Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Impact Of Anatomy Academy In Underserved Las Vegas Elementary Schools, Jean Angeles, Edgar Armengual, Katrina Myers, Perceval Vollmer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Anatomy Academy is an interactive, service-learning experience that allows doctoral physical therapy students to pose as educators for elementary-aged adolescents. Through instructional and activity-based learning, mentors formulated the program to encase anatomical, physiological, nutritional, and general health and wellness topics that translate into overall healthy behaviors. The experiment enveloped 7 major sectors of anatomy, including the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, oral cavity/nutrition, gastrointestinal system, sensory system, and central nervous system. Throughout the length of the program, the doctoral candidates reviewed the quality of the content delivered, the engagement of the students and staff, and the effects this had …

Modulating Cortical Excitability To Improve Functional Movements In Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Jeno Aquino, Bryce Broadwell, Connan Wallace, Makenzie Whimple

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Persons with patellofemoral pain (PFP) often exhibit increased knee valgus during functional tasks that is traditionally addressed by strengthening weak hip musculature. However, research related to this topic has revealed altered cortical reorganization in individuals with PFP contributes to dysfunctional movements and underscores the critical role of central neural control in this condition. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique that alters cortical excitability to enhance neuroplasticity. Research using tDCS priming supports its feasibility as a possible treatment for other musculoskeletal conditions. However, its application specifically targeting the corticomotor function of the gluteal musculature in individuals with …

Effects Of Chronic Diabetes And Attentional Focus On Performance And Learning Of A Novel Stabilometer Balance Task, Rebeca Carolina Armagnac Gonzalez, Yinny H. Lee, Alicia Marie Letkiewicz, Meiko Nagano Mamauag

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Chronic diabetes is a prevalent systemic disease that impairs physical functioning and often leads to increased risk of falls. Adopting an external focus of attention during motor skill practice has been shown to improve learning outcomes, however, it has not been examined in this population. We examined how attentional focus instructions (internal vs. external) affect balance performance and learning in older adults with and without diabetes.

Methods: Fifty-three older adults (27 with diabetes, 63.7±7.0 years) participated in the randomized, pre-post intervention study. The balance training involved 50 practice trials of a stabilometer task that was novel to …

Implementing Physical Therapy Services And Screenings For The Students Of The Unlv College Of Fine Arts For Health And Injury Prevention: A Service-Learning Approach, Selene Barajas, Justin Dietrich, Brenna Ganzon, Payton Mack, Katherine Metzger, Tanner Mueller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Individuals who participate in Fine Arts such as orchestra, dance, and theater at high levels are predisposed to injury. Many of these injuries are preventable, and when not adequately managed, they can result in lost rehearsal time and prevent participation in performances required for degree completion. While collegiate athletes typically have access to healthcare resources such as a team physician, athletic trainer, and physical therapist, collegiate performing artists often must navigate the healthcare environment on their own. Furthermore, available healthcare providers may lack knowledge and experience working with performing artists and be less able to treat the unique healthcare needs …

Effect Of Asynchronous Virtual Interviews On Ethnic Minority Matriculation Into A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Conner Clark, Nanea Lagasca, Gladys Miller, Jasmine Puspos

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Methods: This study examines the impact of the use of asynchronous virtual interviews (AVIs) in the admissions process of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This research aims to examine racial and ethnic subgroup differences in AVI scores, evaluate the influence of AVIs on applicant scores in the admissions process, and assess the AVI inter-rater reliability among faculty evaluators using data from the 2019-2022 admissions cycles.

Results: Significant differences were found in AVI scores among racial and ethnic groups, with Black applicants scoring highest and Asian applicants scoring lowest. Additionally, inclusion …

Effects Of Exercise On Level Of Support, Mobility, And Quality Of Life In Adults With Down Syndrome, Jorge Lorza-Lopez, Jolena Sagaya, Simone Schroder, Paige Melvin Zink

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Down syndrome (Ds) is a genetic disorder characterized by the autosomal abnormality of a third copy of chromosome 21. Due to the physical and intellectual disabilities that many people with Ds experience, they often need support with (instrumental) activities of daily living. Since adults with Ds are living longer, it is important to determine how exercise can affect mobility and quality of life in the Ds community. The impact on more functional outcomes, such as level of support and quality of life has not been systematically investigated. Therefore, the aim was to investigate whether twelve weeks of a remote, structured …

Preparing Occupational Therapy Students In A Role-Emerging Private School-Based Setting, Jerome Amigo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This capstone project occurred in collaboration with Cornerstone Christian Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a role-emerging area of practice, occupational therapy must focus on integrating services in private schools just as much as public schools. The need for resources to support future fieldwork students at Cornerstone Christian Academy makes it difficult for occupational therapy students to enhance their experiential learning opportunities and serve an underserved population of primary and middle school students.

The capstone project consisted of daily engagement with Cornerstone Christian Academy’s educational personnel, attending students, and the parents of the students for 14 weeks to ensure all …

Comparing Children’S Engagement In Storybook Reading With And Without Access To Aac With A Literacy Supportive Feature, Brooke Zimmerman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This thesis evaluates the effects of comparing children’s engagement in storybook reading with and without access to high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with a literacy supportive feature. Literacy skills are a fundamental cornerstone for engagement in the lives of young children. Among these skills, the ability to decode words, or phonetically sound them out, plays a pivotal role in the acquisition of literacy. Proficiency in literacy also broadens the communication capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. However, existing AAC technologies currently fall short in adequately strengthening literacy development, particularly …

Pediatric Trauma-Informed Care And Implications For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Quaneka Hoskin-Chase

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Occupational therapy practitioners are provided a wealth of knowledge through school and professional fieldwork experiences to understand and skillfully address the needs of children who have been exposed to trauma. Therapists are competently prepared to provide holistic and client-centered care that is dedicated to meaningful and volitional engagement (Lynch et al., 2021). However, many therapists still lack the confidence and awareness of their role related to trauma-informed care in the pediatric environment (Piller, 2022). Trauma compromises each domain of occupation (Lynch et al., 2021). As early intervention specialists, the lack of responsiveness to children’s trauma can have devastating and enduring …

Introduction Of The Anatomy Academy Program To Children In A Rural Elementary School, Rox Aurelio, Madison Dobbs, Nicole Horn, Gianni Terrana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Children in rural communities experience health and education disparities. Early exposure to health promoting habits can positively impact future health habits. Healthcare providers who grew up in rural areas are more likely to practice in rural areas. Doctor of physical therapy students and physical therapists implemented Anatomy Academy, a service-learning program aimed at promoting healthy living and introducing healthcare occupations, to elementary students in a rural area as this program had previously only been implemented in urban areas. The Biomedical Institutional Review Board at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas approved this study. A 40-minute lesson was delivered weekly for …

Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practices To Improve Treatment For Patients With Neck Pain: A Pilot Study, Kristine David, Sarah Kaderka, Christoffer-Judd Villarias

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: To determine physical therapists’ barriers to implementation and subsequent maintenance of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for treating neck pain from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) neck pain Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) over the course of six months.

Materials and Methods: Participating physical therapists were trained on the EBPs of treating neck pain through a live 90-minute webinar followed by a hands-on, in-person 90-minute session. Clinics were supplied with all necessary equipment and reference guides. Assessment of participant maintenance to neck pain EBPs included data collection from a baseline Knowledge Check survey prior to educational sessions, an Implementation survey at …

Increasing Self-Efficacy With Menstrual Management For Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness Using The Inclusive “U N Me” Education Program, Edellene Ignacio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of the study was to increase self-efficacy with the occupation of menstrual management in young adults experiencing homelessness using the "Understanding and Navigating Menstrual Experience" or "U N ME" program. The objectives of this study were a reported increase in self-efficacy with menstrual management, the development of the U N ME program, and to promote the spread of accurate information to other menstruators in the community.

This study was a convergent parallel mixed-method study rooted in a phenomenological approach. The intervention featured four weekly workshops featuring education, group discussion, and an activity to tie the topic of the …

Promoting Positive Dementia Attitudes Through Occupational Engagement: The Development Of A Dementia Awareness Program For Community Older Adults, Cynthia Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: This capstone project explored the effects of adding occupational engagement into a dementia awareness program on attitudes toward dementia among community-dwelling older adults, aiming to challenge dementia myths and promote an inclusive environment through occupational therapy perspectives. Methods: This project used a pre-test, post-test design with convenience sampling to develop and assess a dementia awareness program based on insights from Silverado Red Rock Memory Care Community and participation from members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the program. Changes in positive attitudes toward dementia were measured using the Dementia Attitudes …

Seated Athletes' Motivation For Participation In Wheelchair Sports: A Qualitative Study, Audrey Lynn Miller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose for this phenomenological design qualitative analysis was to gain an understanding of the perspectives of seated athletes’ motivation for participation in adapted athletics and argues that there is a component of seating that affects motivation. Occupational therapists build client interventions using meaningful occupations. This study aimed to increase awareness of adapted athletics impact on occupational performance. There was a gap in the literature for qualitative research exploring the lens of adapted sports participation through the perspective of seated athletes. This study utilized one-time individual semi-structured interviews with five participants that currently participate on a wheelchair court sports team …

Feasibility Of An Occupation-Based Intervention Manual For Outpatient Hand Clinics, Mia Moralez

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose

The purpose of this quality improvement study was to determine the usefulness of an Occupation-based Intervention Manual (OBI) for hand therapists in Southern Nevada and if the utilization of the OBI manual supported client-centered outcomes regardless of diagnosis, age, or population.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used, and five participants met the inclusion criteria in the twelve-week study. Pre-interview questionnaire responses from the therapists were used to develop the OBI manual content and corresponding Utilization Tracker. Post-interview questionnaire responses were used to determine the application and outcomes of the OBI manual. Descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, and thematic analysis were used …

Effectiveness Of An Occupational Therapy-Focused Stroke Transitional Care Program In An Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility, Danniel Tapat

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: As a global health issue, stroke is one of the most common causes of disability for individuals around the world. The American Heart Association (2024) mentions that stroke is the fifth-highest cause of mortality and the top cause of disability in the United States. Objective: This project aimed to assess the change in the perceived readiness of individuals after implementing an occupational therapy (OT)-focused transitional care program for patients with stroke and their caregivers before returning home. Methods: The recruitment process for participants involved purposive sampling methods. The study utilized both the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form (RHDS-SF) …

An Educational Toolkit For Addressing Women’S Sexual Health And Activity: Preparation For Occupational Therapists, Brittan Wright

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Despite being an activity of daily living within the scope of Occupational Therapy, issues and concerns related to sexual health are infrequently addressed within practice. This gap is especially prevalent as it relates to women's sexual health and sexual activity specifically. This capstone project evaluated Occupational Therapists' level of knowledge and comfort when discussing sexual activity and women's sexual health. It measured the effectiveness of creating an online educational toolkit to increase knowledge and confidence. The project used a quality improvement approach with pre-and post-test surveys to determine the effectiveness of the educational toolkit to enhance knowledge and confidence in …

Assessing Brain Processing Deficits Using Neuropsychological And Vision-Specific Tests For Concussion, Brent A. Harper, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Since verbal memory and visual processing transpire within analogous cerebral regions, this study assessed (i) if a visual function can predict verbal memory performance. It also hypothesized whether neurocognitive (e.g., ImPACT) tests focusing on the Visual Memory and Cognitive Efficacy Index will predict Verbal Memory scores and (ii) if vision metrics and age can identify individuals with a history of concussion. Finally, it also hypothesized that King–Devick and near point of convergence scores alongside age considerations will identify candidates with a prior reported history of concussion. Materials and methods: This observational cohort assessed 25 collegiate ice hockey players prior …

Unlocking The Power Of Experiential Learning: Student Reported Changes Following Combined Nicu Instruction, Megan M. Black, Natalie A. Perkins, Valerie F. Mcdaniel

Pacific Journal of Health

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of in-person observation, in conjunction with didactic lectures, on students' perceived knowledge of speech-language pathology's (SLP) role and the roles of other healthcare professionals within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Method: Data for this study were initially collected for educational purposes and were later retrospectively analyzed with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Ten participants who met the inclusion criteria underwent a didactic lecture on SLPs in the NICU followed by observing an SLP in action at a local NICU. Participants completed multiple surveys, allowing for a comparison of their perceived knowledge …

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: The Hidden Issues And Entertainment Within The World Of Crime And Punishment, John Charlton, Christian Sorrells, Aaron Burney, Jonathan Yi

ENGL 1102 Showcase

An anthology diving into observing topics related to crime and punishment and determining the effect on the greater topic. Explains why people are so interested in crime, how PTSD can lead to violence and questioning how prisoners spend their time and all through provoking questions addressed in this anthology in the hope that it creates a greater understanding of crime and punishment as a whole.