Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Therapeutic Neuroscience Education For Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain And Its Effect On Activity Level, Pain Perception, And Function, Stephen Burton, Amber Domingo, Ryan Spencer

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant cause of disability and inactivity in the United States. Patients with chronic pain are often symptomatic even in the absence of tissue damage. This is a major reason patients need to be educated about their pain. Cognitions such as fear, anxiety and faulty beliefs may impact the pain experiences and changing cognitions are important in changing pain behavior. If patients understand that the pain they are experiencing may not be a true indication of the health of their tissues, they may experience less fear of their pain, and may be able …

Effects Of Cervical Spine Manipulation On Balance And Joint Proprioception In Asymptomatic Individuals: Plausibility And Pilot Study, Kimberly Drayer, Michael Kauwe

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Balance issues are prevalent in all ages of the population and can lead to many debilitating secondary impairments. There are various methods for treating balance problems, one of which is cervical spine manipulation (CSM). It seems to be biologically plausible that CSM would be an effective intervention, as it elicits effects in the same systems that are impaired in people with balance issues: vestibular, visual, and somatosensory.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the immediate differences in balance and proprioception following a CSM in asymptomatic subjects.

Design: An experimental, cross-over study design was used

Methods: …

Characteristics Of Subjects Who Avoid Activities And Participation Due To A Fear Of Falling In Parkinson’S Disease, Russell Gourlie, Spencer Sorensen, Rithea Vong

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine and identify key characteristics of and differences between people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) who exhibit moderate/high fear of falling avoidance behaviors and those that exhibit low fear of falling avoidance behaviors.

Subjects: A total of 24 subjects (5 females, 19 males; mean age= 72.2, SD=9.1) participated in this study.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to identify descriptive characteristics of subjects with PD associated with moderate/high levels of fear avoidance behavior (MHA) or low levels of fear avoidance (LA) as measured by the Fear of Falling Avoidance-Behavior …

Decreasing Fall Risk In Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Reynaldo Joseph Ballesteros Jr., Kellie Ann Hislop, Chanita Mary Panchasarp

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This thesis project was created to help promote fall risk awareness in older adults who are living in the community with a serious mental illness. This project consisted of a 3-part multifactorial intervention plan that focused on increasing fall risk awareness and promoting participation in healthy lifestyles. Environmental modifications were made to the facility to create a safe environment and minimize the risk of falls. An exercise video was created and piloted with the residents of a facility for people with serious mental illness. The video included strength and balance exercises which minimize the risks of falling. An inservice was …

Increasing Fall Self-Efficacy And Awareness Of Fall Risks Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Dona Diane Andersen, Brian Edwin Dinozo, Heather Vengco Enrile, Brittany Anne Hutchison

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a modified version of the Stepping On fall prevention program in increasing fall self-efficacy and awareness of fall risks in community-dwelling older adults.

Method: This research study utilized a quantitative, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest singlegroup design with a qualitative element. The fall prevention program was the intervention of this study. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) was a pre and post measurement tool. The Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), the Romberg test, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) were screening tools. Fourteen older adults aged 75 …

Developing A Comprehensive Handwriting Curriculum Utilizing The Handwriting Without Tears™ Approach For Typically Developing Elementary School Aged Children, Taryn Nicole Clough, Jane C. Malone, Christina Marilyn Robertson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

It is estimated that 27% of school-aged children in the United States have handwriting difficulties (McHale & Cermak, 1992). According to Hammerschmidt and Sudsawad (2004), illegible handwriting is the most common reason for referral to occupational therapy services; 49.2% of total referrals. Previous research on handwriting intervention supports that task-oriented handwriting instructional methods, such as Handwriting Without Tears™ (HWT), are among the most effective handwriting intervention approaches (Lust & Donica, 2011; Olsen, 2011; Weintraub et al., 2009). The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive handwriting curriculum based on the HWT™ technique, including the new IPad application and …

Kindergarten Readiness: The Impact Of Sensory Integration On Preschool Children's Readiness For The Transition To Kindergarten, Laura Alexandria Boyd, Shannon Logan Sobieraj

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

The goal of this quantitative, descriptive pilot study was to identify the frequency of sensory processing disorders (SPD) in preschool students who are preparing for the transition into kindergarten. The research also explored the relationship between preschool teachers' perspectives of challenging classroom behavior and parents' reports of sensory processing in the home. Researchers distributed the Sensory Processing Measure for Preschoolers (SPM-P) assessment to parents and a behavioral questionnaire to teachers in three northern California preschools. Thirty-two SPM-P assessments were distributed to parents and 15 (47%) were accurately completed and returned. Of this sample, 2 (13%) student scores on the SPM-P …

Healthy Seniors: A Program Evaluation, Andrea Edith Maffei, Matthew Alexander Patjawee, Jamie Christine Thompson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research study was to perform a summative evaluation of the Healthy Seniors program at Dominican University of California, a wellness program for older adults facilitated by occupational therapy students and faculty.

METHOD: A non-experimental mixed-methods descriptive research design composed of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to analyze data from the 2011 Healthy Seniors sessions.

RESULTS: The majority of participants in the Dominican University of California Healthy Seniors program were women between the ages of 75 and 85. Overall, participants in the Healthy Seniors program improved in functional status and were satisfied with their experience. …

Circles Of Connection: Finding Social Connectedness And Meaning Within Group Process, Julianna F. Bratsberg, Aundrea Marcella Roberts, Susan R. Untiedt

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Social participation is an area of occupation that can increase and enhance an individual’s participation in life. This is particularly true in senior housing communities where common issues of aging and adjustment can be addressed while reducing feelings of social isolation. The purpose of this demonstration project was to provide a venue where older adults living at The Redwoods, a senior housing community in Mill Valley, California, could share and develop meaningful strategies for living, and ultimately foster a sense of connectedness, which would affect quality of life. The project’s goals were to create and implement a series of process …

Bridging The Gap For First Generation Students (Bg4fgs): An Occupation-Based Peer Mentoring Program At Dominican University Of California, Victoria Danielle Rivera, Marion De Celis Sarte, Alison Jean Wiggam

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Attending college is a major milestone in the lives of students. The transition to college can be a challenging process for new students, particularly first-generation students, impacting their ability to meet the more rigorous academic demands and to integrate socially into the campus community (Prospero & Vohra-Gupta, 2007; Ramos-Sanchez & Nichols, 2007). To ease the transition to college, peer mentoring programs can assist new college students by offering guidance, one-on-one and group sessions, providing information about campus life and resources, and referring them to support services (Ferrari, 2004; Lennox & Leonard, 2007). The project developers collaborated with Dominican University of …

An Analysis Of Occupational Therapists’ Listening Behaviors During Treatment Sessions, Steven Joseph Devilbiss, Andreanna Marie Rodriquez, Maria Tolentino

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Background and purpose. Given the importance of listening in establishing a therapeutic relationship between healthcare providers and clients, there is a lack of research investigating the listening behaviors occupational therapists (OTs) use in clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to analyze what verbal and nonverbal listening behaviors OTs employ in clinical treatment sessions.

Subjects. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit five OTs and five clients working with those OTs.

Methods. An observational study was used to investigate the verbal and nonverbal listening behaviors OTs employed during the first five minutes of each clinical treatment session. Each …

Effect Of Aquatic Immersion On Static Balance, Talin J. Louder

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Objective To quantitatively assess measures of static balance and limits of stability (LOS) in an aquatic environment compared to on land. Methods Fifteen healthy, young adults (23 + or - 2 years) performed 90 s static balance trials on land and aquatic immersion at two different depths (greater trochanter, xiphoid process). Measures of 95% ellipse area and center of pressure (CoP) mean velocity were computed from the force data. Additionally, participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS) of perceived stability for each environmental condition. Following the static balance trials, participants performed anterior-posterior and medial-lateral LOS assessments. Results Significant differences in …

Anterior Cervical Decompression And Fusion On Neck Range Of Motion, Pain And Function: A Prospective Analysis, Kate Addis, Jason Longhurst, Bree-Lyn Vom Steeg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Summary of background data: Intractable cervical radiculopathy secondary to stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus is commonly treated with an anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedure (ACDF). However, there is little evidence in the literature that demonstrates the impact such surgery has on long term range of motion outcomes

Study Design: Prospective, non--‐experimental.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare cervical range of motion and patient reported outcomes in patients before and after a 1, 2 or 3 level ACDF.

Patient Sample: 46 patients.

Methods: Patients undergoing an ACDF for cervical radiculopathy had their cervical range …

The Acute Effects Of Upper Extremity Stretching On Throwing Velocity In Untrained Baseball Throwers, Ashley Delobel, Lanisa Harveson, Jason Melton, Michael Williams

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching of shoulder internal rotators on throwing velocity as compared to a typical dynamic warm-up.

Subjects: 27 male untrained throwers (mean age = 25.1 years old, SD =2.4) with basic knowledge of throwing mechanics.

Methods:The study was conducted over a series of three sessions with at least one week between each session. During each session, subjects warmed-up, threw 10 pitches, were randomly assigned to one of three separate stretching protocols, and then threw 10 more pitches.The three protocols were static stretching, …

Using Over-The-Counter Ear Filters As A Treatment To Improve Dizziness And Balance In Patients Diagnosed With A Traumatic Brain, Brandy Sue Whitney

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and purpose: People diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) usually have physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep deficits. Sensory overload is a common symptom of TBI. One treatment prescribed for sensory overload is over the counter ear filters. Ear filters have shown to decrease sensory input. Could the ear filters have an effect on balance and dizziness without much cost to the patient or the clinic?

Subjects: Patients diagnosed with a mild or moderate brain injury, ages of 18-65 years old. They needed to be medically stable, potential to walk, and have complaints of dizziness and/or balance problems.

Methods: …

Gait Analysis Of Teenagers And Young Adults Diagnosed With Autism & Severe Verbal Communication Disorders, Michael J. Weiss, Matthew F. Moran, Mary E. Parker, John T. Foley

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Both movement differences and disorders are common within autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These differences have wide and heterogeneous variability among different ages and sub-groups all diagnosed with ASD. Gait was studied in a more homogeneously identified group of nine teenagers and young adults who scored as “severe” in both measures of verbal communication and overall rating of Autism on the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS). The ASD individuals were compared to a group of typically developing university undergraduates of similar ages. All participants walked a distance of 6-meters across a GAITRite (GR) electronic walkway for six trials. The ASD and …

Test-Retest Reliability And Responsiveness Of Gaze Stability And Dynamic Visual Acuity In High School And College Football Players, Denise Kaufman, Mallory Puckett, Mitchell Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish reliability and responsiveness of the active dynamic visual acuity test (DVAT) at speeds of 150 to 200 degrees per second (deg/sec) and the gaze stabilization test (GST) in high school and college football players.

Design: Reliability design

Setting, Participants, Main Outcome Measures: A total of 50 high school and college football athletes completed vestibulo-ocular reflex testing using the DVAT and GST in the yaw (horizontal) and pitch (vertical) planes on two separate occasions within 14 days.

Results: Test-retest reliability for the DVAT was good in yaw, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (3,3) …

Modern Technology And An Aging Population: Can The Use Of The Wii Fit Gaming System Improve Functional Balance In Community Dwelling Seniors?, Curtis N. Phillips

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Seniors are a growing segment of the population of the United States. By 2030 they will make up nearly 20% of the general population. Senior citizens face many health challenges as they age. Injury due to falling is a major concern for many in this age group. Research shows that approximately one third of seniors will fall each year. Injuries that result from falls have been identified as the number one cause of accidental death in this age group each year. While falls have been studied by researchers for a number of years, and some progress has been made in …

Reliability And Validity Of The Ne1 Wound Assessment Tool (Wat), Stephanie Coon, Faustina Tran, Melinda Vicencio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Current literature indicates a lack of reliability and validity of existing pressure ulcer (PrU) staging systems. This prompted the development of the N.E. One Can Stage (NEOCS). Recently this tool was modified and renamed, the NE1 Wound Assessment Tool (NE1 WAT). The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of the NE1 WAT.

Subjects:

A sample of convenience of nine physical therapists (PTs) and 11 nurses (RNs) with PrU staging as part of their routine work duties were included in this study.

Methods:

A written exam was administered and consisted of assessment questions …

Land-Based Exercise And Its Effect On Quality Of Life Outcomes In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review, Cody R. Buckner, Lindsay C. Martin, Michael L. Soukup

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine effectiveness of land-based exercise interventions for improving quality of life (QOL) of individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: A systematic search included PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Academic Search Premier, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Inclusion criteria included land-based exercise interventions aimed to improve lower extremity strength and QOL, published since 2000. Exclusion criteria included OA of joints other than the knee, and aquatic-based and surgical interventions. Studies were evaluated using a modified version of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) methodology score.

Results: Level of …