Professional Program in Occupational Therapy Student Research Projects
Fall 2006
Taught by Associate Professor 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: 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.