Graduation Year
2026
Document Type
Capstone Project
Research Type
Quantitative
Degree Name
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Kitsum Li, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Faculty Mentor
Gina Tucker-Roghi, OTD, OTR/L, BCG
Content Expert
Cassidy McCurdy, OTR/L, BCB-PMD/L
Site Mentor
Cassidy McCurdy, OTR/L, BCB-PMD/L
Community Partner
Pivotal Pelvis
Abstract
Pelvic floor therapy, also called pelvic floor health care, is an emerging field for occupational therapy practitioners. Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is a common health outcome after pregnancy and childbirth. Although most women receive consistent prenatal health care, they do not receive the education they need to manage symptoms of PFD such as incontinence, pain, and sensory dysregulation during the postpartum period. Occupational therapy can play a meaningful role in educating and supporting women during the prenatal period, postpartum healing, and role acquisition. This doctoral capstone project researched educational strategies to improve self-efficacy among perinatal women. Albert Bandura defines self-efficacy as an individual’s positive belief in their future abilities and the outcomes of their efforts (Bandura, 1994). A project-level needs assessment of women who had given birth in the last 10 years detailed the needs of postpartum women and the gap in primary maternal healthcare. Based on this information and the evidence gathered, comprehensive prenatal pelvic floor health and sensory regulation educational materials were developed to increase self-efficacy in this population. Using pre- and post-test surveys of prenatal women in the community, this capstone project evaluated the education provided by measuring participants' confidence and preparedness. Informed by a review of current research, the project-level needs assessment data, and community engagement, this capstone project developed holistic prenatal pelvic floor health and sensory modulation education that improved maternal self-efficacy and educated community members about the role of occupational therapy in maternal healthcare.