Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Exploring The Relationship Between Handwriting Legibility And Praxis In Third And Fourth Grade Students, Denise K. Donica, Larymi Beck, Kathryn Mumford

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background. Research suggests praxis and sensory integration contributes to handwriting legibility in primary students. However, little research has demonstrated performance-based measures of praxis and its relationship to handwriting legibility. This study examined performance-based praxis skills of third and fourth grade students with and without handwriting difficulties (HD).

Method: Handwriting legibility and praxis were examined in 33 third and fourth grade students at a local primary school using the Handwriting Legibility Scale and five praxis tests from the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their handwriting legibility scores: students with HD (n = 6) …

State Of The Journal: The Importance Of Human Occupation, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Verbal Instruction For Reducing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk, Kazuna Ichikawa, Hironobu Kuruma, Sian Knott

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are serious for athletes because healing can take approximately 6–12 months. Some studies have suggested that verbal instruction can help reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. Verbal instruction is divided into two categories: internal focus (IF) verbal instruction and external focus (EF) verbal instruction; however, the optimal type of ACL instruction to prevent injury is unknown. No verbal instructions explicitly focus on the pelvis or trunk, even though proximal control or ACL injury prevention are considered significant. This study aimed to determine whether IF verbal instruction focused on proximal control of the trunk and …

Age-Related Balance Control Changes In Constrained-Speed Gait During A Concurrent Cognitive Task, Raymond Chong, Victoria Moore, Hope Brown Sampson, Heather Spears, Manh-Cuong Do

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: During walking, the center of mass (CoM) oscillates up and down in the sagittal plane. In the late-stance phase, as the CoM descends, its vertical velocity decreases before foot contact, indicating active neural balance control, which we refer to as CoM braking. Young adults tend to increase braking while maintaining step length and speed when performing a cognitive task, such as subtracting numbers. In contrast, older adults maintain consistent braking by reducing step length and speed. This study examined the effects of walking at constant self-selected, slower, or faster speeds on CoM braking and cognitive performance. Methods: Healthy young …

Advancing Prosthetic Technology: 3d-Printed Robotic Arm With Micro Linear Actuators, Vu Tran, Nathan Reed, Mahdi Yazdanpour

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing demand for affordable and accessible prosthetic solutions has driven innovation in the field of robotics. In this project, we present the design and development of a 3D-printed robotic prosthetic arm aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with upper limb amputations. Our prosthetic arm utilizes five micro linear actuators to achieve precise and naturalistic movement. The design of the prosthetic arm prioritizes affordability and accessibility, with a focus on leveraging 3D printing technology to reduce manufacturing costs and enable customization. The use of micro linear actuators offers advantages in terms of compactness, lightweight construction, and efficient power …

Optimizing Long Covid Outcomes: Insights From A Survey Of U.S. Occupational Therapists, Malachy J. Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr, Robert Dekerlegand, Pt, Mpt, Phd, Ccs

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background & Purpose

• Upwards of 15% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop “Long COVID” with persistent physical, cognitive, and/or mental symptoms potentially amendable to occupational therapy.
• Variability exists in the rehabilitation approach for individuals receiving occupational therapy for this novel condition.
• Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and other evidence-based resources exist to help standardized rehabilitation; however, it is unknown if occupational therapists (OTs) are aware of these resources and applying them in the management of individuals with Long COVID.
• We surveyed OTs in the contiguous United States (U.S.) to explore their awareness and application of Long COVID CPGs along with …

Longitudinal Retrospective Study Of A Wearable Nmes System To Determine The Effects On Arm Usage In Hemiparetic And Hemiplegic Patients, Nipun Chopra, Philip Muccio, Rafik Salama, Josh Schueller, Davis Durrant, Edward Dabrowski

Psychology and Neuroscience Faculty Publications

Brain disorders such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), and surgical interventions can result in aberrant motor function in the contralateral limbs, resulting in paralysis, weakness, and/or spasticity. It is known that, in the short term, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), the application of low-level electrical currents to motor nerves to induce muscle contractions in paralyzed muscles, can stimulate affected muscle groups and increase arm mobility. However, there remains a paucity of longitudinal evidence examining NMES-mediated improvements of arm usage.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a long-term BioSleeve intervention on the …

Two-Year Follow-Up Of Gait And Postural Control Following Initiation Of Recombinant Human Tripeptidyl Intracerebroventricular Enzyme Replacement Therapy In Two Atypical Cln2 Patients, Rahul Soangra, Marybeth Grant-Beuttler, Harriet Chang, Raymond Y. Wang

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to premature mortality. Ambulatory CLN2 patients typically receive standard of care treatment through biweekly intracerebroventricular (ICV) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) involving recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase 1, known as cerliponase alfa (Brineura^®, Biomarin Pharmaceuticals). This study longitudinally assessed the impact of ICV cerliponase alfa ERT on gait, and postural control across a two-year span in two siblings diagnosed with atypical CLN2 disease. Both participants, ID01 (18 years and 8 months old at enrollment) and ID02 (13 years and 3 months old at enrollment), exhibited symptomatic characteristics …

The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Prostate Cancer, Lilly Bernard

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

The purpose of this project is to discuss all aspects of prostate cancer, with a focus on radiation therapy as a treatment option. An overview of the disease is provided, including statistics, risk factors, symptoms, the process of diagnosis, treatment options, and a case study. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, making it widespread and deadly. This means that it is important to understand as much as possible about the disease in order to achieve the best outcomes possible. The project lists experiences from patients who …

The Effects Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Interventions On Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review, Christopher Farrell, Eduard Turner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Background: Vestibular rehabilitation is known to be effective in the treatment of vestibular dysfunction. While patients with Parkinson's disease have both central and peripheral vestibular dysfunction, there is little information regarding the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation for the treatment of these individuals.

Study Design: Systematic Review

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Results: The interventions identified in this study resulted in improved Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dizziness Handicap Questionnaire (DHI) scores.

Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation improves balance and subjective dizziness in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Effects Of Push-In Occupational Therapy Services In Kindergarten On Writing Foundations, Heather A. Hyndman

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: According to the Compensation & Workforce Survey, 24.89% of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) work in schools (AOTA, 2023). This researcher has worked in a public-school setting for over 20 years, and her caseload continues to grow each year, doubling in the past 10 years. Handwriting difficulties account for most referrals for this researcher.

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to determine if an occupational therapy (OT) led fine motor intervention small group along with push-in occupational therapy services during literacy instruction would improve kindergarten students’ handwriting.

Theoretical Framework: Motor learning theory is applicable to teaching handwriting. This …

Effects Of External Vibration Stimulation On Shoulder Internal Rotation And Hamstring Strength, C Caspari Spt, J Goodreau Spt, W Jonas Spt, K Lund Spt, T Thilmony Spt, S Johnson Mpt, Dscpt, Comt, Cidn

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Percussion therapy has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in both rehabilitation and sports performance.
• Percussion therapy is an instrument-assisted treatment targeting soft tissue structures using torque, amplitude, and frequency for delivery. ¹

Objective

• Evaluate the effects of localized percussion application treatment to the gluteal and sacral region on shoulder internal rotation (IR) range of motion (ROM) and isometric hamstring strength using the concept of regional interdependence ^2,4,5

Participants

• 54 healthy adults from Concordia University - St. Paul and local exercise facilities
• 21 females
• 33 males
• Average age: 23.9

Methods

• Pre-therapeutic intervention measurements
• Supine shoulder IR ROM …

Correlation Between Shoulder Kinematics And Functional Outcomes Following Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty - A Pilot Study, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd, A Blaschko, K Hall, M Samuelson, Z Thelen

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Background: Following a TSA, patients achieve pain relief, restoration of range of motion, improvements in patient-reported outcomes, and report overall satisfaction with their replaced shoulder^3-5
• Purpose: To examine Scapulothoracic (ST) kinematics on self-reported shoulder function outcomes
• Hypothesis: There will be a statistically significant correlation between ST kinematics and self-reported satisfaction of function in participants who are more than one year post-a TSA

Methods

• Participants: 14 subjects between 56-81 years old who underwent a TSA replacements at least one year ago by 1 of 3 orthopedic surgeons from one midwestern healthcare organization
• Tests & Measures:
• Penn Shoulder Scale (PSS) …

The Effect Of Assistive Device Use On Timed Up And Go Scores In Healthy Older Adults With No Fall History: A Pilot Study, Megan Dowdal-Osborn Pt, Phd, C Bradley, K Caswell, J Teich, K Witte, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

Falls account for the most injury-related deaths in older adults and cost 50 billion dollars annually (1,2). The Timed up and Go(TUG) test is commonly used by PTs to identify individuals scoring >13.5 seconds as at risk for falling (3). Using this cutoff may justify physical therapy and be used as an assessment of improved function. The TUG is favored due to its inclusion of assistive device (AD) use. However, data suggest it may not be accurate in classifying those using ADs (4,5).

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of AD use on TUG …

Correlation Between Shoulder Kinematics And Functional Outcomes After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Scs, M Anderson, R Garofalo, L Nolan, C Quinton, Peter J. Rundquist Pt, Phd

DPT Capstone Posters

Purpose/Hypothesis:

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has become an efficacious surgical procedure for people with massive rotator cuff tears and concurrent glenohumeral osteoarthritis. While shoulder biomechanics and functional outcomes after a RTSA have been studied extensively, there is limited research on the relationship between shoulder girdle osteokinematics and functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between shoulder girdle osteokinematics and functional outcomes, using the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), in patients who underwent RTSA. It is hypothesized that there would be a significant correlation between osteokinematic variables and the PSS. Participants: 20 participants (10 male) who …

Feasibility Of Using Blood Flow Restriction Training For Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Comparison, Erin Simunds Edd, Pt, J Fegurgur, A Lundquist, M Heller, S Neumann, C Lindgren

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Cerebral palsy (CP) affects mobility and strength due to spasticity, incoordination, and weakness,¹ making traditional high-load training challenging.
• Blood flow restriction (BFR) training enables increased work and fatigue at a lower load, resulting in adaptations in muscle composition similar to those achieved with high-load training.²
• Despite evidence supporting BFR use in neurological conditions³, limited information exists on how it will benefit young adults with ambulatory CP.^4,5
• Therefore, this study investigated the feasibility of BFR compared to progressive resistance training (PRT) in young adults with ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

• Two individuals with spastic CP, …

Patient And Family Perceptions Of Early Mobility And Exercise In The Hospital And Icu, Amy Toonstra Pt, Dpt, Phd, Catie Carroll Spt, Zachary Eicher Spt, Bailey Galvin Spt, Bridget Murphy Spt, Sarah Zemek Pt, Dpto

DPT Capstone Posters

Introduction

• Early mobility in the hospital and ICU leads to improved patient outcomes.¹
• However, patients still refuse PT treatment - Is this related to patient knowledge? ^2-5

Purpose: Explore patient and legally authorized representatives (LARs) perspectives of exercise and mobility in the hospital and ICU and determine if there's a correlation between perspective and PT refusal

Methods

Participants:104 participants from a Level 1 trauma hospital.

• Median age: 61.5 years
• Median length of stay: 13 days

Survey: 11 item validated survey scored using a 5-point likert scale.⁵

Analyses:

• Cronbach's alpha assessed internal consistency of survey.
• Spearman's Rho and …

Occupational Therapist's Role In Sensory Inclusive Space Design, Colleen Mcgill

SURF Posters 2025

The rise in individuals experiencing sensory processing difficulties has revealed the challenges they face in regard to engagement in different environments and social participation. Sensory processing difficulties can impact the individual's social connectedness to entertainment venues that confine larger crowds and overwhelming stimuli, causing a form of occupational deprivation. This form of occupational deprivation can not only affect the individual, but can also impact family interactions at social events. Occupational therapists have proven highly skilled when assessing and treating clients with sensory processing difficulties, as well as evaluating and adapting environments to promote successful participation. With that, there is a …

Review Of High-Intensity Interval Training (Hiit) Protocols For Older Adults With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review, Matthew G. Carter, Emma Pole, Elizabeth Buonanno, Abigail Curtis, Nicole Paranich

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 17.9 million lives lost each year, and has an incidence of 77-80% amongst those 60-80 years old. HIIT is not the initial treatment of choice in those with CVD among physical therapists because of the fear and concern relating to the patient’s response to high-intensity exercise.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on older adults with cardiovascular disease and, if it was effective, find the proper protocol for this population. This systematic review intends to find …

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …