Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Trauma Informed Care In Hippotherapy, Erin M. Deren

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Advocating For The Role Of Occupational Therapy In A Community-Based Setting Through The Use Of Journaling For Individuals With Chronic Mental Illness, Taylor Muzik-Eversdijk

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Individuals who battle severe mental illness (SMI) experience a range of deficits that affect various aspects of daily life, including activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), social participation, sleep and rest, education, work, leisure, and play. Research suggests that journaling can help individuals with SMI express their emotions and provide a healthy outlet for coping with symptoms. This doctoral capstone project aimed to identify the unique needs of individuals with SMI and explore how journaling and other occupational therapy (OT) interventions could expand the scope of practice within Boley Centers' assertive community treatment (ACT) teams …

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Planning: Integrating 2023 Standards Into Curriculum, Samantha Edwards

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy With Refugees And Asylum Seekers, Hana Listes

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapy in the reintegration of refugee families in Jacksonville, Florida, in collaboration with Muslim American Social Services. The project focused on utilizing occupational therapy to identify and address barriers faced by refugees during their resettlement process. Following assessment of barriers, culturally sensitive intervention strategies were implemented to improve independence and participation in meaningful daily activities. Interventions focused on the development of targeted programs that addressed challenges such as language barriers, access to resources, and cultural adjustment. Implications of the project aim to advocate for occupational therapy as a stakeholder in …

Overuse Injury Prevention Program For High School And College Flutists, Judy Kim, Cassandra M. Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

College and high school flutists face significant health risks, including a high prevalence of playing-related injuries and associated psychological stress and social pressures to perform despite the pain. The asymmetrical posture and specific hand and arm positions required for playing the flute increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries due to repetitive, non-ergonomic movements. This program addresses these unique health challenges by integrating occupational therapy (OT) principles, providing comprehensive education, and injury prevention and management strategies. The program seeks to raise awareness of overuse injuries, enhance self-confidence in managing stress, and implement injury prevention techniques. Expected outcomes include a deeper understanding …

Measuring Program Effectiveness Of The Assistive Social Skills And Employment Training, Alyssa A. Chappel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy & Postpartum Care, Paula A. Rodriguez

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The aim of this study involved researching the role of occupational therapy in the transition into motherhood. The Scale of Occupational Disruption (SOD) was used to gather data about which occupations were the most and least disrupted, as reported by the research participants. Participants were recruited to complete the SOD anonymously through RedCap and were recruited through social media platforms and mom groups. In total, 142 participants participated in the study. Of the total 142 recruited participants, 117 completed the SOD in its entirety, and their data was able to be used for this study. The participants had a mean …

Sensory Processing Assessment In Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias: A Research Capstone Experience, Clarissa Benzarti

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Yoga-Based Occupational Therapy For People With Upper Extremity Dysfunction: An Educational Video Series, Bianca Salgado, Steven Gerardi, Mary Smith

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The upper extremity (UE) is essential for daily activities and occupational tasks. The inability to perform these tasks can negatively impact self-efficacy and hinder injury recovery. Current hand therapy often focuses on biomechanical approaches, neglecting these psychosocial aspects and deviating from core occupational therapy (OT) principles. Integrating yoga into OT for UE injuries and disorders can fill the gap in hand therapy needed to address psychosocial factors. However, Certified hand therapists who are occupational therapists lack the knowledge to integrate yoga-based interventions into OT practice for clients with UE conditions. The purpose of this project was to create an educational …

Melodic Memories: A Guidebook To Enhance Dementia Care Through Music, Sofia Phillips, Mary Smith, Angela Blackwell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project focused on developing a guidebook titled Melodic Memories, designed to help occupational therapy (OT) practitioners incorporate occupation-based musical interventions into their practice. The guidebook aims to enhance occupational engagement (OE) and quality of life (QoL) for individuals with dementia residing in long-term care facilities. The presentation explores the impact of dementia on individuals, including how it affects their OE and QoL, and highlights the challenges posed by long-term care environments. It also emphasizes the therapeutic potential of music in improving dementia care for OT practitioners. The development of Melodic Memories was based on the Lived Environment Life …

Exploring The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Recovery High Schools For Adolescents With Substance Use Disorder And Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders, Taylor P. Buono

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Substance use is a public health crisis, and adolescents struggle the most with substance use disorder (SUD), which often persists into adulthood and even until midlife (Estreet & Privott, 2021; Mattila et al., 2022; Rothman & Jimenez, 2023; Volkow & Blanco, 2023). School performance is often affected by the adverse effects of drug and alcohol use among adolescents, and multiple risk factors for substance use occur in the school context, such as drug-using peers, availability of substances, and academic challenges (Finch et al., 2017). Recovery high schools (RHSs) are safe and supportive alternative educational environments that provide additional support not …

Transitioning From Inpatient Rehabilitation To Home In Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries, Alexis Tucci

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to develop a comprehensive guide to support Veterans transitioning home from inpatient rehabilitation, enhancing their quality of life. The guide provides educational materials, recommendations, and valuable resources for clients and their families to utilize both during their hospital stay and after discharge. The primary objective was to understand the ongoing needs of veterans with spinal cord injuries post-discharge and to help bridge the gap between the SCI inpatient unit and home.

Occupational Therapy’S Role Within The Foster System, Cassidy Solomon, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster will discuss the development of an occupational therapy program to support the needs of youth within the foster system to prepare this population to live independently. Background information including statistics, the need for occupational therapy, and the program specifics such as rationale, significance, and objective are displayed. The development of an occupational therapy program to aid in the success of children within the foster care system helps to close a gap in research that will contribute to the success and positive outcomes of this population. The purpose of this capstone was to develop a program for children in …

Impacts Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction On The Occupations Of Postpartum Women, Julia Hernandez, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This study investigates the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) on the daily activities of postpartum women. Eleven women participated in an online survey, with four engaging in follow-up interviews via Microsoft Teams. The survey indicated that 91% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of PFD, including urine leakage, difficulty reaching the toilet in time, unexpected passing of wind, decreased vaginal sensation, a bulge at the vaginal opening, pelvic heaviness, and vulvar pain during sex. Despite these prevalent symptoms, 82% had not been offered pelvic floor therapy.

Participants rated their awareness of pelvic floor health topics predominantly as "Less …

Service Dog Knowledge And Utilization In Occupational Therapy Practice, Lauren E. Garcia, Sierra P. Mcnicol

Graduate Student Scholarship

The assumed efficacy behind service dog intervention is based on the well-known potential for the development of a strong, emotional bond between humans and dogs. Occupational therapists can use knowledge of their specific scope of practice to aid in the referral process, and the assessment process, and to help assist clients with training and comfortability throughout the service dog placement process. Existing literature on service dog use and implementation within occupational therapy (OT) practice is limited and lacking in rigor, internal and external validity, and reliability. The aims of the current study include evaluating the level of education occupational therapy …

Early Identification Of Autism Spectrum Disorder Markers In Infants Using The Infant And Motor Engagement Scale, Cesley L. Taft

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Sleep Rehabilitation Program For Military Members With Tbis & Scis, Hailey M. Cassidy

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Increasing Reading Comprehension And Accuracy By Enhancing Reading Mechanics In Preadolescence: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Academia, Shireena Behel

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Reading comprehension and accuracy are critical components of academic success in preadolescence. Research suggests that traditional school systems utilize a unisensory approach to learning, however, recent studies have emphasized the successful impact a multisensory approach can have on academic performance. This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop a multisensory, occupation-based reading program for the Huntsville Learning Center (HLC) Christian Summer Camp under the guidance of Mariana D’Amico, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA, and Susan Callaway, HLC Family Development Coordinator. This required conducting pretest and post-test measurements, implementing occupation-based reading activities, and administering a post-program evaluation survey to determine the effectiveness of a …

Healthcare Barriers And Supports To Healthcare Participation Within The Lgbtqia+ Community: A Systematic Review, Jordan Bradley

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

Background: Historically the LGBTQIA+ community has faced many barriers to healthcare participation resulting in significant disparities.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to highlight the barriers and supports that affect the LGBTQIA+ communities’ participation in healthcare and highlight the inclusive practices and policy reforms needed to advance healthcare equity for this population.

Methods: ProQuest Central was utilized, identifying thirty-seven peer reviewed articles for synthesis. Included articles were written within the last 3 years and addressed LGBTQIA+ individuals’ participation in healthcare within the United States.

Results: The most prevalent barrier identified was discrimination appearing in overt and implicit forms. Environmental …

An Occupational Perspective On Collegiate Athlete Mental Health, Katelyn D. Cardwell

Graduate Student Scholarship

College can impact mental health for all students, especially those involved in a college sport. Sports require significant time dedication that decreases time available for students to be involved in other activities such as academics or leisure which can lead to increased stress. This study focuses on investigating the impact level of competition and location of school may have on student athletes’ mental health in the state of West Virginia. A mixed methods self-report survey with a total of 75 questions was administered online via Qualtrics software. Quantitative data was analyzed using Stats IQ feature on Qualtrics and qualitative data …

The Value Of Using Validated Competency-Based Assessments Across The Career Span Of An Athletic Trainer, Matthew Drescher, Lindsey Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

Perceptions And Use Of The Athletic Training Milestones In Education: A Report From The Aate Research Network, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Barton E. Anderson, Julie M. Cavallario, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Lindsey E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The Athletic Training Milestones (AT Milestones) were developed as an evaluation tool to capture the breadth and depth of athletic training knowledge, skills, and behavior. However, it is unclear whether athletic training programs are implementing this tool or how they are implementing it to gauge the clinical progression of students or residents in athletic training. We aimed to explore the perceptions and use of the AT Milestones among educators in athletic training programs. We used a cross-sectional, web- based survey with open-ended questions to collect data from athletic training programs on if and how they implement the AT Milestones at …

Standardized Patient Evaluation Tool: A Valid Measure Of The Core Competencies, Lindsey E. Eberman, Jessica Edler Nye

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

The Development, Implementation, And Value Of The Athletic Training Milestones For Assessing Progressive Clinical Behaviors, Hollie Walusz, Eric Sauers, Mark Laursen, Forrest Pecha

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy's Role In Maternal, Infant, And Family Wellness: Policy, Procedure, And Program Development, Emilee Armstrong

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

This capstone project aimed to advocate for maternal, infant, and family wellness through occupational therapy services. The focus areas of my capstone project included administration, advocacy, policy and program development. I developed two post-cesarean delivery policies for maternal rehabilitation and father-infant bonding, a Kangaroo Father Care program, and an occupational therapy position proposal. The Kangaroo Father Care program included healthcare professional educational modules, an administration checklist, and facility and patient flyers. My project aimed to develop the foundation for implementing acute maternal rehabilitative services for a regional hospital in Northeast Indiana. The knowledge and skills I gained throughout my capstone …

Occupational Therapy & Dyslexia Curriculum, Tiara Ortiz

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

My capstone project, a truly innovative endeavor, was conducted in a school-based setting for children with dyslexia. I developed educational materials, distinct in their approach, for teachers and occupational therapists to implement individually or in a group setting. These materials comprise a curriculum that explicitly targets executive functioning and visual interventions, a novel and exciting approach to dyslexia treatment. The project was successfully implemented in the Bridge Program at the Christ School in Orlando, Florida, a private school program tailored to children with dyslexia. I was mentored by Dominque Kiefer, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, the Bridge Program's school-based occupational therapist.

Unification Of Art And Spirituality, Erin Barrus

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

David Wagenfeld, an artist and resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, provided the cover art for the Summer 2024 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Word Fusion” is a piece made from ink on paper that uses words to depict an image of a person walking through an environment. The image is rooted to the ground in love, joy, calmness, and peace. The person is one with themselves and their spirituality with arms portraying presence, joy, and serenity. David shares his experience of self-discovery and understanding of the beautiful dance between art and spirituality.

Letter To The Editor: The Copm: Culturally Sensitive By Design, Maryann Mccoll, Susan E. Baptiste, Anne Carswell, Mary Law, Helene Polatajko

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Clinical Application Of The Soil Model: A Practical Case Consideration, Shivani B. Vij

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Cultural Respect In Academia, Alondra Ammon

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Given the aim to increase diverse representation in health care to promote equitable health care outcomes, occupational therapists must critically examine how we respect cultural diversity. This opinion piece intends to highlight the importance of creating academic spaces where students can thrive and carry over those teachings beyond the classroom and into the communities they serve. The author, who identifies as a person of color, is a Ph.D. candidate and academic occupational therapy educator who integrated their constructionist epistemological lens and reviewed literature to inform a working definition of cultural respect and recommendations. Cultural respect involves recognizing, understanding, and appreciating …