Document Type

Report

College

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Department

Occupational Therapy

Degree

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Report Date

2022

Faculty Mentor

Latour, Debra

Doctoral Experiential Coordinator

Latour, Debra

Abstract

"Upper limb absence (ULA) can have significant decrease quality of life, affecting even the most basic parts of a person’s life. Individuals with ULA require lifelong follow up and specialized care to maintain their specific needs, which includes prosthetic training and functional abilities (Jette et al., 2017; Latour, 2022). There is a need for more accessible resources, programs catered towards ULA population, and education on prosthetic technology. As such, the researchers sought to how a virtual-based adaptive sports program could impact ULA individuals’ well being and independence. Unlimbited Wellness© is a remote/virtual program established by Dr. Debra Latour PP-OTD, M.ED., OTR/L that serves to inform and empower the ULA population toward improved health and quality of life. Three Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students from Western New England University (WNE) created an extension of the program Unlimbited Wellness©. The three-week program comprised of functional fitness, cross-over function featuring diverse prosthetic technologies, and adaptive yoga. Adults with acquired and congenital ULA and any other related conditions (hemiplegia, brachial plexus palsy, etc.) were recruited. Our results suggest that a virtual-based adaptive sports program can improve well being and independence for individuals with ULA. Development of these sports programs appears critical in improving the quality of life for these individuals."

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