Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Neuromuscular Deficits Following An Isolated Pcl Tear In A Collegiate Lacrosse Player: A Case Study, Mckenna G. Witlin, Erin R. Mcmullan, Courtney M. Meyer, Amy L. Fraley

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This disablement model case study outlines a 21-year-old female collegiate lacrosse player attending a United States service academy who presented with a unique neuromuscular deficit following a conservative grade II PCL tear rehabilitation. Nearing the end of her rehabilitation protocol, she noticed difficulty with toe-off while running; however, she did not report to the athletic trainer due to the institution’s holiday break proximity. An unexpected transfer of care occurred when the patient returned after the holidays, and she was cleared for full participation upon return. Several days after the patient was cleared, she reported her ankle feeling “stuck.” Upon evaluation, …

Identifying Barriers And Creating Resources To Improve Participation In Competitive Adaptive Rock Climbing, Amy C. Griswold, Susan Macdermott

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this project was to (1) identify barriers to participation in competitive adaptive rock climbing for adults with a physical disability and (2) create and distribute virtual educational resources to meet identified barriers. The need for this project was highlighted by athlete and coach self-report of limited ability to engage in competitive adaptive rock climbing, also known as paraclimbing. The sample consisted of 108 adaptive athletes, adaptive rock-climbing coaches, staff members in rock climbing gyms, and volunteers at adaptive rock-climbing events. Participants anonymously completed a ten-minute mixed methods virtual survey using Microsoft Forms. Thematic and inferential statistical analyses …

Expanding Occupational Therapists’ Role In Youth Adaptive Sports: A Comprehensive Guidebook, Alexandria K. Lannoo, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities are less likely to participate in adaptive sports or physical activity than typically developing children, despite the proven benefits adaptive sports provide for physical, social, and emotional well-being. Adaptive sports can be modified to accommodate a variety of ability levels and can improve quality of life (QoL) of children with disabilities through enhanced mobility, social participation, and self efficacy. However many occupational therapists (OTs) underutilize adaptive sports within their practice and are unaware of their role in promoting participation and of resources within their community. Guided by the Synthesis of Child, Occupational Performance, and Environment in Time …

An Ot-Based Program For The Hispanic Community, Ruby Vargas, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Hispanic older adults experience significant health disparities, including higher rates of functional limitations and limited access to rehabilitation services due to language and cultural barriers. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, this doctoral capstone implemented the Step by Step program across multiple community sites to improve health literacy, independence, and awareness of occupational therapy (OT). The program delivered bilingual, culturally tailored education, ADL-based strategies, and fall prevention activities. Needs assessments and pre/post surveys indicated increased confidence in daily activities, improved understanding of OT’s role, and greater engagement in health-promoting behaviors. Findings support community-based, culturally responsive OT programs as effective in …

Use Of Motivational Interviewing To Increase Compliance In Therapy To Improve Work And Education Preparation For At-Risk And Underserved Youth, Javon Smith, Jan Greer, Sean Tory

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

At-risk and underserved youth often face barriers to educational attainment, employment, and psychosocial well-being, which can limit their long-term occupational engagement. This doctoral capstone project implemented an eight-week, occupational therapy–informed program at R.I.S.E. Homes in Las Vegas, Nevada, integrating the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) frameworks. The program aimed to enhance life skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and career readiness among youth in transitional living. Using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, sessions combined didactic instruction, interactive activities, and role-play to foster skill acquisition and self-efficacy. Outcomes were measured through pre- and post-program self-assessments and qualitative feedback from …

Empowering Independence: Strategies For Safe Aging In The Home And Community For The Older Adult Population, Madelyn Rashford, Becky King, Keegan Mckay

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project created an occupational therapy–based guidebook to promote safe aging in place for community-dwelling older adults. The guidebook includes fall prevention exercises, home safety strategies, and community resources to support independence in daily activities. Implementation showed increased safety awareness and confidence, reinforcing occupational therapy’s role in fostering independence and quality of life.

The Professional And Occupational Identities Of Nicu Occupational Therapists, Lindsay M. Marquardt, Karen Park

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provide specialized care, including infant positioning, feeding, handling techniques, and anticipatory guidance. While the American Occupational Therapy Association has outlined the role, little research has explored how therapists perceive their own occupational and professional identities in this highly specialized setting. This study explored the perspectives of NICU occupational therapists to better understand how their roles and identities are shaped within the NICU environment. A mixed-methods descriptive design was used. Data was collected through an electronic survey including Likert-scale and open-ended questions, with optional 30-minute follow-up interviews. Snowball and convenience sampling were …

Addressing Psychosocial Barriers To Participation In People Experiencing Homelessness: An Occupational Therapy Workshop, Preston E. Bender

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project addressed the critical gap in occupational therapy education and practice regarding the psychosocial needs of people experiencing homelessness. Despite the occupational therapy profession’s emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many occupational therapy practitioners and occupational therapy students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation among this population. This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop. The workshop is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation and informed by the Bridging the Transition …

The Professional And Occupational Identities Of Nicu Occupational Therapists, Lindsay M. Marquardt, Karen Park

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Occupational therapists in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provide specialized care, including infant positioning, feeding, handling techniques, and anticipatory guidance. While the American Occupational Therapy Association has outlined the role, little research has explored how therapists perceive their own occupational and professional identities in this highly specialized setting. This study explored the perspectives of NICU occupational therapists to better understand how their roles and identities are shaped within the NICU environment. A mixed-methods descriptive design was used. Data was collected through an electronic survey including Likert-scale and open-ended questions, with optional 30-minute follow-up interviews. Snowball and convenience sampling were …

Exploring The Positive Mental Health Effects Of Participation In College Athletics, Erin J. Harvey, Devin B. Hefner, Lily C. Pysher, Blake A. Green

Graduate Student Scholarship

Abstract

Exploring the Positive Mental Health Effects of Participation in College Athletics

College students participate in sports for positive physical effects, but does this participation increase the students’ mental health positively, too? This research paper seeks to answer this question to determine how occupational therapists and other professionals working with the population of collegiate athletes can have the best outcomes for their clients. While many studies have been conducted to show how sports participation leads to benefits of individuals’ physical health, few studies have been conducted to determine if participation in sports at the collegiate level benefits students’ mental health …

Culturally Responsive Occupational Therapy Treatment Guide For African-American And Hispanic People With Eating Disorders, Desere N. Cooper

Student Capstone Papers

This capstone project addressed the critical need for a culturally responsive approach to occupational therapy in the treatment of African-American and Hispanic with eating disorders (EDs) in the United States. Although EDs impair physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning, these communities often encounter systemic barriers such as cultural stigma, food insecurity, and inadequate assessment tools rooted in Eurocentric norms—that contribute to underdiagnosis, limited access to care, and poorer outcomes. The central issue addressed was the absence of clear, culturally relevant guidance for occupational therapy practitioners working with these underserved populations. The project was informed by a comprehensive literature review and synthesis …

Increasing Implementation Of The Comfortable Cafeteria Program To Promote School-Age Children’S Mental Health And Well-Being, Reinecka Mondesir, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Every Moment Counts (EMC) is a positive mental health promotion initiative that offers several initiatives to create inclusive environments that support student participation and emotional well-being throughout the school day. Comfortable Cafeteria, part of EMC, fosters positive mealtime experiences supporting peer interaction, emotional regulation, and inclusion. Many SBOT practitioners lack the resources to implement Comfortable Cafeteria, despite its benefits. This capstone project addresses the need for practical tools to help school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) practitioners integrate the Comfortable Cafeteria program into daily practice. Using the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, the project developed and disseminated an interactive, evidence-based video …

Factors That Contribute To Occupational Burnout Among Occupational Therapists And Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants: A Qualitative Design, M'Kayla Davis, Kim Broussard, Mary Jan Greer

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project investigates the prevalence, contributing factors, and impact of occupational burnout and compassion fatigue among occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Using a qualitative research design, structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study identifies heavy workloads, staffing limitations, emotional demands, and sleep deprivation as primary contributors to burnout. The research employs occupational adaptation theory to explore adaptive strategies practitioners utilize, such as boundary setting and seeking professional or interrelationship support, to mitigate these effects. Findings highlight the pervasive nature of burnout among participants on professional performance and personal well-being, and the …

Addressing Psychosocial Barriers To Participation In People Experiencing Homelessness: An Occupational Therapy Workshop, Preston Bender, Steven M. Gerardi, Lacey Spark

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the occupational therapy (OT) profession's emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many OT practitioners and students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation in people experiencing homelessness (PEH). This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop aligned with Experiential Learning Theory. The content is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and informed by the Bridging the Transition from Homelessness: A Social Justice Framework (BTTF), trauma-informed care (TIC), harm reduction, and diversity, equity, …

Harmony In Motion: An Adaptive Dance Program For Enhancing Motor Skills And Social Engagement In Children With Down Syndrome, Diamond D. Sampson, Mary Jan Greer, Jennifer Johnson

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Harmony in Motion is an occupational therapy–inspired adaptive dance program designed to create inclusive, sensory-friendly ballet experiences for children with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome. Through tailored movement activities, environmental modifications, and the use of adaptive props, the program promotes participation, social connection, and self-expression.

Caregiver Training Program For Optimal Recovery Of Neuro Accidents: An Occupational Therapy Approach, Bennie L. Huitt Jr., Jennifer Featheringham, Cassandra Nelson

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Caregivers of individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or experiencing onset of dementia often are provided limited education and support after discharge, negatively impacting confidence and recovery outcomes. The Caremaster program was designed to bridge the educational gap between occupational therapists in the clinical setting and caregivers in the home settings through accessible online modules, support groups, and in-person demonstrations. Module topics included understanding neuro accidents and role of the caregiver, returning home (transition and adaptation), ADLs and Mobility, returning to roles, and social reintegration. This program aims to guide future development of scalable, community-based caregiver education that …

Occupational Therapy For Individuals With Low Vision Affecting Their Mental Health, De'aundria M. Gipson, Jaimee Fielder, Becky King

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Low vision is a prevalent public health issue among older adults, often leading to functional limitations, reduced participation in activities of daily living (ADLs), and increased risk of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation. This capstone project explored the relationship between low vision and mental health by developing and evaluating a program to address both functional and psychosocial needs. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, the program was implemented at Envision Dallas and included a needs assessment, tailored strategies, and group activities targeting emotional well-being, independence, and social participation. Data from surveys, interviews, and observation indicated …

A Specialized Training Toolkit To Increase Inclusion Of Children With Disabilities In After School Programs, Merilyn N. Powdrill, Abby Vander Laan, Angela Blackwell

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The Inclusive Pathways Toolkit was developed and implemented in after-school programs to enhance staff competencies in supporting children with disabilities. This initiative aimed to create a more inclusive environment by providing staff with practical strategies and resources, thereby improving the overall experience and participation of children with disabilities in after-school activities.

Equine Assisted Services To Increase Participation In Activities Of Daily Living And Social Engagement For Veterans With Ptsd, Mackenzie A. Alexander, Rebecca King, Gwen R. Morris

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Currently there are limited occupational therapy programs in equine assisted services that promote engagement in meaningful occupations for veterans who experience PTSD. This capstone project aims to increase occupational participation of veterans with PTSD by providing modules on education and interventions to therapy staff who work in equine assisted services. The modules focus on increasing engagement in activities of daily living and social participation to promote overall quality of life.

Promoting Early Identification Of Developmental Delays With The Cdc’S Learn The Signs. Act Early. Campaign, Katsia Renaud

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.