Clinical Decision Making In Pelvic Floor Therapy The Ot Difference,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Clinical Decision Making In Pelvic Floor Therapy The Ot Difference, Diana Sisorova
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a life-altering and debilitating chronic condition that affects 28 millions of women in the United States alone, the prevalence of (PFD) among women ranges from 11.5% to 35%, (Radzimińska et al., 2017; Wu et al., 2009). This study affirms how occupational therapy practitioners can be essential resource in treating pelvic floor dysfunction from a holistic perspective by addressing the wide range of activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) impacted by pelvic floor dysfunction, particularly in women. Through a qualitative descriptive case study and a single key informant—an occupational therapist …
How Returning To Work And Sense Of Belonging Influence Acquired Brain Injury Survivors: A Descriptive Case Study,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
How Returning To Work And Sense Of Belonging Influence Acquired Brain Injury Survivors: A Descriptive Case Study, Shaina Saribay-Talana
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Purpose. This capstone project explored the experiences of an individual with acquired brain injury (ABI) returning to work (RTW), highlighting their sense of belonging (SoB) in the workplace. While literature emphasizes SoB's importance for mental health and quality of life, its impact on workplace reintegration for ABI individuals is underexplored. This project intended to address the gap in understanding ABI individuals' workplace belonging, potentially enhancing OT practices and outcomes for reintegration.Methods. A descriptive single case study approach using a qualitative phenomenology methodology, including semi-structured interviews and site observations, was used to gather insights from an individual who has re-entered the …
Rebuilding Father-Child Bonds: Group Therapeutic Writing For Fathers Transitioning From Incarceration,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Rebuilding Father-Child Bonds: Group Therapeutic Writing For Fathers Transitioning From Incarceration, Lynne Truong
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This project was a group therapeutic writing (TW) workshop that was an addition to the existing program at Hope for Prisoners (HFP) to facilitate self-awareness of father-children relationship for fathers who are previously incarcerated. This doctoral capstone project assessed the impact of a group therapeutic writing workshop led by the occupational therapist capstone student on emotional awareness, self-reflection, and communication skills among previously incarcerated fathers. The program aimed at helping fathers who were incarcerated in rebuilding relationships with their children by enhancing confidence, self-awareness, and emotional expression. The four-week therapeutic writing program provided the emotional and relational needs of participants …
Gaming Participation: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Esports Ergonomics,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Gaming Participation: An Occupational Therapy Approach To Esports Ergonomics, Althea Rivera-Millare
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Competitive e-sport gamers are increasingly at risk for repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) due to the prolonged and repetitive nature of their gaming demands. Current healthcare protocols often overlook the unique ergonomic needs of this population, potentially leading to decreased occupational performance and dysfunction. This study aims to develop and evaluate an evidence-based ergonomic protocol tailored specifically to e-sport gamers who primarily use a mouse and keyboard, with the goal of reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and enhancing gaming performance. Grounded in the principles of occupational therapy, the study emphasizes occupation-based interventions that address the specific occupational demands of e-sport …
Emerging Adult Gamers: Nutritional Insights On Dietary Intake, Physical Well-Being, And Occupational Performance,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Emerging Adult Gamers: Nutritional Insights On Dietary Intake, Physical Well-Being, And Occupational Performance, Justine Dualan Tuason
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This study aimed to gather insights from Emerging Adult (EA) gamers (between 18 and 24) regarding their nutritional literacy, dietary patterns, and its potential impacts on their occupational performance and physical well-being. There is a need to gather gamers' perspectives to identify the specific facilitators and barriers regarding their ability to discern appropriate dietary choices, as it provides more information regarding preventative and client-centered measures for future healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to address this population's needs, as the profession's holistic principles allow for a well-rounded and sustainable approach. Additionally, growing emphasis is placed on preventative rather …
Comparison Of Gluteal Muscle Central Activation In Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Comparison Of Gluteal Muscle Central Activation In Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Michael Carpio, John S. Donohue, Jacob P. Kissman
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Purpose/Hypothesis: Individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) often present with knee valgus during weight-bearing activities. Weakness in the gluteal muscles is thought to contribute to this condition, but recent studies suggest that hip weakness might be a secondary problem in this population. Central nervous system adaptations have been noted in persons with PFP, which can lead to altered muscle function, faulty movement patterns, and poor function. Experimentally, central activation can be quantified by a central activation ratio (CAR) via superimposed burst (SIB) during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) where the ratio of volitionally activated motor units to total motor units …
Correlation Between Atnr Retention And Sensory Processing Difficulties In A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Population,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Correlation Between Atnr Retention And Sensory Processing Difficulties In A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Population, Cassaundra H. Abernathy
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
This study aimed to examine the correlation between retained Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) and sensory processing difficulties in children. A review of the literature available contributed to understanding the relationship between these; however, the limited research indicated a need for further examination to provide practitioners with evidence-based research for comprehensive care and improved occupational performance in children. A small correlational study was conducted using the snowball method with convenience sampling. The study yielded six participants from an occupational therapy outpatient clinic, A Clubhouse for Kids. Caregivers completed the Sensory Profile 2 in hard copy to assess their child's sensory …
Ethnoracial Characterization Of Cognitive Function And Activities Of Daily Living In Neurodegenerative Diseases,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Ethnoracial Characterization Of Cognitive Function And Activities Of Daily Living In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Justine A. Bachmann
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Objective: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), lead to progressive cognitive and functional decline, which significantly affects individuals’ ability to perform their everyday Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Occupational Therapist (OTs) assess cognitive impairments and their impact on daily function by utilizing tools like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to guide intervention planning. However, research on the MoCA’s effectiveness across ethnoracial groups is limited, raising potential biases in the accuracy of cognitive assessments. This study examines the relationship between cognitive function, measured by the MoCA, and functional impairment, assessed using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), among ethnoracial older adults …
Empowering Educators To Improve Social Emotional Behaviors Among K-8 Students: Quality Improvement Project,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Empowering Educators To Improve Social Emotional Behaviors Among K-8 Students: Quality Improvement Project, Paige Yael Bister
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Social and emotional learning (SEL) encompasses essential skills for effectively managing and expressing emotions. Studies have shown that SEL strengthens early education while supporting students' lifelong success by fostering positive behaviors within and beyond the classroom. In school settings, occupational therapists (OTs) aim to empower children to thrive as students and as social beings through targeted interventions and educational support for parents and teachers. In private school settings, limited access to occupational therapy services may impact teachers' ability to implement SEL strategies effectively.This capstone project addressed gaps in teachers' knowledge and confidence in applying the Zones of Regulation SEL curriculum …
Bridging The Gap: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Interoception Resources For Pediatric Oncology Ots,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Bridging The Gap: A Quality Improvement Initiative To Enhance Interoception Resources For Pediatric Oncology Ots, Dana Louise Lomotan Doolittle
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Chemotherapy administered to children and youth diagnosed with pediatric cancers may induce side effects such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, and other distressing symptoms that could impact the ability to meet occupational needs and desires in daily functioning. The occupational therapy discipline incorporates mindfulness strategies to target these symptoms for increased body awareness in children with cancer, though interoception’s role within the pediatric oncology population is obscure. Furthermore, there are implicated demands described in the literature for more established pediatric oncology rehabilitation programs to attend to the specific needs of the population and to advocate for occupational therapy’s role in the …
Plagiocephaly In Premature Infants: Enhancing Nicu Caregiver Education,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Plagiocephaly In Premature Infants: Enhancing Nicu Caregiver Education, Hailee Efferson
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Objective: To improve NICU nurses’ confidence in preventing and managing plagiocephaly in premature infants through a one-on-one educational session.Design: One-group post-test design for a quality improvement initiative. Setting: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. Participants: 20 NICU Nurses. Measures: Post-session questionnaire including close-ended Likert scale and open-ended questions. Results: Mean scores ranged from 3.5 to 4.0, with the highest rating for the helpfulness of the session format (mean = 4.0) and the lowest for confidence in alternating infant positioning (mean = 3.5). Standard deviations ranged from 0 to 0.59, indicating strong agreement regarding the session format …
Enhancing Therapeutic Use Of Self: The Value Of Unfolding Case Studies In Occupational Therapy Education,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Enhancing Therapeutic Use Of Self: The Value Of Unfolding Case Studies In Occupational Therapy Education, Janel Marie Gozum
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Objective: This capstone project evaluated the effectiveness of using unfolding case studies (UCS) as a supplemental instructional method to enhance occupational therapy (OT) students’ self-efficacy (SE) in applying therapeutic use of self (TUOS), a core competency in OT education.Methods: Four workshop modules were delivered to and completed by OT students (n=3) enrolled in the occupational therapy doctorate program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The sessions included instructional content, guided discussions, unfolding case study activities, and a TUOS competency. The Self-Efficacy for Therapeutic Use of Self (SETUS) Questionnaire was administered at four points throughout to monitor perceived self-efficacy over …
Acquired Brain Injury Education: Utilizing Unfolding Case Studies To Improve Critical Thinking Skills In Occupational Therapy Students,
2025
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Acquired Brain Injury Education: Utilizing Unfolding Case Studies To Improve Critical Thinking Skills In Occupational Therapy Students, Katherine Hathaway
UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones
Acquired brain injuries (ABI), including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and anoxia, affect millions worldwide, and often result in long-term impairments in daily functioning. Despite the need for specialized, ongoing care, many individuals with ABI lack access to adequate long-term rehabilitation services, and families report substantial caregiver burden due to limited resources and poor care coordination. Occupational therapy plays a critical role in meeting the needs of this population; however, many entry-level practitioners feel underprepared to manage the complex challenges associated with ABI, largely due to limited training and exposure. This capstone project aimed to address this educational gap by implementing …
Toward An Understanding Of Loneliness And Social Participation In Serious Mental Illness,
2025
Washington University in St. Louis
Toward An Understanding Of Loneliness And Social Participation In Serious Mental Illness, Samantha B. Randolph
WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs
Loneliness is an immense challenge facing the majority of Americans with Serious Mental Illness. Loneliness is linked to negative outcomes, including heart disease, reduced quality of life, and early mortality. Current loneliness interventions (e.g., social skills training, social support) do not effectively address all the complex factors that lead to loneliness in this population. More work is needed, therefore, to better understand how to optimally research and prevent loneliness among individuals with Serious Mental Illness, who experience unique barriers to social integration/participation and dwell in complex settings, such as permanent supportive housing. The presented dissertation aims to address current gaps …
Empowering Families: Enhancing Early Intervention Through Caregiver Coaching,
2025
University of South Dakota
Empowering Families: Enhancing Early Intervention Through Caregiver Coaching, Kylie G. Wersal
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
The early years of life are critical for shaping developmental outcomes, especially for children with disabilities, developmental delays, or challenges. This 14-week capstone project aimed to strengthen caregiver coaching strategies within the early intervention (EI) setting using Minnesota’s Evidence-Based Quality Intervention Practices (EQIP) approach, the Primary Service Provider (PSP) model, and the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model. Emphasis was placed on developing in-depth clinical skills, fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, and advocating for improved awareness of the EI referral process. Caregiver coaching promoted routine-based, family-centered strategies that supported both child development and enhanced caregivers’ confidence. Self-reflection and mentor observation indicated measurable …
Rays Of Resilience:Tbri® Nurture Group© Intervention For Improved Social-Emotional Development In Head Start,
2025
University of South Dakota
Rays Of Resilience:Tbri® Nurture Group© Intervention For Improved Social-Emotional Development In Head Start, Madison Carlson
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face challenges that impact their developmental trajectory, family dynamics, and occupational engagement (CDC, 2021a). Rays of Resilience is a trauma-informed occupational therapy capstone project designed to enhance social-emotional skills in preschoolers at a rural Head Start program guided by the TBRI® framework and the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Using Nurture Group© small group intervention, collaboration with staff, and engagement with caregivers, this project targeted social-emotional development and relationship building in children with a higher risk of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Fifteen students participated in weekly lessons focused on self-regulation, identifying emotions, and communicating wants …
Functional Electrical Stimulation For Foot Drop: A Narrative Review,
2025
University of South Dakota
Functional Electrical Stimulation For Foot Drop: A Narrative Review, Garrett R. Watson
Honors Thesis
Foot drop (FD) is a neuromuscular impairment that limits ankle dorsiflexion during walking. It often leads to unsafe gait patterns, increases the risk of falls, and reduces independence. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool that activates muscles or nerves to improve foot clearance and support motor recovery. Unlike passive devices such as ankle-foot orthoses, FES promotes active neuromuscular engagement and may foster long-term improvements through neuroplastic adaptation. This narrative review examines the causes and clinical consequences of FD and evaluates the role of FES in restoring functional mobility. Key topics include FES technologies, stimulation parameters, …
An Occupation-Based Intervention Program To Address The Mental Health Needs Of Students In Rural School Systems,
2025
University of South Dakota
An Occupation-Based Intervention Program To Address The Mental Health Needs Of Students In Rural School Systems, Caitlin A. Butterfield, Mackenzie Feldhacker Otd, Otr/L, Clt-Lana
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
In the United States, 20% of the population lives in rural areas, with many experiencing mental illness, including adolescents facing increased risks from unemployment, obesity, and limited mental health services (Berryhill et al., 2021; Morales et al., 2020). Rural youth also have a suicide rate twice as high as non-rural areas, highlighting the need for mental health interventions (Berryhill et al., 2021). This capstone project addressed the mental health needs of students in a rural school system through an occupation-based, multi-tiered intervention. Using a trauma-informed Occupational Therapy (OT) Public Health Approach aligned with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, …
A Sensory Group Program For General And Special Education Elementary Students,
2025
University of South Dakota
A Sensory Group Program For General And Special Education Elementary Students, Kamryn J. Olness
Occupational Therapy Capstone Presentations
The purpose of this 14-week capstone was to develop and implement a sensory group program for general and special education students within an elementary school. It aimed to explore the impact related to meeting sensory needs within the classroom. The program followed a weekly theme centered on each of the eight sensory systems to increase knowledge and self-regulation skills about various sensory inputs. A total of around 80 students participated in the sensory group program, including both general and special education students. A pre- and post-program survey was administered to determine the frequency of sensory needs demonstrated by the students …
Physical Therapists’ Confidence With Patients Expressing Suicidal Thoughts Or Behaviors,
2025
University of South Dakota
Physical Therapists’ Confidence With Patients Expressing Suicidal Thoughts Or Behaviors, Amber J. Schwanebeck
Honors Thesis
This study was conducted as part of an undergraduate honors thesis, and it explored how physical therapists feel and manage situations involving patients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Assessed via survey, the researchers gathered responses from practicing physical therapists, examining demographic information, confidence levels in managing suicidal situations, and a qualitative question about their perceived role in suicide prevention. Key findings revealed that most physical therapists did not routinely discuss suicide with patients. Despite this, many reported feeling confident in identifying patients with suicidal ideations, even in the absence of training. Individuals who received training after earning their physical therapy …
