Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Use Of Podcasts As Emerging Technology In Occupational Therapy Education, Abbigail Kubiak, Karen Jacobs, Varsha S. Kulkarni, Maruška Vizek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Podcasts are an emerging modality with a developing evidence base to reinforce their use in educational settings; in particular, to support knowledge retention and introduce topics. This research demonstrates the potential of podcasting in an educational context. Podcasts were used to educate occupational therapy (OT) students about emerging and innovative OT career opportunities. A series of 13 standardized 20- to 30-min podcasts featuring occupational therapists in emerging and innovative practice areas (E/IPA) globally were developed. In each podcast, the occupational therapist described implicit and explicit aspects of their career experiences. The podcasts were piloted in an entry-level OT doctoral course …

A Qualitative Study Of Disabled Performance Art In Occupational Identity Formation And Empowerment, Lisa Mahaffey, Kristin Chrissos, Kate Wettergren

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Disabled performance artists use their occupation of performance art to challenge the attitudes of their audience toward disability, leading to a greater sense of empowerment and a strong identity as disabled people.

Method: This project used a narrative approach to qualitative inquiry to explore how engagement in performance art influences occupational identity and empowers disabled artists. Personal connections and snowball sampling resulted in six self-identified disabled performance artists participating in 60- to 90-min interviews. A thematic analysis resulted in three overarching themes.

Results: (a) Belonging to a community of disability activists promotes feelings of empowerment for disabled performance …

Globally Inclusive Occupational Therapy Scholarship, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a global profession and OJOT supports global scholarship through its open-access, online format. OJOT is read in over 200 countries and global/international authorship is encouraged. This article describes the global reach of OJOT and suggests how OJOT authors can embrace the opportunity and responsibility of producing scholarship that has the potential for global impact.

The State Of School-Based Ot Practice Regarding Concussion-Related Vision Disorders, Kimberly Meany, Emily Behnke, Ariks Lanctot, Audrey Maynard, Samuel Szarowicz

Masters Projects

Purpose: More than 830,000 pediatric patients yearly are affected by a concussion (Rosenbaum, 2020). Occupational therapists can support a child's performance in the classroom. Yet, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the current practice of occupational therapists treating those with a concussion in the school setting. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand school-based occupational therapy practice regarding concussion-related vision disorders.

Design: Cross-sectional survey. Participants were licensed OTs practicing in the US, working in a school-based or related pediatric setting, with more than two years of pediatric experience, holding at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited …

Faculty Perceptions Of The Affective Domain In Entry-To-Practice Respiratory Therapy Education: An Exploratory Descriptive Qualitative Study, Jackie W. Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Background: The affective domain of learning is one of the three learning domains that comprise Bloom's Taxonomy of learning. The respiratory therapy profession places a great emphasis on the development and assessment of all three learning domains in entry-to-practice respiratory therapy education. While the cognitive and psychomotor domains receive significant attention, the affective domain of learning is often given less attention due to its complexity and lack of definition in the profession. Purpose: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study focused on exploring the affective domain of learning in entry-to-practice respiratory therapy education, specifically how the domain is defined, and …

The Impact Of High-Fidelity Urinary Catheterization Simulation On Occupational Therapy Students In A Graduate Curriculum: A Pilot Study, Haley Blaney, Reagan Schonhard, Maddie Spring, Rachael Eads, Claire Donahue

Masters Projects

The most recent estimate of the annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States is approximately 54 cases per one million people. Occupational therapy (OT) students may not feel adequately prepared to treat and educate clients with SCIs about bladder management if they are not exposed to real-life scenarios during their graduate curriculum. Using high-fidelity simulations (HFS) offers a high level of interactivity and realism for the learner, often using human patient simulators and taking place in realistic, mock clinical settings. This study aims to examine the effects of a HFS on OT student's confidence with urinary …

Classroom Occupational Performance Issues For A High School Student Following A Concussion: A Case Study, Cortney Day, Hannah Hall, Holly Treber, Clare Belkowski, Janel Ritt

Masters Projects

Abstract

Background: This study aims to understand any occupational performance issues experienced by a high school student in the classroom following a concussion. Concussion symptoms can include difficulty with vision and cognition, impacting a student’s ability to pursue their education. This information may lead to improved management of students following a concussion in support of their academic participation.

Methods: Using purposive sampling, researchers recruited potential participants by contacting athletic trainers affiliated with Grand Valley State University (GVSU) throughout the local Grand Rapids, MI area. Researchers first obtained written permission to recruit on campus from the principals of the …

Resident Case Series: The Utility Of The Athletic Shoulder Test Using Wireless Portable Force Plates For Measuring Peak Force In Ncaa Division One Collegiate Quarterbacks, Carmen Sclafani, Patrick Smith, Terry Mchugh, Patricia Crane

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Given the high incidence of shoulder injuries among quarterbacks due to the repetitive stress of the overhead throwing motion, there is a need for targeted, sport-specific assessments that reflect the functional demands of throwing. The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test, previously validated in rugby and baseball populations, offers a potential solution for upper extremity strength assessment in football quarterbacks. The primary purpose of this case series was to explore the feasibility of conducting the ASH test as a method for evaluating upper extremity strength in overhead athletes, specifically collegiate quarterbacks.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series.

METHODS: Three NCAA Division I quarterbacks …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Occupation-Centered Intervention Assessment On Client-Centered Care In Inpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study, Vanessa D. Jewell, Katherine Lally, Melinda Schultze, Yongyue Qi, Kendra Schnack, Madeline Mcgill, Rachel Vaughn

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) recognize the value of evidence-based practice, however, incorporation of client-centered practice as a component of evidence-based practice is challenging, despite the known advantages. This pilot study evaluated the use of the Occupation Centered Intervention Assessment (OCIA) in increasing practitioner ability to provide client-centered care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities with adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method: A mixed methods design was employed, using four forms of data collection (OCIA, The Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers [MPOC], MPOC- Service Providers [MPOC-SP], and interviews) to determine changes in observed and perceived …

Development Of An Occupational Therapy-Specific Clinical Guide For Use Of Electrical Stimulation With Spinal Cord Injury: A Modified Delphi Approach Protocol, Timothy P. Dionne, James Allen Lenker, Sue Ann Sisto

Translational Science in Occupation

Objective: To establish a method for the development and validation of a clinical guide for the use of electrical stimulation (ES) in occupational therapy for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).

Design: A modified Delphi Approach

Participants: 5 geographically dispersed occupational therapists with advanced expertise in use of ES with SCI.

Outcome Measures: Participants rated sections of a draft guide across three rounds, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and clinical relevance. Additionally, p Participants provided suggestions regarding specific revisions to content that were incorporated in subsequent iterations of the guide across all three rounds. Additionally, post-Delphi process participants completed a survey …

Developing A Curriculum Audit Tool For Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In Occupational Therapy Education, Whitney M. Cranna, Sarah Mckinnon

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: The OT profession is calling for intentional pedagogy that builds future practitioners’ capacity for embodying justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) values; however, the interpretation and application of this mission remain subjective and nebulous. Developing a theory-driven audit tool may help standardize and clarify JEDI pedagogy needs to enhance OT preparation and practice.

Objective: Using a culturally responsive, justice-based theoretical lens, this paper describes the development of a JEDI Curriculum Audit Tool for a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program.

Design: Quantitative systematic evaluation of curricular alignment with JEDI principles, including a 3-prong retroactive self-evaluation approach.

Setting: Curriculum …

Enhancing Diversity In Occupational Therapy Through A High School Internship Program, Alexis M. F. Morin, Brittany Adams, Vianni Gomez

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

The United States (US) is projected to become an increasingly diverse nation over the decades ahead, but there is a lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in occupational therapy (OT). While the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners continues to be strong and is expected to rise, OT education programs are facing enrollment crises nationally. It is crucial for academic programs to develop and implement innovative and methodical strategies to recruit and retain a diverse student body to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the profession. To promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in occupational therapy, a university partnership …

Optimizing Transfer Classification: Enhancing Accuracy And Reducing Readmission Rate Penalties For Cardiovascular Care In Short-Term Rehab, Aeshia Hicks

All Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects

Problem: In a short-term rehabilitation (STR) setting, misclassification of planned hospital transfers as unplanned readmissions among elderly cardiovascular patients inflated CMS-reported readmission rates, distorted performance metrics, and led to financial penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). A gap analysis revealed a 14% misclassification rate, significantly higher than the CMS benchmark of 8.65%, which was attributed to inconsistent documentation and a lack of standardized classification criteria.

Aim of the Project: To reduce transfer misclassification by 20% through the implementation of a standardized electronic health record (EHR) template and targeted staff education, thereby improving CMS compliance and documentation integrity in …

Sex Differences In Motor Unit Behavior In Patients With Parkinson's Disease, Yuichi Nishikawa, Kohei Watanabe, Aleš Holobar, Tetsuya Takahashi, Noriaki Maeda, Hirofumi Maruyama, Allison Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are sex differences in motor unit firing behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease. Twenty-seven patients with Parkinson's disease (females = 14 [age = 71.1 ± 6.8], males = 13 [age = 69.2 ± 10.3], Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III score; females = 10.8 ± 4.8, males = 11.4 ± 1.4) performed a contraction at 30% of the maximal voluntary contraction. For each participant, motor unit spike trains were decomposed from high-density surface electromyography data recorded from bilateral vastus lateralis muscles via blind source separation algorithms. In addition to …

Sex-Based Differences In The Representation Of Top Youth Athletes, Jessica J. James, Sandra K. Hunter, Elizabeth P. Bueckers, Michael J. Joyner, Jonathon W. Senefeld

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Although emerging research demonstrates that male athletes outperform female athletes before puberty, the effect of these sex-related advantages on ordinal ranking of top performances remains unclear.

Objectives

Among overall top performances of youth track and swimming athletes, we aimed to determine 1) the proportional number of male compared with female athletes represented and 2) at what age females are no longer represented.

Methods

Finishing times and sex of the top 10 and top 100 performances of youth runners and swimmers between 5 and 18 yr were abstracted from online U.S.-based databases for four running (100 m–800 m) and six freestyle …

Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs Report Teaching Telehealth With Large Discrepancies: A United States Survey, Jason Ashby, Jean-Michel Brismée, Derrick F. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which telehealth is taught in entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States, and to describe where it is taught in the curriculum. Method: A survey was sent during spring 2023 to 254 United States DPT program directors using email addresses from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) list of accredited DPT programs, with questions regarding telehealth education within the didactic and clinical portions of the programs. Results: Twenty-nine responses (11.4%) were received. Two participants did not complete the survey and …

The Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption And Physical Activity With Primary Dysmenorrhea In Adolescents, Wahyuni Wahyuni

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Background: Menstruation is a bleeding event that occurs when the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, sheds. Dysmenorrhea is one of the symptoms that teenage girls often feel during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea can affect women's comfort and quality of life. There are two types of dysmenorrhoea, namely primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to the condition of menstrual pain that adolescent girls often experience, with a prevalence rate of 60-90%. Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhoea are influenced by several factors, including fast food intake, physical activity level, stress level, age at first menstruation (menarche), and nutritional …

The Benefits Of Infrared Therapy, Mirror Exercise, And Faradic Current In A Patient With Bell’S Palsy: Case Study, Dhyan Rachmawati, Sugiono -, Fendy Nugroho, Noerdjanah -

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: Bell’s Palsy is defined as paralysis of one side of the facial nerve, with an unknown cause. Several other conditions can also cause facial paralysis, such as brain tumors, stroke, myasthenia gravis, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause can be identified, this condition is known as Bell’s Palsy, which is caused by swelling and pressure on the nerve at the stylomastoid foramen, leading to nerve compression or damage. Often, the affected side’s eye cannot be closed. Physiotherapy management plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process for Bell’s Palsy patients to reduce symptoms, accelerate recovery, and …

The Effectiveness Of The Addition Of Slow Deep Breathing To Brain Gym Exercise On Cognitive Impairment Of The Elderly, Dhia Maharani Ms, Mohammad Ali Mr, Zahra Sativani Mrs

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: According to WHO, 65.5 million elderly people worldwide have impaired cognitive function. Cognitive impairment can be caused by impaired oxygen supply to the brain, stress, and lack of physical activity. Physiotherapy has a role in elderly cognition through interventions to improve cognition, namely in the form of Brain Gym Exercise with the addition of Slow Deep Breathing. Objective: Knowing the effectiveness of the addition of Slow Deep Breathing to Brain Gym Exercise on cognitive impairment of the elderly at Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 4. Methods: This study used quasi experimental with two group pre-post …

Efektivitas Senam Hamil Dalam Mengurangi Tingkat Stres Dan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Trimester Iii: Literature Review, Suyati Suwito, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

According to WHO (2020), around 10% of pregnant women experience depression and this condition is higher in developing countries, reaching 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after giving birth. Anxiety experienced during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. These negative impacts are not only during pregnancy but can also affect the labor process and lactation period. There are various types of sports to reduce anxiety, one of which is gymnastics. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of pregnancy gymnastics in reducing stress and anxiety before childbirth. Literature review research was conducted using PICO search …

Efektivitas Massage Endorphin Untuk Mengurangi Kecemasan Pada Ibu Hamil Menjelang Persalinan, Widiya Saryani, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Pregnancy is a biological process involving complex physiological and psychological transitions that demand high adaptability from women, especially approaching childbirth. Anxiety during the third trimester is frequently reported and is associated with increased cortisol secretion, which may negatively impact labor effectiveness. This literature review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of endorphin massage in reducing anxiety among pregnant women in the third trimester. The review used a systematic approach based on the PICO framework, covering studies published between 2021 and 2025. Databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and SINTA were used to identify quasi-experimental studies comparing endorphin massage …

Peningkatan Keterampilan Makan Pada Anak Down Syndrome Melalui Terapi Okupasi Berbasis Sensory Integration: Studi Kasus, Reza Nur Arsyi, Tambunan Seselia Thresagloria, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) frequently experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, and oromotor impairments. This case study aimed to describe the clinical reasoning and effectiveness of a sensory integration (SI)-based occupational therapy intervention in improving feeding skills in a 10-year-old child with DS. The intervention consisted of 12 structured sessions focusing on postural stability, proprioceptive awareness, fine motor control, and oromotor coordination. Evaluation tools included Sensory Profile 2 and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Post-intervention outcomes indicated significant improvement in spoon use, posture during mealtime, texture tolerance, and self-feeding independence. FIM scores improved from total assistance …

Penatalaksanaan Fisioterapi Pada Kasus Brachial Plexus Injury Di Rsup Dr. Sardjito Yogyakarta: Case Report, Ahmad Fatih Fauzi

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Brachial Plexus Injury (BPI) is one of the most severe peripheral nerve injuries, frequently resulting from traffic accidents and causing significant functional impairment of the upper limb. Management of BPI requires a multidisciplinary approach, including physiotherapy interventions aimed at restoring muscle strength, preventing atrophy, and improving sensory and motor function. This article reports the physiotherapy management of a 23-year-old male with BPI following a traffic accident, who underwent surgical procedures and rehabilitation at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta. The method used is a case report with literature review conducted via PubMed using relevant keywords. Physiotherapy interventions included Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) …

Efektivitas Latihan Aerobik Dalam Mengurangi Gejala Depresi: Literature Review, Putra Adytio Giriyoga, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide and can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Various treatment approaches have been implemented, with one of the most noteworthy being non-pharmacological interventions in the form of aerobic exercise. This study aims to review the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in reducing depressive symptoms. This research is a narrative literature review, in which 3,610 articles were initially identified and then filtered based on inclusion-exclusion criteria, resulting in 8 articles. After eliminating duplicates, further screening was conducted through critical appraisal. The final selection of 8 articles was reviewed. The findings …

Trends In Lumbar Epidural Injection Selection: A Survey Of Practitioner Preferences And Practice Patterns, Ryan Triglia, Andrew Walrond, Jesse Wagner, Paul Kitei, Jeffrey Boyd, Jeremy Simon

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Lumbar radiculopathy is estimated to affect approximately 3-5 % of the population. Among the leading causes of radiculopathy are degenerative or congenital spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniations, which can contribute to compression and narrowing in various regions of the spine including the neural foramen, subarticular recess, or central canal. When patients do not respond to typical conservative treatment such as medications and physical therapy, epidural steroid injections can be considered as a next step in management. There are three approaches available for accessing the lumbar epidural space: caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal. There is no clear consensus regarding the …

A Rare Delayed Neuropsychiatric Encephalopathy After Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Couple’S Case Report, Sabrina Kasha, William J. Naber Ii, Michael Reimer

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused when carbon monoxide builds up in the blood, most specifically due to its high binding affinity for the heme structure in hemoglobin. This can lead to serious tissue damage and even be fatal. CO poisoning is primarily the result of incomplete combustion of fuels, with common sources domestically and internationally including furnaces, gas heaters, generators, and motor vehicles.2 Symptoms tend to present as neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as dementia, psychosis, parkinsonism, and incontinence. There are few well-researched CO poisoning specific treatments, which suggest supplemental oxygen and hyperbaric oxygen are most effective. We present a …

Brivaracetam For Spinal Cord Injury-Related Neuropathic Pain: Results Of A Pilot Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial, Leslie R. Morse, Ricardo A. Battaglino, Nguyen Nguyen, Brian Devries, Abigail Welch, Ana Lucia Battaglino, Clas Linnman, Michael Stillman, Robert Wudlick, Joda Glossner, Grant Anderton, Richard Goldstein, Scott P. Falci

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Assess feasibility, safety, and tolerability of 3 months of oral brivaracetam for severe (9-10/10) spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain.

METHODS: We conducted a multisite pilot study where adults were randomized to 3 months of brivaracetam (100 mg BID) or placebo. Pain was assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory, the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Dataset (version 2.0), and a daily pain diary.

RESULTS: We enrolled 24 participants across 2 sites and 14 participants were included in the final analysis (n = 8 placebo, n = 6 brivaracetam). The drug was tolerated with expected, nonserious side effects (nausea if …

Short-Term Outcomes Of A Comprehensive Rehabiliation Program With Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation In Polyneuropathy: A Case Report, Tuangtip Surarangsit

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Polyneuropathy, a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, often results in sensory and motor dysfunction in older adults. Treatment options include medications and various physical therapy modalities including Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS). However, evidence supported treating nerve dysfunction with PMS is limited. In this case, an 84-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis presented with bilateral lower extremity sensory and motor polyneuropathy, experiencing weakness, sensory deficits, and gait instability. After limited success with conventional treatments, a comprehensive rehabilitation program was implemented over four weeks, integrating PMS, occupational therapy, and advanced gait training. Following the intervention, light touch …

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis On The Role Of Somatostatin Therapy In Non-Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Magnus Chun, Tahne Vongsavath, Sneh Sonaiya, Lily Liu, Kyaw Min Tun, Kavita Batra, Robert G. Gish

Department of Internal Medicine Faculty Research

Background and Aims: Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common cause of hospitalizations, with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) being the mainstay treatment. However, there is a lack of high-level evidence to show if adjunctive medical therapy (somatostatin and its analogs) can improve outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the outcomes of PPIs with adjunctive therapy versus PPI monotherapy in treating NVUGIB in an in-patient setting. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist, major databases were systematically searched to retrieve English-only, original studies, published from 1 January 2000 to 31 December …

Innovative Virtual Mentoring: The Impact Of Technology On Neurologic Physical Therapy Education, A Case Study, Joy Williams, Joanne Pho

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This case report provides an example of the utilization of true wireless earbud (TWE) technology within virtual mentoring sessions in an outpatient setting, aimed at enhancing mentee learning within a neurologic physical therapy residency program.

Methods: The mentor- mentee pair, consisting of one mentor and one mentee, participated in virtual mentorship sessions using a combination setup that included visual communication through a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video conferencing platform delivered on a tablet, and audio through TWE. The sessions involved the mentee and patient in a face-to-face physical therapy session, with the mentor participating over …