Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Embracing And Enacting An ‘Occupational Imagination’: Occupational Science As Transformative, Debbie Rudman

Occupational Therapy Publications

This paper addresses the question of how occupational science can move forward in its development as a socially and politically engaged discipline. It is argued that a transformative approach to scholarship needs to be embraced, and that enacting such an approach requires a radical reconfiguration of the sensibility underpinning occupational science. After reviewing the key defining characteristics of a transformative paradigmatic approach, key insights regarding how to foster a radical sensibility in occupational science are drawn from C. Wright Mills (1959) conceptualization of ‘the sociological imagination’. Embracing an occupational imagination premised on these key insights would foster the transformative potential …

Utility Of An Occupational Therapy Driving Intervention For A Combat Veteran, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Maria Canonizado, Sandra Winter

Collected Faculty Scholarship

Many combat veterans are injured in motor vehicle crashes shortly after returning to civilian life, yet little evidence exists on effective driving interventions. In this single-subject design study, we compared clinical test results and driving errors in a returning combat veteran before and after an occupational therapy driving intervention. A certified driving rehabilitation specialist administered baseline clinical and simulated driving assessments; conducted three intervention sessions that discussed driving errors, retrained visual search skills, and invited commentary on driving; and administered a postintervention evaluation in conditions resembling those at baseline. Clinical test results were similar pre- and postintervention. Baseline versus postintervention …

Measuring The Playfulness Of Children With Special Needs In Occupational Therapist Led, Caregiver-Included Community Playgroups, Sarah Fabrizi

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of community playgroups on the playfulness of children ages 15 months to 3 years with special needs. In addition to playfulness of the child, the sensitivity and responsiveness of the caregiver were examined. A quasi-experimental, pretest-and-posttest, repeated measures design was used to follow eight children and their caregivers receiving early intervention services and taking part in a community playgroup. The children and their caregivers were measured during a 4-week standard-of-care baseline, before and after an 8-week intervention period, and 4 week post-intervention. The Test of Playfulness (ToP) was utilized to …

Adapting The Resources For Enhancing Alzheimer’S Caregivers Health (Reach) Program For Use In A Nursing Home Setting, Edward Golden

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Adapting the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health (REACH) program for use in a nursing home setting

OCT 7003 Capstone Paper

A Community Grant Application To Support People With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Jessica Montomery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In upcoming years, the population of older adults with dementia is expected to rise exponentially, with the expectation that the majority of these individuals will choose to age in place with increased caregiver support (AARP, 2011; National Alliance for Caregiving, 2009; Vincent & Velkoff, 2010). Without adequate education to prepare for the caregiving role, education, instruction, and support, informal caregivers are at an increased risk for caregiving burden, stress, and mortality rates (Morimoto, Schreiner, & Asano, 2003; Schulz & Beach, 1999; Thinnes & Padilla, 2011). The goal for this scholarly project was to create a home and community-based program for …

Developing Bilateral And Spatial Concepts In Primary School-Aged Children: An Empirical Evaluation Of The Anker Bilateral Spatial System, Janet Richmond Dr, M Taylor Dr, S Evans

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties contribute to school-aged learning problems. Hence, a need exists to address children’s visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties as early as possible in the child’s school career. Thus, this study reports on the evaluation of the Anker Bilateral Spatial System’s (ABSS) effectiveness in remediating primary school children’s perceptual difficulties.

Method: Thirty-one children (17 boys and 14 girls) aged 6 to 12 years who had been identified by their classroom teacher as having observable visual-spatial and visual-motor perceptual difficulties participated in a 10-week pre/posttest intervention study. The study’s pre/posttest assessments included the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor …

Perceptions Of Employers In Spokane County Regarding Employing Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shannon White, Curtis Pearson, Amylynne Sargent, Jennifer Mcquillan, Molly Hobbs

2014 Symposium

There is limited research available addressing employment opportunities for adolescents or adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With the growing population of adults with ASD in the United States, there will likely be an increase in the demand for support to help them live independently. The purpose of this research is to obtain employers’ perceptions on employing individuals with ASD. Businesses in Spokane County were mailed invitations to participate in an on-line survey. Results will be analyzed and shared with local agencies for potential program development.

A Systematic Review: The Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Interventions For Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Katherine Adkins, Alexis Moxley, Catherine Petkus

Systematic Reviews

Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis experience a range of symptoms including blurred vision, poor coordination, tremors, numbness, fatigue, concentration and memory problems, and/or blindness. Given the range of symptoms and resulting limitations, individuals with MS will experience occupational challenges, which lead to referrals for occupational therapy. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable individuals to engage in activities that one wants to or needs to participate in. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions that are currently being provided to individuals with multiple sclerosis. Methods: Researchers searched four scholarly databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, PsychINFO, and OT Search. …

Comparing Levels Of Supervision Across Occupational Therapy Intake And Discharge For Individuals Receiving Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Joseph Glenn Grubaugh

Community Based

In response to limited outcome-based research, this study aimed to determine how levels of supervision across OT intake and discharge for individuals receiving post-acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation compare to various participant demographic factors and OT treatment protocols. A retrospective pre-post research design and convenience sampling was utilized for observing quantitative data obtained from Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center located in Mason, MI. Forty-two participants met inclusion criteria for various demographic factors and OT treatment protocols (explanatory variables). SPSS statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact test for comparing levels of supervision (ordinal response variable) to dichotomous explanatory variables. …

Encouraging Occupation: A Systematic Review Of The Use Of Life Review And Reminiscence: Therapy For The Treatment Of Depressive Symptoms In Older Adults, Allison P. Zuiderveen, Caitlin M. Ivey, Sarah A. Dordan

Older Adult

Objective: The present systematic review attempts to investigate the efficacy of both life review and reminiscence therapy interventions in the treatment of depressive symptoms in older adults. This review also attempts to clearly define each intervention; thereby determining which type of therapy was actually performed in previous research studies.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using three databases: CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and pertinent variables were extracted for data analysis.

Results: In all six articles, the reminiscence therapy or life review intervention was found to be effective in the treatment of …

Sensory Integration Interventions Used By Pediatric Occupational Therapists For Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review, Teddie Buchner, Jennifer Fortuna, Natalie Lindsay

Pediatrics

Objective: To identify sensory based interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with ASD.

Design: Systematic Review

Methods: Researchers searched four scholarly databases to obtain articles identifying sensory integration interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists. The four key terms used to filter the resulting articles include: “occupational therapy,” “autism,” “sensory,” and “interventions.” Articles were eliminated based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results: A total of 11 articles were chosen to identify sensory integration interventions used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with ASD.

Conclusions: The sensory based interventions most commonly used by pediatric occupational therapists treating children diagnosed with …

Conservative Treatment Of De Quervain’S Tenosynovitis In Occupational Therapy: A Retrospective Outcome Study, Kevin R. Lang, Brittney S. Gibson, Kayleigh M. Oppenhuizen

Hand and Upper Extremity

Objective: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQ) is a painful condition characterized by pain and inflammation at the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. This condition affects the wrist and thumb, and generally decreases an individual’s performance and engagement in daily occupations. Conservative management with occupational therapy (OT) can assist to diminish the associated symptoms and facilitate recovery of function; however, it is unclear what interventions are the most effective. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of conservative OT interventions for individuals diagnosed with DQ.

Study Design: An exploratory retrospective review of 148 de­‐identified electronic medical records provided …

Occupational Therapists' Experiences With Ethical And Occupation-Based Practice In Hospital Settings, Joanne P. Estes

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Changes in health care delivery practices are impacting the provision of care in all venues. Occupational therapists working in hospital settings strive to meet professional mandates for occupation-based practice within a medical-model system. Ethical practice is another aspect of service provision vulnerable to contextual influences. The aims of the two studies reported here were to explore occupational therapists’ experiences with occupation-based practice, and with ethical issues, in hospital settings. Grounded theory methods were employed for both studies. Data were collected via individual, semi-structured interviews with 22 participants for the first study. For the second study, nine participants participated in individual, …

Adherence To Home Programs In Patients With Acute Orthopedic Injuries Of The Upper Extremity, Brien J. Buckentine, Justin L. Fredrickson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to explore the relationship between occupational therapy home program of clients with acute upper extremity injuries, client factors, and performance patterns that are influential in clients’ adherence to their prescribed home programs. A secondary purpose was to develop an instrument intended to measure adherence in patients with an orthopedic injury of the upper extremity.

Using the Occupational Adaptation Model and Occupational Therapy Practice Framework Domain and Practice as guiding foundations, a thorough literature review of client home program adherence was completed. This led to the development of a prospective, online survey designed to capture …

Pilot Study: Affect Of Power Posing On Ot Student Performance When Implementing Interventions, Aimee Abel, Brittney Barelman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Objectives. This pilot study used a quasi-experimental repeated measures design to explore the affect of power posing on Occupational Therapy student performance when conducting interventions with clients. The study was conducted in an attempt to determine an effective strategy used to enhance student therapist performance to support occupational adaptation in school and during the transition to entry-level clinician.

Method. Second year occupational therapy students (n = 10) from the University of North Dakota at the Casper, WY site and practicing clinicians (n = 10) from the community of Casper participated in the study. The student therapists conducted two interventions on …

A Study Examining The Effectiveness Of A Sensory-Based Feeding Group For Children With Problematic Eating Behaviors, Laura Notch, Brionna Simenson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

KEY WORDS: children, problematic eating behaviors, sensory, intervention

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze the process and outcomes of a routine sensory-based feeding group on a child’s problematic eating behaviors.

METHODS: An experimental pretest-posttest research design was used to gather and analyze quantitative and qualitative data on 4 children who demonstrated problematic eating behaviors. The children participated in a routine 8-week sensory-based feeding group, which utilized sensory activities to promote change. The Children’s Eating Behavior Inventory (CEBI) and the Feeding Intake Form (FIF) were completed through parental report prior to and upon completion of the intervention. …

Fostering Self-Identity In Adolescents Who Experience Spinal Cord Injuries, Lauren Schneibel, Terese Boeder

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to identify a need and to guide occupational therapists during the treatment of adolescents who have acquired a spinal cord injury. During the adolescence stage, an individual begins to develop a sense of self and sense of direction, as well as formulate values which all contribute to personal identity formation (Erickson, 1968). The manual will guide the occupational therapist to address identity formation through use of the chosen assessments and interventions. It is believed that focusing on aspects of identity formation as experienced in the midst of a traumatic spinal cord injury will …

Retained Primitive Reflexes And Adhd: Examining Atypical Symptomology In The School-Aged Population, Quincey Adams, Jamie Craft

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Typical development begins in-utero and progresses throughout the lifespan. Jean Piaget authored a theory that encompasses core aspects of the lifespan stages related to typical development of sensory and motor systems. Piaget outlined the developmental stages as: sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage. Within these stages, the typically developing child learns to adapt and respond effectively to his or her environment (Cole & Tufano, 2008). Dr. Jean Ayres described a similar developmental process, termed Sensory Integration. This process is defined as the coordination of the sensory systems in order for an individual to effectively …

Reducing Recidivism For Youth Through An Integrated Residential And Community-Based Program, Alexandra Berdal, Megan Meyer, Nicolet Sadlowski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Reportedly, 95% of youth in the juvenile justice system have had prior involvement with the juvenile justice system, suggesting that intervention does not adequately address the needs of these youth (Sedlack & Bruce, 2010; OJJDP, 2003). The purpose of this project was to address the problem of recidivism with an emphasis on preparing for transition from residential placements to community engagement.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted in order to understand the occupational performance deficits that youth in the juvenile justice system face in transitioning to their community. The information obtained from the literature review was then analyzed …

Weight Management For The Elderly Population Who Have Sustained A Lower Limb Amputation: Resource Manuals For Clinicians, Lauren Battles, Maia Sobolik

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is becoming more common for individuals to sustain a lower limb amputation, thus impacting their ability to participate in functional tasks of daily living such as ambulation, balance, dressing, driving, and toileting. Approximately two million people within the United States are living with an amputation, most commonly in the lower extremity (Amputation Coalition, 2013). According to Resnik and Borgia (2011), by the year 2050, the number of lower limb amputations will increase significantly due to the aging population who encounter a variety of debilitating diseases such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dysvascular, and/or heart diseases. Weight management is …

Assisting Occupational Therapists In North Dakota: An Agricultural Resource Guide, Teresa Bunn, Caitlin Layden

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the state of North Dakota, agriculture and farming are of the most essential and influential factors within the state's economy (Rathge et. al 2012). Rural communities are among the medically under-served areas within the United States; establishing the dire need of healthcare services (Hagglund et al., 1998; Schweitzer et al., 2011). A study conducted by Meyer and Fetsch (2006) deduced the four prominent disabilities affecting farmer's engagement in occupations as arthritis, spinal cord injury, amputation, and back injuries. Farmers, and their family members, are also at higher risk for work related stressors which may result in severely disabling conditions; …

Increasing Collaborative Communication Regarding Proper Positioning: A Photographic Guide, Kyle Donner, Rachel Newman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately 98,000 people die annually in the United States due to medical errors (Institute of medicine, 2013). These medical errors are most often due to miscommunication between healthcare providers (Sutcliffe, Lewton, & Rosenthal, 2004). Impaired positioning is one type of medical error, which leads to severe complications such as contractures, pressure ulcers, and occupational deficits (Amidei, 2012; de Jong, Nieuwboer, & Aufdemkampe, 2006; Gordon, Gottschlich, Helvig, Marvin, & Richard, 2004). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a communication tool that will increase interprofessional communication and collaboration in regards to client positioning needs in healthcare settings. A literature …

Promoting Social Participation, Leisure And Community Integration For Adults With Developmental Disabilities: An Intervention Guide, Joelle Evenson, Rebekah Miesbauer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Upon an initial review of literature, it was found that life expectancy of individuals with developmental disabilities has been increasing which is leading to a greater number of adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. Because these individuals are living longer, it puts an extended burden on caregivers and the adults with developmental disabilities are being placed in group homes. Adults with developmental disabilities have limited access to activities outside of group homes (Mansell, Elliott, Beadle-Brown, Ashman, & Macdonald, 2002; Abbott & McConkey, 2006). They are spending most of their time engaged in more passive activities and have little …

Integration Of Sexuality Content Into An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Brittany L. Larson, Sarah R. Stutz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Sexuality is a broad term that can be used to encompass other terms such as sexual expression and sexual functioning, and can be defined as a holistic concept of the individual that is more than just physical sexual behavior but also relates to thoughts and feelings of everyday life (Couldrick, 1998a). Sexuality and sexual functioning are considered an activity of daily living (ADL) by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2008); however, it is a topic that is not being routinely addressed with clients by occupational therapists or other healthcare professionals (Hattjar, 2012). Studies show there is a …

Making The Better Half Even Better: A Support Program For Military Wives, Chelsey Jones, Kayley Knapek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a program that addresses the needs of military wives and the challenges they experience due to having a spouse in the military. Through utilization of an occupational therapy perspective, this program focuses on the promotion of wellness and increased quality of life for military wives which in turn facilitates overall cohesion and support among military families.

Making the “Better Half” Even Better: A Support Program for Military Wives was influenced by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model due to the focus on an individual’s valued roles, tasks and activities along with their performance in those …

A Guide For Occupational Therapists On Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Kelsey Lindstrom, Molly Simmons

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop the occupational therapy (OT) role and a practice guide for OTs to use with their young adult client who has sustained a sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Methods: An extensive literature review was completed on mTBI to examine risks when engaging in sports, common symptoms occurring due to mTBI, OT and rehabilitation assessments and interventions used following an mTBI. Further literature reviewed included current guidelines used in OT and other disciplines, integration of individuals affected by mTBI back into daily occupations, effects of intervention, and identifying when retirement from the …

Interventions Used By Occupational Therapists And Allied Health Providers In Regards To Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Kara L. Maatz, Jared Q. Zimmerman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the most widely known disability in the American health care system (National Institute of Health [NIH], 2010). Chronic pain affects how individuals are able to engage in meaningful activities of daily life. Unrelieved pain can potentially result in longer hospital visits, emotional distress, and increased re-admission rates to hospitals (The American Academy of Pain Medicine, 2012). A review of research in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) database revealed that few clinically useful references were available for practitioners regarding interventions used with chronic musculoskeletal pain (AOTA, 2014). As a result, it was determined that effective …

Occupational Therapy Based Guide For Caregivers Of Individuals With Muscular Dystrophy, Chelsea Hesby, Macaila Pagel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a holistic guide that could be provided by occupational therapists (OTs) to caregivers of individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD). A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the impact that caregiving for individuals with MD has on quality of life, stress management and mental health. The review of literature also explored caregivers’ access to resources and common difficulties experienced. The literature revealed that there have been recent advances in medical fields which have led to an increased lifespan for individuals with MD to an average age of 27 years old (Eagle et …

Collaboration To Impact Occupation-Based Practice During Level Ii Fieldwork, Krista Coleman, Natalie Senger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the product was to develop a collaborative learning process between the fieldwork educator and the student to promote the use of occupation-based and client-centered practice during level II fieldwork experiences in adult physical rehabilitation settings. The literature review revealed many obstacles that constrain occupation-based and client-centered practice from being utilized by occupational therapists in the medical setting. The product uses the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) as a catalyst to promote implementation of occupation-based practice throughout the fieldwork experience. A collaborative approach to learning using the social collectivism perspective is used. The product provides opportunity through participation …

A Pilot Study: Examining The Effectiveness Of Managing Fatigue Post-Stroke Via Telehealth, Nicole Gronhovd, Hannah Muehlberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is currently a lack of research on the effectiveness of energy conservation techniques to treat the fatigue experienced by individuals following a stroke. Because of this, the purpose of this research study was to explore the effects of Managing Fatigue: A Six Week Course for Energy Conservation, developed by occupational therapists, Packer, Brink, and Sauriol (1995), on the level of fatigue individuals experience following a stroke. As telehealth is an emerging area in occupational therapy service delivery, the present study also aimed to determine the effectiveness of occupational therapy services delivered via teleconference.

A pilot study using a pretest-posttest …