Preparing Young Learners: Using Occupational Therapy To Promote Kindergarten Readiness At The Ymca.,
2025
University of South Dakota
Preparing Young Learners: Using Occupational Therapy To Promote Kindergarten Readiness At The Ymca., Zoey Eastman
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
This capstone project aimed to enhance kindergarten readiness skills in preschool-aged children through the implementation of a school-based occupational therapy program at a YMCA child care center. The primary objective was to support children's developmental progress across multiple domains critical for school success. Over a 14-week period, developmentally appropriate, play-based activities were integrated into the classroom routine, specifically targeting fine motor skills, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and executive functioning—key areas linked to kindergarten readiness. Standardized assessments, including the Denver II Developmental Screening Tool and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), were utilized to monitor each child’s growth and identify areas …
Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Seating And Mobility And Assistive Technology Services In Adults With Neurological Conditions,
2025
University of South Dakota
Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Seating And Mobility And Assistive Technology Services In Adults With Neurological Conditions, Kathryn R. Larsen
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Assistive technology has the potential to have a positive impact on quality of life in those living with neurological conditions (Arbesman & Sheard, 2014; Soofi et al., 2017). The purpose of this capstone project was to allow the student to gain advanced clinical practice skills the areas of assistive technology and seating and mobility, to serve adults with neurological conditions, and to address gaps in service provision. The project was completed at an inpatient rehabilitation facility where the student participated in wheelchair evaluations, assistive technology clinic, and muscular dystrophy association clinic. Corresponding objectives and deliverables were created for each area …
Utilizing Trauma-Informed Universal And Targeted Occupational Therapy Interventions In A School Setting,
2025
University of South Dakota
Utilizing Trauma-Informed Universal And Targeted Occupational Therapy Interventions In A School Setting, Maciah L. Nobles
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
This project aimed to provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 trauma-informed occupational therapy interventions to a rural elementary school. Project components included implementing the “Just Right!” Sensory Curriculum (Wiggins & Wild, 2020) with students grades preK-6th, education to staff about trauma-informed classroom strategies, development of a sensory room for the elementary school, and creation of centers to be used in the classrooms. Key findings included a significant decrease in hyperactivity/inattention (p=0.00) on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, a 1.13 point average increase in staff members’ knowledge of trauma-informed classroom strategies on a 5-point Likert scale, and students reporting increased understanding …
Early Intervention For Adulthood: Occupational Therapy’S Vital Role In Secondary Transition Services,
2025
University of South Dakota
Early Intervention For Adulthood: Occupational Therapy’S Vital Role In Secondary Transition Services, Carolyn A. Blatchford
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Transition to adulthood is an essential stage of development, especially for those with disabilities. Occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to play a vital role in a young adult’s transition to adulthood within school settings, yet the majority of therapists are not serving transition-aged youth. This capstone utilized the Zarrow Institute on Transition & Self-Determination, specifically the “ME! Lessons for Teaching Self-Awareness & Self-Advocacy” and “TAGG Lesson Plans” lessons as a programming intervention foundation within a school-based setting to support transition-aged young adults currently served by the school district’s special education program, and classified as in a regular classroom at least …
Chronic Care Connections: Occupational Therapy In Rural, Primary Care,
2025
University of South Dakota
Chronic Care Connections: Occupational Therapy In Rural, Primary Care, Jayden Renee Bormann
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Rural healthcare faces a unique set of challenges including fewer primary care providers compared to urban areas, (Dobis & Todd, 2022). Occupational therapy has become more frequently part of the staff in a primary care clinic. An occupational therapy practitioner brings a unique perspective to the care of clients in a holistic manner and looking at the client from their specific context to create specific goals (Koverman et al., 2017; Donnelly et al., 2014). If a client with a chronic condition receives individualized care from an occupational therapist as part of their primary care visits, they may experience improved self-efficacy …
Serving Rural America: Occupational Therapy's Role In Agriculture,
2025
University of South Dakota
Serving Rural America: Occupational Therapy's Role In Agriculture, Kaiya R. Gieseke
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Occupational therapy can provide a vast variety of roles to individuals in the agricultural industry. Although there is a lack of knowledge regarding the topic of occupational therapy in agriculture, there is room for research to be conducted and relationships to be made. The profession’s role in being involved in the agricultural industry is largely unexplored. The purpose of this 14-week capstone project was to advocate and educate on occupational therapy’s role in agriculture. Additionally, this project worked to create a program for individuals involved in agriculture to promote preventative care and lifestyle management. A variety of goals and objectives …
Mind Over Matter: A Theory-Based Approach To Enhancing Functional Cognition With Occupational Therapy,
2025
University of South Dakota
Mind Over Matter: A Theory-Based Approach To Enhancing Functional Cognition With Occupational Therapy, Amanda Marx
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Functional cognition is comprised of an individual’s performance skills and patterns to result in successful completion of an occupation (Giles et al., 2020). Functional cognitive deficits are prevalent across various client populations and diagnoses of neurological, psychosocial, and/or developmental etiology (AOTA, 2019). Literature has shown metacognitive strategy training and individual- and group-based mindfulness practice promotes improvements in functional cognition and prevents decline in occupational performance (Ahn et al., 2017; Borujeni et al., 2019; Nagelkop et al., 2021; Reitano et al., 2023). This capstone project utilized theoretical principles from the Multicontext Approach and Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance theories to complete …
Making A Splash: Exploring The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder,
2025
University of South Dakota
Making A Splash: Exploring The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Avery Brockberg
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
According to the American Psychiatric Association, autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the world. Approximately 90% of children with ASD experience atypical sensory processing which can lead to increased difficulties in daily occupations including play, academic activities, feeding, self-care, and sleep. Aquatic therapy (AT) is an effective intervention that has a role in addressing social, emotional, physical, and sensory needs in children with ASD. There is limited research on the role of occupational therapy in providing AT for children with ASD. The purpose of this capstone was to evaluate the effectiveness of aquatic occupational …
Bridging Theory And Practice: Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Functional Rehabilitation In Parkinson’S Disease,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Bridging Theory And Practice: Aquatic Occupational Therapy For Functional Rehabilitation In Parkinson’S Disease, Chelsea L. Tate
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Experience and Project is to develop a theoretical framework and supporting program to guide the application of aquatic interventions specific to Parkinson’s disease treatment, while highlighting the therapeutic benefits that can be integrated into occupational therapy practice. The framework and program focus on improving overall physicality, cognitive, and functional performance for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Care For The Carer: A Program For Caregivers & Their Loved One,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Care For The Carer: A Program For Caregivers & Their Loved One, Luke Allen
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project is to reduce the burden experienced by dementia caregivers due to unmet physical, mental, and social needs. To meet this objective, CAREpackages with resources pertinent to dementia caregiving, with accompanying Dementia Difficulty educational videos will be delivered to families from low socio-economic backgrounds in the Northeast Arkansas community.
Bridging The Gap Between Occupational Therapy & Animal-Assisted Therapy (Aat),
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Bridging The Gap Between Occupational Therapy & Animal-Assisted Therapy (Aat), Aspen Campbell Smith
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
The Doctoral Capstone Project involves developing advocacy resources to support occupational therapy practitioners in the ethical, safe, and effective integration of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) into clinical practice. The tools aim to increase practitioner awareness, support ethical decision-making, and promote client-centered, evidence-based animal-assisted therapy services.
Roadwell: An Occupational Therapy-Based Telehealth Platform To Improve Wellness Among Over-The-Road Truck Drivers,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Roadwell: An Occupational Therapy-Based Telehealth Platform To Improve Wellness Among Over-The-Road Truck Drivers, Phylecia G. Mason
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
This doctoral capstone project aimed to design and implement RoadWell, a mobile wellness platform usingthe Person–Environment–Occupation–Performance (PEOP) model, to improve occupational performance and well-being. RoadWell addresses the interaction between the person, environment, and occupation by delivering real-time, evidence-informed strategies that meet drivers where they are—in their real work environments, doing real work.
Rooted In Play: Empowering Development Through Nature-Based Occupational Therapy,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Rooted In Play: Empowering Development Through Nature-Based Occupational Therapy, Nicole Roper
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
The doctoral capstone project included advocating for the use of outdoor play by identifying and emphasizing the benefits of occupational therapy (OT) involvement within nature-based therapy for pediatric patients and creating nature-based therapy recourses for caregivers and occupational therapists.
Impaired Mental Health In Adolescents: Socioeconomically Challenged Geographic Locations,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Impaired Mental Health In Adolescents: Socioeconomically Challenged Geographic Locations, Brittany E. Kunkel
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
This capstone project aligns occupational therapy strategies with the environmental, social, and institutional contexts that shape adolescent mental health, enabling holistic and culturally responsive interventions that address not only individual needs but also broader systemic influences.
More Than A Crown: Creating Leaders And Connecting Communities,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
More Than A Crown: Creating Leaders And Connecting Communities, Grace Addison Ross
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
More than a Crown is a doctoral capstone experience (DCE) that promotes community integration for girls with intellectual disabilities by enhancing their leadership skills. Participants engage in a six-week leadership program that focuses on developing the following skills: confidence, poise, creativity, self-exploration, conversation, and active listening.
Utilizing Animal-Assisted Therapy To Address Pyschosocial Implications Of The Geriatric Population In A Residential Facility,
2025
Arkansas State University - Jonesboro
Utilizing Animal-Assisted Therapy To Address Pyschosocial Implications Of The Geriatric Population In A Residential Facility, Blaire Kennon Bassham
Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones
Older adults in residential care frequently experience psychosocial challenges such as isolation, depression, and reduced engagement in meaningful activity. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), when integrated into occupational therapy, offers a powerful, evidence-based means to address these concerns by promoting emotional well-being, social connection, and purposeful interaction. This capstone project leveraged AAT as a therapeutic intervention specifically designed to meet psychosocial needs.
Developing Adaptive Clothing For Patients With Advanced Als Disease,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Developing Adaptive Clothing For Patients With Advanced Als Disease, Kadence D. Trosper
Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Undergraduate Honors Theses
In 2017, over 30,000 people were battling with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells within the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord (ALS Association, 2023). The individual’s brain loses connection with muscles, slowly taking away one’s ability to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe. The currently is no cure for this disease or even treatment to halt the progression, however the treatment available can help ease the symptoms. Despite the physical challenges associated with ALS, there is a significant lack of adaptive clothing options that provide comfort, functionality, and …
The Feasibility Of A Telerehabilitation Screening Protocol For Wheelchair Follow-Up In A Rural Clinic: A Pilot Exploration,
2025
Medical University of South Carolina
The Feasibility Of A Telerehabilitation Screening Protocol For Wheelchair Follow-Up In A Rural Clinic: A Pilot Exploration, Rachel G. Taylor
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice
Objective: This capstone project aimed to determine the feasibility of a telerehabilitation approach to wheelchair follow-up care coordination within the East Carolina University Student Run Clinic (SRC). Methods: A Wheelchair Follow-Up Protocol was developed and piloted with a student clinician. Guided by the AHRQ Care Coordination Measurement Framework, this 9-week feasibility project was completed in 3 steps: (1) resource and process development, (2) student training, (3) implementation and data collection. Quantitative and qualitative pilot data were collected from the student clinician who completed the Wheelchair Follow-Up Protocol to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. Questions included …
Aquatic Based Exercise For Adults With Lymphedema To Improve Quality Of Life,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Aquatic Based Exercise For Adults With Lymphedema To Improve Quality Of Life, Abigail Bancroft, Cassandra Nelson
Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium
Individuals diagnosed with lymphedema can face physical, emotional, and psychosocial complications. Since lymphedema is a lifelong condition, symptom management is crucial to an individual’s daily routine and well-being. Aquatic therapy is an approach where individuals perform exercises in the water, and the characteristics of the water provide many benefits for lymphedema. The purpose of this capstone was to develop an aquatic-based exercise program for individuals with lymphedema to increase social participation and improve overall quality of life. Increasing the awareness of aquatic therapy for lymphedema can educate individuals and occupational therapists on another treatment option to help manage lymphedema symptoms.
Educational Program For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries Over Bowel And Bladder Management,
2025
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Educational Program For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injuries Over Bowel And Bladder Management, Hannah H. Bacino, Rebecca King, Leah Holderbaum
Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-altering event that impacts many domains of an individual's life. Individuals may experience a decreased ability to participate in meaningful activities and a loss of voluntary body functions. The most common symptom following an SCI is loss of voluntary bowel and bladder control. Literature highlights the importance of education on bowel and bladder management following a SCI. However, there is a lack of accessible and comprehensive education on this topic for individuals affected by an SCI. To address this problem, an educational resource was created. The purpose of the educational resource was to …
