Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2025

Major

Psychology (B.S.)

Release Option

Open Access

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Kayla Randall

Abstract

Patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other adverse health events (e.g., hip surgery) often require physical therapy (PT) to restore baseline function. However, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia may have difficulty engaging in therapy due to deficits in attention, imitation skills, and motor performance. Enhancing participation in this population is essential for achieving functional recovery and return to baseline status. This study aimed to determine whether systematic model prompting could decrease latency to compliance and increase the level of completion of therapeutic exercises in short-term rehabilitation settings. A multiple-baseline single-case design with time-lagged and staggered baseline and intervention phases were used. Participants were required to be at least 18 years old, enrolled in the Candler Hospital Intensive/Subacute Rehabilitation Unit, and demonstrate signs of mild cognitive impairment. Three participants were recruited, however one did not receive intervention conditions due to discharge. Licensed physical therapists were trained on the protocol using Behavioral Skills Training (BST). Through statistical analysis, data show small to moderate effects of the intervention on reduction of latency, however, little to no effect on increase of completion. Visual analysis shows decreased variability in responding with implementation of the intervention. Furthermore, these findings provide valuable methodological insights into intervention feasibility.

Thesis Summary

Latency to compliance and completion of exercise has been an observed issue in short term rehabilitation facilities. This issue is especially common amongst those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), dementia, or other neurological condition. The present study evaluated whether systematic model prompts could reduce latency to compliance and increase completion of exercise during physical therapy sessions. The study specifically predicted that model prompts would decrease the latency to compliance and increase completion. The study used a multiple-baseline single-case research design. Data suggests potential effectiveness of the model prompt to reduce latency however showing little to no effectiveness in increasing exercise initiation. Further, data suggest that the model prompt brings about reduced variability in patient responding.While a lack of data limits our ability to gain experimental control findings suggest promise of the suggested intervention as well as procedural feasibility in clinical settings.

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