Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Long-Term Outcomes In Children With Acute Flaccid Myelitis, Megan D. Henley, Lindie Hill, Sydney Inman, Molly Grace King, Sam Lopez, Carley Mahaffey

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to combine the best evidence regarding the long-term outcomes in children with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) regarding posture and movement, gross and fine motor control, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance. The final portfolio contains eight articles. The study designs of these articles include a retrospective cohort study, two retrospective non-randomized studies without a control group, a retrospective review, a nationwide follow-up questionnaire analysis study, a case report, a case series, and a multiple quantitative case study. All studies related directly to our evidence-based PICO question and were used to determine …

A Cross-Content Validation: Sosi-M & Bot-Sf, Eleanor Brewer, Emily Yuen, Alyssa Asuncion, Taylor Hanson, Mariella Villanueva

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

This thesis paper examines a new assessment, Structured Observations of Sensory Integration- Motor (SOSI-M), and it’s concurrent validity against the well-validated Bruininks- Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Second Edition (BOT-2). This research study answers the question of “Do the scores from SOSI-M correlate with scores from the BOT-2 in a sample of children 5 to 14 years of age?”. The participants for this study are school-aged children between the ages of five to fourteen years old, all genders, English-speaking, ambulate without assistance or use of orthotic devices, and have motor and sensory abilities sufficient in order to complete both motor …

Expressive Arts In Occupational Therapy: Children Traumatized From Opioid-Addicted Caregivers, Laura Maclean

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapy has been associated with expressive arts and the act of healing the body and mind since the inception of the profession. Children use expressive arts to self-express, explore, and enhance the development of the brain and body. Children that have experienced trauma may have trouble recognizing and expressing emotions, thus react with negative behaviors, poor social skills, and learning challenges. Trauma may occur in children from caregivers' behaviors due to opioid addiction. The use of expressive arts through occupational therapy's holistic perspective provides traumatized children with a guide to recognize and express emotions, increase attention, and improve social …

Let’S Dance: Exploring The Physical, Psychological, And Social Effects Of Dance In Children, Alexis Sunderlage

Senior Theses

Movement and dance have a lot of positive health benefits, physically, psychologically, and socially. Children love to intrinsically move and creating a structured dance program is one way to gain the benefits of dance. The purpose of this study is to explore the physical, psychological, and social effects of dance in children while gaining insights that could be applied to the setting of occupational and physical pediatric therapies. This was done by conducting a literature review and exploring how children react to learning and following dance videos in a classroom setting by evaluating ability, engagement, and enjoyment by creating Let’s …

A Case Study Of Children's Programming In Transitional Housing, Crystal L. Coffman

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Female-headed households with children makeup nearly 30% of the homeless population, and are challenged to become self-sufficient while embodying multiple roles with inadequate supports (Bassuk, 2010; Crncec, 2008; Fisher, 2000; Schultz-Krohn & Tyminski, 2018). While there is growing literature to support the social-cultural and occupational needs of adults in this population, few programs and research efforts have explored the life skill and developmental needs of children (Fleary et al., 2019).

Purpose: The purpose and objectives of this capstone project were to examine the planning, execution, follow-up, and contextual adaptation of the programs provided to children and youth at a …

Exploring Accessibility And Social Inclusion For Children With Hearing Impairments In Residential Camps Through The Occupational Therapy Lens, Tiffany Coles

Student Capstone Papers

Children are encouraged to engage in various play, leisure, and social participation activities to enhance the development of life skills, independence, and social skills. A common leisure and social participation activity for children aged 6 to 18-years-old is to attend residential camp. Residential camps provide children a structured opportunity to engage in leisure activities while learning to become independent and self-confident when socializing and making new friends. Attending camp can be a fun and engaging environment to help accelerate growth in key developmental outcomes, such as positive identity, social skills, physical skills, positive values, and spirituality.

Within the residential camp …

Development Of A Universal Design Playroom For Children With Visual Impairments, Alejandra Sanchez, Angela Blackwell, Gina Benevente

Fall 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to create a safe and inclusive playroom for children 0-4-year-old with visual impairment (VI), and to promote the development in social interaction, motor, and process (thinking) skills. With the use of play, children with VI can improve their developmental skills by their interaction with peers and the environment which will improve their well-being. The Person-Environment-Occupation- Performance Model was used to find dysfunction in the constructs that would limit the performance in play for children with VI. The project renovated the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SALBVI) playroom to accommodate the needs of the …

Dressing Skills For Children With Cerebral Palsy [Research Plan], Diane Mellin, Jenna Oberg, Amber Torgerson, Charlene Yuson

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical dysfunction in children. Because there is damage to their cortex and corticospinal tracts, children who have cerebral palsy have difficulty in precise grasping and fine motor control, affecting their activities of daily living and quality of life (Ouyang et al., 2020).

The purpose of this study will be to develop an OT intervention using threading techniques that will help children with cerebral palsy dress independently without using adaptive clothing. This study will utilize a quasi-experimental design with the subjects as their own control. Pre- and post-tests will be administered for each child …

Impacts Of Motor And Sensory Impairment On Language In Young Children With Autism, Elizabeth A. Bisi

Clinical Psychology Dissertations

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with varying degrees of deficit in the broader areas of social communication and stereotyped behaviors, but emerging research proposes delayed motor skill and atypical sensory processing as additional factors worth closer examination. In the current study, I sought to investigate the impacts of visual motor skills and sensory differences on language ability in young children with autism. I hypothesized that young children with autism, atypical sensory processing (Short Sensory Profile, 2^nd Edition), and impaired visual motor integration (Beery VMI, 6^th Edition) would have the most impacted language ability scores (Differential Ability …

Holistic Home Modification: Developing A Client-Centered Approach To Home Assessments And Quality Of Life Measures, Maggie Little

OTD Capstone Projects

This project is an appraisal of home assessments and quality of life measures in order to find the best fit for pediatric populations and their caregivers.

Increasing Participation In Children And Adults With Disabilities At Christ Presbyterian Church, Taylor Boggus

OTD Capstone Projects

In partnering with Christ Presbyterian Church’s Special Needs Ministry for my doctoral capstone project, my aim was to increase participation in the community for children and adults with disabilities. I first created a family needs questionnaire to enable the special needs ministry to identify the needs of the families they serve. I created a resource guide for the ministry to disseminate to their families that includes local resources that serve children and adults with disabilities, including information about the services each resource provides and their contact information. Finally, I created a job skills curriculum to be used in the ministry’s …

Let's Talk About The Birds And The Bees: A Framework For Providing Sexual Education In Special Education, Heather Cowden

MOT Student Capstones

Background: Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are anywhere from three to seven times more likely to be sexual abused. These individuals are also more likely to be victims of bullying and may display maladaptive sexual behaviors due to their lack of sexual health knowledge. While provision of sexual health education has been shown to have many benefits including helping to decrease bullying and increase academic success, many students in special education, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, receiving little to no sexual education. This capstone project is aimed to raise awareness for the need …

Trauma-Informed Care In A School Setting: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Promote Emotional Regulation, Sarah Blaise, Ots, Sara Cohen, Ots, Maria Marcum, Ots

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

PICO Question

• What trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions improve emotional regulation and participation in school-based tasks for students?

Objectives

• Define trauma and note its prevalence among school-aged children
• Describe principles of Trauma-Informed Care and its importance in a school setting.
• Describe current research to determine best practice using a Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approach in schools for OT practitioners

Experience Of Play Participation And Use Of Lower Extremity Orthoses In Children With Cerebral Palsy: Case Study, Lakyn Elizabeth Jolly-Burchell

Online Theses and Dissertations

This case study sought to understand the experience of a single family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) using lower extremity orthoses (LEOs) in natural play contexts. CP is the most commonly occurring motor disability in childhood. Associated with CP, impairments in functional mobility, spasticity, varying degrees of muscle tone, ROM, and impaired gross and fine motor control are barriers to meaningful play experiences in this population. LEOs are widely prescribed devices for children with CP, used as walking aids and to improve/offset some of these performance deficits and body structures. Although, the true efficacy of LEOs is yet …

Evidence And Interventions For Children With Handwriting Deficits, Josephine Hatch

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this project was to determine effective interventions shown to increase fine motor skills in children who experience handwriting deficits related to ADD/ADHD or other attention deficits. The project was prepared for a pediatric outpatient OT at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The information was found via the USM databases through specific search terms and parameters.
This work is significant because many OTs and teachers are working with children who have deficits in handwriting and fine motor abilities. There needs to be additional research conducted specifically with children who have ADD/ADHD and exhibit fine motor and handwriting deficits.
The research …

The Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale: Initial Studies Of Reliability And Item Analyses, Shelley Mulligan, Sarah A. Schoen, Lucy Jane Miller, Andrea Valdez, Deborah Magalhaes

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale (SP-3D) is a performance-based measure for assessing sensory processing abilities and challenges, including sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, and sensory-based motor disorders. Initial studies of reliability were conducted, and item response theory was applied to assist in refining the measure.

Methods: Descriptive and correlational methods were used to examine internal consistency of the scales and inter-rater reliability. Item response theory using Rasch analyses was applied to examine unidimensionality of scales, model fit, and item difficulty.

Results: Internal consistency for most measures was acceptable, demonstrating the subtests, domains, and behavior scales as distinct …

Parental Self-Efficacy Of The “Unexpected Parent”, Cinthia L. Arbogast

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Research focused on the “unexpected parent” is limited. This population of parent is increasing in frequency.

Purpose: The purpose of this capstone study was to provide support to unexpected parents. The study focused on the area of establishing and maintaining routines and consistency as a means to decrease negative behavior in order to improve parental selfefficacy. With improved skills and perceived improved abilities, the aim of this study was to improve this performance of this group of parents during their participation in the occupation of parenting.

Theoretical Framework. The theory driving this research is the occupation-based model called the …

Movement Opportunities Through Vestibular Engagement To Rhythm (Mover), Lindsay B. Williams

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Across the United States, school systems have decreased the amount of proprioceptive activities and vestibular-based movement opportunities within the school day to focus on academic skills and test score improvement (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). Stemming from this curriculum modification, children’s free play and movement opportunities are being replaced by more sedentary experiences such as structured academic activities and screen time. As a result, elementary school students with attention deficits, especially those who have a history of prenatal drug exposure, are not receiving sufficient movement opportunities needed during the day to maximize their attention and to regulate …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Early Language Development Of Babies And Young Children, Aimee E. Ketchum, Otd, Otr/L, Marie-Christine Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Occupational therapy practitioners in their interactions with babies, young children and their families, can be change-agents who promote rich language environments as a foundation to social interactions, social participation and academic successes. OTPs may be the sole provider working with a family or may reinforce with families the plan of care developed by speech-language pathologists (SLP) or early intervention teachers. The first step for OTPs is deeper knowledge of the importance of early language exposure, social interaction and participation development in young children and approaches that promotes rich language environments.

Cognitive Orientation To (Daily) Occupational Performance (Co-Op) Approach And Children With Disabilities, E. Amidon, K. Matteo, K. O'Toole, C. Pistilli, A. Slomowitz, Marie-Christine Potvin

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

There is a growing body of research evidence for the CO-OP approach since first published in 2001. Individual studies such as single case designs have found positive outcomes using this approach, however, no prior systematic reviews exist. Therefore, this review aims to compile and evaluate the efficacy of the CO-OP approach in children with disabilities.

Occupational Therapy Led Handwriting Programs In General Education, Angela Hamel, Collin Skilling

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

PIO: Does integrating occupational therapy led handwriting programs into a classroom’s curriculum improve overall handwriting in all children?

Interprofessional Collaboration To Support Children With Diabetes, Katie M. Polo, Susan M. Cahill

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate school nurses’ perspectives related to interprofessional collaboration to support health promotion and development of self-management skills of students with diabetes.

Method: A link to an on-line survey was sent to 312 school nurses. The survey included 11 items pertaining to the nurses’ perceptions.

Results: The majority of the respondents (91.8%, n = 56) reported that instruction and maintenance of diabetes self-management skills would benefit from an interprofessional team. Few of the respondents (20.8%, n = 11) identified occupational therapy practitioners as possible collaborators. Nearly two-thirds (62.7%, n = 37) of the …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Listening On Bilateral Coordination, Avery Wilson, Mios Buccat, Amanda Grace Irao, Morgan Mousley, Michael Yra Munchua

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Therapeutic Listening® is an intervention increasingly used by occupational therapists despite the lack of supporting evidence in current literature. Therapeutic Listening® is a sound-based treatment developed by Sheila Frick, OTR/L, rooted in sensory integration. The purpose of this continuation study was to compare the quality of bilateral movement in typically developing children after either listening to Therapeutic Listening® Bilateral Coordination Quick Shift or listening to white noise. This study used a randomized control pretest-posttest experimental design to analyze posture, smooth and continuous movement, effort, precision, and arm/leg movements. Specific items were further analyzed after eliminating those with a strong ceiling …

Using A Multifaceted Approach To Working With Children Who Have Differences In Sensory Processing And Integration, Stacey Reynolds, Tara J. Glennon, Karla Ausderau, Roxanna M. Bendixen, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck, Beth Pfeiffer, Renee Watling, Kimberly Wilkinson, Stefanie C. Bodison

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners frequently provide interventions for children with differences in sensory processing and integration. Confusion exists regarding how best to intervene with these children and about how to describe and document methods. Some practitioners hold the misconception that Ayres Sensory Integration intervention is the only approach that can and should be used with this population. The issue is that occupational therapy practitioners must treat the whole client in varied environments; to do so effectively, multiple approaches to intervention often are required. This article presents a framework for conceptualizing interventions for children with differences in sensory processing and integration …

Effect Of Slant Boards In Combination With Handwriting Practice, Kristen N. Brevoort

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Handwriting difficulties affect 10% to 30% of children in elementary school often hindering their successful participation in a number of occupations, including academic participation. Occupational therapists provide treatments for handwriting difficulties; however, many of these interventions have limited to no evidence to support their effectiveness. One of these interventions is the use of a slant board, a treatment strategy often combined with handwriting practice. Clinicians commonly combine the use of slant boards and handwriting practice to facilitate the development of handwriting skills in young children. However, the effectiveness of this combination of interventions in improving the quality of handwriting remains …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Listening On Bilateral Coordination, Avery Wilson, Mios Buccat, Amanda Grace Irao, Morgan Mousley, Michael Yra Munchua

Student Research Posters

Therapeutic Listening® is an intervention increasingly used by occupational therapists despite the lack of supporting evidence in current literature. Therapeutic Listening® is a sound-based treatment developed by Sheila Frick, OTR/L, rooted in sensory integration. The purpose of this continuation study was to analyze the quality of bilateral movement in typically developing children after a Therapeutic Listening® session using a more sensitive, qualitative measure. This study used a randomized control pretest-posttest experimental design to analyze posture, smooth and continuous movement, effort, precision, and arm/leg movements. Specific items were further analyzed after eliminating those with a strong ceiling effect and focusing on …

A Study Exploring Parents’ And Occupational Therapists Views On Facilitating Social And Emotional Development, Salena C. Neuwar

Honors College Theses

This study examined how parents of a child with a disability and the child's occupational therapist each facilitate social and emotional development among children who have or are currently receiving occupational therapy services. This study first served to identify, through interviews, what social and emotional skills are important individually to the parent and the occupational therapist that the child gains. Through interviews, the researcher investigated the perceptions of how parents and occupational therapists facilitate social and emotional skills. The location of the therapy session was found to be a vital component among parent and occupational therapist interaction. Finally, this research …

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions, Meredith L. Aja, Katie L. Cole, Trenton S. Warning

Pediatrics

Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the current role of occupational therapy (OT) in the treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an umbrella term that encompasses six subtypes of the disease. JIA is one of the most common childhood chronic diseases and can be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and loss of function, as well as psychosocial impacts. JIA participants generally receive pharmacological treatment, but less commonly receive therapeutic interventions to help reduce symptoms. Individualized treatment plans are necessary for clients with JIA due to the diverse nature of the disease. …

A Guide For Occupational Therapy Professionals Using "Budding" Occupational Therapy Strategies: A Nature Approach, Jessie R. Gentz

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of"Budding" Occupational Therapy Strategies: A Nature Approach was to develop a guide with sample activities and explanations to better understand why and how nature works. The guide provides a sample of nature based activities for occupational therapists working with children with sensory processing disorders to better understand how simple it is to incorporate natural materials and natural environments into treatment sessions to improve a child's occupational performance. The activities integrate plants, animals, the outdoors and everyday materials into treatment planning to improve performance skills by addressing the various components of the occupational therapy practice framework (OTPF). The guide …

The Experience Of Occupational Therapists' Approaches And Interventions For School-Aged Children And Adolescents With Anxiety, Meg O'Brien, Emily Terhaar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the realm of occupational therapy there is not a clear or cohesive evidencebased approach that OT's use to guide intervention planning with school-aged children or adolescent who have anxiety or anxiety secondary to another medical condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of 6 pediatric occupational therapists in an outpatient setting in developing and implementing interventions for this population. Researchers utilized a phenomenological qualitative research method completing six interviews to understand the experience of the participants. Findings suggest that occupational therapists who participated in this study feel that they have skills …