Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2026

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Whitney Lucas Molitor, PhD, OTD, OTR/L, BCG

Keywords

occupational therapy, pelvic floor dysfunction, sexual health

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunction is highly prevalent among women in the United States, and sexual health is often underaddressed in healthcare. This capstone project aimed to define the role of occupational therapists (OTs) in pelvic floor therapy and promote integration of sexual health into practice. Completed in an outpatient pelvic floor setting, the project included clinical skill development, program development, and advocacy. Interventions involved continuing education, creation of educational handouts, implementation of home exercise programs, and tracking outcomes using the PFDI-20. Additional initiatives included staff education and student training on OT’s role in pelvic health. All 12 tracked clients progressed toward their goals, and six of eight demonstrated decreased PFDI-20 scores. Deliverables included three educational resources, seven home exercise programs, a student presentation, and a staff in-service. Two continuing education courses were completed as well. Findings support OT’s role in pelvic health and highlight the need for improved referral pathways, expanded sexual health integration, and further research and education.

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