Perception of Rural Elders Regarding falls and Fear of Falling: A Cultural Perspective

This study used a mini focused ethnography to explore the cultural understanding of falls in an eastern North Carolina rural community. To gain an understanding of the research participants’ understanding of falls, two focus groups were conducted, one at the beginning and one at the end of the study. For five weeks, ten men and women between the ages of 45 and 83 participated in a two-hour, one day a week wellness group focused on falls. The group incorporated falls prevention related activities. Using the focus group data, data collected during the wellness group, field notes, historical information, and photographs the researcher constructed a cultural description of falls for this rural community that included the language of falls, associated fear related to falling, the relationship of the physical environment, activities, and routines related to falls.

Destini Hardy Stover, a professional master’s degree graduate student, worked under the direction of Dr. Beth Velde.

What is the Meaning of an Occupational Therapy Wellness Program to Participants?

The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning of participation in an occupational therapy wellness program to its participants. A phenomenological research design was used. Participants were interviewed following participation in the wellness program. Collages made by each participant during the last session of the wellness program were also used as data. Results include a rich description of the occupational therapy intervention process in a wellness program and a description of the themes: 1) fellowship and togetherness, 2) well-being, 3) education and learning new things, 4) leadership, and 5) having fun. A key finding was the importance of leadership styles and developing rapport in motivating participants to remain engaged in wellness sessions.

Njiyyah (Gia) Covington, a professional master’s degree graduate, worked under the direction of Dr. Peggy Wittman and Dr. Beth Velde.

Pediatric Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a treatment modality that facilitates forced use of a paralyzed arm through constraint of the unaffected arm. It is an innovative approach to neuro-rehabilitation that has been shown to result in significant and lasting gains in improving movement and function through producing change in brain organization and function. Most research of CIMT has been performed on adults with chronic stroke, usually months or years after the stroke. However, current studies reveal that CIMT can be also successful when used with children. This single case study will determine the effectiveness of using pediatric CIMT on a two-year old child with right side hemiparesis.

LeeAnn Eagle Brown is a post-professional graduate student who is completing her thesis under the direction of Dr. Anne Dickerson.

The Meaning of the Use of a Social Therapy Dog as a Therapeutic Modality in Pediatric Occupational Therapy from a Parent's Perspective

This study is a qualitative study designed to explore the meaning of the use of a social therapy dog as a therapeutic modality in pediatric occupational therapy from a parent's perspective through the use of a case study method. In addition to the researcher conducting interviews and observations, the parent participants will complete journaling throughout the treatment period.

Bridget Katana, a post-professional graduate student with a bachelor's of science in occupational therapy from East Carolina University, completed her thesis under the direction of Dr. Peggy Wittman.

The Snoezelen Experience: Perceptions of Care Providers

The Snoezelen room is an unique multisensory environment with equipment that provides relaxation, leisure, self-healing, and therapeutic experiences for the individuals in a non-demanding setting. The emphasis is on providing a pleasurable sensory experience, in an atmosphere of trust, with care providers directing the experience and enable the individuals to explore the environment. The study will describe the meaning of the multisensory environment to staff that accompany residents to the space. Phenomenological methodology will include participant interviews and journaling. The outcome may lead to a better understanding of how occupational therapists can effectively use environments of this type. For the purpose of this study, the sample will focus on care providers of individuals with developmental disabilities living at a state mental retardation/developmental disability facility who accompany the individuals in the Snoezelen room at the facility.

Bridget Sugg, a professional master's degree graduate student, is completing her thesis under the direction of Dr. Beth P. Velde.

Occupation of Adults with Profound Mental Retardation and Multiple Physical Disabilities.

A naturalistic research paradigm was used to study the occupation of adults with profound mental retardation and multiple physical disabilities living in a large residential center. An ethnographic methodology consisting of participant observations, record reviews, and interviews explored and described the occupations of two residents. Data were analyzed by looking for elements of occupation using Nelson’s framework and elements of organizational culture using Krefting’s and Krefting’s definition. Results included thick descriptions of the participants’ environmental and social contexts, the participants’ occupations, and the historical context of the research site. Understanding the nature of occupation of the participants and how it was impacted by the unique culture of the residential facility could help occupational therapists better understand their role with populations in institutional settings.

Skip O’Neal is a post-professional master’s degree student who graduated August 2004. He is currently employed with Caswell Center in Kinston, NC. (Under the direction of Beth P. Velde, Ph.D., OTR/L) Department of Occupational Therapy, June 2004.

He completed his thesis under the direction of Dr. Beth P. Velde.