Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Integrative Neural Networks Frame Of Reference: Application In Practice, Glenda E. Hux, Sarah Schoen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The INN Frame of Reference supports occupational engagement in caregivers of children and youth with complex health care needs. It guides the occupational therapist from evaluation to intervention providing a structure to identify challenges in occupational engagement. It describes the process of selecting evidence-based interventions to mitigate the impact of prolonged stress on the “whole” parent across contexts. The theoretical base outlines the mechanisms of action that support physiological, affective/cognitive, and social/spiritual health, and the concepts related to intervention. The completion of an occupational profile and the INN Evaluation Checklist sets the stage for data-driven decision making. The occupational therapist …

Integrative Neural Networks: A Novel Frame Of Reference To Support Occupational Engagement In Caregivers, Glenda E. Hux, Sarah A. Schoen

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The Integrative Neural Networks (INN) frame of reference is an integrated approach to support occupational engagement in parents and primary caregivers of children and youth with complex health care needs (CYSHCN) guided by principles of family-centered care. Given the potential influence of prolonged, cumulative, and or repeated stress on physiological, affective/cognitive, and social/spiritual health, it is imperative that occupational therapists partner with parents and primary caregivers to positively impact occupational engagement across contexts. Further, this frame of reference provides an avenue to identify potential health and occupational disparities historically under-recognized as independent from the needs of the child. Based on …

Effects Of Yoga On The Mental Health Of Women With Gynecological Cancers: A Systematic Literature Review, Sabina Khan, Christianah Edema

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers have substantial psychological impacts. Occupational therapists use relaxation and mindfulness techniques to manage pain, distress, and other mental health symptoms associated with cancer. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga on the mental health and quality of life of women diagnosed with gynecological cancers.

Methods: A systematic search of five databases was conducted from their inception to the present. Grey literature was searched via Google Scholar and relevant conference proceedings. Eligible studies reported on the effect of yoga on mental health symptoms in women with gynecological cancers. A …

Uncovering Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing Postpartum Anxiety: A Scoping Review, Felicia Markfield, Carlin D. Reaume

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Occupational therapists are qualified to provide needed support for individuals experiencing postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression is a more well known and researched disorder; however, postpartum anxiety is theorized to be more prevalent and less discussed (Nakić et al., 2018; Zappas et al., 2021). The objective of this scoping review is to find the themes in the literature highlighting the unique settings, assessments, and interventions used to support individuals with postpartum anxiety.

Methods: A literature search was conducted from Scopus, Sage Journals, OTSeeker, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases. Twenty articles were found and selected for review.

Results: …

Evaluation Of Receptiveness And Barriers To Including Occupational Therapists On Primary Care Teams, Jacquelyn P. Nash, Sue Dahl-Popolizio, Dayna Maureen Maniccia, Debra Collette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Although primary care providers (PCP) and occupational therapists recognize occupational therapists can be on the primary care (PC) team to address lifestyle management related to chronic conditions, health literacy, and behavioral health, few occupational therapists work in this setting; PC remains an emerging practice area.

Method: We sought to determine if receptiveness to adding occupational therapists to PC teams has changed. We modified surveys from a 2017 study and added interviews to answer the following questions regarding occupational therapists in PC: (1) What are PCPs' and occupational therapists’ perceptions? (2) What are PCPs' comfort levels in delegating patient appointments …

An Interdisciplinary Functional Exercise Program For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Series, Lauren Turbeville, Caroline Adams, Amy Wedge, Kailey Smitherman, Kathrin Rothermich

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Traditional exercise programs are beneficial in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD). Little research exists on interdisciplinary, functional exercise programs designed and implemented by licensed therapists.

Method: Our case series presents the development, implementation, and results of an interdisciplinary functional exercise program for individuals with PD and the effects this program had on daily functioning and quality of life. Participants were recruited via flyers, email, and phone communication, and consented to data collection for our objectives. Participants attended two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Sessions addressed fine and gross motor skills, dexterity, cognition, functional strength, gait, balance, and …

Guidelines For Analyzing Health Care Policies, Kieran Fogarty, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills …

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Twenty Minutes Of Corsi Block Tapping Task Training Does Not Improve Mental Rotation In Adults With Stroke, Sarah A. Kettlety, Giuliet L. Kibler, Andrew Hooyman, Christina K. Holl, Sydney Y. Schaefer, Kristan A. Leech

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Visuospatial function is commonly impaired post-stroke and is associated with motor learning and recovery. A single, twenty-minute Corsi Block Tapping Task (CBTT) training session improved visuospatial function in young neurotypical adults; however, it is unclear whether this training would improve visuospatial function in adults with stroke.

Objective: To understand if a single, twenty-minute CBTT training session improved visuospatial function in adults with stroke compared to a no-training control group of adults with stroke.

Methods: Participants post-stroke were assigned to one of two groups. The training group completed twenty minutes of computerized CBTT training. The control group completed a survey …

Cv: Arvie Vitente (Physical Therapy), Arvie Vitente

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education To Prepare Physical Therapy Students For The Workforce, Marianne Hanover, Heather Pederson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) aims to enhance patient care by improving outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE), a teaching approach for IPC, is now mandated in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Although faculty perceptions of IPE in other healthcare fields are documented, studies exploring faculty attitudes in entry-level DPT programs remain limited. In this qualitative study, we investigated how DPT faculty perceive IPE as a means to prepare students for clinical practice. Using Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a guide, we collected data during interviews with PT faculty in DPT programs. Study findings suggest that the advancement of IPE in …

Occupational Therapist’S Role In Medicolegal, Danyl (Jj) W. Litumbe Jr.

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

From Awareness To Integration: Leading The Change For Occupational Therapy, Shirley A. Wells

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

In her lecture for the inaugural Dr. Lela A. Llorens Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Shirley A. Wells acknowledges the growing importance of creating more inclusive and equitable environments across all aspects of health care, with occupational therapy being no exception. Inclusion and integration are fundamental values that should be woven into every part of the practice of occupational therapy. It is not enough to be aware of these concepts; occupational therapists must actively engage in Acts of Inclusion and Integration in their delivery of care, collaboration with clients and colleagues, and shaping of the future …

Benefits Of Intergenerational Programming In Occupational Therapy, Rachel Mitchell

Honors Theses

Occupational therapy helps clients work toward their meaningful occupational goals. Within this career, a person’s roles and habits are also addressed and taken into account when creating intervention plans. Many individuals live in a multi-generational home, living with others of different generations, or even interacting with them in their daily lives. Intergenerational programming is designed to bring people of different generations together. Whether the client lives with someone from a different generation, or sees them in their life, it is vital to have an understanding of each other. Areas that can be addressed include mental health, cultural identity, social isolation …

Educating Future Nurse Practitioners And Physician Associates On Pretreatment Of Swallowing In Head And Neck Cancer, Hannah M. Berk, Erin L. O'Bryan, Imran Musaji, Carly A. Thomas, Jamie Harrington

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Head and neck cancer treatment frequently results in long-term severe swallowing deficits, often requiring feeding tube dependency. Patients who have completed swallowing exercise programs before and during cancer treatment experienced more positive swallowing outcomes, but most patients are not referred for swallowing intervention early enough in their care to prevent long-term deficits. This student research project aimed to measure health profession students’ knowledge of swallowing pretreatment for head and neck cancer patients and to investigate the impact of an educational module developed and presented by a Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate student to improve knowledge and awareness of this clinical …

Bridging Autism Care: Dental And Occupational Therapy School Collaboration, Trina Hoang, Divya Desai

Oral Health

This study examines the interdisciplinary collaboration between dental and occupational therapy schools to support dental education on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An occupational therapy student created a recorded training module to educate international dental students on ASD. The participants completed a self-reported pre- and post-survey questionnaire examining their confidence levels in interacting with the ASD population and their awareness of other healthcare professions. The survey results showed improvements in confidence levels for identifying characteristics of ASD, communicating with clients with ASD, identifying sensory-based strategies, navigating uncooperative behaviors, and providing education for at-home care. There was an increase in the awareness …

Post Spinal Cord Injury (Sci) Related Depression And Anxiety, Felecia Marshall

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This article aims to examine the prevalence, significant factors, and clinical significance of depression and anxiety in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Depression and anxiety are common after an SCI. These problems are difficult to recover from and, as such, can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. This article stresses the need for early diagnosis and treatment with both cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatments for those with SCI. Mental health can be improved through this method. A comprehensive search of studies in PubMed was conducted. In 10 peer-reviewed articles, researchers uncovered findings concerning the …

Pain Neuroscience Education In A Telehealth Format: A Case Report, Jason E. Grandeo, Lee Ann Eagler

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Abstract:

Background and Purpose: Describe if pain neuroscience education via telehealth is beneficial for an older adult with persistent pain.

Case Description: A 76 year old female presented with persistent pain in the low back and neck. Pain neuroscience education was delivered via telehealth through book club format and with flash cards.

Outcomes

NPRS improved over the 7 sessions. ROM measures did not show improvement. Fear avoidance belief scores showed significant improvement. The patient reported: “The more understanding about the science behind pain, the more tolerable the pain becomes.”

Discussion:

PNE in a telehealth format is a viable option for …

Empowering Parenting & Bonding For Women With Young Children In A Transition Home, Payge Side, Mary Jan Greer Phd, Otr

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project was completed at Star of Hope, a transitional housing facility for women and children. A needs assessment revealed that mothers struggled with routine consistency, emotional regulation, and parent–child bonding due to environmental demands. In response, a customized parenting guidebook was developed using occupational therapy principles to provide structure, bonding activities, and self-reflection strategies. Mothers who engaged with the guidebook reported improvements in organization, confidence, and interactions with their children. Sustainability was supported by leaving the guidebook with the facility and training staff for continued use. The project highlights the impact of simple, structured OT interventions in …