Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Restoring Control: How Occupational Therapy Improves Quality Of Life And Pelvic Pain, Taryn Ritchie

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at PT Solutions Physical Therapy LLC in Lexington, KY. This project focused on women seeking and receiving pelvic health therapy for pelvic pain. The goals the capstone were to increase awareness of pelvic health Occupational Therapy and evaluate the impact of therapy on QoL and participation in ADLs and IADLs. The capstone also aimed to expand knowledge and increase competence of medical professionals and clients regarding pelvic health therapy. Lastly, the capstone intended to create deliverables that can be utilized for education purposes. Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain, dyspareunia, …

Parents’ Perceptions Of Aai’S Effect On Social Interaction & Communication For Individuals With Asd And/Or Adhd​, Alexis E. Morris, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This research study will investigate the impact of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) on social interaction and communication skills of children or young adults formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on self or parent/caregiver report.

Children with ASD and ADHD experience deficits in communication and social participation that limit engagement in meaningful childhood occupations and peer relationships, highlighting the need for alternative, motivating intervention approaches. Animal-assisted interventions may provide a supportive and engaging environment that promotes emotional regulation, joint attention, and social reciprocity, and communication by enhancing participation in daily occupations.

The hypothesis for this study …

Developing Comprehensive Resources For Caregivers: Facilitating The Transition Of Nicu Patients To Home Care, Taysha M. Gonzalez, Cynthia Haynes

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This doctoral capstone project developed a comprehensive, occupational therapy-informed NICU Caregiver Transition Toolkit to support families as they transition from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home. The project used clinical observations at the AdventHealth Daytona Beach NICU and AdventHealth Orlando NICU Graduate Clinic, a review of evidence-based literature and existing caregiver education materials, and interdisciplinary collaboration to identify caregiver education needs and guide toolkit development. Educational materials were created in English and Spanish using caregiver-friendly language, visual supports, step-by-step instructions, and QR-code access to digital resources. Draft materials were reviewed by occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other …

Aquatic Therapy And Its Impact On Perceived Caregiver Strain, Amanda J. Carter, Cynthia Haynes, Katherine O'Hara

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory dysregulation that significantly impairs their participation in daily occupations and increases caregiver strain (Lawson et al., 2020; Passarello et al., 2022). Although aquatic therapy has shown promise in improving sensory processing, motor skills, and social participation, there is limited research examining its specific impact on the caregivers’ ability to provide support at home (Butzman et al., 2022; Caputo et al., 2018; Güeita-Rodríguez et al., 2021).

This study is a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pre/post-design. This study sought to investigate the impact of six weeks of aquatic therapy intervention on sensory regulation and its …

Program Development: Integration Of Occupation In Adaptive Fitness, Havyn A. Isaac, Lakeisa Boykin

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

This project was a program development and implementation of an adaptive fitness program for individuals with physical disabilities that integrates occupation. This was done to bridge the gap between adaptive fitness and occupational therapy and highlight the role of occupational therapy in adaptive fitness settings. A needs assessment and activity analysis were completed and used to develop the weekly sessions throughout implementation. The implementation phase was over 6 weeks, with 3 sessions a week. Each week had an occupational focus that was identified and broken down with the activity analysis. The program highlighted the role of occupational therapy in adaotive …

Belonging & Whole Person Formation In Graduate Education: A Conceptual Framework For Student Flourishing, Cynthia L. Hickman

Posters

Graduate students experience substantial academic, personal, and professional demands that can negatively affect well-being and persistence. For students enrolled in professional programs, belonging may develop within two overlapping communities: the academic institution and the emerging profession. Institutional and professional belonging can provide connection, support, engagement, and opportunities for identity and professional development. This paper synthesizes literature on these two forms of belonging and proposes a conceptual framework describing their potential relationship with whole-person formation and flourishing. Whole-person formation extends graduate education beyond knowledge acquisition and professional competence to include development across interconnected dimensions of the person. Within the proposed framework, …

From Overwhelmed To Empowered: An Emotional Regulation Program To Enhance Social Participation In Young Women With Autism And Adhd, Daisy Lee, Angela Labrie Blackwell Phd, Otr, Jessica Hale

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

From Overwhelmed to Empowered is a program developed an occupation-based emotional regulation program for young adult women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the transition to adulthood. The purpose of the project was to address the need for interventions that support emotional regulation as a foundation for meaningful social participation, independence, and successful role engagement.

The project involved the development and pilot implementation of an eight-week program consisting of weekly 60-minute group sessions and individualized coaching sessions. Program content focused on emotional awareness, mood and motivation, cognitive strategies, anxiety management, sensory regulation, communication, healthy boundaries, and …

Integrating Oncology Into Entry-Level Physical Therapist Curricula, Shana Harrington, Christopher M. Wilson, Morgan Zaranec, Lori Boright

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Print issue available for $25.

Background: Cancer and its treatments commonly result in adverse effects that impair function, well-being, and quality of life, necessitating access to skilled physical therapists (PTs). Although oncology is an essential component of physical therapist practice, entry-level education in cancer rehabilitation has historically been limited. In 2025, the Essential Competencies for Physical Therapy Entry-Level Education in Oncology were developed through a mixed-methods, modified Delphi process, establishing 19 competencies across six domains and defining minimum expectations for new graduates. To support translation of these competencies into academic curricula, a practical implementation resource was needed.

Purpose: To …

Enhancing Quality Of Care Through Streamlined Pediatric Ot Resources, Mallori Cooper

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project focused on improving the accessibility and organization of evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy resources to support clinical staff and enhance quality of care. In pediatric practice, therapists often experience limited time for preparation outside of treatment sessions due to high workloads and administrative demands, which can make it challenging to consistently develop and access caregiver education and intervention resources. At the same time, caregiver education and coaching are essential components of pediatric occupational therapy, as they support carryover of strategies and improved functional outcomes. Through partnership with an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic, Associates in Pediatric Therapy, a centralized …

Advocating For Pediatric Therapy Services In A Rural Area, Hailee Bowman

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed with Tonya Fish OTR/L at Hopewell Schools in Coshocton, OH. The primary ACOTE focus areas were education and advocacy, focusing on educating individuals in the community on occupational therapy and the importance of integrating it into the community, as well as advocating for changes to be made to current systems to allow for occupational therapy services to be available to children in the area. In Coshocton, the only opportunities for receiving pediatric occupational therapy services are in the school system or through the county board of developmental disabilities programs like Help Me Grow and Early …

Advancing Experiential Learning And Student Participation Through An Adl Suite, Megan E. Craig

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department at Eastern Kentucky University. The practice setting was the ADL Suite; a simulated home environment located in the Dizney Building at Eastern Kentucky University. The primary ACOTE focus area(s) applied was program development, with an additional focus area on clinical practice skills. The purpose of this capstone project was to support the development and sustainable use of the ADL Suite as a learning environment for students and faculty to practice ADL/IADL skills, clinical reasoning, activity analysis, assessment, competency development, and fieldwork preparation. A needs assessment and literature …

Community-Based Sensory Kits To Support Regulation And Participation In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Kaela Surrett

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky (DSACK) in Lexington, KY. The primary ACOTE areas of focus were education and program development. The purpose of this project was to identify sensory support needs within DSACK programming, develop age-based sensory kits, and create educational materials for staff and caregivers to support participation and self-regulation during activities. A needs assessment was completed through direct observations, parent surveys, collaboration with staff, and a review of current literature. Findings showed challenges related to attention, sensory seeking, and sensory sensitivity during both structured and unstructured activities. These barriers impacted …

A Mixed-Methods Study Of Patient And Caregiver Experiences With Home Health Occupational Therapy, Peyton A. Mendias, Cassandra Nelson, Gwen Morris

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Home health occupational therapy (HHOT) promotes independence and safety within the home, yet patients and caregivers often experience challenges implementing therapy recommendations after discharge. This mixed-methods study explored the lived experiences of patients and caregivers who participated in HHOT to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing occupational therapy recommendations and inform the development of a caregiver education toolkit. Adults who received HHOT within the previous six months and informal caregivers completed an online survey, with a subset participating in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings emphasized …

Supporting Mental Health Through Occupation: Education For Women Living With And Beyond Breast Cancer, Rebekah Nicole Trammell, Lakeisa Boykin, Rebekah Jarrar

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and these women experience high rates of anxiety, depression, and disruption to daily routines and meaningful occupations. Evidence shows that education on self-management strategies, mindfulness-based interventions, and targeted occupational therapy interventions can support the mental health of women experiencing breast cancer. Furthermore, remaining engaged in meaningful occupations is essential to improving overall well-being and quality of life. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop and deliver accessible, evidence-based education in digital and print formats that specifically target identifying mental health challenges, self-management strategies, and …

Reduced Lower Extremity Strength, Altered Muscle Activation, And Unchanged Kinetics During Single-Leg Squatting In Males With Patellofemoral Pain Versus Pain-Free Males: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Lisa T. Hoglund, Amy H. Amabile, Thomas Alexander Hulcher, Victoria K. Polansky, Erin L. Dopke

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is frequently a cause of reduced quality of life in physically active males. The cause of patellofemoral pain is theorized to include aberrant biomechanics during weight-bearing activities. Altered biomechanics of females with patellofemoral pain have been reported, but there is a dearth of research for males with this condition. This study aimed to compare males with and without patellofemoral pain for hip and knee joint moments and muscle activation during single-leg-squatting and proximal muscle strength.

METHODS: Twenty males with patellofemoral pain and 20 pain-free males aged 20-39 years performed single-leg-squatting while motion, ground reaction force, and proximal …

The Resilient Women's Collective: Empowering Women To Recognize Their Worth, Mary Campbell Johnstone

Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026

Mothers experiencing homelessness face challenges related to chronic stress, trauma, disrupted routines, and limited access to supportive resources, all of which negatively impact health, well-being, and occupational participation (Anderson et al., 2024). Occupational therapy is uniquely positioned to address these challenges through occupation-based, trauma-informed interventions that promote resilience, empowerment, and engagement in meaningful activities. This doctoral capstone addressed these complex needs through a multifaceted approach that included a scoping review, program development, advocacy, and educational initiatives. A scoping review examined stress-management interventions supporting single mothers experiencing homelessness in the United States. Although positive outcomes were reported, the literature revealed limited …

Facilitating Occupational Participation In Older Adults With Chronic Pain, Emily K. Ruesch

Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations

This capstone project developed doctoral-level clinical skills in the management of chronic pain. This capstone project also implemented a six‑week chronic pain management program for independent community‑dwelling older adults at Dow Rummel Village. Eleven adults aged 50–95 participated in weekly 45‑minute group sessions addressing adaptive equipment use, graded exercise, energy conservation, nervous system regulation, stress management, and sleep hygiene. Seven participants completed pre‑ and post‑intervention measures using the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form and the Pain Self‑Efficacy Questionnaire. A paired samples t‑test assessed changes in pain severity, pain interference, and self‑efficacy. Results demonstrated a decrease in pain severity (t(6) = −3.96, …

Supporting Occupational Engagement And Regulation For Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis, Robert E. Oehl 3rd, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children diagnosed with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) can face cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. The symptoms they experience can be barriers to participation in occupations and activities of daily living. For occupational therapy, there is very limited resources for pediatric MS specifically, and it is almost an unknown diagnosis. Occupational therapy in management can help ensure that children reach their developmental milestones in mobility, grasp, social, cognitive, and academic circles. This capstone project was meant to improve awareness and comprehensive treatment and resources through program development. The capstone experience resulted in a project featuring a webinar about pediatric MS and …

Unleashing Potential: Educating Ot Practitioners On Animal-Assisted Therapy For Children With Cp, Karley B. Smith, Lakeisa Boykin

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop and evaluate the efficacy of an animal-assisted therapy educational package for occupational therapy practitioners treating children with cerebral palsy. This educational package serves as an adjunctive occupational therapy service to address the ongoing need for engaging, holistic interventions that support motor development and participation. The primary focus of this project is practitioner education and training to promote safe, structured, and clinically sound integration of animal-assisted therapy into occupational therapy practice. The methods for this project included a literature review, informal needs assessment, development of an educational package, QR code video demonstrations, …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of An Occupation‑Based Telehealth Intervention For Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Bernard A. Muriithi, Milan Bimali, Mario Schootman

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

Introduction

Cancer survivors frequently experience occupational performance challenges during early survivorship, and telehealth may offer a feasible approach to deliver interventions during this period.

Methods

This pilot randomized controlled trial included 17 adults in the first year following breast or prostate cancer diagnosis, assigned to the ActiveHeal Cancer Program (ACP) or a control group. ACP consisted of six 75‑minute occupation‑focused virtual group sessions and weekly follow‑up telephone calls delivered by occupational therapists over 12 weeks. Control participants attended three brief virtual meetings without therapeutic intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using validated measures, attendance, and completion rates. The exploratory outcomes …