Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Mixed-Methods Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Patients And Caregivers Receiving Home Health Occupational Therapy Services, Peyton A. Mendias

Student Capstone Papers

Home health occupational therapy (OT) supports individuals’ safety, independence, and participation in their natural environments; however, patients and caregivers may face barriers that affect the implementation of therapy recommendations. This capstone project explored patient and caregiver experiences with home health OT and identified factors influencing implementation of OT recommendations. We used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior (COM-B) model. Eight participants, including three patients and five caregivers, completed an electronic survey, and one caregiver participated in a follow-up semi-structured interview. We analyzed quantitative data using descriptive statistics and qualitative data using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings …

Remote Assessment And Management Of Physical Function In Older Adults (Ramp): An International Expert Delphi Process, Jack Dalla Via, Hurst, Elsa Dent, Jackson J. Fyfe, Paul Jansons, Eleanor J. Hayes, Marc Sim, Mylene Aubertin-Leheudre, Alex Barreto De Lima, Lucimere Bohn, Sabine Britting, Fanny Buckinx, Gavin Connolly, Lora Giangregorio, Duarte Henriques-Neto, Jennifer R.A. Jones, Robert Kob, Suzanne N. Morin, Girish N, Lucas B.R. Orssatto, Maria Pearson, Daniel Pinto, Esmee M. Reijnierse, Catherine M. Said, Mohamed Salem, Gary Skinner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Remote methods may help older adults improve their physical function, but understanding the perspectives of experts who deliver this care is critical. This modified Delphi process aimed to develop expert consensus on effectiveness, feasibility and implementation of remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults. Methods: This online Delphi process included experts involved in supporting older adults to maintain or improve their health. The Round 1 survey presented 33 Delphi statements assessed using an 11-point Likert scale (0–10; ≥7 indicated agreement). Statements with strong (≥80 %), moderate (50–<80 %) and low (<50 %) agreement were accepted, revised, or rejected, respectively. Revised statements were presented in Round 2, and accepted statements were consolidated into key messages. Results: In total, 108 respondents (67 % female; mean [SD] age 41.4 [10.9] years) from 16 countries (five continents) completed Round 1. Fourteen statements were accepted (88–100 % agreement) and 10 were rejected (8–39 % agreement). The remaining nine statements (52–69 % agreement) were revised, and two new statements were developed for Round 2, which was completed by 89 (82 %) respondents. Five Round 2 statements were accepted (82–93 % agreement). Seven key messages were developed from 19 accepted statements, highlighting that remote care should be accessible to older adults with requisite capabilities, is feasible for older adults and health professionals with adequate support and training, and requires guidelines, policies, and further research to support wider adoption. Conclusions: The findings of this Delphi process can inform the implementation of remote care approaches for assessing and managing physical function in older adults.

Differential Effects Of Physical Activity Interventions On Gross And Fine Motor Difficulties In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights From A Multilevel Meta-Analysis With Moderator Analyses, Changhui Peng, Jinrong He, Kai Xu, Xueping Wu, Dandan Wang, Lei Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Difficulties in gross and fine motor skills negatively affect the healthy development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet evidence for physical activity interventions (PAIs) remains limited and inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differential effects of PAIs on gross and fine motor difficulties in children with ASD and to explore potential moderators. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, empirical studies published from inception to April 21, 2026 were systematically searched across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. Effect sizes were synthesized using a three-level random-effects model and were expressed as Hedges’ g (g). …

Self-Managed Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Post-Treatment Upper Limb Dysfunction Rehabilition Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review, Jinqiu Li, Jing Yu (Benjamin) Tan, Tao Wang, Haiying Wang, Mengyuan Li, Sita Sharma, Linda Deravin, Daniel Terry

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to identify commonly utilised self-managed non-pharmacological interventions for managing post-treatment ULD among breast cancer survivors, evaluate their effectiveness and safety, and identify the research gaps for future studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, and eight English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ProQuest) were searched from their inception to 30 September 2025. Google and ResearchGate were also searched to identify any additional eligible studies. Narrative synthesis was used for data analysis. Risk of Bias version 2 was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: 5972 studies …

Proteomic Signatures Of 3-Year Progression From Impaired Fasting Glucose To Diabetes: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities (Aric) Study, Mary R Rooney, Justin B Echouffo Tcheugui, Jingsha Chen, Keenan A Walker, Christie M Ballantyne, Eric Boerwinkle, Tanika N Kelly, Chiadi E Ndumele, James S Pankow, Morgan E Grams, Wendy S Post, Peter J Ganz, Alexis C Wood, Jerome I Rotter, Elizabeth Selvin, Josef Coresh

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Objective: To identify proteomic signatures underlying 3-year progression from impaired fasting glucose (IFG) to diabetes.

Research design and methods: We examined IFG progression in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study from visit 2 (1990-1992) to visit 3 (1993-1995). We tested associations of 4,955 plasma proteins (SomaScan version 4.0) with ∼3-year progression from IFG (FG 100-125 mg/dL without diabetes) to diabetes (diagnosis, medication, or FG ≥126 mg/dL) using logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, cardiometabolic risk factors, and baseline glucose with Bonferroni correction (P < 10-5). We explored biological pathways enriched among the top proteins and calculated improvements in prediction (ΔAUC and net reclassification using 3-year risk thresholds of 6% and 15% in 80% training and 20% internal validation subsamples). We validated results in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort.

Results: There were 3,786 ARIC participants with IFG (mean [SD] age 57 [6] years, 52% female, …

Cracking The Code: The Systematic Development Of A Coding Matrix For Qualitative Data Analysis, Greta Gray, Marie-Christine Potvin

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

A systematic approach was used to develop a coding matrix for a qualitative study with the intent to strengthen the credibility and dependability of the findings. Coding matrixes are commonly used in qualitative studies to organize data into meaningful units of text to be interpreted by the researchers. Current methods of coding matrix development can be problematic as they may introduce biases in the results and have limited reproducibility. A novel approach was employed to address this need with the “a priori” development of a coding matrix using a multi-step deductive and inductive process with multi-coders (n=5).  The coders who …

When Robots Join The Care Team: A Pilot Study Of Social Robots In Inpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Nora Mizell, Rebecca Ozelie

Student Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Children may experience anxiety while hospitalized. This may act as a barrier to participation in occupational therapy (OT) sessions and diminish the benefits of OT. Therefore, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) must provide interventions that support mental health and engagement during pediatric hospitalization. This study explored the feasibility of using social robots as OT intervention to reduce anxiety and support engagement in therapy in children admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility (AIR).

Methods: Participants included four children ages 5-10, admitted to an urban AIR facility. Each participant interacted with a social robot during three, 30-minute occupational therapy sessions. A …

"It's Probably Like A Web": Complex Relationships Between Pain And Mental Health Among Bisexual+ Women With Chronic Pain, Aster Harrison, Mansha Mirza

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Bisexual+ women experience higher rates of both mental illness and chronic pain when compared to either straight or lesbian women. Their experiences of the relationship between their mental health and chronic pain remain underexplored. This article presents an intersectional Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of the experiences of six bisexual+ women with chronic pain.

METHODS: Each woman completed two semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analyzed with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, beginning with in-depth case study analysis of each person's interviews before moving to comparison across cases.

RESULTS: Results indicated a complex web of multidirectional relationships between mental health and chronic pain. These relationships …

Exercise Self-Efficacy And Physical Wellness In A Worksite Wellness Program: Exploring Factor Structure And Perceptions, Micah B. Mcglathery

Dissertations

Exploring Perceptions of Exercise Self-Efficacy and Physical Wellness in a Worksite Wellness Program

Abstract

Worksite wellness programs are increasingly adopted to address insufficient exercise participation and other health-related behaviors that put employees at risk of chronic disease. Although quantitative outcomes are well-documented, there is limited research exploring how employees perceive these programs' impact on personal behavior change, particularly in relation to exercise self-efficacy. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory and the Exercise is Medicine initiative, this study qualitatively investigates employee perceptions of a worksite wellness program’s influence on physical wellness and confidence to exercise. A phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews …

Clinical Corner: Pearls From Local Dentists

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Clinical Corner: Pearls from Local Dentists" is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical wisdom for fellow practitioners. This edition's topics include Behavior Guidance in Pediatric Dentistry, occupational pain, and occupational hearing loss

A Phenomenological Study Of Parent Experiences During Transition From Early Intervention To School-Based Services, Kelly F. Gregoire, Halie Mayfield, Jeryl D. Benson, Johnna Estep

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Abstract

Importance: Occupational therapy (OT) practitioners and members of the Early Intervention (EI) to school-based transition should understand the barriers to a successful transition to better advocate for their clients and tailor their involvement in the transition process.

Objective: To explore the lived experience of parents of young children participating in the transition process.

Participants: Fourteen parents of young children (ages 2.5-6 years) with a developmental disability.

Outcomes and Measures: Semi-structured interviews focusing on parent and family experiences with the transition process.

Results: Seven resulting themes emerged from the data representing parent perceptions related to their experience of the system. …

The Effect Of Part-Time Vs Full-Time Integrated Clinical Education On Student Physical Therapists’ Self-Efficacy And Clinical Reasoning, William J. Buchala

Student Dissertations

Integrated clinical education (ICE) varies across Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, particularly in the use of part-time and full-time clinical experiences. Limited research has examined relationships between ICE structure, self-efficacy, and clinical reasoning. The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to examine relationships between part-time and full-time ICE models and self-efficacy and self-assessed clinical reasoning in DPT students. Survey responses were collected from DPT students who had participated in ICE experiences. Self-efficacy was measured using the Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale, and self-assessed clinical reasoning was measured using the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning Scale. Independent-samples …

Setting The Stage For Surviving Cancer, Kelly Allen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Margaret Petersen, theater artist and assistant stage manager of the Grand Rapids Ballet, is featured in the cover art for the Summer 2026 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The self-portrait photograph depicts Petersen standing cheerfully on a terrace, dressed as an orange “safety cone” holding onto an IV pole. She takes in some fresh air as she receives her chemotherapy medication at the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillion. Donned in orange coveralls and a modified hat topped with a small traffic cone and the word SAFETY emblazoned across the front, it is the costume she created to wear …

Occupational Therapy's Role In Optimizing Health Using 4ms Framework: Primary Care And Beyond, Nicole Karabas, Lydia Royeen, Bridget Hahn

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As the older adult population in the United States continues to grow rapidly, the health care system faces increasing challenges in meeting their complex needs. A proactive, rather than reactive, approach to health care is necessary to support older adults in maintaining function and well-being. The Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework; What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility, provides an evidence-based model for optimizing care across settings. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to implement the 4Ms framework because of their holistic and client-centered approach to evaluation and intervention.

By addressing "What Matters," occupational therapists  align care with individual goals and daily …

Occupational Therapists’ Emerging Role In Running Bereavement Support Groups, Diana Daus, Rondalyn V. Whitney, Susan Taddonio

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Grief is well recognized as a stress response and, as such, significantly impacts engagement in meaningful occupational performance and engagement in meaningful occupations. Prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a newly recognized diagnosis, reflects the public health risk for the bereaved. Multiple client factors and performance patterns of those experiencing grief disrupt multiple areas of occupation. This opinion paper evaluates occupational therapy’s role in bereavement groups in the occupational therapy scope of practice.

Incivility And Toxicity In Occupational Therapy Academic Environments, Sharon Gutman, Sandra Rogers, Rondalyn V. Whitney

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Toxicity in the academic environment is defined as an insidious form of behavior that is characterized by overt negativity with the intent to cause harm and includes bullying, manipulation, gas lighting, discrimination, preferential treatment, and ostracization. Reasons accounting for the existence of toxicity in academia include long-standing cultural norms of competition for scarce resources, devaluing of collaboration, unrealistic workload expectations and benchmarks for success, a milieu of excessive and negative critique, low salaries and professional rewards, and a hierarchical ranking system that encourages abuse of power without consequences. The impact of toxicity in academia on occupational therapy faculty include high …

Primary Care Reimbursement: Current Processes And Future Advocacy, Brenda Koverman, Monika I. Robinson, Lydia Royeen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy’s (OT) role in primary care is emerging as a viable practice area. Yet, operational efforts that include reimbursement continue to lag and have been identified as a barrier to entry. Current literature reveals confusing and overlapping reimbursement descriptions. Payment for services is critical for the sustainability of this practice area. This paper proposes a taxonomy to assist frontline clinicians, leaders, and provider practice managers to determine the best reimbursement strategy for their specific clinic. Differentiating and defining payment models, reimbursement determinants, and reimbursements methods allows OT leaders a shared language. Implementing the best reimbursement tactic will ensure the …

Practical Insights For Implementing An Intensive Therapeutic Day-Camp For Children With Hemiplegia: Guidelines For Practice, Rachel M. Vaughn, Holly Holland, Kerry Blazek, Jessica Margaret Cassidy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This guideline for practice provides practical recommendations for successfully executing a therapeutic day-camp for children with hemiplegia. By drawing from the literature and providing an in-depth explanation of our camp model, we address the challenges clinicians encounter when initiating therapeutic camp programming. A panel of physical and occupational therapists provides a comprehensive program description entailing a detailed explanation of camp programming, the combined therapeutic approach of intensive uni and bimanual training, and sample documents and activities. The program description, including camp attributes in relation to the ICF framework, provides an overview of our day-camp model, which has served children and …

Integrating Occupational Therapy In Homeless Street Outreach, Andrea Leflore, Cassandra Pagliaruli, Ryan Thomure

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

People experiencing unsheltered homelessness (PEUH) face multifaceted barriers to daily activity performance, characterized by barriers to performing basic needs, maintaining immediate safety, and accessing resources to manage health and transition into housing. Systemic barriers further impact access to care with discrimination in health care and homeless settings. With homelessness steadily increasing in the U.S., federally-funded initiatives have prioritized street outreach as an effective approach to meeting people where they are living with contextually adapted services. Street outreach interventions bring resources directly to communities, prioritizing relationship building to facilitate transitions to more stable living situations. This article presents a case analysis …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Demonstration Of Interprofessional Competencies During Simulation: An Observational Analysis, Elizabeth Crampsey, Shelley Cohen Konrad, Debra J. Ford

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Quality care and patient safety are primary goals in health care, with interprofessional collaboration as a crucial strategy to achieve them. This study reports the behavioral outcomes of Occupational Therapy (OT) students applying core competencies, like Communication and Teamwork, during a longitudinal case-based team simulation activity designed to enhance interprofessional education (IPE). The activity was designed to improve implementation of IPE competencies during a collaborative teamwork exercise with standardized patients. A content analysis using the Interprofessional Collaborator Assessment Rubric (ICAR) assessed 21 graduate OT students’ deployment of IPE core competencies while participating in a semester-long interprofessional simulation (Sim-IPE) activity. Findings …