Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Peningkatan Keterampilan Makan Pada Anak Down Syndrome Melalui Terapi Okupasi Berbasis Sensory Integration: Studi Kasus, Reza Nur Arsyi, Tambunan Seselia Thresagloria, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) frequently experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, and oromotor impairments. This case study aimed to describe the clinical reasoning and effectiveness of a sensory integration (SI)-based occupational therapy intervention in improving feeding skills in a 10-year-old child with DS. The intervention consisted of 12 structured sessions focusing on postural stability, proprioceptive awareness, fine motor control, and oromotor coordination. Evaluation tools included Sensory Profile 2 and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Post-intervention outcomes indicated significant improvement in spoon use, posture during mealtime, texture tolerance, and self-feeding independence. FIM scores improved from total assistance …

Efektivitas Latihan Aerobik Dalam Mengurangi Gejala Depresi: Literature Review, Putra Adytio Giriyoga, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide and can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Various treatment approaches have been implemented, with one of the most noteworthy being non-pharmacological interventions in the form of aerobic exercise. This study aims to review the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in reducing depressive symptoms. This research is a narrative literature review, in which 3,610 articles were initially identified and then filtered based on inclusion-exclusion criteria, resulting in 8 articles. After eliminating duplicates, further screening was conducted through critical appraisal. The final selection of 8 articles was reviewed. The findings …

A Cascading Effects Model Of Early Sensory Development In Autism, Natalie Russo, Carissa J. Cascio, Grace T. Baranek, Tiffany G. Woynaroski, Zachary J. Williams, Shulamite A. Green, Roseann Schaaf

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Autism has historically been defined by the presence of differences in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities (RRBs). Since 2013 when the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was published, sensory features were added as one of the polythetic restricted and repetitive behavior diagnostic criteria of autism, though it has remained understudied. Here, we summarize theory and research to provide support for the perspective that early sensory functions and experiences play a primary role in autism and have downstream effects on social communication and repetitive behavioral features of autism. The …

Foundations Of Interprofessional Practice: The Development Of A Keystone Course For An Interprofessional Collaborative Slp, Pt, And Ot Curricular Sequence, Kathleen M. Youse, Jill D. Black, Wendy L. Wachter-Schutz

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this paper is to describe one university’s experience in designing a foundational course that introduces the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies (IPEC, 2016) and applies those competencies to interprofessional education and interprofessional practice experiences specific to the accreditation needs of three related graduate health science programs in Speech-Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. Four years of student evaluation data demonstrate that the foundational course effectively meets course objectives from the student perspective and provides valued opportunities to get to know student colleagues, begin to focus on effective collaboration, and gain insights into professions other than …

An Innovative Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (Cimt) Program Design And Case Study To Address Upper Extremity Use And Spatial Inattention, Mark Blanchard, Ingrid A. Franc, Payton Nisby, Michelle Arceneaux, Kathleen Chapiesky, Genevieve Ducros, Austin Brannon

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Introduction: Common consequences of stroke include decreased upper extremity function and spatial inattention, both of which cause difficulties in occupational performance in activities of daily living. Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an intervention that has been utilized to improve these consequences of stroke.

Methods: This single case study describes the design and results of a two-week modified CIMT (mCIMT) program that used an enhanced visual and auditory feedback system, the Flint Rehab FitMi device, to address both upper extremity function and left spatial inattention in one participant. Left spatial awareness was encouraged during mCIMT activities by striking targeted pucks placed …

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Primary Care And Occupational Therapy, Ellen Modlin, Phd, Otr/L, Bcp, Caps, Deana Shevit Goldin, Phd, Dnp, Arnp, Fnp-Bc

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: This article explores the utilization of occupational therapy (OT) in interprofessional health care teams in adult populations. Primary care settings are typically the first point of contact for individuals seeking health care services; therefore, primary care practitioners (PCPs) are in a unique position to initiate collaboration with specialty clinicians to optimize the use of health care resources.

Method: Peer- reviewed literature from primary care and OT research was reviewed and summarized. The search focused on barriers and potential opportunities for collaboration between primary care and occupational therapy in adult populations.

Results: Occupational therapy (OT) is underutilized, as lack of …

Toward An Understanding Of Loneliness And Social Participation In Serious Mental Illness, Samantha B. Randolph

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Loneliness is an immense challenge facing the majority of Americans with Serious Mental Illness. Loneliness is linked to negative outcomes, including heart disease, reduced quality of life, and early mortality. Current loneliness interventions (e.g., social skills training, social support) do not effectively address all the complex factors that lead to loneliness in this population. More work is needed, therefore, to better understand how to optimally research and prevent loneliness among individuals with Serious Mental Illness, who experience unique barriers to social integration/participation and dwell in complex settings, such as permanent supportive housing. The presented dissertation aims to address current gaps …

Empowering Educators To Improve Social Emotional Behaviors Among K-8 Students: Quality Improvement Project, Paige Yael Bister

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Social and emotional learning (SEL) encompasses essential skills for effectively managing and expressing emotions. Studies have shown that SEL strengthens early education while supporting students' lifelong success by fostering positive behaviors within and beyond the classroom. In school settings, occupational therapists (OTs) aim to empower children to thrive as students and as social beings through targeted interventions and educational support for parents and teachers. In private school settings, limited access to occupational therapy services may impact teachers' ability to implement SEL strategies effectively.This capstone project addressed gaps in teachers' knowledge and confidence in applying the Zones of Regulation SEL curriculum …

Efficacy Of Dorsal Application Of Kt For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome In Esport Gamers: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Anthony Foreman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This doctoral study investigated the impact of the dorsal application of kinesiotape on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) symptoms and performance among Esport gamers. The study was conducted in controlled environments at the UNLV Esports Lounge, Black Fire Innovation, and the Musculoskeletal Lab using a randomized two-group pretest-posttest design. To maintain ecological validity, participants were permitted to use personally owned gaming peripherals (e.g., computer mouse), and all received brief instruction on proper body mechanics to promote consistency during testing. Participants (n = 11) were systematically assigned by order of registration to either an intervention group receiving dorsal application of kinesiotape on …

Correlation Between Atnr Retention And Sensory Processing Difficulties In A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Population, Cassaundra H. Abernathy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study aimed to examine the correlation between retained Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) and sensory processing difficulties in children. A review of the literature available contributed to understanding the relationship between these; however, the limited research indicated a need for further examination to provide practitioners with evidence-based research for comprehensive care and improved occupational performance in children. A small correlational study was conducted using the snowball method with convenience sampling. The study yielded six participants from an occupational therapy outpatient clinic, A Clubhouse for Kids. Caregivers completed the Sensory Profile 2 in hard copy to assess their child's sensory …

Bridging The Gap: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Interoception Resources For Pediatric Oncology Ots, Dana Louise Lomotan Doolittle

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Chemotherapy administered to children and youth diagnosed with pediatric cancers may induce side effects such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms that could impact the ability to meet occupational needs and desires in daily functioning. The occupational therapy discipline incorporates mindfulness strategies to target these symptoms for increased body awareness in children with cancer, though interoception’s role within the pediatric oncology population is obscure. Furthermore, there are implicated demands described in the literature for more established pediatric oncology rehabilitation programs to attend to the specific needs of the population and to advocate for occupational therapy’s role in the …

Plagiocephaly In Premature Infants: Enhancing Nicu Caregiver Education, Hailee Efferson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format …

Enhancing Therapeutic Use Of Self: The Value Of Unfolding Case Studies In Occupational Therapy Education, Janel Marie Gozum

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: This capstone project evaluated the effectiveness of using unfolding case studies (UCS) as a supplemental instructional method to enhance occupational therapy (OT) students’ self-efficacy (SE) in applying therapeutic use of self (TUOS), a core competency in OT education.Methods: Four workshop modules were delivered to and completed by OT students (n=3) enrolled in the occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The sessions included instructional content, guided discussions, unfolding case study activities, and a TUOS competency. The Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self (SETUS) Questionnaire was administered at four points throughout to monitor perceived self-efficacy over …

Acquired Brain Injury Education: Utilizing Unfolding Case Studies To Improve Critical Thinking Skills In Occupational Therapy Students, Katherine Hathaway

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Acquired brain injuries (ABI), including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and anoxia, affect millions worldwide, and often result in long-term impairments in daily functioning. Despite the need for specialized, ongoing care, many individuals with ABI lack access to adequate long-term rehabilitation services, and families report substantial caregiver burden due to limited resources and poor care coordination. Occupational therapy plays a critical role in meeting the needs of this population; however, many entry-level practitioners feel underprepared to manage the complex challenges associated with ABI, largely due to limited training and exposure. This capstone project aimed to address this educational gap by implementing …

Ethnoracial Characterization Of Cognitive Function And Activities Of Daily Living In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Justine A. Bachmann

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), lead to progressive cognitive and functional decline, which significantly affects individuals’ ability to perform their everyday Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Occupational Therapist (OTs) assess cognitive impairments and their impact on daily function by utilizing tools like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to guide intervention planning. However, research on the MoCA’s effectiveness across ethnoracial groups is limited, raising potential biases in the accuracy of cognitive assessments. This study examines the relationship between cognitive function, measured by the MoCA, and functional impairment, assessed using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), among ethnoracial older adults …

The Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Objective Structured Clinical Exam & Student Self-Efficacy In Preparation For Fieldwork Rotation, Angela Kay

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project focuses on exploring the effectiveness of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Department of Occupational Therapy’s Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) on students’ perceived self-efficacy in preparation for and throughout fieldwork rotation. This retrospective study analyzed repeated measures of the New General Self-Efficacy (NGSE) Likert Scale collected from a sample of 49 occupational therapy students across five time points. Findings indicated a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy over time (p< .001). These results suggest that the OSCE may play a meaningful role in enhancing students’ self-efficacy in their clinical hands-on skills, supporting its continued use in occupational therapy academics.

The Impact Of Psychosocial Factors On Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students’ Communication With Fieldwork Educators: A Retrospective Analysis, Melissa Montes

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project investigates the impact of adverse psychosocial factors, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, on effective communication of occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students with their fieldwork educators (FWEds) during level II fieldwork experiences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design and retrospective analysis, the study integrates quantitative data from the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and qualitative data from the Fieldwork Experience Assessment Tool (FEAT) to explore how these factors affect communication and the management of the adverse psychosocial factors OTD students experience. This study involved 36 OTD students …

Exploring The Occupation Of Parenting With A Cognitive Disability, Alysa Polley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate how parents with cognitive disabilities perform child-rearing tasks and barriers associated with their disability, to determine their needs and self-efficacy to improve the role of occupational therapy in supporting child-rearing for parents with cognitive disability.Design: Qualitative Case-study, Phenomenology Setting: Gigi's Playhouse Participant(s): Inclusion criteria: parents or expecting parents, individuals with a cognitive disability resulting from an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, English speaking, 18+, and autonomy to consent participation. Exclusion criteria: non-English speaking, individuals without a cognitive disability resulting from an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, and under 18. Measure(s): Semi-Structured Interview and Tool for Measuring Parental Self-efficacy. Results: …

Maximizing Functional Independence And Well-Being: The Impact Of Sensory Impairments On Iadls And Functional Mobility Skills, Jessica L. Ryan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Sensory impairments involving vision and hearing among the adult population are predicted to double by 2030 (Gutherie et al., 2018). Individuals with experiences of sensory impairments like low vision are at risk of decreased functional participation in their homes and communities, which often leads to mental health concerns due to social withdrawal, experiences with environmental barriers, and limited occupational engagement (Bezyak et al., 2017; Gerami et al., 2015; Pfeiffer et al., 2020; Vreeken et al., 2020). This doctoral capstone focused on program evaluation to support adults with low vision and blindness in transferring learned skills from a simulated environment …

Gaming Participation: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Esports Ergonomics, Althea Rivera-Millare

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Competitive e-sport gamers are increasingly at risk for repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) due to the prolonged and repetitive nature of their gaming demands. Current healthcare protocols often overlook the unique ergonomic needs of this population, potentially leading to decreased occupational performance and dysfunction. This study aims to develop and evaluate an evidence-based ergonomic protocol tailored specifically to e-sport gamers who primarily use a mouse and keyboard, with the goal of reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing gaming performance. Grounded in the principles of occupational therapy, the study emphasizes occupation-based interventions that address the specific occupational demands of e-sport …