Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Predictors Of Hospital Readmissions For People With Chronic Conditions, Melanie Morriss Tkach, Patricia Bowyer, Marsha Neville, Timothy J. Wolf, Gerald Goodman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Hospital readmissions remain prominent in health care. Functional, cognitive, and environmental factors predict hospital readmissions but may not be thoroughly measured or addressed prior to discharge.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, people hospitalized with chronic conditions completed measures of self-care function, functional cognition, occupational competence, and environmental impact. They also participated in a phone call or medical records review to identify hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge. In a group session, occupational therapists who work in acute care completed acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility measures for the standardized assessments administered to hospital participants.

Results: Occupational competence …

Mixed-Method Study Of The Experiences And Routines Of Caregivers Of Children With Type 1 Diabetes, Evelina Wozniak, Lisa Cover, Yongyue Qi, Vanessa D. Jewell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Type 1 diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic childhood conditions that affects family roles, routines, and the ability to participate in meaningful occupations after a child’s diagnosis. Because of the complex health management routines required to ensure the safety and well-being of a child with type 1 diabetes, caregivers may experience decreased overall health and well-being.

Method: This sequential mixed-method study used a cross-sectional survey (n = 37) and phenomenological interviews (n = 6) to explore burden (the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers), quality of life (the WHO Quality of Life-BREF), and role engagement (a …

The Parents' Perspective: Experiences In Parent-Mediated Pediatric Occupational Therapy For Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Allison Klowan, Mary Beth Kadlec, Stefanie Johnston

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Parent-mediated occupational therapy (OT) is a family-centered method of providing care for children and their families. This study aimed to understand and describe the parents’ perspectives of whether parent-mediated OT services improve child participation and parent-child social interactions in the home and community.

Method: This study was performed with a qualitative, phenomenological research design using focus groups. Eight participants were included in the study who were parents of children with at least one NDD, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Results: Four major themes were developed: It’s a Family Affair, Sometimes it Just Takes …

Predictors Of Daily Activity Performance Of Children With Autism And Its Association To Autism Characteristics, Neta Katz Zetler, Eynat Gal, Batya Engel Yeger

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The daily activity performance of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a central focus of occupational therapists. Yet, the existing performance-based assessments of basic and instrumental daily activities in children are limited and their application on children with ASD is scarce. The purpose of this study is to examine if daily activity performance of children with ASD is impaired as compared to children with typical development (TD), and to examine possible predictors of daily activity performance in children with ASD.

Method: The participants included 39 children with ASD and 40 children with TD, 6–10 years of …

Holistic, Person-Centered Evaluation To Understand The Experiences And Needs Of Displaced Refugee Youths: A Descriptive Mixed Methods Narrative Study, Rebecca S. Lord, Jaime P. Muñoz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Refugee youth face acculturation stress, language barriers, xenophobia, and difficulty accessing resources. These factors, combined with migration trauma, negatively impact youths’ psychosocial health. This study aimed to conceptualize evaluation in an occupation-focused, person-centered framework with the goal of informing therapists working with displaced children.

Methods: This mixed methods, descriptive study used narrative research methodologies to understand the experiences of refugee youths. A variety of assessment tools were used to elicit these youths’ stories and create in-depth occupational profiles. The evaluation protocol that was created generated extensive data used to inform programming at a community non-profit to ensure …

State Of The Journal: Introducing Assistant Editors, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

A Swimming Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Assessing Critical Parameters From Caregivers’ Perspectives, Abir K. Bekhet, Norah Johnson, Tana Karenke, Amy Van Hecke

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

One in 54 individuals is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Swimming can impact the physical and mental well-being of persons with ASD, which in turn may improve their caregivers’ well-being. The purpose of this qualitative evaluation study is to assess the necessity, acceptability, feasibility, fidelity, and beginning effectiveness of a 12-session swimming training program (STP) at an indoor university pool designed to teach persons with ASD how to swim, and to teach caregivers precautions for safety around water. Participants included 7 boys, and 3 girls with ASD [mean age 7.05 years (SD 1.17)] and their caregivers. Results indicated that …

Enhancing The Quality Of Life For Senior Citizens: A Facilitator’S Guidebook For Mindful Music And Movement, Shannon Sexton

Mindfulness Studies Theses

Music appreciation and enjoyment enhance well-being throughout the lifespan. The challenges and constraints that people experience as they age can lead to lack of access to music, decreased physical activity, and fewer avenues for creative expression. Group music and movement interventions created for older populations offer opportunities for social connection and improved quality of life. Mindful practices add further benefit when combined with these interventions. Current available programs are scarce and most often do not encompass mixed modalities. In addition, the benefits of these programs do not show long-term sustainability. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the effects …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Holistic Approach To Diminish Health Discrepancies And Promote Wellness For People With Schizophrenia: A Review Of The Literature, Jacelyn Biondo

Department of Family & Community Medicine Faculty Papers

Individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia face a myriad of obstacles to wellness, beginning with diagnostic discrepancies including over- and misdiagnoses on the schizophrenia spectrum. People with schizophrenia experience profound amounts of stigmatization from the general population, their healthcare providers, and even themselves. Such stigmatization creates a barrier for wellness, poorer prognoses, and often limits adherence to physical and mental healthcare. Moreover, it can exacerbate the already stifling symptomatology of their diagnoses, including specific bodily-related symptomatology. Oftentimes, a diagnosis of schizophrenia disrupts one's relationship with their body including a diminished mind-body connection, decreased interoceptive awareness, and thus unsuccessful intra- and …

Occupational Transitions Of Family Caregivers Of Loved Ones With Dementia, Katherine L. Groezinger, Cameron J. Honsa, Darcey A. Wilkinson, Emily K. Simpson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to explore how family caregivers of people with dementia experience transitions in occupations as they assume the caregiver role. Because unpaid family caregivers play a vital part in the scheme of health care, it is important to understand their supports, their perceptions of themselves as caregivers, and the impact of caregiving on relationships, identity, and physical and mental health. Many researchers have studied the effects of caregiver burden, yet minimal attention has been given to the lived experiences of caregiving on their daily roles and routines. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was …

Ethnicity Does Not Impact Physical Therapy Students’ Clinical Readiness And Performance, A United States Exploratory Study, Derrick F. Campbell, Jean-Michel Brismee, Brad Allen, Troy L. Hooper, Manuel A. Domenech, Kathleen J. Manella

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To explore the impact of ethnicity on clinical readiness and performance among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, as determined by 1) Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy (PTSE) score, 2) self-confidence treating patients, and 3) final American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) clinical reasoning and summative ratings during clinical experiences. Methods: This study is a survey-based, descriptive, and exploratory cross-sectional research design involving sample of 211 DPT students evaluated for differences across ethnic students’ groups 1) PTSE score during student clinical experiences, 2) confidence with treating initial and subsequent same-patient visits, and 3) final CPI clinical reasoning …

Reliability Of Hand-Held Dynamometry For Measuring Force Production In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Matthew Boom, Elisabeth Preston, Renee Salmon, Louise Ada, Allyson Flynn

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have impaired force production, which is associated with decreased mobility and falls risk. Reliable measurement of force production is important. Design: A repeated-measures, intra- and inter-rater reliability study was undertaken. Participants: 24 people with mild PD were measured by one or two raters. Outcome measures: Isometric force of the major upper and lower limb muscle groups was measured using hand-held dynamometry. Results: Fourteen participants were measured by the same rater on two occasions to determine intra-rater reliability. Ten participants were measured on two occasions by two different raters to determine …

Mealtime Experiences Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder From The Perspectives Of Filipino Occupational Therapists In Cebu: Implications For Practice, Blaise Audre V. Barrientos, Alyanna Freyse T. Badajos, Erika Faye M. Bucog, Rosse Velle C. Mauro, Paolo Miguel P. Bulan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Occupational therapists (OTs) handle children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a common concern is how their sensory processing issues affect their feeding habits. There is limited information regarding interventions about this issue both locally and internationally. This study aims to know the experiences of OTs providing feeding interventions associated with sensory issues for children with ASD. It will also describe what approaches they used for these interventions. Method: Qualitative phenomenology using in-depth interviews with nine OTs in Cebu, Philippines was conducted, and data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: 1) a family that feeds together, stays …

Effects Of An Occupation-Based Social And Life Skills Session On The Strength Of Intimate Partner Violence Victims’ Generalized Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Sierra Moes

OT Student Capstones

Background: Prior research has identified occupational therapy as a profession poised to provide interventions to enhance the recovery of intimate partner violence victims. The present study aimed to implement a program to affect the generalized self-efficacy beliefs of intimate partner violence victims residing in Autumn House Emergency Crisis Shelter.

Methodology: The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale was administered before and after a total of seven individual/group sessions to a sample of adults residing at the shelter over the course of the occupational therapy program. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing a one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and paired T-test Cronbach’s alpha to establish whether the …

The Use Of Culturally Sustaining Practices In Play To Foster Resilience, Genevieve Lowry

Graduate School of Education

Children present in the hospital with an array of previous experiences. Play specialists must learn to help children use experiences as opportunities for growth and coping and be prepared when significant life events emerge as part of a child's play. Ecological models provide a framework for understanding children's lived experiences affecting development and offering insight into children and families responses to stress. Foundational theories of play provide knowledge of children's development, interests, and understanding of themselves and the world. This chapter examines two culturally sustaining models that build on play theories viewing children and families through a strengths-based lens that …

Play's Continuum Of Needs: Building Blocks For Deepening Play Opportunities In Medical Environments, Deborah Brewster Vilas

Graduate School of Education

Optimal healing for children in hospitals occurs when their developmental needs are considered as part of their overall treatment plan. One of the most pressing developmental needs for all children is the need to play, and this remains so even when they are confined to a hospital bed or face developmental delays or disabilities. This chapter examines the most basic components of implementing play programs in hospitals, such as the intentional creation of space for play, determining the best times for children to play, and exploring what types of play are therapeutic and possible in a hospital environment. The author …

Achilles Tendon Stiffness Of Division 1 Track And Field Athletes, Erin Luken Spt, Sydney Gustaf Spt, Jessica Thum, Drew Peters Spt, Jason Polzin

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Background: No previous research provides data on Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness of Division 1 (D1) track and field (TF) athletes. Limited information is known on what variables influence tendon stiffness in athletes. AT stiffness may have an impact on injury and performance in D1 TF athletes, warranting research. The purpose of this study is to identify if there are factors that correlate with AT stiffness among D1 TF athletes.

Methods: Fifty-one D1 TF athletes voluntarily participated in a cross-sectional study of AT biomechanical measurements at the beginning of the fall season. The MyotonPro was used for measurements at the midline …

Correlation Of Various Heart Rate Measures And Borg Cr10 Ratings Within The First Five Minutes Of Moderate- And Vigorous-Intensity Exercise, Maia Janae Gabrielson Spt, Maddison Elizabeth Hajek Spt, Kiana Lynn Hoff Spt, Rachel Marie Schmitz Spt, Jamie Lynn Schweiss Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Aerobic exercise is a crucial component of an individual’s health regimen. Target heart rate (HR), using HR, percentage of maximum HR, or percentage of HR reserve offers an objective manner to gauge exercise intensity. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using either the traditional or modified scale (Borg CR10) offer a subjective option for measuring individual exercise intensity. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the relationship of various HR measures with subjective report of exercise intensity via the Borg CR10 scale during the first five minutes of exercise geared towards moderate and vigorous intensity. Thirty-four college-aged participants completed …

The Effects Of Balance Exercises On Lower Extremity Injury Prevention: A Systematic Review, Madason Gene Leif Spt, Bailey James Neises Spt, Zach Thomas Sebern Spt, Ryan John Hanks Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Background: Previous systematic reviews have identified injury risk predictors of sport-related lower extremity (LE) injuries based on exercise programs. There are limited studies indicating the advantage of single-leg balance (SLB) training and its effectiveness in lowering injury rates. Research Question: Investigate which types of balance training were used in effective injury prevention programs. Methods: A systematic review utilizing the SPORTDiscus and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that included LE injury prevention, a balance training component and participants aged 10-30. Results: 5 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, comprising 2,926 athletes. Three …

Knowledge, Awareness, And Intercultural Communication Effectiveness Among Us And Egyptian Student Physical Therapists Following An Educational Intervention, Jordyn Ann Bernstein Spt, Alysa Nichole Gregg Spt, Jessica Deanne Schmidt Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Widespread technology has enhanced international collaboration opportunities. In healthcare professions, communication amongst different cultures is an essential skill to help professionals excel in diverse clinical settings. Physical Therapy programs in the US address the need for cultural competence with classroom activities, but direct interactions with student physical therapists (SPTs) from differing countries are rare. The goal of the study was to investigate changes in intercultural communication effectiveness among US and Egyptian SPTs following four educational sessions. Each session featured an educational video about aspects related to physical therapy in each country and was followed by small group discussions, during which …

A Cross-Sectional Cohort Of The Healthy Older Adult Population’S Ability With Left Right Judgment Task, Cody Jay Davis Spt, Aleesha Kristine Kreutzfeldt Spt, Ali A. Kuca Spt, Whitney Anne Smith Spt, Bailey Marie Volmer Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Over 100 million US adults suffer from chronic pain, many older adults. In some cases, chronic pain has been shown to alter a person’s body schema and thus their motor imagery ability. Clinically, a measurement of left/right judgment (LRJ) has been used to measure motor imagery. Evidence suggests differences can be found in individuals’ LRJ reaction times and accuracy for those with pain compared to those without. Limited study has been done in the area of LRJ in an older population. The primary objective of this study is to explore LRJ norms for older adults. The secondary aim is to …

What’S All The Racket? Comparing Physical Health Outcomes Between Pickleball And Tennis In Older Athletes, Megan Doneen Wilson Spt, Ashley Nicole Meldrum Spt, Austin Jeffrey Buchholz Spt, Andrew David Taverna Spt, Michael John Olson Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Background: Pickleball is rising in popularity, especially among older adults. Pickleball boasts psychological and physical benefits to aging athletes. Singles pickleball has been found to approximate brisk walking in metabolic equivalents (METs) at 4.1, while the METs level for singles tennis is 7.0-8.0. The physical health benefits of tennis are known to be positive while those of pickleball are still being explored. With objective differences in MET level it may be surmised that health outcomes might vary between the two sports.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) to quantify and compare …

Impact Of Perfectionism, Social Media, And Sleep Hygiene, On Stress In Students From Health Professions Programs, Dayton Duane Braley Spt, Madisyn Ann Dingmann Spt, Brooke Elizabeth Grussing Spt, Justin Daniel Heinrichs Spt, Trystin Renae Nilson Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Title: Impact of Perfectionism, Social Media, and Sleep Hygiene, on Stress in Students from Health Professions Programs

Purpose: Explore the impact and relationships of perfectionism, sleep, and social media on stress in health profession students.

Methods: After IRB approval, 62 health pre-professional/professional students completed this non-experimental survey via Qualtrics. The survey consisted of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), questions about social media usage, and demographic characteristics. Surveys were completed in 2021.

Results: Participant demographics included: 50 female, 12 male; Mean Age (24.16); Program of Study (23 PT, 9 OT, 13 …

Exploring Occupation-Based Sleep Interventions For School-Aged Children Experiencing Homelessness: A Critically Appraised Topic, Aspen Delano, Joslynn Sauer, Emily Vieth

Critically Appraised Topics

Sleep is a crucial component of healthy neurological development throughout childhood. According to Suni (2023a), elementary school-aged children between the ages of 6 and 12 experience sleep deprivation when they obtain less than 9 hours of sleep per night. Contie (2022) found that children experiencing insufficient sleep had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who had sufficient sleep. Additionally, Contie (2022) found that children experiencing sleep deprivation had less gray matter and volume in their brains. This impacts cognitive functioning, specifically decision-making, conflict-solving, working memory, and learning. The brain undergoes critical development of the basal ganglia, ganglia-thalamus-cortex circuit, …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Natural Disasters, Olivia A. Dobrinz, Elise N. Gapp, Jocelyn R. Kirk

Critically Appraised Topics

This critically appraised topic paper (CAT) focuses on interventions for improving individuals’ quality of life and occupational participation following a natural disaster. Described within this CAT are the impacts on individual’s occupations following a natural disaster, the quality of life for individuals, and occupational therapy’s role in improving an individual’s quality of life and occupational participation.

Capacity And Maximal Inspiratory Pressure In Healthy Adults, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, K. Anderson Spt, E. Boyer Spt, A. Griswold Spt, M. Hermans Spt, S. Kiehl Spt, S. Ng Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Diaphragmatic fatigue during maximal exercise causes decreased blood flow to exercising limbs.
• Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) may decrease diaphragm fatigue.
• Current studies use 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) for IMST, but optimal dosing at higher intensities has not been well explored.

Objective

• Investigate the impact of high intensity IMST on aerobic capacity and maximal inspiratory pressure in healthy adults.

Methods

• This study was IRB approved by the university.
• All participants provided informed consent, and demographic information was collected.

Results

• VO2 max did not change significantly in either intervention group after intervention period (p=0.143).
• Groups demonstrated significant improvement …

Effect Of Kinesio®Tape On Scapular Kinematics Of The Asymptomatic Shoulder In Healthy Younger Adults, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Cormick Eaton Spt, Sam Lemminger Spt, Bella Lott Spt, Ryan Smith Spt, Natalie Zitzer Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Limited scapular upward rotation and posterior tilting during upper extremity elevation are correlated with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS)
• Previous research found significant increases in scapular posterior tilting with Kinesio®tape (KT) application
• Purpose: To find a taping method that increases scapular upward rotation and posterior tilting
• Hypothesis: KT application for mechanical facilitation will increase scapular upward rotation during upper extremity elevation

Objective

• Investigate the effects of KT on scapular kinematics during upper extremity elevation

Participants

• Twenty asymptomatic participants aged 23-36 years old (mean 25.45)
• No cervical, thoracic, or shoulder conditions affecting shoulder ROM
• Right hand dominant

Methods

• Kinesio ® tape …

Vestibulo-Oculomotor Function Following A Competitive Season Versus A Non-Competitive Season In Collegiate Football Players, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, J. Gersh Spt, S. Glade Spt, K. Hill Spt, A. Ladue Spt, G. Yackly Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Background

• Football athletes experience a high number of head impacts during competitive play that do not cause immediate observable signs or symptoms.
• Research shows that exposure to repeated subconcussive impacts has a negative effect on the vestibulo-oculomotor (V-O) system and can result in long term neurologic dysfunction.
• Little is known about the ability of the V-O system to recover if an athlete is given an extended time away from subconcussive impacts.

Purpose

• To investigate the difference in V-O function following a non-competitive (due to COVID-19) vs. a competitive season in cleared-to-play football players.

Methods

Participants

• 32 Division II football …

Effects Of External Vibration Stimulation On Internal Rotation Range Of Motion And Hamstring Strength, Shani Johnson Pt, Dscpt, Comt, A. Aiello Spt, M. Beranek Spt, S. Goos Spt, R. Kelly Spt, C. Klemme Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Whole body and localized vibration therapy have gained increased use in the fitness community, clinical setting, and research
• Efficacy as a modality option is yet to be determined

Objective

• Evaluate the effects of localized vibration treatment (LVT) to the sacral region on shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) and isometric hamstring strength

Participants

• 50 Concordia University DPT Students
  • 28 females
  • 22 males
  • Age: 22-33 (Avg. 24)

Methods

• Baseline dominant extremity shoulder IR ROM measured in supine with manual goniometry
• Baseline hamstring strength measurements in prone using MicroFET^TM (hand held dynamometer), taken post 1 practice test
• Therapeutic …

The Effect Of An Instructional Video On Scoring Agreement Of The Asq-3 Between Parents And Spts, Erin Simunds Ms Pt, Bekah Staley Spt, Breanna Mahoney Spt, Alexis Noel Spt, Reilly Peterson Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• 1 in 5 children have developmental delays, yet half are not identified until kindergarten
• Parent-completed tools, like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire version 3 (ASQ-3), provide valuable insight on children’s performance of milestones
• Previous findings demonstrated low agreement between parental and student physical therapist (SPT) scoring of the ASQ-3
• Parents receive no training on administration of formal screening tools

Objective

• Investigate the effect of an informational training video (ITV) for parents on the level of agreement in ASQ-3 scoring between parents and SPTs as a proxy for healthcare providers

Participants

• 10 parents with preschool-aged children in the Hand in …