Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0946-8615

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

Diana Davis

Committee Co-Chair

Lindsey Elliott

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Abstract

Thousands of individuals are affected by cerebral vascular accidents, (CVA), also known as strokes in the United States each year, (CDC, 2023). Cerebral vascular accidents are one of the leading causes of death among the elderly population in the U.S. each year, (NIH et al., 2023). The deficits caused by a CVA can be global, from hemiparetic limbs and sensory loss to psychosocial impacts on an individual and their support system. In occupational therapy, the goal is to regain as much function and independence as possible for the individual who has experienced a CVA. Although many evidence-based intervention tools are used in occupational therapy for CVA recovery, dance is a new and fast-growing intervention tool that shows promising potential for use with this neurologic population. Using guidance from models such as the functional group model, the biomechanical frame of reference, and motor learning theory along with the scholarship of discovery, this doctoral capstone was completed in an outpatient therapy setting to create and evaluate an intervention program for using dance in occupational therapy to rehabilitate the CVA population. This doctoral capstone served the dual function of gaining advanced clinical practice skills by working with the CVA population of individuals who have had a CVA to enhance the student’s knowledge for the dance program creation and evaluation. Participants with a CVA diagnosis and other neurologic diagnoses and comorbidities attended an 8-week community dance class program where socialization, community reintegration, fitness, and neurologic rehabilitation were emphasized. Overall, this capstone project helped to increase the amount and level of services provided for the stroke population in Appalachia, increase community reintegration, and improve functional independence and role participation for its participants.

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