Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

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  Karate for Adolescent’s Mental Health

  Brooke Albertson, Lakeisa Boykin, and Amanda Piepgras

  Description: Mental health is essential for overall health because it affects emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which affects how individuals feel, act, and think (Center for Disease [CDC], 2022). Everyone can react differently to the same issue, which can cause diverse health risks (Gopalkrishnan, 2018). Mental health affects how people handle stress, interact with others, make choices, and participate in occupations that are important to them (CDC, 2022). Mental health issues are most prevalent in young adult, teen, and pre-teen populations.

  By promoting based karate program, occupational therapy can prevent and/or reduce mental health issues (Bird, et al., 2019; Jurewicz, 2015). The OT-based karate program will benefit young adults, teens, and pre-teens by using karate to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. The outcome measures of this capstone project will be obtained using the following assessments: Needs assessment and Zoho survey. According to Moore et al., (2020), there is evidence supporting martial arts training as an effective sports-based mental health intervention that improves the participants’ well-being and reduces symptoms related to their mental health. The kawa model will be used as a frame of reference for the OT-based karate program. This model uses the metaphor for the flow of the river to represent life flow, and the tree, logs, and stones in the water represent the challenges, obstacles, or personal experiences that are slowing down the person’s river from flowing to their fullest potential, as related to their mental health status (Naidoo et al., 2023).

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  Barriers to Early Intervention Access in Under-Resourced Communities: Professionals' Perspectives

  Georges Ambroise and Jazminne Orozco-Arteaga

  Limited socioeconomic resources pose a barrier to accessing early intervention (EI) services.

  The study yielded 33 participants of EI professionals. The study included an online survey and an optional semi-structured interview. Following data collection, Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis was utilized to identify themes from the surveys and interview transcriptions (Braun and Clarke, 2006).

  The main themes that came from the data analysis are (1) there are barriers impacting access to EI experienced by families in under-resourced communities, (2) there are current supports for families in under-resourced communities accessing EI, (3) EI professionals play a role in decreasing barriers, and (4) EI access can be enhanced with the use of advocacy. Barriers impacting access to EI experienced by families in under-resourced communities are intersectional between person, system, and context. Moving forward, advocacy should be prominent in addressing barriers.

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  The Psychosocial Effect of Video Games in a Hand Therapy Setting

  Frank Arena and Rebecca King

  A project that analyzes the psychosocial effects of video games as an alternative to hand therapy interventions. This project addresses the barriers of financial investment, and space requirements. This project shows the effectiveness of video games as a short-term intervention method.

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  Aquatics as a Therapeutic Intervention and Its Effects on the Quality of Life of People Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

  Brianna Barcelo, Lakesia Boykin, and Helen Carey

  : Interventions in the form of aquatics have been utilized with the profession of occupational therapy as the aquatic environment is a model setting for addressing occupational therapy interests (Becker, 2009). Although aquatic interventions are utilized within profession, there is limited research discussing how aquatics as a therapeutic intervention effects the quality of life (QoL) of people diagnosed with ALS. Therefore, the purpose of the research project was to explore the effects of aquatics as a therapeutic intervention on the QoL of those diagnosed with ALS.

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  Occupational Therapy Services Within Women’s Shelters for Women with Disabilities Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

  Meira Becirovic, Jessica De Brun, and Angela Labrie Blackwell

  This capstone project focuses on enhancing the role of occupational therapy (OT) practitioners in supporting women with disabilities who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and are residing in women’s shelters. These women often face significant barriers to engaging in daily activities crucial for their health, well-being, and overall life satisfaction. The project aims to equip OT practitioners with the tools and strategies necessary to address the complex needs of this population, particularly in areas such as activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), work, education, home management, parenting, and leisure.

  By utilizing evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care, the project emphasizes the importance of occupational engagement as a pathway to recovery and empowerment for these women. Additionally, it addresses the need for OT practitioners to prioritize self-care to prevent secondary trauma and burnout, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of their work within shelter environments. This project ultimately aims to strengthen OT interventions and improve the quality of life for women with disabilities who have survived IPV.

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  Treating Mothers with Postpartum Depression While in the NICU

  Arrie Belnap, Mary Jan Greer, and Aimee Doughty

  The presentation is about an educational program developed to educate mothers with or at risk for postpartum depression (PPD) while their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers learned about the nature of PPD, occupations to implement to decrease symptoms of PPD, and occupations that they can participate in to care for their NICU babies. The evaluations, interventions, and outcomes of the program are discussed.

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  Enhancing Art & Creative Expression Engagement in an Inpatient Pediatric Setting

  Aileen Bolosan and Susan MacDermott

  The purpose of this capstone project is to enhance art and creative expressive engagement within an inpatient pediatric setting. A primary focus for occupational therapy in children’s hospitals is on activities of daily living and other tasks associated with independent living (O’Brien & Kuhaneck, 2020). Creative activities such as art have been historically used throughout occupational therapy, however, the use of art and creative expression has declined in recent decades (Müllersdorf & Ivarsson, 2016). The presented capstone project focused on developing a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, occupation-based, art-focused program in an inpatient pediatric setting for children and families by integrating and applying occupational therapy scholarship of practice, advocacy, and leadership. Based on the current evidence-based literature review, a gap in the literature suggests the need for increasing education on the use of art and creative expression in inpatient pediatric settings. "The HeART and CommUNITY Handbook" book was created to give education on enhancing art and creative expression for children and families.

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  Exploring the Benefits of BlazePod Technology through an Occupational Therapy Lens

  Carson Bryan and Cynthia Haynes

  BlazePod technology is an intervention used successfully in Physical Therapy (PT) to address motor coordination deficits, however, there is limited evidence that OTs can successfully use it as a preparatory intervention with individuals who have motor coordination and cognitive deficits and are unable to independently complete everyday occupations such as dressing, bathing, toileting, etc.

  The focus of this project was to provide evidence that supports how the occupational therapy profession can utilize BlazePod technology as a preparatory intervention tool to address motor coordination and cognitive deficits that in turn will enhance ADLs and IADLs.

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  Returning to Occupations after Surviving Cancer

  Sebastian Canales and Mary Jan Greer

  The presentation covers a program development to help assist cancer survivors transition back to meaningful occupations, including work, with decreased stress and anxiety, to increase their quality of life.

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  Thriving Transitions: Supporting Children with Autism Through Their Transition to School

  Jennica Cano and Angela Blackwell

  Thriving Transitions is an educational guidebook created for parents of children with autism who are transitioning to school. Thriving transitions contains evidence and sensory based strategies for children with autism who are transitioning to school.

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  Adapted Cheerleading Program for the Pediatric Population

  Hailee Cantrell, Mary Greer, and Jasmine Mathew

  There are limited adapted programs with educated professionals that exist for children with childhood disabilities to be able to adapt activities to the specific needs of the child. Due to the limited opportunities for participation in leisure activities, these children have limited opportunities to improve physical, verbal, or emotional skills with their peers. The objective of this capstone was to create an adapted cheerleading program for the pediatric population to improve their physical, emotional, and verbal abilities as well as improve their mental health and overall quality of life.

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  Occupational Impact of Urinary Incontinence

  Hannah Case and Karen Park

  The purpose of this capstone project was to conduct a research study to identify if children with UI encountered occupational impacts due to their condition, as well as their caregivers. Twelve caregivers participated in an online survey investigating the occupational impact (supports, barriers, and limitations) of being a caregiver to a child who encounters UI. The survey addressed how their child’s UI affects various occupations. The findings indicate a significant impact on leisure participation and home management. The qualitative data was acquired through unobtrusive methods, including narratives, blogs, and lived experiences, to provide the perspective of how UI affects children. There were seventeen unobtrusive methods gathered and analyzed. The child’s perspective revealed that societal stigma surrounding UI adversely affected their view of their condition, which caused negative self-perception and embarrassment. This psychological impact led them to develop strategies to reduce occupational disturbances, such as avoiding occupations (leisure activities, school, and sports), using/hiding disposable products, hiding wet clothing, or carrying spare items. In adulthood, many individuals reconciled with UI, utilizing disposable products and losing self-stigma and societal stigma. Both groups faced a lack of choice due to UI, including having to settle with using disposable products, clothes, jobs, and leisure activities. Lack of education between caregivers and healthcare professionals led to anguish through verbal and physical abuse and dismissive attitudes.

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  Occupational Therapy’s Role in Addressing Wellness in Underserved Communities

  Kimberlyna Chheang, Amy Lyons-Brown, and Anna Saavedra

  This capstone project addresses sociodemographic disparities in community wellness and health services in Kern County, CA, focusing on underserved communities facing trauma and systemic inequalities. In collaboration with the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) and their East Kern Family Resource Center (EKFRC), it aims to lay the foundation for community-based, tailored interventions using occupational therapy (OT) to enhance community well-being and promote access to critical services to support wellbeing.

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  The Role of OT in Accessible Air Travel for Individuals with Disabilities

  Jezaray Clark-Casto and Cynthia Haynes

  This capstone project addressed the critical issue of limited accessibility in air travel for individuals with disabilities, in collaboration with All Wheels Up. The project aimed to enhance awareness and provide practical resources to support inclusive air travel practices. Key objectives included developing educational materials, engaging healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders, and integrating accessible air travel concepts into occupational therapy practice.

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  Advocacy and Education for Children with Low Vision: Cortical Visual impairment

  Logan Coleman and Cynthia Haynes

  This project addresses the gap in research and advocacy for children with low vision, particularly those diagnosed with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), the leading cause of visual impairment in children. Through a needs assessment and educational intervention, the project aimed to enhance occupational therapy (OT) students' understanding of low vision in children and their role in addressing it. Pre- and post-surveys revealed a significant increase in knowledge among students, highlighting the need for specialized education in OT curricula. The findings underscore the importance of integrating targeted interventions for children with low vision into OT practice.

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  Addressing the Gap in Discharge Planning from a Skilled Nursing Facility

  Yaqui Del Rio and Amy Lyons-Brown

  This project aims to improve health management in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by developing and implementing a comprehensive evaluation tool designed to assess patients' readiness for discharge. The tool addresses critical factors often overlooked during discharge planning, helping to identify areas where patients may feel unprepared or uncertain. By focusing on these areas, the project seeks to enhance patient outcomes and support effective health management.

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  Development of a Sensory-Based Intervention Manual for Educators

  Bralie Dent and Zeida Gutierrez

  This project focused on the development of an educational manual on sensory processing disorder (SPD) for educators. The manual was created as a resource to enhance teachers' understanding of SPD and confidence in implementing sensory-based interventions and accommodations in the classroom for students who have sensory processing difficulties.

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  Home Health Program for Newly Hired Occupational Therapists

  Benjamin Elliott and Rebecca King

  Occupational therapists working in the field of home health care are four times lower than other settings. The program was created for newly hired OTs outlining symptoms, assessments, precautions, and interventions relevant to common diagnoses seen in home health.

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  The Role of Occupational Therapy on Sexuality and Intimacy in Women with Disabilities

  Diamond Escobedo and Cassandra Nelson

  This project was developed to provide an educational program to spread advocacy and education about the stigmatization of women with disabilities, who are unable to interact in sexual relationships and intimacy. The occupational therapy perspective would be identified as solving the problem by providing education, resources, and adaptive devices to individuals who have a disability and experience deficits in sexual intimacy through the implementation of a program.

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  Increasing Occupational Engagement in Adults with Anxiety and Depression Through Martial Arts

  Alfred Franklin and Keisa Boykin

  This poster is for a capstone project that developed a martial arts program for adults with anxiety and depression to increase occupational engagement in these individuals.

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  Development of a Post Professional Neurorehabilitation Track at the University of Zimbabwe

  Alejandra Garcia, Angela L. Blackwell, and Karen Aranha

  Collaborated to create an Occupational Therapy Post Professional Neurorehabilitation Track (OTPPNCT) blueprint for the University of Zimbabwe. This poster describes the background, methods, product and discussion for this capstone project.

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  Education and Management of Lymphedema

  Alison Gillard and Rebecca King

  Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition whose incidence is increasing each year. This underserved population demonstrates frustration and confusion with self-managing symptoms.

  This program aimed to compile evidence-based resources into an easily accessible format for the population to use as needed.

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  Adaptive Sports in Schools for Students with Disabilities from an Occupational Therapy Perspective

  Tamara Harvey and Mary Jan Greer

  Children with disabilities do not have as many opportunities to participate in sports and leisure activities as their peers do, which may cause them to miss out on the benefits that participating in these activities offer. There are many barriers that children with disabilities and their parents face when seeking out adaptive sports activities especially in schools. This capstone project addressed some of these barriers. A needs assessment was conducted at an elementary school, which helped guide the development and implementation of the adaptive sports program, which is discussed in detail.

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  Impacts of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction on the Occupations of Postpartum Women

  Julia Hernandez and Amy Lyons-Brown

  This study investigates the impact of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) on the daily activities of postpartum women. Eleven women participated in an online survey, with four engaging in follow-up interviews via Microsoft Teams. The survey indicated that 91% of respondents experienced at least one symptom of PFD, including urine leakage, difficulty reaching the toilet in time, unexpected passing of wind, decreased vaginal sensation, a bulge at the vaginal opening, pelvic heaviness, and vulvar pain during sex. Despite these prevalent symptoms, 82% had not been offered pelvic floor therapy.

  Participants rated their awareness of pelvic floor health topics predominantly as "Less than Somewhat Aware" or "Somewhat Aware." The areas most affected by PFD were toileting, sexual activity, and physical activity. Interviews revealed that PFD leads to significant changes and adaptations in daily activities and occupational performance, influenced by both facilitating and hindering factors. Environmental factors also played a crucial role in the women's awareness of pelvic floor health and their ability to self-advocate.

  The findings suggest that occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to address PFD-related symptoms and challenges, given their impact on daily occupations and adaptations. Beyond treatment, there is a critical need for advocacy and education to empower women to articulate their needs and advocate for themselves with healthcare professionals. This empowerment is essential for enhancing pelvic health care for women, highlighting the broader role of occupational therapists in pelvic health.

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  Promoting Academic and Social Well-being for Young Adults with ASD towards Post-secondary Education and Employment

  Theresa Holcomb, Pam Kasyan-Howe, and Kristin Domville

  This program and policy-type capstone addresses the gap in inclusive services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in post-secondary education (PSE). It resulted in developing and implementing a Social Engagement program designed to enhance communication skills, self-advocacy, and workplace preparedness—key factors for academic and vocational success. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program used a board game-based format to facilitate interactive learning and the practical application of social skills. Targeting young adults with ASD involved in vocational training, the program emphasized developing professional communication and workplace social interaction. The findings indicate that interventions grounded in OT models can help meet the social and communication needs of young adults with ASD, contributing to improved academic performance and better employment prospects. The success of this program underscores the importance of continuing to develop inclusive services that meet the unique challenges faced by this population in higher education.