Recreational Therapy Commons^™

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 …

Using Photovoice To Measure Learning Objectives At Camp With Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Delaney M. Grimm

Honors College Theses

This thesis explores what qualitative objectives adults with developmental disabilities learn and comprehend at a weeklong camp that is meant to enhance interests, abilities, and social skills. The methodology used is Photovoice analysis which allows an individual who either has difficulties verbally expressing themselves or is nonverbal to still participate in question and answer focus groups. For data analysis, my categories relate back to the six domains of recreational therapy: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, cognitive, and leisure.

Sex Differences In Fatigability Following Exercise Normalised To The Power–Duration Relationship, Paul Ansdell, Jacob Skarabot, Elliott Atkinson, Sarah Corden, Amber Tygart, Kristy M. Hicks, Kevin Thomas, Sandra K. Hunter, Glyn Howatson, Stuart Goodall

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Due to morphological differences, females demonstrate greater fatigue resistance of locomotor muscle during single-limb and whole-body exercise modalities. Whilst females sustain a greater relative intensity of single-limb, isometric exercise than males, limited investigation has been performed during whole-body exercise. Accordingly, this study established the power–duration relationship during cycling in 18 trained participants (eight females). Subsequently, constant-load exercise was performed at critical power (CP)-matched intensities within the heavy and severe domains, with the mechanisms of fatigability assessed via non-invasive neurostimulation, near-infrared spectroscopy and pulmonary gas exchange during and following exercise. Relative CP (72 ± 5 vs. 74 ± 2% P …

Healing The Mind And Soul With Art And Music, Jennifer K. Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Gracie Fisher, an artist and composer based in Santa Barbara, California, provided the cover art for the Fall 2020 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “The Fruit of Spirit” is a 16” x 20” oil painting on canvas. When a rare neurologic condition left Gracie paralyzed from the neck down, art and music helped to heal her mind and soul. Upon returning home from the hospital, Gracie’s wish was to create an inclusive environment where children of all abilities could engage in art and music. She founded the Grace Fisher Foundation so others could experience the healing …

Time-Frequency Analysis Of Muscle Activation Patterns In People With Chronic Ankle Instability During Landing And Cutting Tasks, Hoon Kim, Rianna M. Palmieri-Smith, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

People with chronic ankle instability (CAI) exhibit neuromuscular deficits. Previous studies, however, only investigated magnitudes of muscle activation and not the time-frequency domain.

Research question

Do people with CAI exhibit differences in muscle activation patterns in the time-frequency domain during landing, anticipated cutting, and unanticipated cutting compared to matched controls?

Methods

Eleven people with CAI and eleven healthy matched controls (CON) performed landing, anticipated cutting, and unanticipated cutting as surface EMG of the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, fibularis longus, soleus, and tibialis anterior were recorded. The time-frequency domain of surface EMG data was analyzed with wavelet transformations and principal …

Exercise And Lifestyle Physical Activity Recommendations For People With Multiple Sclerosis Throughout The Disease Course, Rosalind Kalb, Theodore R. Brown, Susan Coote, Kathleen Costello, Ulrik Dalgas, Eric Garmon, Barbara Geisser, June Halper, Herb Karpatkin, Jennifer Keller, Alexander V. Ng, Lara A. Pilutti, Amanda Rohring, Paul Van Asch, Kathleen Zachowski, Robert W. Motl

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Objectives:

To provide clinicians who treat multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with evidence-based or expert opinion–based recommendations for promoting exercise and lifestyle physical activity across disability levels.

Methods:

The National MS Society (“Society”) convened clinical and research experts in the fields of MS, exercise, rehabilitation, and physical activity to (1) reach consensus on optimal exercise and lifestyle physical activity recommendations for individuals with MS at disability levels 0–9.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and (2) identify and address barriers/facilitators for participation.

Recommendations:

Based on current evidence and expert opinion, the Society makes the following recommendations, endorsed by the Consortium …

Impaired Firing Behavior Of Individually Tracked Paretic Motor Units During Fatiguing Contractions Of The Dorsiflexors And Functional Implications Post Stroke, Francesco Negro, Kathleen Bathon, Jennifer Nguyen, Cassidy Bannon, Claudio Orizio, Sandra K. Hunter, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: This study quantified stroke-related changes in the following: (1) the averaged discharge rate of motor units (individually tracked and untracked) identified from high-density electromyography (HD-EMG) recordings, (2) global muscle EMG properties of the dorsiflexors during a fatiguing contraction, and the relationship between task endurance and measures of leg function.

Methods: Ten individuals with chronic stroke performed a sustained sub-maximal, isometric, fatiguing dorsiflexion contraction in paretic and non-paretic legs. Motor-unit firing behavior, task duration, maximal voluntary contraction strength (MVC), and clinical measures of leg function were obtained.

Results: Compared to the non-paretic leg, the paretic leg task duration was shorter, …

Who Is Wearing A Mask? Gender-, Age-, And Location-Related Differences During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mike Haischer, Rachel Beilfuss, Meggie Rose Hart, Lauren Opielinski, David Wrucke, Gretchen Zirgaitis, Toni D. Urich, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Masks are an effective tool in combatting the spread of COVID-19, but some people still resist wearing them and mask-wearing behavior has not been experimentally studied in the United States. To understand the demographics of mask wearers and resistors, and the impact of mandates on mask-wearing behavior, we observed shoppers (n = 9935) entering retail stores during periods of June, July, and August 2020. Approximately 41% of the June sample wore a mask. At that time, the odds of an individual wearing a mask increased significantly with age and was also 1.5x greater for females than males. Additionally, the …

Greater Fatigue Resistance Of Dorsiflexor Muscles In People With Prediabetes Than Type 2 Diabetes, Jonathon Senefeld, Lynette A. Singh-Peters, Kenji A. Kenno, Sandra K. Hunter, Jennifer M. Jakobi

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Although exercise can prevent progression to T2D among people with prediabetes, little is known about fatigue during exercise in people with prediabetes compared to T2D. The purpose of the study was to compare the magnitude and mechanisms of fatigability of the ankle dorsiflexor muscles between people with prediabetes and T2D. Ten people with prediabetes (6 females, 51.7 ± 6.9 years) and fourteen with T2D (6 females, 52.6 ± 6.2 years) who were matched for age, body mass index and physical activity performed an intermittent (6 s contraction: 4 s relaxation) fatiguing task at 75% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) with the …

Effect Of Unilateral Lower-Limb Amputation On Intact Limb Biomechanics: A Systematic Review, Amanda Boyd

Master's Theses

The United States will perform 30,000-40,000 amputations this year (Ertl et al., 2019). As a common medical intervention, there is extensive research regarding rehabilitation strategies and post-operative care. Many studies have explored the effects of the affected limb and prosthetic intervention yet have neglected that of the contralateral limb (De Asha et al., 2014; Jones et al., 2006; Winter & Sienko, 1988). Studies have reported an increase in secondary musculoskeletal conditions among unilateral lower-limb amputees, particularly in the intact limb, indicating the need for additional research (Gailey et al., 2008). The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the …

Pre-Stretching Of The Hamstrings Before Squatting Acutely Increases Biceps Femoris Thickness Without Impairing Exercise Performance, Thiago Barbosa Trindade, Leônidas Oliveira Neto, José Claudino Neto Pita, Vagner Deuel De Oliveira Tavares, Paulo Moreira Silva Dantas, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Jonato Prestes

Publications and Research

Background: Bilateral squat exercise is widely used in resistance training (RT) programs to increase lower limb strength and muscle mass, but this exercise does not result in significant hypertrophy of the hamstrings. It has been speculated that stretching between sets with a certain degree of tension results in muscle hypertrophy, while acute stretching could decrease performance during maximal contractions.

Objective: This study investigated the acute effects of hamstring stretching before bilateral squatting on muscle thickness (MT), electromyography (EMG), and total training volume (TTV) on exercise performance.

Methods: Fourteen resistance-trained young men, with ∼7.5 years of RT experience, performed the 10 …

Greater Fatigability And Motor Unit Discharge Variability In Human Type 2 Diabetes, Jonathon Senefeld, Kevin G. Keenan, Kevin S. Ryan, Sarah E. D'Astice, Francesco Negro, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study determined the discharge characteristics of motor units from two lower limb muscles before and after fatiguing exercise in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with no symptoms of polyneuropathy and activity-matched controls. Seventeen people with T2D (65.0 ± 5.6 years; 8 women) and 17 controls (63.6 ± 4.5 years; 8 women) performed: (a) intermittent, isometric contractions at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) sustained to failure with the ankle dorsiflexors, and (b) a dynamic fatiguing task (30% MVIC load) for 6 min with the knee extensors. Before and after the fatiguing tasks, motor unit characteristics (including coefficient of …

Ca2+ Dependency Of Limb Muscle Fiber Contractile Mechanics In Young And Older Adults, Laura E. Teigen, Christopher W. Sundberg, Lauren J. Kelly, Sandra K. Hunter, Robert H. Fitts

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Age-induced declines in skeletal muscle contractile function have been attributed to multiple cellular factors, including lower peak force (P_o), decreased Ca²⁺ sensitivity, and reduced shortening velocity (V_o). However, changes in these cellular properties with aging remain unresolved, especially in older women, and the effect of submaximal Ca²⁺ on contractile function is unknown. Thus, we compared contractile properties of muscle fibers from 19 young (24 ± 3 yr; 8 women) and 21 older adults (77 ± 7 yr; 7 women) under maximal and submaximal Ca²⁺ and assessed the abundance of three proteins thought to …

Effect Of Different Music Genres On Cognitive Task Performance After High Intensity Interval Training, Derek Jones

Longwood Senior Theses

The effects of high intensity exercise on cognitive performance are not fully understood. Music can affect physiological responses to exercise which may also impact cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to determine if music could impact cognitive performance after a bout of high intensity exercise. METHODS: Twelve subjects (n=7 males, n=5 females, 20.3 ± 1.7 y; 72.2 ± 14.9 kg; 1.70 ± 0.09 m) completed the Stroop test after a short (12 min) bout of high intensity interval exercise while listening to either Classical, Rock, or No Music. Subjects completed the Brunel Music Rating Inventory after listening to …

Myocardial Work Index: A Novel Method For Assessment Of Myocardial Function In South Asian Recreational Athletes, Shantanu Sengupta, Renuka Jain, Nitin Burkule, Susan Olet, Bijoy K. Khandheria

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: We used a novel noninvasive method based on speckle-tracking echocardiography to evaluate myocardial performance in South Asian recreational athletes who completed a half marathon.

Methods: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 24 recreational athletes 48 hours before they took part in a half marathon (premarathon), within 2 hours of half marathon completion (postmarathon), and 72 hours after completion. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables were collected. Speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed in all subjects to characterize myocardial mechanics.

Results: Mean age of participants was 41.8 ± 7.4 years, and 23 (95.8%) were male. No subject had a prior history of coronary artery …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Adapting Residential Youth Camps For Increased Inclusion, Brittany Tate, Susan Macdermott, Becki Cohill

Spring 2020 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Each year, summer camps serve more than 11 million youth in the United States (US) (Wilson, Sibthorp, & Brusseau, 2017). Summer camps provide children with new experiences and give them opportunities to build confidence, social skills, and peer relationships (Wilson et al., 2017). Occupational therapy (OT) is an emerging area of practice throughout summer camps in the US (Hanscom & Schoen, 2014). Hanscom and Schoen (2014) recommend strategically combining OT with traditional camp programming to create an emotionally, physically, and spiritually safe environment that promotes optimal attending and task follow through. Summer camp has been shown to enhance positive youth …

The Splashing Effects Of Aquatic Therapy For Children With Developmental Disabilities, Eric Bradway, Ots, Mikaela Mcgraw, Ots, Katie Boshoven, Ots

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

PICO Question

• What are the effects of aquatic therapy on participation in childhood occupations for children with developmental disabilities?

Objectives

• Define aquatic therapy within the scope of occupational therapy practice for children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss the current evidence on effective aquatic based interventions to facilitate participation in childhood occupations in children with developmental disabilities
• Discuss ways to apply this information to practitioners’ own clinical setting

Scapular Stabilizer Muscle Force Output In Collegiate Softball Players Over The Course Of A Fall, Non-Traditional Season, Erin Taylor

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

There is a growing topic in research relating to softball and the injuries caused by the biomechanics of a windmill pitch. There have been articles released relating to stress caused by the windmill pitch compared to the stress of an overhead pitch in baseball. Many articles in the softball field also look at the biomechanics and hip strength of the windmill pitcher and how a decrease in hip strength can affect the biomechanics of the pitching motion. Despite having an increase in available softball articles, there have not been any studies conducted that focus solely on scapular stabilizer strength over …

The Healing Power Of Music, Kathleen Szczesny

Honors Projects

The value of holistic and individualized care in honoring a patient’s story and promoting their quality of life is of the highest importance when providing nursing care. Nursing is more than just a profession, it is an art that is consistently changing and adapting, requiring critical and creative thinking to deliver high quality, safe care that is evidenced-based. Nurses must continuously seek innovative ways to enrich lives and enhance the healing process through interventions strongly supported by research. The purpose of this project was to explore music as an alternative form of medicine that can be utilized as a therapeutic …

Determinants Of Low Bone Mineral Density In People With Multiple Sclerosis: Role Of Physical Activity, Brice T. Cleland, Paula E. Papanek, Benjamin A. Ingraham, April L. Harkins, Mauricio Garnier-Villarreal, Douglas Woo, Mary Ellen Csuka, Alexander V. Ng

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have reduced bone mineral density (BMD), but the causes are unclear. Some factors that may cause reduced BMD in PwMS have been understudied, including physical activity, inflammation, cortisol, symptomatic fatigue, and depression. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may uniquely contribute to reduced BMD in PwMS as compared to people without MS. We hypothesized that physical activity would be the primary determinant of low BMD in PwMS, with additional contributions from inflammation and sympathetic nervous system activation.

Methods

We tested 23 PwMS (16 women; median EDSS: 2) and 22 control …

Increased Cardiovascular Response To A 6-Minute Walk Test In People With Type 2 Diabetes, Jonathon Senefeld, Sarah E. D'Astice, Alison R. Harmer, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background and objective

Exercise is a cornerstone of management for type 2 diabetes; however, little is known about the cardiovascular (CV) response to submaximal functional exercise in people with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to compare performance and CV response during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) between people with type 2 diabetes and matched control subjects.

Methods

CV response and distance walked during the 6MWT were assessed in 30 people with type 2 diabetes, matched for age, body composition, physical activity, and estimated aerobic capacity with 34 control subjects (type 2 diabetes group: 16 men, 59.8 …

Temple Stay As Transformative Travel: An Experience Of The Buddhist Temple Stay Program In Korea, Susan L. Ross, Jungyun (Christine) Hur, Jamie Hoffman

Journal of Tourism Insights

The burgeoning tourism niche called temple stay, which originated in Korea, has been marketed to Koreans and internationals as a means for travelers to become immersed in cultural heritage, learn about Buddhism, and find one’s “true self” by spending a few days to a week as a guest in a living, operational Buddhist monastery. Although this tourism segment is gaining wide-spread appeal, the temple stay phenomenon has received relatively little scholarly attention outside of Korea. The handful of papers identified on the subject that are written in English, refer to this phenomenon as constituting various segments such as rural tourism, …

Efficacy Of Osteoporosis Prevention Smartphone App, Polly Ryan, Roger L. Brown, Mary Ellen Csuka, Paula E. Papanek

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

The Striving to be Strong study tested the efficacy of a multifaceted, theory-based, complex osteoporosis prevention smartphone application (app). We hypothesized use of the app would improve bone mineral density and trabecular bone scores.

Methods

The study was a three-group, prospective, repeated-measure, longitudinal randomized trial. Baseline sample consisted of 290 healthy women between 40 and 60 years of age. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: “Striving,” a dynamically tailored, person-centered app; “Boning Up,” a standardized osteoporosis-education e-book; and “Wait List,” a participant’s choice of intervention in the final 3 months of the 12-month study. Participants had …

Effects Of Load Carriage On Shoulder Neuromuscular Functions And Recovery, Muataz R. Almaddah

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Load carriage is a primary source for injury occurrence among military personnel and recreational hikers affecting all body areas. The shoulder ranks as the second or third most common site of injuries among military personnel. Many studies report that elevations in self-reported fatigue, soreness, and discomfort in the shoulders accompany the load carriage. Almost 50% of military personnel experienced a load carriage injury during the first episode of training, and 75% of those injured suffered a second injury during their career. The goal of this research project is to investigate the components associated with load carriage shoulder symptoms to determine …