Research
The occupational therapy faculty is recognized nationally and internationally for its expertise in evidence-based practice, measuring occupational performance, ergonomics, geriatrics, mental health, neurorehabilitation, and research. Students have the opportunity to participate in clinical research and community service activities.
Measuring Human Performance—The Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (The PASS)
The PASS (Rogers and Holm, 1989) is an internationally recognized performance-based, criterion-referenced tool for measuring occupational performance in the clinic and home.
Evidence-Based Practice
Dr. Holm provided the call for evidence-based practice in her Slagle lecture in 2000 (Holm, 2000). Faculty are developing research to support evidence-based practice in occupational therapy.
Computer Ergonomics
Dr. Baker is developing an instrument to measure personal computer keyboard typing style (The K-PeCS) as well as researching the causes and prevention of musculoskeletal discomfort related to computer use.
Funded by: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Rheumatic Diseases and Computer Use
Drs. Baker and Rogers are studying the prevalence and type of problems experienced by individuals with rheumatic diseases while using a computer.
Funded by: Arthritis Foundation
The Efficacy of Computer and Sensewear Technologies for Promoting Health in Adults with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Dr. Rogers is testing the efficacy of an Internet-based health promotion computer program used in conjunction with a wearable sensory device (SenseWearTM) for developing a wellness lifestyle and improving the quality of life of adults with fibromyalgia.
Funded by: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
Artificial Heart Program Continuity of Caregiver Competency Program
Drs. Holm and Raina are developing individualized teaching and assessment procedures for caregivers of ventricular assist device (VAD) recipients to enhance the safety and feasibility of their return to the community.
Funded by: Beckwith Institute for Innovation in Patient Care
Maintenance Therapies in Late-Life Depression III
Dr. Holm is investigating functional outcomes following pharmacologic strategies for improving and stabilizing cognitive functioning and minimizing the progression of cognitive and associated functional impairment in late-life depression.
Funded by: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheeled Mobility Seating Outcomes Project
Dr. Holm has developed a trio of valid and reliable seating/mobility outcome tools based on consumer-generated concerns: Functioning Everyday with a Wheelchair (FEW-Self Report); FEW-Capacity (standardized setting, e.g., clinic); and FEW-Performance (lived-in setting, e.g., home).
Funded by: NIDRR
A Randomized Control Trial on Preventing Pressure Ulcers with Seat Cushions
Dr. Holm coordinates the functional outcomes component of astudy examining the effect of traditional seat cushions versus pressure-reducing seat cushions for preventing pressure ulcers in residents of long-term care facilities.
Funded by: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research)
Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium
Drs. Holm and Raina coordinate the functional outcomes component of clinical trials testing the impact of chest compression delivery on survival and neurological outcomes following cardiopulmonary arrest, and the feasibility and safety of intentional induction of mild hypothermia for severely traumatized subjects.
Funded by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Advanced Center in Interventions and Services Research in Late-Life Mood Disorders
Drs. Rogers, Holm, and Raina examine functional outcomes from both a quantitative and qualitative approach under the research infrastructure for the study of late-life depression to study prevention, rehabilitation, and removal of barriers to effective treatment practices in the community as a means of reducing health disparities.
Funded by: NIMH
Trajectory of Function in Heart Transplant-Eligible Patients
Drs. Holm and Raina are studying the trajectory of function in transplant-eligible subjects with each change in status and for four paths: (1) ventricular assist device (VAD) as a bridge to transplant, (2) VAD as a bridge to recovery, (3) VAD as destination solution, and (4) transplantation.
Trajectory of Functional Outcomes is Stroke Survivors Up to One Year Poststroke
Drs. Holm and Skidmore are studying the functional activity status and impairment status in ischemic stroke survivors at 24 hours; five days; and three, six, nine, and 12 months.