Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy’S Role And Impact In Cancer Prehabilitation: A Scoping Review, Abbey Rancour, Averi Haas, Emily Peckham, Kate Reimer, Kylie Mccaskill

Masters Projects

Background:

Oncology prehabilitation aims to optimize patients’ physical and psychosocial function before cancer treatment, yet the specific contributions of occupational therapy (OT) remain underexplored.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to map and synthesize the existing literature describing the role and reported benefits of OT within oncology prehabilitation programs.

Methodology:

Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework and guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist, three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) were searched. Search terms included preoperative exercise, prehabilitation, neoplasms, and cancer. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers, and data were charted and analyzed descriptively and thematically.

Results:

A …

The Impact Of Psychosocial Factors On The Recovery Of Upper Extremity Injuries And Trauma: A Systematic Review, Meghan Hall, Abigail Morgan, Annie Knight, Tanner Fletcher, Allison G. Freeman, Sharon M. Cosper

Journal of Applied Disciplines

This systematic review specifically addresses the question of identifying what psychosocial factors for individuals with upper extremity conditions impact recovery. Twenty two studies were examined with four themes arising: coping limitations, anxiety/stress, depression, and kinesophobia/pain. While extensive research exists to support the presence of an impact of psychosocial factors in upper extremity rehabilitation, further research should be done to expand on these findings to include how psychosocial factors effect rehabilitation of individuals with upper extremity conditions, and application of how these relate to the field of occupational therapy and quality of life.

Independent Living Skills For The Aging Population Of Adults With Disabilities, Sara K. Fetter Otd, Otr, Jennifer L. Martin Otd, Otr, Cht, Clt, Michele L. Mccarroll Phd, Faacvpr, Acsm-Ccep, Ccrp, Lssbb

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) are living longer and increasingly outlive family caregivers. Strengthening independent living and vocational skills has therefore become a critical public-health priority. Occupational therapy (OT) can address this need through person-centered, community-based programming. This paper describes the co-design, delivery, and preliminary outcomes of a short occupation-based curriculum intended to enhance autonomy and work readiness in aging adults with ID. In partnership with a Dallas, Texas nonprofit, the authors conducted a needs assessment and created an 8-session course rooted in the Independent Living Model and the Occupational Competence Model. The curriculum addressed four domains (physical health, financial …

Community As Occupation: Finding Belonging Through Participation, Nardia Aldridge

be Still

Community has been one of the most meaningful occupations shaping my journey in occupational therapy. Throughout my experiences as a student, practitioner, and educator, I have come to understand that belonging is cultivated through participation in communities that nurture mentorship, leadership, and shared purpose. Organizations such as the National Black Occupational Therapy Caucus, the American Occupational Therapy Association, the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Toastmasters, and Tahti’s Social Club represent spaces where individuals gather to support one another and contribute to something greater than themselves. This reflection explores the idea that community itself can be understood as an occupation. Through …

Circle Of Community, Nardia Aldridge

be Still

This photograph captures a moment of collective connection as members of a community gather in a circle holding hands. The circle represents unity, reflection, and mutual support. Through shared cultural expression and participation, community becomes more than a place. It becomes a lived experience of belonging, identity, and care for one another.

Evaluating Interprofessional And Cultural Competency: A Community-Mental Health Interprofessional Education Event, Megan A. Whitbeck, Carrie A. Griffiths, William F. Miller, Laura M. Skoronski Chavez, Krisy Elrod, Autumn M. Forgione, Anna L. Grippi, John P. Merchant

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of a mental health focused interprofessional education (IPE) event, where undergraduate and graduate students from four different healthcare disciplines collaboratively completed a case study activity, that included diversity and mental health components.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design was used. Participants included 72 undergraduate and graduate students from nursing, occupational therapy, health administration, and counseling programs at a private university. Students engaged in a structured team-based activity emphasizing communication, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness in a mental health care context. Self-reported measures included the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey (ICCAS) and the Cultural …

An Exploratory Study: The Presence Of Imposter Syndrome In New Graduate Allied Health Professionals And Its Relationship To Location Of Practice, Samantha J. Barber, Carol A. Flavell Dr, Moira Smith Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study …

An Academic–Community Partnership: A Faculty-Student Collaborative Occupational Therapy Clinic For Health Equity And Experiential Learning, Jennifer Martin, Nancy Saucedo, Jazmine Jacobo, Monica Gendy, David John, Yolanda Escalante

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This descriptive report outlines the development and operation of a faculty–student collaborative occupational therapy (OT) clinic embedded in a community-based primary care setting serving uninsured individuals. The clinic’s dual mission is (1) to reduce disparities in access to OT services and (2) to serve as an educational model for developing student competence, cultural humility, and advocacy skills. Description: Established in 2019 and relaunched in 2023, the clinic operates one day per week, providing consultative OT services primarily for musculoskeletal conditions, with additional referrals for neurological and systemic issues. Over two academic years, the clinic delivered 229 service hours across …

Multiple Interest Holder Perspectives Of The True Grit Sci Residential Program: A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation, Keara Mcnair

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Young adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) face significant challenges during the transition to adulthood, including barriers to independence, community participation, and psychosocial adjustment (Ingimarsdóttir et al., 2023; Zebracki et al., 2010). Current rehabilitation models in the United States prioritize short-term physical recovery and offer limited support for the developmental and contextual needs that shape long-term outcomes after SCI, particularly during transitions from inpatient rehabilitation to the community (Anderson et al., 2024; Bryden & Gran, 2024). Community-based programs may help address these gaps, though few have been rigorously evaluated using implementation science frameworks that attend to health equity, contextual influences, …

Enhancing Independence: A Home Environmental Safety Program For Stroke Survivors, Ka'iulani-Joy Genevieve Conlu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Stroke is a common cause of physical limitations, leading to decreased independence and participation in daily activities. Individuals post-stroke transitioning from inpatient to outpatient care typically do not receive in-person home safety recommendations to decrease environmental challenges and improve overall well-being. Methods: Participants were recruited conveniently during the inpatient and outpatient care process at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Henderson. The Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST) was administered to identify environmental hazards and to guide individualized home safety recommendations. Participants will complete a questionnaire before and after the program within 14 weeks to …

The Lotus Project: An Occupation-Based Online Module To Support Healthy Matrescence, Virginia Genato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Becoming a mother is a meaningful life event that occurs amid complex physical, psychological, and social changes. During this period, individuals undergo an occupational role transition as they assume new caregiver responsibilities while navigating contextual demands. The ease of this transition influences overall maternal adjustment. The dominant sociocultural model of intensive mothering promotes child-centered caregiving, often at the expense of maternal well-being and adjustment. Efforts to meet these expectations may disrupt an individual’s transition into motherhood and place them at risk for developing postpartum mental health challenges.

The concept of matrescence provides a developmental framework that views motherhood as an …

The Impact Of Youth Sport On Occupational Balance: A Survey Study, Sean Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Youth sport has been highly researched, exploring both positive and negative health impacts (Adetunji & Akendutire, 2017; Brengtsson et al., 2025; Conway, 2024; Hoffman et al., 2022). Despite the high prevalence of youth sport participation, and variability of health-related outcomes, there has been no research regarding the impact youth sport participation has on occupational balance, an occupational therapy concept that has been linked with overall health and well-being (Park et al., 2021). A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey study was used to gain better insights into the impact youth sport participation may have on occupational balance. A sample size of 466 Nevada …

Inclusiveness With Sensory Maps; Enhancing Engagement In A Children's Museum, Victoria E. Davila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Sensory processing challenges can affect a child’s ability to engage in play, especially when participating in community activities. When a child feels overwhelmed by sensory features in an environment, such as noise or bright lights in a community space, they may experience sensory overload. Caregivers often observe this behavior but may not have access to resources to help their child navigate these challenges. This capstone project aimed to implement a program development initiative at the Discovery Children’s Museum focused on developing sensory-inclusive resources for caregivers visiting the museum with a child. The role of occupational therapy in this project is …

Promoting Classroom Management Through Elementary Teacher Education On Movement-Based Social-Emotional Learning, Daija Renee Georgette

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project addressed a knowledge gap among K–5 th–grade teachers at Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) regarding the purpose, benefits, and educational value of movement-based brain breaks. Although CCA currently incorporates social–emotional learning (SEL) frameworks such as the Zones of Regulation, teachers have received limited training on how structured movement opportunities can enhance student engagement, attention, and regulation. This program aimed to strengthen teachers’ understanding and confidence by providing a series of evidence-informed workshops that explored the connections among movement, self-regulation, and classroom management.

The project consisted of orientation, teacher recruitment, needs assessment, workshop development, and program delivery over …

Feasibility Of High-Intensity Training (Hit) For Academic Engagement In Young Adult Women, Raleah Tenorio Kastner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This feasibility study aimed to identify the impact of a high-intensity training (HIT) exercise protocol on healthy behaviors related to academics to decrease stress levels and enhance academic engagement and overall quality of life in young adult female students, measured by a modified version of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the Occupational Experience Profile (OEP).

Methodology: One young adult female student enrolled at UNLV who is 18-25 years old was recruited via convenience sampling to engage in a 12-session HIT exercise program, developed by a certified personal trainer and licensed occupational therapist, with the participant’s target …

Postpartum Depression Protocols In A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Benefits And Outcomes, Myrnnda Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project aimed to reduce postpartum depression symptoms in mothers with infants admitted to the University Medical Center (UMC) of Southern Nevada’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by integrating early screening with occupation-based, trauma-informed support. The intervention combined the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for early detection with occupational therapy–facilitated maternal support sessions, providing emotional validation, education, and strategies for coping and parent–infant bonding. Guided by Trauma-Informed Care and Backwards Design frameworks, the project prioritized maternal safety, empowerment, and confidence. A paired sample t-test was conducted to compare pre and posttest EPDS scores and showed that the participant’s EPDS …

The Impact Of Language-Concordant Diagnosis Education On Discharge Readiness For Spanish-Speaking Patients, Jorge Noel Perdomo Rodriguez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Current language service practices fail to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) resulting in decreased satisfaction with care, understanding of diagnosis education, and increased risk of post-discharge health disparities. Language-concordant care has been found to improve patient satisfaction with care and increase quality of transition from hospital to home. Research on language-concordant OT care is scarce and current studies suggest that language discordance leads to decreased quality of OT care for Spanish speakers. Problem: Language discordance leads to poor understanding of OT’s role and decreases patient-centered care for Spanish-speaking patients. Purpose: This project aimed …

Efficacy Of Dorsal Application Kinesio® Tex Tape On Esports Performance, Charlie Moua

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This mixed-methods pilot study examined dorsal Kinesio® Tex Tape as a nonrestrictive occupational therapy intervention for adult PC gamers with carpal tunnel–type symptoms. As gaming participation increases, players may experience repetitive wrist and hand movements, prolonged postures, and high performance demands that contribute to discomfort, overuse symptoms, and reduced participation in meaningful gaming occupations. Four adult PC gamers completed five in-person sessions and were assigned to either dorsal wrist taping or sham scapular taping. Quantitative outcomes included the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire– Symptom Severity Scale, visual analog pain ratings, and Kovaak’s Aim Trainer performance scores and accuracy. Qualitative data were …

Exploring Lifestyle Habits Between Gamers And Non-Gamers: A Survey-Based Approach, Janavi Sathappan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Video gaming is a prevalent and meaningful occupation for a growing number of young adults, yet its relationship to health behaviors is inconsistent and unclear in literature. This cross-sectional survey-based study examined the differences in nutritional pattens, sleep hygiene, and physical activity between self-identified gamers and non-gamers in a sample of young adults aged 18-34. Recruitment occurred primarily through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and associated networks. Participants were asked to complete the Mini Eating Assessment Tool, Sleep Hygiene Index, and the International Physical Activity- Short Form. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson’s chi-square tests, and …

Exploring A Boxing Community Exercise Porgram For Women With Parkinson's Disease, Emily Truong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this capstone project was to explore the lived experiences of 10 women with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who participate in the Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) program, an exercise community-based non-contact boxing program. Because women remain underrepresented in PD research and exercise-based interventions, this project aims to better understand how women perceive the physical, emotional, and social impacts of participating in RSB.

Methods: This qualitative case series included 10 women diagnosed with PD that participate in RSB at the Tony Cress Training Center. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews and audio recordings. Interviews were consented, transcribed verbatim, …

Application Of Occupational Therapy Task-Oriented For Chronic Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study, Gia Nghi Vu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability, with persistent upper extremity (UE) impairment limiting engagement in daily tasks, reducing quality of life and contributing to learned non-use in the chronic stage among stroke survivors. The Occupational Therapy Task Oriented (OTTO) approach is proposed to optimize occupational performance through the use of meaningful, functional and highly individualized tasks that enable clients to fulfill their valued roles and participate in desired daily activities. The purpose of this capstone project was to advance clinical skills by applying the OTTO approach to examine its effect on occupational performance and UE motor function in …

Development And Evaluation Of A Training Program On Pain Assessments For Pediatric Care Teams In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Rudy Velasquez-Correa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project was a program development and quality improvement initiative at Silver State Pediatrics focused on improving consistency and confidence of pediatric care staff in assessing and documenting pain in children, particularly those who are non-speaking and medically complex. Although validated tools such as the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC), revised-FLACC (R-FLACC), and Non-communicating Children’s Pain Checklist-Revised (NCCPC-R) exists, inconsistent training and limited interdisciplinary communication have led to variability in clinical practice. This project involved implementing a brief, 20-30-minute interdisciplinary training session for nursing and rehabilitation staff on the use of validated pediatric pain assessment tools and collaborative …

The Exploration Of Leisure Occupations For Older Adults, Chloe Jisoo Kang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: This capstone project involved the development and implementation of a community-based program for the exploration of leisure occupations for older adults. The program aimed to increase the life satisfaction and occupational balance of participants. A manualized program was created for the capstone site for potential continuation of the program.

Methods: The program was developed with the support of evidence-based research and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF-4). Two-hour events were held once a week for four weeks in a community area of the senior living community. A modified version of the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11) and the Satisfaction with …

Developing A Health Education Program For Adults Reentering The Community After Incarceration, Tiffany Ayame Kinugawa-Larsen

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Justice-impacted adults often experience challenges in confidently managing their health due to limited autonomy, disrupted health routines, and limited access to health education during incarceration. Studies have shown that incarcerated adults have a higher likelihood of developing chronic health issues, yet have limited access to resources that promote health and well-being after release from incarceration. Given that health management falls within the scope of occupational therapy (OT), the profession is positioned to promote health and well-being by applying OT principles that emphasize individualized, holistic care tailored to a justice-impacted population during community reintegration. A 5-week health education program grounded in …

Supporting Staff Social-Emotional Learning Through An After-School Program, Alexis Monique Molina

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral capstone project aimed to develop and implement an occupational therapy- informed social-emotional learning (SEL) training program for after-school staff at the Hollywood Recreation Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The project addressed a critical gap in the skills and competence of staff needed to manage emotional and behavioral challenges in community-based youth programs. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, adult learning theory, and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, the fourteen-week program incorporated weekly lessons to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relational competence among staff. Through interactive lessons, reflection promotion, and feedback surveys, participants engaged …

Addressing Sleep Health In The Fire Service: A Sleep Hygiene Education Program, Alyssa Elizabeth Neal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project implemented an occupational therapy sleep hygiene program tailored to the unique occupational demands of Las Vegas Fire and Rescue (LVFR) firefighters. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation theory and the CALMS Framework, this project conceptualized sleep as a meaningful occupation essential to health, safety, and functional performance. The project’s aim was to assess the feasibility of a sleep hygiene program designed for the fire service using standardized measures, including the Sleep Hygiene Index. The methodology incorporated a structured educational session focused on educating firefighters on the importance of sleep, modifying routines and environments to support restorative sleep, implementing …

Sense Of Belonging And Professional Identity In Acute Care Occupational Therapists: A Phenomenological Study, Shania Marion D. Novilla

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) play a crucial and demanding role in acute care, addressing complex diagnoses and facilitating safe discharge; however, the fast-paced biomedical environment often pressures them to compromise their occupation-based philosophy, potentially leading to professional burnout and low retention rates. Although professional identity (the self-perception of one's role) and a sense of belonging (feeling valued and connected) are recognized as correlated concepts vital for professional resilience, this relationship remains critically underexplored within the acute care OT population. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (Schkade & Schultz, 1992), this qualitative study explores how experienced occupational therapists working in an …

Psychological Impact Of Nexus Program On Persons Living With Mild Dementia, Kaleigh Gailynn Quinlan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Dementia is a global health concern due to the rapidly growing aging population (WHO, 2023). A wealth of evidence exists to support the notion that lifestyle interventions not only slow cognitive decline but improve cognition (Ngandu et al., 2015; Rosenberg et al.., 2018; Meng et al., 2022). However, there is a distinct lack of qualitative evidence examining the experience of being in a lifestyle redesign program. Lifestyle interventions require a large overhaul of an individual’s habits and performance patterns, and as such, there must be a subjective experience attached. Methodology: Through convenience sampling of the residents participating in the …

Identifying Well-Being Factors For At-Risk Young Adult Women: A Scoping Review, Carolina A. Quinonez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

This scoping review has systematically explored and mapped the range of literature that pertains to the influences of well-being for at-risk young adult women, to inform occupational therapy practice, guide future research, and enhance the knowledge of holistic well-being.

Methodology

Four online databases, including Google Scholar, were searched to identify publications, in the past 20 years, on relevant data for at-risk women and their well-being levels. Data was tracked using a PRISMA-ScR diagram with guidance from JBI protocol.

Results

There were 39 studies that met all the inclusion criteria. The studies were categorized into the types of well-being and …

Expanding Neurological Interventions: An Aquatic-Based Occupational Therapy Toolkit For Inpatient Rehabilitation, Kate Jannelle Rye

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: The objective of this project was to develop an evidence-informed aquatic therapy toolkit aimed at improving occupational therapy practitioners’ self-efficacy in planning aquatic interventions for individuals with neurological injuries.

Methods: This project utilized a quality improvement approach, involving the development of a toolkit, an in-service educational training, and a hands-on skills session. Practitioner self-efficacy was measured using a modified General Self-Efficacy Scale, which was administered before and after the educational training and hands-on skills session. Guided reflections and feedback from occupational therapy practitioners were also utilized to evaluate self-efficacy and the applicability of the toolkit.

Outcomes: Participation in the …