Occupational Therapy Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Massage Gun Treatment Combined With Passive Stretching In Reducing Non-Specific Lower Back Pain, Yudik Prasetyo, Sabda Husain As Shafi, Fatkhurahman Arjuna, Atikah Rahayu, Mohd Izwan Bin Shahril, Mohad Anizu Mohd Nor, Edwin Onyango Otieno

Jurnal Keolahragaan

Non-specific lower back pain is a common condition characterized by strain, muscle spasms, or weakness of the paraspinal muscles, particularly the multifidus muscle, which affects adjacent musculature such as the gluteus, hamstrings, and quadriceps. This study aimed to investigate whether massage gun treatment combined with passive stretching could reduce non-specific low back pain in patients experiencing subacute and chronic phases of this condition. This pseudo-experimental research employed a one-group pretest-posttest design with three treatments. Participants were selected using purposive sampling based on inclusion criteria: suffering from non-specific low back pain, willingness to participate, and age between 20 and 65 years. …

Belonging Through Meaningful Activity In The Transition From Unhoused To Housed, Patricia Y. Plett, Rebecca Gewurtz, Abe Oudshoorn, Cheryl Forchuk, Carrie Marshall

Occupational Therapy Publications

Background

Belonging is closely associated with well-being, yet individuals with experiences of being unhoused are likely to experience social exclusion and challenges with developing a sense of belonging. Engagement in meaningful activity has been linked to belonging; however, there are no focused studies exploring experiences of how engaging in meaningful activities influences belonging. Meaningful activities are things we do that bring value to our lives.

Purpose

To explore how engaging in meaningful activities may influence experiences of belonging following homelessness through a secondary analysis of qualitative interviews.

Method

Using interviews conducted in a community-based participatory action study exploring the transition …

Factors Influencing Graduate Students Of Diverse Backgrounds In Their Selection Of Occupational Therapy As A Career, Jeffrey T. Lucas, Scotillia Fogg, Mandie Lynch

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

The population of the United States is becoming more culturally diverse; however, the profession of occupational therapy does not reflect this change, whether examining educators, practitioners, or students. This study was designed to identify factors influencing graduate students of diverse backgrounds, and how a career in occupational therapy was determined. Participants for this study comprised first- and second-year occupational therapy students enrolled at Lenior-Rhyne University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Winston-Salem State University. A convenience sample was used to obtain the population. These universities were the only graduate-level occupational therapy programs willing to participate in the …

The Experience Of Pet Ownership During Transitional Housing Process, Kathryn Holden

Student Capstone Papers

Twenty-five percent of people experiencing homelessness have pets, but few transitional housing programs allow pets (Rhoades et al., 2015); therefore, there is a gap in the literature about the experience of pet ownership during the transitional housing process. This study aimed to explore pet owners' experiences at a transitional housing site in San Diego County. The student interviewed two current dog owners and four recent dog owners. All participants prioritized their pets because of the strong bond they shared with their pet. They described their relationship between themselves and their dog to be stronger than their relationships with family members …

Outdoor Recreation For People With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Siarra Walker

Student Capstone Papers

More than 15 million people globally are living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Only half of people with SCI engage in leisure activities and approximately 71% of the population reports dissatisfaction in their leisure participation. There are numerous intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that lead to these significant declines in leisure exploration and participation, including lack of knowledge and inaccurate accessible online information. In correlation with these barriers, occupational therapy practitioners underutilize leisure participation during the rehabilitation process for people with SCI and this is an underreported topic in the literature. Occupational therapy practitioners and people with SCI lack knowledge of …

Exploring Sexual Satisfaction And Intimacy After T6 And Above Spinal Cord Injury: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Aron Williams, Karen Aranha, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Background: With T6 and above SCIs, there is a greater chance of sexual function and satisfaction being impacted; however, individuals lack the clinical support and resources needed for rehabilitation in this area. From an occupational science and occupational adaptation (OA) perspective, examining the multifactorial needs and the lived experiences of individuals with SCI T6 and above who have attained sexual satisfaction post-injury would aid in better serving the rehabilitation needs of this population. Methodology: This study explored the process that individuals with SCIs underwent to achieve sexual satisfaction and intimacy post-injury. An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology was used to …

Occupational Therapy Services Within Women’S Shelters For Women With Disabilities Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Meira Becirovic, Jessica De Brun, Angela Labrie Blackwell

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focuses on enhancing the role of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners in supporting women with disabilities who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and are residing in women’s shelters. These women often face significant barriers to engaging in daily activities crucial for their health, well-being, and overall life satisfaction. The project aims to equip OT practitioners with the tools and strategies necessary to address the complex needs of this population, particularly in areas such as activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), work, education, home management, parenting, and leisure.

By utilizing evidence-based practices and …

Disaster Planning For People With Spinal Cord Injury: An Educational Video Series, Kayla Webre, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Eric Hicks Phd, Ms, Otr

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

A spinal cord injury is classified as an impairment of the nerves that compose the spinal cord. A spinal cord injury can affect the motor and sensory pathways below the level of the injury. As a result, people with spinal cord injury experience physical, emotional, and environmental barriers. Furthermore, they experience an increase in health-related issues such as autonomic dysreflexia, changes in the bowel and bladder system, pressure wounds, and difficulty regulating body temperature. However, these comorbidities are often exacerbated during a natural disaster. Additionally, the physical and environmental barriers continue to influence this population in times of disaster. The …

Barriers And Supports To Academic Success Among Autistic College Students: A Qualitative Study, Isabella M. Ortiz, Steven M. Gerardi, Mary Zadnik

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects many college students, impacting their everyday life activities and making transitions challenging. Occupational therapists serve a role in treating students with autism, but there is little evidence in the literature about their perceived barriers and strengths during the high school to college transition. This study utilized a semi-structured interview & thematic analysis to uncover the unique challenges & successes these students with autism face in an academic setting & identify effective support mechanisms/barriers.

Research Questions:

1. What are the perceived barriers to participation and performance in academic activities among …

   ---

   Go to article

The Psychosocial Effect Of Video Games In A Hand Therapy Setting, Frank Arena, Rebecca King

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

A project that analyzes the psychosocial effects of video games as an alternative to hand therapy interventions. This project addresses the barriers of financial investment, and space requirements. This project shows the effectiveness of video games as a short-term intervention method.

Adaptive Sports In Schools For Students With Disabilities From An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Tamara Harvey, Mary Jan Greer

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities do not have as many opportunities to participate in sports and leisure activities as their peers do, which may cause them to miss out on the benefits that participating in these activities offer. There are many barriers that children with disabilities and their parents face when seeking out adaptive sports activities especially in schools. This capstone project addressed some of these barriers. A needs assessment was conducted at an elementary school, which helped guide the development and implementation of the adaptive sports program, which is discussed in detail.

Addressing The Gap In Discharge Planning From A Skilled Nursing Facility, Yaqui Del Rio, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project aims to improve health management in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by developing and implementing a comprehensive evaluation tool designed to assess patients' readiness for discharge. The tool addresses critical factors often overlooked during discharge planning, helping to identify areas where patients may feel unprepared or uncertain. By focusing on these areas, the project seeks to enhance patient outcomes and support effective health management.

Increasing Participation For Children With Special Needs, Calvin Shin, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project focuses on increasing participation for children with special needs through community engagement and social interactions. The purpose of this program is to explore the needs of children with special needs and increase participation of children within the community. The goal of this project is to increase participation in children with special needs, provide opportunities for children to feel more inclusive, promote meaningful relationships between peers, parents, and staff, and improve overall quality of life.

The Experience Of Pet Ownership In Transitional Housing, Kathryn Holden Ots, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

25% of people experiencing homelessness have pets, but few transitional housing programs allow pets (Rhoades et al., 2015); therefore, there is a gap in the literature about the experience of pet ownership during the transitional housing process. This study aimed to explore pet owners' experiences at a transitional housing site in San Diego County. The student interviewed two current dog owners and four recent dog owners. All participants prioritized their pets because it was their strongest relationship. The prioritization of their dogs positively and negatively influenced occupational engagement. While receiving services, owners experienced consequences when separated from their dogs, including …

Ot’S Role In Facilitating Foster Youth's Transition To College And Career Exploration, Stacey Tang, Amy Lyons-Brown

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

Foster youths often face numerous adversities, limiting their occupational performance and ability to transition into adulthood, specifically regarding career and education. This poster explores the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in supporting these youths as they age out of foster care, particularly focusing on college and career exploration. Using the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) and KAWA River models, a needs assessment was conducted in collaboration with Foster Love, a non-profit organization. The assessment revealed gaps in resources and support for foster youths, leading to the development of workshops that foster self-reflection, emotional regulation, and goal setting as they navigate their transition into …

Treating Mothers With Postpartum Depression While In The Nicu, Arrie Belnap, Mary Jan Greer, Aimee Doughty

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The presentation is about an educational program developed to educate mothers with or at risk for postpartum depression (PPD) while their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers learned about the nature of PPD, occupations to implement to decrease symptoms of PPD, and occupations that they can participate in to care for their NICU babies. The evaluations, interventions, and outcomes of the program are discussed.

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Wellness In Underserved Communities, Kimberlyna Chheang, Amy Lyons-Brown, Anna Saavedra

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project addresses sociodemographic disparities in community wellness and health services in Kern County, CA, focusing on underserved communities facing trauma and systemic inequalities. In collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) and their East Kern Family Resource Center (EKFRC), it aims to lay the foundation for community-based, tailored interventions using occupational therapy (OT) to enhance community well-being and promote access to critical services to support wellbeing.

The Role Of Occupational Therapy With Neurodiversity-Inclusive Workplace Design​, Jasmine Hou, Susan Macdermott

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity to foster neuroinclusive work environments. By addressing employment challenges faced by the neurodiverse community, occupational therapists can support neurodistinct adults who often lack accessible services to navigate the job cycle, promote opportunities for neurodistinct individuals to succeed in the workforce, and educate employers on neuroinclusive design.

Outdoor Recreation For People With Spinal Cord Injuries: An Educational Video Series, Siarra N. Walker, Steven M. Gerardi, Heather Rennerfeldt

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

More than 15 million people globally are living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Only half of people with SCI engage in leisure activities and approximately 71% of the population reports dissatisfaction in their leisure participation. There are numerous intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that lead to these significant declines in leisure exploration and participation, including lack of knowledge and inaccurate accessible online information. In correlation with these barriers, occupational therapy practitioners underutilize leisure participation during the rehabilitation process for people with SCI and this is an underreported topic in the literature. Occupational therapy practitioners and people with SCI lack knowledge of …

Occupational Impact Of Urinary Incontinence, Hannah Case, Karen Park

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to conduct a research study to identify if children with UI encountered occupational impacts due to their condition, as well as their caregivers. Twelve caregivers participated in an online survey investigating the occupational impact (supports, barriers, and limitations) of being a caregiver to a child who encounters UI. The survey addressed how their child’s UI affects various occupations. The findings indicate a significant impact on leisure participation and home management. The qualitative data was acquired through unobtrusive methods, including narratives, blogs, and lived experiences, to provide the perspective of how UI affects children. …