Evaluating Sensory Processing And Functional Outcomes Of Children Participating In A Therapeutic Horseback Riding Read And Ride Program: A Single-Subject Research Study,
2024
Western Michigan University
Evaluating Sensory Processing And Functional Outcomes Of Children Participating In A Therapeutic Horseback Riding Read And Ride Program: A Single-Subject Research Study, Samantha Dunleavy-Shotsberger
Capstone Projects
Therapeutic horseback riding (TR) can be beneficial to various populations, such as individuals with disabilities, trauma, behavioral problems, anxiety, developmental delay, depression, and learning challenges. However, individuals come with a variety of complex needs and diagnoses, therefore more research is needed to determine how TR impacts the individual. Specifically, there is a lack of understanding of how the individual’s behavior, learning, and sensory processing is affected by TR intervention. Therefore, this study examined the effects of TR on childhood sensory processing and at-risk academic occupational performance in reading as it relates to behavior and attention. A single subject ABA design …
Promoting And Sustaining An Adaptive Sports Program On A College Campus Through Outreach And Resource Developmen,
2024
Western Michigan University
Promoting And Sustaining An Adaptive Sports Program On A College Campus Through Outreach And Resource Developmen, Morgan E. Otero
Capstone Projects
Participation in physical activity is essential for an individual’s health and well-being. However, persons with disabilities have limited access to physical activity due to personal, environmental, institutional, and/or social barriers. This limited access increases a disabled individual’s likelihood of developing secondary health conditions, decreased mental health outcomes, and feelings of social isolation. To combat this, it is important that these individuals have equitable access to and knowledge of adaptive physical activity opportunities such as adaptive sport, recreation, and fitness. To address this need, this capstone project focused on promoting and sustaining an existing adaptive sports and recreation program through the …
Pediatric Developmental Milestones And Surveillance; Understanding Pediatrician, Ot, Slp, Bcba, And Respective Pre-Professionals’ Current Knowledge, Roles, And Confidence,
2024
Western Michigan University
Pediatric Developmental Milestones And Surveillance; Understanding Pediatrician, Ot, Slp, Bcba, And Respective Pre-Professionals’ Current Knowledge, Roles, And Confidence, Gabrielle A. Jones
Capstone Projects
Limited literature exists on developmental surveillance, particularly occupational therapist’s role, and clinicians’ current knowledge and understanding of the CDC milestones. A pilot study was conducted to better understand the current knowledge, role, and confidence of primary care pediatricians, Speech and Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Occupational Therapists and respective pre-professionals regarding utilization of updated CDC developmental milestones and developmental surveillance. My objectives involved gaining knowledge and collaborating to create, administer, collect data, and analyze data using an anonymous survey. This also included collaborating to create, edit, and submit an HSIRB application. Results of this study provide supporting evidence that …
Utilizing The Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (Fma/Uds) Registry To Conduct Research Related To Wheelchair Repair Frequency,
2024
Western Michigan University
Utilizing The Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (Fma/Uds) Registry To Conduct Research Related To Wheelchair Repair Frequency, Brooke Wilson
Capstone Projects
Issues with wheelchair equipment is a common experience for users, but access to repairs and maintenance isn’t always the most efficient process. A large portion of occupational therapy’s (OT) patient population includes wheelchair users, so it’s important to consider the impact of wheelchair breakdown on a patient’s daily function. There has been a lack of research on wheelchair repair frequency during the first year of ownership, so this capstone project focused on developing a manuscript for journal submission on this topic. This was achieved utilizing data from the Functional Mobility Assessment/Uniform Data Set (FMA/UDS) Registry. Client characteristics were extracted from …
Wild Wheels: Meaningful Art Program Designed For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities,
2024
Western Michigan University
Wild Wheels: Meaningful Art Program Designed For Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Alexis Bailey-Lauchie
Capstone Projects
The Wild Wheels program was designed to offer adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) an opportunity to engage in meaningful and purposeful art-based activities. The aim supports the distinctive value of occupational therapy (OT) defined as enhancing the health and quality of life (QOL) of individuals by promoting participation and engagement in meaningful daily activities. Typically, for individuals with IDD options for meaningful engagement are limited due to various physical/mental limitations and increased need for assistance. The Center for Disability Services (CDS) at Western Michigan University (WMU) introduced the Wild Wheels program to enable participants to create unique artwork …
Combating Social Isolation Among Older Adults Through Intergenerational Relationships With Children; Facilitating Meaningful Connection During Intergenerational Interactions By Improving Sensory Environment And Increasing Engagement During Group Activities,
2024
Western Michigan University
Combating Social Isolation Among Older Adults Through Intergenerational Relationships With Children; Facilitating Meaningful Connection During Intergenerational Interactions By Improving Sensory Environment And Increasing Engagement During Group Activities, Lillian John
Capstone Projects
The following capstone project focused on the enhancement of meaningful engagement among all participants of an intergenerational care center. The interventions implemented within the intergenerational program were put in place to facilitate communication, improve behavioral regulation, modify sensory environment, create the just right challenge for group activities, and increase independence to promote meaningful engagement and social connection. The implementation of the interventions was completed through on-site education to the employees, the creation of various educational binders to support the participants individually, and adjustments to the environment and group activities. This capstones projects’ primary goal was to improve the efficacy of …
Development Of Carf Accreditation Requirements For A Vocational Rehabilitation Program For Individuals Independently Living With Post-Traumatic Brain Injury,
2024
Western Michigan University
Development Of Carf Accreditation Requirements For A Vocational Rehabilitation Program For Individuals Independently Living With Post-Traumatic Brain Injury, Samantha Kowalczyk
Capstone Projects
The purpose of this capstone project was to assist a vocational rehabilitation program at Community Connections in Sterling Heights, Michigan with developing requirements for CARF Accreditation for individuals independently living with post-traumatic brain injury. This work program site is unique in the fact it is primarily run by Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. Achieving CARF Accreditation, which stands for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, demonstrates that standards are being met and provides greater satisfaction and the possibility for reimbursement and funding for a program. The overall aim was to assist in the development of the primary materials …
A Guidebook For The Utility Of Msk Ultrasound In Occupational Therapy Practice: An Educational Guidebook Series,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
A Guidebook For The Utility Of Msk Ultrasound In Occupational Therapy Practice: An Educational Guidebook Series, Alanna Arceneaux, Mary Ann Smith, Bert Lindsey
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is expanding to non-physician rehabilitation providers, and occupational therapy has a clear role in using and facilitating MSK ultrasound that will drastically shape treatment plans and client satisfaction. With increased knowledge of impeding factors, occupational therapists can enforce their role by teaching new skills and techniques to enhance functional mobility and simultaneously assist in completing activities of daily living (ADLs). This capstone aims to understand, develop, and enhance the role of occupational therapy in MSK ultrasound to increase early detection of orthopedic conditions impacting ADLs, which will decrease hospital readmission rates. MSK ultrasound is a safe imaging …
Disabling Conditions Of Para-Alpine Athletes: An Education Series For Ski Instructors,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Disabling Conditions Of Para-Alpine Athletes: An Education Series For Ski Instructors, Meghan Hawes, Steven M. Gerardi, Heather Rennerfeldt
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Para-alpine ski instructors in the United States need more training on disabling conditions and their definition, deficits, and adaptations for para-alpine skiing; This capstone closes the gap. Para-Alpine skiing is discussed in detail, highlighting instructor training, adaptive equipment, and para-athletes. The disabling conditions of para-athletes are identified along with details related to their para-alpine skiing experience. The methods of this capstone consisted of creating an educational series of videos highlighting five disabling conditions: Autism, spinal cord injuries and conditions, vision impairments, cerebral palsy, and progressive neurodegenerative disorders. The product was presented following a 14-week experience with the National Sports Center …
A Manualized Occupational Therapy Communication Skills Module For Clients With Ptsd,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
A Manualized Occupational Therapy Communication Skills Module For Clients With Ptsd, Lacey Kinard, Steven M. Gerardi
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience a variety of barriers and challenges that impact their daily occupational performance, engagement, well-being, and quality of life. There is a lack of research in the area of manualized occupational therapy (OT) treatment options for people with PTSD. Literature has expressed a need for the development of a manual-based OT treatment program for people with PTSD with communication skills training as an intervention component. The purpose of this project is to create a manualized OT communication skills intervention module for occupational therapists to implement with clients with PTSD for improved occupational performance and …
A Qualitative Study On Mother's Occupational Engagement After A Nicu Experience,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
A Qualitative Study On Mother's Occupational Engagement After A Nicu Experience, Rachel Garcia, Mary Ann Smith, Julie Heftie Ms, Otr/L
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Mothers who are “at-risk” for complications during pregnancy have an increased probability for mental health conditions following delivery, adversely affecting their engagement in motherhood occupations. This qualitative study identifies how best to address the needs of “at-risk” pregnant women. Through the process of conducting semi-structured interviews with women who have experienced NICU with their babies, and interviews with healthcare practitioners working in the NICU, their narrative addresses what approaches would support women while they are going through their “at-risk” pregnancies to assist them with the transition to their occupational roles as mothers and promote bonding with their baby.
Occupational Therapy For People With Dementia Who Have Occupational Performance Challenges Due To Depression,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Occupational Therapy For People With Dementia Who Have Occupational Performance Challenges Due To Depression, Ally Frazier, Steven M. Gerardi
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Individuals with dementia experience a multitude of barriers and challenges that impact their daily engagement throughout the environment. In addition, although the pandemic has concluded, noxious effects are still influencing people's lives. Residential care facilities have noticed continual acts of isolation that are presenting as barriers in mental health. Depression has known to be a common comorbidity in the ailment of dementia. Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners have the unique and valuable role in working with this population to target beyond the biomechanical aspects of a resident. Identifying barriers for mastery in leisure pursuits throughout someone’s day is crucial. When residents …
Ergonomics In Esports: A Video Training Series For Esports Athletes,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Ergonomics In Esports: A Video Training Series For Esports Athletes, Duy Do, Steven M. Gerardi, Braden Singleton
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Electronic sports, also known as esports, refers to organized and competitive video gaming against other players or teams. Unlike traditional sports, esports is sedentary, with athletes spending several hours daily seated at their gaming stations. Additionally, esports athletes lack the knowledge of ergonomic hazards and how to mitigate occupational overuse syndromes and mental health challenges. The purpose of this project was to create a video training series from an occupational therapy perspective to educate esports athletes on the ergonomic hazards of esports to improve participation, occupational performance, and quality of life of esports athletes.
An Occupational Therapy Approach To Improving Adl/Iadl Performance In Diabetic Adults With Stroke And Upper Extremity Pathologies,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
An Occupational Therapy Approach To Improving Adl/Iadl Performance In Diabetic Adults With Stroke And Upper Extremity Pathologies, Halle Thomas, Cassandra Nelson
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
This capstone presentation depicts the impact of diabetic management with an occupational therapy approach on upper extremity motor function for the adult stroke population. This program utilizes dietary management, a home exercise program, and task modification strategies to improve ADL and IADL performance.
A Manualized Occupational Therapy Communication Skills Intervention For Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
A Manualized Occupational Therapy Communication Skills Intervention For Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Kiara Ainsworth, Steven M. Gerardi
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many individual's participation in daily activities. There is a lack of research in the area of occupational therapy (OT) treatment for veterans with PTSD. However, there has been an expressed need in the literature for a developed intervention for veterans with PTSD that includes communication skills as a component. To date, a manualized communication skills OT intervention for veterans with PTSD has not been created. The purpose of this paper was to develop a resource tool for occupational therapists to utilize as an intervention when treating veterans with PTSD using the framework of the Model …
A Guidebook For Latina Breast Cancer Survivors & Occupational Therapy Practitioners,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
A Guidebook For Latina Breast Cancer Survivors & Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Abigail Hernandez, Leslie Khan-Farooqi, Mary Ann Smith
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Many Latina women diagnosed with breast cancer face psychosocial challenges and do not have access or the necessary resources to assist them with these challenges which may lead to decreased quality of life. This study is designed to address the most common psychosocial issues associated with breast cancer to assist Latina women as well as occupational therapy practitioners.
Colors Of Connection: A Manual For Cultivating Social And Emotional Skills In Children With Disabilities Through Creative Arts,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Colors Of Connection: A Manual For Cultivating Social And Emotional Skills In Children With Disabilities Through Creative Arts, Allie Hertaus, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr, Haleigh Freeman Otd, Otr/L
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Children with disabilities (CWD) are experiencing occupational deprivation due to limited involvement in extracurricular activities. This deprivation impedes their development of social-emotional skills. In attempt to mitigate this deprivation, the OTD student created and implemented Colors of Connection, a creative arts based, social and emotional learning program into an already existing after school program for CWD.
Play Over Talk: A Toolkit For Educators On Adverse Childhood Experiences,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Play Over Talk: A Toolkit For Educators On Adverse Childhood Experiences, Brianna Gallegos, Mary Ann Smith, Cat Daniel
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic experiences that can lead to negative, lasting effects on the health and well-being of the child. Students who have ACEs are more likely to struggle in school, have difficulty paying attention, lack self-regulation skills, and struggle to control their emotions and behaviors. Teachers and school staff may not recognize or know how to support students who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) which can impact the child’s occupational role as a student. To date, a resource for school staff with information on ACEs, interventions, and strategies has not been created. The purpose of this project …
Management Of Sensory Processing Challenges In The Classroom: An Educational Video Series For Teachers.,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Management Of Sensory Processing Challenges In The Classroom: An Educational Video Series For Teachers., Jasmine Guerrero, Steven M. Gerardi
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
An educational video series for teachers on sensory processing and how to manage students with sensory processing challenges in the classroom. The video series includes evidence-based supports and strategies that may be utilized in the classroom to improve students' occupational performance.
Occupational Engagement In Recreational Sports For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing: An Employee Guidebook,
2024
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Occupational Engagement In Recreational Sports For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing: An Employee Guidebook, Colleen Mcerlean, Mary Ann Smith, Christopher Ebner
Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium
An employee guidebook to help increase occupational engagement within recreational sports for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing population in the Austin, TX area.
