Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Does Generalization Occur Following Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining?—An Exploratory Study, Kitsum Li, Jonathan Alonso, Nisha Chadha, Jennifer Pulido

Collected Faculty Scholarship

Computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) intervention has gained great popularity in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of skill generalization to daily living task for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) after completion of eight modules of a commercially available CBCR program, the Parrot Software. The study investigated changes in individuals’ global cognition as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and changes in individuals’ performance during a medication-box sorting task, a novel instrumental activity of daily living. The medication-box sorting task resembled real life medication management with daily prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Twelve individuals with ABI from a …

A Needs Assessment Of Occupation Based Services In A West Michigan Homeless Shelter From A Staff Perspective, Stephanie A. Ballard, Katie M. Deveneau, April D. Hemlock

Community Based

In this qualitative study, student researchers conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews of individuals employed by a homeless shelter in West Michigan, posing questions related to the perceived need of occupation-based services for shelter recipients, and the efficacy of current services. Narratives were interpreted using thematic analysis, yielding themes related to the barriers faced by the shelter population, life skills of the shelter population, and services in place to provide for the needs of the shelter recipients. Authors concluded that shelter staff perceived a need for occupation-based services to engage the shelter population in meaningful occupations, particularly relating to leisure, education and …

A Novel Approach To Lymphedema Management In Upper Extremity Amputations: A Case Report, Katie Polo, Gali Gamble

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Many breast cancer survivors experience lymphedema complications from past medical management procedures such as axillary lymph node dissections and/or radiation therapy. These complications negatively affect the patient’s health and overall quality of life. Occupational therapists (OT) certified in lymphedema management can contribute to positive patient outcomes as part of a comprehensive medical team. A case is presented of a 73-year-old female post voluntary trans-humeral amputation due to radiation induced brachial plexopathy. This patient’s treatment was led by an OT certified in lymphedema management and included complete decongestive therapy and analysis of function with a focus on the development of a …

Median Nerve Mobility Measurement Using A Motion Tracking Analysis Program: A Reliability Study, Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez, Jan Nathleen Dizon, Belinda Cabungcal-Fidel, Ronald Christopher A. Cua, Valentine C. Dones, Peter Lesniewski, John C. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: To evaluate relative and absolute reliability and repeatability in assessing median nerve mobility at the level of the wrist and distal upper arm of the right upper extremity during wrist extension. Methods: Six healthy participants participated in the study. Median nerve mobility was captured three times at both sites using Sonocyte Turbo by two sonologists for a total of 72 video clips (36 for each site and 18 by each sonologist). Longitudinal movement was measured using Motion Tracking Analysis Program (MTAP) by the two assessors who were rehabilitation medicine residents. After one month, the assessors remeasured the longitudinal excursion …

Evaluating The Use Of Relaxation Interventions To Promote Participation And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Cancer, Abigail Gilmore, Ots, Brianna Schwoyer, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Ms< Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background:

• High levels of anxiety and distress are associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and remission stages of cancer.
• Psychological symptoms have the potential to negatively influence functional performance, quality of life, overall health, and recovery of individuals with cancer.
• Improvements in occupational performance and quality of life, as well as reductions in anxiety and pain have been demonstrated in a variety of health conditions with the use of therapeutic relaxation techniques, such as:
  • Yoga/Tai Chi
  • Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR)
  • Relaxation Training
  • Massage
• Research continues to emerge investigating trends in use, patient experiences, and efficacy of therapeutic relaxation techniques with …

A Five Year Program Review Of Infusing Occupational Therapy Into Over-Night Camping For Children With Disabilities, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L, Ashley Kalman-Binkowski, Ms, Otr/L, Lindsey West, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objectives:

• Describe an OT faculty-student training model in a nontraditional rural setting
• Provide examples of strategies to enhance campers’ participation in a variety of activities
• Discuss the impact of occupational therapy program on satisfaction and participation of campers with disabilities

Understanding The Sympathetic Nervous System In Response To Food In Children With Autism And Typically Developing Children, Jonathon D. Haskell

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Previous research behind sympathetic nervous system functioning in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder has shown disturbances in their ability to regulate their arousal level (Miller et al., 2003; Tomcheck and Dunn, 2000). Depicting this notion in previous research, children diagnosed with autism are likely to be comorbid with Sensory Over-responsitivity (SOR) or Sensory under-responsitivity (SUR), and could ultimately elicit variable sympathetic nervous system functioning in response to their sensory environment-whether it be taste, smell, auditory, tactile, or visual stimuli. Although previous research depicts inconsistent measures involving sympathetic responses to stimuli in children with autism, research specifically involving food selectivity provided …

Effect Of Social Skill Training Programs On Bullying, Kaycee Johns, Megan Kloska

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Bullying is a problem that is often found in schools during the adolescence age. Although this is not a new concept, bullying continues to lead to the victimization of children and adolescents all over the world. Research has played a critical role in understanding bullying, victimization, and prevention programs. However, bullying and victimization still continue to be problems within schools and peer relationships.

The primary purpose of this systematic review is to assist practitioners by investigating evidence-based studies related to school social skill programs, and their effectiveness in reducing victimization of bullying throughout adolescence.

Effectiveness Of Executive Function Performance Test (Efpt) In Stroke Population, Faryal Shaheen

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in the U.S, causing 15,000 deaths each year (Hall et al, 2015). It has been estimated that 71% of clients are discharged with minimal to no services from acute/subacute after stroke because of deficits that go undetected (2015).

One of the most common deficits in stroke is loss in executive functioning (EF). Occupational therapists (OTs) have typically used a combination of tools to measure EF and most of these assessments did not involve observations in the everyday environment (Morrison et al, 2015). A new measure, known as the Executive Function Performance …

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation And Post-­‐Stroke Glenohumeral Subluxation, Tera Richards, Jason Colon

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

A cerebral vascular accident (CVA) occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either because a blood vessel has been occluded or the blood vessel has ruptured. This typically results in hemiplegia or paralysis of the muscles on the side of the body contralateral to the lesion site within the brain.

Effects Of Reducing Fatigue In Muscular Dystrophy Through Physical Activity, Callie Toaso, Alea Brown

Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Evidenced-Based Research Reviews

Myopathy is a functional impairment of muscle tissue; muscular dystrophy is a type of myopathy (Rakowicz & Lane, 2004). Muscular dystrophy (MD) consists of progressive muscle weakness and affects limbs and facial muscles. The most common types include Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (Mercuri & Muntoni, 2013). One common complaint found with patients with muscular dystrophy is fatigue. It is noted that fatigue affects daily activities, but it is believed that physical activity can help reduce this. The purpose of this systematic review is to research how effective physical activity is at reducing fatigue …

Staying Sharp: The Cutting Edge Of Research On Cognition And Aging, Regula H. Robnett

Occupational Therapy Faculty Presentations

Workshop PowerPoint presentation given June 11, 2015, for the 25th Maine Geriatrics Conference in Bar Harbor, Maine. Presentation reviews the latest evidence on cognition and aging. While there is an overwhelming amount of data out there, it is crucial to be informed consumers so the information can be used to enhance one's own life and the lives of others. As people age, changes occur in the brain that can impact learning, memory, and overall daily performance. However, techniques based on promoting preserved skills, embracing new learning, and providing contextual adaptations can be used to improve overall performance. Workshop presentation included …

Occupational Deprivation Or Occupational Adaptation Of Mexican Americans On Renal Dialysis, Shirley A. Wells

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The aim of this study was to explore the occupational changes and perceptions experienced by Mexican Americans with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their families living with dialysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 Mexican Americans with ESRD and 17 family members. The participants with ESRD described altered or lost activity patterns, capacities and freedoms. With a heightened awareness of death, the family members made altered occupational choices, which were consistent with their cultural values. Changes in the physical body, adhering to the dialysis regimen and environmental restrictions created barriers to occupational participation. These findings suggest that living with dialysis …

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, The Primary Motor Neuron Disease, Jacob P. Naumann

The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a degenerative neurological disease that damages nerve cells in the brain, in particular the neurons that are involved in voluntary muscle movements. Internationally the disorder is also known as Charcot’s disease and motor neuron disease. In the United States, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, motor neuron disease, and more colloquially ALS. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is the most prominent of the five motor neuron diseases, distinguishing itself from the others through degeneration of both upper motor neurons (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN) respectively. The “Father of neurology” Jean-Marie Charcot founded …

Novel Advances In Alzheimer's Disease, Jacob P. Naumann

The Downtown Review: An Interdisciplinary Journal Written and Peer-Reviewed by Mandel Honors College Students at Cleveland State University

Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia in adults, is a progressive degenerative neurological disease that affects memory, cognition, and behavior. Dr. Alois Alzheimer discovered and diagnosed the irreversible disease in 1906 after documenting the famous case of Auguste Deter.¹ Since the discovery of the disease, numerous advances have made it possible to not only better understand the causal factors, but also to improve the medical diagnosis and preventative measures that healthcare providers can implement. For the first time since 1984, the National Institute on Aging (NIAA) and the Alzheimer’s Association (AA) proposed and published new diagnostic guideline …

Dementia In The Context Of Disability, Rosanne Dizazzo-Miller, Fredrick D. Pociask

Department of Health Care Sciences

Patients and caregivers often associate dementia with devastation and a loss of productive contribution to society. People with dementia are often depicted as confused individuals struggling through embarrassing episodes, followed by a loss of independence. The burden and devastation of the diagnosis on the families of people with dementia is exacerbated by their assumption of the role of caregiver with inadequate preparation or training. Disability scholars, in contrast, offer physical and occupational therapists a nontragic view of disability that recognizes the importance of countering the stigma and discrimination that too often accompany dementia. This case example of a woman diagnosed …

Use Of Medicare Claims As A Source For Research Prevalence And Utilization Of Medical Care Services In Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder Over And Under Age 65, Henry J. Carretta, Phd, Katelyn Graves, Ms, Teal W. Benevides, Phd, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objective:

1. To evaluate the feasibility of using Medicare claims by determining the number of identifiable persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a three year limited data set (2008-2010)

2. To describe the structure, types, and limitations of Medicare claims files for ASD research

Functional Recovery: A Mixed Methods Study Of The Specific Variables Within A Post-Hospital Inter-Disciplinary Brain Injury Rehabilitation - Residential Program, Victoria Harding

Dissertations, 2014-2019

The mixed methods explanatory design study examined specific constructs of Post Hospital Interdisciplinary Brain Injury Rehabilitation – Residential (PHIDBIR-R) programs that positively influenced gains in function. The investigation involved exploring the phenomenon of individuals’ experiences while participating in a PHIDBIR-R program as part of recovery from brain injury. The study’ primary purpose was to understand individuals who make the greatest gains in function while participating in these programs, as measured by the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) change scores from admission to discharge and what are the components of these programs that may contribute to individuals’ gains in function.

Data were …

2015 Create Day Presentations In The Jdc, Daniel G. Kipnis, Msi

Jefferson Digital Commons News

Collaborative Research and Evidence Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE) Day is a clinical education program presented by occupational therapy graduate students in partial fulfillment of the Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University. Students conduct a systematic review of the literature on key topic areas that reflect current occupational therapy practice trends. The presentations include an introduction of the topic literature.

The latest round of 2015 Collaborative Research and Evidence Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE) Day presentations have been loaded into the Jefferson Digital Commons

Supporting The Occupational Therapy Student In The Production And Dissemination Of Systematic Reviews: An Interprofessional Collaboration Among Librarians And Occupational Therapy Faculty, Teal W. Benevides, Phd, Otr/L, Paul Hunter, Dmd, Mlis, Gary E. Kaplan, Ms, Ahip, Daniel G. Kipnis, Msi

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objectives

This poster describes the outcomes of a curriculum-based collaboration between librarians and OT faculty (‘collaboration’) to enhance graduate student skills for conducting a systematic review (SR); the collaboration included database instruction, bibliographic management software, and culminated in student presentations to healthcare practitioners for continuing education credit. Three outcome areas are discussed: impact of the collaboration on student satisfaction and perceived competence; characteristics of the included literature; and the dissemination of SR findings to healthcare practitioners.

Methods

Three librarians participated in the instruction and the institutional repository (Jefferson Digital Commons; JDC) deposits. A total of 132 students over a period …