Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Participation Among Children With Neurodivergent And Related Conditions: A Mixed Methods Study, Shirish Lala, Darian Amacker, Anne Martens, Alexa Rodefeld, Danielle Toth, Elyssa Wider

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Background: This study explored occupational engagement of children with neurodivergent and related conditions in home, school, and community settings. Children aged 6 to 16 years and their caregivers were recruited to investigate how occupational engagement differs across contexts.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach assessed quantitative data from 51 participants using a modified version of the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation. Qualitative data were collected from 6 semi-structured interviews. The Model of Human Occupation and its components of volition, habituation, and performance capacity, including environmental factors, informed the research process and methodology. Engagement among children with neurodivergent diagnoses is shaped by …

Sexuality And Sexual Activity Of Adults 21 To 35 Years With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mariana D'Amico, Aisha N. Maldonado, Gina Fuentes, Andrea Meston

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report having less sexual experience and engaging in fewer social-sexual behaviors when compared to those without ASD. The purpose of this study is to discover how the quality of sexual education has impacted individuals with high-functioning ASD (HFASD) engagement in sexual activity.

Methods

This qualitative phenomenological study used semi-structured interview questions based on the purpose of the study and identified research questions. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants.

Results

Findings indicated that female adults with HFASD received inconsistent and incomplete sexual education impacting their sexual experiences, safety, and quality of life. All …

Initial Validation Of The Scale Of Occupational Disruption, Ricardo Carrasco, Abigail S. Aquino, Genesis Avalos-Medina, Desiree Thomas, Samira Osman

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Background

Occupations are meaningful activities that humans perform in daily
life. Individuals may experience a disruption in their occupations because of a life-
altering event. Currently, there are no instruments that measure the severity of
occupational disruption. Retrospective and current data were collected to
standardize and establish the reliability of the Scale of Occupational Disruption.

Methods

Social media flyer responses and retrospective data provided data for
232 participants who completed the scale through REDCap. Only 189 participants
qualified for inclusion due to incomplete responses.

Results

A Cronbach’s alpha revealed acceptable internal consistency reliability (a=0.87), meaning that items
measure the same …

Impact Of Interprofessional Collaboration On Nurses And Occupational Therapists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Beverly Murphy, Marissa Casamento, Abigail Fleming, Anna Gomolski, Camryn Labrador

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

This study explores the impact of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) between nurses and occupational therapists (OTs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It investigates the process of collaboration and stakeholder perceptions of interprofessional teamwork. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of IPC in the NICU setting, specifically between nurses and OTs, and to identify barriers that might hinder optimal collaboration.

Methods

A single survey instrument was distributed via social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn) and completed by 47 participants (21 Nurses, 26 Occupational therapists). The survey, created using REDCap, included scaled items …

Perspectives Of Occupational Therapy-Led Caregiver Education On The Quality Of Life Of Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors, Yu Hsiang Liang-Paultre, Stefani Costanzo, Alaunte Major, Krisyadlee Mercado Lugo, Olivia Schrader

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals recovering from a cerebrovascular accident. Caregiver training provided by occupational therapy practitioners helps families manage post-stroke care and reduce the risk of secondary complications. This study explored caregivers’ perspectives on occupational therapy-led education, focusing on the type, quality, and perceived effectiveness of training before discharge.

Methods

Originally designed as a mixed-methods study, the research was modified to a qualitative design after hurricanes affected recruitment. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of individuals who had a cerebrovascular accident …

Stress Management And Working Mothers, Mariana D'Amico, Ashley Ndip

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Abstract

Purpose: Explore evidence-based interventions to manage stress for working mothers.

Method: A scoping review was undertaken to explore and synthesize the evidence supporting occupational therapy interventions for working mothers. Select keywords were used individually and combined in EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Scopus, CINHAL, Cochrane Library Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, PubMed, PEDro.

Results: After reviewing the 14 identified articles, eight were removed for not meeting criteria, leaving six for synthesis. Four articles were at Level IV evidence, and two articles were qualitative. Social support extended family and mindfulness training were found to be helpful as reported by working mothers.

Conclusion: There …

Examining The Infant Motor And Engagement Scale In Infants, Joanne Flanagan, Grace Albert, Jennifer Quiles Mendez, Jenna Morley, Laura Thomas, Brianna M. Vidal

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose

Our research examines the psychometric properties of the Infant Motor and Engagement Scale, which was designed to identify early indicators of autism spectrum disorder. Two ongoing longitudinal studies are being conducted in two settings: one at Nova Southeastern University's Davie Pediatrics Clinic and the other in the community. The prospective study at the University of Davie Pediatric Clinic examines whether infant behaviors measured by the IMES can distinguish between infants later diagnosed with ASD and those who are typically developing. Furthermore, the community-based research assesses the psychometric properties of the IMES. It examines the relationship between early infant behaviors …

Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction And Repair In Nonthrowing Athletes, William L. Johns, Neel K. Patel, Benjamin Miltenberg, Ryan W. Paul, Adeeb J. Hanna, Michael C. Ciccotti, Steven B. Cohen, Michael G. Ciccotti, Christopher C. Dodson

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in nonthrowing athletes is less commonly performed, and the outcomes of that management have not been thoroughly described.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcomes of surgical management of UCL injury in nonthrowing athletes.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent UCL reconstruction or repair across a 10-year period (2010-2020), with nonthrowing athletes who had >2-year follow-up being specifically identified. Demographic variables such as age, sport participation, concomitant procedures, and graft type, as well as postoperative outcomes such as complications, …

Information About Task Duration Influences Energetic Cost During Split-Belt Adaptation And Retention Of Walking Patterns Post-Adaptation, Samantha N. Jeffcoat, Adrian Aragon, Andrian Kuch, Shawn Farrokhi, Andrew Hooyman, Russell Johnson, Natalia Sanchez

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Studies of locomotor adaptation have shown that adaptation can occur in short bouts and can continue for long bouts or across days. Information about task duration might influence the adaptation of gait features, given that task duration influences the time available to explore and adapt the aspects of gait that reduce energy cost. We hypothesized that information about task duration and frequency of updates influences adaptation to split-belt walking based on two competing mechanisms: individuals anticipating a prolonged adaptation period may either (1) extend exploration of energetically suboptimal gait patterns, or (2) adapt toward a more energy-efficient pattern earlier to …

The Differential Effects Of Fast Walking Speed On Muscle Coactivation In The Paretic And Non-Paretic Extremities Post-Stroke, Natalia Sánchez, Andrian Kuch, Samantha N. Jeffcoat, Andrew Hooyman, Aria Haver-Hill, Christina K. Holl, Kristan A. Leech

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background:

Clinical practice guidelines for walking recovery post-stroke recommend high aerobic intensity training, which usually involves walking at fast speeds. However, the acute effect of fast speeds on the neuromuscular control of walking is unclear.

Objectives:

(1) Assess the criterion validity of the Dynamic Motor Control Index (WalkDMC) as a measure of coactivation post-stroke. (2) Assess acute speed-dependent coactivation post-stroke. (3) Assess how clinical characteristics shape the speed-dependent coactivation response. (4) Assess the relationship between heart rate and coactivation post-stroke. We hypothesized that WalkDMC is correlated with function and impairment measures. We also hypothesize that coactivation measured via the WalkDMC …

Implementing Pain Curricula In Prelicensure Physical Therapy Education: Faculty Perspectives And Experiences, John D. Kiesel

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of pain on society has implications for individuals’ well-being and the overall health of society. Despite the high prevalence of pain, many new healthcare providers often lack the confidence and skills to manage patients with pain effectively. This phenomenological research study aimed to understand the lived experiences of faculty responsible for developing and delivering pain education to prelicensure physical therapy students. A secondary purpose was to examine the barriers that exist from the perspective of faculty members with subject matter expertise in pain education to implementing effective pain education in prelicensure curricula. Prelicensure pain education is essential for …

Well-Being And Quality Of Life Of Kenyan Nurses, Midwives And Community Health Volunteers: Measurement Properties And Correlates Of The Bbq And Who-5, Paul Mwangi, Sabina Odero, Rachel Odhiambo, Brenda Nzioka, Constance Shumba, Eunice Ndirangu, Amina Abubakar

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Healthcare workers’ quality of life (QoL) and well-being is directly linked to the quality of services they deliver. However, there is a shortage of validated measures to assess QoL, well-being and their predictors among healthcare workers in Kenya, as in other LMICs. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ) and WHO-5 well-being index (WHO-5) among nurses, midwives and community health volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya. The BBQ and WHO-5 were selected due to their established psychometric strengths, brevity, and prior use in healthcare settings. Additionally, the sociodemographic, psychological, and health …

Graduate Physical Therapy Students Perceived Benefit Of Prior Anatomy Experiences Following Their First Semester Graduate Physical Therapy Anatomy Course, Austin Alexander

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Human anatomy stands as a cornerstone prerequisite for admission into graduate-level Physical Therapy Programs. As such, prior anatomy experiences need to prepare students for success in graduate-level coursework. However, studies have demonstrated that undergraduate anatomy courses vary in their ability to predict success in graduate Physical Therapy anatomy coursework. This research aimed to utilize students' perceptions of their undergraduate anatomy experiences to predict grades in graduate-level Physical Therapy anatomy coursework. The multinomial logistic regression in this study revealed that the absence of perceived preparedness was a significant predictor of membership in the C graduate anatomy grade group. Students who did …

Injury Prevention And Care Training Website, Samantha E. Myers

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Injury Prevention and Care is a University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) resource within Campus Recreation and Wellness. It serves a variety of students, staff, , and other membership holders with a variety of resources and treatments in caring for injuries and in seeking to prevent new or worsening of injuries. In facilitating the health and growth of this department and their staff, updating the current training resources, and making them more accessible was necessary. Moving forward, discussions of the importance of accessibility and providing various resources, both in IPC and across the UNO campus, were pivotal in the formation and …

Proceedings Of The 25th International Symposium On Adapted Physical Activity, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

This volume presents the Proceedings of the 25th International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA 2025), hosted by Munster Technological University under the Patronage of UNESCO. It is intended as a permanent scholarly record of the symposium, its themes, and its contributions across research, practice, policy, culture, and inclusion in line with CoARA principles.

Promoting Healthy Diet Adherence Using A Multisensory Approach For Post-Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Stacey Myers, Yuki Asakura Strempek, Sarah Kaster, Clare Hall

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Evidence supports a healthy diet for secondary stroke prevention; however, programs to implement nutrition education remain inconsistent. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of using a multisensory approach called the “Hands-on Training” program (HOT) to improve healthy diet adherence among patients rehabilitating after stroke.

Methods: This pilot randomized controlled study was conducted at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental group who received HOT or a control group who received conventional education. The HOT group received real-time meal choice coaching, a healthy meal preparation experience, and additional written education. The Mediterranean Eating …

Empowerment Through Creating An Adaptive Sports And Recreation Program For Persons With Disabilities, Sarah Kadri, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Adaptive sports and recreation (ASR) refers to recreational and competitive physical activities modified to be inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities (PWD), adjusting equipment, rules, instruction, and environmental setup to support participation across a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. PWD often report feeling disempowered due to social stigma, inaccessible environments, and limited opportunities to make meaningful choices about leisure and community life. A lack of diverse and consistent ASR opportunities within communities collectively hinders participation and negatively impacts overall well-being. Utilizing the Person Environment Occupation Performance (PEOP) theoretical framework, this capstone project developed a 10-week swimming …

Evaluation And Identification Of Risk Factors For Stress Among Maquiladora Workers Based On The Mexican Official Standard 035 Survey Tool, Andrea Baca Melendez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background and significance: Occupational psychosocial risk factors are workplace conditions that can trigger physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes. They are strongly associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as non-mental health conditions like myocardial infarction, stroke, and occupational injuries. Analyzing these risks from a sociodemographic perspective provides valuable insights for improving work environments and workers’ well-being. Purpose: This study aimed to identify and determine the levels of occupational psychosocial risk factors among workers in a manufacturing company in Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua, and to examine their relationship with sociodemographic variables to inform future interventions in …

Relationships Between Social Determinants Of Health And Pain Outcome Changes After Exercise In Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis, Klarissa Siebert

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common musculoskeletal disease with pain as the primary symptom. KOA pain is a major contributor to disability and reduced quality of life and has been associated with social determinants of health (SDOH) variables. As for treatments of KOA pain, exercise such as stationary cycling is a first-line and recommended treatment. However, limited research has examined how SDOH influence pain outcomes following such interventions. Objective: This study investigated whether income level, education level, employment status, acculturative stress, and perceived ethnic discrimination are associated with changes in pain following a standardized cycling ergometer exercise in adults …

Hispanic Academic Leadership In The Health And Human Services, Gabriela Elizabeth Rangel

Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, there are 63.7 million Hispanics (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023), making them the largest racial or ethnic minority in the country. National data from 2019 indicates that only 6% of tenured faculty in the U.S. were Hispanic, highlighting a significant underrepresentation of leaders in academia (NCES, 2024). This study employed a phenomenological approach with purposeful sampling, utilizing semi-structured interviews with ten participants who had leadership experience in academia within Health and Human Services (H&HS). The interviews served to explore various aspects, such as what were their aspirations to become leaders, their perceptions of the characteristics and qualities …

Physical Therapy Direct Access To Unrestricted Access In The State Of Michigan- Is Michigan Ready To Embrace Change? A Policy Analysis, Erica M. Fernandes, Mary D. Lagerwey, Kieran Fogarty

Michigan Journal of Public Health

Michigan’s Direct Access Provision of 2015 (Enrolled Senate Bill No. 690, 201), which aimed to increase patient access to physical therapy and reduce waiting times, has created hurdles for patient access and for physical therapy as an autonomous profession. The purposes of this policy analysis were: 1) to analyze the Direct Access (DA) policy including examining existing challenges resulting from implementation, 2) provide recommendations for implementing an alternative policy, and 3) outline the benefits of the alternative policy. The DA policy with provisions was examined using the Patton and Sawicki (1993) framework, which provides a basic approach that …

Energy Flow Differences In Throwing Arm Joints Between Javelin And Weighted Balls In Male Javelin Throwers, Hans-Peter Köhler, Kristof Kipp, Nikola Prvulović, Maren Witt

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: To enhance release velocity during competition, javelin throwers incorporate implements of varying mass into their training regimens. Previous research has demonstrated that, although velocity contributes quadratically to the computation of kinetic energy, heavier implements generate substantially greater kinetic energy at the moment of release, despite markedly lower release velocities. The primary objective of the present investigation was to analyze energy transfer within the throwing arm to gain deeper insight into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the use of implements with different masses.

Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of 16 reflective markers were recorded for 6 athletes during throws using 6 different …

State Of Stroke Rehabilitation In Australia: A Who Stars Assessment To Identify Strengths And Gaps Across Policy, Practice And Funding, Lauren J. Christie, Erin Godecke, Maddison Smith, Katharine Scrivener, Kelvin Hill, Joosup Kim, Maria Crotty, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Angela Dos Santos, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: Rehabilitation following stroke is a complex series of assistive and catalytic interventions enabling a survivor to recover and adapt to their stroke. To achieve adaptation, rehabilitation should supplement healthcare across the continuum, however comprehensive evidence on the provision of stroke rehabilitation in Australia is lacking. The aim of this paper was to describe stroke rehabilitation provision, collecting data using the World Health Organisation (WHO) template for rehabilitation information collection (TRIC). Data were analysed descriptively to complete the Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) assessment. Recent Findings: Challenges include inadequacies in reporting and poor data integration between state- …

Co-Design Of A Personalised Physical Activity Intervention For Stroke Survivors, Natalie A. Fini, Emily Ramage, Julie Bernhardt, Erin Bicknell, Chris Tzefronis, Paul Fink, Erin Godecke, Jill Francis, Rebecca Wood, Nicole Li, Brandon Lin, Coralie English, Catherine M. Said

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction/ aims: Incorporating the perspectives of knowledge-users such as stroke survivors into intervention development processes can enhance their relevance and feasibility. The aims of this study were: i) to use co-design to determine “active ingredients” and develop a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors, and ii) to evaluate the co-design process. Methods: A four-stage integrated knowledge translation approach (involving planning and workshops) was applied to co-design a post-stroke physical activity intervention. Knowledge-user participants (stroke survivors (n = 10), carers (n = 3) and clinicians (n = 12)) were recruited. Knowledge-user participants (n = 25) and the research team (n …

Voluntary Activation Of The Ankle Plantar Flexors: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Molly E. Coventry, Christopher Latella, Brady Green, Andrea B. Mosler, Jayden Peak, Maria Luciana Perez Armendariz, Ebonie K. Rio, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Voluntary activation is a measure of neural drive, typically measured during maximal contractions, and provides insight into motor function. This systematic review examined voluntary activation assessment of the ankle plantar flexors in healthy and pathological populations, and the association of participant age and positioning (knee and ankle joint angles) with voluntary activation level. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that assessed voluntary activation of the ankle plantar flexors using the interpolated twitch technique or the central activation ratio. Meta-analyses were performed using an inverse variance, random-effects maximal likelihood model …

Characteristics Of Australian And New Zealand Osteopaths Who Treat Patients Presenting With Non-Musculoskeletal Complaints: Outcomes From Two Practice-Based Research Networks, Brett Vaughan, Francesco Cerritelli, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Jack Feehan, Ana Paula A. Ferreira, Michael Fleischmann, Gopi Mcleod, Cindy Mcintyre, Chantal Morin, Lee Muddle, Oliver P. Thomson, Loïc Treffel, Nicholas Tripodi, Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Niklas Sinderholm Sposato, Amie Steel, Jon Adams

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Australian and New Zealand osteopaths predominantly manage musculoskeletal complaints using a variety of modalities including manual therapy, exercise and lifestyle and occupational advice. There appears to be a small percentage of patients who seek osteopathy care for non-musculoskeletal issues such as conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The evidence base for osteopathic treatment as part of the management of such conditions is equivocal. The aim of this study was to describe the practice of Australian and New Zealand osteopaths who report often treating patients with non-musculoskeletal complaints. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Australian and …

Implementing Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy After Stroke In An Early-Supported Discharge Rehabilitation Service: A Process Evaluation Using Re-Aim Quest, Ashan Weerakkody, Erin Godecke, Barby Singer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) improves upper limb (UL) function after stroke. Despite extensive evidence supporting its efficacy and multiple clinical practice guidelines recommending its provision, very few eligible stroke survivors receive mCIMT internationally. A multi-modal behaviour change intervention, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Wheel, was implemented across a large early-supported discharge (ESD) rehabilitation service in Perth, Australia, to increase delivery of mCIMT within existing resources. As part of this iterative implementation process, qualitative data from stroke survivors, carers, clinicians and managers informed program adaptations to support sustained mCIMT delivery. This study aimed to …

Pengaruh Aerobic Low Impact Exercise Terhadap Fungsi Kognitif Lansia Dengan Risiko Demensia Di Sasana Tresna Werdha Cibubur Tahun 2025, Nur Achirda, Liza Laela Abida, Kania Annisa Zahra

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: Entering old age, the elderly often face various problems, one of which is impaired cognitive function. Some factors that influence the decline in cognitive abilities in the elderly include gender, education level, occupation, nutritional status, and comorbidities that can interfere with the nervous system, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The problem of dementia in the elderly is an important concern that requires effective prevention and treatment. Dementia in the elderly can include several aspects, such as orientation, registration, attention and calculation, memory, and language. Physiotherapy has an important role in maintaining and improving body movement function, so that …

Pengaruh Deep Neck Flexor Exercise Terhadap Neck Pain Non-Specific Pada Penjahit, Salwa Maylani, Fendy Nugroho, Yoni Rustiana

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: tailors tend to bow for a long time which results in excessive activation of the postural muscles in maintaining the position of the neck which causes weakness, decreased activity, and muscle imbalance which results in pain in the neck area. In overcoming these disorders, the intervention that can be given is deep neck flexor exercise. Objective: to determine the effect of deep neck flexor exercise on non-specific neck pain in tailors. Methods: this study used an experimental one group pre and post test with control design which was carried out in May-July 2024 at PT. Iskandar Indah Printing Textile …

Kecemasan Orang Tua Yang Memiliki Anak Disabilitas Intelektual Di Slbn 4 Jakarta, Hermito Gidion, Purnama Betty Sitorus, Zahrah Nabila Humayrah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Anxiety is a common mental condition characterized by feelings of nervousness, fear, and restlessness that can interfere with daily life. Parents who have children with intellectual disabilities often experience anxiety due to various factors, including psychological pressure and high emotional burdens. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of anxiety among parents who have children with intellectual disabilities at SLBN 4 Jakarta and to identify the relationship between predisposing and precipitating factors and the level of anxiety. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 81 parents at SLBN 4 …