Doing research to lend a hand

Erica Villamar, psychology major and pre-occupational therapy student and Verrazano Honors' Class of 2018, investigates muscular contracture.

Ranges of hand movements

As a prospective occupational therapy student, the Verrazano capstone project was an opportunity to learn more about the field’s potential. Prior to the research, I had a pretty good understanding of occupational therapists’ contributions in restoring individuals to optimal levels of function and independence. Due to occupational therapy’s interdisciplinary and symbiotic practice, it consists of an extensive range of knowledge. To learn more, I volunteered in a nursing home, which is where I encountered my first contracture – the thickening and shortening of the muscle, tendons, or ligaments. The contractures of the hands, feet, and limbs appeared debilitating, stiff and painful; many patients helplessly whimpered and had limited mobility. To prevent and minimize the adverse effects of contractures, the therapists promoted range of motion (ROM) exercises and the use of splints. At times, it seemed impossible for the therapists to pry open and release the fingers into extension. I was flooded with questions. How much pressure is required to extend the residents’ fingers without injuring them? What sensations are felt when you can’t move your body in ways you normally would? How do you relieve the painful symptoms to return to normal activities of daily living (ADLs)?

Erica and her advisor, Dr. Peter Costa

My intention of the capstone was to better understand the causes and treatments of contractures, and more importantly to spread awareness of them. Contractures are much easier to prevent than to treat, so knowledge and early initiatives may resolve their prevalence. During my time in the nursing home, I witnessed and learned of techniques to counteract contractures. While development of contractures may be predisposed from diseases, the use of effective multimodal preventative treatments may minimize their complications. After reviewing the literature, I now understand movement’s role in the human body and in the prevention of contractures. Movement may take many forms, such as walking, running, dancing, stretching, or sports playing. Adding movement into daily routines will promote both an active body and mind. I often took health and all its benefits for granted, but from this capstone I hope to inspire myself and others to move and learn more about the wonders of the human body.