Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Effects Of Providing A Moho-Informed Education Session For College Peer-Mentor Self-Efficacy, Sarah Roberts

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

As an occupational therapy student, I recognized the support our profession can offer to assist with various student and faculty needs across campus, specifically peer mentor programs. A thorough literature review illustrated limited representation for peer mentor roles, expectations, and potential impact on retention. Along with these findings, it was revealed that academic outcomes improve with involvement in evidence-based interventions as well as support for the Model of Human Occupations (MoHO) to understand and support human well-being.With this in mind, this study sought to develop and implement an evidence-based education session to identify and improve resources for peer mentors and …

Grow As We Go: Education, Efficacy, And Empowerment For Life Skills Trainers, Shelby Mitchell

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

In this ALE experience, I sought to bridge the existing gaps in research pertaining to most effective approaches and methodologies for rehabilitation in an adult day treatment setting, specifically in those with a traumatic brain injury. Fragmented and variable care compounded by poor communication are barriers to rehabilitation. However, it was also noted that traumatic brain injury survivors' long-term recovery was positively impacted by joining a peer network such as NeuroRestorative. Following this analysis, a needs assessment was conducted on-site at NeuroRestorative in Lexington, KY to enable more smooth daily programming and cohesive planning with life skills trainers. Goals included …

Accessible Shores: Promoting Beach Accessibility In Florida, Sara Swartz

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This research experience sought to improve beach accessibility for members of the community facing barriers to occupational participation. Beach accessibility is essential for creating meaningful experiences and improving well-being through exposure to blue spaces. Despite its benefits, numerous environmental and systemic barriers hinder individuals with disabilities from safely accessing spaces. To further research this issue and challenges to participation, survey responses from community members of Jacksonville, Florida were gathered and analyzed for common themes. Conversations with professionals in the area allowed for greater insight on available resources and assistive device technology that could improve beach accessibility. To showcase this information …

Biomechanics, Strength, And Physical Function After Surgical Repair Of Rotational Ankle Fractures, Benjamin Brightwell

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Ankle Fractures account for approximately 9% of all lower extremity fractures and incidence continues to rise. Up to 53% of ankle fractures require surgical intervention. Impaired physical function is one of the most reported and observed lasting effects of surgically repaired ankle fractures. Additionally, limited physical capacity and function have been identified as the primary threats to health-related quality of life after surgical repair of ankle fractures. These impairments to physical capacity and functionality can last longer than 5 years after surgery. Since surgery typically successfully restores stability and congruency of the talocrural joint, these poor long-term outcomes are an …

The Relationship Between Sleep, Physical Activity, And Musculoskeletal Injury, In Us And Saudi College Students, Abdulaziz Hasan Alameer

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

According to the National Sleep Foundation, individuals should sleep 7-9 hours every night. Recently, insufficient or poor sleep has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular illness, stroke, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. Insufficient sleep for college students can negatively impact academic performance and mental health. In addition, especially for collegiate athletes, there is evidence that insufficient sleep is associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. However, it is uncertain if the link between sleep and injury varies between populations, types of individuals (athletes vs non-athletes), sports or types of exercise, or training volume. Despite the health risks of inadequate sleep, up …

Exploration Of Burn Survivors’ Experiences With Nutrition During The Rehabilitation Phase Of Burn Injury Recovery: A Qualitative Study, Alyaa M. Zagzoog

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Approximately 500,000 people in the United States are affected by a burn injury and seek care every year. With medical innovation, however, the burn injury survival rate has increased to 97% in the United States. Burn survivors undergo two phases of recovery: acute and rehabilitation.With advances in burn treatment and care, the focus has shifted from the expectation of survival to improving outcomes. Nutritional care, including assessment and education, plays a major role in burn survivors’ wellness, facilitating wound healing and promoting recovery, but nutritional guidelines and polices appear limited during the rehabilitation phase,with literature suggesting nutritional assessment has historically …

Exploring The Usefulness Of Pre-Visit Materials For Children With Autism At A Public Museum, Jennifer K. Fortuna, Elaine Chamberlain, Libby Filice, Madeline Kurt, Taylor Porter, Shannon Twichell, Stephanie Ogren

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in community-based settings at lower rates than typically developing children. Museums provide a structured, predictable, and supportive place for children with ASD to learn. Visiting a museum may create unique challenges for children with ASD and their families. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common barrier to participation that makes it difficult to process information coming in through the senses. For children who are easily overstimulated, crowds, noise, and long lines can be a source of anxiety and stress. Providing pre-visit materials such as social stories, accessibility maps, and communication books can …

Routines And Attitudes Of Smartphone And Tablet Use For Social Connection Among Rural Older Adults, Amanda U. Davis, Chelsea Conrad, Maya Dupree, Deja Myers, Monica Le

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Loneliness is associated with negative health outcomes for older adults. Social connection may occur using information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as smartphones and tablets and interventions to increase ICT use have shown positive results. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the routines and attitudes of smartphone and tablet use for social connection and secondarily, determine if there is an association between the routines and attitudes and connection. Methods: Participants completed a survey with questions that included demographics, 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, Brief Sense of Community Scale, and open-ended questions. Results: Participants (N=21, median age of 76-80) report …

The Role Of An Occupational Therapy Practitioner In Professional Advocacy: A Scoping Review, Sarah Mckinnon, Natalie Petrone, Amanda Tarbet

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: Participation in professional advocacy amongst occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) is necessary for strengthening the profession. Although advocacy remains essential for practice, specific activities of OTPs in professional advocacy remain inconsistent and unclear.

Purpose: To examine the activities occupational therapy practitioners are engaging in related to professional advocacy. To identify key strategies and future opportunities to strengthen OT practitioner participation in professional advocacy.

Methods: We systematically searched 4 databases and 1 search engine for relevant articles- MEDLINE via PubMed, The Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete via Ebscohost, ERIC via Ebscohost, APA PsycInfo …

Association Of Race, Ethnicity, And Gender To Disparities In Functional Recovery And Social Health After Major Lower Limb Amputation: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study, Sheila M. Clemens, Kiarri N. Kershaw, Zoran Bursac, Szu Ping Lee

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: To assess if evidence of disparities exists in functional recovery and social health post-lower limb amputation.

Design: Race-ethnicity, gender, and income-based group comparisons of functioning and social health in a convenience sample of lower limb prosthetic users.

Setting: Prosthetic clinics in 4 states.

Participants: A geographically diverse cohort of 56 English and Spanish speaking community-dwelling individuals with dysvascular lower limb amputation, between 18-80 years old.

Interventions: None.

Main Outcomes Measures: Primary outcomes included 2 physical performance measures, the Timed Up and Go test and 2-minute walk test, and thirdly, the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility. The PROMIS Ability …

Usage Of Peer Mentoring Workbooks: Enhancing The Transition Of College Students With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Taylor Nicole Grout

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This doctoral capstone project assesses the impact and effectiveness of using peer mentoring workbooks as a tool to enhance the transition of college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A peer mentoring workbook was developed using theoretical frameworks to guide its design and identification of primary occupations, roles, and routines of college students. From here, four domains of college student life (dorm living, college social life, classroom management and participation, and community engagement and transportation) were developed to act as a framework for the workbook. Through the usage of Participatory Action Research, key stakeholders provided essential feedback that allowed for …

Traumatic Heterotopic Ossification: Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Epidemiological Characteristics, And Risk Factors, Nicola Kate Foster

Theses

Traumatic heterotopic ossification (tHO) refers to the complication of pathological formation of ectopic bone in soft tissues, which follows tissue insult secondary to burn, neurological and orthopaedic injury [2]. Common to these diagnoses is the involvement of central and or peripheral nervous system trauma. Although known risk factors are associated with developing tHO, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Research to date, primarily in single injury cohorts, has provided minimal translatable results [2]. Thus, clinical guidelines for early screening and prophylactic drug therapy are lacking, and treatment options are limited. To move the body of knowledge …

Utilizing Occupation-Based Activities To Support Participation In Educational Tasks Within The General Education Classroom, Molly Van Drehle

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Utilizing Occupation-Based Activities to Support Participation in Educational Tasks within the General Education Classroom

Background: The rise of technology usage has decreased the number of hands-on activities children participate in, impacting significant life skills (Caramia et al., 2020; Dadson et al., 2020; Gaul & Issartel, 2016; Genevieve et al., 2018; Lin et al., 2017). This trend has impeded children's ability to develop and strengthen the necessary skills to complete school-related tasks (Caramia et al., 2020; Dadson et al., 2020; Gaul & Issartel, 2016; Genevieve et al., 2018; Lin et al., 2017). Performing hands-on tasks builds fine motor skills, which …

An Occupation-Based Approach To Stroke Recovery In Rural America, Julia Warmack

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose In the United States, strokes are one of the leading causes of death as well as a leading cause of long-term disability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Due to the disease's demanding and intense nature, occupational therapists must provide evidence-based care to help support those in need. Occupation-based treatment has been proven to provide better long-term results and improve the transferability of skills (Rostami et al., 2017). However, many practitioners still rely on rote exercise due to lacking resources, access, or training (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2017).

Methodology A model-guided literature review was …

Assistive Technology Accessibility And Usability: A Toolkit For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Erin Siebenaler

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Assistive technology (AT) plays a vital role in the health, well-being, independence, and quality of life of individuals with a broad range of occupational challenges (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2016; Grajo & Boisselle, 2018; World Health Organization, 2023). Occupational therapists (OTs) and other AT providers can influence the accessibility and usability of AT; however, providers face barriers with limited access to training and evidence-based practice, impacting their confidence in providing AT services (Demain et al., 2013; Dishman et al., 2021; Long et al., 2007; Manship et al., 2023). These barriers can cause feelings of incompetence and reluctance to recommend …

Childhood Feeding And Eating Evaluation And Home Programming, Alexis Paige Lehmann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Up to 20% of typically developing and about 80% of atypically developing infants and children suffer from feeding difficulties (Chatoor & Macaoay, 2008; Nichols et al., 2018). These feeding difficulties may lead to delays in growth and development, refusal to eat, behavioral issues, and medical complications (Chatoor & Macaoay, 2008). Occupational therapists address these feeding difficulties through the therapeutic process, which includes initial evaluation, intervention, re-evaluation, and discharge planning (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020). When completing a feeding evaluation, practitioners often rely on skilled observation and their clinical judgment to determine what is developmentally appropriate. Practitioners also may …

Addressing Classroom Behaviors Through Sensory-Informed Design And Instruction To Support Performance And Participation, Monicah Nyakoe

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: In the United States, students spend a significant portion of their day within the school setting. The school environment, rich with sensory experiences, can either bolster or hinder a student's success and behavior. Research has indicated that unaddressed sensory needs may lead to disruptive behaviors and reduced educational engagement and participation. The purpose of this project was to empower educators with the understanding and tools to identify sensory needs and to shape sensory-supportive environments, ensuring students can thrive to their fullest potential in their educational occupations.

Method: The Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model was the theoretical framework that guided this project. …

It’S “Goni” Be Okay: A Guide To Developing Your Occupational Therapy Career Within The Athletic Population, Grace Kleinvachter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: With around 30 million people participating in athletics each year, injury prevention, management, and treatment are a necessity with the inevitability of injuries (Host & Mankie, 2018). Occupational therapy (OT) is a versatile profession that has the scope of practice to provide many different types of treatment as well as education to athletes and their supporters (Host & Mankie, 2018). In general, OT as a whole has previously overlooked how the profession can be of use to a population such as athletes who are more commonly seen in the sports medicine setting by physical therapists and athletic trainers (Host …

Enriching Social Connections: A Handbook For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Lauryne Griego

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Title: Enriching Social Connections: A Handbook for Occupational Therapy Practitioners

Introduction: For many children and adolescents with a neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder, navigating social relationships can be challenging. The multifaceted nature of these challenges significantly impacts their ability to engage in meaningful social participation (Hilton & Kramer, 2020). Children and adolescents encountering inherent barriers, including deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, may lack the foundational skills needed for successful participation in social events, thereby interfering with their overall success (Hilton & Kramer, 2020). Social participation, an area of occupation frequently addressed in occupational therapy, is instrumental in child and adolescent …

Specialized Knowledge Of Feeding And Eating Best Practices, Katie Anne Deboer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The process of gradually developing from complete dependence to independent self-feeding for a child is critical in social, emotional, physical, and cultural maturation (Korth & Maune, 2020). Of all developing children in America, 25-50% have feeding, eating and/or swallowing difficulties, with the percentage even higher for children that are autistic, premature, and/or have other developmental delays (Gronski & Doherty, 2020). The purpose of this Doctoral Experiential Capstone is to complete a thorough needs assessment to find the current gaps in the literature, frequently used and effective evaluation methods, and research-based interventions in the area of feeding, eating, and swallowing …

Examining The Efficacy Of Music-Applied Therapies On The Upper Extremity Of Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Haley Galvis

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide, due to an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which ultimately results in necrotic cell death. This pathological cascade has ramifications in neurological motor, sensory, and behavior deficits. Recent research has used a therapeutic application of music as a vehicle to improve motor function of post-stroke patients. Music-supported therapy is a newer class of music therapy that works to improve motor function through a standardized program of keyboard and drum exercises, and it is continuing to be integrated into the field of rehabilitation.

This study aims to search areas …

Implementing Pt In Pediatric Primary Care, Juliann Fronius, Scout Cai, Courtney Hoffman, Carlee Martin, Joel Wiley, Chris Yuen, Ryan Jacobson

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Patients are referred to PT everyday, but referrals can delay care. Early care is preferred, but getting to the right healthcare provider at the right time is ideal. Upstream PT improves patient care and clinician experience. Purpose: Implement PT within pediatric primary care.

In Vivo Behavior Of The Soleus Muscle During Various Activities In Persons Post-Stroke, Madison Swaney, Molly Carter, Mitchell Mckinley, Joshua Nelson, Robin Dorociak, Tyler Cuddeford

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Current protocols for post stroke populations consists of inconsistent and outdated interventions that target less functional strength training through heavier and slower movements. Current research displays a 90/10 principle displaying the tendon as the primary power absorber and generator during ballistic and cyclic movements, supported by a primarily isometric muscle activation. Power generation is key for walking. High angular velocity needed during the gait cycle to be able to produce and absorb power rapidly. Ballistic training requires the perfect tradeoff between speed and force to generate and train populations targeting power absorption and output with greater tendon activity. Therefore, current …

Imu And Markerless Technology In Gait Analysis: Clinical Lessons, Jessa Barendse, Trevor Nannini, Joanna Zuckerman, Tess Swake, Robin Dorociak, Peter Jang, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

- Haptic feedback refers to the external vibratory cue that is activated by data picked up by the haptic device, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) (Figure 1), which senses joint position.

- Position-driven haptic touch input can modify movement in real-time (Meszaros, 2019)

- Original goal: to reduce knee hyperextension during gait using a popliteal fossa tactor driven by an IMU-based angle sensor (Sagemotion)

-Concerns arose on the validity of IMU/tactor and markerless motion analysis ❏ Are these algorithm-based data technologies clinic-ready?

- Does Sagemotion IMU fire the tactor at the actual knee angle selected in its software?

- Can markerless …

Hamstring Tendons Don’T Lie #Eccentricsdontexist, Alec Espinoza, Chris Garcia, Enoch Ho, Ian Rousseau, Joel Centeno, Robin Dorociak, Tyler Cuddeford

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Research done on the plantarflexor MTU have shown the degree of achilles tendon and muscle fascicle shortening/stretching is specific to demands of the activity. To expand on this principle, we wanted to explore if a similar relationship exists with the Biceps Femoris MTU. We predict that the biceps femoris (long head) muscle tendon unit (MTU) will behave similarly to the Achilles tendon complex exhibiting the 80/20 principle during dynamic activities (jogging, walking) and the muscle fascicle will lengthen more than the MTU during stationary exercise (Nordic hamstring curls, Romanian deadlifts).

Does The Size-Weight Illusion Exist During Deadlift?, Dakota Kerbow, Luke Mallory, Robin Dorociak, Peter Jang, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Purpose:

to assess whether the SWI exists during deadlift (whole body loading), and identify the mechanical factors that explain or overcome the illusion

Fatigue Changes Biomechanical Variables In Drop Vertical Jump Performance In Competitive Basketball Players, Isabella Bruno, Caroline Linardos, Michala Rennels, Kristina Williams, Robin Dorociak, Jaydee Romick, Jason Brumitt

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The drop vertical jump (DVJ) has been used as a tool to identify athletes at risk for injury. Initial studies have suggested an association between biomechanical variables and injury (1); however, subsequent research has demonstrated no relationship (2-4). Evaluating variables in fatigued athletes may help clinicians identify athletes at risk. Advances in motion capture technology now allow for assessment of variables after a fatigue protocol.

Comparing Self-Reported Sleep Quality And Sleep Disturbance With Physical Activity In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Sophie Larue, Morgan Hendley, Brandon Tandecki, Kirsten Cabrera, Faerynn Tilgner, Brad Higa, Christen Johnson, Cindy Zablotny, Theresa Raudsepp, Jeff Houck

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Purpose:

To evaluate physical activity and sleep health in community dwelling older adults through use of activity monitors, physical capacity tests, self-reported sleep health, physical health measures, and participation in social roles. We wanted to know how these measures may or may not play a significant role in future physical therapy treatment. Our hypothesis was that self- reported sleep quality and sleep disturbance is correlated to physical activity in community dwelling older adults.

Supporting Interoceptive Learning Across Environments: A Guide For Educators And Caregivers, Jamie M. Steinhoff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Children aged four to six experience rapid brain development, advancing language skills, and understanding of the human body (Schaan et al., 2019). This developmental stage highlights the importance of educators and caregivers teaching interoception to improve preschool-aged children's occupational engagement and emotional regulation. Children lacking developed interoceptive skills may encounter difficulties regulating their emotions, impacting activities such as play, social participation, education, and health management (Arnold et al., 2019). This product was developed to offer caregivers and educators a comprehensive understanding of interoception through a handbook and training sessions containing strategies, exercises, tools, and activities to facilitate interoceptive development …

Increasing Success For Children With Sensory Processing Difficulties: Education And Support For Individuals Working With Children In Community Settings, Alyssia D. Pucel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Integration into community settings with limited ability to control one’s exposure to sensory stimuli is often challenging for children with sensory processing difficulties (Isamel et al., 2018). To self-regulate, children often exhibit behaviors that appear to others as abnormal or inappropriate to the expectations within the social environment but are out of the child’s control (Brown et al., 2019). Individuals who do not know about sensory processing may respond to the behavior in a way that is unsupportive to the child’s sensory needs and overall daily functioning. To advocate for children in natural community contexts, Success with Sensory provides individuals …