Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Clinical Effectiveness Of Motor Imagery Post-Stroke: An Evidence Based Review, Azadeh Narimanian, Amanda Reese, Karina Ryabo, Rachel Shepp, Annalisa Synnestvedt

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Following a stroke, many individuals experience participation limitations secondary to upper extremity hemiparesis (Shenn & Leishear, 2011). Motor imagery, the mental representation of movement without any body movement, is an evidenced-based intervention to optimize upper extremity function for patients following stroke (Dickstein & Deutsch, 2007). Motor imagery is a readily applicable, safe, and cost-effective intervention that can help clients achieve a variety of occupational goals within diverse environments (Guttman, Burstin, Brown, Bril, & Dickstein, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to present the results of an evidence-based review examining the use of motor imagery to increase functional outcomes for …

Paws With A Purpose: Evidence Supporting The Use Of Animal Assisted Therapy To Improve Quality Of Life In Adults With Psychiatric Diagnoses, Julia Andraka, Lacey Brinser, Kelly D'Ambrosio, Jordan Justice, Elizabeth Rugen

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Approximately 62.7 million Americans have a psychiatric diagnosis, including Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders^1,6. Adults who are diagnosed with these conditions experience a variety of limitations, including decreased quality of life⁴. Occupational Therapy (OT) has been shown to be an effective treatment to increase quality of life in adults with psychiatric diagnoses³. Occupational therapists working within the mental health field often need to use creative and innovative approaches to motivate their clients, including Animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a unique intervention approach that has the potential to improve a person’s emotional, physical, cognitive and …

Transitions For Tomorrow: An Evidence-Based Review Of Post-Secondary Transition Planning For Individuals With Autism, Julie Bardenwerper, James Gillette, Elizabeth Luk, Hilary Moser, Alanna Raffel

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disability in the US other than ADHD (IACC, 2012). Currently, the prevalence of individuals with ASD is estimated to be 1 in 88 in the US (CDC, 2012). Therefore, increasing numbers of children with ASD will age out of high school and transition to postsecondary settings. Individuals with ASD have demonstrated less successful postsecondary outcomes than individuals with other disabilities (Shattuck et al., 2011). Currently, there is limited research supporting the methods of successful transition planning for students with ASD (IACC, 2012). The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the …

The Effects Of Multiple Sclerosis On Perceived Parenting Roles And Adolescent Coping, Alyssa Coundourides, Kendra Host, Elizabeth Rexroat

Adult

This research project focused on the effects of parental multiple sclerosis (MS) upon parenting roles and family coping. Specifically, the study was implemented to acquire insight into the primary research question: How do parents perceive familial role changes resulting from MS to impact coping of their adolescent children? The study also investigated the role of occupational therapy in assisting parents with MS to facilitate coping in their adolescent children. These concepts were investigated though a mixed methods design, using the Role Checklist to quantitatively assess participants’ roles and values, and a focus group to qualitatively explore participants’ lived experiences of …

The Effect Of Balance Training With An Innovative Approach Compared To Traditional Balance Exercises, Brian Curtis Waite

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of an X Box 360 KinectTM game as a modality for improving balance. Specifically, this study explores the use of the Target Kick mini game on Kinect SportsTM as a tool for VR rehabilitation. Subjects (N=18, age 23.3 ±2.87 yrs, mass 71.83 ±15.25 kg, height 168.4 ±7.79 cm) with no lower extremity injury were randomly placed into three groups (X Box n = 6, Traditional n = 6, and Control n = 6). The X Box (XBOX) group performed ten minutes of balance training by playing an X Box game …

Hand Pressure And Force: Adapted Knives Compared To A Straight Knife, Melissa S. Hudecz, Lillian A. Schaefer, Katherine A. Simon

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study analyzed the pressure and force required to cut an object with a standard kitchen knife and two adaptive knives. Occupational therapists recommend adaptive utensils such as kitchen knives. The appropriate tool or adaptive device reduces joint force and pressure and helps keep joints properly aligned to reduce pain during daily activities for individuals with arthritis. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge to support the use of adapted equipment. Methods: Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Data were collected using a hand sensor and software made by Novel Pliance-X. This tool was found to …

Introduction To Ipe: A School-Wide Orientation Initiative, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Susan Wainwright, Phd, Pt, Frances Gilman, Dhsc, Rt, R, Ct, Cv, Mr

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Session Objectives:

Present an innovative approach to orienting new students from various healthcare disciplines on Interprofessional Educa(on (IPE).

Discuss strategies to shape incoming students’ attitudes toward working in teams.

Discuss challenges and opportunities in coordinating a large-­‐scale IPE event.

Synopsis

Interprofessional experiences are a vital part of healthcare education, and early introduction can positively impact students’ attitudes and knowledge about their team members’ roles. While students at academic health centers (AHC’s) have opportunites to engage in IPE, such opportunites can be overwhelming given significant challenges to coordination and implementation. Addressing these challenges, an interprofessional team at Jefferson School of Health …

Expressing, Responding, Protecting, And Inspiring Through Art, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Margy Hunter, MS, MA, LLP, OTR/L, created the cover of the Spring 2013 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. She created this untitled work as a personal reflection on the impact of war on individuals and society, as well as on the history of the profession of occupational therapy (OT), which began in response to military service members’ needs. Also embedded in the creation of this piece are the restorative benefits of participation in creative arts for OT practitioners who deliver services to patients experiencing profound life changes. Additionally, this article explores the artists’ use of art …

Preparing Occupational Therapy Students For The Complexities Of Clinical Practice, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres, Mark Kovic, Minetta Wallingford, Lavonne Ellen St.Amand

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper examined the effect of a unique amalgam of adult learning methodologies near the end of the occupational therapy (OT) students’ didactic education as a means to enhance readiness for clinical practice. Results of quantitative and qualitative data analysis indicated that the use of standardized patients, in combination with a sequential, semistructured, and progressively challenging series of client cases, in an OT adult practice (intervention) course, improved the students’ self-perception of their level of comfort and skill on various foundational, yet essential, OT-related competencies.

Teaching Effectiveness: Preparing Occupational Therapy Students For Clinical Practice, Jane C. Obrien, Scott D. Mcneil

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Medical educators must examine the ability of teaching methodologies to prepare students for clinical practice. Two types of assessment methods commonly used in medical education include the Short Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and the Integrated Performance Procedural Instrument (IPPI). The use of these methods in occupational therapy (OT) education is less understood. With the increasing number of students enrolled in programs, faculty face challenges to examine how clinical competence is established using data to determine teaching effectiveness. This study examines two educational methodologies used in OT curriculum: the long written case study (IPPI) and short performance-based OSCE. The authors …

Grip And Pinch Strength Norms For Michigan Workers, Joel M. Phillips, Debra K. Lindstrom-Hazel, Samantha Harrow Swantek, Erin Courtnay Catalano

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to create a norm reference of current grip and pinch strength norms for working-age Michigan adults. This normative study included a convenience sample of 179 volunteers who were employees at car plants in South East Michigan or hospital sites in West Michigan. Participants’ ages ranged from between 20 and 62 years of age with a mean age of 49.15 years. There were 78 females (44%) and 101 males (56%). Subjects were classified by gender and in the age categories of ages 20 to 49 years and ages 50-62 years. Grip and pinch strength norms …

Letter From The Editor: Let’S Talk About Function, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Finger Position On Pinch Strength, Rachel Boerema, Jamie Powers, Kelsey Walukonis

Hand and Upper Extremity

The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in the amount of tip, lateral, and three-jaw-chuck pinch force generated when fingers are placed on the groove or bridge of a B&L pinch gauge. Thirty-six healthy volunteers (9 males, 27 females), ages 19-49, participated in the study. Using a quantitative crossover design, each participant pinched six times: one for each type of pinch with fingers placed on the groove and bridge. Although no significant differences were found, results revealed slightly higher three-jaw- chuck and lateral pinch strength when fingers were placed on the groove, whereas tip pinch strength was …

An Examination Of Executive Function, Mild Cognitive Impairment And Fall Risk In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Jennifer A. Blackwood

Dissertations

The aim of this three-paper dissertation was to examine the relationship between fall risk, executive function (EF) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community dwelling older adults. Papers one and two describe how mild changes in cognition influence performance on four measures of fall risk, the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), usual gait speed, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) in a group of community dwelling older adults. The third paper describes if participation in a progressively challenging domain specific computerized cognitive training intervention influenced performance on measures of …

Clinical Reasoning In The Use Of Slings For Stroke Patients With Shoulder Subluxation: A Practice Phenomenon In California, Simon Chi, Naoko Murai

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Purpose: The literature reported the frequent use of shoulder slings by occupational therapy practitioners for the management of post-stroke shoulder subluxation despite the low evidence for its efficacy. We investigated the prevalence and clinical reasoning in the use of shoulder sling in order to understand the clinical context that defies the current research evidence.

Methodology: The study is a quantitative descriptive design using self-report survey questionnaire. Online and on-site surveys were distributed among the members of Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) between January and April, 2012, and attendees to OTAC Spring Symposium on March 31 and April 1, 2012. …

Decreasing Fall Risk In Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Reynaldo Joseph Ballesteros Jr., Kellie Ann Hislop, Chanita Mary Panchasarp

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This thesis project was created to help promote fall risk awareness in older adults who are living in the community with a serious mental illness. This project consisted of a 3-part multifactorial intervention plan that focused on increasing fall risk awareness and promoting participation in healthy lifestyles. Environmental modifications were made to the facility to create a safe environment and minimize the risk of falls. An exercise video was created and piloted with the residents of a facility for people with serious mental illness. The video included strength and balance exercises which minimize the risks of falling. An inservice was …

Increasing Fall Self-Efficacy And Awareness Of Fall Risks Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Dona Diane Andersen, Brian Edwin Dinozo, Heather Vengco Enrile, Brittany Anne Hutchison

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a modified version of the Stepping On fall prevention program in increasing fall self-efficacy and awareness of fall risks in community-dwelling older adults.

Method: This research study utilized a quantitative, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest singlegroup design with a qualitative element. The fall prevention program was the intervention of this study. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) was a pre and post measurement tool. The Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), the Romberg test, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) were screening tools. Fourteen older adults aged 75 …

Developing A Comprehensive Handwriting Curriculum Utilizing The Handwriting Without Tears™ Approach For Typically Developing Elementary School Aged Children, Taryn Nicole Clough, Jane C. Malone, Christina Marilyn Robertson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

It is estimated that 27% of school-aged children in the United States have handwriting difficulties (McHale & Cermak, 1992). According to Hammerschmidt and Sudsawad (2004), illegible handwriting is the most common reason for referral to occupational therapy services; 49.2% of total referrals. Previous research on handwriting intervention supports that task-oriented handwriting instructional methods, such as Handwriting Without Tears™ (HWT), are among the most effective handwriting intervention approaches (Lust & Donica, 2011; Olsen, 2011; Weintraub et al., 2009). The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive handwriting curriculum based on the HWT™ technique, including the new IPad application and …

Kindergarten Readiness: The Impact Of Sensory Integration On Preschool Children's Readiness For The Transition To Kindergarten, Laura Alexandria Boyd, Shannon Logan Sobieraj

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The goal of this quantitative, descriptive pilot study was to identify the frequency of sensory processing disorders (SPD) in preschool students who are preparing for the transition into kindergarten. The research also explored the relationship between preschool teachers' perspectives of challenging classroom behavior and parents' reports of sensory processing in the home. Researchers distributed the Sensory Processing Measure for Preschoolers (SPM-P) assessment to parents and a behavioral questionnaire to teachers in three northern California preschools. Thirty-two SPM-P assessments were distributed to parents and 15 (47%) were accurately completed and returned. Of this sample, 2 (13%) student scores on the SPM-P …

Healthy Seniors: A Program Evaluation, Andrea Edith Maffei, Matthew Alexander Patjawee, Jamie Christine Thompson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research study was to perform a summative evaluation of the Healthy Seniors program at Dominican University of California, a wellness program for older adults facilitated by occupational therapy students and faculty.

METHOD: A non-experimental mixed-methods descriptive research design composed of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to analyze data from the 2011 Healthy Seniors sessions.

RESULTS: The majority of participants in the Dominican University of California Healthy Seniors program were women between the ages of 75 and 85. Overall, participants in the Healthy Seniors program improved in functional status and were satisfied with their experience. …

Circles Of Connection: Finding Social Connectedness And Meaning Within Group Process, Julianna F. Bratsberg, Aundrea Marcella Roberts, Susan R. Untiedt

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Social participation is an area of occupation that can increase and enhance an individual’s participation in life. This is particularly true in senior housing communities where common issues of aging and adjustment can be addressed while reducing feelings of social isolation. The purpose of this demonstration project was to provide a venue where older adults living at The Redwoods, a senior housing community in Mill Valley, California, could share and develop meaningful strategies for living, and ultimately foster a sense of connectedness, which would affect quality of life. The project’s goals were to create and implement a series of process …

Bridging The Gap For First Generation Students (Bg4fgs): An Occupation-Based Peer Mentoring Program At Dominican University Of California, Victoria Danielle Rivera, Marion De Celis Sarte, Alison Jean Wiggam

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Attending college is a major milestone in the lives of students. The transition to college can be a challenging process for new students, particularly first-generation students, impacting their ability to meet the more rigorous academic demands and to integrate socially into the campus community (Prospero & Vohra-Gupta, 2007; Ramos-Sanchez & Nichols, 2007). To ease the transition to college, peer mentoring programs can assist new college students by offering guidance, one-on-one and group sessions, providing information about campus life and resources, and referring them to support services (Ferrari, 2004; Lennox & Leonard, 2007). The project developers collaborated with Dominican University of …

An Analysis Of Occupational Therapists’ Listening Behaviors During Treatment Sessions, Steven Joseph Devilbiss, Andreanna Marie Rodriquez, Maria Tolentino

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Background and purpose. Given the importance of listening in establishing a therapeutic relationship between healthcare providers and clients, there is a lack of research investigating the listening behaviors occupational therapists (OTs) use in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to analyze what verbal and nonverbal listening behaviors OTs employ in clinical treatment sessions.

Subjects. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit five OTs and five clients working with those OTs.

Methods. An observational study was used to investigate the verbal and nonverbal listening behaviors OTs employed during the first five minutes of each clinical treatment session. Each …

Promoting Health Literacy Through Leading Edge Occupational Therapy Education, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Annalisa Synnestvedt, Ba, Ots, Alyssa Frey Peachey, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Synopsis:

Health literacy has become a vital focus of U.S. healthcare. By incorporating health literacy knowledge, attitudes, and skills into entry-­‐level education, occupational therapy professionals can enact a leading role in health and human services teams to address our national healthcare goals.

Poster presentation at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, April 2013.

"Coming Out": The Occupational Impact For Gay Men, Karen Mccarthy

Collected Faculty Scholarship

No abstract available

Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining For Individuals With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study, Stephanie Camille Gella, Joshua Victor Ramos, Julie Anne Robertson, Lucia Diana Ulloa

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive retraining program, the Parrot Software, on improving cognitive deficits in memory and attention in individuals with a chronic acquired brain injury (ABI).

Research Design: This study utilized a quantitative quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design.

Participants: Eleven adults over 18 years of age who sustained a chronic ABI two or more years prior to participation in the study and demonstrated deficits in memory and attention were included. Only individuals with ABI due to traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, or ischemic cerebrovascular accident were included.

Method …

What Are The Relations Among Stress Perception, Health Perception And Activity Participation In School-Aged Children?, Allison Caplin

Honors Theses and Capstones

This correlational study examined possible relations among children’s activity patterns, perceived stress, and perceived health. A variety of self-report questionnaires were administered to a sample of 33 school age children. The Pediatric Activity Sort (PACS) was used to measure activity participation, a health questionnaire was used to assess health, and the Childhood Stress Questionnaire (CSQ) was used to measure perceived stress. Correlations showed no significant relationships between stress level and the amount of reported activity participation. The absence of significant relationships may be due to testing a sample of middle to upper class, Caucasian children, as there was a skewed …

Between Wind And Water: Experiences Of Mothers Of Adolescents With Autism During The Post-High School Transition, Devon R. Casey

Honors Theses and Capstones

Research Question: How do mothers of adolescents with autism experience and prepare for their child's post- high school transition?

Frett: Fall Risk Evaluation Tool For Traumatic Brain Injury A Master’S Thesis Project, Heidi Ann Mertle, Kiley Elizabeth Richter, Louis A. Scirica

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The goal of this thesis project was to develop an evidence-based multi-factorial assessment that appropriately measures fall risk in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The thesis team created an assessment they named FRETT (Fall Risk Evaluation Tool for Traumatic Brain Injury) that evaluates significant risk factors for falling in the TBI population through a variety of assessment tools. Methods included both portions of currently published assessments and original assessments developed by the thesis team. A manual was also developed with detailed instructions on how to perform and score FRETT. The target population for this project included the occupational therapists, …

Expressing Emotions Through Participation In Painting, Molly Bathje

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The cover of the Winter 2013 Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, titled Miles eMOTION, was created by Miles Scharfenberg, an 18-year-old young man with multiple developmental impairments. Miles’ story and his artwork provide a reflection on the ways in which creativity and art can enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Miles’ art exists because of his drive toward engagement and participation in life, but also essential is his mother’s commitment to providing opportunities for him to be creative. The Miles eMOTION series of paintings can inspire occupational therapists, families, caregivers, and people with disabilities to …