Professional Program in Occupational Therapy Student Research Projects
Fall 2008
Jane Bear-Lehman, Associate Professor and Department Chair, taught the two-semester course sequence, E40.2724 Occupational Therapy Research: Project Design (summer 2008) and E40.2725 Occupational Therapy Research (fall 2008). This sequence was comprised of guided research projects for students in addition to lectures and laboratory sessions. Below is a sampling of the group projects presented during the summer and fall of 2008 by Professional Program students.
Study: To what extent do individuals who have had total knee or total hip replacements use the adaptive equipment provided to them during their rehabilitation at The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital?
Faculty Mentors: Sally Poole
Clinical Mentor: Serena Berger (Burke)
Students: Friedman, Daniella; Miller, Melissa Jennifer; Rabinovich, Asya
Patients at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains, New York are given a package of adaptive equipment to facilitate their adherence to safety precautions during the post-operative period following knee or hip joint replacement surgery. This study sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of providing adaptive equipment to hip arthroplasty patients. The therapists at Burke have collected data about both the kind of equipment issued and also about how this equipment is used by patients at home. Thus, students at NYU performed data analysis using SPSS in order to learn which pieces of equipment were used more often than others, and whether factors such as age, gender or body traits were relevant to the use of the equipment.
Study: Ongoing Program Evaluation and Development: NYU Entry-Level OT Program - Perceptions of Older Adults.
Faculty Mentors: Karen Buckley and Sally Poole
Students: Fried, Elisheva; Klein, Sarit; Moskowitz, Elisheva; Muller, Erica
Students assessed how the entering professional OT class perceived older adults. A survey was developed by selecting questions (from an established AOTA survey) pertaining to attitudes towards working with older adults and beliefs about older adults. The survey was administered using the electronic survey tool Zoomergang, data was collected, and analyses were performed as part of this initial phase of the ongoing program evaluation project.
Study: To what extent are hand strength outcome scores influenced by knowing what the score is while engaged in voluntary isometric contraction against the instrument?
Faculty Mentors: Jane Bear-Lehman
PhD Candidate: Gwen Weinstock
Students: Elbogen, Risa; Reisman-Rothberger, Cheryl; Weinstein, Chana; Schoenfeld, Rachelle
This study explored the impact of visual feedback on grip strength scores. The hand-held Jamar dynamometer is commonly used to assess hand strength. This hand-held tool is designed such that the outcome score cannot be visually seen while the test is underway. Alternatively, the Jamar hand-held pinch meter allows for the host to see how the gauge advances during the voluntary squeezing effort. The study sought to investigate to what extent scores are higher when the host can monitor the gauge compared to when the gauge cannot be monitored. Two testing scenarios were set up: one that allowed for feedback during the test administration, and one that did not allow feedback during testing.
Study: What is an effective way to measure thumb opposition?
Faculty Mentor: Jane Bear-Lehman
Clinical Doctoral Student: Pamela Lawton
Students: Braham, Susan; Carbo, Janelle
The traditional method of using a ruler to measure the completion of thumb opposition is the primary method that therapists rely on to document and chart the progress of those who have impaired movement at the CMC joint. A new tool has been designed and marketed for the measurement of thumb opposition. This study looked at the utility of this new tool in a sample of normal adult women and a sample of women who have experienced injuries affecting their CMC joints and are undergoing treatment in NYC.
Study: The influence of Homework and Home Treatment Programs on Family Life.
Faculty Mentor: Jim Hinojosa
Students: Eckert, Danielle; Fiumara, Emily; Young, Jessica; Welch, Paula
This study sought to describe and understand the experiences and perceptions of parents and their children about engaging in homework/home treatment. Homework is an activity that most school-age children are expected to participate in and for children with disabilities this may include a home treatment program. Homework is also a common activity in which parent-child friction occurs. The focus of this study was how homework and/ or home treatment programs are experienced and perceived by parents and siblings and how it influences family life. To gain this knowledge, families with children between the ages of 8-11 were interviewed about their homework or home treatment experiences.
Study: An Efficacy Study of Handwriting Interventions for School-Aged Children, Grades 1-2.
Faculty Mentor: Jim Hinojosa
Clinical Doctoral Student: Karen Roston
Students: Duncan, Celeste; Greenberg, Lauren; Lewin, Rebecca; Strand, Vanessa
Handwriting is the principal reason in school-based settings for referral to occupational therapists. In this research project, students assessed the efficacy of two treatment approaches: an intervention focused on practice and an intervention focused on visually directed activities. In order to compare the two interventions, two Handwriting Clubs were established for improvement of children's legibility. Standardized handwriting assessments were administered by the researchers and the data was analyzed.
Study: Ongoing Program Evaluation and Development: NYU Entry-Level OT Program - Multi-Cultural Awareness as Part of the New Curriculum.
Faculty Mentors: Karen Buckley and Sally Poole
Students: Abrams, Dena; Olshanitsky, Russell; Rivera, Odalis Gladys; Kado, Masayo
One goal of the OT program at NYU is to educate students to prepare them to work with clients from a variety of racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. This study assessed the professional OT class' multi-cultural awareness and sensitivity. Questions pertinent to the topic were selected from an established AOTA survey and presented using the electronic survey, Zoomerang. Surveys were administered and data collected from first year OT students. Analyses were performed for this initial phase of the ongoing program evaluation project.
Study: What are the inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of the "Posture and Fine Motor Assessment of Infants"?
Faculty Mentor: Tsu-Hsin Howe
PhD Doctoral Candidate: Tien-Ni Wang
Students: Lesin, Rachel; McKenzie, Kesha; Morimoto, Sonoko; Mouldovan, Talia; Pierozzi, Christina
Posture and fine motor assessment of infants (PFMAI) is a clinical assessment designed to help therapists rate qualitative aspects of a child's motor response. In this project, students recruited 6 infants (between 2 and 6 months of age, or a group of 6 infants between 6 and 12 months of age) and videotaped them performing assigned tasks in a naturalistic environment. Students scored infants' performance using PFMAI and analyzed data to determine the reliability of the assessment results.
Study: Feeding Problems in Preterm Infants.
Faculty Mentor: Tsu-Hsin Howe
Students: Berkovits, Nurit; Gross, Rochelle; Rekant, Leah; Steinberg, Rachel
This interpretative literature review examined documented feeding problems associated with preterm infants. It relied on printed source material and followed a systematic review format to determine what was known in the current research.
Study: Exploratory study on infants who have feeding problems.
Faculty Mentor: Tsu-Hsin Howe
Student: Fary, Mackenzie; Khan, Razia; Lynch, Sarah; Pevsner, Janet; Rosenthal, Rachel
There is a high incidence of feeding problems in premature infants. However, there is no instrument available at the present time to help therapists learn about an infant's feeding history systematically from their primary caretakers. This study developed a questionnaire suitable for collecting such information and established its reliability for clinical use. Students conducted interviews with care takers who have babies under age of 18 months and administered questionnaires.
Study: Study of the Face Validity of the Social Skills Measurement Checklist.
Faculty Mentor: Paula McCreedy
Students: Klein, Alexandra; Klymasz, Cristina; Tammam, Dalia; Zheng, Jennie
This study reviewed the Social Behaviors Checklist for face validity and addressed its utility for occupational therapy. The Social Behaviors Checklist was previously developed by a student research group in an effort to explore the documentation of occupational therapists in describing children exhibiting problematic behaviors in school settings.
Study: Survey of Preferred Interests in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Faculty Mentor: Kristie Koenig
Students: Rodriguez, Alexandra; Spiegelman, Esther; Weinstein, Nicole; Zabell, David
Utilizing the web-based program, survey monkey, this study developed a survey that sought to identify how preferred or circumscribed interests have been utilized in school/work, social, leisure, and everyday activities by adults who are diagnosed with ASD.
Study: Comparison of Children's Participation and Enjoyment of Activities between Children with ASD and Typically Developing Children.
Faculty Mentor: Kristie Koenig
Students: Landau, Sherry; Mayes, Guillermo; Picazo, Frena Lynne; Turetsky, Dina
In this study, students interviewed an age- and gender-matched sample of typically developing children (grades K-2) and gave the CAPE/PAC in order to conduct a comparison with children with ASD. Students performed data analysis to assess the differences between the two groups.
Study: The Clinician's View of Accessibility.
Faculty Mentor: Anita Perr
Students: Ettlinger, Elisheva; Hines, Jessica; Siev, Elissa
This study sought to determine how rehabilitation clinicians address environmental accessibility with their clients. After a literature review including the definitions of environmental accessibility and an overview of the legislation that governs access in the US, students developed a survey containing questions related to environmental access, disability and activity performance. The survey was administered to OTs, PTs and ATPs in order to gather the necessary information regarding the clinicians and the clients with whom they work.
Study: Underlying Mechanisms of Handwriting Ability in Primary School Children.
PhD Doctoral Student: Tzu-Ying Yu
Students: Reid, Caitlin; Soled, Tamar; Weinblatt, Alyssa; Zimmerman, Nora
Proficient handwriting is one of the scholastic skills that children need to acquire in order to meet the common demands of classroom work at primary school. Unfortunately, handwriting difficulties are commonly observed in children at primary schools. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors involved in a handwriting task in primary children.
2007
Jane Bear-Lehman, Associate Professor and Department Chair, taught the two-semester course sequence: E40.2724 Occupational Therapy Research: Project Design (summer 2007) and E40.2725 Occupational Therapy Research (fall 2007). This sequence was comprised of guided research projects for students, in addition to lectures and laboratory sessions. Below is a sampling of the group projects presented during the summer and fall of 2007 by Professional Program students.
Study: Current Postoperative Management of Zone V and VI Extensor Tendon Injuries.
Faculty Mentor: Sally Poole
Student: Siaw Chui Chai
This study investigated the current postoperative management of zones V and VI extensor tendon injuries. The information was collected from a sampling of Certified Hand Therapists from the New York metropolitan area.
Study: A Look at Occupational Therapists' Documentation of Social Skills and Social Competency among Children Exhibiting Problems with School-Related Occupations.
Faculty Mentors: Paula McCreedy and Jane Bear-Lehman
Students: Lolia Halperin, Ching-I Hsu, and Rachana Rajendra Mhatre
This study analyzed the social skills and competency of children exhibiting difficulties with school-related occupations, as reflected in notes taken by occupational therapists at the SPOTS (Special Programs in Occupational Therapy Services) clinic in New York.
Study: Responsiveness of the Chinese Version of the Manual Ability Measure.
Faculty Mentor: Jane Bear-Lehman
Student: Chiao-Ju Fang
This study was designed to determine the validity of the Chinese version of the Manual Ability Measure (MAM) in assessing the effectiveness of hand therapy intervention.
Study: Test-Retest Reliability and the Relationship between Self-Report and Results of the Performance Measurement of Hand Function.
Faculty Mentor: Jane Bear-Lehman
Student: Cheng-Hao Lee
The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the Taiwanese version of the Manual Ability Measure (T-MAM), and to examine the relationship between the T-MAM, a self-reported questionnaire of hand ability, and the Purdue Pegboard Test, a performance-based measurement of hand dexterity. Subjects were a sample of Taiwanese individuals receiving out-patient occupational therapy services.
Study: Using the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment and the Handwriting Checklist to Screen Handwriting Legibility in Children Between the Ages of 5 and 8 in a Special Education Program.
Faculty Mentor: Jim Hinojosa
Students: Colleen Shine and Shannie Easterby
The purpose of this study was to verify whether or not the Handwriting Checklist can determine the need for a full occupational therapy evaluation in special education children who have been referred to therapy due to handwriting deficits. The Minnesota Handwriting Assessment (MHA) was used to assess the legibility of the students' handwriting and the Handwriting Checklist was used as a screening tool.
Study: The Effects of Exercise on Attention in Children with Autism.
Faculty Mentor: Anita Perr
Students: Marla Burroughs, Rebecca Gilchrist, Julia Kogan, and Inna Vinokurov
This study examined the relevant literature in order to investigate the development of knowledge regarding the impact of exercise on attention.
Study: Evaluating Memory and the Learning of Functional Tasks: Spaced, Massed and Spaced Self- Generated Conditions among Healthy Controls and Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Faculty Mentor: Yael Goverover
Students: Rebecca Kannapell, Cristina Septien, Maia Watkins, and Alla Zlotnikov
This study examined whether using a combination of self-generated strategy with special learning trials would improve functional information learning in persons with Multiple Sclerosis.
Study: An Examination of the Benefits of Applying the Combined Generation and Spacing Effect in Healthy Candidates and Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Faculty Mentor: Yael Goverover
Students: Tracey Bates, Michelle Cerbone, and Gloria Juarez
This study sought to identify the effect of spaced-generated learning conditions on memory and recall in healthy individuals and individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Study: An Interdisciplinary Approach: The Use of Video Tracking Systems in Pediatric Occupational Therapy.
Faculty Mentor: Anita Perr
Students: Alison Goldberg, Nicole Harden, and Lane Soden
This literature review established the therapeutic value of virtual reality in pediatric occupational therapy.
Study: Using the Handwriting Checklist to Determine the Influence of Gender on Pencil Grasp Development in First and Second Grade Children.
Faculty Mentor: Jim Hinojosa
Students: Carly Jacobson, Ilana Dubin, Carianne Kent, and Esther Kahan
This study used the Handwriting Checklist to determine the influence of gender on the grasp patterns of first and second grade children.
Study: The Influence of Gender on Grasp Development in First and Second Grade Children.
Faculty Mentor: Jim Hinojosa
Students: Lauren Brukner, Adina Friedman, Liron Sherer, and Leah Weiss
This study sought to determine the influence of gender on the grasp patterns of first and second grade children.
Study: A Quantitative Analysis of Organizational Culture among 2nd Year New York University Occupational Therapy Students.
Faculty Mentor: Francine Seruya
Students: Rachel Fishman, Laura Kevlin, Sara Rogers,and Jennifer Shedlock
The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the organizational culture of current OT students by quantitative measurement.
Study: Assessing the Reliability and Validity of the Durometer.
Faculty Mentors: Anita Simons and Jane Bear-Lehman
Students: Megan Gotlieb, Chaim Lapp, and Rebecca Rosenblum
This study examined the validity and reliability of the durometer tool for the effective measurement of scar pliability.
Study: Ongoing Program Evaluation and Development: New York University Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Program - Perceptions of Older Adults.
Faculty Mentors: Karen Buckley and Sally Poole
Students: Bridget Burke, Shannon Hearty, Yuko Ichihara, and Jennifer Vasquez
Students assessed the entering professional OT class's perceptions of older adults. Surveys were administered and data was collected from the entering and on-going classes.
Study: Accreditation, Program Evaluation, and Curriculum Development: The Effectiveness of New York University's Professional Program in Occupational Therapy.
Faculty Mentor: Karen Buckley
Students: Sarah Bowen, Wendy Lee, and Jennifer Lista
This project obtained the perceptions of recent graduates regarding the curriculum's effectiveness in preparing them for employment as occupational therapists.
Study: NYU Student Feedback: Academic Preparation for Clinical Fieldwork Success and a Review of the SEFWE Form.
Faculty Mentors: Paula McCreedy and Jane Bear-Lehman
Students: Kelly Lynn Baitinger, Janelle Bullen, Chane Moser, and Smita Prakash
The purpose of this study was to review and evaluate current NYU occupational therapy student feedback regarding their academic preparation for fieldwork, as reported on the Student Evaluation of Fieldwork Experience (SEFWE) from. In addition, researchers also reviewed and evaluated the usefulness and efficiency of the SEFWE form in communicating that information.
Study: Inherent Personal Influences that Contribute to a Traumatic Hand Injury.
Faculty Mentors: Sally Poole and Jane Bear-Lehman
Students: Aliza Brand, Karen Rabinowicz, and Sarah Sandhaus
The purpose of this study was to explore the personal characteristics that contribute to traumatic hand injuries.
Study: To What Extent Do Individuals Who Have Undergone Hip Surgery Use the Adaptive Equipment Provided to Them During Rehabilitation Therapy?
Faculty Mentor: Sally Poole
Students: Keiva Anderson, Umair Farooq, and Danison Suveeharan
This study sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of providing adaptive equipment to hip arthroplasty patients at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, New York.
Study: Grip Strength Testing - Does Visual Feedback Impact Scores?
Faculty Mentor: Jane Bear-Lehman
Students: Margaret Burdo, Jennifer Eisenberg and Laura Vasquez
This study explored the impact of visual feedback on grip strength scores.
Fall 2006
Taught by Associate Professor and Department Chair Jane Bear-Lehman, the two-semester course sequence, E40.2724 Occupational Therapy Research: Project Design (summer 2006) and E40.2725 Occupational Therapy Research (fall 2006), comprises guided research projects for students, in addition to lectures and laboratory. Below is a sampling of the group projects presented on December 6th and 8th, 2006, by Professional Program students upon completion of the sequence.
Study: From Classroom to Clinic: Does NYU's Professional Program in Occupational Therapy Prepare Students for Level II Fieldwork?
Faculty Members: Karen Buckley, M.A., OT/L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Heather Anderson, Melissa Kong, Lauren Selsky, and Christina Szermer
Program evaluation is a valuable tool for reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of an educational program. In this study, an online survey given to students in NYU's Professional Program in Occupational Therapy was used to determine the extent to which they felt the curriculum effectively prepared them for Level II fieldwork.
Study: Normative Measurements of Arm Girth: A Comparison of Dominant and Non-Dominant Upper Extremities
Faculty Member: Sally Poole, M.A., OT, CHT, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Ruth Oppenheimer, Diane Liebman, Ruth Metzger, and Angela Bussolini
This study aimed to establish standardized data regarding normal adults' dominant and non-dominant arm girths. The goal and primary purpose of the study is to aid clinicians looking for an accurate baseline in the treatment of an edematous upper extremity.
Study: Hip Arthroplasty and Assistive Devices at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
Faculty Members: Sally Poole, M.A., OT, CHT, Clinical Assistant Professor
Project Advisor: Serena Berger, M.A., OTR, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains
Students: Rachel Goldberg, Janet Krzemienski, Byron Miller, and Sarah Siegel
The authors of this study created a survey to gather qualitative and quantitative information regarding patients' use of assistive devices after undergoing a hip arthroplasty. An additional questionnaire was later given to both patients and occupational therapists at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital to determine the face validity of the original survey.
Study: Multicultural Sensitivity in First Year NYU Occupational Therapy Students
Faculty Member: Karen Buckley, M.A., OT/L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Elaine Chang, Shannon DeMoss, and Vivian Shapiro
Based on the belief that occupational therapy students need to be prepared for work with individuals who have different values, beliefs, and behaviors than those of their own, this study was conducted to examine multicultural awareness. The study explored how multiculturalism is taught to students in occupational therapy and what the perceived level of multicultural sensitivity is for first year occupational therapy students at NYU. Results of the study may be used to influence curriculum or course changes.
Study: Measuring Scar Tissue Post-Carpal Tunnel Release
Faculty Member: Jane Bear-Lehman, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA, Associate Professor
Project Advisor: Anita Simons, M.A., OTR, CHT
Students: Yakima Brown, Christen Garcia, Tamara Ricaforte, and Sunny Tsang
This exploratory study looked at the use of the Durameter in measuring scar tissue density over a four-week period post-carpal tunnel release while the subjects participated in occupational therapy treatment.
Study: Barriers Contributing to the Use of Services Provided by the Adaptive Design Association
Faculty Member: Anita Perr, M.A., OT, ATP, FAOTA, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Nina Britz, Jeannine Fletcher, Susanne Griffin, and Lauren Rosenbaum
This descriptive, retrospective study investigated whether participants used the skills they had learned in the Adaptive Design Association, Inc. (ADA) programs. This group of students analyzed data from surveys collected by the ADA. The study was requested by the ADA to determine the effectiveness of their work and to plan changes for their training programs.
Study: Does Transitional Pencil Grasp Affect Legibility in First Graders?
Faculty Members: Jim Hinojosa, Ph.D., OT, FAOTA, Professor and Chair
Project Advisor: Karen Roston, Ph.D., OTR
Students: Erin Gregg, Christine Kozlik, Donna Riggio, and Kadiya Romeo
As part of a larger study related to handwriting legibility, students administered the Minnesota Test of Handwriting to determine how pencil grasp, particularly transitional pencil grasp, affects handwriting accuracy. First graders from a public school in New York City participated in this research study.
Study: Boredom: The Evasive Feeling
Project Advisor: Antonietta Corvinelli, M.A., OTR
Students: Shannon Kraus and Erin Nastro
The purpose of the study was to qualitatively research and seek to understand the experience of boredom in typically developing adults. The participants in the study were interviewed twice using a boredom protocol created by the advisor to generate themes using constant comparison analysis.
Study: Functional Application of the Spacing Effect
Faculty Members: Yael Goverover, Ph.D., OT, Assistant Professor
Students: Patricia Campbell, Linda Huang, Sarah Matthews, and Annsley Miller
This study examined "spacing effect," the phenomena of an individual's learning and memory improving when trials are distributed over time ("spaced presentation") compared to consecutive learning trials ("massed presentation"). The spacing effect was studied in two functional tasks (paragraph learning and map route learning) in healthy adults.
Study: Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile: Sensory Avoiding Behaviors Related to Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder
Faculty Member: Dr. Mary Donohue, Clinical Professor (retired)
Project Advisor: Fran Babiss, Ph.D., OTR, South Oaks Hospital in Amityville, NY
Students: Kathryn Magill, Brandon Morris, and Kirsten Seacor
The focus of this study was to determine if individuals who meet the DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder were more predisposed to having sensory avoidant behaviors as well. Understanding these variations in sensory processing patterns could prove essential in determining appropriate interventions for individuals with emotional disorders.
Study: Social Skills and Sensory Regulation in Five- to Seven-Year-Old Boys: An Exploratory Study
Faculty Member: Jane Bear-Lehman, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA, Associate Professor
Students: Rebecca Berg, Ronni Armellino, Lauren Cardoni, and Shannon Mistretta
From the conception of sensory integration theory, anecdotal observations of sensory regulation dysfunction existing concomitantly with social skills dysfunction have pervaded the literature. This study reviewed evaluation reports in boys identified with sensory regulatory behavior in relationship to behaviors derived from the Social Skills Rating System.
Study: Behavioral Indicators Associated with ADHD and Taste Sensitivity: An Exploratory Study
Faculty Member: Paula McCreedy, M.Ed., OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Amy Albenda, Abby Futterman, Marisa Gruber, and Alyssa Wanamaker
The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate whether children displaying indicators of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to demonstrate oral-motor and taste sensitivities. If early detectors of ADHD are established, they can be used as red flags to facilitate in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Study: Social Identity Among Pediatric Occupational Therapists: An Exploration of Organizational and Professional Commitment
Project Advisor: Francine Seruya, M.A., OTR
Students: Elissa Pinter, Rachel Rauch, Rachel Waltuch, and Deena Weinstein
The social context of a particular work setting plays a significant role in establishing a therapist's degree of social identity as an individual. With a strong sense of social identity, an individual can experience an increase in the development of their organizational commitment, professional commitment, and job satisfaction. This study compared the job satisfaction of occupational therapists in school and non-school based settings.
Fall 2005
The two-semester course sequence, E40.2724 Occupational Therapy Research: Project Design, taught during the summer of 2005, and E40.2725 Occupational Therapy Research, taught in the fall of 2005 by Associate Professor Jane Bear-Lehman, comprises guided research projects for students, in addition to lectures and laboratory. Below is a sampling of the group projects presented on December 6th & 8th, 2005, by Professional Program in Occupational Therapy students upon completion of the sequence.
Study: Perceptions of Older Adults
Faculty Members: Karen Buckley, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Geralin Kulpecz, Lauren Landy, Michelle Sanchez
Analysis of NYU occupational therapy students' attitudes toward older adults, for on-going program evaluation and development.
Study: Is There a Difference in Arm Girth when Comparing the Dominant and Non-dominant Arm?
Faculty Members: Sally Poole, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Eileen Carroll, Kristen Ryan, Jody Sabel, Lily Seigel
Currently, there is no normative data that provides baseline measurements comparing the dominant and non-dominant arm for limb size. This information will be useful clinically when setting goals for individuals who experience a change in limb size due to edema orlymphadema.
Study: Patient Use of Adaptive Equipment After Discharge
Faculty Members: Sally Poole, Clinical Assistant Professor
Project Advisor: Serena Berger, M.A., OTR
Students: Jennifer DiCaro, Pepie Lapsatis, Michelle Seruya, Kelly Szczerba
Total knee and total hip replacement patients were surveyed on their use of adaptive equipment (either provided
to them or available for purchase) following discharge from Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, NY. Our
research sought to identify trends and usage patterns among people of varying demographic characteristics, such
as age, gender, diagnosis, and body mass index.
Study: Multi-Cultural Awareness of First and Second and Third Year Occupational Therapy Students at New York University
Faculty Members: Karen Buckley, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Irene Dionisio, Stephanie Freudenberger, Kellee Ng, Tara Pena
Based on the belief that occupational therapy students need to be prepared to work with individuals who have different values, beliefs, and behaviors than those of their own, we conducted a study to take a first look about our own cultural attitudes and self-awareness. Results of the study may be used to influence curriculum or course change.
Study: Is There an Objective Measurement Tool that Can Measure Scar Tissue Density?
Project Advisor: Anita Simons, M.A., OTR, CHT
Students: Amy Benjamin, Christy Freja, Sonya Jagtiani, Jihee Chung
The purpose of this pilot study was to survey the current measurement tools available to evaluate scars and whether or not the Durometer is the most objective tool for clinical use.
Study: Parents' Satisfaction with their Children's Assistive Technology Devices and Services Provided by Adaptive Design Association
Faculty Members: Anita Perr, Clinical Assistant Professor
Students: Diana Alberti, Mary Holahan, Andrea Johnston, Ruth Siebers
Over the phone, 12 parents completed the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology, version 2.0 (QUEST) regarding their child's assistive technology device and services provided by the Adaptive Design Association (ADA). The ADA is a non-profit organization aimed at providing practical, affordable, and custom-fabricated equipment for children with disabilities. Results showed that the parents were generally quite satisfied with the individual factors of devices and services offered by ADA. Weight was the highest-rated device factor; therefore, the light-weight cardboard used to construct ADA's devices is obviously a strong design feature. A majority of the participants did not receive follow-up services, pointing to a possible area for improvement in ADA's services. Further research is recommended to better understand the effectiveness of ADA's devices and services.
Study: Handwriting: Relationship Between Accuracy and Wrist Position in First and Second Graders
Faculty Members: Dr. Jim Hinojosa, Professor
Project Advisor: Karen Roston, OTR
Students: Sarah Folland, Allyson Lipton, Patricia Morris, Adina Rogers
Legible handwriting is an essential ingredient for success in school. This study uses the Minnesota Test of Handwriting to determine how wrist position affects the accuracy of handwriting. Fifty-six 1st and 2nd graders from a public school in New York City participated in this research study.
Study: Parental Homework Involvement in Gay and Lesbian Family Structures
Faculty Members: Dr. Jim Hinojosa, Professor
Students: Claire Devine, Megan McCartney, Laura Staton, Tara Whyte
This exploratory study examined the amount of time parents spend helping their children with homework. Specifically, the amount of time spent in homework activities by gay/lesbian and "heteronormal" family structures were of interest.
Study: Impact of the Spacing Effect on Learning and Memory
Faculty Members: Dr. Yael Goverover, Assistant Professor
Students: Jamie Errickson, Lisa Jager, Amy Lichtenstein
This study examined "spacing effect," the phenomena that an individual's learning and memory improves when trials are distributed over time ("spaced presentation") compared to consecutive learning trials ("massed presentation"). The spacing effect was studied in two functional tasks, paragraph learning and map route learning.
Study: Parasuicidal Behaviors as Measured by the Adult Sensory Profile: A Pilot Study
Faculty Members: Dr. Mary Donohue, Clinical Professor
Project Advisor: Fran Babiss, PhD, OTR
Students: Kristine Beacham, Natalie Burkley, Natasha Burt, Tierney Frawley
"Parasuicide" refers to the nonfatal, self-injurious behaviors often exhibited by individuals who meet the DSM-IV criteria for BPD. The focus of this study is that of self-mutilation. The purpose of the study is to find if there is a link between sensory processing and self-mutilation, with the ultimate goal of incorporating sensory integration into treatment.
Study: Attitudes of Students towards Spirituaity in Occupational Therapy Curriculum and Future Practice
Faculty Members: Dr. Mary Donohue, Clinical Professor
Students: Susanna Chan, Katharyn Krokey, Brian Mims, Ellen Quan
Building upon a 2001 study by Collins, Paul and West-Frasier entitled, "Utilization of Spirituality in Occupational Therapy: Beliefs, Practices, and Perceived Barriers," and a study by Taylor, Mitchell, Kenan and Tacker (2000), an interactive survey using the Zoomerang program was carried out examining attitudes of students regarding spirituality in the curriculum at NYU's Department of Occupational Therapy. Perspectives on definitions of spirituality, its place in the domain and practice of occupational therapy, and barriers in addressing spirituality in occupational therapy were studied and can be further researched in the future.
Study: Qualitative Inquiry Regarding Therapists' Perception of Barriers Impeding Returning Veterans' Readjustment to Life Roles
Faculty Members: Dr. Mary Donohue, Clinical Professor
Students: Jennifer Castellano, Joselyn Goldstein, Arlene Labeste
Our qualitative study looked at the services provided to veterans that help with their readjustment to previous life roles, especially the role of worker. We interviewed three therapists (1 Army OT, 2 Readjustment Counselors) who have worked with veterans for at least five years to discuss veterans' experiences upon return, including common emotions felt, vocational problems, and barriers to receiving and/or seeking readjustment services.