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Outcomes of a strength- and power-focused exercise program in an adult with multiple comorbidities due to type II diabetes mellitus: A case report
No full textIntroduction. People with multiple significant comorbidities are commonly excluded from clinical trials of exercise and therefore less is known regarding the outcomes in this population. This case report describes the outcomes of strength- and power-focused exercise training in an adult with multiple comorbidities.
Methods / Case description. A 40-year-old male with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus resulting in stage 5 chronic kidney disease and left-sided below-knee amputation underwent a four-week program that consisted of four clinic-based and eight self-supervised exercise sessions. The design of the exercise training program was guided by principles of muscle power training while also informed by the interactive effects of his comorbid conditions, and personal and contextual factors.
Results. Improvements in muscle strength (modified 5 repetition maximum: +15.88 kg), muscle power (Five Times Sit-to-stand Test: -3.17 s), functional mobility (Timed Up and Down Stairs: -30.39 s), spatiotemporal gait parameters including comfortable gait velocity (+0.24 m/s) and fast gait velocity (+0.21 m/s), and quality of life (4 out of 5 domains of the WHOQOL-BREF) were observed. The program was completed without any adverse events associated with the intervention.
Discussion. Combined strength- and power-focused exercise training was safe and positive changes across multiple outcomes were demonstrated in an adult with multiple significant comorbidities. However, exercise program adherence was low, particularly during self-supervised sessions. Findings represent preliminary evidence of the value of this type of exercise training in this population and provide important groundwork for further testing (for example, in a cohort study). Use of optimal behavior change strategies may need to be built into the exercise program design to effectively anticipate and address barriers to exercise engagement.
Keywords: power training, resistance training, amputation, kidney disease, mobilit
A Boost of Confidence: Improving Perinatal Bereavement Care
No full textPractice Problem: Perinatal loss can have a profoundly distressing impact on families. Nurses play a crucial role in supporting care during this challenging period and must be confident in perinatal bereavement care.
PICOT: The PICOT question that guided this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Project was, in inpatient hospital Maternal Child Health (MCH) nursing staff (P), does implementing a standardized perinatal bereavement care checklist (I), compared to current practice (C), improve nurse confidence in perinatal bereavement care as evidenced by the Perinatal Bereavement Care Confidence Scale (PBCCS) (O) in eight weeks (T)?
Evidence: Ten evidence-based articles were included in this DNP Scholarly Project, including six cross-sectional studies, one non-experimental study, one descriptive qualitative study, one expert opinion, and one systematic review study design. The body of evidence supported standardizing perinatal bereavement care to improve nurses’ confidence.
Intervention: A standardized MCH Perinatal Bereavement Care Checklist with Quick Tips was implemented to improve nurse confidence. The PBCCS was the validated tool used to compare nursing confidence before and after implementation over an eight-week period.
Outcome: There was a significant improvement in post-implementation (80.49%) nurse confidence in perinatal bereavement care compared with pre-implementation confidence (29.27%).
Conclusion: The implementation of a standardized MCH Perinatal Bereavement Care Checklist with Quick Tips demonstrated clinical significance in improving nurse confidence in delivering perinatal bereavement care
Empowering Parenting & Bonding for Women with Young Children in a Transition Home
No full textThis capstone project was completed at Star of Hope, a transitional housing facility for women and children. A needs assessment revealed that mothers struggled with routine consistency, emotional regulation, and parent–child bonding due to environmental demands. In response, a customized parenting guidebook was developed using occupational therapy principles to provide structure, bonding activities, and self-reflection strategies. Mothers who engaged with the guidebook reported improvements in organization, confidence, and interactions with their children. Sustainability was supported by leaving the guidebook with the facility and training staff for continued use. The project highlights the impact of simple, structured OT interventions in promoting resilience and meaningful family routines.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2025/1006/thumbnail.jp
A Program for the Occupational Needs of Women With Urinary Incontinence in Independent/Assisted Living Facilities
No full textThe purpose of this capstone project was to develop a multimedia educational program for women with UI living in an independent living facility(ILF)/assisted living facility (ALF) to foster engagement in health management behaviors for enhanced overall quality of life.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2025/1023/thumbnail.jp
Occupational Therapy for Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder: An Educational Video Series
No full textFunctional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD) is a complex condition that significantly disrupts occupational performance, identity, and participation. Despite the important role occupational therapy plays in addressing these challenges, many practitioners report uncertainty about how to apply occupation-based models- particularly the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO)- to guide treatment. This capstone project developed a seven-part educational video series to increase practitioner confidence and provide clear, evidence-informed strategies for assessment, intervention planning, and client-centered reasoning. Videos cover essential topics such as OT’s role in FNSD, psychosocial contributors, brain–body connections, functional retraining, and adapting interventions across settings. Hosted on YouTube for accessible dissemination, this series serves as a practical resource for OT practitioners seeking foundational knowledge and clinically relevant guidance in FNSD care. Future work may explore effectiveness, practitioner outcomes, and opportunities for integration into continuing education.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonesfall2025/1024/thumbnail.jp
Occupational Therapy in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology: An Educational Guidebook
No full textAdolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, typically aged 15 to 39, face numerous physical, emotional, and psychological challenges during and after treatment, which can significantly affect their quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities. While occupational therapy has proven effective in addressing these challenges, its integration into AYA cancer care remains underutilized. This project aimed to bridge the gap by developing a comprehensive guidebook for AYA oncology patients and their oncology care teams, providing an in-depth understanding of the impact of cancer and its treatments on occupational performance, and promoting the role of occupational therapy in improving the quality of life for these individuals. Through this guidebook, AYA oncology patients and their healthcare providers are equipped with knowledge of occupational therapy practices, strategies for overcoming functional deficits, and guidance on timely referrals for occupational therapy services. By increasing awareness of the benefits occupational therapy has, this project seeks to enhance collaboration between oncologists, healthcare team members, and occupational therapists, ultimately ensuring AYA oncology patients receive holistic, patient-centered care. This guidebook was designed to address common occupational barriers faced by AYA oncology patients and improve the accessibility and frequency of occupational therapy services, fostering long-term well-being and successful reintegration into daily life during and post-cancer treatment.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1000/thumbnail.jp
Addressing Anxiety in the Pediatric Population: An OT Perspective
No full textThis capstone develops and evaluates a trauma-informed training for RBTs and caregivers in outpatient ABA clinics serving children with ASD and anxiety. Grounded in MOHO, the seven-module program teaches trigger→support mapping, sensory strategies, visual tools, and brief co-regulation routines. Findings show improved knowledge and confidence, with recommendations to embed a fidelity rubric, booster sessions, and ready-to-use templates.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1003/thumbnail.jp
Equine Assisted Services to Increase Participation in Activities of Daily Living and Social Engagement for Veterans with PTSD
No full textCurrently there are limited occupational therapy programs in equine assisted services that promote engagement in meaningful occupations for veterans who experience PTSD. This capstone project aims to increase occupational participation of veterans with PTSD by providing modules on education and interventions to therapy staff who work in equine assisted services. The modules focus on increasing engagement in activities of daily living and social participation to promote overall quality of life.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1001/thumbnail.jp
Factors that Contribute to Occupational Burnout Among Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants: A Qualitative Design
No full textThis capstone project investigates the prevalence, contributing factors, and impact of occupational burnout and compassion fatigue among occupational therapists (OTs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Using a qualitative research design, structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study identifies heavy workloads, staffing limitations, emotional demands, and sleep deprivation as primary contributors to burnout. The research employs occupational adaptation theory to explore adaptive strategies practitioners utilize, such as boundary setting and seeking professional or interrelationship support, to mitigate these effects. Findings highlight the pervasive nature of burnout among participants on professional performance and personal well-being, and the urgent need for systematic support, mental health awareness, and the integration of preventative strategies within the occupational therapy profession. These results underscore the critical necessity for systemic changes to enhance both practitioner well-being and the quality of care they provide in the field of occupational therapy.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1016/thumbnail.jp
Helping Children Cope With Sensory Overstimulation at Theme Parks: An Educational Video Series for Parents
No full textParents of children with sensory processing challenges often feel overwhelmed and unprepared when visiting high-stimulation environments such as theme parks. Loud sounds, bright lights, crowded walkways, and unpredictable routines can contribute to sensory overload, creating distress for both children and caregivers. Although theme parks aim to provide joyful family experiences, they may not fully account for the needs of neurodivergent children, including those with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or sensory processing disorder. Parents of children with debilitating sensory issues are unsure and uncertain on how to prepare to assist their child to cope with the overwhelming sensory stimuli at theme parks. The purpose pf this project was to create an educational video series for parents on how to help their children cope with debilitating sensory stimuli at theme parks. The six-episode series, grounded in occupational therapy principles and informed by current literature, neurodivergent voices, and parent perspectives, offers proactive and affirming strategies to promote participation and enjoyment. This paper describes the project\u27s development, presents a review of the literature, and discusses its strengths, limitations, and implications for future practice. Links to the full video series and transcripts are included as appendices.https://soar.usa.edu/otdcapstonessummer2025/1018/thumbnail.jp