OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

This doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Rehab Without Walls (RWW) Neuro Solutions in Hendersonville, TN; an outpatient clinic dedicated towards serving adults with various neurological conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and more. The focus of this project was to develop a training manual for the therapists at RWW to improve occupation-based utilization of the Universal Exercise Unit (UEU). Through the lens of the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) model and Albert Bandura’s theory of behavior change, each therapist’s performance range (i.e., ability to perform tasks) depended on both the context (the facility of RWW) and self-efficacy to expand this performance range. After an occupational analysis of the context, it was evident a manual detailing effective use of the UEU would be the most efficient means of knowledge delivery. A comprehensive literature review of current research was conducted and used to inform example, occupation-based activities included in the manual. These activities formed the foundation for later in-services, providing the therapists with hands-on experience using the UEU. The efficacy of this project was measured by comparing competency scores from pre- and post-intervention surveys. These scores were self-reported by each therapist regarding his/her confidence utilizing the UEU for a variety of skills (e.g., for motor learning, for strengthening, for fall recovery, etc.). These scores revealed an 83% increase in total average competency scores across the therapy team, demonstrating increased perceived competency post-intervention. Therefore, after development and implementation of UEU training, surveys suggest an increase in self-efficacy and better utilization of the context to increase each therapists’ performance range.

Publication Date

Spring 4-19-2024

Faculty Mentor

Carlene Johnson

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Poster

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

Universal Exercise Unit; neuro rehab; occupation-based activities; Rehab Without Walls; therasuit; suspension system; Ecology of Human Performance; theory of behavior change; self-efficacy; context

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