Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Movement-Based Program To Support Quality Of Life For Adults With Down Syndrome, Jillian Sanalila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral project focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based movement program designed to support quality of life (QoL) among adults with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities at GiGi’s Playhouse Las Vegas. Adults with Down syndrome often experience significant health and participation disparities that negatively impact quality of life. These disparities include reduced physical activity, limited opportunities for social engagement, and barriers to engagement in meaningful occupations. Grounded in occupational therapy principles, this project introduced a structured intervention integrating dance, Pilates, and yoga to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. A program development design …

Efficacy Of The Dorsal Application Of Kinesiotape For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome On Sleep, Alyanna San Pedro

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common upper-extremity condition among university students who frequently engage in prolonged computer and device use. CTS symptoms, specifically in nocturnal pain, tingling, and numbness, often disrupt sleep quality, which can lead to negative effects on daytime functioning and participation in meaningful occupations. Despite growing interest in conservative management strategies, there is limited research on the potential role of kinesiotape (KT) in addressing sleep-related symptoms of CTS. This study aims to examine changes in sleep quality, nocturnal symptoms severity, and participation in meaningful activities in university students experiencing mild to moderate CTS symptoms. Participants were …

Examining The Effects Of Tailored Ergonomic Interventions On Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders For Taxi Drivers, Amal Youssouf

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Taxi drivers are frequently exposed to prolonged sitting, whole-body vibration, limited rest opportunities, and psychosocial stressors, placing them at increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This can be mitigated with the use of ergonomics, which changes one's environment to match an individual's needs within the context and demands of the job. Although ergonomics is a recognized area of occupational therapy (OT) practice, current research is limited to office-based or computer-related settings, leaving a gap in OT-led ergonomic interventions tailored for professional drivers. This capstone project aimed to determine whether OT-based ergonomic strategies, along with an ergonomic checklist as a guideline …

Effectiveness Of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy On The Quality Of Life Of Adults With Dementia: A Secondary Analysis, Evelyn Airam

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This secondary analysis study evaluated the effectiveness of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) on quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in 108 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairments, including dementia. Outcomes involved Quality of Life (QoL) measured by the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD), symptoms of depression by the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), and cognitive function using the Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS). After the CST, significant improvements were observed in QoL (p = .004), depressive symptoms (p = .002), and cognitive function (p < .001), with small effect sizes. Additionally, a significant interaction between sex and dementia diagnosis status was found in predicting cognitive changes, suggesting that the relationship between dementia diagnosis and cognitive improvement differs by sex. No between-group differences were found for QoL or depression. Findings support CST as a multidimensional, non-pharmacological intervention that improves cognitive, psychological, and social outcomes. Although effects were small, consistent improvements are clinically meaningful given the progressive nature of dementia. This study extends existing literature by demonstrating CST’s effectiveness in a community-based setting and reinforces its alignment with occupational therapy’s emphasis on participation and holistic care. Results highlight the need for early intervention and expanded access to CST programs to enhance quality of life in this population.

Integrating Social-Emotional Learning To Foster Regulation And A Positive Classroom Climate, Klarika Meghan V. Alquisada

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Social-emotional learning (SEL) supports the development of emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and meaningful participation in academic environments. Increasing regulatory demands within classrooms highlight the need for structured approaches that support both educators and students in maintaining engagement and fostering positive learning environments. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners are uniquely positioned to collaborate with educators to integrate regulation-focused strategies within daily classroom routines.This quality improvement project aimed to develop and implement an OT-informed SEL program for educators serving students with diverse learning needs. Teachers received consultation and tailored SEL strategies, implemented them for 5 weeks, and provided feedback on their effects on …

Fostering Adolescents’ Social-Emotional Skills In A Community Setting, Elizabeth Benitez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Adolescents face growing emotional, behavioral, and social challenges, especially in community recreation settings with high energy, peer interaction, and sensory demands. These environments often expose difficulties in emotional regulation, communication, and conflict management, highlighting the need for structured social-emotional learning (SEL). This capstone project aimed to develop and implement an occupation-centered SEL program integrating the Zones of Regulation (ZOR), CASEL competencies, and Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR) Floortime principles within the Clark County Hollywood Parks and Recreation after-school program. Guided by the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model, the project sought to help adolescents practice emotional awareness, self-management, and interpersonal skills in their …

Got Sleep?: The Introduction Of Sleep Hygiene To Justice Involved Individuals, Charisma Lynn Cato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Individuals transitioning out of incarceration often experience challenges with sleep due to the residual effects of confinement. Although this is common among justice-involved individuals, there is limited research on how to address their sleep hygiene self-efficacy after release. Furthermore, despite the wide use of social-emotional learning (SEL) across multiple disciplines, little is known about its influence on sleep-related behavior change in re-entry populations. To address this, the Got Sleep program, designed and implemented at Hope for Prisoners (HOPE), a community site geared toward re-entry assistance, integrated occupational therapy (OT) principles and an SEL approach with practical sleep hygiene strategies to …

Enhancing Accessibility And Inclusivity In The Performing Arts With Occupational Therapy Frameworks, Carmela Clarice Tabora Clave

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In live theater performances, there are numerous sensory demands, including unpredictable noises, lighting, crowd movement, vocalization, and transitions in and out of the theater. Teachers, support staff, and chaperones who attend these performances may face barriers in supporting their children in unfamiliar environments, and community volunteers who have never assisted during these shows may not know how to support children who need it if they have not had prior exposure to children with diverse needs. This capstone project provides families, teachers, and volunteers with pre-visit resource guides with occupational therapy perspectives on sensory processing for student matinees and sensory-inclusive performances …

An Occupation-Based Protocol For Mobile-Gaming Ergonomics, Lan Doan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The increasing prevalence of mobile gaming has introduced unique ergonomic challenges that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the practicality and preliminary effectiveness of an ergonomic protocol designed to improve posture, reduce pain, and maintain gaming performance among mobile gamers. A pre-post design was implemented with two participants aged 18–34 years. The six-week intervention included ergonomic education, postural training, scheduled breaks, and targeted stretching and strengthening exercises. Quantitative data on gaming performance using Call of Duty Mobile Scores, pain assessed through the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire …

Nurturing Beginnings, Madison K. Hanson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Early intervention for postpartum mothers and their infants plays a critical role in supporting long-term health outcomes for both members of the dyad. Maternal well-being is closely linked to a child’s development, and challenges such as stress, physical changes, and undiagnosed postpartum depression can disrupt bonding, parenting, and early skill development. Because the transition to motherhood is complex, consistent support and interventions are essential for both mom and baby. Strengthening public education and improving developmental screening practices can help ensure mothers and infants are receiving needed support early in life. Nurturing Beginnings worked to bridge the service gaps between healthcare …

Cultivating Independence: Planting Seeds Of Education For Occupational Therapy Practitioners And Students Working With Individuals In Agriculture, Michelle I. Arens

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Agricultural work is physically demanding and culturally significant, yet most occupational therapy (OT) practitioners and students receive little preparation for supporting farmers and ranchers, especially those with disabilities. This capstone partnered with the Nebraska AgrAbility Project to expand knowledge of agricultural occupations and increase awareness of OT’s role in promoting safety, independence, and participation with this population. Using the PEO and CMOP‑E models, the project integrated immersive learning, resource development, and community outreach through farm visits, educational materials, presentations, and data collection. Results showed substantial growth across all groups: students gained confidence in treating agricultural clients and understanding OT’s role …

Rewiring Recovery: Integrating Assistive Technology Into Occupational Therapy For Neurological Rehabilitation, Megan M. Cotton

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Although assistive technology (AT) is widely recognized as an effective intervention to improve functional outcomes and independence in individuals with neurological conditions, it remains underutilized in clinical practice due to barriers such as limited training, time constraints, and lack of accessible resources (Langan et al., 2018; Pearce et al., 2024; Sarsak et al., 2023). This doctoral capstone project examined the integration of AT into occupational therapy practice within an inpatient rehabilitation setting. Guided by the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOP-E) and the Rehabilitative Frame of Reference, the project aimed to bridge the gap between evidence-based AT interventions …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promoting Adaptive Gymnastics Among Autistic Girls, Ashley R. Aesoph

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This project focused on the underdiagnosis of girls on the autism spectrum and the benefit of adaptive sports participation in improving motor, sensory, and social skills for this population. Occupational therapy’s role in diagnosing and treating girls displaying symptoms of autism was explored through the completion of 25 autism diagnostic evaluations and screenings. The differences in the presentation of autism in girls and women was investigated through interviews with two clinical psychologists, a survey of 17 clinicians, interviews with the parents of two girls diagnosed with autism, and an interview with 1 woman on the autism spectrum. Through this, barriers …

Reframing Intimacy: An Occupation-Based Approach To Pelvic Floor & Sexual Health, Emma Stone

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Pelvic floor dysfunction is highly prevalent among women in the United States, and sexual health is often underaddressed in healthcare. This capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in pelvic floor therapy and promote integration of sexual health into practice. Completed in an outpatient pelvic floor setting, the project included clinical skill development, program development, and advocacy. Interventions involved continuing education, creation of educational handouts, implementation of home exercise programs, and tracking outcomes using the PFDI-20. Additional initiatives included staff education and student training on OT’s role in pelvic health. All 12 tracked clients progressed toward …

More Than Mealtimes: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Pediatric Feeding For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Anika J. Peters

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Feeding is a foundational occupation essential for growth, development, and family participation. However, children with developmental disabilities often experience significant feeding challenges that impact nutrition and participation in mealtime routines. This capstone project examines the role of occupational therapy in pediatric feeding assessment and intervention within an outpatient setting. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, outcomes were evaluated for pediatric clients (N=18) and occupational therapists (N=15) through goal attainment tracking, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), clinician needs assessment data, and resource feedback. Results demonstrated improvements in food acceptance, texture tolerance, oral-motor skills, and engagement in mealtime participation. COPM scores reflected …

Transitioning Home: The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Aging In Place, Syrena Meyer

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy in supporting older adults transitioning home from hospitalization to successfully age in place. With the growing population of adults over age 65 and a strong preference to remain in their homes, there is an increasing need for interventions that promote safety, independence, and quality of life. This project focused on developing advanced clinical skills in inpatient and transitional care settings while implementing evidence-based interventions and educational resources. The Person-Environment-Occupation Model was used throughout the 14-week experience to identify strategies to enhance occupational performance in patients. Key activities included patient care, use …

Empowering Families: Enhancing Early Intervention Through Caregiver Coaching, Kylie Wersal

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The early years of life are critical for infant brain growth and development (Twardzik et al., 2017; Help Me Grow, n.d.). • Early intervention (EI) supports infants and toddlers with developmental delays through holistic. family-centered care (Frolek Clark & Kingsley, 2020). • Coaching caregivers within natural environments empowers them to integrate strategies into everyday routines, improving child outcomes (Seruya et al., 2022). • The Primary Service Provider model supports transdisciplinary collaboration and provides the family with consistency (Childress, 2015). • Purpose: The primary aim of this project was to develop advanced clinical practice skills using caregiver coaching within the Early …

Thriving Beyond Cancer: Occupational Therapy In Oncology Care, Claire Vanderbeek

Capstones: Occupational Therapy

Background: Cancer treatments often result in side effects that impair mental, sensory, motor, and body system functions. The purpose of this capstone was to advocate for the use of occupational therapy (OT) for the cancer population by gaining advanced knowledge and experience at two sites: a local YMCA cancer survivorship program and an outpatient rehabilitation clinic.

Method: At the outpatient rehabilitation clinic, an intervention and patient log were created and used to influence the creation of education materials for patients and providers. During the cancer survivorship program, psychosocial factors, strength, flexibility, balance, aerobic function, and program sustainability were evaluated. A …

Vision Remediation And Functional Participation For Individuals With Acquired Brain Injuries, Alina Randall

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Neuro Therapy Nashville (NTN), a privately owned, outpatient neurologic rehabilitation clinic in Brentwood, TN. NTN offers occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and counseling services to individuals with acquired brain injuries, with an emphasis on stroke, concussion, and vision remediation. The goal of the project was to increase access and availability of evidence informed resources for vision remediation and occupational therapy for individuals with acquired brain injuries. The outcomes of the project include a pilot research study which will be used to inform future analysis of vision remediation in occupational therapy, …

Development And Implementation Of A Tai Chi Group In A Community-Based Brain Injury Program, Haley D. White

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My capstone was completed at NeuroRestorative, a Neuro community-based setting that provides Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and speech-language pathology. The purpose of the ALE and Capstone Project is to develop and implement a weekly tai chi group within a community-based brain injury setting that incorporates tiered modifications to address varying cognitive and physical abilities. The program is designed to promote improved overall functional participation while reducing periods of downtime and inactivity among participants. To support long-term sustainability and carryover, educational handouts and training materials will be provided to staff to facilitate ongoing implementation of the group intervention.

The goals of …

I Am God's Masterpiece: Ministry For Adults With Idd, Raegan M. Wilson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed in collaboration with Parkway Ministries in Corbin, Kentucky. My Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) took place in a community-based faith setting and focused on the ACOTE areas of Program Development, Education, and Advocacy. As part of a collaborative project to develop an inclusive Vacation Bible School (VBS) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), my individual focus was supporting caregivers through education, resource development, and community engagement. A needs assessment and literature review identified caregiver burden, social isolation, limited educational resources, and reduced access to support services as common challenges for caregivers of adults with …

Program Development And Implementation Of A Sensory-Based Self Regulation Curriculum For Adults With Down Syndrome At Gigi’S Playhouse, Grace Blair

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Gigi’s Playhouse Nashville, a non-profit organization offering free programming and services to individuals of all ages with Down syndrome and their families. The goal of this project was to develop and implement an educational curriculum for adult education programs focused on daily life skills, money management, physical health, self confidence, and a variety of other topics. A secondary focus of this project was to support sensory regulation in individuals with Down syndrome to promote overall health and participation. The results were physical and digital materials to be used for future adult …

I Am God's Masterpiece: Ministry For Adults With Idd, Kerrigan J. Creech

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

Executive Summary 

My capstone Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) focus area included program development, with additional focus on education, advocacy, and leadership. For my Applied Leadership Experience (ALE), I worked with three other occupational therapy graduate students to develop and implement an inclusive Vacation Bible School (VBS) for adults with disabilities at Parkway Ministries. The purpose and overall goal of the project was to increase opportunities for adults with disabilities to participate in an inclusive Vacation Bible School through individualized supports and activity adaptations.

A needs assessment and SWOT analysis were completed and revealed that adults with disabilities …

Measuring Effectiveness Of A Mobility Aide On A Medical-Surgical Unit, Jamie L. Granatowicz, Laura N. Rogers, Leeza A. Struwe

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects: College of Nursing

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobility aide on a medical-surgical inpatient unit to improve patients’ surgical outcomes, decrease hospital length of stay, and decrease the number of falls.

Design: A retrospective review was conducted to determine the effects of a mobility aide implemented on a medical-surgical unit. The intent was to ensure the utilization of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol for early mobilization before and after implementation. Two-month periods were analyzed before and after implementation.

Findings: The results demonstrated clinical significance for patients when implementing a mobility aide. The mean length of stay was 1.044 days …

Increasing Safe Driving Among Adults With Neurological Impairments In A Rural Setting, Melissa V. Burt

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project examined challenges related to safe driving for adults living in rural communities with neurological impairments. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation Model and Toglia's Dynamic Interactional Approach, the project focused on increasing awareness, accessibility, and utilization of occupational therapy (OT) led assessments, community-based services, and educational outreach on driving safety. Clinical skill development was demonstrated through standardized and informal assessments and evidence-based interventions with adults with neurological conditions. Program implementation included driving risk assessments, one-on-one CarFit sessions, the creation of educational pamphlets, and educational presentations to increase community and provider awareness of OT's role in driving rehabilitation. CarFit surveys …

Occupational Therapy Program Development In Unhoused Communities, Abbigayle Jackson, Emma Pacheco, Mariko Turley, Jennifer Wickham, Tina M. Deangelis, Edd, Ms, Otr/L, Faota

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program Capstone Presentations

Objectives

- Outline the Modified Delphi process and its purpose for manual development

- Describe foundational elements of occupational therapy (OT) program development for unhoused populations

- Illustrate a program's community and societal impact

Reimagining Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Mentorship Through A Cultural Wealth Lens: A World Café Study, Nandita A. Singh, Mph, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) fieldwork education plays a critical role in professional socialization; however, supervision models often privilege dominant sociocultural norms, disadvantaging students from non-dominant cultural and linguistic backgrounds and potentially limiting equitable workforce preparation.

Objectives: To examine how OT fieldwork partners conceptualize reciprocal mentorship within fieldwork education identify strategies grounded in Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) to support inclusive communication and strengths-based professional development.

Methods: Participatory qualitative study using a virtual World Café methodology, involving United States-based academic and clinical OT fieldwork contexts. Data were collected through audio-recorded discussions, digital whiteboards, and reflexive memos, and were analyzed using Braun …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Community-Based Nonprofit Durable Medical Equipment Programs, Coral Mcfern

Capstone Projects

This 14 week doctoral capstone project focused on improving education within a nonprofit durable medical equipment program, Renew Mobility, to enhance safety and independence for individuals using mobility devices. This work is relevant to occupational therapy as it applies OT principles of client-centered care, health literacy, and adaptive equipment training in a community-based setting. A key gap in the literature was identified as the lack of structured educational resources, leading to inconsistent training and reliance on verbal instructions.

The objective of this project was to develop accessible educational materials to support proper equipment use and safety. This resulted in a …

Creating Supportive Environments For Children To Bloom: A Trauma-Informed Occupational Therapy Approach, Morgan Benson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

A significant number of children receiving occupational therapy services have histories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including neglect, abuse, frequent changes in caregiving environments, and exposure to chronic stressors. These experiences can strongly affect sensory processing, emotional regulation, behavior, and participation in meaningful daily occupations. These challenges are often made more complex by limited caregiver education, inconsistent access to trauma-informed resources, and differences in therapist confidence when addressing trauma in pediatric practice. Occupational therapy practitioners are well-positioned to support these needs through holistic, occupation-based, and client-centered care that considers sensory, emotional, environmental, and developmental factors. The purpose of this capstone …

Enhancing Child Development In A Daycare Setting Using An Ot Perspective, Autumn F. Glaser

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this capstone project was to implement a program within a daycare setting using an occupational therapy perspective. The project explored the impact of staff education combined with guided, hands-on activities in supporting child development. Seven developmental areas served as a focus for two weeks each during the capstone experience. Main components of the program included presentations and debrief sessions for staff, hands-on, developmentally supportive activities with the children, handouts for caregivers, and the creation of a resource with activity ideas for daycare staff to utilize after program implementation. Pre and post-test surveys were used to assess the …