Occupational Therapy Commons^™

Rebuilding Father-Child Bonds: Group Therapeutic Writing For Fathers Transitioning From Incarceration, Lynne Truong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This project was a group therapeutic writing (TW) workshop that was an addition to the existing program at Hope for Prisoners (HFP) to facilitate self-awareness of father-children relationship for fathers who are previously incarcerated. This doctoral capstone project assessed the impact of a group therapeutic writing workshop led by the occupational therapist capstone student on emotional awareness, self-reflection, and communication skills among previously incarcerated fathers. The program aimed at helping fathers who were incarcerated in rebuilding relationships with their children by enhancing confidence, self-awareness, and emotional expression. The four-week therapeutic writing program provided the emotional and relational needs of participants …

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 …

Emerging Adult Gamers: Nutritional Insights On Dietary Intake, Physical Well-Being, And Occupational Performance, Justine Dualan Tuason

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This study aimed to gather insights from Emerging Adult (EA) gamers (between 18 and 24) regarding their nutritional literacy, dietary patterns, and its potential impacts on their occupational performance and physical well-being. There is a need to gather gamers' perspectives to identify the specific facilitators and barriers regarding their ability to discern appropriate dietary choices, as it provides more information regarding preventative and client-centered measures for future healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to address this population's needs, as the profession's holistic principles allow for a well-rounded and sustainable approach. Additionally, growing emphasis is placed on preventative rather …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 Families: Enhancing Early Intervention Through Caregiver Coaching, Kylie G. Wersal

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The early years of life are critical for shaping developmental outcomes, especially for children with disabilities, developmental delays, or challenges. This 14-week capstone project aimed to strengthen caregiver coaching strategies within the early intervention (EI) setting using Minnesota’s Evidence-Based Quality Intervention Practices (EQIP) approach, the Primary Service Provider (PSP) model, and the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model. Emphasis was placed on developing in-depth clinical skills, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, and advocating for improved awareness of the EI referral process. Caregiver coaching promoted routine-based, family-centered strategies that supported both child development and enhanced caregivers’ confidence. Self-reflection and mentor observation indicated measurable …

Rays Of Resilience:Tbri® Nurture Group© Intervention For Improved Social-Emotional Development In Head Start, Madison Carlson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face challenges that impact their developmental trajectory, family dynamics, and occupational engagement (CDC, 2021a). Rays of Resilience is a trauma-informed occupational therapy capstone project designed to enhance social-emotional skills in preschoolers at a rural Head Start program guided by the TBRI® framework and the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Using Nurture Group© small group intervention, collaboration with staff, and engagement with caregivers, this project targeted social-emotional development and relationship building in children with a higher risk of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Fifteen students participated in weekly lessons focused on self-regulation, identifying emotions, and communicating wants …

An Occupation-Based Intervention Program To Address The Mental Health Needs Of Students In Rural School Systems, Caitlin A. Butterfield, Mackenzie Feldhacker Otd, Otr/L, Clt-Lana

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

In the United States, 20% of the population lives in rural areas, with many experiencing mental illness, including adolescents facing increased risks from unemployment, obesity, and limited mental health services (Berryhill et al., 2021; Morales et al., 2020). Rural youth also have a suicide rate twice as high as non-rural areas, highlighting the need for mental health interventions (Berryhill et al., 2021). This capstone project addressed the mental health needs of students in a rural school system through an occupation-based, multi-tiered intervention. Using a trauma-informed Occupational Therapy (OT) Public Health Approach aligned with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, …

A Sensory Group Program For General And Special Education Elementary Students, Kamryn J. Olness

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The purpose of this 14-week capstone was to develop and implement a sensory group program for general and special education students within an elementary school. It aimed to explore the impact related to meeting sensory needs within the classroom. The program followed a weekly theme centered on each of the eight sensory systems to increase knowledge and self-regulation skills about various sensory inputs. A total of around 80 students participated in the sensory group program, including both general and special education students. A pre- and post-program survey was administered to determine the frequency of sensory needs demonstrated by the students …

The Lasting Legacy Of Dr. Fritz Smith And Dr. Aminah Raheem: Founders Of Zero Balancing And Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure, Deanna Waggy Otr

Journal of Transformative Touch

Dr. Fritz Smith and Dr. Aminah Raheem were pioneers in the field of holistic bodywork. Their innovative techniques, Zero Balancing (ZB) and Insight Acupressure (formerly Soul Lightening International), helped shape integrative medicine practitioners around the globe. Their marriage not only symbolized a personal union but also a professional synergy, with their complementary therapies offering a yin-yang approach to mind-body healing. Their legacy continues through the many practitioners trained in Zero Balancing and Soul Lightening/Insight Acupressure and the various organizations that uphold their commitment to research, education, and professional standards.

Silent Sparks: Gaining Clinical Experience To Implement An Occupation-Based Program In A Birth-3 Group With Deaf/Hard-Of-Hearing Children, Sydney Patrow, Moses Ikiugu

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project aimed to develop clinical skills and implement an occupation-based program for Deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) children at Metro Deaf School in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Guided by the Dynamic Family Systems Model, Lifespan Development, and Sensory Integration Theory, the project emphasized holistic, family-centered care, skill development, environmental modifications, and promotion of regulation and participation. Clinical skill development was assessed using the Theory Application Assessment Instrument (TAAI) and a site mentor survey. An 8-point improvement from pretest to posttest on the TAAI indicated enhanced theory use skills, and the mentor survey reflected high satisfaction. The program included a five-week …

Bridging The Gap: A Structured Curriculum For Occupational Therapy Students On Level Ii Fieldwork In Acute Care, Caroline Cameron, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Students achieve entry-level competence through didactic education and fieldwork (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education [ACOTE], 2023). However, transitioning from student to practitioner can be challenging (Mason et al., 2020). Research has identified challenging areas globally across fieldwork settings environment (Knecht-Sabres et al., 2013; Mason et al., 2020) and specifically in the acute care. These challenges indicate a compelling need to cultivate lacking skills and close the gap between students' didactic curriculum and clinical placement in acute care, where supervisors have the highest expectations for students (Kemp & Crabtree, 2018).

Objectives: This project aimed to develop an educational program …

Empowering Occupational Therapists: Integrating 3d Printing Into Rehabilitation For Spinal Cord Injury Patients, Juliana Sullivan, Ms, Otr/L, Cbis

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) encounter significant challenges in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Adaptive equipment (AE) is widely recognized as essential for enhancing ADL participation, which in turn improves quality of life, autonomy, and long-term functional outcomes (Sturm et al., 2021). However, access to AE is hindered by barriers such as lack of personalization, lesion level, financial limitations, and limited rehabilitation access (Hertig-Godeschalk et al., 2017). 3D printing to create custom AE can increase patient satisfaction, adherence, and participation (Schwartz et al., 2019). Occupational therapists (OTs) working in inpatient rehabilitation focus on maximizing patient independence before …

How Multidisciplinary Teams (Mdts) Shape The Occupational Therapy (Ot) Experience: Communication, Collaboration, And Challenges, Grace Schmidt

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

The goal of this study was to evaluate how occupational therapists (OTs) contribute to patient care within multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), with a focus on the challenges and benefits of collaboration. The research was conducted at Quality Living Inc. (QLI), a rehabilitation center specializing in neurological recovery. Four healthcare professionals (two occupational therapists, one physical therapist, and one exercise assistant) participated in interviews, either in person or over Zoom during the spring 2025 semester. A brief survey was used to collect demographic data, and nineteen open-endemd interview questions guided the data collection process. Responses were analyzed thematically and categorized into three …