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The reliability and validity of an objective assessment for plank performance in active adults with and without low back pain
No full textThe purposes of the study were to determine inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, and construct validity of an objective assessment for the forward-plank and side-plank performance in active individuals with low back pain (LBP). Specifically, the measurements of interest during the plank testing were maximum amount of trunk deviation (MOTD) assessed using a digital inclinometer, percentage of time outside of self-perceived neutral spine (POT), time to failure (TTF), and average amount of trunk deviation (ATD) assessed using and initial measurement unit. Following eligibility screening, 34 participants were enrolled and completed the study. The plank performance for each of the participants was recorded using an iPhone. For the inter-rater portion of the study, MOTDs were collected by the two investigators separately during the live testing. Two weeks after the live testing, one investigator viewed the recordings of the live testing and extracted the MOTDs. The MOTDs collected during the live testing and by viewing the videos were used to determine intra-rater reliability. Construct validity was determined by comparing MOTD, POT, TTF, and ATD between the two groups: LBP and no LBP. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine reliability and independent t-tests (α = .05) were used to determine construct validity. For reliability, ICCs showed an overall moderate inter-rater reliability (ICC = .66 for the forward plank and .61 for the side plank) and good intra-rater reliability (ICC = .85 for the forward plank and .81 for the side plank) for all participants. For construct validity, the independent t-test showed a statistically significant between-group difference in MOTD during the side-plank testing (p = .005), with the LBP group having smaller MODTs. There were no difference in any other variable between groups. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the proposed method of measuring plank performance had moderate-to-good reliability and therefore supports the use of a digital inclinometer for measuring MOTD in active young adults with and without LBP. This result also suggests individuals with LBP may use a guarded strategy to perform the side-plank test
Independent Living Skills for the Aging Population of Adults with Disabilities
No full textAs individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) live longer, many are outliving their primary caregivers. This shift highlights the need for programs that build daily living and vocational skills. This quality improvement project involved designing and implementing an 8-session, occupation-based program in partnership with a Dallas-based organization. The curriculum used mentorship, modeling, and reflective learning to address physical well-being, financial literacy, safety, and vocation. Pre/post surveys and caregiver feedback indicated improved initiative, safety awareness, and vocational interest. Visual supports, hands-on practice, and scenario-based learning were especially effective. Financial skills required adapted strategies. Flexibility and repetition were key to engagement. This program offers a replicable, occupation-based model to promote independence and reduce caregiver burden among aging adults with ID.Belon
Coaching Education in Rock Climbing for People with Intellectual Disabilities
No full textPeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) benefit physically and mentally from participating in sports. There are several barriers that impact their participation, including a lack of appropriate available programs and limited knowledge and training of staff. Coaches play an important role in creating a positive experience for people with IDD to participate in sports. After conducting a needs assessment for United Rocks, it was determined that the coaches would benefit from an annual lesson plan to provide structure for their weekly practices. Forty lessons were developed that focused on either endurance, technique, or rock climbing games. The climbers and coaches of United Rocks benefited from this resource to meet their team’s unique needs, which decreased barriers for people with IDD to participate in sports.United Rock
Supporting Children with a Neurodivergent Condition in Dental Care
No full textThis capstone project aimed to address the barriers neurodivergent children face when accessing dental care by developing educational resources to support both dental staff and caregivers. A needs assessment was completed at Children's Medical Center at their dental clinic, where gaps were identified regarding staff education and confidence to care for neurodivergent patients. Caregiver interviews discovered that families often felt unprepared for dental visits. In response, a resource guide was created for dental staff, focusing on communication strategies, pre-visit preparations, sensory considerations, managing challenging behaviors, and adapting dental care techniques. A caregiver prep guide was created for caregivers with educational preparation tools such as visual schedules, play-based strategies, and social stories to help reduce anxiety and increase cooperation. Pre- and post-surveys revealed improved staff knowledge, confidence, preparedness, and the ability to provide accommodations after engaging with educational resource guides. Feedback from caregivers and stakeholders further supported the effectiveness of the resources in enhancing patient experiences. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, this project emphasized the value of modifying clinical practices and home preparation strategies to improve participation in dental care. The outcomes demonstrate the potential for sustained impact through continued use of the guides, promoting a more inclusive and supportive dental environment for neurodivergent children.Children's Medical Cente
Disability Training for CASA Volunteers, Employees, and Foster Parents
No full textA training program and resource bank were created for CASA to learn more about pediatric disabilities they may encounter when working with foster children.CASA for Kids of Paris, T
Pickleball for All: Adaptive Sports Program to Address Physical, Social, and Emotional Needs of Children
No full textThe capstone project aimed to integrate the focus areas of program development and education through an adaptive sports program based on pickleball and community-based education on the availability and accessibility of local recreation centers and events. The program provided caregivers with education on the benefits of exercise on overall well-being and strategies to enhance their child's emotional regulation, attention, and social skills for success in daily activities at home and school.Ruth's Place Outreach Cente
Improvement of Quality of Life & Role Competence for College Football Athletes Transitioning out of Sport
No full textEducation-based targeted intervention for the improvement of quality of life and role competence in college football athletes transitioning out of sport.Sports Life Transition
A Mindfulness Toolbox to Promote Community Engagement for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Living in a Group Home Setting
No full textCreate and implement a holistic program for adults with ID to use different mindfulness tools to improve their community engagement, specific to those who live in a group homeCommunity Homes for Adults Inc
Creating a Community Reintegration Manual for Stroke and TBI Survivors: A Compensatory Guide for SLPs and Graduate-level Student Clinicians
No full textThis capstone project focused on developing a structured, evidence-based community reintegration manual for stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors at the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center. Designed primarily for speech-language pathologists and graduate clinicians, the manual integrates compensatory strategies to address common cognitive and physical barriers to community participation. It features task analyses of five community-based activities and incorporates occupational therapy principles to support interdisciplinary collaboration.Mike A. Myers Stroke Cente
Meeting Caregiver Needs: A Resource Guide for Caregivers of Children with Brain Injury
No full textThis capstone project determines the needs of caregivers of children with brain injury at Texas Children's Hospital. Identified needs are then used to inform an educational resource packet to be utilized by occupational therapists to assist in addressing caregivers' unmet needs.Texas Children's Hospita