Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Effectiveness Of The Alert Program For School-Aged Children, Collin Gatien, Jake Dowling

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case:

A 9-year-old boy has been described by his teachers as impulsive, loud, unable to sit still, and a disruption to the class. An OT examines the case and believes that the ALERT Program is a possible solution to improve the student's ability to self-regulate in the classroom. The OT prefers to use of Evidence-Based Practice and wants to determine whether the ALERT Program is a viable option to improve the student's ability to self-regulate in the classroom.

Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Adherence To Home Exercise Programs Among Children, Brooke Nuccio, Molly Milstein

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case

A 6-year old boy diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy is receiving occupational therapy services to increase independence during daily activities. He has been given a home exercise program with stretches and exercises for him to complete daily. He comes from an under-resourced family who is struggling financially. The OT is interested in understanding the relationship between socioeconomic status and overall adherence/effectiveness of the home exercise program.

Current Normative Data For Grip, Pinch, And Fine Motor Control For Pediatrics And Adults, Jackie Kaiser, Kyle Richards

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background:

Fine motor control can be measured with the Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) and the 9 Hole Peg Test (Aaron & Jansen, 2003; Oxford Grice et al., 2003). Grip and pinch strength are measured with a dynamometer and pinch gauge respectively, which are tools that measure strength in both pounds and kilograms (McQuiddy, Scheerer, Lavalley, McGarth, & Lin, 2015). The normative data for these tools from the mid-1980s is still being used in practice today and that needs to change.

Best Approach To Treating Distal Radius Fractures, Ashley Godawski, Caceti Dobrowolski

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background Information:

Distal Radius Fractures (wrist) are commonly caused by falling on an outstretched hand. The two treatments for distal radius fractures are surgical intervention through Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) or conservative non-surgical treatment. The ORIF surgery includes reducing the broken bone and then setting it back in place with screws, plates, rods or pins. Conservative treatment includes casting or immobilization of the wrist in order to promote natural healing.

The Effects Of A Driving Simulator On Driving-Related Skills Necessary For Adl And Iadl Function, Rebecca Pope, Haley Szpara

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background

Returning to driving is often a goal for an individual following a neurological impairment. Critical skills for success in returning to driving include intact cognition, visual, and visual-perceptual skills which are skills that are commonly compromised in individuals who have had a neurological accident. In addition, these skills are necessary for other areas of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLS), as well as activities of daily living road driving performance (Crotty & George, 2009). Emerging evidence has shown the use of driving simulator training as an intervention to increase and the generalizability this may have on ADL function and …

Benefits Of Group Therapy For Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi), Victoria Vaughan, Kristyn Bickley

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background Information: According to the CDC:

• The economic cost of TBI in 2010, including direct and indirect medical costs, was estimated to be approximately $76.5 billion.
• Effects of TBI can include impaired thinking or memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision or hearing), or emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, depression).
• Those who survive a TBI can face effects that last a few days, or the rest of their lives.

Objective Measures Of Iadl Kitchen Safety Of Individuals With Cognitive And Visual Impairments, Kylie Townsley, Marisa Gonzalez

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case Study:

72 year old woman fell donning pants, acquiring a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), scoring 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Symptoms include confusion, headaches, memory loss, and fatigue. Comorbidities include age-related macular degeneration. She is in acute rehabilitation to be evaluated on her ability to complete kitchen tasks independently to determine her discharge plan.

Effectiveness Of Sensory-Based Intervention In A Classroom Setting, Daneel Dickson, Emily Resmer

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case

A 9 year old male student is having difficulty staying focused during class. He is easily distracted and interacts with his peers at inappropriate times, such as when a teacher is providing instruction to the class. The student's teacher voices her concerns about the student's attention during academic tasks to an OT where the use of sensory integration is then explained to help with classroom behaviors.

Lack Of Sleep And The Effects Of Performance During Therapy Sessions In Acute Care, Lena Siciliano, Erica Knight

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Disrupted sleep in acute care setting is common, but it's relationship with functional performance is unknown.

Efficacy Of Early Mobilization In Acute Care, Brianna Byrd, Lauren Korte

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case:

A 53-year-old female was hospitalized after suffering a R CVA resulting in L hemiplegia and cognitive impairments. She has been stabilized and is in an acute care rehabilitation setting to regain strength and functioning. The rehabilitation team, including occupational therapists, are debating if implementing an early mobilization treatment plan, within 24 hours of onset, would be beneficial for improving function.

A Comparative Review Of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Assessments, Danielle Costantini, Kyle Ailes

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

No abstract provided.

Best Practice For Increasing Upper Extremity Sensory Function After A Cva, Holly Nagy, Christie Schmitt

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Intermittent pneumatic compression is most effective for tactile sensation (touch and texture discrimination) recovery post stroke, while SENSe (neuro rehabilitation) is the most effective for other somatosensory function (vibration and pressure) post stroke.

Combining Strategies For Improved Outcomes Of Social Interaction Skills In Children With Autism In Occupational Therapy, Kelly Allen, Kaitlyn Felt

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that often presents with struggles in behavioral problems arising from sensory processing abnormalities, emotional dysregulation, self-stimulatory behavior, and anxiety, negatively impacting social interaction skills and limit the ability to engage with peers, productivity in school, and participating in daily routines (Wood, et al, 2009). Sensory integration therapy (SIT), often used in OT with clients with ASD, focuses on neurological processing of sensory information and helps clients modulate sensory responses (Khodabaskhshi, Abedi & Malekpour, 2014). This approach differs greatly from another commonly-used strategy focused on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive-based approaches …

Persons With Dementia And Their Capacity For Helping: An Exploratory Study, Maria Mcdaniel, Maureen Mickus

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

This observational study explored helping behaviors (HBs) among persons with dementia (PWD) in a communal dining space of a memory care facility. HBs were observed regularly and related to assistance with another resident, staff, and stuffed animal. PWD, even in the moderate stages of the disease, have the capacity to help others.

Effectiveness Of Art-Based Interventions For Reducing Stress Among Caregivers Of Cancer Patients, Emily Kocjan, Sarah Powell

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background

Occupational therapist (OT) frequently work with patients with a cancer diagnosis along with their caregivers. Approximately 50% of family caregivers report decreased time for social activities, decreased energy, emotional well-being, physical functioning, and ability to cope with stress (Lang & Lim, 2013). One approach reducing caregiver stress may be art-based therapy. Art-based therapy has been effective for promoting health in a variety of populations although the impact of on cancer caregivers is less understood.

Mirror Therapy & Motor Function With Chronic Stroke, Elise Grubb, Sara Ponischil

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Aim of this CAT

Existing literature provides evidence for mirror therapy interventions during the subacute stage of stroke; the purpose of this CAT is to discover evidence for mirror therapy during the chronic stage of stroke.

Case Scenario

Male, 63, right-sided chronic stroke with moderate left hemiparesis

Mirror Therapy Defined

Mirror therapy is a therapeutic intervention using the motions of the unaffected side of the body, reflected in a mirror, as visual feedback; this feedback enables bilateral motor training and stimulates functional improvement of the brain.¹

Methods Of Self-Regulation In Children With Anxiety, Jordyn Madden, Maya Lamer

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Background

• Children with anxiety symptoms often present with self-regulation deficits affecting their coping and problem solving performance skills, in turn impacting school performance. Research identifies self-regulation as the ability to manage appropriate behaviors to fully engage in daily occupations.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was developed to regulate mental health needs and firmly planted in occupational therapy. OT's utilize CBT as a frame of reference to guide their treatment with clients who have difficulties in occupational performance.
• CBT is a "structured, short-term, present-oriented psychotherapy..., directed toward solving current problems and modifying dysfunctional (inaccurate and/or unhelpful) thinking and behavior" (Beck, 2011, p. …

Effectiveness Of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (Pnf) On Gait And Balance In Older Adults, Alyssa Bradenburg, Savannah Dugan

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) approach uses the anatomical structures of the agonist and antagonist muscles to sequence muscle movements thus improving body functions and engagement in occupations in those with functional limitations. Proprioception involved sensory receptors that provide information regarding body position and movement. The neuromuscular system involves the nerves, muscles, and facilitation to make tasks easier for the client to perform. PNF patterns are performed in a spiral diagonal direction with resistance provided by an occupational therapist, putting emphasis on functional training and motor learning.

Effectiveness Of Movement-Based Interventions To Improve Low Tone In School-Aged Children, Morgan Pugh, Katie Bell

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Description of Movement-Based Intervention

Movement-based approached have been classified as task-oriented interventions and focus on children's 'occupations,' such as tying shoelaces, ball catching, and handwriting. Children with developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD) have difficulty performing coordinated motor skills required for self-care, social activities, and academic achievement (Miyahara, Hillier, Pridham, & Nakagawa, 2017). Low muscle tone is a core feature of DCD as most children have low tone in their trunk, making stable sitting difficult and creates movement challenges while in the classroom (About Causes, n.d.).

Effective Interventions For Sensory Modulation Disorder In Children That Experienced Complex Trauma, Mahalia Adams, Madison Herfert

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case

George is a six-year-old boy that has experienced post-utero trauma. His biological parents often neglected and abused him. At the age of two, George was adopted. He is now demonstrating difficulty processing and responding to sensory input approximately. Specifically, George is over-responsive to auditory input and under-responsive to tactile input. Due to these sensory modulation difficulties, George is struggling to succeed in class and behave at home.

Effectiveness Of Multifaceted Fall Prevention Programs In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Marissa Friday, Cali Mohney

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Case Study:

Client is a 72 year old female who has suffered a fall from loss in balance, which has increased fear of falling and decreased activity. Occupational Therapy wants to implement a Multifaceted Fall Prevention Program to improve participation and quality of life.

‘That's For Old So And So's!’: Does Identity Influence Older Adults’ Technology Adoption Decisions?, Colleen E. Mcgrath

Occupational Therapy Publications

The role of identity in older adults’ decision-making about assistive technology adoption has been suggested but not fully explored. This scoping review was conducted to understand better how older adults’ self-image and their desire to maintain this influence their decision-making processes regarding assistive technology adoption. Using the five-stage scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley, a total of 416 search combinations were run across nine databases, resulting in a final yield of 49 articles. From these 49 articles, five themes emerged: (a) resisting the negative reality of an ageing and/or disabled identity; (b) independence and control are key; (c) the …

Initiating Participatory Action Research With Older Adults: Lessons Learned Through Reflexivity*, Colleen E. Mcgrath

Occupational Therapy Publications

Participatory action research (PAR) is well suited to research that aims to address social exclusion and inclusion in older age. Illustrations of and reflections on PAR with older adults are scarce, particularly the initiation stage, which sets the stage for the cyclical participatory action that follows. In this article, we describe the initiation of a PAR project with older adults and reflect on the alignment of this process with key participatory principles and fit within typical research structures. Findings point to the tensions between developing relationships over time and time-sensitive calls for funding, how traditional conceptions of research can influence …

Missing Pieces And Misconceptions: Public Understanding Of Occupational Therapy, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, Erin Coutts, Brenna Destefano, Andrea Gallo, Caitlin Kaczynski, Giana Marucci, Kristen Mourao, Jennifer Vialonga

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The students of Gamma Nu Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon at Sacred Heart University completed a qualitative project examining the public perceptions of occupational therapy. This poster is their presentation to the state OT association, ConnOTA.

Sanism And Mad Pride: Critical Perspectives On Mental Health, Karen Mccarthy, Bianca Doherty

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Conference Presentations

The issue of stigma surrounding mental health has received increasing attention within occupational therapy, however, the focus has been primarily limited to the individual(s) being stigmatized, rather than on the underlying processes that create and maintain stigma. This presentation will explore the concept of ‘sanism’ as a system of thought that provides a foundation upon which stigma is maintained against persons labelled with a mental health diagnosis. The Mad Pride movement will also be discussed as an alternative perspective of mental health and a way to combat the sanism and the negative impacts of stigma.

How To Pioneer Occupational Therapy In College Campuses, Rashelle Nagata, Grace Ho, Karen Mccarthy, Tracy Jalaba

Occupational Therapy | Faculty Conference Presentations

Discover why occupational therapy practitioners should be employed on college campuses, what it would take to build a program or position, and how you can demonstrate your unique value as an occupational therapy practitioner.

The Intentional Fieldwork Educator: Applying The Intentional Fieldwork Education Model (Ifwem), E. Joy Crawford, Nadine Hanner

Occupational Therapy Collection

This presentation introduces the Intentional Fieldwork Education Model (IFWEM). This model emphasizes intentional teaching and the application of the occupational therapy lens in the clinical education process. The IFWEM incorporates the frameworks of "Transformational Learning Theory" (Canton & Taylor, 2012), "Experiential Learning Theory" (Lisko & O’dell, 2010), and "Pedandragogy" (Samaroo, Cooper & Green, 2013) to improve the effectiveness of teaching-learning during the fieldwork experience through intentional engagement. The creation of intentional learning experiences, student assimilation into the clinic culture, and modification and pacing of learning during the clinical education process are discussed. In addition, the impact of collaborative relationships, effective …

The Road To Resilience: Traveling The Path Less Followed To Realize What Is Possible, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Dr. Bernadette Mineo, PhD, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and mixed media artist based in Portland, Oregon, provided the cover art for the Winter 2019 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The piece, titled “Paper Dolls” (2009), consists of 37 individual paper doll sculptures made from mixed media. Dr. Mineo believes that being an artist is about connecting with one’s creative heart. Her art is about being playful, challenging oneself, and setting up experiments. Engaging in a daily creative art practice has brought joy to Dr. Mineo’s life. Art has empowered her to take risks, build resilience, and …

Increasing Functional Abilities Of People With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Through Occupational Therapy, Jennifer R. Dochod, Cynthia A. Grapczynski

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The level of functional impairment that people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) experience is life changing. Reduced engagement in purposeful and meaning activities because of functional impairments increases the emotional impact of POTS and decreases quality of life. By including occupational therapy early on in treatment, people with POTS can learn ways to adapt, cope, and incorporate changes into their lifestyles. Increasing participation in purposeful and meaningful occupations that are of value to the individual leads to increased quality of life, increased participation in desired roles, increased sense of well-being, and increased perception of health.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Functional Literacy, Lenin C. Grajo, Sharon A. Gutman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

In this Opinions in the Profession article we aim to uniquely articulate the distinct value of and need for functional literacy development in the clients we serve. Functional literacy, as coined in this article, is the ability to interpret common written materials needed to effectively carry out basic daily life skills and participate in meaningful occupations and social roles. We propose three specific strategies through which occupational therapists, across practice settings, developmental stages, and populations, can assume active roles in literacy support as it is embedded in occupation: literacy (a) as a form of occupational justice promotion; (b) as an …