Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Physical Activity As A Means Of Improving Quality Of Life In Individuals With Chronic Pain, Tracy Tauro

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Pharmacologic management of chronic pain has variable results, sometimes resorting to ineffective and dangerous opioids that can potentiate substance abuse in a vulnerable population.

Exercise is unique in its ability to positively impact both the molecular and psychological aspects of chronic pain. Its role in decreasing inflammation as well as improving mental health make it an excellent option for improving quality of life.

Physicians should work with their patients to develop a patient-centered exercise plan to manage chronic pain.

Understanding Advocacy For Promoting Occupational Engagement Among Individuals With Disabilities, Rebecca L. Benson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Advocacy can greatly affect many individuals throughout the community in their ability to engage in occupations. Individuals’ with disabilities engagement in daily activities (occupations) is greatly affected by their diagnosis whether it be physical, psychological, or developmental. This population experiences disadvantages due to many barriers in society including physical, sensual, visual, and cognitive barriers as well as societal attitudes, and absence of policy and implementation. These disadvantages are not always recognized or known by the general public despite the number of individuals who are impacted. The lack of knowledge creates a need for advocacy, education, and training of the community …

Application Of Ergonomics In Healthcare Through Environmental Adaptations, Johnny Nguyen

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This research study explored the benefits of providing ergonomic education and training within the healthcare setting, targeting certified nursing assistants as the population. The researcher provided the participants with an educational presentation and an in-person 30-minute training session to assist with reducing self-perceived musculoskeletal pain and fatigue while also promoting increased job satisfaction and occupational performance. The study utilizes three outcome measurements including the REBA assessment, weekly Likert scale questionnaires, and workstation analyses. After completing the five-week study, the researcher found that both participants showed reduction in self-perceived musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, improvements in the understanding of ergonomics and implementation …

Hula As A Protective Factor That Improves The Quality Of Life To Those Who Dance In A Hula, Pepper T. Lum-Lung

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This research study investigated hula, the traditional dance of Native Hawaiians as an occupation that promotes health and wellness and improves quality of life. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to gain insight about reasons for dancing hula and if dancers’ viewpoints are a protective factor that promote quality of health for those living on the mainland (continental United States). This work was guided by the Native Hawaiian diaspora and culturally appropriate health and wellness interventions. Qualitative data regarding reasons for dancing hula and experiences with dancing hula revealed general themes: Developing a connection to the Hawaiian culture …

Oral History Service Learning: Veterans Studies And Sosa, Amanda S. Hansford

Veterans Studies Undergraduate Capstones

As professionals, it is important to promote interprofessional education and collaboration among disciplines. This project explores connections between Veterans Studies, Library Science, and Occupational Science / Therapy. An oral history protocol was developed between the student sponsored organization Student Occupational Science Association (SOSA) and the Eastern Kentucky University Veterans Studies academic program. The goal was to promote deeper learning and cultural competency about members of veteran and military communities. Participants also gain leadership and interviewing skills applicable in a variety of career settings.

The model of human occupation (MOHO) guided aspects of the project design is used to discover the …

Ot Entrepreneurship: Perceived Challenges & Resources, Gunnar Daniel Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

The focus of my capstone is OT entrepreneurship and management with substantive focus areas including research skills, administration, and education. Ultimately, the dual purpose of this capstone was to investigate the experience of OT entrepreneurship and management through scholarly research and experiential learning and facilitate knowledge transfer through education and future research publication. The former purpose was be met through 1) the design and implementation of a mixed-methods research study investigating the perspectives and lived experiences of current and former OT entrepreneurs and 2) experiences and projects completed at Piller Child Development in Arizona focused on gaining exposure and experience …

The Aquatic Environment As A Tool For Facilitating Sensory Processing And Regulation, Christian Schneider

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

Sensory processing disorder makes it difficult for children to maintain a state of regulation and function in everyday life (Kranowitz, 2005). The aquatic environment possesses multiple properties that can aid in providing the sensory input required for regulation (Becker, 2009). This capstone project addressed the use of the aquatic environment as a regulating tool for children with a sensory processing disorder. This project followed four learning objectives with the production of deliverables including sensory-based aquatic therapy manuals, case studies, presentations, and an outcomes report showing the achievement of the learning objectives. The project resulted in showing that the aquatic environment …

Spinal Cord Injury (Sci), Roxana Sanchez, Katherine Misla, Jessica Galewsky

Client Educational Handouts

No abstract provided.

Duchenne’S Muscular Dystrophy & Occupational Therapy, Vanessa Sagredo, Meagan C. Romero

Client Educational Handouts

No abstract provided.

Cardiorespiratory, Hemodynamic, And Perceived Exertion Responses To Seated Chair Exercise, Ryan Khemraj, Cristian Solano, Neesirg Patel, Roger Sacks

Posters

INTRODUCTION
The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its sequelae in the United States population has led to escalating health care expenditures. To favorably modify cardiovascular outcomes, exercise physiologists have developed varied exercise programs that are associated with mortality reduction, symptom relief, improved exercise tolerance, favorable risk factor modification and improved psychosocial well-being. For patients with significant disability and deconditioning, chair-based exercise may provide an alternative method of achieving the relative cardioprotective benefits of traditional exercise.

Reporting Of Concussion Symptoms In High School Aged Athletes, Aimee Hite, Patrick Karabon, Neil Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Each year, one to two million concussions occur in the youth populations and constitute 8.9% of all high school athletic injuries. However, current literature lacks studies that focus on concussion symptoms. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of reporting concussion symptoms and continuing to play while experiencing symptoms in high school aged athletes.

Post-Concussive Visual Symptoms In Teens Undergoing Rehabilitation, Daniel Ludema, Neil Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Visual symptoms are commonly reported in those who have experienced mild TBI. However, there has not been much research on other types of visual disturbances commonly seen in the post-concussive period. The goal of this study was to identify novel visual symptoms seen in post-concussive teens.

Insufficient Sleep Following Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Correlates With Neurocognitive Dysfunction, Bailey Hull, Patrick Karabon, Neal Alpiner

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Sleep disturbance of any nature is reported in more than half of all mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients. The pathophysiology of sleep disturbance following an mTBI is associated with structural and functional disruptions of sleep circuitry and circadian rhythm. Specifically, in the pediatric population, untreated sleep disturbance has been shown to delay mTBI recovery and compound other morbidities including neurocognitive dysfunction. It was our goal to further analyze the impact sleep disturbance has on neurocognitive function in children recovering from an mTBI.

The Effect Of A Standardized Training Program To Enhance The Therapeutic Alliance In Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Mixed Methods Analytical Approach, Marino Bucci, Dominick Haynes, Megan Cundiff

UCF DPT Research Capstone

Background: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) affects up to 84% of adults. Evidence suggests a strong therapeutic alliance (TA) enhances care in a variety of ways. While themes associated with strong alliances have been identified, few studies have provided instructions on utilizing this information to craft a strong TA in physical therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to look at the effectiveness and feasibility of a training protocol to enhance the TA in patients with cLBP.

Methods: A total of 19 practicing physical therapists and 16 physical therapy students completed a TA training course with a pre and …

Emg Amplitude During Fatiguing Low-Load Versus High-Load Biceps Curls, Jeremy S. Wydra, Jacob C. Gilbert, Allison P. Mann

UCF DPT Research Capstone

The role of load in strength training is being debated in the literature, with studies reporting similar changes in skeletal muscle size following fatiguing low-load and high-load training. Electromyographic (EMG) signal recording can be utilized to compare muscle activity between fatiguing low-load and high-load training, but little is known about the behavior of the biceps brachii muscle during shortening (concentric) and lengthening (eccentric) muscle actions. We sought to compare changes in EMG amplitude throughout fatiguing low-load versus high-load resistance training during both concentric and eccentric muscle actions.

METHODS: Nine men and eight women, all resistance trained, participated in this study. …

Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy And/Or Music Therapy On Enhancing Motor Skills In Children With Asd: A Systematic Review, Julia Reagan, Lauren Zoller, Michelle Brown

DPT Capstones

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diagnosis that encompasses severa ldevelopmental disorders which present with neurological impairments, developmental delays, and correlates to increased motor dysfunction. Research to date has shown success with the use of music therapy and physical therapy treatment in the ASD population. However, further investigation needs to be conducted to determine which of these treatment options is most effective. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore if music therapy alone, physical therapy alone, or a combination of music therapy and physical therapy elicits the greatest benefit to enhance gross motor skills in children with …

Effective Therapies And Nursing Approaches: Improving Cognition In Older Adult Stroke Patients, Selyna Baltazar

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ischemic stroke occurs in thousands of older adults throughout the year. Due to the lack of oxygen entering the brain, many patients experience a decline in cognitive function due to ischemic stroke. Cognition is the ability to understand, learn, and remember information which is needed for completing daily tasks. Modern technology has allowed for patients to survive ischemic strokes but has yet to provide proper screening tools and methods for stroke-related cognitive impairment.

Objective

To investigate the best practices for identifying, treating, and caring for patients with a cognitive injury related to a stroke. A review of the research …

Covid-19 Restrictions Decreased Dpt Students’ Health Outcomes, Asha Marchant, Natalie Quesnel, Anja Parikh

DPT Capstones

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented increased constraints on physical activity leading to the adoption of more sedentary lifestyles for populations worldwide, including graduate students. The detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle include increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular (CV) disease has conventionally been a pathology associated with older adults, but recent evidence has shown that younger individuals are developing CV issues. The COVID-19 restrictions created an additional barrier furthering graduate students’ sedentary lifestyles and possibly increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 restrictions on The …

Identifying Motivators, Facilitators, And Barriers To Engaging In An Online Fine Motor Exercise Program, Kristine Ricossa, Kyndra Menefee, Lauren Rally, Mia Do, Charis Chan

Occupational Therapy | MSOT Capstone Projects

Purpose: The aim of this qualitative study was to examine the impact of the motivators, facilitators and barriers for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in engaging in a fine motor exercise program given online. Methods: Using a phenomenological design, a purposive sample of 6 individuals with PD were recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews via zoom with follow up member checks. Data were analyzed through an inductive approach by developing generalizations from themes based on the interview data. Results: Three common themes were developed, ‘integrating and forming habits’, ‘acknowledging participation in exercise can fight the disease’, ‘recognizing improvement in …

Comparison Of Treadmill Training For Individuals Post-Cerebrovascular Accident In Normalizing Reciprocal Gait And Improving Balance: A Systematic Review, Gregory Bell, Kayla Harrell, Alex Loya, Nora Salgado

DPT Capstones

Background. Optimizing rehabilitation techniques for patients with chronic stroke remains an ongoing effort. Previous research has yet to synthesize the effectiveness of underwater treadmill training (UTT) and body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) for improving common impairments in balance and gait.

Purpose. The purpose of this review was to compare the effectiveness of UTT in helping to normalize reciprocal gait pattern and improve balance compared to BWSTT in patients with chronic cerebrovascular accidents (CVA).

Data Sources. CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched over a period of several months from October of 2020 through March of 2021.

Study Selection. …