7670 research outputs found
Sort by
The Effects of Blood Pressure on Frontal-Mediated Cognitive Performance in College Students
No full textEven though high blood pressure is important to keep track of in older populations, college-age adults are not necessarily safe just because they are young. The impacts of high blood pressure, or hypertension, can start as early as adolescence and can lead to cognitive impairment or a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases later in life. Thus, it is important to identify high blood pressure early to prevent as much decline as possible. Research examining blood pressure and cognition has relied on neuroimaging techniques that use blood flow to measure brain activity, but the current study utilizes electroencephalography (EEG). In this cross-sectional study, blood pressure and its relationship to four different cognitive domains of the frontal lobe (response inhibition, working memory, decision-making, and attention) are being examined linearly. We hypothesize that higher blood pressure will be related to lower cognitive function, even in young adults. The presented research represents the culmination of two years of data from Belmont University students. This research is important because the brain, particularly the frontal lobe, is still developing in young adults, meaning the effects of hypertension are potentially more harmful than they would be in midlife
Advancing Scoliosis Care Through Pilates Training, Certification, and Outreach Initiatives
No full textThis doctoral capstone project was completed in collaboration with Spiral Spine Pilates (SSP), a Pilates studio specializing in scoliosis that serves clients from adolescents to older adults. SSP offers virtual and in-person private lessons, group classes, teacher training, and a scoliosis-focused retreat. These services are designed to educate individuals with scoliosis and movement practitioners on evidence-based, functional correction movements that support daily living. The primary objective of this project was to expand SSP’s educational reach through the development of new Pilates training, certifications, and outreach efforts. The primary outcome included the creation of an online certification program eligible for continuing education credits, aimed at movement practitioners and, eventually, healthcare professionals. This program bridges the gap between evidence-based scoliosis research and practical application, helping providers better understand and support individuals with scoliosis. Additional contributions included the development of educational PowerPoints for an international teacher training in China, marketing materials to promote the training and instructors, and studio-based improvements. From an occupational therapy perspective, the project assisted in the recruitment of participants for a research study conducted by Belmont University’s Occupational Therapy program. It also contributed to reorganizing the studio to improve workflow and implementing safety equipment to better protect both staff and clients
Introduction to Neuropathy: A Foundational Guide to Understanding Neuropathy
Get PDFThis project centers on the development of a deliverable titled Introduction to Neuropathy: A Foundational Guide to Understanding Neuropathy at Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit organization that provides support to individuals impacted by cancer. The initiative aimed to increase awareness and understanding of peripheral neuropathy—a common and often debilitating side effect of treatments related to cancer and other diagnosis —among club members, including patients, survivors, and caregivers. Through collaboration with clinical professionals, Gilda’s Club staff, and members of Gilda’s Club, educational materials were curated and presented in an accessible format tailored to the needs of a diverse audience. The session included information on neuropathy symptoms, causes, prevention strategies, and management techniques to empower attendees with practical knowledge about this condition. This project deliverable highlights the value of community engagement in health education and underscores the importance of supportive resources in enhancing quality of life for those affected by cancer
Postpartum Confidence: A Holistic Series of Classes Supporting Nutrition, Physical Recovery, and Mental Health
No full textPostpartum Confidence was a capstone initiative developed in partnership with Nurture Nashville to address the psychosocial and physical needs of individuals in the postpartum period. Grounded in evidence-based practices in perinatal mental health and restorative movement, the program offered a structured series of sessions incorporating guided yoga, mindfulness exercises, and facilitated peer discussion. Collaboration with site stakeholders and integration of participant feedback allowed for responsive program development tailored to the unique needs of the local postpartum population. The project highlights the value of holistic, community-based wellness interventions and provides a model for future expansion and interdisciplinary engagement within maternal health settings
Elopement: Developing an Improved Plan of Care for Vanderbilt Pediatric Seating and Mobility Clinic
Get PDFThis doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt within the Pediatric Seating and Mobility clinic. There has been an increased number of referrals to the clinic for equipment aimed at preventing elopement behaviors, primarily for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal of this capstone project was to improve the current plan of care regarding elopement evaluations to decrease strain on therapists and families. The objectives for this project were based on information from various stakeholders, including therapist and caregiver feedback, equipment vendors, and insurance providers. Outcomes included the creation of an elopement evaluation template, letters of medical necessity, treatment summaries, and a wide variety of resources for families. In addition, second year occupational therapy students were educated on strategies for elopement prevention. Deliverables were uploaded to the electronic database, EPIC, and are available as smart phrases for therapists to use while documenting
Program Development for Veterans with Disabilities in Conjunction with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program
Get PDFThis doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with the Metro Parks disABILITIES Program. This agency provides day programming and inclusive sports leagues with a goal to create equal opportunity for safe recreational and cultural activities for as many Nashville citizens with intellectual and developmental disABILITIES as possible. Metro Parks offers a variety of age and ability-appropriate activities that highlight the ABILIITIES of all members. The primary objective of this capstone project was to create a manual for a branch program that would fill a notable gap in services available in middle Tennessee for veterans with disabilities. Roughly 24,500 working-age civilian veterans in TN report severe service-connect disability. A program with Metro Parks disABILITIES would create groups and opportunities to provide community for the veterans as well as promote social wellness and physical wellness through organized group activities/sports. In addition to creating the manual, to help prepare for the new programming staff was given recurrent education sessions on PTSD, trauma-informed care, veteran population statistics, and resources that Metro Parks provides for their employees. A survey was administered both before and after education sessions; the post-test showed a significant increase in readiness to begin the Veterans with disABILITIES program
Daily Living Curriculum for Adults with Disabilities
Get PDFThis doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with BrightStone, with the shared objective of increasing independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In alignment with BrightStone’s values to empower the quality of life for adults with IDD where their choices and their voices matter, this project addressed the growing need to support their adults at all stages of life. Key outcomes included a daily living curriculum, adaptations to involve students in meal preparation and cleanup, staff training on fall prevention and recovery, and a functional skills progress tracker for residential home use
Navigating Excellence: A Comprehensive Program Evaluation of an Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Pilot Course
Get PDFBackground and Rationale: Clinical instructors play a key role in nursing education, yet clinical instructors have varying degrees of formal preparation for the role. These inconsistencies affect student outcomes and instructors’ ability to effectively teach, mentor, and evaluate students. To address this, Belmont University developed the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Program online course. This project conducted a comprehensive program evaluation to assess its effectiveness.
Aim: This project evaluated the effectiveness, success, and sustainability of an online Clinical Nurse Educator and Preceptor course designed to prepare registered nurses to teach undergraduate students and new nurses in clinical settings.
Design: This study used a summative program evaluation guided by the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) framework to systematically assess the program’s relevance, implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. It focused on program outcomes, participant perceptions, and long-term sustainability.
Methods: Course content was mapped to the AACN Essentials to assess alignment with national nursing accreditation standards. Data collection included surveys from Belmont Online, Qualtrics, and the ACNESAT, a validated tool measuring confidence and self-efficacy. The ACNESAT assessed role characteristics and fulfillment. Survey responses were analyzed for satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, self-efficacy, role expectations, and areas for improvement.
Results: The summative evaluation showed an 80% completion rate and increased self-efficacy (+19%), with the greatest gain in assessment/evaluation strategies (+21.84%). Satisfaction & Impact: Participants rated content (7.67/10) and interactivity (7.5/10) highly; 53% plan to take the CNEcl exam. Key themes: communication, professional boundaries, and bias reduction. AACN Essentials Mapping: The course aligned with 9/10 competencies, with the highest representation in Professional Development (92.8%) and Professionalism (87%).
Conclusions: The course effectively improved self-efficacy, confidence, and preparedness for clinical teaching, with the greatest improvement found in assessment/evaluation strategies. High satisfaction and strong alignment with AACN Essentials support its relevance and sustainability.
Implications for Practice: This evaluation underscores the need for ongoing faculty development in clinical assessment. Findings support structured, competency-based programs in enhancing self-efficacy, professional growth, and certification readiness
Nourishing Movement: Nutrition for Parkinson\u27s Wellness
Get PDFThis doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Bridges for Parkinson\u27s, an organization designed to connect people living with Parkinson\u27s Disease to a community that engages them in a specialized fitness program that helps them rediscover hope and joy and connect them to other resources to improve overall quality of life. The primary objective was to understand the lived experience of individuals with PD and develop PD specific nutrition education and programming for PD fighters and their care partners to use in fighting back against PD. The specific nutrition topics in the education and programming include Whole Foods, Hydration, and Adaptive Cooking/Meal Preparation. The deliverables of the project include 2 nutrition articles and 2 interactive educational events. Other outcomes include earning specialty credentialing from STEADI and leading the PD case study at the Belmont IPE Home Modification Event
Empowering Pediatric Care: Developing Educational Tools and Digital Resources for Teachers, Providers, and Parents
No full textThis doctoral capstone project was conducted in collaboration with Alverson Pediatric Therapy, a private concierge pediatric practice dedicated to empowering parents with the tools and skills necessary to support their children\u27s developmental milestones. The primary objective of this project was to create a series of educational resources focused on a range of pediatric topics, aimed at equipping parents, healthcare providers, and educators with the knowledge to help children thrive. Topics covered included Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensory Modulation Disorder, Sensory Discrimination, Sensory-Motor-Based Disorders, and more. The final outcomes of the project consisted of twelve comprehensive educational handouts, along with presentations on ADHD and Sensory Processing, designed to offer practical insights and strategies for managing these conditions