Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Beyond Weight Loss: Effects Of Trx Suspension Training Combined With Caloric Restriction On Thyroid Function And Mental Well-Being In Obese Hypothyroid Women, Siavash Naddafha, Christopher Taber

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background

The rate of metabolism decreases in hypothyroid patients; hypothyroidism is associated with body mass increases; due to this and other factors, depression, anxiety, and stress increase, which, alongside the disease state and psychological problems, causes the quality of life to suffer.

Objectives

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of caloric restriction along with TRX exercise on body mass, thyroid hormones, and psychological measures in obese and overweight women with hypothyroidism.

Methods

34 women aged 18–50 with hypothyroidism and a body mass index above 25 participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: a …

P38 Mapk Is Involved In Epigenetic Regulation Of Fibrotic Genes In Replication Induced Senescence In Lung Fibroblasts, Shan Zhu, Jennifer Q. Zhou, Kan Wang, Ming-Lei Guo, Yan Sanders

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Fibroblast activation is essential for tissue repair following injury; however, prolonged activation drives pathological fibrosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and age-associated lung disease, is characterized by aberrant fibroblast activation, with increasing evidence implicating senescent and near-senescent fibroblasts in its pathogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. In this study, we investigated whether histone modification is involved in TGF-β1 treated lung fibroblasts and contributes to the fibrotic phenotype. Human IMR90 lung fibroblasts at low and high population doubling levels (LPDL and HPDL), as well as primary IPF fibroblasts, were used in this study. In response to TGF-β1, both …

Effect Of Active Music-Based Intervention Conducted By Music Therapists Or Medical Professionals On Reducing Agitation In Patients With Dementia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jian-Jia Huang, Yu-Hsuan Chen, Yun-Chen Chung, Yu-Peng Huang, Yu-Cheng Pei

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Music-based interventions (MI), including music therapy and music medicine, have been proposed to reduce agitation in patients with dementia, yet evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews remains inconsistent. Moreover, the efficacy of MI may vary by method and professional involvement, which has not been fully examined. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of active MI conducted by music therapists or medical professionals on agitation in patients with dementia compared with those of general therapy (GT). RCTs published between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2021, were identified from MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Study quality …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals In The Workplace, M'Kenna J. Henson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed in partnership with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and focused on the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) areas of education and program development. The project involved developing a nationally-accessible asynchronous continuing education e-course, The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals in the Workplace, to increase occupational therapy (OT) practitioners' and students' knowledge of neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, and evidence-based employment supports.

Current literature highlights significant barriers to employment for neurodivergent individuals. Approximately 20% of people are neurodivergent, yet nearly 80% of neurodiverse adults are unemployed, demonstrating the need for greater …

Regulation Creations: A Trauma-Informed Resource Addressing Sensory And Socio-Emotional Childhood Challenges, Meagan Noel Barnes Pearson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Trauma is ubiquitous and can negatively impact many life outcomes. Though trauma can occur across the lifespan, particular emphasis has been placed on the outcomes of experiences that occur in childhood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as coined by Felitti et al. (1998), pertain to traumatic events that occur before the age of 18, and the correlation between the number of ACEs and poor health outcomes is significant. Children can begin demonstrating unfavorable symptoms upon becoming exposed to trauma. Current literature has illustrated particular differences in sensory systems and social skills for young children. These challenges can lead to hardship …

Acute Changes In Muscle Thickness And Perceptual Responses Following Different Applications Of Blood Flow Restriction, Anuj J. Prajapati

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The use of blood flow restriction (BFR) allows for reductions in exercise intensity without compromising muscular adaptations that are typically only manifested during high-load non-BFR exercise. There exist, however, several ways to implement BFR and there is a lack of information regarding which application may be beneficial over another. The purpose of this investigation was to examine acute changes in muscle size and perceptual responses following different pressure applications of BFR (i.e., continuous BFR [cBFR], intermittent during sets BFR [iBFR_sets], and intermittent during rest BFR [iBFR_rest]) relative to an unrestricted condition (i.e., nBFR). Participants completed cBFR, …

Assessing The Effects Of A Novel Breathing Exercise On Respiratory, Postural, And Muscular Performances, Tristan P. Wilson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Breathing exercises are used in both clinical and home settings for a variety of purposes. Their functions range from reducing anxiety and stress to recuperating pulmonary function, depending on the technique and style employed. Existing literature has demonstrated that breathing exercises increase Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and may be able to improve postural stability due to engagement of the diaphragm when regularly practiced.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a novel breathing exercise would be effective in improving respiratory, postural, and muscular function.

Methods: In order to evaluate this claim, a randomized, double-blind, controlled study …

Relationships Between Quadriceps Neuromuscular Function And Time From Surgery Following Acl Reconstruction Are Sex-Specific, Tatiana Restrepo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with persistent quadriceps dysfunction, including muscular weakness and altered spinal and cortical excitability. While recovery has been widely studied, most investigations focus on isolated domains and fixed postoperative time points. Emerging evidence suggests females often experience slower or less complete quadriceps recovery compared to males, yet the time-dependent nature of these sex-specific outcomes remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine whether relationships between time since ACLR and quadriceps neuromuscular outcomes differ by sex across muscular, spinal, and cortical domains. Adults aged 18–35 with a history of primary, unilateral ACLR were …

Enteral Nutrition Guidelines Improve Critically Ill Patients’ Outcomes: A Quasiexperimental Study, Marwa Abdo, Sara Elsayed Hegazy

Nursing

Background: Optimal nutritional support is a fundamental element of treatment for critically ill patients. Adherence to evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines is essential to promote patient care and prevent potential complications. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of enteral nutrition guidelines in improving critically ill patients’ outcomes. Method: A quasiexperimental study evaluated 68 critically ill patients divided into 2 groups. The intervention group received their nutrition based on the evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines, while the control group received their nutrition based on the unit’s routine care. The study was conducted in the surgical intensive care units of Mansoura Emergency Hospital in Egypt. …

Empowering Staff And Caregiver Through Occupational Therapy Education And Leadership At Hope Therapy Center, Natalie K. Antle

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone was completed with Hope Therapy Center (HTC), a pediatric clinic in Da Nang, Vietnam that is part of a Christian-based nonprofit organization providing free therapy services to children with disabilities and their families. This project focused on the ACOTE areas of education and leadership. It was informed by a previous experience at HTC where I observed a need for additional staff education, caregiver support, and sustainable occupational therapy resources. Those observations guided the development of my capstone and helped ensure the project addressed the clinic's greatest needs.The purpose of this capstone was to strengthen staff knowledge of …

Bridging The Gap: A Resource Toolkit To Support Clients Beyond Discharge, Kaleigh G. Williams

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone was completed at The Medical Center–Franklin, a rural critical access hospital offering outpatient, acute, and post-acute rehabilitation services. The project aligned with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) focus areas of Leadership, Education, and Advocacy through the development of a Resource Toolkit to support caregivers, clients, and rehabilitation specialists during hospitalization and discharge planning.Through discussions with stakeholders regarding social determinants of health and occupational justice, a need for improved access to community resources was identified. In response, a comprehensive toolkit was developed containing more than 60 resources focused on client education, caregiver support, …

Simulated Traffic Stops For Neurodiverse Drivers, Addie Wilson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The goal of this capstone project was to create a simulated traffic stop event for neurodiverse drivers to decrease anxieties and promote positive interactions with local law enforcement. This project was completed under the ACOTE standards of project development and clinical skills, and in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Driving Rehabilitation Program and a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist. Previous simulated traffic stops have been completed specifically for the ASD population and showed improvements in anxiety and understanding of traffic stops. Additionally, resources like the Blue Envelope Program have been implemented across the country to allow for interactions between autistic …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Health, Wellness, And Community Engagement In Rural Texas, Maggie Hall

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) and Doctoral Capstone was completed at Colston Physical Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Kingsville, Texas. The primary ACOTE focus areas addressed were advocacy and education. This capstone aimed to explore community perspectives on health and wellness while identifying gaps in health knowledge and access to community resources and streamline acute care evaluations to minimize readmission rates.

A needs assessment was conducted through community health and wellness questionnaires, stakeholder collaboration, and review of local demographic and health data.  Kingsville, TX is a rural community with higher-than-average rates of poverty and obesity. Findings revealed a need for …

I Am God's Masterpiece- Inclusive Vacation Bible School For Adults With Disabilities, Chelsea Lee M. Beverly

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

A SWOT analysis revealed a substantial need of local events for adults with IDD, therefore, the goal of this capstone project was to host an event promoting inclusivity in rural communities and offering opportunities for meaningful engagement in social participation and leisure activities in diverse populations. I specifically focused on the community impacts of this project, what the needs were for this area, and how this could benefit the community now and in the future. This event was held on June 6, 2026 from 10am-3pm. Participants were offered engagement opportunities through completing crafts, participating in worship, interactive Bible lessons, outdoor …

Improving Fall Prevention In Assisted Living Through Resident Engagement, Staff Education And Environmental Safety Initiatives, Sarah Emmons

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My doctoral capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) were completed at Parkview Assisted Living in Danville, Kentucky. The project focused on the ACOTE areas of education, program development, clinical practice, and leadership, with the goal of improving resident safety and independence through evidence-based fall prevention initiatives. A needs assessment was completed through staff interviews, resident observations, collaboration with facility leadership, and a review of current literature. Findings identified opportunities to enhance staff education related to fall prevention, dementia-informed communication, purposeful rounding, and environmental safety. To address these needs, I developed and implemented Steady Steps, a weekly occupation-based balance group …

Expanding Access To Age-Typical Social Experiences For Children With Disabilities: Camp Quest, Megan Duffy

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

The purpose of this capstone project was to expand access to social participation and community integration experiences for children with disabilities in order to address the gap in access when compared with age-level peers. In order to accomplish this, I developed and administered summer camp programming in partnership with Easterseals Crossroads (ESC), a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. In collaboration with a multitude of clinicians, students, topic experts, and organizational members of ESC, I developed camp programming and staff training for Camp QUEST. Following program development, I coordinated and guided the counselors, clinicians, volunteers, students, …

Pre-Writing/Writing Program Development For Elementary School Children With An Emphasis On Sensory Integration, Kayla A. Bingham

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my Capstone project and Applied Leadership Experience I focused on the importance of handwriting in elementary school children. So, the practice setting I chose to complete my project at was three elementary schools in Petoskey, Michigan. Also, my primary ACOTE focus area for this specific project was program development.

The goals of my capstone includes: Gathering present information (research, work samples, and classroom observation) of pre-writing skills, hand writing skills, and sensory implications of handwriting for students with ASD/SPD, analyze observation notes to target identified factors that are contributing to difficulties in handwriting in students, develop pre-writing skills interventions …

Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Hospice Care: A Needs Assessment And Advocacy Project, Keeton Thornsberry

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This advocacy and education capstone project used a needs assessment questionnaire and literature review to evaluate perceptions of occupational therapy in hospice care. Findings guided the development of educational resources aimed at increasing awareness, supporting appropriate referrals, and promoting occupational therapy as an integral member of the hospice interdisciplinary team.

The Development And Implementation Of A Music-Based Engagement Toolkit To Support Occupations In Long-Term Care Settings, Clay Rains

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project, completed as part of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating an evidence-based Music-Based Engagement Toolkit to support occupational therapy practitioners working with older adults in long-term care. The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed at Morning Pointe Senior Living, serving residents with dementia, Parkinson's disease, mild cognitive impairment, and age-related functional decline. The project emphasized the ACOTE focus areas of clinical practice, program development, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

The primary objectives were to create an evidence-based toolkit, implement individualized music interventions during occupational therapy sessions, and evaluate their impact on occupational …

Accessibility And Inclusion Within Girl Scouts, Morgan N. Minter

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My 14-week doctoral capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed with the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council. Focusing on Program Development and Advocacy, the project aimed to increase accessibility and inclusion through occupational therapy-informed resources and leader education. A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for practical accessibility resources within Girl Scout programming. Drawing on my experience as both a former Girl Scout and occupational therapy student, I recognized opportunities to better support neurodivergent youth and youth with disabilities through evidence-based, inclusive practices. Using evidence review, program observation, and collaboration, I completed an accessibility assessment …

First Responders' Best Friends: A Mental Health And Trauma-Informed Care Program For First Responders, Jordan Postiglione

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

First responders experience consistent exposure to traumatic events in their day-to-day profession, placing them at increased risk for mental health challenges, including stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.  The First Responder’s Best Friends doctoral capstone quality improvement project aimed to increase mental health and well-being in first responders as well as to bring awareness to the importance of mental health and the impact of trauma.  The capstone project consisted of three different areas of focus: program development and implementation, advocacy, and clinical practice skills.  Program development and implementation was a 12-week mental health program at the Kingston Fire …

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty As A Bridge Therapy In Acute Valve Syndrome: A Narrative Review Of Evidence Gaps And Future Directions, Omar Saleh, Omar Jafar, Nicholas Valle, Shirish Yasa, Saleh Mostafa, Raymond L. Benza, Deepak R. Talreja, Benjamin D. Peterson, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Acute valve syndrome (AVS) represents a high-acuity, decompensated presentation of severe aortic stenosis (AS), often manifesting as acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains the only durable therapy for severe AS in patients with prohibitive surgical risk, yet AVS patients may be too unstable for standard preprocedural planning. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has re-emerged as a bridge strategy that can provide rapid hemodynamic stabilization and permit subsequent valve replacement. Registry analyses report lower mortality in emergent TAVR compared with BAV, but these comparisons are confounded by procedural indication and unmatched AS severity. Smaller …

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease Incidentally Diagnosed During Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Report, Ching-Yun Liao, Chung-Hao Chao, Chih-Chin Hsu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

背景

髓鞘少突膠質細胞糖蛋白抗體相關疾病（MOGAD）是一種罕見的自體免疫發炎性疾病，主要涉及中樞神經系統（CNS），其主要特徵是視神經、腦部和脊髓脫髓鞘。我們報告一例最初疑似復發性中風的病例，該病例在住院中風復健期間最終確診為MOGAD。

病例概要

49歲女性，左側大腦半球梗塞，在中風後復健期間出現多次右側肢體肌力下降伴隨失語症。這些神經功能波動偏離了典型卒中的預期復健軌跡。卒中發作兩個月後行腦部磁振造影（MRI）檢查，結果顯示右側內囊後肢、腦橋及C1脊髓出現多處新發病灶。後續血清學檢查顯示抗髓鞘少突膠質細胞糖蛋白（MOG）IgG抗體陽性，而水通道蛋白4（AQP4）抗體陰性，確診為MOGAD。患者接受了甲潑尼龍治療及充分的復健治療，追蹤期間肌力顯著改善，未見脫髓鞘病灶復發。

結論

本案例凸顯了復健科醫師在早期發現類似中風的神經發炎性疾病的關鍵作用。復健科醫師處於獨特的領先地位，能夠透過持續的功能監測識別「危險信號」；任何偏離預期復健路徑或無法解釋的神經功能波動都應促使醫生進行進一步檢查。早期識別此類非典型模式，並及時進行免疫治療和多學科康復，可以預防永久性功能衰退，並優化長期預後。

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-Based Therapies And The Intersection Of Metabolic And Skin Disease, Ana Ormaza-Vera, Clinton W. Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

[Introduction] To the Editor: The development of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/GLP-1RAs is revolutionizing the management of metabolic disease. Perhaps most impressive is that their clinical significance extends far beyond their approved indications and touches seemingly every organ system, even the skin.

Unusual Case Of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect, Varuni Pragya, Madhukesh Rudramurthy, Siddalinga Murthy G

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Urinary bladder ruptures are an uncommon injury, occurring in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal trauma. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures are generally associated with pelvic fractures and usually managed nonoperatively but open surgery is required when these injuries are associated with additional trauma to structures like prostate and urethra.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report our experience with a 32-year-old male who suffered a head on collision with a four-wheeler while driving a two-wheeler in a road traffic accident. He presented to the hospital with abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty in passing urine and swelling of the scrotum. His X Ray …

Use Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation As An Assessment Of Corticospinal Excitability In Individuals With Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, Elizabeth Cornforth

Theses and Dissertations

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common, disabling, chronic vestibular disorder whereby individuals experience symptoms of non-vertiginous dizziness, unsteadiness, and sway or rocking that are present most hours of the day, most days of the week. Individuals with PPPD have been noted to have an increased burden of dizziness and reduced quality of life compared to other dizziness diagnoses. The cause of PPPD is not well understood which can lead to years of diagnostic testing, failed therapies, and poor symptom management. It is important to understand PPPD pathophysiology so that optimal treatment interventions can be developed for this disorder to …

Integrating Hippotherapy Into Interprofessional Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Pilot Study, Bethany H. Wenger

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Background and Significance: Stroke remains a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting over 2.5 million individuals annually. Stroke-related motor and communication deficits often co-occur, increasing challenges for recovery, increasing social isolation, depression, and dependency. Hippotherapy has emerged as a novel treatment approach for neurorehabilitation; however, its application within interprofessional models for individuals with stroke-related motor and communication impairments remains underexplored. This study examines the feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability of an interprofessional intervention using hippotherapy for adults with chronic post-stroke aphasia, the purpose of which is to generate methodological guidance for future controlled trials.

Methods: A non-randomized, single-group …

Transitioning To Life After Sport: Empowering Former College Varsity Athletes To Live More Healthfully, Linda Piacentine, Taylor L. Wolf, Jacob J. Capin

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: 

The transition out of competitive sport comes with a range of psychosocial challenges for athletes, particularly when retirement is involuntary (e.g., due to injury). Little is known about the health of former athletes who often manage prior injuries and changing biopsychosocial factors.

Purpose: 

Identify the unique experiences of varsity athletes during college and as they transition to life after college sports and determine the facilitators, barriers, and needs of college varsity athletes to engage in a physically active and healthy lifestyle after competitive sport retirement.

Methods: 

Thirty former college varsity athletes (15F, 15M; mean age 23 ± 1 yrs; …

Entry Requirements As Predictors Of Early Academic Success And Student Performance In Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Education, Eileen Du Plooy, Daleen Casteleijn, Denise Franzsen, Gopika Ramkilawon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The selection process for health sciences programs such as occupational therapy is complex, involving a combination of academic and non-academic selection criteria as entry requirements. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of entry requirement variables on academic performance during the first and second year of an undergraduate occupational therapy program in South Africa. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized, and the sample included 129 first- and second- year occupational therapy students. Data was collected retrospectively through educational data mining of university records and institutional dashboards. The variables analyzed included National Senior Certificate Grade12 (NSC12) grades (Mathematics, Life Sciences, …

A Scholarly Exploration Of Teaching Strategies For Learning About Pediatric Sleep, Laura J. Carpenter, Amanda M. Buono

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The occupation of sleep is an area of occupational therapy practice for which many practitioners report a lack of confidence and/or knowledge to properly address. The current study addresses this concern by studying the effects of a learning module on students’ confidence and knowledge to address pediatric sleep. The study used a pre-test, post-test non-experimental design and collected survey responses from 48 entry-level occupational therapy students in three different programs. The lecture portion of the module included content about both assessing and intervening, while the case study emphasized intervention-planning only. Results indicated significant gains in knowledge overall (z = …