Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Enhancing Diversity In Occupational Therapy Through A High School Internship Program, Alexis M. F. Morin, Brittany Adams, Vianni Gomez

Translational Science in Occupation

Abstract

The United States (US) is projected to become an increasingly diverse nation over the decades ahead, but there is a lack of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in occupational therapy (OT). While the job outlook for occupational therapy practitioners continues to be strong and is expected to rise, OT education programs are facing enrollment crises nationally. It is crucial for academic programs to develop and implement innovative and methodical strategies to recruit and retain a diverse student body to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity within the profession. To promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in occupational therapy, a university partnership …

Developing A Curriculum Audit Tool For Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion In Occupational Therapy Education, Whitney M. Cranna, Sarah Mckinnon

Translational Science in Occupation

Background: The OT profession is calling for intentional pedagogy that builds future practitioners’ capacity for embodying justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI) values; however, the interpretation and application of this mission remain subjective and nebulous. Developing a theory-driven audit tool may help standardize and clarify JEDI pedagogy needs to enhance OT preparation and practice.

Objective: Using a culturally responsive, justice-based theoretical lens, this paper describes the development of a JEDI Curriculum Audit Tool for a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD) program.

Design: Quantitative systematic evaluation of curricular alignment with JEDI principles, including a 3-prong retroactive self-evaluation approach.

Setting: Curriculum …

The Effectiveness Of The Addition Of Slow Deep Breathing To Brain Gym Exercise On Cognitive Impairment Of The Elderly, Dhia Maharani Ms, Mohammad Ali Mr, Zahra Sativani Mrs

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: According to WHO, 65.5 million elderly people worldwide have impaired cognitive function. Cognitive impairment can be caused by impaired oxygen supply to the brain, stress, and lack of physical activity. Physiotherapy has a role in elderly cognition through interventions to improve cognition, namely in the form of Brain Gym Exercise with the addition of Slow Deep Breathing. Objective: Knowing the effectiveness of the addition of Slow Deep Breathing to Brain Gym Exercise on cognitive impairment of the elderly at Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 4. Methods: This study used quasi experimental with two group pre-post …

Efektivitas Senam Hamil Dalam Mengurangi Tingkat Stres Dan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Trimester Iii: Literature Review, Suyati Suwito, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

According to WHO (2020), around 10% of pregnant women experience depression and this condition is higher in developing countries, reaching 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after giving birth. Anxiety experienced during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. These negative impacts are not only during pregnancy but can also affect the labor process and lactation period. There are various types of sports to reduce anxiety, one of which is gymnastics. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of pregnancy gymnastics in reducing stress and anxiety before childbirth. Literature review research was conducted using PICO search …

Efektivitas Massage Endorphin Untuk Mengurangi Kecemasan Pada Ibu Hamil Menjelang Persalinan, Widiya Saryani, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Pregnancy is a biological process involving complex physiological and psychological transitions that demand high adaptability from women, especially approaching childbirth. Anxiety during the third trimester is frequently reported and is associated with increased cortisol secretion, which may negatively impact labor effectiveness. This literature review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of endorphin massage in reducing anxiety among pregnant women in the third trimester. The review used a systematic approach based on the PICO framework, covering studies published between 2021 and 2025. Databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and SINTA were used to identify quasi-experimental studies comparing endorphin massage …

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 …

Enhancing Documentation Proficiency: Feasibility Of Integrating Ehr Go & Unfolding Case Studies In Occupational Therapy Education, Jeffery D. Holland Jr.

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: This capstone project evaluated the feasibility of integrating EHR Go and Unfolding Case Studies (UCS) into the first-year curriculum of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. The goal was to enhance students’ SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan) note documentation proficiency and critical thinking skills through simulation-based learning and increased exposure to real-world documentation expectations and examples. Feedback from 33 clinicians at Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospital – Siena Campus informed the workshop design, and OTD faculty and graduate assistants at UNLV provided input on curriculum integration feasibility.Methods: A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent groups pretest-posttest …

Less Pain, More Game: Red Kinesiology Tape On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Occupational Performance In Fps Esports, Sarah Ashley Taing

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Esports encompasses competitive video gaming, requiring tactical, mental, and physical skills. It offers benefits like improved cognition and social inclusion but poses risks such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from repetitive movements. Prolonged gaming can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), with symptom severity correlating with gaming duration (Bibi & Khan, 2019; Basuodan et al., 2023). Kinesiology tape (KT), a treatment used for decades, shows promise for pain relief and functional improvement (Kase et al., 2013). Developed in 1973 by Kase, KT increases circulation, reduces pain, and improves joint stability, though its effectiveness remains ambiguous. Additionally, the psychosocial impact of tape …

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 …

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 …

Clinical Decision Making In Pelvic Floor Therapy The Ot Difference, Diana Sisorova

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a life-altering and debilitating chronic condition that affects 28 millions of women in the United States alone, the prevalence of (PFD) among women ranges from 11.5% to 35%, (Radzimińska et al., 2017; Wu et al., 2009). This study affirms how occupational therapy practitioners can be essential resource in treating pelvic floor dysfunction from a holistic perspective by addressing the wide range of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impacted by pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly in women. Through a qualitative descriptive case study and a single key informant—an occupational therapist …

How Returning To Work And Sense Of Belonging Influence Acquired Brain Injury Survivors: A Descriptive Case Study, Shaina Saribay-Talana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose. This capstone project explored the experiences of an individual with acquired brain injury (ABI) returning to work (RTW), highlighting their sense of belonging (SoB) in the workplace. While literature emphasizes SoB's importance for mental health and quality of life, its impact on workplace reintegration for ABI individuals is underexplored. This project intended to address the gap in understanding ABI individuals' workplace belonging, potentially enhancing OT practices and outcomes for reintegration.Methods. A descriptive single case study approach using a qualitative phenomenology methodology, including semi-structured interviews and site observations, was used to gather insights from an individual who has re-entered the …