Exploring research and applied learning in Ohio State’s MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program
At The Ohio State University, the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program, available in both in-person and fully online formats, offers students the flexibility to tailor their graduate experience to their professional goals. A defining feature of the program is the ability to choose between two distinct culminating pathways: the Research Track […]
At The Ohio State University, the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program, available in both in-person and fully online formats, offers students the flexibility to tailor their graduate experience to their professional goals. A defining feature of the program is the ability to choose between two distinct culminating pathways: the Research Track (thesis) option or the Advanced Practice (non-thesis)option.
Students who pursue the Research Track (thesis) option engage in rigorous, faculty-guided research, ultimately producing a scholarly thesis that contributes to the broader field of health and rehabilitation sciences. In contrast, students in the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option complete an applied project designed to translate evidence into practice, often addressing real-world challenges within clinical, community, or organizational settings.
Below is a curated list of OhioLINK-published theses from graduates of the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University. These examples can help prospective students see the types of research topics students pursue in the Research Track (thesis) option of the program as well as the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option, respectively.
Examples of Thesis projects from Ohio State MSHRS Students
The Research Track (thesis) option emphasizes research design, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination. Students work closely with faculty mentors to investigate meaningful questions, often contributing new insights to clinical practice, public health, or human performance.
1. Determining Repetitive Head Impact Exposure in Youth Tackle Football Based on Five Data Cleaning Methods
By: Samantha DeAngelo (2025)
This study examined how different data cleaning methods influence the measurement of repetitive head impacts (RHIs) in youth tackle football. Instrumented mouthguards were used to track head acceleration events, and the research compared multiple verification and processing techniques to determine how each method affects estimates of head impact exposure. The study highlights how methodological differences can affect safety research and athlete monitoring.
2. Healthcare Service Use Patterns Among Autistic Adults: A Systematic Review with Narrative Synthesis
By: Daniel Gilmore (2021)
This thesis analyzed healthcare utilization patterns among autistic adults through a systematic review of existing literature. The study synthesized research findings to better understand disparities in healthcare access and service use for autistic adults and to identify opportunities for improving care delivery.
3. Building Cadet Power: Upper and Lower Body Development in Corrections Academy Training
By: Adrian Jourdan (2025)
This study investigated whether a 10-week corrections academy training program could improve explosive power among cadets. Measurements such as countermovement jumps and plyometric push-ups were used to evaluate changes in upper- and lower-body power across the training period. Findings help inform training approaches for corrections professionals who require rapid force production in unpredictable situations.
4. Real-Time Examination of Factors that Influence Obstetric Sonographer Workload
By: Katherine Ann Smith (2024)
This research examined the occupational workload and musculoskeletal strain experienced by diagnostic medical sonographers. Because sonographers are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, the study evaluated task demands and workplace factors that contribute to physical strain during ultrasound procedures.
5. BMI and Body Composition in Division I Athletes
By: Isabella Simpson (2021)
This thesis examined whether body mass index (BMI) accurately reflects body composition in collegiate athletes. By comparing BMI classifications with body fat percentage measurements, the study assessed misclassification risks and explored how body fat distribution relates to health risk among athletes.
OhioLINK page:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu16189252323773
6. Exploration of Diabetes Knowledge, Risk, and Perception of Type 2 Diabetes Among Young Adults in the United States
By: Emily Crouch (2021)
This study evaluated young adults’ understanding of type 2 diabetes risk, knowledge, and perceptions of the disease. By surveying participants about risk awareness and health behaviors, the research aimed to inform prevention strategies and education initiatives targeting younger populations.
7. Examination of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Millennials Regarding the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate
By: Marguerite Catanzaro (2021)
This thesis explored millennials’ understanding of national dietary guidelines and their adherence to MyPlate recommendations. The research analyzed associations between diet quality, food security, consumer behaviors, and mental health outcomes among this demographic group.
8. The Effects of Delivering Inhaled Epoprostenol on Prolonging Mechanical Ventilation in Post-Operative Cardiac Surgery Patients
By: Melissa Klug (2022)
This study evaluated the clinical implications of administering inhaled epoprostenol for pulmonary hypertension in cardiac surgery patients. The research examined whether this treatment approach affects the duration of mechanical ventilation and postoperative recovery outcomes.
9. Potential Screening Tool and Dietary Factors Contributing to Low Testosterone and Low Energy Availability in Male Runners
By: Bryce Jordan (2022)
This thesis investigated risk factors for Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) among male endurance runners. The study examined potential screening tools and explored the relationship between nutrition, energy availability, and hormonal health in athletes.
How these examples help prospective students
Reviewing past theses provides valuable insight into what students in the Research Track (thesis) option accomplish throughout the program. These projects demonstrate how students:
- Develop focused research questions and hypotheses
- Conduct systematic reviews, clinical studies, or experimental research
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data
- Produce a scholarly thesis comparable to a peer-reviewed journal article
- Contribute meaningful knowledge to the field of health and rehabilitation sciences
For students interested in research, academia, or evidence-based clinical advancement, the Research Track (thesis) option offers a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and dissemination.
Examples of Non-Thesis projects from Ohio State MSHRS students
While thesis projects focus on generating new knowledge, the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option emphasizes applying existing evidence to real-world challenges. These projects often take the form of program development, clinical guidelines, quality improvement initiatives, or educational interventions.
Because Advanced Practice (non-thesis) projects are typically implemented within organizations or clinical settings, they are not commonly archived in OhioLINK. However, they play an equally important role in preparing graduates to lead change, improve outcomes, and translate research into practice.
(Note: Since Advanced Practice (non-thesis) projects are not archived in OhioLINK, if you are interested in reading a complete non-thesis project please fill out an inquiry form and you will be connected with an Enrollment Advisor who can help you.)
1. Complexities of Nutrition Support in the Early Days of a Pandemic: A Case Series
By: Angela Parillo, RD, LD, CNSC (2021)
Objective: The purpose of this case study series is to examine complexities of nutrition support in the early days of the 2020 pandemic. This study includes a complex clinical patient series infected with SARS-CoV-2 including descriptions and discussions for the novel disease progression, treatment course, and nutrition interventions.
Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of three patients using inpatient medical records of patients which is the source of data. Data was collected from March 2020 through July 2020. All information reported was de-identified for the patient’s confidentiality and cannot be linked back to the individual patient.
2. Stigma-Reducing Training Program for Respiratory Therapy Students
By: Breanna Pope, B.S., RRT (2019)
Lung cancer is a disease that claims the lives of thousands each year and negatively affects those diagnosed and their family members. While many individuals are aware of the mortality rates associated with lung cancer, stigma regarding this disease is unfamiliar. Stigmatization of lung cancer leads to delayed diagnoses and treatments, along with a lack of perceived support. The purpose of this project was to create a stigma-reducing program for future Respiratory Therapy students, in order to teach best practices associated with caring for these patients.
The program was introduced to Junior Respiratory Therapy students at a large Mid-western University. Prior to the program, students submitted a pre-assessment survey consisting of 10 statements. The statements for both the pre and post assessments, provided by Qualtrics, encompassed the top 10 misconceptions of lung cancer found on the LUNGevity Foundation website. Students either agreed or disagreed with statements 1-3 based on a Likert-type and selected either true or false for statements 4-10. These assessments helped determine the knowledge, confidence, and perceptions of Respiratory Therapy students, regarding stigma related to lung cancer.
The content embodied the theory of normative behavior and introduced the psychological and clinical effects of stigmatizing lung cancer. The content focused on the perceived lack of support for patients, motivational interviewing, and best practices regarding smoking cessation. Furthermore, students viewed reaction application videos and engaged in roleplay exercises. After, the students took time to reflect and ask questions. Lastly, students filled-out the post-assessment survey, which contained 3 open-ended questions regarding the module.
Findings stated that students now understand stigma related to lung cancer. The findings also stated that students now know that more women die from lung cancer than from breast cancer. Findings also displayed that students reacted well to the roleplay exercises, in which they demonstrated active learning. It can be determined that there was an overall increased awareness regarding the stigmatization of lung cancer, after the conclusion of the stigma-reducing program.
3. The Effects and Application of Electrical Stimulation and Robotic Assisted Interventions on the Hemiplegic Shoulder Following Neurological Injury
By: Chandler Lowe, BS (2020)
Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Neuro-rehabilitation interventions are critical to recovery from stroke and other neurological disorders. The purpose of this guideline is two-fold. It is first to provide an in-depth review of current literature focusing on the effects of electrical stimulation modalities and robotic assisted devices on hemiplegic shoulder dysfunction following a stroke. Secondly, it is to provide the findings of a clinical needs assessment and case study, and subsequent development of a clinical guideline for the implementation of a robotic assisted device in neuro-rehabilitation. The findings of the review, needs assessment and implementation support the use of these intervention strategies to both reduce hemiplegic shoulder impairment and improve shoulder function following a stroke. Use of the robotic assisted device is also supported for use with other neurological populations for neuro-recovery.
4. Retrospective Analysis of a Women’s Imaging Department Volume and Referral Sources
By: Hilary Erin Grigsby (2020)
Health care networks are being faced with the challenge of expanding services and increasing revenue while keeping patient-centered care at the forefront of every decision. Outreach or satellite locations could be the solution to balance this dilemma. This paper will identify and examine the location of OB/GYN providers who refer patients for high-risk diagnostic ultrasound examinations at the Women’s Imaging department of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. By identifying the origin of referrals, a geolocated referral pattern will be created. Based upon this pattern, recommendations will be made as to whether there is justification to increase Women’s Imaging’s outreach services by creating new sites in underserved areas.
Choosing the right path
Whether students choose the Research Track (thesis) or the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option, both pathways are designed to build advanced skills that translate directly into career growth. The thesis track is ideal for those interested in research, doctoral study, or publishing, while the non-thesis track supports professionals looking to implement change, lead initiatives, and apply evidence in real-world settings. To learn more about which path is right for you, check out this article.
Together, these options reflect the flexibility and depth of the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program—empowering students to align their academic experience with their long-term career goals.
If you’re unsure which path fits you best, our Enrollment Advisors can help you align your choice with your long-term goals. Reach out to us to learn more or, if you’re ready, start your application today.
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