Movement and Mind-Body Therapies Commons^™

The Ernie Els #Gameon Autism™ Golf Program For Young People With Autism: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Jerrome Suganthy Selvaraj

Theses

The first evaluation of the #GameON Autism^^ Golf Program was conducted outside of the USA by the UNESCO Chair, I.T. Tralee in conjunction with the Els for Autism Foundation in partnership with LD Golf Ltd. The central aim of this research study was to evaluate the efficacy of the #GameON Autism^ Golf Program on young people with autism (ASD), their families, PGA golf coach, and volunteers. The two main objectives of the research were to analyse the impact of the program on the socia/communication, motor, and golf skills of individuals with autism and to assess the potential for the #GameON …

Youth Leisure-Time Physical Activity From The Perspectives Of Young Adults With Visual Impairments, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning that young adults with visual impairments ascribe to their youth leisure-time physical activity experiences. This study adopted an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research approach. Ten participants (aged 21-34 years; eight women, two men) with visual impairments were included in this study. Semi-structured, audio-taped telephone interviews acted as the primary source of data for this study. Data were analyzed thematically using a four-step process informed by IPA and three interrelated themes were constructed: (a) "I just always felt normal when I was doing them": Preferences for unstructured activities, (b) "They didn't …

Student Readiness: Examining The Impact Of A University Outdoor Orientation Program, Eddie Hill, Timothy Posey, Edwin Gómez, Stephen L. Shapiro

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study examined the impact of a university outdoor orientation program on participants’ transition to higher education. Researchers focused on participants’ experiences during the program, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to measure resilience and well-being. Pre- and posttest instruments consisted of two pre-established scales and a series of open-ended questions, which were administered during a 4-day university outdoor orientation program. Findings indicated significant improvement of resilience and well-being in participants through outdoor orientation program involvement. Additionally, direct content analysis identified major themes related to resilience, well-being, and readiness for college.

The Effect Of Yoga In Reducing Pain Related To Arthritis: An Integrative Review Of The Literature, Meredith Collins, Corinne Reed

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Research shows that arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States (Middleton et al., 2013). The PICOT question for this systematic review of literature is “In adults over the age of 40 years, how do yoga interventions, compared to pharmacological pain relief methods alone, affect arthritic pain intensity and frequency?” This systematic review will discuss the possible benefits of using yoga as treatment for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The methods for this review included a comprehensive search yielding nineteen credible studies using the databases Search-A-Roo, Google Scholar, and CINAHL Plus for full-text academic journal articles …

The Effect Of Yoga And Breathing Exercises On Children With Autism, Leah Brausch

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this case study was to determine the effects of yoga and breathing exercises on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Common characteristics of children with ASD were noted and observed throughout the study in order to determine effectiveness of the therapy at hand. Yoga therapy was implemented for nine (9) weeks through an at-home program. It was determined that, while long-term effects were not evident, there is reasonable evidence to implement yoga therapy to assist with focus and attention. This paper serves to review characteristics of children with ASD, typical therapies used to assist them and the …

Cross-Cultural Adaptation And Psychometric Properties Of The Thai Version Of The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 (Promis-29), Polake Rawang

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Abstract Purpose To culturally adapt the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 into Thai (T-PROMIS-29) and evaluate the reliability and validity of the culturally adapted questionnaire. Methods The translation was performed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) translation guidelines. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability at a 1-week interval for the translated measure were computed. Construct validity was evaluated by computing correlations between the T-PROMIS-29 scores and selected SF-36 and Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ) scale scores for both convergent and discriminant validity. Results The study sample comprised of 241 participants with chronic low back pain. Internal consistencies were …

Structured Dance Routines As An Effective Form Of Supplementary Treatment For The Symptoms Of Parkinson's Disease, Kate Bergin

Honors Program Theses

I chose to examine the effects of different styles of dance on individuals with Parkinson’s disease for of two reasons. The first being that I have a passion for dance. It has been a part of my life since I was five years old, and over the years it has brought me a lot of joy and allowed me to express my creativity. The second reason is that in the past I had heard that dance could be used as a form of therapy for various motor disorders, and I found that fascinating. I wanted to know which styles of …

The Psychological And Physiological Effect Of Performing The Primal Reflex Release Technique On Female, Division I Collegiate Athletes, Erika K. Vichcales

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Anxiety is a cognitive, behavioral, and physiological reaction to stress, and athletes have an increased risk being in a high-stress environment. One of the effects of increased stress on the body is a condition known as central sensitization (CS) where the central nervous system amplifies sensory input across many organ systems causing a pain response in normally non-painful areas or hypersensitivity to stimuli. The Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) is a manual-therapy approach for evaluating and relieving musculoskeletal pain in patients, and is meant to facilitate a “neural reboot” of a hyper-aroused nervous system. The purpose of this study is …

Impact Of Men's Shed On Social Participation And Health Outcomes, Joshua Grimmer

Honors Theses

This paper will explore the concept of a community-based organization, known as a Men’s Shed. The purpose of the research is to determine the positive impacts the North Belfast Men’s Shed has on social participation and overall health outcomes. The key factors observed in this study were the safe environment, camaraderie, social acceptance, and variety of activities the shed offers. The study included a sample of 11 men primarily over the age of 60. At the time of the study, all of the men were retired or unemployed and came from diverse occupational backgrounds. A set of semi-structure questions was …

Effects Of Lower Extremity Aerobic Exercise And Conditioned Pain Modulation On Evoked Shoulder Pain, Logan Lumpkins, Craig Wassinger

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that aerobic exercise and conditioned pain modulation may be advocated in treating patients with musculoskeletal pain. The effects of lower extremity aerobic exercise and conditioned pain modulation on evoked shoulder pain are not known.

Purpose: To determine the acute effects of lower extremity aerobic exercise and conditioned pain modulation on outcomes of evoked shoulder pain from pain pressure threshold measurements.

Study Design: Repeated measures.

Methods: Thirty (30) healthy volunteers were tested over the course of two sessions. Session 1 consisted of collecting pain pressure threshold measurements over the infraspinatus before and immediately following a conditioned pain …

To Heal, Escape: Using Theatre Arts To Promote Holistic Health In The Clinical Setting, John Filegar

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to provide an argument for the implementation of theatre arts therapy in the clinical setting. The effects of traditional art therapies involving visual arts, expressive arts, and music on the holistic health of the patient in the clinical setting have been thoroughly researched and understood. However, the extent of the influence of theatre arts therapy on the holistic health of individuals in the clinical setting lacks sufficient evidence and therefore cannot be compared to the influence of traditional art therapies on the holistic health of individuals in the same setting. Following an overview on …

Alternative Interventions For Children Coping With Chronic Conditions: A Critical Review Of The Literature, Nina M. Pelsi, Kim S. Amer

DePaul Discoveries

Reduction of stressors and anxiety levels in adolescents with chronic illnesses is a critical concept in pediatric health care in America today. The many stressors associated with chronic illness include displaying physical and mental differences, social stigma, financial difficulty, and family stress. These stressors may affect the adolescent’s ability to learn and cope in everyday life. The current research was a critical review of the literature examining studies done with adolescents coping with chronic diseases and illnesses. The aim was to analyze the most efficacious non-pharmacological methods for reducing stressors in adolescents with chronic illness. A critical review of the …

Digital Mindfulness: An Emerging Field Of Inquiry And Practice, Sherri Henderson

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This two-part paper explores digital mindfulness as an emerging field of inquiry and practice into the integration of technology and contemplative practices. The first part surveys the growing research on the effects of technology on health and well-being. Investigating Buddhist teachings leads to a more balanced and aware approach towards integrating mindfulness with the digital world. Digital mindfulness encourages meaningful engagement while online. It also encourages thoughtfulness, awareness and intention. Digital mindfulness also reshapes and encourages conversations in our homes, schools, and proposes digital responsibility and digital citizenship. The second part of the paper proposes a framework for a workshop …

Efficacy Of Electromyography And The Dead Bug Exercise, Taylor M. Scavo, Rachel C. Cooklin, Erika N. Faria, Madeline L. Johnson, Eric Sternlicht

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

The Dead Bug exercise is performed in physical therapy clinics to restore lumbar spine stability and core strength in patients with lower back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using electromyography (EMG) feedback to enhance proper mechanics during the Dead Bug exercise. Sixteen healthy, college age students volunteered as subjects for the study. Subjects performed the Dead Bug (Fig. 1a.) with and without visual EMG cues and were given instructions on how to execute the exercise. Data was recorded using a BTS FREEEMG Analyzer and signal processed and data analyzed using the BTS …

The Use Of Bilateral Motor Task Training To Augment Cognitive Function In Older Adults, Colby Craddock

Health and Kinesiology Theses

Objective: Maintaining cognitive function remains challenging in our rapidly aging society but, learning novel motor tasks may increase cognitive reserve in older adults. Bilateral tasks that combine multiple limb movements, hand-eye coordination, and object manipulation may augment shared cognitive resource function. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of simultaneous bilateral object manipulation (SBOM) training in augmenting cognitive function in older adults.

Methods: Eighteen subjects age 50-65 were recruited to be randomly assigned into an intervention (IG) or control group(CG). The IG underwent an 8-week motor training (MT) program to practice 3-ball juggling. Cognitive and motor performance …

Methodology And Benefits Of Dance And Movement Therapy For Individuals With Disabilities, Mckenzie A. Dirr

Senior Theses

Dance and movement therapy, or DMT as it is sometimes referred, is used as a form of therapy for many different conditions. For those who may not be familiar with DMT, it is a form of teaching dance and movement for individuals with specific needs in order to further their treatment or allow for progression (American Dance Therapy Association). DMT has a wellknown background in psychotherapeutic work and helping individuals with mental illness cope with their disorders (American Dance Therapy Association). However, it can also be used for physical impairments, social disorders, and the like (American Dance Therapy Association). There …

Perceived Importance Of Resistance Training In Collegiate Dancers, Kayla Major

Graduate Theses

Dancers are artistic athletes that use their bodies as their instrument. Dance is a sport that requires significant skill and higher levels of fitness. Unfortunately, dancers are not as physically fit as sport athletes. This may not only increase their risk of injury, but also limit their maximum dance performance. Resistance training offers significant physical and psychological health benefits. But, there is very limited research regarding dancers’ resistance training habits. The results of the few studies that exist unanimously suggest that there is no detriment to the aesthetics of dance, rather improvements in dance elements as a result of improved …

Difference In Quality Of Life Between Group And Individual Exercise In A Faith-Based Sample, Everett Jackson Amburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is limited data on the quality of life of individuals who exercise in a group versus individuals who exercise alone. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the quality life between adults who attend an exercise class and those who exercise alone. Using the WHOQOL-BREF, 27 adult females were surveyed in Central California at two Church of Latter Day Saints locations. Ten females were enrolled in a group exercise class while 17 were individual exercisers. The data was analyzed using a t-test for independent samples to determine if there is a …

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 …

Repeat After Me: Dance Program Evaluation For The Friendship Circle, Michelle Sire

Honors Projects

Approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States are diagnosed with one or more developmental disabilities or delays (Boyle et al., 2011). Although the number of therapeutic approaches for children with developmental disabilities has increased, no single treatment or combination of treatments is effective in relieving symptoms for all individuals (Scharoun, Reinders, Bryden & Fletcher, 2014). Therefore, there is a need to continue to explore alternative therapeutic methods. Research over the past twenty years has found dance/movement therapy (DMT) to be an effective form of treatment for children with special needs, specifically in terms of functioning and well-being. However, …