Specialized Knowledge Of Sensory Interventions For Sensory Function, Cassidy Kay Filson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Between 5%-16.5% of the general population are estimated to have a form of atypical sensory reactivity (Ahn et al., 2004). Atypical sensory reactivity or atypical sensory processing is described as when the brain processes sensory input differently than it typically would (Ark Support Coordination, n.d.). The rates of atypical sensory reactivity increase in children with additional diagnoses such as autism (ASD), developmental delays and disabilities, and neurodivergent children (AOTA, 2023). Sensory processing and integration difficulties negatively impact the quality and quantity of a child’s occupational participation, as symptoms often make various occupations more difficult for the child to participate …

The Impacts Of Ssris In-Utero And Nicu Occupational Therapy Intervention, Kyara Crowley

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this product was to collaborate with the occupational therapy (OT) staff in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to further knowledge and enhance role competence to provide better quality of care to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposed infant population. Mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent among women, therefore, more women are taking SSRIs throughout pregnancy to counteract the effects of those conditions (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). However, the effects of in-utero SSRI exposure are not fully understood. Researchers have found evidence of some short-term and long-term effects caused by the SSRI exposure as well …

Unlock Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: Interprofessional Collaboration Between Ot Hand Therapy And Surgical Teams, Collin Brown

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In the journey to recovery from upper extremity injuries, outpatient hand therapists who are certified as occupational therapists (OT) play a crucial role in restoring patients' independence and functionality, both before and after surgical intervention. Researchers identified main themes experienced by participants who had acquired an upper extremity injury and were post-operation, such as functional challenges in managing conditions, difficulties in everyday life, coping strategies, differing expectations, and the impact of information on daily life (Hansen et al, 2024). In all of these areas identified, an OT hand therapist is able to identify and facilitate improvements pre- and post-surgery …

Commentary On “Predictors Of Length Of Physical Therapy Care For Infants With Congenital Torticollis”, Ryan Jacobson, Kathryn Knudsen, Katherine Binkerd

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Most infants in this study were ≤3 months of age and 94% had severity grades I or II. Clinicians might prioritize accurately measuring active neck rotation using an arthrodial goniometer in younger, less severe infants, since active neck rotation deficit had the highest single-factor correlation with episode length and reflects degree of asymmetry in neck and torso strength. While the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and previous tummy/container time factors were not associated, we appreciate the efforts of the authors to address this gap in the literature.

Hopping Kinetic Differences In Masters Runners With And Without Achilles Tendinopathy, Matthew Klein, Chris Patterson, Annette Karim, Tyler Cuddeford

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is the most common running-related pathology among masters runners. Previous evidence suggests there are no differences in submaximal running biomechanics between masters runners with and without AT. Evidence suggests lower extremity power deficits are common among ageing individuals and those with AT. The single-leg horizontal hop (SLHH) test isa valid and reliable lower extremity power test. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in SLHH biomechanics between masters runners with and without AT. 32 masters runners age 50 and older with AT (60.31 ± 8.37, n = 16) and without (59.94 ±4.95 n = 16) …

The Effectiveness Of Botulinum Toxin Injections In The Management Of Chronic Neck And Shoulder Myofascial Pain: A Nursing Perspective, Jia Zhou

Nursing | Senior Theses

Abstract

Background

Chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain has long been challenging patients and medical professionals due to its limited response to traditional therapies on top of high recurrence. Physical therapy, oral analgesics, and trigger point injections have only provided partial or short-term relief. As a result, botulinum toxin type A injections have been explored as an alternative treatment. Previous studies have shown promising short-term outcomes, but concerns regarding long-term safety, cost-effectiveness, and potential adverse effects, particularly in older adults, have remained unresolved. These gaps have highlighted the need for comprehensive evaluation from both clinical and nursing perspectives.

Objective

The …

Pediatric Hearing Loss: Screening For Developmental Delays Among Children With Hearing Aids, Kelsey Wallace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Children with hearing impairments are at risk for developmental delay, and research has shown that children born with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are at a higher risk for delays in motor, sensory, and social skills development. The literature points to an obvious impact of hearing loss on development, but also a lack of screening for this phenomenon beyond language development skills. A doctoral capstone project was conducted to pilot a process for the implementation of developmental screening for children with hearing aids (HAs), as well as subsequent therapy referrals and parent education, in collaboration with a hospital-based pediatric audiology department. …

Enhancing Wellbeing Through Caregiver Support: Improving Quality Of Life For Individuals With Special Needs And Complex Medical Diagnoses In Nicaragua, Jenna K. Devchand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Individuals with disabilities living all over the world are constantly faced with additional barriers. In low-income countries, such as Nicaragua, there is often a gap in access to resources and education, for both individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers. Access is essential to provide high quality care to meet unique needs. This occupational therapy doctoral capstone project was created to support individuals providing care to children with special needs and complex medical diagnoses in Nicaragua by providing community-based education and sustainable resources to caregivers to enhance wellbeing in daily life. The deliverable was presented in country in Nicaragua to …

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity To Support Infant Developmentin Low Income Daycares, Jeanae A. Williams

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Nurturing Potential: Building Teacher Capacity to Support Infant Development in Low Income Daycares

Jeanae Williams, OTDS

Faculty Mentor: Kelly McGloon, PhD, OTR/L

ABRSTRACT:

Early childcare centers play a critical role in fostering young children’s learning and development. Each year, approximately 600,000 infants are born at risk for developmental delays, yet less than 50% are identified early. Early detection and support are crucial in reducing long-term developmental challenges and improving outcomes for reaching milestones. This capstone project aims to enhance the capacity of infant classroom teachers in low-income daycare settings by providing education on typical development and increasing awareness of resources …

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence In Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors And Developing Educational Resources For A Behavioral Intervention, Megan E. Thompson

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Improving Home Exercise Program Adherence in Stroke Survivors: Examining Influencing Factors and Developing Educational Resources for a Behavioral Intervention

Nearly 800,000 individuals experience a stroke annually in the United States and stroke often results in upper extremity functional limitation which can impact the individual’s ability to perform their activities of daily living. Because of this, home exercise programs are prescribed to facilitate rehabilitation; however, adherence is inadequate which ultimately impacts overall functional recovery. The purpose of this capstone is to enhance understanding of factors that influence home exercise program adherence and to improve upper extremity functional recovery post stroke through …

Occupational Therapy In Oncology: Enhancing Quality Of Life For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors, Anna C. Hildebrand

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This occupational therapy capstone project was completed through collaboration with a site that aims to eradicate cancer through multidisciplinary patient care, innovative research, and education and training. The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of life (QoL) in Head and Neck Cancer survivors through resources created to enhance self-efficacy, symptom management, and overall well-being throughout the cancer trajectory. The project included the goal of furthering the health care team’s understanding of occupational therapy’s role within the cancer population, specifically HNC, by providing these supportive resources. Educational patient handouts were distributed to HNC care providers to then distribute …

Evaluation Of Therapist Modeling To Decrease Latency To Exercise Initiation, Darci L. Davis, Kayla Randall

Honors College Theses

Patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other adverse health events (e.g., hip surgery) often require physical therapy (PT) to restore baseline function. However, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia may have difficulty engaging in therapy due to deficits in attention, imitation skills, and motor performance. Enhancing participation in this population is essential for achieving functional recovery and return to baseline status. This study aimed to determine whether systematic model prompting could decrease latency to compliance and increase the level of completion of therapeutic exercises in short-term rehabilitation settings. A multiple-baseline single-case design with time-lagged and staggered …

The Role Of Self-Efficacy In Rehabilitation And Recovery From Ankle Sprains, Bridget M. Walsh

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in the United States. Approximately 2 million ankle sprains occur annually, with an estimated 46% of affected individuals experiencing residual symptoms and developing chronic ankle instability (CAI). In addition to physical impairments, individuals with CAI may exhibit lower physical and psychological health-related quality of life (HRQL). HRQL integrates the physical, psychological, and social domains of a person’s health and is influenced by their experiences, expectations, and perceptions.

Injury-related fear is a common psychological impairment in individuals with CAI and has been associated with decreased physical function, reduced physical activity, and greater …

Exploring Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: Causes, Reconstruction, And Outcomes, Holly L. Bollinger

Honors College Theses

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a critical structure in knee stability, and its injury can significantly impair athletic performance and daily functionality. The ACL plays a vital role in stabilizing the knee joint, preventing excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur and aiding in rotational control. ACL tears are commonly associated with sports and physical activities that involve sudden stops, pivots, or changes in direction. These injuries can lead to knee instability, impaired function, and long-term complications. Despite the prevalence of ACL tears, there remains a lack of consensus on the multifactorial causes, optimal reconstruction techniques, …

Ankle Dorsiflexion Range Of Motion And Its Association With Semi-Professional Female Soccer Player's Overall Performance, Lily G. Nolan

Honors College Theses

Lower extremity injury screening is a common tool in soccer due to the changes of direction, jumping, landing, and cutting maneuvers players must exhibit. Talocrural dorsiflexion range of motion (DFROM), vertical jump (VJ) and unilateral hop tests are used to assess ankle and knee injury risk. Further, DFROM asymmetries may present a higher risk than reduced DFROM alone. It is unknown how DFROM asymmetries affect these tests. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between DFROM and hop and VJ performance, and to examine the differences between those with and without DFROM asymmetries. The current results …

Stroke Recovery Throughout The Continuum Of Care: A Dual Component Educational Manual, Jordyn Marie Wolff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: One of the leading causes of death in the United States are strokes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC, 2024]). People who have had a stroke and their caregivers go through various phases of recovery throughout the continuum of care. Therefore, providing education to the individual who had a stroke and their caregiver is a critical component through different phases of recovery. Not only is education an important component, but addressing team communication strategies are critical as well for improved quality of care and team collaboration. The goal of this capstone was to improve the educational need by …

Pain Neuroscience Education With A Veteran Population, Kate Westphal

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: In 2021, upper extremity (UE) injuries accounted for 21.3% of injuries by U.S. active duty service members (Mahlmann et al., 2024). Right or left shoulder pain were the top two diagnoses in active-duty service members between fiscal years 2016 and 2021, with overuse/non-specific injury being the most common UE injury (Isaacson et al., 2024). Pain often follows service members after discharge. It is estimated 66% of the 20 million Veterans in the United States experience musculoskeletal pain, and chronic pain is more intense in a Veteran population, limiting their ability to engage in preferred activities of daily living (Areias …

Rehabilitation Not Punishment: Adults In Custody Learning Skills Needed To Survive In Society, Kaitlyn J. Wanner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The U.S has one of the highest populations of incarcerated individuals in the world and must shift from the use of punishment to rehabilitation for these individuals (Huynh et al., 2015; Muñoz, 2019; Phelps & Aldrich, 2022). While in prison, these individuals are limited in their ability to participate in meaningful activities and lose skills needed to function in society (Lares & Montgomery, 2020). Occupational therapy assists individuals of a variety of populations engage in activities that are meaningful to them. The set of skills that occupational therapy has to offer results in a broad area of settings that …

Brain Injury (Bi) In Survivors Of Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv): The Importance Of Identifying Bi Symptoms And The Impact On Daily Occupations, Alexis Walther

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and resulting brain injury (BI) often experience unmet occupational needs. Specifically, there are barriers to occupations like health management, social participation, work, and education. These barriers occur due to lasting IPV and BI related trauma and symptoms, negative societal views, underreported nature of the injury, and lack of awareness on the topic. This poses a problem, as many service providers may not be educated or aware of the link between IPV and BI, since it is an emerging area of practice. This results in a gap in literature and services related to IPV …

Addressing Sleep Within The Hand Therapy Practice Context, Grant Edwin Tolkkinen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Sleep is an essential pillar for health and well-being, yet this is not well understood by the general public. Many clients seen within the occupational therapy advanced practice context of hand therapy are at risk of sleep disturbances which will impact the sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components of the client. Sleep disturbances also negatively affect many aspects which are required for successful recovery and return to occupational engagement for those with conditions of the upper extremity. Addressing sleep within practice allows occupational therapy practitioners within the advanced practice context of hand therapy to promote occupational performance across all waking …