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Occupational Impact of Losing a Parent at a Young Age
Get PDFThis qualitative study explored the lived experiences of children who faced the death of a parent before the age of 18. With an emphasis on the specific occupational impact that resulted directly after the loss and then further into adulthood, 5 themes arose from the participants\u27 responses. Unexpected roles changes, fear of loss, lack of support, loss of meaning, and family traditions lead to the identification of varying occupations, environmental factors and performance patterns that were impacted in some way. The results of this study highlight the need for more equipped, accessible and age appropriate bereavement services, as well as the understanding of how OT can be utilized to promote occupational performance and satisfaction when experiencing grief reactions.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1074/thumbnail.jp
Invited commentary on interprofessional education and collaboration in the Philippines: Current landscape, gaps, and propositions
Get PDFPhysiotherapy in community-based rehabilitation in middle and low-income countries: A scoping review
Get PDFIntroduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.
Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the three regions.
Results: Key characteristics of PT interventions within CBR programs varied across regions. Asian LMICs emphasized a holistic approach and assistive technologies, African LMICs focused on lifestyle interventions and mHealth, while Latin American LMICs prioritized physical activity and culturally adapted interventions. Reported outcomes included improved physical functioning, quality of life, and participation in social activities. However, challenges such as limited resources, lack of trained personnel, and cultural barriers hindered effective implementation in all regions.
Discussion: Despite regional variations, common themes emerged, including the need for context-specific interventions, integration of PT with other services for collaborative efforts to achieve desired outcomes, and investment in training and infrastructure. The findings highlight the potential of PT in CBR programs to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in LMICs, but also underscore the need for further cohesive collaborative efforts, research and investment to address existing challenges
The Empowerment Through Assistive Devices: A Program for Older Adults Post-Stroke and Their Caregivers
Get PDFThis capstone project aimed to develop a holistic and sustainable educational program for post-stroke adults using mobility devices in long-term care at CC Young. The program was to empower stroke survivors to regain independence, enhance their quality of life, and reduce caregiver burden by focusing on functional mobility, safety, caregiver support, device adherence, and multiple other factors that increase functional independence and safety. The program achieved significant outcomes through in-depth training, consistent education, feedback incorporation, and ongoing follow-up. Device usage rates were notably increased, helping participants continue using mobility aids effectively and consistently. Additionally, the program played a critical role in reducing device abandonment rates, which is a common issue among stroke survivors that then impacts caregivers. The program took a holistic approach by addressing both the technical aspects of mobility device use and providing emotional support, empowering stroke survivors. This approach fostered a sense of autonomy in the participants while also building a strong, supportive network for their caregivers. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of integrating education, support, and follow-up care in enhancing the long-term outcomes for stroke survivors in long-term care settings. Through comprehensive training, community support, and long-term follow-up, the program increased device adherence, decreased abandonment rates, and fostered a sense of empowerment among both stroke survivors and caregivershttps://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1000/thumbnail.jp
Aquatic Based Exercise for Adults with Lymphedema to Improve Quality of Life
Get PDFIndividuals diagnosed with lymphedema can face physical, emotional, and psychosocial complications. Since lymphedema is a lifelong condition, symptom management is crucial to an individual’s daily routine and well-being. Aquatic therapy is an approach where individuals perform exercises in the water, and the characteristics of the water provide many benefits for lymphedema. The purpose of this capstone was to develop an aquatic-based exercise program for individuals with lymphedema to increase social participation and improve overall quality of life. Increasing the awareness of aquatic therapy for lymphedema can educate individuals and occupational therapists on another treatment option to help manage lymphedema symptoms.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1020/thumbnail.jp
Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Reintegrating into Leisure and Exercise Occupations Within the Community
No full textThe Live, Laugh, Leisure program was developed to support adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in improving quality of life, physical activity, and social participation through structured, community-based leisure and exercise interventions. Informed by a thorough needs assessment, the program incorporated adaptive activities such as resistance training, cognitive games, group discussions, and arts-based sessions. Participants engaged three to five times weekly over a four-month period. Eligibility criteria included adults over 18 with SCI and medical clearance for participation.
Quantitative outcomes were assessed using the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS), Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), and exercise performance tracking. Results indicated notable improvements in quality of life and physical activity levels across most participants (Figures 2–4), with many reporting increased strength, endurance, and social engagement. Qualitative feedback revealed enhanced motivation, emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of community belonging.
Despite limitations such as a small sample size and a relatively short program duration, findings highlight the value of integrating occupational therapy principles into community programs for individuals with neurological conditions. The results suggest that structured, adaptive recreation fosters not only physical gains but also psychosocial well-being. The program’s success has broader implications for community reintegration, offering a replicable model that emphasizes empowerment, engagement, and holistic recovery.
Future recommendations include expanding accessibility, exploring virtual delivery options, and developing sustainable partnerships with local organizations and healthcare providers. The Live, Laugh, Leisure program demonstrates that community-based, occupation-centered interventions can meaningfully improve the lives of individuals living with SCI.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1025/thumbnail.jp
Building Bridges: A Community Health Worker Training Course
Get PDFBuilding Bridges: A Community Health Worker Training Course is a comprehensive 20-hour continuing education course designed for community health workers (CHWS) who work with Black pregnant women. This training course was developed for and in collaboration with Allure Alliance Incorporated, a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Black women through community programming, education, and advocacy. This training course reflects an interprofessional collaborative approach to addressing the racial disparities in the Black maternal health population in the U.S. The course includes evidence-based strategies and health management interventions derived from the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition (OTPF-4), to support Black pregnant women that CHWs can use. By focusing on holistic, population needs, and culturally responsive practices, this course aims to strengthen the skill set of CHWS in the Austin, TX area. Ultimately, Building Bridges will contribute to decreasing the Black maternal mortality rate, empower CHWs, and expand OT practice into maternal health.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1042/thumbnail.jp
Educating OTs on the Benefits of Virtual Reality with Post-Stroke Rehab
Get PDFThis capstone project focused on educating occupational therapists (OTs) about the benefits and applications of virtual reality (VR) in post-stroke rehabilitation. The primary goal was to increase therapists’ knowledge, confidence, and willingness to integrate VR into clinical practice. The project included the development of educational resources such as informational handouts, guidebook, and pre-and post-surveys to assess changes in therapists’ attitudes and understanding of VR. By bridging knowledge gaps, the project aimed to enhance patient engagement and improve rehabilitation outcomes.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1057/thumbnail.jp
Occupational Therapists’ Role in Incorporating Music Therapy Interventions for Preschoolers With Sensory Processing Disorder
No full textThe improvement of function in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the use of music interventions. Advocating for individuals who are on the spectrum and identify as autistic or neurodivergent is important, as autism spectrum disorder presents differently in each person. Music can be utilized in occupational therapy treatment plans to assist clients with sensory processing disorders. In occupational therapy, sound interventions are just one of the many creative interventions that can assist in keeping each session interesting while keeping each child engaged and displaying sensory challenges.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1058/thumbnail.jp
Support Group Development for the Mental Health of Parents of Children with Complex Diagnoses
Get PDFThis presentation covers support group program development for the mental health of parents of children with complex diagnoses. It outlines the need for emotional support, describes the group activities used to promote coping and resilience, and explains how the program was implemented and evaluated using pre- and post-surveys.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesspring2025/1067/thumbnail.jp