Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Collegiate Athlete Mental Health Care: A Concept Analysis, Jacquelyn Arnett, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse mental health outcomes in collegiate athletes are on the rise in the United States, prompting concerns about the impact of external surroundings on their well-being. Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession that specializes in environmental- and occupation-centered intervention, approaches to mental health care not currently being utilized in collegiate athlete populations. Despite these potential benefits, OT practitioners (OTPs) are not an established member of the care team in current athlete mental health care structures, likely because many stakeholders do not understand the unique services OTPs can offer. Walker and Avant’s eight-stage concept analysis was employed to examine the role …

Facilitating Student Advancement: A High School Toolkit For Developing Professional Skills, Makenzie J. Mccain

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Objective:

As students transition from high school to their next step, they are expected to demonstrate a different and often higher level of professional skills to successfully navigate their new roles. Existing research identifies these skills as highly valuable in industry and education, however there is a gap in research and resources that focus on high school students developing these essential skills. This quality improvement project focused on the development of a toolkit to fill this gap, providing an explicit, student-centered resource for professional skill development.

Methods:

The development of the Professional Skills Student Toolkit utilized established theoretical frameworks and …

Thriving Beyond Barriers: A Wellness Guide For Athletes And Coaches, Sydnie Allen, Ots, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Phd, Otd, Otr, Emily Andersen, Otd, Otr

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project addressed gaps in knowledge and skills among athletes and coaches regarding the social, physical, and environmental dimensions of wellness, which impact participation, health, quality of life, and overall wellness. The purpose was to create a wellness guide focused on the social, physical, and environmental dimensions of wellness, which may inhibit participation, health, quality of life, and overall wellness while fostering social inclusion and accommodating individual abilities to reduce injury risk and promote motivation. Though research on occupational therapy (OT) in sports is limited, emerging studies highlight the importance of participation for long-term independence. Environmental barriers like accessibility issues …

Preparing Adults With Intellectual Disabilities For External Employment And Increased Occupational Engagement, Ann B. Barwick

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Intellectual disabilities refer problems within intellectual and adaptive functioning. In the United States, 6.5 million people have an intellectual disability (Schaepper). Adults with intellectual disabilities face many challenges throughout life. Employment is one of those challenges for a multitude of reasons including communication skills, discrimination, feelings of underappreciation, etc (Special Olympics). Only 21-44% of adults with intellectual disabilities are employed. There are services to help these individuals including occupational therapy, transition service counselors, and vocational rehab. Yet, the majority remains unemployed.

A doctoral capstone project was completed and presented in collaboration with a dog bakery whose mission is to provide …

Occupational Therapy Guided Interactive Workbook For College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder For Transition Into The Workplace, Makayla Kirkley

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The number of students with autism spectrum disorder entering college has been steadily increasing. When these graduates enter the workforce, the support and accommodations available throughout their education may not necessarily be readily available in their new workplace. This quality improvement project aimed to increase the resources of a college program whose purpose is to support autistic and neurodivergent students throughout their college career. The project aims were to create an interactive job readiness and independent living workbook to assist and provide resources for students during their transition into the workforce. The senior cohort completed seventeen fillable workbook pages with …

The Amazing Race: Accessibility Edition, Amber Bailey, Anna Rauch

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Inspired by the reality TV show The Amazing Race, here at Lindenwood participants got to engage in a fun interactive and educational competition. This event’s purpose was to raise awareness about recreational therapy. As recreational therapy students we are always ready to adapt. Many people think that just because you have a disability you can't do stuff, which is wrong. Which is why The Amazing Race was able to show the participants that you can adapt to do activities. We had groups of four to five people that all had different disabilities to compete in four different challenges around campus. …

Tackling Recovery: Tibial Osteotomy In A 20-Year-Old Rugby Player With One Month Of Post-Surgery Setback, Maycee J. White, Michael J. Nolan

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Background: Tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to correct lower limb malalignment in athletes. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 months, with athletes generally resuming sport-specific activities at 4-6 months. Delays in rehabilitation can result in prolonged deficits in strength, range of motion (ROM), and neuromuscular control. Case Presentation: This case study follows a 20-year-old collegiate rugby player who underwent tibial osteotomy, with rehabilitation delayed by one month. The athlete initially presented with knee stiffness, quadriceps atrophy, reduced ROM, and impaired proprioception. A multi-phase rehabilitation program was implemented as follows: •Phase 1 (Weeks 0-6): Pain management, restoring knee extension, …

Development Of A Mobile App For Parents And Caregivers Of Children With Autism, Laurie Tison

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Background: Caring for children with autism who experience sensory challenges often leads to increased caregiver stress and reduced self-efficacy. Research suggests that smartphone apps can effectively mitigate stress and empower parents. A needs assessment highlighted the necessity for an app centered on sensory processing tools and strategies, considering the limited resources available for addressing children’s emotions and behaviors.

Objective: This project aimed to develop and evaluate a comprehensive app to support parents and caregivers of children with autism, focusing on reducing stress and enhancing parental efficacy. Objectives included: 1) designing the app with relevant resources, 2) assessing the app’s content, …

The Use Of Equine-Assisted Services To Develop Life Skills And Improve Educational Outcomes In Young Adults With Disabilities, Mackenzie Marcum

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Young individuals with disabilities often face significant challenges in acquiring essential life skills, primarily those with cognitive impairments. This often limits their ability to live independently and fully participate in daily activities. Without progress in developing these skills, individuals may struggle with tasks such as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Equine-assisted services (EAS), as defined by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, is "recommended as an optimal unifying term to refer to multiple services in which professionals incorporate horses and other equines to benefit people" (Wood et al., 2021).

A doctoral …

Integrating Sensory Processing And Self- Regulation Strategies In Daily Teaching Practices, Alana D. Foster, Angela L. Blackwell

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project addressed the critical need for early childhood educators to improve their understanding and application of sensory processing and self-regulation strategies within the classroom setting. The project was implemented at an early learning center and aimed to enhance educators’ ability to support student participation and occupational performance through a structured coaching framework. Guided by Dunn’s Sensory Processing Framework and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the intervention included five individualized coaching sessions and the development of two key capstone products: a sensory processing coaching framework and a sensory processing toolkit and activity binder. The coaching framework incorporated observational tools, quick …

Reminiscence-Based Occupational Therapy: A Concept Analysis, Paige E. Laurent, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Dementia impacts cognitive function, emotional well-being, and occupational engagement, leading to diminished quality of life for older adults. Reminiscence therapy (RT) has been established as a viable approach to enhancing mood, cognitive performance, and social participation among individuals with dementia, however, its integration within occupational therapy (OT) practice remains under defined. The lack of the clear, defined role of OT in RBOT poses challenges for OT practitioners aiming to integrate reminiscence intervention within their scope of practice. The lack of a clearly defined role of OT in RBOT poses challenges for OT practitioners aiming to incorporate reminiscence interventions within their …

Educating Occupational Therapy Students On The Role, Scope, And Delivery Of Occupational Therapy Services In End-Of-Life Care, Zaria Favorite, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Shannon Kauppila

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Patients at the end-of-life (EoL) experience a decline in body functions and performance skills along with challenges in maintaining occupational roles, routines, habits, and performance patterns (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). Despite their decline, patient want to continue to participate in their chosen occupations, which are unfulfilled due to the role, scope, and delivery of OT services in EoL care being misunderstood by OT students and practitioners, healthcare professionals, patients, families, and caregivers (Hammill et al., 2019; Knecht-Sabres et al., 2019; Mueller et al., 2021). There is a need for increased education and training so OT students can better …

Blood Flow Restriction And The Achilles Tendon, Lacey Jajko, Anja Whitehouse

Masters Projects

Background: Blood flow restriction (BFR) is gaining popularity in strength gains and muscle hypertrophy.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess if BFR can change Achilles tendon size and to compare the size of the tendon based on the thigh or calf placement of the cuff.

Methods: Participants received an ultrasound guided measurement at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention to assess the cross-sectional area of the tendon. Participants completed a six week BFR intervention where the cuff was randomly assigned to either thigh or calf placement on the non-dominant leg. Participants completed multiple repetitions of straight and bent knee calf raises with …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Bladder And Bowel Management For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Julia Ryan

Student Capstone Papers

Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to support individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in developing effective bowel and bladder management (BBM) routines. However, most existing literature approaches BBM from a medical perspective, offering limited guidance on how to translate occupation-based strategies into OT practice. This lack of discipline-specific resources contributes to reduced confidence among generalist practitioners and hinders the consistent implementation of BBM interventions across inpatient and community settings. To address this gap, a nine-part educational video series was developed to enhance OT practitioners’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and confidence in delivering BBM interventions for clients with SCI. The …

Virtual Reality-Enhanced Rehabilitation For Improving Musculoskeletal Function And Recovery After Trauma, Phani Paladugu, Rahul Kumar, Joshua Ong, Ethan Waisberg, Kyle Sporn

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Orthopedic trauma remains a critical challenge in modern healthcare, often resulting in severe mobility limitations, acute pain, and delayed recovery. Conventional rehabilitation techniques, though effective, fail to address the individualized, high-precision interventions needed for musculoskeletal injuries like fractures, joint instability, ligament tears, and muscular atrophy. Virtual reality (VR) technologies, such as Apple Vision Pro and HTC Vive Pro, offer a transformative approach by enhancing diagnostic precision, rehabilitation effectiveness, and patient engagement through interactive, immersive environments that improve clinical outcomes. These VR technologies provide real-time biomechanical data, such as joint mechanics, muscle coordination, and movement patterns, allowing clinicians to design personalized …

Developing Independent Living Skills In People With Intellectual Or Developmental Disabilities: A Guide For Direct Support Professionals, Nigel Yeo Mr.

Student Capstone Papers

Over one percent of the world has intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Many of these people lack the living skills needed to live independently. Direct support professionals (DSPs) are people who provide daily assistance, care, and support to improve the wellbeing and quality of life among people with IDD. DSPs often have minimal training to perform their role, especially in support of the development of independent living skills. Independent living skills are adaptive behavioral competencies related to self-sufficiency, with focus on conceptual skills such as language abilities, social skills including interpersonal and social problem-solving, and practical skills that relate to …

Covid-19 And The Impact Of Physical Activity On Persistent Symptoms, Lauren E. Opielinski, Toni D. Uhrich, Michael H. Haischer, Rachel N. Beilfuss, Lindsey M. Mirkes Clark, Kamryn M. Kroner, Rachel E. Bollaert, Michael J. Danduran, Linda B. Piacentine, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Paula E. Papanek, Sandra K. Hunter, Sarah J. Hamilton

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Physical activity is protective against chronic disease but whether activity is associated with persistent symptoms in non-hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors is unknown. The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity levels and the influence of physical activity on acute COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.

Methods: In total, 64 non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors (45 female participants, 40 ± 18 years) were assessed for activity levels, body composition, and symptoms of COVID-19 8.5 ± 4.7 months post-infection and categorized into two groups: (1) persistent symptoms and (2) …

Exploring Occupational Identity And Cultural Belongingness Of Chinese Transracial Intercountry Adoptees: A Qualitative Study, Kenzie Butts, Karen Park

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Chinese transracial intercountry adoptees may experience discrimination, microaggressions, and stereotyping by not feeling like they fit in with White American or traditional Chinese cultures due to an upbringing of a different race and ethnicity. These barriers may result in a lack of engagement in cultural experiences further impacting their sense of identity and cultural belongingness. A qualitative phenomenological research approach was used to understand how seven Chinese transracial adoptees identity development and sense of cultural belongingness relate to their occupational participation during their early adulthood years. Data was collected through a 45-minute, audio-recorded virtual semi-structured interview via Microsoft Teams and …

Sensory Strategies For Trainees At Autism Career Training (Act), Emily A. Kay

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Autism Career Training (ACT) who’s mission is to provide vocational training for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to bridge the gap between completion of high school level education and entering the workforce. The purpose of this project is to introduce sensory regulation activities to ACT students using Ayer’s Sensory Integration Theory. Additionally, it is to provide education for ACT staff on sensory regulation techniques, and introduction of resources for the ASD population in Middle Tennessee. The primary goal of this project is to increase participation in daily vocational tasks and …

Sleep Hygiene Programs In Adults With Parkinson’S Disease, Alexia R. Scott

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Bridges for Parkinson’s (B4PD), an associate of Rock Steady Boxing. B4PD is a wellness organization that offers fitness classes tailored to the needs of adults with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Sleep disturbance is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of PD and was an identified need of the population at B4PD. This project aimed to address sleep needs through comprehensive individualized sleep hygiene programs based on a series of consultations. A sleep diary, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a semi structured interview were used to assess sleep disturbances. The …

Improving Accessibility And Inclusion At Belmont University, Grace Apigian

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project utilized the collaboration with various departments and schools at Belmont University to improve the accessibility and inclusion in physical, social and academic contexts. The focus of this project was to pinpoint areas of campus that are inaccessible through student-reported survey data and measure these areas with use of the ADA checklist for existing facilities and hands on observation. This project also sought to develop educational resources and inclusive aids for various departments across campus to improve their inclusion and accessibility efforts. The findings of this project were summarized into a narrative needs assessment to distribute to all …

Expanding Therapy Services For The Infant & Pediatric Population In An Acute Setting, Hallie A. Long

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Med Center Health, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Med Center Health is a non-profit health system with a mission to care for people and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve. Med Center Health – Bowling Green (MCBG) provides a broad range of services for the Southcentral Kentucky community including a level III NICU and acute pediatric unit. The purpose of this project was to enhance current therapy services and resources provided in the NICU as well as initiate development of a rehabilitation program on the pediatric …

Program Development For Veterans With Disabilities In Conjunction With The Metro Parks Disabilities Program, Rylee E. Rohler

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program. This agency provides day programming and inclusive sports leagues with a goal to create equal opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities for as many Nashville citizens with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES as possible. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability-appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary objective of this capstone project was to create a manual for a branch program that would fill a notable gap in services available in middle Tennessee for veterans with disabilities. Roughly 24,500 working-age …

Program Development & Implementation Of Mindfulness Practices For Adults With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse, Kelly Nydahl

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville, a non-profit that offers free educational and therapeutic programming to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome. The focus of this project was to create and implement an entire semester worth of curriculum for two adult education classes, GiGi Prep and U. The goal of GiGi Prep was to enhance various career readiness skills, while GiGi U builds upon these skills to prepare an individual for real-world settings like independent living, college, and/or working a job. Topics such as communication skills, emotional regulation, money management, coping strategies, self-advocacy, …

Daily Living Curriculum For Adults With Disabilities, Paige E. Meyers

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with BrightStone, with the shared objective of increasing independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In alignment with BrightStone’s values to empower the quality of life for adults with IDD where their choices and their voices matter, this project addressed the growing need to support their adults at all stages of life. Key outcomes included a daily living curriculum, adaptations to involve students in meal preparation and cleanup, staff training on fall prevention and recovery, and a functional skills progress tracker for residential home use.

Flip For Function Event Development For Increased Effectiveness And Promotion Of Community Engagement, Chloe D. Nedds

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Flip for Function, a therapeutic gymnastics program that promotes self-confidence through adaptive athletics and child-led activities. The aim of this project was to enhance the efficiency of events to promote visibility and awareness of Flip for Function within the community. To reach these goals, research-based sensory activities, graphics, programming, and effective timelines were established to ensure seamless execution of events and promote awareness within the community. Alongside this, a choice board was created and implemented within the gym to promote access to communication resources for all individuals. As a result, events …

Lecture Series Supporting Maternal-Infant Health Population: Educating Parents And Training Occupational Therapy Students, Katherine Henry

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with both the Belmont University School of Occupational Therapy and Ella’s House, a nonprofit organization that supports pregnant and parenting college students finishing their education. A needs assessment was completed to identify what type of project would be most beneficial to both organizations, with a final decision to create a series of courses that support infant and maternal health and well-being. Course topics included basic newborn childcare skills; perinatal mental health; and caregiver roles, routines, and supports. With each presentation of a course, students reviewed the course to compare knowledge prior to and …

Quantifying The Functional Impact Of Chronic Patellofemoral Pain And Its Relationship To Perceived Duty-Related Medical Readiness Among Active Duty Service Members, Emma H. Beisheim-Ryan, Sara R. Gorczynski, Ryan W. Smith, Shawn Farrokhi

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Chronic patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a heterogeneous pain condition that may significantly burden active duty service members, whose rigorous physical training demands include activities such as running and heavy load carriage. While chronic PFP is often defined by its pathoanatomical characteristics, evidence from other pain conditions (e.g., chronic low back pain) suggests classifying pain by its functional impact on work, social, and self-care activities may better inform personalized treatment approaches. As this approach has not been previously undertaken in chronic PFP or younger populations with chronic pain, this study aimed to characterize the global impact of PFP on day-to-day …

Evolving Move Inclusive Dance's Evaluation System, Taylor L. Nock

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with MOVE Inclusive Dance in Nashville, Tennessee. MOVE Inclusive Dance is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all ability levels to learn life skills through dance. The aim of this project was to promote goal setting for each dancer, and to develop manageable systems for evaluation data and progress monitoring. Goals promoted occupational therapy-based skills such as independent sensory regulation, social participation, memory, and sustained attention. The project involved creating a web-accessible platform to easily input dancer progress and implementing suggestions from staff as they utilized the platform. Efficient data …

Elopement: Developing An Improved Plan Of Care For Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating And Mobility Clinic, Chloe Nease

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt within the Pediatric Seating and Mobility clinic. There has been an increased number of referrals to the clinic for equipment aimed at preventing elopement behaviors, primarily for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal of this capstone project was to improve the current plan of care regarding elopement evaluations to decrease strain on therapists and families. The objectives for this project were based on information from various stakeholders, including therapist and caregiver feedback, equipment vendors, and insurance providers. Outcomes included the creation of …