Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Development Of Feed In Context: A Context-Responsive Pediatric Feeding Guide For Rural Practice Guided By The Ecology Of Human Performance Model, Jatin Lee Cranmore

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Pediatric feeding participation is influenced by complex interactions among sensory processing, motor coordination, emotional regulation, caregiver routines, and environmental conditions. When feeding challenges occur, the impact extends beyond nutrition and may limit participation in family routines, school environments, and community activities (St. John et al., 2026; St. John & Ausderau, 2024). Access to specialized feeding services can be particularly limited in rural communities where healthcare workforce shortages and geographic barriers reduce the availability of pediatric rehabilitation services (Tak et al., 2022). Occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to address feeding participation because occupational therapy practice examines the interaction among …

Gamifying Occupational Therapy Education: Enhancing Student Engagement And Outcomes, Payton Alise Baumann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Occupational therapy students face high rates of burnout and attrition during graduate education due to mental health challenges, reliance on passive learning strategies, and non-learner-centered curricula. These barriers limit active learning and reduce practical readiness for independent practice. Gamification has been shown to enhance engagement and application of knowledge; however, its adoption is limited by time constraints, attitudinal barriers, and lack of implementation guidance.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop practical, evidence-based faculty training resources and gamified learning activities to incorporate gamification into occupational therapy curricula for the promotion of student well-being, engagement, and professional readiness. …

Unfolding Recovery: An Occupational Therapy Practice Protocol Manual For Dupuytren’S Disease, Rebecca Valdez

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a disease of the fibrous tissue called the fascia of the palm and fingers of the hand (Eckhaus, 2016). It develops over time, thickening the palmar fascia and leading to nodules and cords that flex the fingers (Pineda et al., 2024; Salari et al., 2020). The disease occurs mostly in men, with individuals of Northern European descent having a higher likelihood of disease development, alongside family history increasing the risk. This disease can result in disability for individuals, including difficulty performing certain activities such as picking up objects, donning and wearing gloves, putting hands in …

Family-Centered Programming For A Rural Midwest Emergency Shelter: An Occupational Lens, Ariel Kathryn Tix

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: After a period of decline in homelessness, a startling trend reversal occurred between 2023 and 2024; there was a 39% increase in families experiencing homelessness in the United States (de Sousa & Henry, 2024). Rural homelessness is less visible and often looks different from urban homelessness, which presents challenges that require a different approach (Brott et al., 2019). Individuals experiencing homelessness have challenges in every area of occupation and could benefit from novel strategies and resources. Challenges include parenting, accessing medical care, obtaining permanent housing, community mobility, and meaningful routine development (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020; Brott et al., …

Normative Data For Blazepod Lateral Shuffle Test, Dalston Duff, Hunter Fujimori, Paige Hall, Koichiro Kurosawa, Karah Smith, Jason Brumitt

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The BlazePod lateral shuffle test assess lateral agility and reaction time. Despite its growing use, no published normative value currently exist for this test. This limits the ability of clinicians to interpret performance and track progress

Prevalence Of Traumatic Brain Injury And Sequelae In Ukrainian Soldiers With Amputation, Jeanne Lojovich Pt, Phd, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Enrique Castaño Spt, Abbygail Wohl-Kovatovich Spt, Mason Grimes Spt, Dominick Kaphing Spt, Taavan Mielke Spt, Daniel Myronchuk Pt

DPT Capstone Posters

Purpose / Hypothesis:

• To investigate the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among Ukrainian amputee soldiers.
• Participants would present with undiagnosed or subclinical signs of TBI.

Number of Subjects:

• 41 male Ukrainian soldiers receiving amputee rehabilitation at Protez Foundation in Oakdale, MN.
• IRB approval obtained through Concordia University - St. Paul

Materials and Methods:

• Participants were screened for TBIs using the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation - Version 2 (MACE 2).
• Participants were active Ukrainian military status and current recipient of prosthetic or rehabilitation services for war related injuries.

Results:

• Results found a high prevalence of positive TBI MACE II findings …

Comparative Scapular Kinematics Of Female Lacrosse Athletes - A Pilot Study, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, Joshua J. Curtiss, Brea L. Glickman, Reid H. Huebert, Collin M. Woll

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Research on women’s lacrosse athletes has focused on the lower extremity, highlighting the need for upper extremity investigation within this population
• Scapular kinematics play a critical role in shoulder function and injury risk in overhead athletes¹
• Symptomatic individuals demonstrate decreased upward rotation during elevation²
• Lacrosse athletes perform repetitive overhead movements resulting in risk of upper extremity injuries (23% prevalence) including the shoulder (6-9% prevalence)³
• Purpose: To compare dominant and nondominant shoulder complex kinematics in asymptomatic NCAA Division II female lacrosse athletes

Methods

Participants

• 10 NCAA Division II right handed lacrosse players (age 18-22, ave = 19.6 …

Feasibility Fo Blood Flow Restriction Training In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Erin Simunds Edd, Pt, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, Emily Braesch Spt, Reese Crowell Spt, T Johnson Spt, Brayden Kurth Spt, Andrew Nordstrom Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Intro

• Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) demonstrate hypotonia, hypermobility, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, and cardiac anomalies, making high-intensity resistance (HIR) training challenging and potentially unsafe.^1-4
• Although moderate-to-high intensity resistance training is recommended, clear guidelines for safe load progression in DS are limited.
• Blood flow restriction (BFR) training allows strength gains at low loads by partially restricting venous return, producing adaptations similar to high-load training in other populations⁵
• Therefore, this study investigates the feasibility of BFR training compared to traditional progressive resistance training in young adults with DS.

Methods

• Four adults with DS, subjectively active with exercise in daily …

Qualitative Analysis Of Physical Therapist Assessment Of Fear Of Re-Injury Following Acl Reconstruction, Travis Gunderson Pt, Dpt, Calle Bye Spt, Kiana Fall Spt, Bailly Sackett Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• Prevalence: 40% of patients fail to return to sport after ACLR, with fear of reinjury as a primary barrier.
• Impact: Fear of reinjury is associated with altered movement, reinjury risk, and reduced activity.

Purpose

• To characterize the assessment methods used by PTs to assess fear of reinjury in patients post-ACLR.

Methods

• Design: A qualitative content analysis of responses to a single free-text question within a web-based survey.
• Participants: US-based PTs who reported treating ≥5 ACLR patients/year, currently assess fear of reinjury, and provided a free-text response (n=289).
• Analysis: A reflexive thematic analysis approach focusing on semantic and latent features, …

From Fear & Stress To Success: Supporting Dpt Students Through Holistic Development, Lyndsey Vandenberg Pt, Dpt, Edd, Olivia Clouse, Kayla Gehring, Avery Kellin, Abigail Kilmer

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• Known : FOF and stress heightened in students, Influenced by several factors, Negative impact on students
• Unknown : Relationship between FOF and stress, changes over time, impact on DPT students
• Prediction : Reduction in FOF and stress over time, and correlation between variables at each time interval

Case Description

• Population : Non-experimental quantitative, correlation analysis
• Measures : Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Administered in month 1 and month 4
• Purpose : Examine changes in FOF and stress across the first semester and their correlation

Discussion

• Findings : Strong positive correlation between variables Higher FOF than …

The Impact Of Collaborative Testing In Biomechanics Coursework In An Entry-Level Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Dsc, Amy Swanton Spt, Elizabeth Lavine Spt, Kelsey Huettl Spt, Natalie Degener Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background and Purpose

• Student-centered alternative to traditional summative exams studied in multiple health professions
• Students complete an exam individually, then retake it in small groups
• Limited research in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education
• Shown to improve exam performance and reduce test anxiety
• Purpose: Evaluate effects on biomechanics exam performance among high-, mid-, and low-performing first-year DPT students

Methods

Design & Participants: Longitudinal cohort study of 34 first-year DPT students enrolled in a biomechanics course (Spring 2025)

Conclusion and Relevance

• Collaborative testing improved exam scores for high-, middle-, and low-performing students.
• Course letter grades not significantly impacted
• Supports collaborative testing …

Effects Of Pressure-Threshold Versus Flow-Resistive Inspiratory Training On Maximal Inspiratory Pressure In Healthy Adults, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, Phd, Andrew Jacobs Spt, Nathaniel Richter Spt, Nicole Sperling Spt, Olive Westberg Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• High-intensity exercise induces respiratory fatigue and reduces exercise performance via respiratory metaboreflex.^1,2
• Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been proven to increase respiratory muscle strength and delay metaboreflex.^3-4
• Two most common IMT methods include use of flow-resistive and pressure-threshold devices.^5-6
• Despite extensive research, current literature remains inconclusive about device superiority.

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness of matched-volume IMT delivered via pressure-threshold versus flow-resistive loading on maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) in healthy adults.

Methods

• Blinded randomized controlled trial
• 20 healthy adults enrolled, 19 included in data analysis (12 M, 7 F).
• Inclusion Criteria: > 18 years of age, English-speaking …

The Effect Of Menopausal Symptoms On Physical Activity Participation, Morgan T. Walsh, Rebecca Franklin, Meghan E. Radnoff, Amy Tremback-Ball

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Those With Visual Impairment, Mikayla Calitis, Haley Mcmenimen, Isabella Bernitsky, Amelia Gansz, Karol Bialek

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

Functional Cognition: Supporting Clinicians In Practice, Molly Grawe

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone was completed at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) serving adults with neurological, orthopedic, and medically complex conditions. The project focused on education and clinical experience. Its purpose was to develop and implement an evidence-based educational program on functional cognition while gaining a deeper understanding of cognitive rehabilitation in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. The overall goal was to improve clinicians’ understanding of functional cognition and provide practical resources to support evidence-based practice.

Functional cognition refers to cognition within the context of everyday occupational performance. It reflects the interaction among personal factors, task demands, and …

Occupational Therapy: There Through It All, Leanne Bates

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

'Occupational Therapy: There Through It All' is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Capstone project in collaboration with VNA Health at Home in London, Kentucky. The Applied Leadership Experience focused on patients, and their family members or caregivers, receiving home hospice care. The primary ACOTE focus areas were education, advocacy, and clinical practice. The purpose of the project was to facilitate an increased quality of life in home hospice patients by determining the gaps of care present for patients that do not receive occupational therapy (OT) services, provide education about OT’s role in hospice care, and creating educational resources for patients …

Project Connect: Social Participation For Deafblind Individuals In Kentucky, Rebecca Jade Riegler

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

For my capstone project, I collaborated with Kentucky DeafBlind Project (KDBP) to develop Project Connect, a pilot initiative aimed at encouraging social participation by creating regional social opportunities for DeafBind individuals across Kentucky. As my primary ACOTE focus area was program development, the goal was to create an accessible, sustainable model for ongoing social engagement and reduce isolation through structured community-based events.

A literature review and needs assessment identified a need for accessible, ongoing social opportunities for DeafBlind individuals across Kentucky, supporting the development of Project Connect.

Project Connect was designed as a replicable framework for regional Connect Day events. …

Swing Bed Orientation Packet: Onboarding Education For New Staff And Patients/Families Covering Therapy Expectations, Interdisciplinary Roles, And Patient-Centered Care., Shayla M. Gibson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

My Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Capstone and Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) was completed at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital in Berea, Kentucky, with primary ACOTE focus areas in program development, leadership, and education. The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a standardized Swing Bed Orientation Packet to improve onboarding education for newly admitted swing-bed patients, their families, and staff.

A needs assessment, patient survey, and discussions with swing-bed coordinators and interdisciplinary team members identified gaps in patient and family education. An 11-question survey evaluated patients' understanding of the swing-bed program, therapy services, interdisciplinary roles, and discharge planning. …

Classroom Sensory Kits: Enhancing Student Engagement And Regulation, Rachel Topp

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This capstone project was completed at Henry County Public Schools (HCPS) in Kentucky. The primary ACOTE focus areas were program development and education. The purpose of this project was to promote inclusive learning environments for students with diverse sensory needs by increasing access to sensory tools and strategies. A needs assessment conducted in collaboration with the school-based occupational therapist (OT) identified gaps in sensory tools to support students, as well as a need for increased school staff education on sensory processing and classroom sensory strategies. To address these needs, five classroom sensory kits were developed and distributed to one preschool …

Occupational Therapy Led Data Analysis And Intervention Development For Injury Prevention In Automotive Manufacturing, Bailey N. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

A capstone project and ALE at Toyota's Georgetown, Kentucky plant focused on hand injury prevention through program analysis.  Work related injuries remain one of the biggest concerns for companies as it results in reduced quality of life for employees and economic burden. Data analysis revealed that new hires were disproportionately affected by hand injuries. This led to three key deliverables. First, a hand risk assessment tool was developed to evaluate injury risk per process, preventing new hires from being assigned to high-risk tasks consecutively while building skills. Second, a hand strengthening program was created to support new hires as they …