Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Patients’ And Carers’ Experiences Of The Postoperative Care Pathway Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Descriptive Qualitative Study, Dima Nasrawi, Sharon Latimer, Debbie Massey, Brigid M. Gillespie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: This study aimed to understand patients’ and carers’ experiences of the inpatient postoperative care pathway during Phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation, including patients’ recommendations to improve its delivery, their engagement, and discharge preparation.

Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study. Recruitment occurred over 1 month (February to March 2023) in a cardiac surgical ward at a large tertiary hospital. Adult patients who had recently undergone coronary artery bypass grafting and their carers were interviewed. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse interviews.

Results: Nine patients and five carers were interviewed. Patients were mainly male (n=8), while carers were mostly female …

Safety And Effectiveness Of Behavioural Activation For Chronic Pain: A Protocol For A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomised Controlled Trials, Fangyuan Zheng, Laura Hynes, Richard J. Gray, Irene Ngune, Jacqueline Sin, Martin Jones

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain is a prevalent and complex condition associated with substantial physical, psychological, and social burden. Behavioural activation (BA), a structured psychological intervention originally developed for depression, may be relevant to chronic pain through its focus on reducing behavioural avoidance and increasing engagement in meaningful activities. Although BA has been applied in studies involving people with chronic pain, the safety and effectiveness of BA in this population have not been comprehensively synthesised. This systematic review and meta-analysis will examine the safety and effectiveness of BA for people with chronic pain.

Supporting Occupational Engagement And Regulation For Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis, Robert E. Oehl 3rd, Zeida Gutierrez

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children diagnosed with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) can face cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms. The symptoms they experience can be barriers to participation in occupations and activities of daily living. For occupational therapy, there is very limited resources for pediatric MS specifically, and it is almost an unknown diagnosis. Occupational therapy in management can help ensure that children reach their developmental milestones in mobility, grasp, social, cognitive, and academic circles. This capstone project was meant to improve awareness and comprehensive treatment and resources through program development. The capstone experience resulted in a project featuring a webinar about pediatric MS and …

Unleashing Potential: Educating Ot Practitioners On Animal-Assisted Therapy For Children With Cp, Karley B. Smith, Lakeisa Boykin

Summer 2026 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop and evaluate the efficacy of an animal-assisted therapy educational package for occupational therapy practitioners treating children with cerebral palsy. This educational package serves as an adjunctive occupational therapy service to address the ongoing need for engaging, holistic interventions that support motor development and participation. The primary focus of this project is practitioner education and training to promote safe, structured, and clinically sound integration of animal-assisted therapy into occupational therapy practice. The methods for this project included a literature review, informal needs assessment, development of an educational package, QR code video demonstrations, …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of An Occupation‑Based Telehealth Intervention For Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Bernard A. Muriithi, Milan Bimali, Mario Schootman

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

Introduction

Cancer survivors frequently experience occupational performance challenges during early survivorship, and telehealth may offer a feasible approach to deliver interventions during this period.

Methods

This pilot randomized controlled trial included 17 adults in the first year following breast or prostate cancer diagnosis, assigned to the ActiveHeal Cancer Program (ACP) or a control group. ACP consisted of six 75‑minute occupation‑focused virtual group sessions and weekly follow‑up telephone calls delivered by occupational therapists over 12 weeks. Control participants attended three brief virtual meetings without therapeutic intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using validated measures, attendance, and completion rates. The exploratory outcomes …

Physiological, Cognitive, Behavioral, And Perceptual Contributors To Falls Risk Across Middle And Older Adulthood, Jacquelyn Moxey

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Falls are multifactorial events influenced by physiological, cognitive, behavioral, and perceptual factors. Although falls prevention research has traditionally focused on older adults and objectively measured physical impairments, less is known about how cognitive performance, physical activity, and perceptions of ability collectively contribute to falls risk vulnerability across middle and older adulthood. This dissertation examined these relationships through three complementary studies.

Study 1 examined associations between cognitive screening performance and physiological falls risk in 315 community-dwelling older adults. Lower global cognitive performance was associated with greater physiological falls risk. Performance on items reflecting attention and visuospatial/executive function demonstrated the strongest domain-level …

Naturalistic Classroom And Home Practices To Support Executive Function And Self-Regulation Of Typically Developing Preschool Children Between The Ages Of 3-5 Years Old: A Mixed Method Study, Michelle Ann Burek

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Executive function (EF) and self-regulation (SR) are foundational developmental processes supporting young children’s participation in play, learning, social relationships, and everyday occupations. Although important to school readiness, social competence, health, and well-being, these skills are often examined in structured settings rather than the natural environments in which children develop. Guided by ecological, developmental, and occupational therapy perspectives, this dissertation examined EF and SR within children’s everyday participation and explored caregiver and teacher roles in supporting these processes.

This dissertation consists of three interconnected studies. The first was a systematic review of peer-based interventions to improve social participation among children and …

Building Bridges: Connecting Biomechanics And Lived Experience In Bertolotti's Syndrome, Andrea Morgan Muffly

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Bertolotti’s Syndrome (BSy), characterized by the presence of a lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), represents a complex clinical entity that affects not only the physical health of the individual, but the quality of their daily life. Prior research on BSy focused on epidemiology, not lived experience, revealing inconsistencies in diagnostic inconsistencies of LSTV morphology. A three-tiered diagnostic system is proposed to streamline the reporting of LSTV subtypes. We examined how BSy is diagnosed, its symptoms, presentation, and how this impacts individuals’ ability to participate in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). We conducted a multi …

Faculty Conceptualizations Of Recreational Therapy And Disability: Influences On The Formal, Hidden, And Null Curricula In Undergraduate Recreational Therapy Education, Shelly Lynne Beaver

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Undergraduate education is a bedrock of professional preparation for entry-level recreational therapists, shaping their scope of practice, philosophical orientations, and approaches to service delivery. While significant attention has been given to the development of a formal recreational therapy curriculum – explicitly taught knowledge, skills, and competencies – little is known about the hidden and null curricula that may implicitly or unintentionally shape students’ professional identities, values, and beliefs. While these less explicit curricular dimensions may have profound effects on how preservice recreational therapists conceptualize both recreational therapy and disability, their impact remains largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this research …

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). …

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.

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, …

Codesign And Implementation Of A Tai Chi Intervention For Managing The Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance And Depression Symptom Cluster In Breast Cancer Survivors In Regional Australia: A Feasibility Study Protocol, Suellen Skinner, Wai Hang Kwok, Jing Yu Benjamin Tan, Tao Wang, Daniel Bressington, Liqun Yao, Brona Nic Giolla Easpaig

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Breast cancer survivors (BCS) often experience side effects such as the fatigue, sleep disturbance and depression symptom cluster (FSDSC). Previous studies have demonstrated the potential efficacy of Tai Chi (TC) for improving FSDSC in BCS in a hospital setting in China. This study will explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effects of the Easy 8 Form TC protocol as an adjuvant therapy in BC survivorship care, adapted to a regional Australian community setting.

Methods and analysis: The purpose of the present study is to provide a codesigned TC protocol. This multimethod study comprises a codesign study, followed by a …

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. …