Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Disabling Conditions Of Para-Alpine Athletes: An Education Series For Ski Instructors, Meghan Hawes, Steven M. Gerardi, Heather Rennerfeldt

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Para-alpine ski instructors in the United States need more training on disabling conditions and their definition, deficits, and adaptations for para-alpine skiing; This capstone closes the gap. Para-Alpine skiing is discussed in detail, highlighting instructor training, adaptive equipment, and para-athletes. The disabling conditions of para-athletes are identified along with details related to their para-alpine skiing experience. The methods of this capstone consisted of creating an educational series of videos highlighting five disabling conditions: Autism, spinal cord injuries and conditions, vision impairments, cerebral palsy, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders. The product was presented following a 14-week experience with the National Sports Center …

A Manualized Occupational Therapy Communication Skills Module For Clients With Ptsd, Lacey Kinard, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience a variety of barriers and challenges that impact their daily occupational performance, engagement, well-being, and quality of life. There is a lack of research in the area of manualized occupational therapy (OT) treatment options for people with PTSD. Literature has expressed a need for the development of a manual-based OT treatment program for people with PTSD with communication skills training as an intervention component. The purpose of this project is to create a manualized OT communication skills intervention module for occupational therapists to implement with clients with PTSD for improved occupational performance and …

A Qualitative Study On Mother's Occupational Engagement After A Nicu Experience, Rachel Garcia, Mary Ann Smith, Julie Heftie Ms, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Mothers who are “at-risk” for complications during pregnancy have an increased probability for mental health conditions following delivery, adversely affecting their engagement in motherhood occupations. This qualitative study identifies how best to address the needs of “at-risk” pregnant women. Through the process of conducting semi-structured interviews with women who have experienced NICU with their babies, and interviews with healthcare practitioners working in the NICU, their narrative addresses what approaches would support women while they are going through their “at-risk” pregnancies to assist them with the transition to their occupational roles as mothers and promote bonding with their baby.

Occupational Therapy For People With Dementia Who Have Occupational Performance Challenges Due To Depression, Ally Frazier, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Individuals with dementia experience a multitude of barriers and challenges that impact their daily engagement throughout the environment. In addition, although the pandemic has concluded, noxious effects are still influencing people's lives. Residential care facilities have noticed continual acts of isolation that are presenting as barriers in mental health. Depression has known to be a common comorbidity in the ailment of dementia. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have the unique and valuable role in working with this population to target beyond the biomechanical aspects of a resident. Identifying barriers for mastery in leisure pursuits throughout someone’s day is crucial. When residents …

Ergonomics In Esports: A Video Training Series For Esports Athletes, Duy Do, Steven M. Gerardi, Braden Singleton

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Electronic sports, also known as esports, refers to organized and competitive video gaming against other players or teams. Unlike traditional sports, esports is sedentary, with athletes spending several hours daily seated at their gaming stations. Additionally, esports athletes lack the knowledge of ergonomic hazards and how to mitigate occupational overuse syndromes and mental health challenges. The purpose of this project was to create a video training series from an occupational therapy perspective to educate esports athletes on the ergonomic hazards of esports to improve participation, occupational performance, and quality of life of esports athletes.

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Improving Adl/Iadl Performance In Diabetic Adults With Stroke And Upper Extremity Pathologies, Halle Thomas, Cassandra Nelson

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone presentation depicts the impact of diabetic management with an occupational therapy approach on upper extremity motor function for the adult stroke population. This program utilizes dietary management, a home exercise program, and task modification strategies to improve ADL and IADL performance.

A Multiple-Site Case Inquiry To Identify The Attributes Of Socio-Academic Culture In Successful Entry-To-Practice Respiratory Therapy Programs, Thomas D. Jones

Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Background: Organizational structure and culture have been explored extensively in higher education. Nonacademic factors influence student engagement, motivation, and success. Research describing socio-academic culture in health professions programs is limited. Achievement of fundamental social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies empowers students to learn and achieve educational goals. SEL has not been established as a theoretical framework in health professions education. SEL competencies closely align with respiratory therapy (RT) learner needs and essential professional skills. Attributes of socio-academic culture in successful RT programs and their impact on student success are unknown. Objective: To identify the attributes of socio-academic culture in successful entry-to-practice respiratory …

Mechanisms Of Neuromuscular Fatigability In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Mitra Rouhani

Dissertations (1934 -)

Subjective fatigue and pain are commonly reported in people with MS (pwMS), as is neuromuscular fatigability. The dynamometry protocols used to measure neuromuscular fatigability in pwMS varied substantially in terms of components, leading to inconsistent findings regarding the extent of neuromuscular fatigability and its central and peripheral mechanisms in pwMS compared to non-MS controls. This dissertation aimed to compare neuromuscular fatigability and its underlying mechanisms following a sustained maximal to intermittent submaximal ankle dorsiflexion in pwMS, grouped by disease severity, and non-MS controls. Additionally, we aimed to determine the impact of physical activity, muscle oxidative capacity, and exercise-induced pain on …

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy: A Review Of Physiology, Clinical Application, And Guidelines For Implementation, Nathan Schuliger

Senior Honors Theses

Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is an emerging clinical modality utilizing the metabolic stress of a hypoxic state to induce hypertrophic and strength adaptations in a manner allowing for reduced external loading. BFR has a variety of applications in rehabilitation settings, showing great potential for patients seeking the benefits of high intensity training without the associated degrees of mechanical stress. This literature review details the proposed mechanisms of BFR, along with various clinical applications of BFR including active and aerobic BFR. Concerns and contraindications for BFR usage are discussed regarding certain clinical populations, with risk stratification recommendations provided. Current BFR …

A Manualized Occupational Therapy Communication Skills Intervention For Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Kiara Ainsworth, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many individual's participation in daily activities. There is a lack of research in the area of occupational therapy (OT) treatment for veterans with PTSD. However, there has been an expressed need in the literature for a developed intervention for veterans with PTSD that includes communication skills as a component. To date, a manualized communication skills OT intervention for veterans with PTSD has not been created. The purpose of this paper was to develop a resource tool for occupational therapists to utilize as an intervention when treating veterans with PTSD using the framework of the Model …

A Guidebook For Latina Breast Cancer Survivors & Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Abigail Hernandez, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, Mary Ann Smith

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Many Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer face psychosocial challenges and do not have access or the necessary resources to assist them with these challenges which may lead to decreased quality of life. This study is designed to address the most common psychosocial issues associated with breast cancer to assist Latina women as well as occupational therapy practitioners.

Colors Of Connection: A Manual For Cultivating Social And Emotional Skills In Children With Disabilities Through Creative Arts, Allie Hertaus, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr, Haleigh Freeman Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities (CWD) are experiencing occupational deprivation due to limited involvement in extracurricular activities. This deprivation impedes their development of social-emotional skills. In attempt to mitigate this deprivation, the OTD student created and implemented Colors of Connection, a creative arts based, social and emotional learning program into an already existing after school program for CWD.

Play Over Talk: A Toolkit For Educators On Adverse Childhood Experiences, Brianna Gallegos, Mary Ann Smith, Cat Daniel

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences that can lead to negative, lasting effects on the health and well-being of the child. Students who have ACEs are more likely to struggle in school, have difficulty paying attention, lack self-regulation skills, and struggle to control their emotions and behaviors. Teachers and school staff may not recognize or know how to support students who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) which can impact the child’s occupational role as a student. To date, a resource for school staff with information on ACEs, interventions, and strategies has not been created. The purpose of this project …

Management Of Sensory Processing Challenges In The Classroom: An Educational Video Series For Teachers., Jasmine Guerrero, Steven M. Gerardi

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An educational video series for teachers on sensory processing and how to manage students with sensory processing challenges in the classroom. The video series includes evidence-based supports and strategies that may be utilized in the classroom to improve students' occupational performance.

Occupational Engagement In Recreational Sports For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing: An Employee Guidebook, Colleen Mcerlean, Mary Ann Smith, Christopher Ebner

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

An employee guidebook to help increase occupational engagement within recreational sports for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population in the Austin, TX area.

Self-Regulation And Sensory Processing Education Program For Educators, Julianne Mendivil, Tina G. Bhakta, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with low self-regulation skills may face many challenges in the classroom environment that can impact their performance in school-based activities. As teachers play a vital role in the development of young children, this educational program aims to improve teacher competence (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) in applying sensory processing and self-regulating concepts to the school environment.

The Transition To Adulthood For High School Students With Special Needs, Athena Hays, Mary Jan Greer, Jinna Danser

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The reason for many special needs students not engaging in occupations after high school is because many guardians have not had to navigate this type of transition before and are not provided enough education on what these opportunities include before their students graduate. Many students with special needs do not optimize their engagement in the community because guardians are not being provided with education on post-graduate opportunities.

The purpose of my Doctoral Capstone Project is to develop an educational transition service program for special needs students as well as guardians and teachers of these students preparing for high school graduation …

Play Is A Way Of Life: Play-Based Program For Parents Of Young Children (Ages Two To Five Years Old), Lauren Purdom, Angela Labrie Blackwell, Amanda Perdue Owen

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This play-based program was created for parents of young children (ages two to five years old) and is accessible through a website called "Play is a Way of Life". Within this program it includes, educational material on the differences between active and passive play and recommendations for each type of play that children in this age group should participate in each day. It also includes a 6-week program with a variety of active play activities that target specific skills that children (ages two to five years old) should participate in for their overall development.

The Ci-Asd Program: Implementation Of Contextual Interventions For Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ci-Asd) With Latino Families (Preliminary Report), Gabriel Gonzalez, Erik Pérez, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience sensory processing differences that affect their participation in daily activities and routines. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the U.S. However, Latino children are diagnosed two years later than white children. Latino families still have the greatest disparities in accessing ASD resources throughout the U.S. compared to white families. The lack of ASD services and resources led to decreased parental self-efficacy, quality of life, and increased child behavioral problems.

Contextual Interventions Adapted for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CI-ASD) are an emerging intervention for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners. Recent literature shows …

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In Comparison To Heat Therapy As A Modality After Exercise-Induced Muscle Fatigue, Diana Dzasezeva

All NMU Master's Theses

Increasing blood flow to exercised areas expedites metabolite removal, aiding quicker recovery and preventing injury during return to exercise. However, the effectiveness of different recovery modalities remains unclear. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and heat therapy (HT) as recovery modalities after inducing fatigue with maximal exercise in active individuals. The study involved 56 participants who performed a fatiguing exercise before the intervention. They then either rested (control group) or received one of three treatments: HT, NMES, or NMES+HT for 15 minutes. Afterward, they performed another bout of fatiguing exercise. Outcomes …

Social Participation Program For Older Adults With Dementia Residing In Long Term Care Facilities, Keri Mcclelland

Student Capstone Papers

Social participation is characterized by activities that involve social interaction with others and supports social interdependence; individuals engage in this occupation through a variety of contexts including with their community, family, friends, and peers (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). Social participation has been discovered to influence general health and well-being, cognitive health, risk of dementia, and stress (Sommerlad et al., 2023). Dementia is a prevalent disease affecting approximately 50 million individuals worldwide (Sommerlad et al., 2023) causing increased dependence and disability among the older adult population and is shown to be growing as the aging population increases in number (Wang …

Finger Contracture Relief Sensorized Splint, Katia Campos, Alfonso Gonzalez, Olivia Rojas

Posters - 2024

Hand traumas may result from an accident, a burn, or even something far more common like a jammed finger. Due to the pain, the hand is immobilized and this lack of movement, in addition to the healing processes, can lead to a deformity. The specific deformity addressed in this project is a Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Flexion Contracture, which is when the middle knuckles of the fingers are stuck in a flexed position. Contractions can occur after trauma or certain illnesses. It is the shortening of muscles, tendons, skin, and nearby soft tissues that causes the joints to become very stiff. …

Redesign Of Robotic Walking Training Device To Involve Zero Gravity Capabilities And Daily Activities, Chad Ballard

Mechanical Engineering Theses

Many patients struggle with disabilities that hinder their ability to walk. This project aimed to create a leg assembly capable of variable gravity so that it could be combined with a Robotic Walking Training Device, and lead to better rehabilitation options for patients. This was accomplished by deriving equations of joint torque, creating circuit diagrams for Arduino systems, modeling leg assemblies in CAD, and finally combining it to create a working small-scale prototype. The result of the prototype testing showed accurate movement on each joint, especially the ankle and knee segments, to create virtual zero gravity. In addition to this, …

Prevalence Of Depression In Physical Therapy Environments For Young Adult Populations In The U.S.: A Systematic Literature Review, Audrey N. Baucom

Honors College Theses

Objective: This systematic review aimed to examine interactions of depression symptoms and diagnoses and its prevalence in physical therapy settings among the young adult population ages 18-24 in the United States through current literature and to identify existing literature. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines to form a systematic review. Ten databases were extensively searched. Results were screened by one researcher and those that met the criteria were verified as inclusive by a second researcher. Results: The search yielded 3,017 results and included two studies. In each study, age was not identified as a prevalent variable in mental health …

Program Development For Group Interventions Targeting Loneliness In Older Adults, Antoinette Cave

Capstone Projects

The topic of loneliness is complex and subjective in nature, and treatment of the condition requires the client-centered approach that occupational therapy encompasses within its scope of practice. Using an occupation-based, mental health approach to develop the program, weekly focus groups were created based on participant-preferred activities to decrease loneliness among older adults at PACE InnovAge’s outpatient and assisted living locations in Thornton, Colorado. Education was provided to participants and staff throughout the 14-week experience. Further training and sustainability efforts were created and distributed among participants and staff at the end of the experience through an occupation-based handout with external …

Enhancing Pre-Vocational Programs For High School Students With Disabilities: The Impact Of Occupational Therapy And Support Staff Education, Maria Calzada

Capstone Projects

Pre-vocational programs in high school serve as a crucial platform for supporting students in the transition from education to the workplace. These programs provide classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical experiences to maximize students’ vocational skills post-high school. Pre-vocational programs provide a crucial platform for the development of IADL skills, task analysis, and the promotion of occupational engagement among diverse populations. The purpose of this DCE was program development within the pre-vocational program and provide additional education for the support staff at the high school setting. The goal was to improve vocational skills, including problem solving, self-advocacy, sequencing, and sustained …

Holistic Education To Empower And Enhance Women's Health Throughout Pregnancy, Birth, And The Postpartum Period, Hannah Wilson

Capstone Projects

Making informed healthcare decisions on behalf of oneself for optimal outcomes first begins with comprehending basic health education about one’s own body, typical bodily functioning and bodily processes and ends with empowered decision making. Health literacy is the ability of an individual to understand and apply basic healthcare information to their personal healthcare decision making and is integral for any and all healthcare providers to comprehend when educating patients in practice. Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals that work with any demographic of people to improve satisfaction with performance of everyday living activities and quality of life. OTs’ scope of …

A Pilot Intervention For Adolescent Adoptees: The Interoception Curriculum, Francie X. Bailey

Capstone Projects

This pilot study sought to evaluate the efficacy of Mahler’s (2019) Interoception Curriculum on increasing emotional regulation and interoceptive awareness among adolescent adoptees. A pre - posttest design was employed to assess changes in emotional regulation and interoceptive awareness following a condensed, 10 - week version of the curriculum. Six participants, and their respective parent, completed pretest and posttest assessments following the completion of the weekly intervention. Results demonstrated minimal improvements in both parent and adolescent perceived emotional regulation competency but significant improvement in adolescents’ ability to notice and attend to their bodily sensations, listen to their body cues, and …

Trauma Informed Care Resources For Foster And Adoptive Families, Nitasha Cooper

Capstone Projects

Trauma informed care is meeting the needs of children who have undergone trauma by addressing the direct impact caused by the trauma the child experienced. My objectives looked to assist parents in the carryover from the occupational therapy clinic to home by providing videos on techniques to address behaviors occurring in and out of the home and building a connected relationship between child and caregiver as well as resources such as books for children and caregivers; podcasts; social media personnel; support groups; and a respite list. These objectives resulted in a plethora of resources for caregivers and families to access …

Inclusive Yoga Programming For Children With Diverse Needs, Allison H. Hansel

Capstone Projects

Limited research exists to support the use of yoga as an occupational therapy intervention for children with disabilities. In the studies that are available, yoga is primarily used to target children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Currently there is no research available that explores use of yoga in a group of children with a variety of disabilities and diagnoses. The aim of my doctoral capstone experience was to design and implement an inclusive yoga group for children with diverse needs. Objectives were created to guide this capstone project such as creating intake forms, pre/post surveys, weekly yoga curriculum and weekly …