Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Autism And Occupation: Video Modeling For Maker Activities, Hannah Gibeson, Kelly Yerby, Molly Smith, Brittany Yung

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Understanding the lived experiences of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using video modeling (VM) while engaging in Maker activities is an essential part of occupational therapy research. Participants in this study were four individuals with ASD recruited from a project-based studio located in San Rafael, CA, and one staff member. The qualitative portion of this study analyzed the lived experiences and perspectives of the individuals with ASD and their service provider through qualitative semi-structured interview methods. The quantitative portion of this study analyzed the effectiveness of VM for Maker activities during the activity of making a box using a …

The Impact Of Fall Efficacy On Occupational Performance In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Michelle Fong, Araya Moua, Erin Denola, Merit Franklin

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Falls are a major health concern in the older adult (OA) population. While there is research on falls and their prevention, research on how low fall efficacy (FE) impacts the occupational engagement of the OA population is limited. FE is defined as the confidence a person has in his/her ability to complete a task without falling (Tinetti & Powell, 1993). A qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of OAs with low FE and the impact on occupational performance. Participants who scored ≤ 6 on the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) engaged in a …

Exploratory Application Of A Sensory Activity Schedule In Head Start Preschool, Marian Perez, Elaine Wong, Michelle Perryman

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Objective: The objective of this research is to determine whether the implementation of sensory activity schedule in a preschool classroom can increase the on-task behaviors of the students.

Methods: Three students were recruited to participate in a quantitative multiple single subject design with qualitative follow-up study. The participants performed sensorimotor activities before circle time and were monitored for frequency of their off-task behavior using a time sampling frequency data collection. Afterwards, the head teacher was interviewed to discuss the experience.

Results: Off-task behavior decreased from baseline on all three children, which supports the efficacy of sensory activity schedule in reducing …

Occupational Responses Of Older Adults Following Partner Loss, Carol Huang, Jane Song, Peter Behr, Stephanie Sterner

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Spousal loss has been frequently identified as a life stressor that can greatly impede one’s ability to age at home. The purpose of this study is to identify the occupational changes that commonly result after this event and their impacts on one’s ability to age in place. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research design. Eight participants were recruited from an educational program for older adults and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. Researchers transcribed and coded all interviews to determine emergent themes. Two major categories of themes were found: occupational and intrinsic responses. The areas of occupation that …

Dating For College Students In The San Francisco Bay Area, Justin Pring, Cristina Cummings, Gabriela Saucedo, Cathy Lynn Gonzales

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Dating is a widely practiced occupation by many individuals, especially the emerging adult, college student population. The primary objective of this research study was to develop a greater understanding of San Francisco (SF) Bay Area college students’ perception, practice, and occupational impact of dating. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with seven college students living in the SF Bay Area. Three themes emerged: the dating process, internal and external factors that influence dating, and personal growth from dating experiences. The data revealed that the emerging adult, college student population values dating and believes it can significantly impact their own development. However, this …

Executive Function And Motor Skills In Preschool Children, Meggin Kelley

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a short-term motor program on the executive function and motor skills in preschool children utilizing a Pretest and Post test design. The present study was designed with two periods of program intervention- once in the fall and once in the spring. It was hypothesized that a 10-week motor intervention would demonstrate positive motor and executive function gains in the experimental (motor) group. Children ranging from 4 to 6 years of age participated in this study. Baseline motor and executive function scores were obtained during the Pretest phase. Subsequently, …

The Effect Of Perceived Level Of Social Support On The Fear Of Falling, Kali A. Todd

Honors College Theses

Background: Perhaps the most prevalent cause of anxiety among the elderly is the fear of falling (FOF), considering that a fall can lead to serious complications and the decline of health. Kumar et al. found that subjects with a FOF usually have less social support. Therefore, increased social support could possibly decrease the FOF, thus decreasing the likelihood of a fall overall. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the amount of perceived social support one receives and the FOF among people ages 60 and up. Methods: In order to measure FOF and social support among …

The Role Of Horticultural Therapy In The Treatment Of Refugees With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Molly Nadeau

Senior Honors Theses

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cites that there are an unprecedented number of refugees. As of 2017, over 68.5 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, with 25.4 million of this group being classified as refugees (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2018). Often, mental health issues arise from the trauma that they face. Recently, the use of horticultural therapy, which uses gardening and plant-based activities as a form of treatment, has shown mental health improvements in military veterans and active duty soldiers diagnosed with stress related disorders. This paper will describe the role of …

Relationship Of Grip Strength And Quality Of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Melissa Van Omen

Honors Theses

Loss of muscle strength is one of the key features of aging. Quality of life is a factor that affects productive aging and loss of muscle strength. A literature review was completed to assess the possible relationship between grip strength and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, as measured through physical health in terms of independence with ADLs/IADLs, physical disability, and mobility. Articles were collected from various peer-reviewed, publish journals using the available databases of Western Michigan University libraries. Databases used include PubMed, Clinical Keys, the National Institute of Health (NIH), Springer Link, Scopus, BioMed Central, Wiley, and Oxford …

Exploring A Child’S History For Optimal Treatment Of Food Selectivity., Briana Lear

Honors Theses

Food selectivity is defined as “food refusal based on type, texture, temperature, or appearance of food, leading to a self-restricted diet” (Suarez, 2015). Food selectivity affects children of all ages. Food selectivity refers to when a child is eating as few as 5-10 different foods and demonstrates food refusal behaviors, which can make mealtime a challenge for children and their families (Suarez, 2015). Occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living (ADLS), therefore feeding, including food selectivity is included within the OT scope of practice. There is a need to create a comprehensive and thorough document to collect a client’s history …

The Use Of The Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool To Decrease The Risk Of Falls In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Brooke Mack

MOT Student Capstones

Older adult falls ages sixty-five and older are a major health concern in the United States of America. This project is an educational in-service provided through a power point presentation designed to educate community dwelling older adults on areas in their home that could increase their chance of falling in their home environment. This will be accomplished by using components of the home safety-self assessment tool. There are three main objectives which include: educating community dwelling older adults on various areas in the home that could lead to an increased risk of falls, suggest possible solutions, assistive devices, helpful products, …

Consultation-Based Ot Services To Improve Complex Environmental Modifications: Perspective Of Practicing Occupational Therapists, Brooke E. Wallace

MOT Student Capstones

Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled medical professionals who use a holistic and clientcentered approach to improve one's functional independence. Research demonstrates that consultation-based occupational therapy services between a client, OT, and building professional would benefit aging and/or disabled adults who are seeking complex home modifications. The objectives of this capstone project are threefold: to increase practicing occupational therapists' awareness of an expanding area of need with >50% of participants in agreeance that consultation-based services will increase a client's level of independence, for OTs to report an increased familiarity level with relevant assessments and with the implementation process for consultation-based OT …

Enhancing Mot Student Fieldwork At The Community Free Clinic, Antwon Griffin

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this project was to development of a level I fieldwork manual to improve the structure of the occupational therapy student learning experience at Community Free Clinic. It aimed for the occupational therapy student to gain perspective and understanding of occupational therapy's role in a unique setting to enhance organization and critical thinking skills to apply theory to practice. The manual is based upon the importance of establishing mutual respect, trust, and communication skills with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care and cultural competence to provide additional services to the people of underserved communities. Evidence supports that …

Aol Transfer Training Program For Nursing Staff In The In-Patient Rehab Setting Through Occupational Therapy Based Skills, Bailey Christiano

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of an AOL transfer training program for nursing staff for an in-patient rehab facility. The three objectives of this project include decreasing the overall number of client falls on the unit, increasing the self-efficacy of the nursing staff in regards to ADL transfers, and to educate the nursing staff on how to perform safe ADL transfers at a minimal assist level. Training videos were created through the collaboration of OT, nursing, and hospital videographers and were viewed by all nursing staff participants. Three hands-on training sessions for nursing staff were conducted by OT clinicians …

Occupational Therapy-Based Education Of Sensory-Enriched Activities For Interdisciplinary Services, Emily Minton

MOT Student Capstones

This capstone is a project implementation of sensory-based activities for an interdisciplinary team of therapy practitioners at a pediatric outpatient facility. The objectives of this project include increasing self-efficacy in pediatric-based practitioners addressing sensory seeking behaviors, educate practitioners on the importance of addressing sensory seeking behaviors to promote participation via sensory-enriched activities, and educating practitioners on four simple sensory-based activities to decrease sensory seeking behaviors during sessions. Educational handouts, as well as a PowerPoint presentation, and visual demonstration were created and viewed by all members of the interdisciplinary team at the pediatric outpatient clinic. The education session and all data …

Vision Rehabilitation Impacting Return To Occupation After Post-Concussion Syndrome, Joe Kardine, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Vision rehabilitation is an emerging use of efficient occupation-based intervention in occupational therapy for vision impairment after concussion. Public awareness of untreated concussions has led to more patients seeking treatment for symptom remediation. Efficient interpretations of comprehensive vision evaluations followed by incorporation of vision therapy to treatment improve performance outcomes, increase patient quality of life and ensure compliance of intervention.

Bridging The Gap Between Academia And Practice: Possibilities For Research Collaboration And Funding, Anne H. Zachry

Faculty Presentations

Preparing a successful small grant proposal involves research, planning, preparation, and determination, but obtaining funding for a creative project is not unrealistic. Practitioners are in the trenches on a daily basis, and many likely have novel ideas and relevant questions, especially when it comes to interventions. These intervention questions are important, with the American Occupational Therapy Association reporting that more studies are needed to investigate and support occupation-based intervention. By developing partnerships, educators, practitioners, and students can engage in small scale projects to further the knowledge base in the field of occupational therapy.

From Prison To The Community: The Pivotal Role Of Ot In Facilitating A Healthy Transition, Pari Kumar, Bs, Jennifer A. Merz, Bs, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Otr/L, Cla, Susan E. Connor, Otd, Otr/L, Cchp

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

• Approximately 630,000 prisoners are released into the community each year.1
• First Step Act (2018) reduces minimum sentencing for populations such as nonviolent drug offenders.2
• Majority released to unsafe areas due to shortage of affordable housing. 3
• Insecure housing and homelessness are related to increased:
• Recidivism4; Emergency room use5; Substance use 6; Unstable family relationships7; Mental health (MH) problems.7
• Post-release is a high-risk time due to poor care continuity and lack of support.8 •Individuals report difficulty: Obtaining employment and stable housing, accessing relevant treatment services, reintegrating with their families and communities.9
• Stable housing provides a secure place to seek employment, …

The Student Hotspotting Program: Facilitating Interprofessional Community Learning, Tracey Vause-Earland, Phd, Otr/L, Sara Cohen, Ots

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Student Hotspotting teams work together to identify and engage super-utilizing individuals to establish healing relationships and identify barriers to their care. With support from faculty and clinician advisors, students guide these individuals through achieving personalized health goals, navigating the complex healthcare system and connect them to community resources.

In addition to hands-on work, students are guided through this program with a supplemental online curriculum consisting of webinars and monthly case conferences with professionals in the field.

• Core Principles: Harm reduction, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care and accompaniment
• Webinars cover topics such as client recruitment and enrollment, the power of empathy, …

Critically Appraised Paper: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Of Individualized Occupational Therapy For Patients With Schizophrenia In Japan, Pari Kumar, Bs, Mary Muhlenhaupt, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

• Based on the article "A multicenter, randomized controlled trial of individualized OT for patients with schizophrenia in Japan," by Shimada, et al.
• Results suggest that combining individual OT with group OT can improve cognition, intrinsic motivation, medication adherence, and treabnent satisfaction for individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
• These findings have implications for OTs working in psychiatric settings.