Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Role Of Ot In Treating Ecmo Patients In The Icu: A Scoping Review, Sophia C. Roe, Angela Blackwell, Whitney Hohman

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This scoping review investigated the role of occupational therapists in treating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. The review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Databases analyzed included CINAHL, PubMed, and ProQuest. The primary research question aimed to identify the role of occupational therapists in ECMO patient care. The secondary research question aimed to determine the percentage of ECMO patients who received occupational therapy services in the ICU and were discharged home. The search retrieved a total of 400 records. After …

Values Of Occupational Balance And Harmony Among Bipoc Caregivers, Vanessa Duran, Karen Park

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Background. Historically minoritized populations are underrepresented within hospice care. The lack of diversity among hospice care recipients impacts the development of culturally responsive programming within hospice care for BIPOC family caregivers.

Objective. To learn of the values and perspectives of BIPOC family caregivers in hospice care regarding occupational balance and occupational harmony.

Methods. A mixed-methods study that included an online survey and an optional interview. Measurements utilized were the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ-11) and an anonymous survey. Three participants completed the online survey.

Results. Preliminary codes were determined by the student researcher from the online survey responses. Four …

Experiences Of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers, Kimberly Ben, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This poster presents an insightful exploration into the lives of Working Sandwich Generation Caregivers (WSCs), a group defined as individuals aged 30-65 who simultaneously provide care for both aging adults (over 65 years old) and younger dependents (29 years old or younger), while also managing their careers. The study delves deep into the unique challenges and experiences faced by WSCs, aiming to highlight the occupational, emotional, and physical demands inherent in their roles. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews and occupational therapy assessments, the manuscript offers a comprehensive look at the balancing act WSCs perform daily. It seeks to inform …

Social And Leisure Participation By People With Dementia: A Caregiver Resource Guide, Rebecca Mcmillian, Beth Lambert, Mary Smith, Katherine Christie

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this caregiver education intervention is to increase caregiver self-efficacy and effectiveness in increasing social participation and quality of life for those they are caring for as well as decreasing caregiver stress and burnout associated with providing care for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's. The guide will include education and resources for these caregivers detailing safety precautions, strategies to reduce difficult behaviors impacting social and leisure engagement, and resources to decrease caregiver burden.

Improving Participation In Physical Education For Children With Disabilities, Randi Major, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Participating in adaptive sports has many benefits for children with disabilities (CWD), however literature demonstrates that many barriers exist within community-setting adaptive sports which impact participation for CWD. There is currently a lack of understanding of the needs of CWD and the barriers that exist within schools that impact their participation in physical activities and sports. In addition, the literature demonstrates that many individuals with disabilities are not meeting the recommended minutes for daily physical activity which can impact the health and well-being of CWD (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022).

The purpose of this capstone project was …

Occupational Therapists' Perception Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Sleep In Pediatric Outpatient Settings, Carina Jimenez, Susan Macdermott, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The capstone investigates pediatric occupational therapists' views on managing sleep issues in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It highlights gaps in education and resources and emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions. Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing occupational therapists' role in addressing sleep challenges for improved family well-being, advocating for more comprehensive education and support systems.

An Ot Needs Assessment For Children And Families Residing In Shelters, Jessie Siono, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This study created a needs assessment is to determine the unique occupational deficits of children and their families in California experiencing homelessness within a shelter setting via recording their lived experiences. A local family shelter was analyzed via observation and interviews with staff and residents of the shelter. The results were compiled into a facility assessment to identify supports and barriers to occupation. Results were also utilized to complete an occupational needs assessment for families and children living in homeless shelters. The study determined the occupational needs and occurrences of occupational deficits that were experienced by residents of the family …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Enhancing Adaptive Golf, Jessica A. Garday, Susan Macdermott

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This project is focused on advocating on behalf of golfers with disabilities by providing an educational resource for golf administrators on enhancing adaptive golf at their facility. The project's deliverable was an in-service presentation highlighting the importance of adaptive golf and its positive impact on community, state, and national individuals. The in-service was delivered through the Southern California Professional Golf Association SCPGA Catalyst webinar series. The topics included grants for adaptive equipment, the financial impact of adaptive golf on the industry, community partnerships, and golf course design modifications utilizing the most cost-effective approaches. The student found that more education can …

Care For Caregivers: Exploring Occupational Therapy's Role In Caregiver Support, Mariah Mendez, Amy Lyons-Brown, Negin Zare

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Care for Caregivers explores the challenges of spousal and remote caregivers to determine how occupational therapy can assist through program development.

Occupational Impact Of Caregivers In Pediatric Palliative Care, Lezlye Ramos, Karen Park, Jazminne O. Arteaga

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the occupational impact for caregivers who had a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who had received pediatric palliative care. A lack of understanding of occupational therapy’s role in end-of-life care ultimately underutilizes and under-prepares occupational therapists to work in this practice area. Becoming a medical family caregiver, neglecting personal needs and desires becomes a norm having a in-direct effect on physical and psychological health and well-being. Findings from this study suggest that it is reasonable to infer that occupational participation among caregivers is influenced by finding time for self and …

Enhancing Concussion Education And Documentation Within Belmont University’S Athletic Department, Jenna M. Ogle

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Belmont University’s Sports Medicine Department. The primary purpose of this project was to identify the department’s current needs and to develop deliverables to enhance and facilitate the concussion education and documents provided to Belmont Athletics stakeholders (including student athletes, university educators, coaching staff, and other members of administration). The process included collaboration with university athletic trainers and student-athletes to ensure usability and creation of relevant products. These resources include informational handouts designed for both student-athletes and educators, an on-field concussion assessment and protocol, concussion education resources with increased opportunities for …

Empowering Clients And Care Partners Living With Parkinson’S Disease Through Evaluating And Addressing Gaps In Client And Care Partner Education, Victoria E. Vik

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with My LiveABILITY, LLC in College Grove, TN. My LiveABILITY is a mobile outpatient clinic that services Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers within the Williamson County area. They specifically provide in-home occupational therapy to address cognition, balance, gait, mobility, posture, strength, coordination, stamina, pain, and mental health, in-depth planning for aging in place, LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s patients, and they provide caregiver and care partner training, education, and support. The goals of this project were accomplished in two main parts. Part 1 consisted of conducting researching to gain the lived experience …

Implementing Occupational Therapy Principles Into The Linden Waldorf Neurodivergent Student Population, Brooke M. Bledsoe

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through partnership with Linden Waldorf School in Nashville, TN. The focus of this project was development, implementation, and advocacy regarding occupational therapy techniques for the neurodivergent student population. The goal of this project was to provide direct observations, educational presentations, and various educational materials on a variety of neurodivergent deficits and diagnoses in order to help empower Linden Waldorf faculty and staff to best meet the needs of their students. The deficits and diagnoses covered in this project are as follows: executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity …

Best Practice For Creating A Sensory Garden And Calming Cart For Preschool-Aged Children At A Reggio-Inspired Preschool, Emmalee Lawrence

OTD Capstone Projects

The goal of this capstone project was to create program plans for a sensory garden and calming cart as well as create resources for parents and teachers on the use and benefit of these plans for the children at First Presbyterian Church Early Preschool. Research on current programs at the preschool indicated the school could benefit from additional sensory and calming opportunities. The programs created during this capstone project were meant to improve sensory exploration, increase overall emotional well-being, as well as support developmental milestones in preschool-aged children. The goals of this project were achieved through collaboration with staff, teachers, …

The Role Of Computational Methods In Cardiovascular Medicine: A Narrative Review, Salvatore Facciorusso, Stefania Spina, Alessandro Picelli, Alessio Baricich, Gerard E Francisco, Franco Molteni, Jörg Wissel, Andrea Santamato

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) has emerged as a key therapeutic agent for the management of spasticity. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of research concerning BoNT-A treatment of spasticity to elucidate current trends and future directions in this research area. A search was conducted in the Web of Science database for articles focused on the use of BoNT-A in spasticity published between 2000 and 2022. We extracted various metrics, including counts of publications and contributions from different countries, institutions, authors, and journals. Analytical methods in CiteSpace were employed for the examination of co-citations, collaborations, and the co-occurrence …

Metro Parks Adults With Disabilities - Health Management, Kaylee M. Lane

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed through a partnership with Metro Parks adults with disABILITIES. This agency is a local day program focused on providing every Nashville citizen in Davidson County with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES with an equitable opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary focus of this capstone experience was to create an evidenced based program designed specifically for this population. The goal of the project was to increase participation in meaningful occupations and overall wellbeing for attending …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions Of Their Experience In A Role-Emerging Level Ii Fieldwork Within Higher Education Student Services, Marie-Christine Potvin, Alexis Morales, Erin West, Mika Kalimi, Jeanne M Coviello

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Role-emerging settings - those where occupational therapy (OT) services have not traditionally been provided - are common sites for practice placements of entry-level occupational therapy students. A growing body of literature has attempted to determine the value and drawbacks of such practice placements on the professional preparedness of OT students with mixed findings. Benefits have been identified, including increased cultural understanding, advocacy, creativity, initiative, and problem-solving skills. However, OT students have been reported to perceive such placement as limiting their professional growth and preparedness to practice compared to traditional placements.

METHODS: A phenomenological study was conducted seeking the perceptions …

Ot's Perspective On Type 1 Diabetes Management In College Students, Nimmy Thomas, Cassandra Nelson, Elizabeth Pyatak

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

To create a program guide to provide resources for freshman-year students to seek accommodations or helpful tips for students with type 1 diabetes to have a smooth transition to college enhance overall health management, and participate in leisure activities.

Expanding Impact To Promote Wellness And Functional Independence, Margaret Stacy

OTD Capstone Projects

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP). SSP is a studio that specializes in supporting the scoliosis community, offering a range of resources for everyone, no matter their age, curve, or where they are in their journey. SSP utilizes evidence-based methods to lengthen and strengthen the body while empowering clients to live happily, pain-free, and fearlessly. The objective of this project was to expand the positive impact SSP can make on promoting wellness and functional independence for its clients through the development and refinement of resources. This included increasing the usability and accessibility of …

The Feigned Annoyance And Frustration Test To Activate The Sympathoadrenal Medullary System, Ted W. Gehrig Iii, Lee S. Berk, Robert I. Dudley, Jo A. Smith, Lida Gharibvand, Everett B. Lohman Iii

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

When perceived as threatening, social interactions have been shown to trigger the sympathoadrenal medullary system as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in a physiologic stress response. The allostatic load placed on human health and physiology in the context of acute and chronic stress can have profound health consequences. The purpose of this study was to develop a protocol for a lab-based stress stimulus using social-evaluative threat. While several valid, stress-stimulating protocols exist, we sought to develop one that triggered a physiologic response, did not require significant lab resources, and could be completed in around 10 min. We included 53 …