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) includes a deficiency of the limb(s), which can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (medical condition or traumatic injury) (Postema et al., 2016). This can negatively impact an individual’s physical, social, and psychological well-being (Bragaru et al., 2011). Each of these components can influence an individual’s ability to complete activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (Latour, 2022). Additionally, this can also impact an individual with newly acquired ULA to encounter difficulties with adjusting to the process of getting fitted for a prosthesis (Østlie et al, 2011). It is imperative to meet the needs of this population, however, there is a great lack of awareness on how to support all aspects of their well-being (Fletchall, 2016; Soyer et al., 2016). To address this gap in care, three doctorate of occupational therapy students from Western New England University (WNEU) created a virtual-based adaptive sports program for individuals with ULA. The goal of the program was to enhance the well-being and independence of individuals 18 years of age or older with ULA. Evidence of positive change from the program was collected through pre-surveys, post-surveys, an initial focus group, and a closing focus group. At the conclusion of the program, a participant satisfaction survey was administered to obtain participant feedback. After completing the program, the results indicated that a virtual-based adaptive sports can improve the well-being and independence of individuals with ULA. In addition, this researcher collaborated with two other researchers to create a ground program manual tailored towards individuals with ULA."

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