Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Occupational Therapy Programming Facilitates Goal Attainment In A Community Work Rehabilitation Setting, Tina M. Deangelis, Kimberly Mollo, Carolyn Giordano, Michaela Scotten, Brianna Fecondo

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

An occupational therapy program for participants with mental health challenges, a history of serious mental illness, recovering from substance use disorders, on parole/probation, and/or experiencing homelessness was implemented in a community work rehabilitation setting. The impact of occupational therapy interventions focused on stress and anger management, sleep hygiene, anxiety and depression management, relapse prevention for addiction, vocational and academic skill building, money management, healthy eating, and relationship and leisure skill development. Participant satisfaction and performance scores regarding individual goal setting and attainment was collected and analyzed via retrospective review of pre/post outcome scores (n = 44) obtained through the Canadian …

Developmental Trajectories And Reference Percentiles For Range Of Motion, Endurance, And Muscle Strength Of Children With Cerebral Palsy., Lynn M Jeffries, Alyssa Laforme Fiss, Sarah Westcott Mccoy, Doreen Bartlett, Lisa Avery, Steven Hanna

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with secondary impairments in spinal alignment and extremity range of motion, endurance for activity, and muscle strength. Creation of developmental trajectories for these impairments will help guide clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVE: For children in each level of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) this study aimed to: (1) create longitudinal developmental trajectories for range of motion (Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measures [SAROMM]), endurance (Early Activity Scale for Endurance [EASE]), and functional strength (Functional Strength Assessment [FSA]); and (2) develop age-specific reference percentiles and amount of change typical over 1 year …

“We Don’T Like Talking About Toileting Issues In Front Of Everyone”: Parents’ Reflections On Family-Centered Care, Holli Ruiz

OT Student Capstones

Objective. The objective of this study was to describe how pediatric occupational therapist enacted family-centered care in the outpatient clinic and the resulting perception families had of this care. Method. The use of an open-ended, six question survey was administered to parents of children who were receiving occupational therapy services in an outpatient pediatric clinic. Two researchers employed thematic coding to analyze the results. Results. Five themes emerged including: styles of communication, transfer to home, environment, focusing on the child, and involving the family in goals and focus. Conclusion. There were many positives associated with family-centered care to include satisfaction …

Exploring The Refugee Occupational Experience Across The Socioecological Model, Cyrena Crockett Connolly

OT Student Capstones

The aim of this Doctoral Experiential Component was to explore the occupational experiences of refugees in engaging in cross-cultural occupations. This was done by using the person- environment-occupation model and Occupational Therapy Practice Framework as theoretical lenses to identify and map occupational barriers across the socioecological model. Identifying occupational barriers across multiple levels of prevention creates new ways to address specific occupational needs and allows for impactful change. This project explored the occupational barriers of 8 participants in Salt Lake City, UT. Participants were refugees from Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Syria, and United States-born to Sudanese …

Resiliency In School Experiences: A Dropout Prevention Initiative, Stephanie L. Smith

OT Student Capstones

The ramifications of high school dropout have significant adverse effects both for individuals and society. High school graduation is the social determinant that strongly predicts long-term health and success (American Public Health Association, n.d.). Unfortunately, more than 500,000 high school students dropout each year without the skills and credentials needed to become successful, productive members of society (Communities in Schools, 2009). The dropout numbers for ethnic minorities are disproportionately high. In 2009, the proportions of 16 to 24- year-old high school dropouts were 10.7% for African Americans, 15.9% for American Indians, and 17.9% for Hispanics (Center for Mental Health in …

Occupational Therapy In Community Corrections And Reentry: Program Implementation For Adult Males With Addiction, Cassandra E. Sankey

OT Student Capstones

The evolution of incarceration, or confinement, began in the 18th century with the Quakers, known as the Pennsylvania system, an isolation and penitence ideology (Penner, 1978). Later, the Auburn system was implemented in the 19th century, which embraced an approach of mental isolation (Penner, 1978). Today, citizens entrust the criminal justice system with the power to protect communities from individuals who commit crimes (Muñoz, Moreton, & Sitterly, 2016). Therefore, the United States criminal justice system diversified the supervision of lawbreakers based upon the severity of their crimes, such as jail, prison, probation, and parole. This has led to decades of …

Using The Backward Design Process To Integrate Interprofessional Education Utilizing Simulation In Ot And Pt Educational Curricula, Norman C. Belleza, Maureen Johnson

Physical Therapy Collection

Interprofessional simulation education (IPSE) has been integrated into the OT and PT curriculum. Having a dedicated simulation center on-site allows for continued use of IPSE for regular monitoring and assessment of student achievement in interprofessional exchanges. Additional healthcare disciplines can also integrate IPSE including nursing, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, post-graduate professionals, athletic trainers, and speech and langue pathology. Inclusion of IPSE will augment the collaborative effort for increased interactions among various health care providers.

Balance And Strength Interventions For An Older Individual With Peripheral Polyneuropathy: A Case Report, Hanna Geib

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Peripheral polyneuropathy (PPN) is a condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nervous system, causing sensory abnormalities (e.g. tingling, burning, and loss of sensation) occurring distally to proximally. Individuals with PPN experience proprioceptive sensory loss and muscle weakness, resulting in decreased functional mobility. A common cause of PPN is diabetes mellitus, however 20-25% of cases are deemed idiopathic. Interventions of balance training and lower extremity strengthening have been shown to have a small positive effect on the progression of PPN. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy (PT) management of an elderly …

Community-Based Occupational Therapy Practice Among Older Adults: A Delphi Study, Kristin Domville

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This capstone project explores the socio-political environment of current and potential community-based occupational therapy (OT) services among community-dwelling older adults, including the current state of community-based OT practice and the current awareness of OT’s potential impact on health and wellness among community-dwelling older adults. The goal is to identify how to increase the presence of OT in community settings to decrease the occupational injustice among the older adult population. The research method used is the Delphi Method, an anonymous structured communication between experts in the field of community-based OT practice and the older adult population. Experts, provided real-world knowledge and …

Occupation-Based Practice In Occupational Therapy, Sarah Psillas

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The positive impact of occupation and well-being has been documented throughout the literature, however, the direct link of using occupation-based practice (OBP) and improvement of client outcomes has not been well established. This research study considered what OBP is, what the constructs are that comprise it, and how facilitators and barriers impact its use. Results: Results of this grounded theory study included four main constructs of occupation-based practice (actual occupation, meaningful and purposeful value, therapeutic intent, and engaged participation) as well as the theory of OccupationalTherapist’s Dynamic Use of Occupation-Based Practice. This theory explains the dynamic process that a …

Creating Confident And Connected Families: A Program To Improve Parental Self-Efficacy In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kelly Simpson

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) require life sustaining intervention for weeks to months after birth. This intervention is remarkably stressful for both the infant, who is ill-equipped to handle life outside the womb, and for the parents who are filled with fear and stress due to the illness of their son or daughter. The experience of hospitalization can lead to stress, shame, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder for families of NICU infants. Knowledge about the unique stressors, challenges, and needs for support of preterm infants has proven helpful to boost confidence and feelings of wellbeing within …

Thrust Joint Manipulation To The Cervical Spine In Participants With A Primary Complaint Of Temporomandibular Disorder (Tmd): A Randomized Clinical Trial, Breanna C. Reynolds

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a common and costly problem often leading to chronic pain. There exists moderate evidence for physical therapy (PT) interventions in the management of TMD. A known relationship between TMD and the cervical spine exists with some evidence to support cervical intervention treatments. Cervical spine thrust joint manipulation (TJM) is an effective PT intervention explored in a limited fashion for this population. Objectives: To determine the immediate and short term (1 and 4 week) effects of cervical TJM on pain, dysfunction, and perception of change in individuals with a primary complaint of TMD. Methods: In this …

Cognitive Load Theory Principles Applied To Simulation Instructional Design For Novice Health Professional Learners, Susan M. Grieve

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

While the body of evidence supporting the use of simulation-based learning in the education of health professionals is growing, howor why simulation-based learning works is not yet understood. There is a clear need for evidence, grounded in contemporary educational theory, to clarify the features of simulation instructional design that optimize learning outcomes and efficiency in health care professional students.

Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is a theoretical framework focused on a learner’s working memory capacity. One principle of CLT is example based learning. While this principle has been applied in both traditional classroom and laboratory settings, and has shown positive …

Effects Of Generic Group-Based Versus Personalized Individual-Based Exercise Programs On Balance, Gait, And Functional Performance Of Older Adults With Mild Balance Dysfunction And Living In Residential Care Facilities - A Randomized Controlled Trial, Varatharajan Lingam

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background and Purpose: To investigate the effect of an individualized exercise program versus a generic group-based exercise program on balance, gait, and functional performance of older adults categorized as having mild balance dysfunction and living in residential care facilities. Methods: Single blind randomized control design. One hundred-twenty residents fulfilled screening criteria for mild balance dysfunction based on the BioSwayTM balance and the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) primary outcome measures. Secondary assessment was completed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (PPT), hand-held dynamometer (lower-limb muscle strength testing), and gait speed analysis. Sixty subjects received individualized treatment from physical therapists (8 weeks). …

Effectiveness Of A Manual Therapy Approach In Treatment Of Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Haitham Ramadan

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: The use of manual therapy for the management of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has not been adequately systematically reviewed in an attempt to determine its effectiveness on patients with LSS. The lack of evidence in support ofcommonly used conservative interventions continues to result in a lack of clarity regarding what interventions should be used to manage patients with LSS. Objective: To use a randomized comparative trial to compare the functional clinical outcomes achieved by patients with LSS receiving two different physical therapy interventions. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, a total of40 participants diagnosed with LSS were randomized into …

Lived Experience Of Exemplary Physical Therapist Students In Clinical Education: A Phenonenological Study, Laura Hagan

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction and Review of the Literature. The academic community has made it priority to determine best practice in the clinical education (CE) of Physical Therapist (PT) students. The perspective of various stakeholders has been considered inthe profession’s pursuit of excellence. Previous research highlighting the characteristics of expert clinicians and clinicalinstructors in physical therapy has served as a model for those who strive for excellence. The student and critical stakeholder, however, has not been given the opportunity to be heard. To date, no literature has explored the experience of PT student who demonstrate excellence. This study aims to understand the lived …

Caring For Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy: The Lived Experience Of Parents, Jason Eric Cook

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experience of parents who care for their child withcerebral palsy who function at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level V. Additionally, the study also explores the parent’s understandings and beliefs about pain and non-pain related emotional distress, and the meaning of caring, providing care, and providing comfort for their child with GMFCS Level V cerebral palsy. The study was conducted using a qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenology approach with semi-structured interviews and participant-initiated journaling. The study included 11 participants who are caregiving parents of their child with GMFCS Level V cerebral …

Evaluation Of The Prognostic Utility Of The Combination Of Platelet Count With Mean Platelet Volume As A Prognostic Indicator In Head And Neck Cancer., T. Tham, E. Leung, C. Olson, M. Wotman, J. Khaymovich, J. Coury, S. Teegala, P. Costantino

Journal Articles

The combination of platelet count to mean platelet volume (COP-MPV) has been recently reported as a prognostic indicator of oral cavity cancer and other cancer sites. The aim of the present study was to validate the utility of the COP-MPV as a prognostic indicator in all head and neck cancer (HNC) sites. The clinicopathological characteristics of the COP-MPV with HNC were also investigated. This is a retrospective cohort study that recruited consecutively treated patients at a tertiary level academic hospital. Clinicopathological characteristics were recorded, including the COP-MPV scores. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, as well as multivariate Cox Proportional …

The Effect Of Serratus Anterior Fatigue On Scapular Kinematics, Nathan Curtis Harrison

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Shoulder pain is a common occurrence in the general population. Pain has been associated with shoulder impairments and pathology. Associations between shoulder limitations, impairments, and mechanisms of injury and altered scapular motion appear in the literature. Fatigue of the scapular stabilizing muscles resulting from repeated arm motion has been reported to alter scapular kinematics, which could result in shoulder pathology, especially impingement.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of fatigue of the serratus anterior muscle on scapular kinematics. The hypotheses were that there would be decreased posterior tilt and decreased upward rotation during arm …

What Are Typical Outcomes Associated With Physical Therapy For Foot & Ankle Patients?, Judith F. Baumhauer, Christopher Neville, Kostantinos Vasalos, Chad Condidorio, Kathleen Fear, Jeff Houck

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Introduction/Purpose: It is unclear whether patients attending physical therapy, post-op or for conservative care, achieve clinically important differences (CID) on the patient reported outcome information system (PROMIS) scales. Key PROMIS outcomes physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) match well with treatments provided in physical therapy. Physical therapy may also influence depression (Dep). Documentation of PROMIS outcomes associated with physical therapy are useful to help set patient expectations. The purpose of this analysis was to document expected PROMIS PF, PI, and Dep outcomes after physical therapy for foot and ankle diagnoses by 1) reporting average improvement and 2) examining whether …