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Occupational
Therapy Research Network
Research
Projects completed during the 2003-2004 academic year
Interprofessional Perceptions Among
Occupational Therapists and Therapeutic Recreation Professionals
Researchers: Erica
Ahlgren, Heidi Curran, Andrea Gaeta, Christine Urish, MS, OTR/L
The
purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, perceptions, and
roles among occupational therapy and therapeutic recreation professionals
in mental health and potentially
enhance the knowledge of these professionals. Occupational therapy and
therapeutic recreation professionals were questioned using the
Interprofessional Perception Scale (IPS).
Upon return of the initial IPS, participants were sent an
informational compact disc and second IPS.
In the pre-test sample occupational therapy and therapeutic
recreation professionals had more favorable views of their own
professions. Significance was identified from pre-test to post-test on two
items (interprofessional issues level three in relation to therapeutic
recreation and level one in relation to occupational therapy).
Interprofessional perceptions may effect the quality of care of patients
in mental health settings.
This project was
accepted for presentation at the 2004 American Occupational Therapy
Association Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN
Feature
Film Use as a Teaching Tool in Allied Health Education
Researchers: Cody Leslein, Melissa
Mortenson, Letitia Snow, Christine Urish, MS, OTR/L
The purpose of this study was to discover
if allied health educators are using feature films in the classroom and
if films accurately depict mental illness. Participants included
educators from the fields of art therapy, music therapy, occupational
therapy, recreational therapy, and social work. A survey completed by
these educators provided information on the use of various teaching
techniques and film formats used. Results showed that educators use
feature films in addition to educational and documentary films.
Respondents agreed that students benefit from the use of feature films
in the classroom as previous research has indicated. Future research
could be conducted to examine the portrayal of stigma in feature films.
Wheelchair Sports Education Among
Individuals with Disabilities
Researchers: Elizabeth Ellis, Allison
Gray, Christina Lash, Phyllis Wenthe, M Ed, OTR/L
Individuals with
disabilities that are not currently involved in sports may not be aware
of the availability and accessibility of possible sport activities and
the benefits of these sports. This is a topic that was previously
researched in Great Britain but needs to be further investigated in the
United States. The purpose of this study is to examine how some
individuals with disabilities are informed of opportunities and benefits
of participation in wheelchair sports and to look at why some
individuals with disabilities are not involved in sports. Examining how
some individuals received information on participation in wheelchair
sports may better prepare therapists to educate their clients on the
availability of wheelchair sports. Four hundred and ten questionnaires
were sent to the Illinois Spinal Cord Injury Association and the Rough
Riders Wheelchair basketball team of Illinois. The sample consisted of
65 individuals with disabilities. From the results of this study, it was
concluded that most individuals with disabilities are not being educated
by health care clinicians on benefits and availability of sports. This
is a concern for occupational therapists because leisure education is
within occupational therapy’s (OT) domain.
Barriers to Physical Activity
Participation in Older Adults
Researchers: Sarah
Greenberg, Julie Snyder, Sarah Wacker, Christina Williams, Sharon
Robinson, MS, OTR/L
Physical activity is
beneficial to everyone; however, older adults do not regularly
participate in physical activity. Prior research has addressed many
factors which contribute to participation in physical activity, but it
has not addressed the barriers older adults experience in relation to
occupational therapy. This study compares older adults who participate
in three levels of physical activity (high, moderate, and low) to
determine the different barriers across the groups. Results show the top
three barriers to engaging in physical activity amongst older adults are
pain, being too busy, and boredom. By understanding barriers to physical
activity, occupational therapists may be more effective in motivating
older adults to engage in physical activity by eliminating these
barriers.
School Counselors’
Knowledge of the Occupational Therapy Profession
Researchers: Ashley
Baldwin, Allison Hemphill, Elizabeth Malone, Gretchen Till, Kathleen
Zajicek, MS, OTR/L
The purpose of this study
was to determine the knowledge base school counselors have about the
occupational therapy profession. A total of 213 school counselors from
throughout the United States attending the American School Counselor
Association annual conference completed a survey to determine their
knowledge base about occupational therapy. The results indicated school
counselors have some knowledge of occupational therapy. More information
about specific aspects of occupational therapy would be beneficial for
school counselors. The study provided vital information for occupational
therapy professionals regarding marketing and recruitment into the
profession.
This project was
accepted for presentation at the 2004 American Occupational Therapy
Association Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN
Perceived Effects of Fidgets on Attention
and Classroom Behavior
Researchers: Erin Crome,
Sheena Johnson, Katie Lingle, Steven Rodgers, Theresa Schlabach, BCP, MA,
OTR/L
The purpose of this study
was to examine the perceived effects on attention to task and behavior in
the classroom when children in 3rd and 4th grades
were introduced to fidgets. Participants included children in two rural
school districts in two different states. Teachers and students were
given a weekly questionnaire that assessed the perceived effects of
fidgets on attention to task and behavior in the classroom. Results
indicated the teachers’ perception of the usefulness of the fidgets were
mixed; however, the majority of the students perceived the fidgets to be
helpful. Mixed results were found for the amount of time students spent
with fidgets. Continued research is needed if fidgets are going to be
used in the classroom.
A Pilot Study of Occupational Therapy
Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using Kinesio Tape.
Researchers: Cathy
Borst, Kevin Collins, Brenda Hughes, MA, OTR/L
Occupational therapy (OT)
interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have shown variable rates
of success; however, the researchers believe that Kinesio Taping may be an
effective first line treatment. The purpose of this study is to test the
hypothesis that patients who receive Kinesio Tape (KT), as an adjunctive
form of OT treatment, along with traditional OT treatment will have
better outcomes than patients who receive only traditional OT treatment.
Six participants were assigned to either a control or experimental
group. The researchers saw participants after their OT sessions. Their
pain, numbness/tingling, and loss of coordination/clumsiness were
recorded on visual analogue scales. There were no significant
differences between the treatment groups’ outcomes. The researchers
concluded that more data needs to be collected to determine the
effectiveness of KT as a treatment for CTS.
Architecture, Universal
Design, and Occupational Therapy: How Much Do Architecture Students Know
About this Emerging Collaboration?
Researchers: Kristie Rogers, Jennifer
Szarzynski, Lynn Kilburg, MBA, OTR/L
As the older adult
population increases, the need for a home that will adapt to their
changing needs and allow for continued independent living also increases.
Universal design meets this need. This purpose of this study was discover the level of awareness
that architecture students have in the areas of universal design, aging in
place issues for older adults, and the role of occupational therapy in the
design of homes for older adults. The
results of the study support the idea of educating architecture students
as a means to increase the likelihood of future collaboration with
occupational therapists in the universal design process.
Research
Projects completed during the 2002-2003 academic year
Stigma
Busters: Improvisational Theatre to Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness Researchers: Amy Allgood, MOTS; Jacob Andrews, MOTS; Trisha Atkinson, MOTS; Heather Beam, MOTS; Christine Malaski, MS,OTR/L
This project was presented at the Annual American Occupational
Therapy Association, June 2003 in Washington, DC*
The
issue of stigma in mental illnes is one that continues to be a problem in
society. Stigma directly effects the forming attitudes of youth, the
general knowledge and belief of communities, and the treatment of persons
living with mental illness. The
purpose of this study was to determine if educating students through the
use of improvisational theatre could help reduce the levels of
stigmatizing beliefs. There
were 232 high school and college students that participated in the
research. Significance (p=.039) was found in high school students viewing
the improvesational theatre performance.
No differences were found among college students.
Recruitment,
Retention/Motivation and Attrition in Occupational Therapists Researchers:
Meggan Boutott, MOTS; Jennifer Driscoll, MOTS; Christina Lake, MOTS; Lynn
Wilhelm, MOTS; Brenda Hughes, MA, OTR/L, Christine Malaski, MS, OTR/L
Due to increases in longevity, the number of
certified occupational therapists needs to increase to meet the demand.
The purpose of this study was identifying aspects influencing people to
choose occupational therapy as a career path and retention factors. Survey
responses (n = 24) were from 18 registered occupational therapists
practicing for at least one year from three Iowa rehabilitation settings
and six retired occupational therapists. Respondents filled out a survey
and attended two follow up focus group interviews. The results regarding
recruitment, motivation/retention, and attrition were similar to previous
findings, but respondents identified new factors. Overall, this study
revealed important aspects that need to be considered by the profession of
occupational therapy to increase recruitment, satisfaction, while
minimizing attrition.
The
Effects of Handwriting Curriculum on Near Point Copying
Researchers: Jessica Pickering, MOTS; Nicole Tierney, MOTS; Theresa
Schlabach, MA, BCP, OTR/L
The
objective of this research was to determine if handwriting curriculum has
an effect on handwriting problems. A sample of 33 handwriting samples were
gathered from fourth grade students taught with D’Nealian and
traditional handwriting curriculum. Two handwriting passages were copied
by each student and evaluated by The IOwa Writing Assessment and Norms
(IOWAN). No differences were found to exist between the two handwriting
styles. These findings suggest handwriting difficulties do not occur
because of curriculum, rather occupational therapists should be challenged
to look at other environmental factors in attempt to remediate handwriting
problems in school aged children.
Video
Games and Visual Motor Integration Researchers: Tara Hanke, MOTS; Nicole Lumbrazo, MOTS; Laura Paisley, MOTS;
Anne Stegmaier, MOTS, Theresa Schlabach, MA, BCP, OTR/L
This project was presented at the American Occupational Therapy
Association Annual Conference, June 2003 in Washington,
DC
The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of time first- and
second-grade children spent playing video games to their visual-motor
integration. Participants included elementary students from schools in
Illinois and Iowa. A survey completed by a parent/guardian provided
demographic information, as well as the length of time and type(s) of
video game(s) played by each participant. This information was compared to
the participant’s score on the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor
Integration (VMI). No significant correlation was found between the VMI
standard scores and the number of hours each participant spent playing
video games per week. More research is needed in this area to determine
activities that affect a child’s visual-motor integration.
Sexual
Expression and Spinal Cord Injury: Comparing Perspectives Between Patient
and Occupational Therapist Researchers: Tracy Boyer, MOTS; Kylene Canham, MOTS; Breigh Hansen, MOTS;
Katie Hiemstra, MOTS; Elizabeth Meyer, MOTS; Kathleen Zajicek, MS, OTR/L
Sexual
expression is an important area to address when treating spinal cord
injured patients. Occupational
therapy is a holistic profession that evaluates and treats the patients’
activities of daily living including sexual expression.
Sexual expression is not being addressed adequately by therapists.
The purpose of this study was to compare the perspectives of the
occupational therapist and patient, to investigate if sexual expression
was being addressed and what intervention methods were perceived to be
effective by the patient. A
convenience sample of patients with a spinal cord injury were chosen from
two Midwestern rehabilitation facilities.
The results indicated that further research is needed to determine
whether occupational therapists are addressing sexual expression and if
patients are satisfied with the intervention.
The Impact on Occupational Therapy Referrals After Training Hospice
Staff and Volunteers on the Role of Occupational Therapy
Researchers: Lynn
Steidler-Thompson, MOTS; Kasey Ruff, MOTS; Elizabeth Walsh, MOTS; Phyllis
Wenthe, M Ed., OTR/L
Occupational therapy has been found to be underutilized in the
hospice setting. This study was undertaken to determine if referrals for
occupational therapy changed after hospice staff and volunteers were
given a one-hour in-service explaining the role and use of occupational
therapy in hospice. Results indicated that there was no change in
referral rate to the occupational therapist. There was a decrease in the
number of participants who reported seeing clients who were appropriate
for occupational therapy services. A statistically significant
difference was found between the experimental and control group in their
knowledge and understanding of occupational therapy’s role in hospice
and their need for additional training on the use of occupational
therapy.
Parental
Perception of Sensory Integration’s Impact on Behavior of Children
Prescribed Stimulant Medication Researchers: Dawn Magnuson, MOTS; Jennifer Moore, MOTS; Gigi Sullivan,
MOTS; Sharon Robinson, MS, OTR/L
Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis commonly treated with
stimulant medication. Sensory
integration (SI) is a treatment unknown to many people, used to treat ADHD
symptoms. This single case
study investigated parents perception of the effects of SI on behaviors
associated with ADHD in combination with stimulant medication. During the
study, the children received similar SI treatment at an outpatient clinic
once a week. According to the
Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, the children displayed varying behaviors,
which may require more individualized treatment techniques.
SI treatment has been proven effective with children with ADHD in
previous research. This
research did not show the significance of utilizing this approach with
children in the study.
Education of Occupational Therapy in the Medical Profession
Researchers: Katherine Boyer, MOTS; Melissa Gagnepain, MOTS; Jennifer
Hahn, MOTS; Emily Kegler, MOTS, Lynn Kilburg, MBA, OTR/L
The
profession of occupational therapy depends solely on referrals from many
specialties throughout the medical profession. A physician’s base of
knowledge is gained in medical school. If medical professors do not have
an adequate understanding of occupational therapy and the scope of their
services they may not instruct students accurately, consequently referrals
to occupational therapy may be negatively impacted. The purpose of this
study is to examine medical school professors’ knowledge of occupational
therapy and how much is taught to medical students regarding occupational
therapy’s effectiveness and importance. Responses indicated that medical
school professors have a lack of knowledge regarding occupational therapy.
Despite a sample size of only 49, a descriptive method confirmed the need
for promotion of the profession
Companion
Animals: Use Of A Client’s Pet In Home-Based Occupational Therapy Researchers: Sue Lee, MOTS; Christina Schutte, MOTS; Brenda Hughes, MA, OTR/L
Pets can be a readily available and beneficial modality in
home-based therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine if home
health occupational therapists are incorporating companion animals into
treatment. A survey created by the researchers was sent to 501
occupational therapists working in home health. Of the 227 surveys
returned, 40 surveys were not included because the therapists were not
currently working in home health. The results found 49.2% of occupational
therapists surveyed have incorporated a companion animal into treatment in
home health. Of these therapists, 93.8% felt treatment was more effective
and 97.7% felt it was more meaningful when incorporating a companion
animal. The researchers concluded home-based occupational therapists are
incorporating companion animals into treatment.
Perceptions of Residents Quality of Life and Staff Job Satisfaction in
Eden Alternative and Traditional Nursing Homes
Researchers: Sean McGinn, MOTS; Krista Pinter, MOTS; Daniel Stotlar, MOTS;
Catherine Willenborg, MOTS; Brenda Hughes, MA, OTR/L
The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of quality of
life among residents and staff job satisfaction in Eden Alternative versus
traditional nursing homes. The research question was whether the Eden Alternative
environment improves residents’ quality of life and staff job
satisfaction. A survey
created by the researchers was administered to staff and residents who met
the cognitive requirement. Surveys
were completed by 37 residents and 30 staff at the two Eden Alterative
nursing homes. The two traditional nursing homes had 18 residents and 35
staff that completed the surveys. Mann
Whitney U was utilized for analysis with level of significance established
at p=.05. Four of 30 questions had significance, three for the residents
and one for staff.
Impact
of the Motion Picture Industry on Physical Therapy Students’ Perceptions
of Mental Illness
Researchers:
Tracy Craig, MOTS; Julie Jones, MOTS; Christine Malaski, MS, OTR/L
Studies have explored the media’s impact on society’s perceptions of
people with mental illness. Research has shown negative and inaccurate
depictions of people with a mental illness perpetuate stigma. The purpose
of this study was to determine if a motion picture film depicting mental
illness impacts physical therapy students’ perceptions of mental
illness. Physical therapy students (n = 49) were given the Community
Attitude Toward the Mentally Ill (CAMI) questionnaire. Results were
consistent with previous research. Students indicated they were less
tolerant of people with mental illness with regard to whether people with
a mental illness should be managed aggressively and hospitalized. Scores
also revealed students were less willing to be supportive and kind toward
individuals with a mental illness.
Research Projects in
completed during the 2001-2002 academic year:
SEXUALITY AND SPINAL CORD
INJURY: WHO IS ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE? - Student Researchers: Kathleen Donahue
MOTS, Margaret Haffarnan MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Zajicek, MS, OTR/L
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
INTERVENTION AND DEPRESSION IN CARDIAC PATIENTS - Student Researchers: Phyllis
Crawford MOTS, Jennifer Graham MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Zajicek, MS, OTR/L
CARDIAC DIAGNOSIS AND
RELATIONSHIP TO SELF ESTEEM - Student Researchers: Mandy Hodel MOTS, Debbie
Vetter MOTS, Veronica Toohill MOTS Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Zajicek, MS, OTR/L
PURPOSEFUL ACTIVITY: THE ROLE
OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN TREATMENT - Student Researchers: Beth Harris MOTS,
Jennifer Brewer MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Christine Malaski, MS, OTR/L Presented
at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, May 2002,
Miami, FL
THE IMPACT OF CANCER ON
SPIRITUALITY IN YOUNG ADULTS 18-25 - Student Researchers: Leslie Gruber MOTS,
Emily Jensen MOTS, Julie Mausser MOTS, Kelly Link MOTS; Faculty Advisor:
Christine Malaski, MS, OTR/L
MOTIVATORS AND PERSONALITY
CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLUNTEER LEADERS: A PILOT STUDY - Student Researchers:
Bethany Klokkenga MOTS, Rachel Eisfelder MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Christine
Malaski, MS, OTR/L Presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association
Annual Conference, May 2002, Miami, FL
PERCEPTION
OF STIGMA IN FAMILIES OF ADOLECENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND
PHYSICAL DISABILITY - Student Researchers: Joseph Ulloa MOTS,
Stephanie Kerker MOTS, Nancy Fandel MOTS; Faculty Advisor:
Christine Malaski, MS, OTR/L
IMPORTANCE OF
SPIRITUALITY TO PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY - Student Researchers:
Angel Carley MOTS, Julie Dry MOTS, Malinda Heimsoth MOTS; Faculty
Advisors: Christine Malaski, MS, OTR/L & Brenda Hughes, MA, OTR/L
Presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual
Conference, May 2002, Miami, FL
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS - Student Researchers:
Lisa Benscoter MOTS, Jennifer Gilles MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Theresa Schalabach,
MA, BCP, OTR/L
GRASP PATTERNS OF FIRST YEAR
STUDENTS: WHICH IS MOST COMMON? - Student Researchers: Casey Sickles, Lisa
Whitaker MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Theresa Schlabach, MA, BCP, OTR/L
UPPER EXTREMITY DYSFUNCTION
RESULTING FROM CVA: FACTORS INFLUENCING TREATMENT - Student Researchers: Gabriel
Stickling MOTS, Alissa Oetzmann MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Lynn Kilburg, MBA, OTR/L
EFFECTS OF TAI CHI INSTRUCTION
ON ELDERLY MOBILITY CONFIDENCE - Student Researchers: Kelly Jeffers MOTS,
Jennifer Kohl MOTS, Julie Meske MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Phyllis Wenthe, MEd, OTR/L
Presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference,
May 2002, Miami, FL
IMPACT OF ANIMAL ASSISTED
THERAPY ON SOCIALIZATION SKILLS OF CHILD PET OWNERS - Student Researchers:
Jennifer Lavoi MOTS, Monica Blue MOTS; Faculty Advisor: Phyllis Wenthe MEd., OTR/L Presented
at the American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, May 2002,
Miami, FL
QUALITY OF LIFE OF OLDER
PERSONS IN ASSISTED LIVING ENVIRONMENTS - Student Researchers: Angela Berger
MOTS, Kimberly Lewis MOTS, Christina Toohill MOTS; Sharon Robinson, MS, OTR/L
Click
here for research
projects completed during the 1999-2000 academic year included: If you are
interested in obtaining more information on any of these projects, contact
Christine Urish at (563) 333-6281 or email at UrishChristineK@sau.edu
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