Level of Education of Students Involved

Graduate

Faculty Sponsor

Alyssa Formyduval, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CSRS

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Discipline(s)

Occupational Therapy

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Research Topic: This is a cohort study looking at the efficacy of a post paired vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) protocol accountability check-in. The purpose of this study is to determine if an accountability weekly check-in will increase engagement in home exercise programs for patients who have completed the intensive therapy protocol.

Methods: Our cohort study was approved by the IRB committee through Powers Health Care system (PHCS)  and Valparaiso University. Sample size (n=3) was based on those who have completed the Vivistim protocol through Powers Health.

Results: Participants swiped their Vivistim magnet 5.5 times per day prior to the start of the study. After the six week study, it was found that on average the participants swiped their device 6.87 times per day. 80 total activities were grouped into whether it was an activity of daily living (ADL), an instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), or if it was a part of the participant's home exercise program (HEP).

Clinical Implications: Clinicians may consider incorporating accountability check-ins to encourage consistent use of the device and reinforce adherence to their HEP.

Conclusion:  The increase in swipe frequency and frequent use during meaningful tasks suggests this may be applicable beyond research. While functional outcome changes did not meet MCID, the findings support the need for continued investigation into accountability phone calls and their effects on patients post Vivistim protocol.

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