Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Enhancing Trauma-Informed Care Through The Creation Of Motivational Interviewing Training For Staff Of A Homeless Shelter For Lgbtq+ Young Adults, Olivia R. Ming

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral project was completed in collaboration with Nashville Launch Pad (NLP), a nonprofit homeless shelter serving LGBTQ+ young adults and their allies, ages 18–26, in Middle Tennessee. The primary aim of the project was to develop and implement a staff training program that covered several key areas: an introduction to motivational interviewing and its practical application in all 3 NLP settings; an overview of occupational therapy (OT) and its relevance within this setting; the impact of trauma on the body and brain; compassion fatigue; sensory processing differences; and how developmental milestones can be disrupted by trauma, substance use, and …

Educating Ots On The Benefits Of Virtual Reality With Post-Stroke Rehab, John Nacion, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focused on educating occupational therapists (OTs) about the benefits and applications of virtual reality (VR) in post-stroke rehabilitation. The primary goal was to increase therapists’ knowledge, confidence, and willingness to integrate VR into clinical practice. The project included the development of educational resources such as informational handouts, guidebook, and pre-and post-surveys to assess changes in therapists’ attitudes and understanding of VR. By bridging knowledge gaps, the project aimed to enhance patient engagement and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Vision For The Future Of Oncology Physical Therapy: Apta Oncology’S Strategic Plan, Christopher M. Wilson, Emily Compagner

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

This article summarizes the 2024-27 strategic plan of the Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy. The strategic plan consists of five strategic pillars — advocacy, engagement, education, collaboration, and research. Although the strategic plan is slated for another review in 2027, the 2024-27 strategic plan sets forth the key initiatives to advance the field of cancer physical therapy and oncology rehabilitation. This piece summarizes some key initiatives and how the academy and the profession will aim to achieve the APTA and APTA Oncology visions. For the full 2024-27 strategic plan of APTA Oncology, visit www.oncologypt.org.

Axillary Web Syndrome (Aws) In Absence Of Breast Cancer History Or Surgery: A Case Report, David B. Locke, Linda Koehler

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Background: Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a complication of breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node removal. Cords are found within 2 weeks post-surgery in the axillary area of the operated side, and many extend down the arm or into the lateral chest wall. The purpose of this report is to present a unique case of idiopathic AWS, and to increase awareness of non-cancer related AWS in the medical community.

Case Description: A 39-year-old healthy female presented to physiotherapy with a 2-week history of a palpable tight cord in her left axilla without history of cancer or surgery. She sought …

The Therapeutic Effects Of A High-Velocity Resistance Training Intervention For Chemotherapy-Induced Polyneuropathy, Mariah Gleeson, Lori Boright, Elise C. Brown, Deborah Doherty

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy, also referred to as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), is a dose-dependent, neurotoxicity from known neuropathic agents (e.g., taxanes, platinums, and vinca alkaloids) causing damage to the peripheral nervous system. CIPN can present as sensory, motor, or autonomic symptoms, such as muscle weakness and balance impairments. Currently, there are no treatment or prevention methods for CIPN. The purpose of this case series was to assess the therapeutic effects of a high velocity resistance training (HVRT), or power training, in women diagnosed and treated for cancer, who presented with CIPN by measuring balance, functional performance, neuropathy, quality of life …

Importance Of Objective Assessment To Determine Physical Function In Persons Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Anne Swisher

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Editorial Board Message—Coming Soon: Research Roundups

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Cover And Front Matter, Volume 2, Issue 1

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Embracing Professional Bravery And Inclusion: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome And Advancing Oncology Physical Therapy, Christopher M. Wilson

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Oncology physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play a crucial role in cancer care but often struggle with imposter syndrome, which can hinder professional confidence and interdisciplinary collaboration. Addressing these feelings is essential to ensuring optimal patient outcomes and advancing the field of oncology rehabilitation. This article explores the importance of mentorship, inclusivity, and professional bravery in overcoming self-doubt and advocating for the recognition of oncology rehabilitation within healthcare systems. By fostering a welcoming professional community and proactively seeking leadership opportunities, PTs and PTAs can enhance patient care and establish their essential role in oncology treatment. The future …

Empowering Coaches: Building A Resource Hub For Accessibility, Inclusion, And Preparedness, Emily F. Mcguckin

OTD Capstone Projects

Flip for Function is a therapeutic gymnastics and adaptive athletics organization that incorporates occupational therapy throughout to promote self-confidence and play for children with disabilities. The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to create a resource guide and kit to assist coaches in being prepared in an inclusive environment. This capstone project focused on creating a physical and electronic deliverable of gymnastics drills and strategies, and a coach’s kit. The physical deliverable contained a list of drills for various gymnastics skills on vault/trampoline, bars, beam and floor with explanations on how to complete each drill and adaptations, as well as …

Parenting With Peace: A Childhood Anxiety Education Program, Grace Arnold, Angela Blackwell, Teri Jetter, Msot

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The Parenting with Peace education program offers a comprehensive education program to parents of children with Anxiety. The program delves into the topics of self-regulation, emotional regulation, etc. The program offers parents information on each topic, information on how parenting impacts the topic, and at-home interventions that parents can engage in to help support their child. The program can help parents address the goal of improving competency about childhood anxiety symptoms and self-regulation techniques, improving their ability to engage in the occupation of caregiver.

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

The Neonatal Care Project: Empowering Parents Through Education And Support, Waverleigh Jenkins

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and provide an informational and evidence-based resource for parents to utilize after discharge from the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital (SJCH) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). An in-depth needs assessment showed a need for increased parental support and better resources to improve parent mental health outcomes due to feelings of unpreparedness following a NICU stay. To support this goal, and in collaboration with the occupational therapy team at SJCH, two informational websites were created, one in English and the other in Spanish. The website is entitled “The Neonatal Care Project” and contains …

Developing A Scheduling Method For Animal-Assisted Therapy In Acute Rehabilitation, Abbegayle Sutterfield

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) provides meaningful benefits in rehabilitation, including reduced anxiety and improved motivation and physical outcomes (Burres et al, 2016, Denzer-Weiler & Hreha, 2018). However, barriers such as inconsistent scheduling and limited clinician experience hinder implementation in fast-paced healthcare settings. This project took place at a large inpatient acute care hospital where therapy staff sought to integrate AAT more effectively into rehabilitation sessions.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a sustainable scheduling method to facilitate coordination between therapy staff and volunteer animal-handler teams. Goals included improving interdisciplinary communication, enhancing patient engagement through AAT, and creating …

What About Participation? Using Key Form Mapping To Emphasize Community Participation In Stroke Survivors, Sarah E. Humphrey

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this MUSC Occupational Therapy (OT) Doctoral Capstone project was to determine if stroke survivors demonstrate participation gains resulting from Rasch-derived, patient-spectice practice, i.e., “keyform mapping,” program by evaluation participation at 3 levels. Approximately 50% of stroke survivors have participation restrictions that may impact their engagement with fulfilling, meaningful activities. This is a secondary analysis of data collected from a stroke rehabilitation RCT parent study which tested the effect of a tailored. task-practice program using Rasch-derived keyform map of the individual’s FMA-UE item responses. Participation levels were evaluate by the Activity Card Sort Low-Demand Leisure and Social Acitivites …

Optimizing Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Exploratory Study On The Role Of Electrode Montages And Stimulation Intensity On Reflex Pathway Modulation, Shirin Madarshahian, Michael Trakhtorchuck, Tatiana Guerrero, Kristin Gustafson, James Harrop, Caio Matias, M. J. Mulcahey, Alessandro Naopli, Alex Vaccaro, Mijail Serruya

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a promising non-invasive method to improve motor function in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) by enhancing spinal reflex pathways. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tSCS electrode placement montages and targeted spinal levels on neurophysiological responses such as spinally evoked motor responses (sEMRs), dorsal root reflex activation, and muscle recruitment in individuals with SCI and healthy controls to optimize stimulation strategies for motor recovery. Five participants (three individuals with SCI and two controls) underwent transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation using various electrode montages, target spinal level stimulation, and single- and paired-pulse …

Case Study: Effect Of Stroboscopic Vision Training During A Softball Season, Doug Dendy, C Roger James, Toby Brooks, Micah Lierly, Nolan Riley, Larry Munger

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 3, 2025. This case study examined the effects of stroboscopic vision training during an entire varsity softball season for a 16-year-old female. Stroboscopic vision training uses specialized glasses with crystallized fluid that flickers, intermittently impeding vision, a technique that enhances visual performance. The stroboscopic glasses were worn two to three times a week during hitting and fielding skills. The central hypothesis was that the stroboscopic vision training would enhance softball vision performance. The central hypothesis was tested using these specific aims: 1) batting statistics for a year with no …

Book Review: Neuro-Visual Processing Rehabilitation: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Book review

Creating Educational Curriculum And Fostering Health Promotion For Individuals With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse, Allie Hutchinson

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse Nashville. GiGi’s Playhouse is an organization with over 61+ locations across the United States and Mexico with the purpose of offering free, therapeutic and educational programs for individuals with Down Syndrome. The goal of this project was to create appropriate, educational curriculum for participants in GiGi Nashville’s adult education programs focused on self-confidence, skill knowledge, personal wellness, quality of life and a variety of other topics. A secondary focus of this project was to foster health promotion for individuals with Down syndrome through an emphasis on functional fitness. A …

Introduction To Neuropathy: A Foundational Guide To Understanding Neuropathy, Emilie-Grace King

OTD Capstone Projects

This project centers on the development of a deliverable titled Introduction to Neuropathy: A Foundational Guide to Understanding Neuropathy at Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit organization that provides support to individuals impacted by cancer. The initiative aimed to increase awareness and understanding of peripheral neuropathy—a common and often debilitating side effect of treatments related to cancer and other diagnosis —among club members, including patients, survivors, and caregivers. Through collaboration with clinical professionals, Gilda’s Club staff, and members of Gilda’s Club, educational materials were curated and presented in an accessible format tailored to the needs of a diverse audience. …

Bridging The Gap: Educating Occupational Therapy Students On Services For Medically Complex Children In Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers And Similar Settings, Karleigh Villneuve, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this project was to educate entry-level OT students on healthcare and OT services for CMC in PPEC centers and similar facilities through an educational seminar and resources. Educating students about healthcare and OT services for CMC in PPEC centers and similar facilities will hopefully increase interest in pursuing a role in this emerging practice area and increase advocacy efforts for this vulnerable population.

Management Of Sensory Processing Differences To Support Children’S Participation In Church, Sarah Allen

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville (FPCN), with the shared objective of fostering a more inclusive and sensory-friendly environment within its Children’s Ministry. In alignment with FPCN’s mission to nurture young disciples through holistic, age-appropriate faith formation, this project addressed the growing need to accommodate children’s diverse sensory needs. Key outcomes included improved staff confidence as measured through pre- and post-training surveys, the creation of a resource binder on sensory processing, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and concrete changes to curriculum structure and classroom environments to better support …

Combating The Impact Of Adverse Childhood Experiences On Self-Esteem And Emotion Regulation: An Art-Based Intervention Program, Kaileigh Kirk, Cynthia Haynes

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an art-based intervention program developed and designed to positively impact self-esteem and emotion regulation in children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through evidence-based intervention activities and group discussions. This program was created with the hopes of expanding occupational therapy's knowledge and utilization of potential interventions for children with ACEs.

Effectiveness Of A Mindfulness Program On Traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries, Chloe M. Greer, Zeida Gutierrez, Julie Ward

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The general overview of this research study is to develop and assess the effectiveness of a mindfulness program for supporting the psychosocial symptoms that are associated with post traumatic UE injuries. Mindfulness as an intervention will be used to support possible negative psychosocial implications the patient is experiencing post traumatic injury.

Researching Effective Interventions Within Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Brooklyn Devenny, Zeida Gutierrez, Jen Neuenfeldt

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This research project assessed client and clinician perceptions on the effectiveness of treatment interventions for CRPS. The purpose of this research was to assess the effectiveness of interventions for CRPS as perceived by clinicians and clients to evaluate the impact on client function and overall satisfaction coping with CRPS.

Advocacy For On-Campus Occupational Therapy In College Athletics, Doyle C. Taylor, Keisa Boykin

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focuses on a growing issue in college sports: the lack of accessible, specialized rehabilitation for student-athletes. Many universities rely on off-campus providers for occupational therapy, which often leads to delays in treatment, missed appointments, and inconsistent care. To address this gap, the project advocates for the integration of occupational therapists directly into athletic departments. By developing and delivering educational workshops, distributing advocacy materials, and engaging with key stakeholders, the project highlights how on-campus OT services can streamline care, improve recovery outcomes, and support both the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes. The goal is to bring awareness to …

Blind Early Services Tn: An Inclusive Summer Camp, Caroline Mcdermott

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Blind Early Services Tennessee (BEST), a non-profit organization with the focus on early intervention-based services for children with visual impairments. Currently, BEST serves over 200 families across the state of Tennessee with the following providers; teachers of the visually impaired (TVI), orientation & mobility specialists (O&M), and occupational therapists (OT). The focus of this project was to create BEST’s second annual summer camp, free of charge to participants, with activities specifically catered toward and adapted for children with low vision. Deliverables included a schedule of sensory, motor, and literacy activities, a …

A Guide To Home Modifications Through The Ot Lens, Alexis Pitman

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone was completed through partnership with Westminster Home Connection. Westminster Home Connection is a non-profit agency serving low income adults 60+ or individuals with a disability by providing home repair and modifications to allow individuals to safely live in their home. The primary focus of this project was to create educational materials and bring an OT perspective to the assessment and modification process. Resources provided included a guidebook for home modifications and fall prevention education. Throughout this project I attended and assisted with home assessments, home modification, ramp builds, and declutter projects.

Advocating For Pots; A Misdiagnosed And Underserved Population, Abbey E. Zimmers, Zeida Gutierrez

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia that primarily affects the autonomic nervous system, making daily activities such as standing or concentrating difficult due to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog. It is most common in young women, often triggered by autoimmune diseases, viral infections, or trauma. POTS is under-diagnosed, with healthcare providers often unaware of its full spectrum of symptoms and the role of occupational therapy in managing daily function. Occupational therapy (OT) can significantly improve quality of life by helping patients manage symptoms and regain independence. Raising awareness of POTS and the benefits of …

The Impact Of A Sel-Based School Transition Readiness Program For Fifth Grade Students, Abigail V. Hall, Cynthia Haynes, Trish Chialastri

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents a study that developed and evaluated a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) based educational program designed to support fifth-grade students transitioning to middle school. This program targeted five key SEL skills: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. The study aimed to improve students' occupational performance and self-perceived skill sets while also expanding knowledge on the role of OT with a psychosocial emphasis. The research addresses the gap in knowledge regarding SEL-based interventions for supporting students during critical educational transitions.