Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Gaming: Occupation-Based Nbcot Exam Preparation, Ilse Coleman, Jamie Kauffman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a novel, unique, and effective preparation tool for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification examination.

A literature review of 40 evidence-based journal articles addressed adult learning principles; guidelines for facilitating learning; types of, advantages, and disadvantages of using gaming in higher education; and preparation methods for high-stakes examinations. Information reviewed also included current preparation tools; exam blueprint; and domain, task, and knowledge statements ofthe NBCOT certification examination.

An Open Book: NBCOT Exam Prep Game is a board game that can be used as a supplementary preparation tool …

An After-School Wellness Program For Children In Low Socioeconomic Neighborhoods, Sarah Faehnrich, Kalee Mccann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an interdisciplinary after-school program for fifth graders living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods. This program entitled Let’s Move, Cook, and Learn With Friends! is intended to reduce obesity through promoting healthy habits in children by increasing physical activity, consumption of healthy food, and positive interactions with peers. Childhood obesity is a worldwide epidemic that can result in lifelong health problems if not treated proactively (Vizcaino et al., 2008). Therefore, the goal of this scholarly project is to raise their knowledge about obesity and decrease the risk factors for childhood obesity.

A literature …

Cross-Generational Occupation-Based Interventions For Upper Extremity Injuries, William B. Creel, Blake L. Sweney

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Decreased adherence to therapy protocols after upper extremity injury has been correlated with increased risk of re-injury and decreased general therapy outcomes. Occupation-based therapy has been shown to increase adherence to therapy protocol. To date, there have been several occupation-based protocols in upper-extremity musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but never one that addresses occupation across the lifespan and attempts to develop a tool to assist therapist in developing occupation based protocols specific to the developmental group.

The main theoretical background for the development of the clinical tool was the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and Erickson's Developmental Stages Model. An extensive literature review …

Transitioning To Retirement: Useful Topics For A Wellness Program With Retired Older Adults, Katie Spitzmueller, Amy Feller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Retirement has evolved from traditional stereotypes to an individualized plan. Transitioning into retirement can be a stressful time and it is generally accepted that pre-retirement attitudes impact post-retirement success (Marshall, Clarke & Ballantyne, 2001). A wellness program can make the transition into retirement less difficult by incorporating different dimensions of wellness: social, intellectual, occupational, physical, emotional, and spiritual (Strout & Howard, 2012). Currently there is very little research indicating the effectiveness of a wellness program that addresses these dimensions. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight into useful topics for a wellness program based on perspectives of …

A School-Based Reintegration Program For Children With Limb Loss: The Role Of Occupational Therapy, Allison Sussman, Samantha Hoy

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to assist in treatment planning for school-based occupational therapists providing services to children who have suffered a traumatic limb loss. The goal of this scholarly project was to promote successful reintegration into the school setting as children with traumatic limb loss have been found to encounter difficulties returning to full participation in valued occupations including being a student and a friend (Michelsen, Van Wijk, & Ketelaar, 2010). There has been limited research conducted focusing on the role of occupational therapists when working with children in the school setting who have experienced traumatic …

A Protocol For Animal Assisted Therapy In A Midwestern Hospital, Alexie J. Traiser, Katie J. Huot

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been shown to improve physiological, psychological, social, and physical aspects of clients (Miller & Ingram, 2000; Diefenbeck, Bouffard, Matukaitis, Hastings & Coble, 2010). AAT increases an individual’s strength, cognition, range of motion, and balance (Miller & Ingram, 2000). The use of animals within therapy also decreases anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and pain while also improving attention and social participation (Diefenbeck et al., 2010). The role of animals within AAT provides the therapist with a unique tool to utilize in various aspects of therapy. Depending on the treatment plan, the therapist can utilize the animal …

The Impact Of Multicultural Education Course On Therapist Cultural Competence, Gemma Cosky Saxon

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"The need for culturally skilled occupational therapists (OTs) has been documented for years" (Wittman & Velde, 2002). In 2009, Cherry, Kitchens, Nicholson, Soden, Tomkiewicz, Kedia & Shah found that 32.8% of their respondents did not know about the demand for culturally competent occupational therapy (OT) services and cultural factors that could influence a client's occupational performance. Of this group 55-85% rated themselves as having limited awareness.

The purpose of this proposed study was to assess the effectiveness of the University of North Dakota (UND) OT multicultural course in preparing graduates toward cultural competence. The assessment was then compared to the …

Experiential Learning And Its Impact On Critical Thinking, Vanessa Dvergsten, Alissa Haugen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: In occupational therapy education, it is unclear what educational methods best facilitate the development of critical thinking. Therefore, this pilot study explored whether Level I fieldwork coupled with reflective learning opportunities impacts the development of critical thinking skills.

Methods: The researchers employed a pre and post-test design which measured both self-perception of critical thinking and actual performance of critical thinking. Specifically, the Health Science Reasoning Test (HSRT) and a reflective writing assignment graded with a rubric were utilized to measure actual performance. The Self-Assessment of Critical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR) was used to measure self-perceived performance of critical thinking. …

Process To Incorporate A Therapy Service Dog In An Occupational Therapy Educational Program, Hanna Eickenbrock, Marlee Wheelhouse

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the scholarly project is to incorporate a therapy/service dog within the occupational therapy department at the University of North Dakota (UND). The therapy/service dog will be utilized as a support system for student’s and faculty’s health and well-being and as an educational tool for enhancing student learning. The authors completed the process of implementation by progressing through the hierarchical process of UND gatekeepers. Through the development of a legality and safety protocol, loan agreement, and purpose proposal, the authors obtained official approval to implement a therapy/service dog in the UND Occupational Therapy program.

Fostering Reading, Writing, And Communication Skills Through Intergenerational Relationships: An After-School Program, Cynthia Nelson, Laurel Prusak

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Intergenerational programs are known to bring older adults together with children in order to promote social inclusion, and increased self-confidence and motivation for both age groups (Hatton-Yeo, 2010). Programs of this nature have proven to influence greater academic outcomes and school performance, decreased criminal behavior and greater personal adaptability in younger populations (Hatton-Yeo, 2010). Research with community dwelling seniors who participated in intergenerational programs indicated that older adults showed a decrease in depressive symptomology after participating in weekly programming (Kamei et. al., 2011). While the outcomes of these studies clearly identify the benefits of intergenerational programming on both youth and …

Facilitating Play Amongst Siblings When One Is Diagnosed With Asd: Guide, Anne Lee, Kasie Parker

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Social Participation: An Occupational Therapy Guide To Intervention For Youth With Depressive Disorders, Alexandra L. Marvel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project is to present an intervention guide for occupational therapists working with children and adolescents diagnosed with or experiencing depressive disorders. This guide will focus on the occupation of social participation.

Methods: An extensive literature review of evidence-based journal articles addressed the definition of depressive disorders in both adults and children and adolescents, the impact symptoms have on occupations and daily functioning, current treatment approaches, and the role of occupational therapy.

Results: The product of this scholarly project is an occupational therapy intervention guide to promote social participation for children and adolescents diagnosed with …

Occupational Therapists In Primary Care: Perceptions Of Incorporating New Interventions Into Practice, Roberta Reid, Allen Simpson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Due to an increased focus on prevention in current United States health care policy, an increasing number of occupational therapists have been integrating into primary care teams. There is little to no research available demonstrating the perceptions of practicing occupational therapists regarding primary care; specifically what barriers and opportunities are hindering and helping, and if current practitioners are considering transitioning to primary care. The purpose of this independent study was to conduct a focus group with practicing therapists to explore OT perceptions regarding the potential role they might play in primary care and how/if they might begin this process in …

Occupation-Based Leisure Interventions For Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury, Jaclyn Swangstue, Whitney Josephson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide occupational therapists with a practical guide for implementing occupation-based leisure interventions for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). In recent years, the occupational therapy (OT) profession has seen a shift from a biomechanically driven paradigm back to the occupation-centered practice from which OT is rooted. Though the definition and mission of OT involves the use of occupation-centered interventions, this vision is not always evident within current treatment plans for people with a SCI diagnosis. Research has indicated that leisure participation is essential for this population due to the physical benefits and …

Implications Of Huntington's Disease On Daily Living: An Educational Tool And Guide For Occupational Therapists Treating Individuals With Huntington's Disease, Jacquelin Jones, Megan Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause stress on the individual as well as their family members and caregivers. Due to the rareness of Huntington’s disease (HD), it is common that professionals are often at a loss when treating patients who have it. Dawson et al. (2004) discussed the need for individualized and client-centered care for those individuals diagnosed with HD, as well as providing practical supports for those diagnosed and their families. Furthermore, a major challenge to assessment and intervention is the complexity of the symptoms present with HD. Etchgary (2011) found in her study that …

Addressing Vehicle Safety For Children With Additional Emotional And Behavioral Needs, Madeline Aandal, Bailey Stotts

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: More than 148,000 children were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2011 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Currently, while it is understood that transporting children with special needs likely to affect behaviors (SNLAB) provide safety challenges (Yonkman, Lawler, Talty, O’Neil, & Bull, 2013), there is little information regarding how to evaluate and intervene for this significant aspect of daily life. The purpose of this project was to develop an occupational therapy protocol for evaluation and intervention for car safety to be used by occupational therapists working with children who have emotional and behavioral needs.

Methodology: An extensive …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical And Occupational Therapy Students, Patricia Bisek, Hannah Owen, Maleeka Rozeboom, Leah Tunseth

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: A prior research study showed that the prevalence of hypermobility was higher among Physical and Occupational Therapy students as compared to the general population. The literature shows that certain injury rates are higher among those who are hypermobile. This has led to the question of whether or not hypermobility is directly related to injury and recurrence of injury.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) students for hypermobility as well as survey previous injury history. This study analyzed the prevalence of hypermobility with types of injuries in order …

Evaluation Of Program Satisfaction, Quality Of Life, Strength, And Fall Risk Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Participating In A Community Exercise Program, Rachel Bothun, Christine Gillespie, Zachariah Kvidt, Krista Moonnan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Exercise programs aimed at prevention of osteoporosis are effective in fall prevention and improving mobility in older adults. This trial examined whether the Bone Builder's community exercise program decreases fall risk and improves mobility in community dwelling females over the age of 60.

Methods: Fifty one females ages 60-90 who currently are participating in the Bone Builder's program volunteered to participate in four different assessments as well as two questionnaires. Tests included: the 4-stage balance, timed up and go, gait speed (measured with the GAITRite system), 30 second sit-to-stand, and grip strength. The Functional Efficacy …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Hip Muscle Activity During Stair Climbing: A Pilot Study, Alexander Barney, Mary Loken, Paige Torgerson, Lyndsey Wunderlich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Prior to this study, little evidence exists for a quality predictive tool correlating maximum velocity contraction (MVC) strength of the hip abductor muscles to walking and stair climbing (ascending/descending, side-stepping) ability. Stair climbing is an important functional activity of daily living and as physical therapists we are involved in training clients to ascend/descend stairs safely, which can be difficult for clients with hip abductor muscle weakness. Subjects: Eleven females voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. All participants were under the age of 30 years old, nonpregnant, physical therapy students without a current musculoskeletal injury. Methods: …

Low Back Pain: A Case Study, Samir Maleki

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint in the U.S., and has many possible causes. Multiple physical therapy interventions, including electrotherapy, traction, and lumbar stabilization exercises such as bridging and planking variations, have been shown to be very effective in reducing LBP. The purpose of this case study is to examine the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise and electrotherapy on LBP.

Case Description: The patient was a 43 year-old male, who had been experiencing LBP for the past year. He reported falling off of a truck and landing with his hand tucked into the …