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Accessibility of Elementary School-Based Assistive Technology: A Descriptive and Associational Survey
Emily Tuck,
Frances Dun,
Brooke Kazmierczak,
Claire Lantzy,
Danielle Kidd,
Kelly McClintock,
Daniel Martin
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
16-22
Received:
25 April 2023
Accepted:
9 May 2023
Published:
18 May 2023
Abstract: The purpose of this quantitative survey design study was to better understand the perceived barriers of accessibility of elementary school-based assistive technology (AT) from the perspective of parents, teachers and occupational therapists. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to quantify parent, teacher and occupational therapist perceptions on the benefit of AT training, frequency of AT use, and the efficacy of AT use in the school and home environments. This 13 question survey collected a combination of nominal and ordinal data on participant profession, benefit of AT training, frequency of AT use, level of support by elementary school institution, method of payment for acquiring AT, and the efficacy of AT use in the school and home environments. 33 participants responded to the survey, however only 27 met inclusion criteria (n = 27). Participants reported the frequencies of which specific forms of AT they observe children using in both the school and home environments. The amount of training one received on operating AT was moderately correlated with feelings of support for the child from the IEP team regarding AT, rs(27) =.429, p =.013, Fisher’s z =.459, CI 95% [0.12, 1.00], VS-MPR = 6.64. The frequency of use of AT by a child was moderately correlated with feelings of support for the child from the IEP team regarding AT, rs(27) =.392, p =.022, Fisher’s z =.414, CI 95% [0.08, 1.00], VS-MPR = 4.38. The perceived benefits from AT for students were moderately correlated with the feelings of support for the child from the IEP team regarding AT, rs(27) =.438, p =.011, Fisher’s z =.470, CI 95% [0.13, 1.00], VS-MPR = 7.35. The level of support one feels from their IEP team can significantly predict perceived benefit from AT, F(3, 23) = 3.897, p =.022. The results of this study indicate that participants universally believe that for AT to be at its most beneficial, training is vital for teachers, parents, and therapists to become confident in utilizing AT, alongside strong elementary education institutional support. Further research is indicated to improve understanding of AT access and AT compliance strategies in the elementary education setting.
Abstract: The purpose of this quantitative survey design study was to better understand the perceived barriers of accessibility of elementary school-based assistive technology (AT) from the perspective of parents, teachers and occupational therapists. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to quantify parent, teacher and occupational therapist perception...
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Etiology and Exercise Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Qiu Nie,
Huili Hu,
Furong Xiang,
Yinxu Wang
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
23-29
Received:
26 April 2023
Accepted:
10 May 2023
Published:
18 May 2023
Abstract: Objective: As a result of peripatellar pain or anatomical or biomechanical anomalies in the anterior knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a knee injury that can be made worse by weight-bearing activities like climbing and descending stairs. According to long-term follow-up studies, patellofemoral arthritis may eventually develop in 45% of PFPS patients who do not receive prompt and efficient treatment in the early stages, causing irreparable harm that may significantly impair the patient's quality of life. In order to prevent injuries, enhance daily life activities and athletes' sporting performance, it is important that we understand the mechanism and exercise treatment of PFPS. Methods: We reviewed the China Knowledge Network (CNKI) and PubMed life science database, searched for the terms "patellofemoral pain syndrome," "patellar tenderness," "running knee," and "anterior knee pain," and summarized the pertinent research. Results: Its cause is still unknown, and its etiology is complicated, with the main contributing factors being poor lower extremity function, decreased muscle strength, lack of flexibility, and impaired neuromuscular control. The majority of exercise therapy currently performed includes training the hip, knee, core, retraining the gait, and blood flow restriction training. The impact of the condition may depend on quick and efficient interventions. Conclusion: Exercise therapy had the strongest evidence base, particularly for the positive effects of either single hip or knee muscle strength training or a combination of the two, according to systematic evaluations that came to conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions. However, there was insufficient evidence to determine the ideal form of training and long-term effects. Contrarily, there is still scant evidence to support interventions such as gait retraining, blood flow restriction training, and core stability training. When it comes to selecting a course of treatment, a combination of treatments is typically advised and chosen in accordance with the precise evaluation of the patient's condition.
Abstract: Objective: As a result of peripatellar pain or anatomical or biomechanical anomalies in the anterior knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a knee injury that can be made worse by weight-bearing activities like climbing and descending stairs. According to long-term follow-up studies, patellofemoral arthritis may eventually develop in 45% of P...
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The Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy Rehabilitation Modalities on Perceived Psychosocial Functioning and Quality of Life
Madison Collins,
Victoria Courtright,
Mary Casilio,
Caleigh Haskiell,
Elizabeth Kaspala,
Jillian Shelton,
Cathy Shanholtz,
Daniel Martin
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2023
Pages:
30-38
Received:
31 May 2023
Accepted:
16 June 2023
Published:
27 June 2023
Abstract: A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim of this study was to determine how participation in EAT affected participants’ perceptions of their quality of life. Participants generally reported benefits in psychosocial outcomes including self-esteem, confidence, independence, and social skills. Furthermore, participants reported quality of life benefits including anxiety, depression, stress, well-being, self-care, hope, and trust. Reports of improvements in depression, confidence, and stress levels significantly differed with age, where adults generally saw greater improvements in depression, p = .006, t (21.662) = 4.048, g = 1.14, CI 95% [0.391, 2.229] and confidence outcomes (27.2 years vs. 8 years old), p = .046, W = 7.50, rbc = 0.847, CI 95% [0.398, 0.969] over younger participants. Associations were found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Associations were also found between the length of time in weeks participating in all of the forms of EAT and improvements in independence, p = .024, rt (52) = .213 and social skills, p = .037, rt (52) = .222. Finally, a logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in age was associated with increased likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms, where every year older a participant is, their likelihood of reporting improvements in depression symptoms increases by 11%, X2 (32) = 8.174, p = .043. Themes of increased emotional regulation, increased confidence, and the influence of the context and environment were determined through the qualitative data. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data show a positive impact on the participants’ overall quality of life and psychosocial skills.
Abstract: A convergent mixed methods study was completed examining participants’ perceived effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in regard to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. A total of 52 participants completed a quantitative survey and seven of them completed a qualitative interview using a phenomenological research approach. The aim ...
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