only beneficial for physical and psychological health but can also improve cardiac contractility; thus, exercise can result in the improvement of the functional status of patients who suffer from irreversible damage from heart failure. However, there are limited local data on the effects of moderate-intensity exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness and left ventricular function among patients with heart failure. Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness and left ventricular function among patients with heart failure. Methods: This is a pilot study with a single group …

Evaluation Of Pediatric Subjects With Swallowing Disorder Part I: Physiology And Pathology, Luh Karunia Wahyuni, Chan-Wei Lin, Tyng-Guey Wang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Feeding and swallowing disorders are important issues in a pediatric population, which may lead to malnutrition, dehydration, or increased risk of pulmonary complications. Pediatric dysphagia is more complex than adult dysphagia in some aspects because it includes developmental progress in anatomical structures and physiological functions. To manage pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders, comprehensive knowledge regarding the development of normal swallowing and of the pathologies of common diseases related to pediatric dysphagia are necessary. In this article, we will reviewarticle the pediatric swallowing structures and physiology, and address the feeding and swallowing problems in common pediatric diseases, including cerebral palsy, cleft …

Exploring The Possible Effects Of Mountaineering Activities On Sports Injuries, Body Composition And Thigh Muscle Function, Yi-Ting Fang, Chen-Liang Chou, Yi-Cheng Chen, Hong-Jen Chiou, Jin-Jong Chen, Hsuci-Chen Lee, Yi-Fen Shih

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Mountaineering and hiking have become popular activities recently, but related research in Taiwan has focused mainly on physiological reactions, much more than on the musculoskeletal system. However, the results of studies from abroad cannot be directly transferred because of the unique mountain and forest environment in Taiwan. In addition, chronic mountaineering injuries and derivative benefits in terms of specific physical performances still await further study. Therefore, it is important to investigate the possible relationship between mountaineering activities and musculoskeletal or knee function changes. Purpose: This study seeks to compare the differences in sports injuries, body composition and thigh muscle …