9667 research outputs found
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Literary Armor: Teaching Empathy and Resiliency Through Books in a Complex World
No full textIn today’s increasingly hostile world, students need more than academic skills—they need emotional resilience and empathy to navigate challenges with strength and compassion. This session explores how intentional use of literature can support social-emotional development across K–12 classrooms. Attendees will discover developmentally appropriate books that serve as mirrors, windows, and doors into diverse experiences, helping students connect, reflect, and grow. The presentation features specific titles and ready-to-use activities that build empathy and inner strength, from gratitude drawings in Last Stop on Market Street to Socratic Seminars on justice in Long Way Down. Ideal for educators, librarians, and counselors seeking practical ways to support student well-being through stor
The effect of an acute farmers walk exercise bout on muscle damage and recovery in recreationally trained adults
No full textPurpose: The Farmer’s Walk (FW) may supplement resistance training through functional tasks like lifting and carrying weight over various distances. Minimal information exists concerning the intramuscular responses resulting from FW performance, possibly impacting its application in exercise prescription. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate Creatine Kinase (CK) and myoglobin (Mb) responses following the Farmers Walk Condition (FWC) compared to a control protocol (NWC).
Methods: Fifteen participants (Mean ± SEM; age: 21.6 ± 0.5 years; height: 172.5 ± 2.4 cm; body weight: 81.8 ± 4.0 kg) completed an initial session to measure body composition, lower body power, and strength. Participants then completed two counter-balanced exercise protocols consisting of a 20-m walk performed within 5 sets of 2 repetitions while either carrying weight (FWC; average wt: 85.15 ± 25.55 kg) or not (NWC) with collection of Visually Perceived Muscle Soreness (VPMS), Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and blood samples. VPMS, blood samples, and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) height were also collected during recovery from each exercise protocol with significance of P < 0.05.
Results: Significant differences were observed between exercise protocols performed including participant RPE (P < 0.01), CK (P = 0.01), and overall, upper body, and lower body VPMS (P < 0.05) post-FWC. No significant differences were noted for Mb or CMJ height.
Conclusion: Training variables implemented during the FWC may have indirectly minimized muscle damage and neuromuscular inhibitions in performance. Although participants reported mild soreness, the negligible physiological damage suggests the FWC is a safe and appropriate functional movement exercise
Soily healing: Black women, resilience, and houseplants
No full textBuilding on the theoretical frameworks of scholars such as Melissa Harris-Perry, Melanie Harris, Jane Bennett, and Layli Maparyan, this dissertation explores the transformative potential of reciprocal relationships between Black women and houseplants. Through visual and textual analysis of public Instagram posts, this research examines three key themes: (1) houseplants act as agentic teachers, guiding their caretakers toward deeper self-care and self-awareness; (2) Black women cultivate reciprocal caregiving practices through tending to houseplants; and (3) the relationship between Black women and houseplants challenges societal expectations of how Black women care for themselves and others. This dissertation expands the understanding of houseplants’ roles in Black women’s lives and offers principles for fostering a more rooted connection with oneself and the natural world
Exploring experiences of non-sexual physical touch in single- and dual-trauma couples: An interpretive phenomenological analysis
No full textThis study aims to offer insight into the subjective experiences of touch among single- and dual-trauma couples. Researchers and clinicians must first understand how these couples experience non-sexual touch in order to develop non-sexual, touch-based interventions. Understanding the benefits of touch for couples with a history of trauma is essential for the development of interventions that incorporate non-sexual touch, in addition to the focus on behaviors and cognitions. The current research utilized a phenomenological approach to understand the unique experiences associated with touch among single- and dual-trauma couples. Ten couples with a history of trauma were recruited for the study, for a total of 20 participants. Of the ten couples interviewed, only one couple was classified as a single-trauma couple. The nine remaining couples were classified as dual-trauma couples. An attachment theory and trauma-informed framework guided the data analysis process to understand the lived experiences of touch. Participant interviews provided remarkable insight into the lived experiences of touch among single- and dual-trauma couples. The study resulted in four group experiential themes: Sexual Trauma History and Non-Sexual Touch as a Positive Form of Connection, Physical Trauma History and Evolving Experiences of Comfort, The Impact of Trust on Touch, and The Impact of Touch on Emotional Regulation. Seven additional subthemes were developed to provide deeper insight into the overarching themes of touch among single- and dual-trauma couples
The Development and Implementation of a Family Support Group at a Community-Based Program
No full textThis capstone project sought to establish a family support group at JCK Resources to assist families of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) following the discontinuation of school-based services. The initiative was informed by a literature review and a needs assessment survey, both of which emphasized the need for practical and emotional support, particularly in financial management and employment. The project featured a three-phase implementation strategy that led to enhance family engagement, increased participation, and the establishment of a strong peer support network. This initiative highlights the significance of family-centered interventions and the role of occupational therapy in the development of community programs.JCK Resource
Mutational Studies of the b Subunit: Understanding Peripheral Stalk Interactions in ATP Synthase
No full textATP synthase is a crucial enzyme in cellular energy production, catalyzing ATP synthesis through rotational catalysis. In this study, we aim to further understand the functions of the peripheral stalks (the b subunit dimer) in ATP synthase. Our hypothesis is that we are able to conduct mutational studies to locate the essential dimerization area of the b subunit. Experimentally, the enzymatic performance of nine enzyme variants were assessed, including ATPase activity and proton pumping strength. Our results may indicate that the dimerization between b90–140 is critical for maintaining proper functions of ATP synthase. In the future work, we will further analyze the assembly and energy coupling efficiency to promote the understanding of the interactions among subunits in the peripheral stalks. These findings should provide insights into ATP synthase mechanics, with potential implications for bioenergetics and enzyme engineering
From the Public Eye: The Public History of the Scopes "Monkey" Trial
No full textThe Scopes “Monkey” Trial is one of the most prominent cases in American history, and is credited to be the catalyst for the ongoing culture war between fundamentalism and modernism. The trial calls into question the constitutionality of the “Butler Act” - a Tennessee law that made it unlawful to teach that man was “descended from a lower order of animals” (evolution) at any public university or school. Orchestrated by the ACLU, the defense sought not to prove Scopes innocent but instead challenge the constitutionality of the act in hopes of having it repealed. My research aims to identify how the Scopes Trial has been communicated to the public - through mediums such as film, newspapers, podcasts, books, etcetera - and identify how these representations have misrepresented the purpose of the trial, fueling conflict and misconceptions surrounding what the trial was about, Darwinist theory, and what happened during and after the trial
Making Waves For Inclusivity: An Aquatic Program for Children with Disabilities
No full textRegular physical activity is essential for children's health, yet fewer than 24% of children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise, with children with disabilities participating at even lower rates. These children face unique barriers, including delayed motor skills, limited range of motion, and lack of accessible environments, which contribute to increased sedentary behavior and higher obesity rates. Aquatic exercise offers significant benefits, providing a low-impact, accessible form of physical activity that can improve cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and social interaction. This paper explores the potential of aquatic exercise programs for children with disabilities, highlighting how these programs can address physical inactivity, promote inclusion, and enhance overall well-being. Through a needs assessment and the development of an adapted aquatic program, this work aims to demonstrate the therapeutic benefits of water-based activities and expand the role of occupational therapy in supporting children with disabilities.Corpus Christi Independent School Distric
Managing and Preventing Osteoporosis in Community-Dwelling Adults and Older Adults: A Holistic Health and Wellness Program
No full textThis capstone project outlines the development and implementation of the HEALTHY FOR LIFE program, a five-week intervention designed to promote osteoporosis prevention, fall risk reduction, and overall wellness in community-dwelling adults and older adults with osteoporosis or osteopenia. The program was guided by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Occupational Adaptation, which provided a framework for understanding participants' health beliefs and fostering adaptive behaviors through meaningful activities.
Background: Osteoporosis and its associated health risks, including fractures and falls, present significant challenges to the aging population. These challenges often result in a diminished quality of life, increased dependence, and mental health concerns. The HEALTHY FOR LIFE program aimed to address these issues through education, physical activity (PA) training, fall prevention strategies, and promoting social participation to improve physical and psychosocial well-being.
Methods: The program utilized a comprehensive approach, combining health education, physical activity designed for osteoporosis management, and social engagement. Participants were assessed pre- and post-program using the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and an osteoporosis knowledge and attitudes test (OKAT). The Health Belief Model informed the development of educational modules and behavior change strategies, while the Theory of Occupational Adaptation guided interventions to promote adaptive responses and mastery of new skills.
Results: Pre- and post-program assessments showed improvements in participants' self-reported behaviors and osteoporosis management. Specifically, 66.7% of participants reported a stronger sense of independence in managing osteoporosis. The DASS-21 scores showed a reduction, although the goal of a 30% decrease was not fully achieved. Improvements were also noted in physical performance, with post-program OKAT scores and TUG/FRT results either improving or stabilizing. Participants reported increased engagement in health-promoting behaviors, such as regular exercise and dietary changes to support bone health.
Conclusion: The HEALTHY FOR LIFE program demonstrated effectiveness in increasing awareness of osteoporosis management and fall prevention, enhancing physical activity engagement, and improving psychosocial well-being. While not all program goals were fully met, the positive changes observed in participants suggest that the program significantly contributed to their overall health and wellness. The program's sustainability is supported by a detailed manual that can guide future implementation and adaptations. This project highlights the value of an integrated, holistic approach in occupational therapy interventions for older adults, combining physical, nutritional, and mental health strategies to improve long-term quality of life."White Rock YMC
Physical activity participation during chemotherapy for women affected by breast cancer
No full textChemotherapy is associated with multiple side effects, including fatigue, decreased cardiovascular fitness, and emotional distress. Research suggests that physical activity may mitigate these side effects, improve overall well-being, and quality of life. However, the tools available to measure physical activity lack validity impeding the identification of barriers and facilitators to physical activity. Research is needed to identify a tool to measure physical activity and pinpoint barriers and facilitators to physical activity participation to engage women toward higher levels of physical activity during chemotherapy.
This dissertation consists of three studies and the purposes were to validate the Activities Completed over Time in 24 Hours (ACT24) instrument and evaluate participant use and acceptability of the ACT24, determine what predicts physical activity participation in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, and explore how the women navigate physical activity participation during chemotherapy.
The first methodological study indicated that the ACT24 has good criterion validity with the activPAL across all three physical activity participation indices (metabolic equivalent of task hours per day, active time, and sedentary time). Despite the good validity, participants reported that the ACT24 was difficult to use and time consuming. The second cross-sectional study investigated six predictors (fatigue, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, body mass index, prior physical activity level, and participation in rehabilitation services) for physical activity participation during chemotherapy. Results indicated that none of the predictors explored were significant predictors of physical activity levels during chemotherapy. The final study utilized thematic analysis to explore the experience of physical activity participation during chemotherapy. The overarching theme was, “it’s adjusting the mindset,” supported by four themes: “definitely a change in perspective,” “the price to pay,” “trying to retain a sense of who I am,” and “making a conscious choice about each thing.” Together, the themes provided an in-depth explanation of navigating physical activity participation during chemotherapy.
This dissertation identified the ACT24 as a valid measure of physical activity but the tool was not well-received in women undergoing chemotherapy. Although predictors of physical activity participation were not identified, the qualitative findings provided valuable insight into how the women perceived physical activity during chemotherapy