Clinical Practice Posters

Clinical practice posters are non-research posters that can highlight a clinical innovation, a complex case, a knowledge translation or clinical implementation story. Clinical practice posters can be viewed on site on the kiosks in the Exhibit Hall or through the ASHT on-demand platform. Additionally, several clinical practice posters will be spotlighted at two spotlight sessions on Friday at 5:15-6:15 PM and on Saturday at 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM.

Improving Upper Extremity Awareness and Function: Considerations for Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy

This poster will highlight two pediatric cases, both under the age of 9, who underwent modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT). Both children were diagnosed with hemiplegia secondary to differing neurological diagnoses including cerebral palsy and pilocytic astrocytoma resection. Additionally, both children were classified as Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) level I patients followed by a combination of the hands surgical service and physical medicine and rehabilitation teams at a pediatric orthopedic hospital. The plan of care for both cases will be explored including outcome measures, types of constraint orthoses, and client-centered treatment interventions to improve affected upper-extremity awareness and function. The poster will incorporate guidance from evidence-based literature which was used to meet the needs of the clients using a pediatric lens. Learners will understand how to maximize client engagement through meaningful occupations and address the unique needs of the pediatric population.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify which children may be appropriate for mCIMT based on objective measurements and outcome measures
2. Recall examples of age-appropriate treatment interventions to target specific aspects of upper extremity function
3. Discuss possible benefits and challenges of mCIMT in pediatric clients with hemiplegia

Level: Entry

Author: Amy Sitabkhan, OTR

Early Mobilization and Physiotherapy Techniques for Addressing Complications in High-TBSA Upper Extremity Burns: From Acute Care to Functional Independence - A Case Study

Join us for an engaging presentation on the rehabilitation journey of a 49-year-old male patient with severe upper extremity burns covering 43.5% total body surface area. This case study highlights the transformative impact of early mobilization and targeted physiotherapy techniques in overcoming the challenges posed by extensive burn injuries. Discover how a comprehensive treatment program, including active range of motion exercises, scar management, and psychosocial support, facilitated the patient's remarkable recovery.

Learning Objectives: 

 1. Design, implement, and evaluate effective rehabilitation strategies for patients with severe upper extremity burns by applying early mobilization and physiotherapy techniques to prevent complications and promote functional independence
2. Describe and evaluate a comprehensive treatment program that integrates early mobilization, scar management, and psychosocial support to minimize contractures and improve quality of life in patients with high TBSA burns
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of a structured physiotherapy program in facilitating functional recovery and community reintegration for individuals with severe burn injuries

Level: Intermediate

Author: Ho Wing Kelvin Fung, PT, CHT

Caring for Pediatric Clients with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita: The Development of an Occupational Therapy Continuing Education Course

This clinical practice poster will highlight the development of a continuing education course for general occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to increase their awareness and preparedness to care for pediatric clients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) while working on a multidisciplinary team. The course was created using evidence-based literature and structured following the person-environment-occupation model. The course was grounded in educational learning theories with learning activities, including behaviorism, social cognitivism, social constructivism, and experiential learning. The poster will demonstrate to learners the impact of the continuing education course on knowledge acquisition and qualitative feedback from learners. The presentation will also provide information on how practitioners with specialized knowledge on hand therapy can effectively share their expertise with the community of OTPs who may work with pediatric clients with AMC.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the benefits of creating educational resources on specialized client populations, including arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, to facilitate improved therapeutic care

Level: Entry

Author: Amy Sitabkhan, OTR
 

Integrating Blood Flow Restriction as an Innovative Approach to Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

Therapists are embracing blood flow restriction training to boost upper extremity function, ease pain, and build strength. This innovative approach, while not widely utilized, has shown potential for improving patients' quality of life and regaining independence in daily activities. It's all about moving forward with less pain.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the benefits of blood flow restriction therapy
2. Recite common conditions that would be applicable with blood flow restriction therapy
3. Explain the protocol that could be utilized during the application of blood flow restriction therapy

Level: Intermediate

Authors: Richard Rodriguez, OTD | Tara Ruppert, OTD, OTR/L, CHT

The Use of Blood Flow Resistance Exercises in the Treatment of DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis

DeQuervain's tenosynovitis can be a difficult diagnosis to treat with many patients experiencing prolonged immobilization and surgery.  Due to the difficulty in treating this condition, additional treatment approaches may be valuable to explore to advance our professional excellence in delivering the highest level of care. This poster will present 2 cases of patients who presented to hand therapy for the treatment of DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. Both were evaluated and treated for this condition with interventions including blood flow restriction. This poster will cover interventions used in treatment including parameters used with BFR and the patient reported and clinical outcomes of the patients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify parameters and appropriate exercises of blood flow restriction for individuals with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
2. Cite existing evidence of the use of blood flow restriction for the treatment of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
3. Identify barriers and contraindications to providing blood flow restriction in this population

Level: Entry

Author: Steven Sorensen, PT

The Helping Hand: Enhancing Hand Therapy Education Through Cadaveric and Video-Based Learning Among Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Students

Discover an innovative approach to enhancing upper extremity education through a dynamic resource portfolio of educational videos and cadaveric demonstrations. This poster presentation showcases an occupational therapy doctoral capstone project that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Attendees will explore how video-based learning utilizing cadaveric resources from the TTUHSC Institute of Anatomical Sciences can deepen students' understanding of hand-related diagnoses, mechanisms of injury, and occupational performance implications. Engage in interactive discussions with the presenter to learn how this project promotes independent learning and reinforces foundational anatomy throughout the OT curriculum. Don't miss this opportunity to see how technology and hands-on resources can transform OT education!

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how enhanced anatomy education, including cadaveric demonstrations and educational videos, supports occupational therapy students' understanding of upper extremity conditions
2. Evaluate the impact of visual and interactive learning resources on students' confidence and preparedness for clinical experiences in hand therapy
3. Discuss how improved anatomical knowledge can bridge the gap between entry-level education and clinical application, encouraging students to pursue careers in hand therapy

Level: Entry

Author: Blayne Townsend

Dry Needling Knowledge in the Field of Occupational Therapy 

Dry needling has been practiced by physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, acupuncturists, and naturopathic doctors. Occupational therapists have similar foundational knowledge to these healthcare disciplines and are equally equipped to learn how to apply this modality. Recently, there has been a growing trend in occupational therapy to include dry needling in the scope of practice of OTs, with several states updating their practice acts to include this modality. This poster presents national survey data that discusses OT practitioners’ knowledge of the modality, usage, and why therapists may not be using dry needling in their practice, despite this trend.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the potential uses and benefits of dry needling in hand therapy
2. Understand the perceived barriers to performing dry needling

Level: Entry

Authors: Alexander Richey, PTA | Jennifer Radziak,  OTD, OTR/L, CHT

Integrating Artificial Intelligence in the OT Classroom to Enhance Hand Therapy Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) use is rapidly transforming healthcare education, including the occupational therapy classroom for hand therapy topics such as anatomy, kinesiology, and clinical reasoning. This poster explores AI's role in hand therapy education, focusing on generative AI, specifically large language models (LLM) like ChatGPT and Gemini. Learners will examine uses of AI programs to support hand therapy instruction through creation of practice exam questions, case studies, and clinical reasoning exercises. This poster explores benefits and disadvantages of AI use in the classroom, examining AI accuracy, academic integrity, and ethical considerations. Furthermore, learners will gain insights into integrating AI into the OT classroom.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe terminology related to artificial intelligence including generative AI and large language models
2. Describe uses of AI being used in healthcare education to promote student learning
3. Identify strategies to implement AI in the occupational therapy classroom to promote student learning of hand therapy topics

Level: Entry

Author: David Plutschack, OTD

Enhancing Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Through Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): Innovations and Applications

Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) is transforming upper extremity rehabilitation by enabling continuous patient engagement, real-time progress tracking, and improved adherence to homes exercise programs. This poster will showcase evidence-based applications of RTM, discuss challenges and solutions for implementation, and explore strategies to support its integration into clinical practice.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Describe the role of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM) in improving patient adherence to home exercise programs and its impact on upper extremity rehabilitation outcomes
2. Identify key implementation strategies for integrating RTM into clinical practice
3. Define current reimbursement policies for RTM and best practices for billing under Medicare’s CPT codes for remote monitoring services

Level: Entry

Author: Jessie Perchaluk, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CLT

Addressing Psychosocial Needs for Adults with Traumatic Upper Extremity Injuries and Pain Through a Four-Week Activity Group

A pilot quality improvement project addressing psychosocial needs of adults with traumatic upper extremity injuries and chronic pain is highlighted in this poster. Social connections developed effortlessly within the active group. This project uses trauma-informed and evidence-based care in a group setting to improve outcomes and prevent re-traumatization. Client feedback informed the design and adaptation of the group structure, resulting in an iterative group design. A comprehensive perspective on traumatic upper extremity injuries reveals avenues for clinicians to address client needs that extend beyond the physical, thereby promoting meaningful occupational engagement.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Define psychosocial well-being and the importance of addressing this with clients who have traumatic injuries
2. Develop at least three strategies to facilitate an activity-based social support group

Level: Entry

Author: Julia Laughlin

Identification, Triage, and Treatment of Hand and Wrist Pain Frequently Impacting Pregnant and Postpartum Women

The purpose of this exploration is the identification and triage process of perinatal providers, and explanation of treatment process and benefit to pregnant and postpartum women experiencing upper extremity pain and edema.  An assessment of upper extremity screening and referral process was completed of providers who regularly encounter pregnant and postpartum women. The unique skillset of hand therapists to address the upper extremity pain and edema that these women experience is explored.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify the prevalence and severity of upper extremity pain in pregnant and postpartum women
2. Identify ways that providers identify upper extremity pain and edema during pregnancy and postpartum visits
3. Identify two reasons of relevance for hand therapist intervention with pregnant and postpartum women

Level: Entry

Author: Ella Schnepp, OTR/L

Integrating Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Curricula for Comprehensive Excellence

Upper extremity rehabilitation is a fundamental and critical component of both occupational therapy and physical therapy education as future clinicians are equipped with the necessary skills to optimize client outcomes. Integrating upper extremity rehabilitation throughout the curriculum ensures that students develop a strong foundation in assessment, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies. This poster explores strategies such as scaffolding, hands-on training, and integration of evidence-based practice techniques. The reinforcement of these principles throughout the coursework and clinical experience prepares students for complexities of upper extremity rehabilitation in diverse practice settings. Attendee will gain insight into curriculum design that improves clinical competency which translates into improved client care.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Explain the importance of scaffolding upper extremity rehabilitation content within OT and PT entry-level education
2. Identify strategies for the implementation of upper extremity rehabilitation content within OT and PT entry-level education

Level: Entry

Author: Sharniece Pierce, OTD, OTR/L, CLT-UE, CEAS, CSC

Digit Widget: Exploring the Impact of Wear Time on PIP Extension Outcomes – A Retrospective Case Study

This study examines whether extended wear of the Digit Widget affects postoperative PIP extension AROM retention, specifically focusing on whether preoperative AROM is maintained after surgery. It presents a comprehensive case study of four patients with varying durations of Digit Widget use and its impact on regaining PIP AROM following Dupuytren release surgery.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Examine and describe the biomechanics and procedures involved in using the Digit Widget
2. Describe the challenges associated with rehabilitating a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint injury
3. List the benefits of using the Digit Widget and determine the appropriate duration for regaining PIP extension prior to a Dupuytren release, while assessing its impact on optimizing post-operative outcomes.

Level: Entry

Authors: Eugene Gersh, OTR/L, CHT | Dino Arcuri, DPT

Teaching Therapy Students Clinical Reasoning Skills

This poster will provide an overview of contemporary adult learning strategies to facilitate clinical reasoning skills for students in hand therapy settings. Problem-based learning activities will be implemented for active learning within the session for foundational knowledge related to teaching strategies for adult learners in graduate programs.

Learning Objectives: 

1. The learner can describe contemporary adult learning practices.
2. The learner will be able to verbalize understanding of clinical reasoning facilitation interventions.
3. The learner will be able to explain the application of adult learning strategies to clinical reasoning for hand therapy students.

Level: Intermediate

Author: Gwen Morris, PhD, OTD, OTR, CHT, CLT

Reliability and Usefulness of Goniometry to Measure Scapular Protraction and Retraction

Protraction and retraction of the scapula are essential foundational movements for positioning and function of the upper extremity. However, because of the unique design of the scapulothoracic joint and biomechanical complexity of scapular movement, the clinical measurement of scapular protraction and retraction is uniquely challenging. In a sample of 50 healthy adults, our simple goniometric technique that uses the superior angle and acromion as anatomical landmarks, has demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability (ICCs = .89-.99; SEM=.63-1.9) and acceptable precision (MDC% ranging from 7-20%). Further, when comparing our findings to those of a widely-used motion analysis system, Darfish, both measurements were very strongly correlated (r = .84-.92) and the mean difference between goniometric measurements and Dartfish was less than 1.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will learn to measure scapular protraction and retraction with a novel goniometric technique. 
2. Participants will understand the reliability, validity, and clinical usefulness of the goniometric technique. 
3. Participants will consider the use of the technique in clinical practice as a measure of scapular position and movement. 

Level: Intermediate

Authors: Nathan Short, PhD, OTD, CHT | Donna Walls, OTD, OTR, CHT | Corey McGee, PhD, MS, OTR/L, CHT

A Novel Method to Quantify Thumb Stability During Pinch

The complexity of the human thumb is not lost on hand therapists. Yet, our standard evaluation techniques have been relatively stagnant for decades. Transforming practice to align with emerging evidence is a challenge across healthcare disciplines. This poster introduces a novel method for quantifying thumb stability underload to detect progress with dynamic stabilization programs and to rationalize treatment decisions for thumb instabilities and arthritis.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Apply anatomical, biomechanics and neuromuscular principles to the evaluation and treatment of the first CMC joint
2. Determine appropriate patient type and timing for administering the Hoover Collapse Test
3. Conduct an evaluation of thumb stability under load

Level: Intermediate

Author: Nicole Hoover, MS, OTR, CHT

Functional Neurological Disorder Explained: Recognizing Functional Behavior

A common phrase used while learning is: “You may not be seeing it, but it may be seeing you.” Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a complicated, often misunderstood, neurological disorder with varying clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges. The gold standard of treatment is a multi-disciplinary approach which includes physical and/or occupational therapy. As outpatient providers, hand therapists often receive these referrals. Or the patient’s symptoms may include upper extremity involvement, warranting a hand therapy evaluation.  This presentation will focus on identifying patterns consistent with FND, a framework for the cause of the behaviors, and a demonstration of how to educate a patient and family about functional movements and behaviors.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Develop a physical or occupational therapy evaluation using a biopsychosocial approach to assess six body systems contributing to functional neurological disorder symptoms
2. Recognize common presentations and clinical signs associated with a functional neurological disorder diagnosis
3. Explain key predisposing factors that contribute to the development of functional neurological disorder

Level: Entry

Author: Hannah Gift, OTR/L, CHT, COMT UE, CEAS