Recreational Therapy Commons^™

Understanding The Impact Of Therapeutic Recreation On Patient Outcomes, Faith Atkins, Emma Jones

2026 Student Academic Showcase

This exploratory project examines the role of Therapeutic Recreation (TR) in improving overall well-being and quality of life for individuals across diverse populations. The purpose of this project is to analyze how leisure-based interventions can be adapted to meet the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of patients in various settings. By synthesizing current research and professional practices, this project highlights how TR contributes to rehabilitation, identity rebuilding, and long-term wellness. The project focuses on how recreational therapists use individualized, evidence-based approaches to help patients re-engage in meaningful activities following injury, illness, or disability. It also explores the impact of …

Moomoo Care Program, Shelby Knoble

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Set on a family farm, the Moo-Moo Care Program is a hands-on, multi-day recreational program designed to teach youth about dairy cattle care. As part of my RTTR 203 final project, I created a daily schedule, goals and objectives, a Gantt chart for task organization, marketing materials, and an evaluation form.

Within this program, participants will engage in at least six hours of structured farm activities each day. Through interactive lessons and hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn key aspects of dairy cattle care, including feeding, milking, and how to maintain a clean environment. Participants will practice proper calf grooming skills …

The Amazing Race: Accessibility Edition, Amber Bailey, Anna Rauch

2025 Student Academic Showcase

Inspired by the reality TV show The Amazing Race, here at Lindenwood participants got to engage in a fun interactive and educational competition. This event’s purpose was to raise awareness about recreational therapy. As recreational therapy students we are always ready to adapt. Many people think that just because you have a disability you can't do stuff, which is wrong. Which is why The Amazing Race was able to show the participants that you can adapt to do activities. We had groups of four to five people that all had different disabilities to compete in four different challenges around campus. …

84 - Effect Of Organized Sport Interventions On Motor Outcomes Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder - A Systematic Review., Maeren Hill, Kailash Ram, Caitlyn Warnock, Kaitlin Hardy, Sonia Khurana, Pt, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Aim:

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of sports-based interventions on motor outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the following five databases from inception to November 2024: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials. Gray literature was sourced from Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Articles were eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (1) published in English; (2) participants were under the age of 18 with a diagnosis of ASD; (3) interventions consisted …

Improvement On The Slopes: The Impact Of An Adaptive Snow Sports Program On Children And Young Adults With Disabilities, Stephanie Green, Mark T. Fisher, J Eichner, Matthew J. Mclaughlin

Research Days

Background: Adaptive downhill skiing has been described as a fun, safe, engaging recreational activity for those with disabilities (Sterba, 2006). There are numerous ways the alpine skiing can be modified to meet these athletes’ needs. For instance, athletes can use tethered skis, horizontal poles held by their instructors, or modified walkers. For those that have poor standing balance, or are non-ambulatory, sit-skis are an option, with or without outriggers to add additional support and balance for athletes with poor trunk stability or core strength. These options provide equal and accessible alternatives for those with disabilities to get out and enjoy …

Dancing Through Parkinson’S: Investigating The Impact Of Argentine Tango On Motor, Cognitive And Psychosocial Function, Suraj Pothineni, Fazal Choudhary

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: People with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) undergo progressive motor, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms, which decrease their quality of life (QOL). Adapted tango (AT) has recently emerged as a promising approach to ameliorating functional mobility, balance, and gait seen in people with PD.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review is conducted using databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase. A wide variety of search terms are used, including but not limited to Parkinson’s disease, exercise, dance, tango, motor, cognitive, psychosocial effects, freezing of gait, and balance.

Results: People with PD who have undergone AT have improved in certain motor, cognitive and psychosocial …