Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupation-Based Fine Motor Activities For Individuals With Parkinson's Disease At Rock Steady Boxing, Caylin N. Dean

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project represents a collaborative effort with Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Many individuals with PD experience fine motor deficits which highlights the importance of addressing these challenges. The primary objective of this project is to identify and address such deficits among participants at RSB Music City and Franklin through the development of occupation-based fine motor activities. Qualitative surveys were utilized to understand participants' satisfaction with their fine motor abilities and the impact on quality of life. The outcome of this project is a set of occupation-based fine motor …

Bridging The Gap: Equipping Caregivers With Skills To Promote Development, Victoria Long

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Alverson Pediatric Therapy, a private, community-based pediatric practice. Alverson Pediatric Therapy aims not only to meet the child’s needs, but also to equip all parents with the skills and confidence to help their child reach the next stage of development. The primary focus of this project was to develop accessible caregiver education on various occupation-based and developmentally appropriate topics. These topics included developmental milestones, emotional regulation, sensory processing, dressing, and so forth. Outcomes of the project included fourteen weeks of social media programming and four, in-depth video module scripts with …

Bridging The Gap Between The Occupational Therapy Department And The Education Department At An Inclusive Preschool, Brenna C. Hunt

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with First Steps Inc. in Nashville, TN. First Steps Inc. is both an outpatient therapy clinic and an inclusive childcare facility that provides education for children with special needs alongside their typically developing peers. This project sought to bridge the gap between the occupational therapy department and the education department at First Steps to promote participation, inclusion, and developmental growth in the classrooms. The focus of the project was the development and implementation of various OT tools and resources to be used in the classrooms. Deliverables included choice boards, visual schedules, …

Increasing Staffs’ Awareness Of Adaptive Swim Lesson Methodology And Enhancing Agency’S Infant Lesson Programming, Chloe E. Volpi

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was conducted in partnership with Sunshine Swim Center, located in Elk Grove, CA. Sunshine is a small-scale swim lesson company that is proud to offer their community small class sizes and personalized swim instruction. The focus of this project was to educate agency staff on the importance of adaptive swim lessons for children with disabilities and enhance the current infant lesson programming. The staff education material included information on instruction modification, informal behavior modification, alternate forms of communication, cueing, skill grading, and the sensory properties of water. Enhancements to the infant programming included adding fifteen new …

A Parent's Guide To Pediatric Wheelchair Equipment, Gianna M. Sarli

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed through a partnership with Permobil. Permobil is an assistive technology company that makes assistive technology solutions that enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. They create a wide range of assistive technology products including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, cushions, extremity supports, positioning equipment, and so much more. The focus of this project was to create the Content Brief for a pediatric landing page on their website. This webpage is focused on how Permobil products can support a child’s occupational participation and help them achieve their daily goals. The goal of this content was to have …

The Implementation Of Animal Assisted Therapy In Adult Neurological Rehabilitation, Rachel Camilleri

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Pi Beta Phi Rehabilitation Institute at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The focus of this project was to develop animal assisted therapy interventions that could be utilized amongst occupational therapy practitioners with the clinic’s facility dog in an effort to increase utilization of animal assisted therapy. The process for this project required a thorough review of the literature on animal assisted therapy and neurological rehabilitation, conversations with current and past facility dog teams to learn about their work, and trialing animal assisted therapy activities in patient sessions. The outcome of this …

Education And Advocacy For Universal Design And Accessibility In Housing, Apisara Vairojanakich, Amy Lyons-Brown, Molly Wuebker

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

In the United States, there is a lack of adequate numbers of universally designed and accessible houses in the housing market for the older population and people with disabilities. Many barriers, such as financial support and lack of knowledge for housing-related professionals, can prevent this population from participating in home occupations. The project developed educational products, including the universal design housing experience booklet, universal design housing checklist, and universal design blueprints. These products were delivered through the blog post on Uncurbed LinkedIn website. The needs assessment was conducted to provide the guidelines for the chapters in the booklet and checklist. …

Promoting Participation In Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease Through The Development Of Accessible Occupation-Based Resources, Kelly Struthers

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Rock Steady Boxing Music City, a non-profit organization that provides boxing classes for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and other motor-related disorders. The purpose of this project was to understand the participatory barriers that are common within the Parkinson’s disease community and develop solution-oriented resources in response to these barriers. All developed resources were intentionally created to maximize accessibility and explored areas such as driving, fatigue, caregiving, and memory. These resources were compiled and distributed to the “fighters” of Rock Steady Boxing via an in-person “OT Corner” bulletin board, the weekly …

Supporting Adolescent Parents Involved In Younglives, Rachel Fister

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project focused on creating educational tools and resources for adolescent caregivers, volunteer mentors, and staff associates involved in YoungLives. YoungLives is a branch of the non-profit outreach organization YoungLife, that supports adolescent/teen parents and expecting mothers worldwide. The goal of this project was to supply accessible and user-friendly resources for the population to gain knowledge on pediatric topics such as child development, age appropriate milestones, sensory processing, as well as activities to promote occupational skills. The project outcomes resulted in a guidebook and deliverables for education and training purposes, a social media platform for nationwide connection and …

Providing Sensory Integration Education And Transition Tools For The Tennessee Baptist Children’S Homes, Thuy-Duong D. Huynh

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with the residential department of the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes, a state-wide ministry that cares for children whose families are in crisis. There were two primary focuses for this project: (1) providing sensory integration education to house parents and (2) creating tools to ease transitions. Outcomes included a presentation and training on sensory integration, a booklet with easily accessible sensory integration information, a local activity guide for day visits with families, and a routine schedule of home visits to ease transitions.

Awareness And Advocacy For The Needs Of Nfl Athletes: A Qualitative Study, Bianca Castro, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The presentation delves into understanding, investigating, and supporting the occupational needs of NFL athletes. Through thorough research and analysis, it was revealed that these athletes face distinct challenges and demands in their professional and personal lives, specifically in wellness, quality of life, and lifestyle balance. The study results provide knowledge and abilities to address and advocate the unique needs of NFL athletes. The evidence strongly emphasizes the advantages and benefits of occupational therapy services in non-traditional settings such as sports.

Every Moment Counts (Emc): Understanding School Stakeholder Perceptions Of Positive Mental Health Promotion In The Elementary School Setting. A Preliminary Report., Madeline Malooly, Angela Blackwell, Lauren Thomas

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

For children and adolescents, the prevalence of psychological disorders associated with mental illness continues to rise in North America and is now considered to be the leading cause of disability for this population (Bitsko et al., 2022). It was estimated that between 25 and 50% of adult mental illnesses could be prevented through early intervention and preventative measures in childhood (Kim-Cohen et al., 2003). In an effort to address mental health promotion in schools, Dr. Susan Bazyk founded and created EMC, which is a “multi-pronged mental health promotion initiative to help all children to be mentally healthy in order to …

Navigating Dysautonomia: A Workbook For Empowered Living, Madison Thornton

OTD Capstone Projects

Dysautonomia Support Network (DSN) is a nonprofit organization composed of volunteers who have a passion for serving the population of individuals with dysautonomia. Dysautonomia is a complex and often debilitating disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control. Those living with dysautonomia face a myriad of challenges ranging from chronic fatigue and dizziness to gastrointestinal issues and cognitive impairment. The unpredictability of symptoms can significantly impact daily life, leading to feelings of frustration, isolation, and helplessness. However, amidst these challenges lies the potential for empowerment and transformation. …

Fighting Against Parkinson's: A Collection Of Occupation-Inspired Workouts For Rock Steady Boxing, Landis Llewelyn

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Rock Steady Boxing in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Rock Steady Boxing provides group workout classes for all stages of Parkinson’s disease with a focus on improving quality of life through empowering individuals to fight back against Parkinson’s. The purpose of this project was to analyze various occupations deemed as difficult by the participants of Rock Steady Boxing in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and create workouts directly targeting the skills needed to successfully perform these occupations. These workouts were implemented into classes at Rock Steady Boxing and modified to accommodate a wide range …

Encouraging Participation For Trainees At Autism Career Training, Sydney L. Stahl

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed with Autism Career Training (ACT), a non-profit organization that teaches vocational skills to young adults with autism. The purpose of this project was to improve the participation of ACT trainees in all aspects of programming. To do this, various strategies; social activities; and community networking were implemented. Strategies to improve classroom participation, social conversation, and address sensory needs were developed and incorporated, along with a sensory profile assessment. Social activities were introduced, and partnerships were started with various employers in the community. An activity analysis was done per each job position available at these …

Mental Health And Wellness Programming For Adults With Down Syndrome, Chloe Samter

OTD Capstone Projects

This capstone project was completed in partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse located in Brentwood, TN. GiGi’s Playhouse is a non-profit organization that offers free programming for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The focus of this project was addressing the mental health and wellness of adults with Down syndrome. The goal of this project was to provide meaningful lessons and activities for participants to learn about mental health, coping strategies, and emotional exploration. Participants had the opportunity to learn and practice meditation, mindfulness, self-advocacy, healthy relationships, creative expression, and more. Participants completed The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) as a …

Living With Chemo Brain – Tips And Tricks To Improve The Quality Of Life For Individual’S Diagnosed With Cancer, Jamie Brown

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit organization focused on creating a sense of community and support for individuals who are impacted by cancer. The focus of this project was to develop a resource for members that addressed executive functioning changes that occur with chemo brain with a goal of making it both applicable and user friendly. The deliverable sought to provide members with basic tips and tricks for improving their quality of life. Utilizing an occupational lens, this manual contains practical strategies to address decreased memory, cognitive fatigue, processing …

Fashion For All: An Exploration Into Adaptive Fashion, Morgan F. Harrison

OTD Capstone Projects

The purpose of this doctoral capstone was to educate future clothing designers on the adaptive/inclusive clothing market and the need for further exploration into accessible, fashion forward clothing. This project was completed through a partnership with O’More College of Architecture and Design at Belmont University. The goal of this project was to provide students with an introspective look at the interface of fashion and disability. This was achieved by creating case studies based on interviews with individuals with various disabilities regarding their relationship with clothing. The result of this project was a recorded lecture that included demographics, available adaptive clothing …

Occupational Therapy After Breast Cancer Treatment: A Guidebook For Hispanic Women, Katarina Tauran, Mary Smith Phd, Ms, Otr/L, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr/L

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to understand the needs of Hispanic women post-breast cancer treatment and offer a guidebook with educational resources in both English and Spanish.

‘Mama May I?’: A Comprehensive Guide To Inform Occupational Therapy Practitioners For The Wellness Of Black Pregnant Women, Tavia Williams, Angela Blackwell, Aminee Alexander

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Black women are facing a decline in well-being because health providers do not understand how pregnancy impacts them differently than other race in the United States. This population is dying at a rate 3-4 more times than white, Asian, and Hispanic women. These deaths are preventable as many stem from racism and bias in medicine (Markin & Coleman, 2023). Historically, occupational therapists have not been included in the care of pregnant women due to the exclusive team of obstetric providers, doulas, and midwives (Rost et al., 2023). Because the United States primarily utilizes the medical model for perinatal healthcare, pregnant …

Developing Healthy Routines In Adults With Serious Mental Illness Living In Supportive Housing: A Caregiver Guidebook, Mckenna Kuhlman, Angela Blackwell, Lacey Spark

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Serious mental illness (SMI) are mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders that result in serious functional impairment limiting daily participation in activities. (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], n.d.-a). Adults living with serious mental illness (SMI) often experience unhealthy or maladaptive routines and often lack the support to build these routines. Supportive housing provides a stable home for adults with SMI to build healthy routines while receiving specialized treatments. In supportive housing organizations, there is a need for caregiver resources to support the individual's healthy routine obtainment. This capstone project developed a five-step caregiver guidebook to help adults with SMI build …

Occupational Harmony In Night Shift Nurses Since 2020, Janelle J. Magpayo, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explores the experiences of night shift nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these experiences impact their occupational harmony. Using a mixed-methods approach including online surveys and interviews, this study identifies themes such as the importance of rest and sleep, the impact of the pandemic on occupational well-being, and the significance of leisure activities. The findings emphasize the need for nurses to balance various aspects of their lives to enhance their well-being within their environments.

Integrating Nature-Based Occupational Therapy In Traditional Clinical Settings: Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences, Renee Duong, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic situations that a child may face during the early developmental stages of life (Felitti et al., 1998). According to research, the detrimental effects of adversity and emotional distress may contribute to poor outcomes in adulthood. Research has shown that exposure to adversity can change a child's molecular and genetic system and influence the development and functioning of their neurological, immune, and endocrine systems. There is a significant public health concern considering the long-term implications of adverse childhood experiences on an individual's overall well-being (Boullier & Blair, 2018). This project aims to conduct a …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Supporting Individuals With Down Syndrome Through An Employment Program, Jenny Rossopoulos, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents the implementation of an existing employment program, EmployAble to a new group of individuals with Down syndrome. The presentation outlines the methods, program design, and curriculum. Additionally, this capstone project aims to explore the support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the education of employers regarding inclusive employment practices.

The Occupational Performance Of Student-Athletes Post-Concussion: A Guide For Coaches And Athletic Trainers, Baylee A. Felts, Mary Ann Smith, Danielle Cade

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Concussions are a rising concern amongst the sports community. Student-athletes with concussions can exhibit deficits in physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and visual-perceptual abilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2019). Occupational therapists are equipped to address the impacts of those deficits to improve occupational engagement and performance but are often overlooked in concussion management teams (Finn, 2019). A concussion management team typically consists of coaches, athletic trainers (ATs), physicians, and sometimes physical therapists, depending on the severity of the concussion. Due to growing concern and continued research, the concussion management team must be current with new information. Coaches and ATs may not keep …

The Role Of Ot In Treating Ecmo Patients In The Icu: A Scoping Review, Sophia C. Roe, Angela Blackwell, Whitney Hohman

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After …

Values Of Occupational Balance And Harmony Among Bipoc Caregivers, Vanessa Duran, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background. Historically minoritized populations are underrepresented within hospice care. The lack of diversity among hospice care recipients impacts the development of culturally responsive programming within hospice care for BIPOC family caregivers.

Objective. To learn of the values and perspectives of BIPOC family caregivers in hospice care regarding occupational balance and occupational harmony.

Methods. A mixed-methods study that included an online survey and an optional interview. Measurements utilized were the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) and an anonymous survey. Three participants completed the online survey.

Results. Preliminary codes were determined by the student researcher from the online survey responses. Four …

Experiences Of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers, Kimberly Ben, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an insightful exploration into the lives of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers (WSCs), a group defined as individuals aged 30-65 who simultaneously provide care for both aging adults (over 65 years old) and younger dependents (29 years old or younger), while also managing their careers. The study delves deep into the unique challenges and experiences faced by WSCs, aiming to highlight the occupational, emotional, and physical demands inherent in their roles. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews and occupational therapy assessments, the manuscript offers a comprehensive look at the balancing act WSCs perform daily. It seeks to inform …

Social And Leisure Participation By People With Dementia: A Caregiver Resource Guide, Rebecca Mcmillian, Beth Lambert, Mary Smith, Katherine Christie

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this caregiver education intervention is to increase caregiver self-efficacy and effectiveness in increasing social participation and quality of life for those they are caring for as well as decreasing caregiver stress and burnout associated with providing care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The guide will include education and resources for these caregivers detailing safety precautions, strategies to reduce difficult behaviors impacting social and leisure engagement, and resources to decrease caregiver burden.

Improving Participation In Physical Education For Children With Disabilities, Randi Major, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in adaptive sports has many benefits for children with disabilities (CWD), however literature demonstrates that many barriers exist within community-setting adaptive sports which impact participation for CWD. There is currently a lack of understanding of the needs of CWD and the barriers that exist within schools that impact their participation in physical activities and sports. In addition, the literature demonstrates that many individuals with disabilities are not meeting the recommended minutes for daily physical activity which can impact the health and well-being of CWD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

The purpose of this capstone project was …