Use of Wrist-Hand-Finger Orthotics in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Upper Extremity Hemiparesis Post-Stroke: A Clinical versus Patient Perspective

Upper extremity hemiparesis post-stroke is a complex condition with varying orthotic treatment options depending on the specific occupational therapist the patient sees. There is no current evidence based practice for prescribing a Wrist-Hand-Finger Orthotic (WHFO) for patients with upper extremity hemiparesis, leading to irregular care between providers and unsatisfactory outcomes for some patients. All outpatient occupational therapy clinics in the Minneapolis-St Paul area servicing adults with upper extremity complications post-stroke will be identified, all occupational therapists and their qualifying patients will be invited to participate in this study. A comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing the prescribing patterns, rationale, and evaluation methods of occupational therapists who provide WHFO’s for their patients will be examined in this study. These preferences and evaluation methods will be cross-examined against the patient-reported needs and evaluation methods of the WHFO they have been provided. Discrepancies will be identified through analysis of common response themes and analyzed using Spearman\u27s rank order correlation and content analysis to determine statistical significance. Occupational therapists are anticipated to be found to have a preference for static WHFO options to prevent contractures and are anticipated to be less likely to prescribe dynamic WHFO’s due to a lack of evidence based research for such devices. Patients are anticipated to be found to have a preference for low-profile devices which have the ability to aid them in their day-to-day activities rather than simply prevent contractures. Further research is needed to evaluate evidence based practices given currently available technologies for this population

Prenatal Exercise: The Importance of Patient-Provider Communication

There is a low adherence to prenatal exercise guidelines which may be affected by several barriers including a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits to, safety of, and general guidelines for prenatal exercise. This study sought to investigate the communication that occurs in prenatal appointments and the barriers associated with low exercise rates. Data was collected from 54 pregnant and postpartum women between the ages of 18-40 through an anonymous survey and analyzed through SPSS software. Twenty-four (44.4%) respondents indicated discussion regarding exercise recommendations occurred and five (9.3%) shared that resources for exercise recommendations were provided. Twenty-three (42.6%) participants were made aware of benefits to prenatal exercise and nine (16.7%) women discussed risks with their provider. Eleven (20.4%) were diagnosed with a prenatal complication and most of these women counseled further regarding exercise. Respondents generally liked (n=45, 83.3%) or trusted (n=41, 75.9%) their provider and participants found the top barriers to exercise during pregnancy to be fatigue (n=49, 90.7%), lack of time (n=32, 59.3%), and nausea (n=29, 53.7%). Just three participants increased frequency of exercise and only two women increased duration of sessions while pregnant. Chi-Square Testing, Fisher’s Exact Testing, and, when applicable, Cramér’s V were used to study relationships between variables. The two major associations found were between the change in exercise frequency and both receipt of recommendations and resources from a provider. With myriad benefits to prenatal exercise, better communication practices may allow more women to be encouraged to exercise and raise the rate of adherence to guidelines

The effects of group-based exercise on physical health and participation in individuals with developmental disabilities

Individuals with intellectual disabilities experience barriers for optimal physical health and participation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a group-based exercise intervention on physical health and participation in individuals with developmental disabilities. Thirty individuals 18-65 were randomly selected based on specific inclusion criteria to participate with 15 subjects in a control and intervention group. A questionnaire assessing participation constraints as well as pre and post body composition measurements were implemented before and after an eight-week group-based exercise program. A paired sample t-test demonstrated no significant differences in pre and post measures for weight, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, body mass index, or percent of body fat in the control or intervention groups. However, a paired sample t test demonstrated a significant difference in community/organization constraints, intrinsic constraints, and interpersonal constraints in the intervention group. In the community/organization constraint, the mean constraint scores decreased from 2.6015 to 1.3309, t (14)=4.593, p\u3c 0.001, d=1.186. In the intrapersonal constraint dimension, mean test scores decreased from 2.1905 to 1.6162, t(14)=2.994, p=0.010, d=0.773. The interpersonal constraint dimension means scores decreased from 2.9111 to 1.6444, t(14)=3.612, p=0.003, d=0.933

Jewish Orthodox Women in Higher Education: A Case Study

This qualitative case study explores the lived experiences of Orthodox Jewish women navigating higher education within the United States. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 13 participants enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, this study investigates the intersectional challenges these women faced as students, mothers, and members of a visibly religious minority. This research examines barriers related to gender expectations, religious observance, and antisemitism on college campuses. Participants reported a complex interplay of community support, institutional challenges, and personal resilience in their pursuit of academic success. The analysis reveals a pressing need for higher education institutions to implement culturally responsive policies, including religious accommodations, flexible learning environments, and safety protocols that address the rising threats of antisemitism. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on inclusive educational leadership by amplifying the voices of an understudied minority and offering recommendations to support their academic and personal advancement

Episode 7: The Power of Advocacy with Dr. Janiece Paulet

In this inspiring episode of CSP Nursing: Beyond the Call Light, we sit down with Dr. Janiece Paulet, a dedicated faculty member and course lead at Concordia University, St. Paul College of Nursing. Dr. Paulet brings a wealth of clinical experience and a deep passion for empowering future nurses to become strong advocates for their patients, their communities, and themselves. Together, we explore what advocacy means in the nursing profession and why it\u27s more important than ever. Dr. Paulet shares real-life examples, practical tips for nursing students, and advice for new graduates on how to develop their voice and use it to create meaningful change at the bedside, in healthcare systems, and even in legislation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to grow in confidence, courage, and compassion as a nurse advocate

Factors of Social and Emotional Development Which Positively Impact Language Acquisition in Early Childhood to Support Well-Being and Academic Development

Students who speak a first language other than English often enter classrooms with educators who may not know how to support second language (L2) development. Even more so, there is little research about L2 development and the social and emotional factors that foster language growth for English language learners (ELL) as it pertains to early childhood. Through quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies, research was synthesized to give early childhood educators the necessary insight into factors that foster positive social and emotional growth for these dual language learners’ (DLL) L2 acquisition. Studies suggested that young students benefited from play-based learning environments and may show academic growth benefits as a result of social connection with others (Cekaite & Simonsson, 2023). These studies showed positive results for environments that helped DLLs bilingually bridge between a first language (L1) and an L2. Additional findings suggest connecting students’ culture to the classroom, through family partnership and culturally relevant learning environments, may be attributed to fostering positive student identity while also providing the benefits of language growth and social and emotional support (García-Alvarado et al., 2022). The research suggested the importance of social learning environments for DLLs, which may create a stronger connection between learning an L2 and student well-being and overall development (Winsler et al., 2014). With this knowledge, DLLs’ social and emotional development skills will thrive in environments where L2 acquisition can occur naturally through learning. Keywords: dual language learners (DLL), play-based learning, social-emotional, identit

Traumatic Grief: Understanding its Psychological Impact and the Role of Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract This paper explored the psychological and emotional effects of traumatic grief, focusing on its impact on individuals who experienced sudden or violent loss. Traumatic grief is often linked to mental health conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), which can greatly affect a person\u27s emotional and psychological well-being. The paper examined the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT) in treating these conditions, focusing on how these therapies address both trauma and grief at the same time. Additionally, the literature review highlighted the importance of early intervention in reducing the long-term effects of traumatic grief and emphasized the need for culturally sensitive treatments to improve their relevance and impact. The review summarized recent research data to identify key strategies that could improve current therapeutic practices and guide future interventions. It suggested that combining trauma-focused therapies like CBT and TFT with grief-centered approaches provides a more comprehensive treatment plan, leading to better emotional regulation, social functioning, and overall recovery. The paper also called for more individualized treatment plans that consider a person’s personal history and cultural background to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes. The goal was to contribute to the development of more effective, integrated, and culturally sensitive interventions for those affected by traumatic grief

Retaining Coaches

The research investigated the alarming number of schools and districts that struggle to retain coaches. Retaining coaches is a vital part of an athletic program. The athletic director\u27s job is to hire and retain good coaches, but this has fallen short for various reasons. Small and large schools were analyzed from a needs perspective and what they offer coaches to help retain them. The research looked at the alarming rates of coaches not being retained and ways to help combat this, especially from an administration support standpoint. Two key components discussed were the pay for coaches and the hiring process, which can head off any issues with losing coaches. A survey study was to be analyzed to see similarities among coaches who left a program. The problem of coaches leaving is real, but the practical ideas and studies are a resource for correcting this problem

A quantitative study of the use of mobile devices and television on the prevalence of childhood obesity

U.S. children receive an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes of screen time (ST) exposure through mobile device and television usage per day. It is currently unknown whether the specific method of ST exposure has an impact on an adolescent’s propensity to develop obesity. The aim of this study is to determine whether one method of ST exposure presents a greater risk of developing obesity. The participants of this proposed study would be the parents of 100 adolescents in the age range of 5-12 years old. Scales would be used to record the weights of the adolescents, and surveys would be completed by the parents to ensure accurate tracking of the duration and methods of ST exposure. Participants would be obtained by advertising the study in local schools and their corresponding social media pages. Surveys and measurements would be obtained initially and then again, every three months for a total period of 12 months. The results of this study could shed on light whether or not a specific source of ST exposure has a stronger correlation with childhood obesity. If such a correlation were to be found, then there would likely be immediate changes in that amount of ST recommended for that ST source

Development and Implementation of Mental Health Court: Benefits, Barriers, and Bridges

The effective development and implementation of a specialty treatment court program such as a Mental Health Court is tedious, involved, and thorough; the impact of these comprehensive efforts is equally worthwhile, valuable, and substantial. The overall success of a mental health court program’s development and implementation derives from equal and intentional consideration of legal, ethical, and administrative factors. Considering these lenses collaboratively establishes the necessary groundwork for any new mental health court program in its infancy to build upon. This research expands on the ongoing statewide crisis involving individuals who are inadvertently left to slip through the cracks of the State’s mental health and criminal justice systems. A policy change is proposed that would aid in the resolution of this crisis, in addition to an action plan for leadership containing the necessary ethical principles that will need to be considered throughout various stages of development and implementation. The success of Mental Health Court will directly benefit the mental health community, court participants’ overall well-being, and associated entities, including areas of the criminal justice system, public safety, and issues of law and order. It is important to focus on these benefits while also being cognizant of the possible barriers and potential bridges to overcome them