Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

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  An Educational Video Guide to Aging in Place

  Cecilia Ramos; Steven Gerardi PhD, OTD, MSS, OTR; and Elizabeth DeLuca-Berg OTD, OTR, CAPS

  The growing population of older adults in the U.S. faces numerous challenges in maintaining independence while aging in place. Key findings from the needs assessment and literature review underscore the importance of accessible resources, health promotion, and health literacy in fostering autonomy and well-being among older adults. Occupational therapy addresses individual needs, educates on resource availability, and promotes interventions to enhance older adults' independence and safety. The purpose of this project was to create an educational video guide aimed at empowering older adults and their families with the knowledge and tools to overcome barriers to aging in place. This project includes five videos focusing on fall prevention and recovery, modifying daily activities, establishing exercise routines, using mobility aids, and promoting health management. Each video incorporates evidence-based strategies, clear demonstrations, and accessible resources to support learning. By addressing common barriers, such as environmental hazards, social isolation, and health conditions, the video guide provides practical solutions to improve quality of life. Disseminated via YouTube, this accessible resource offers a proactive approach to aging in place, enabling older adults to sustain meaningful activities and autonomy in familiar environments.

  Keywords: older adults, aging in place, occupational therapy, independence, autonomy, quality of life

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  Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries in Justice-Involved Individuals and Executive Function Consequences on Transition and Reentry into the Community ​

  Alaina L. Randerson, Michael Sutcliffe, Cassandra Nelson, and Ariana Gonzalez

  The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world (Carson, 2022), with an increasing number of justice-involved individuals (JII) potentially affected by mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Despite the high prevalence of mTBIs in the general population, limited research exists on the prevalence and impact of mTBIs in JII. Preliminary evidence suggests that the prevalence of mTBIs in incarcerated individuals is 50 times higher than in the general public (Siegler et al., 2017). This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of JII with mTBI, focusing on the origin of mTBIs, executive dysfunction, and the occupational barriers faced during the transition and reentry process. A mixed-methods, descriptive phenomenological approach was utilized to capture data from six study participants who were formerly incarcerated. Quantitative measures included demographics, comorbidity and social determinants of health survey (SDoH), the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), and the Executive Skills Profile (ESP). Qualitative data was gathered via the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identifier (OSU TBI-ID) and a 15-question semi-structured interview. Results indicate that JII experience several compounding disparities including socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and social determinants of health that are further exacerbated by persistent post-concussional symptoms and executive dysfunctions. This research demonstrated how mTBI and associated executive dysfunction complicate interactions for both those who have the injury and for professionals in the criminal legal system. Ultimately, it is in the best interest of all parties involved to create a justice system that is responsive and inclusive to mTBI.

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  Increasing Teacher-OT Collaboration in a School-Based Setting

  Shayla Ransome, L. Brook Sawyer, and Angela Labrie Blackwell

  Pre-service PreK-4 teachers receive little to no education about SBOT practice, which hinders not only collaboration opportunities but also potentially impacts student performance and participation outcomes negatively. This capstone seeks to develop an interprofessional educational unit to increase collaboration between pre-service PreK-4 teachers and pre-OT practitioners, which will promote positive student performance and participation outcomes.

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  Use of Adventure to Address Play Deprivation in Children and Teens Raised in Conflict

  Kristin Salisbury and Mary Jan Greer

  Youth raised in conflict often experience extrinsic and intrinsic factors that contribute to play deprivation and occupational injustice. These factors are reviewed through interviews with stakeholders and participants and observed while embedded in an adventure program for foster and adopted youth and in a refugee camp for families and children. Current literature reveals underlying factors that contribute to play deprivation for these youth, including conditions resulting from trauma and developmental delays due to the absence of play engagement. The poster reviews the programmatic components necessary for addressing these factors through whole-person play-based programming. It considers using adventure-based programming to introduce and augment play engagement to address this population- level concern.

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  Improving ADLs, IADLs, and QOL in Breast Cancer Survivors

  Tincy Samuel and Rebecca King

  Breast cancer and its treatment can significantly impact breast cancer survivor’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), and Quality of Life (QoL). Physical activity programs have been found to positively impact various aspects of quality of life in breast cancer patients, including physical condition, state of mind, and selfesteem. However, there is a gap in the OT practice and the literature regarding how to improve independence in ADLs, IADLs, and overall quality of life in breast cancer survivors. A program was created to improve Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) , and Quality of Life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors with the help of exercise. In conclusion, consistency in performing the exercises and addressing both physical and psychological needs, awareness about cancer and lifestyle changes is essential for positive and consistent results in breast cancer survivors to aid in their journey of recovery

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  Cuisine as a Compass: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Community, Cooking, and More within the LGBTQIA+ Population

  Sera Shevchenko; Karen Park OTD, OTR/L, BCP; and Susan MacDermott OTD, OTR/L

  Background: The LGBTQIA+ population experiences unique barriers to occupation and well being. Anti-LGBTQ legislation encroaches on inclusive and affirming care affecting occupational access. Limited occupational participation and additional exhaustive adaptive strategies to engage in occupations safely have an emotional cost. This research study explores how food or mealtime occupations such as cooking, eating, and hosting can support LGBTQIA+ well-being. This research was made possible by LGBTQIA+ participants that are experts of their lived experience.

  Methods: This mixed methods research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data on the significance of food-based occupations, culture, mental health, and identity in LGBTQIA+ adults. Qualitative data was collected through 8 individual, semi-structured interviews, 35 survey responses, and 7 photo and caption submissions for photo elicitation. Data was analyzed and assessed using Braun and Clarke’s (2019) six steps of thematic analysis.

  Results: Several themes and sub-themes emerged through the thematic analysis including joy as a process, community, negotiating identity, the power of memories and meaning-making, food as a means of expression, and symbolism in food.

  Conclusions: The findings of this research are encouraged to be used to advocate for the therapeutic use of mealtime occupations in supporting the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community.

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  AGOT: Agricultural Guide for Occupational Therapy Practitioners

  Kara Smallegan; Meghan Skidmore OTD, OTR, CNS; and Angela Labrie Blackwell PhD, OTR

  As agriculture is a hazardous occupation, this project discusses agricultural workers with health conditions/disabilities, experiencing disruption to occupational performance and participation, increasing risk of secondary injuries, and impacting overall well-being and how occupational therapy practitioners can improve these factors through the development of a guidebook. The guide covers population insights, risk factors, assessment guide, conditions, and resources to aid occupational practitioners when assisting the agricultural worker population.

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  Benefits of Multisensory Rooms in Schools to Control Behaviors in Children with Disabilities

  Kye Smith and Cassandra Nelson

  This project explores the benefits of implementing multisensory rooms in schools to manage challenging behaviors in children with disabilities. Conducted at the Barack and Michelle Obama Ninth Grade Center in Lancaster, TX, the program involved participants aged 13-15 diagnosed with disabilities. A comprehensive needs assessment identified gaps in behavior management and overstimulation challenges. The program was designed using evidence-based strategies, including the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, and incorporated techniques such as the Take Five Breathing Strategy, deep pressure input, chair yoga, and meditation.

  Through pre- and post-surveys with students, parents, and teachers, the study evaluated the program's impact on functional independence and behavior management. Results showed a reduction in disciplinary actions and improvements in self-regulation and school readiness. Feedback highlighted the effectiveness of the interventions and their potential for broader applications. Future research will focus on expanding the age range and studying multisensory room benefits across various settings, including clinics and home environments.

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  Understanding the Lived Experience of Outdoor Camping

  Marisa Snyder and Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

  Camping is an outdoor recreational activity that allows individuals to connect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and engage in physical activity. For aging adults, camping can be a way to improve their quality of life, fulfill their roles as grandparents and parents, and maintain independence. However, there was a lack of awareness and education about the physical, mental, and social benefits of outdoor camping, limiting the recreational exposure and experiences for the aging population. Additionally, campgrounds are typically in unpredictable environments that may require additional resources for aging adults to confidently engage in an enjoyable camping experience.

  This qualitative research study gathered perspectives about campers' lived experiences through surveys, informal interviews, structured observations, and first-hand experiences at National Park campgrounds. After collecting a plethora of data, I created a camping website that educates and provides resources to the aging population to participate in accessible, safe, and comfortable outdoor camping adventures.

  Please visit my camping website for more information: explorecamping.org

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  Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention and its Effects on The Quality of Life of Those Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  Theresa Stettner, Helen Carey, and Cynthia Haynes

  The standard of care for those with ALS includes range of motion, limb relaxation, trunk balance, and gait training (Braga et al., 2018). This study examines perceived quality of life in ALS clients before and after an in-person exercise program and home exercise program to evaluate the benefits of exercise as exercise does not exacerbate symptoms of ALS (Meng et al., 2020). Daily occupation performance requires functional ability which may be preserved through exercise (Kalron et al., 2021).

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  How an Athlete’s Injuries Affect Their Caregiver

  John-Luke Taylor and Susan Macdermott

  The purpose of this proposal was to explore the experiences that caregivers face when their child recovers from a sports injury and needs physical rehab.

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  Increasing Leisure Activity Participation and the Quality of Life of People with Dementia and their Caregivers

  Karla Vela, Rebecca King, and Keegan McKay

  The problems associated with the progression of dementia, such as increased stress, and a decrease in engagement in leisure activities and social participation have a negative impact on the patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. In addition, there is limited research on the long-term impact of occupational therapy leisure activity programs on patients with dementia and their caregivers’ quality of life. A leisure activity program was created for people with dementia and their caregivers to improve their leisure activity engagement and quality of life. Overall, the participant’s and caregivers benefitted from this program and had positive opinions based on the post-survey responses

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  Preoperative Education for Total Hip and Knee Replacements

  Molly Whitehead, Cassandra Nelson, and Gwen Morris

  An educational program has been developed to implement with total hip or knee replacement patients prior to their procedure to improve function with ADLs, lessen the need for caregiver assistance, and to increase patient satisfaction.

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  Neurodivergent Adults: Cultivating Intimate Partner Relationships Through Diverse Dating Platforms to Improve Well-Being and Life Satisfaction

  Victoria R. Wolf and Mary Jan Greer

  This capstone project focuses on program development to increase the social participation of neurodivergent adults in establishing intimate partner relationships (AOTA, 2020). Creating an opportunity for neurodivergent individuals to meet each other with the intent of forming intimate partner relationships can increase their social participation and overall life satisfaction (Mitran, 2022). According to AOTA (2020), intimate partner relationships are essential to many individuals' lives. Altering the modern-day approach and building online and in-person platforms that support the individuality of the neurodivergent population will enable them to form connections without prejudice or judgment (Mitran, 2022).