Rhonda Nelson portrait
  • Program Director, Recreational Therapy
  • Assistant Professor, Occupational & Recreational Therapies
801-213-6993

Research Keywords

  • Virtual Reality
  • Robotic Pets
  • Recreational Therapy
  • Music Therapy
  • Healthy Aging
  • Creative Arts
  • Assistive Technology
  • Activity Engagement

Presentations

  • Nelson, R., Gordon, S., Hawkes, C., Heller, S., & Romoser, C. (2023, March). Personal and professional growth through graduate school. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Layton, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2023.
  • Nelson, R., Romoser, C., Ferrill, T.J. (2022, September). Therapy in 3-D: Exploring virtual reality applications for RT practice. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference, Birmingham, AL. Presentation, Presented, 09/2022.
  • Nelson, R., Romoser, C., Brooks, S., Black, K., & Richey, W. (2022, March). Virtual reality interventions for college students with anxiety: Possibilities for RT. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2022.
  • Bell, S., Bennett, J., Nelson, R., & Zahl, M. (2022, March). Shifting paradigms from cultural competence to cultural humility: Applications for recreational therapy. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2022.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J., & Liston, M. (2021, November). Drumming Up Innovative Programming in Recreational Therapy. California State University Long Beach: Beach Symposium. Virtual. Presentation, Presented, 11/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J., & Liston, M. (2021, September). Impact of a group drumming intervention on the affect of adults receiving residential treatment for a substance use disorder. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Virtual. Conference Paper, Refereed, Presented, 09/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Ashnault, C., Good, S., Goaslind, A., Zanetti, M. (2021, September). Therapeutic uses of robotic and animatronic animals for children and adolescents with autism. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Virtual. Poster, Presented, 09/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Emery, E., Rogers, N., Bryant, M., & Portillo, A. (2021, September). Adaptive music technology applications for people with upper extremity limitations. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Virtual. Poster, Presented, 09/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Passmore, T., & Allsop, J. (2021, September). Strategies for completing and writing the CAAHEP/CARTE self-study for program accreditation in higher education. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Virtual. Presentation, Presented, 09/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J., Coleman, C., Pardinas, M., & Parker, A. (2021, September). Graduate school for recreational therapists: Is it right for you? American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Virtual. Presentation, Presented, 09/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Ashnault, C., Goaslind, A., Good, S., & Zanetti, M. (2021, March). Therapeutic uses of robotic and animatronic animals for children with Autism. Utah Recreation Therapy Association annual Conference. Virtual. Presentation, Presented, 03/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Emery, E., Bryant, M., Rogers, N., & Portillo, A. (2021, March). Adaptive music technologies for people with upper extremity limitations. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Virtual. Presentation, Presented, 03/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J., Coleman, C., Pardinas, M., & Parker, A. (2021, March). Graduate school for recreational therapists. Is it right for you? Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Virtual. Presentation, Presented, 03/2021.
  • Isaacs, L. & Nelson, R. (2019, September). Adopting improvements to RT fieldwork education using Diffusion of Innovations theory. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Poster, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Mortensen, M. & Lindsay, W. (2019, September). Evaluation of a video journaling program introduced into recreational therapy practice. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Poster, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Emery, E., Janusz, E. & Westenskow, R. (2019, September). The use of robotic pets to address mood and behavior in older adults. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Poster, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Bennett, J. & Nelson, R. (2019, September). Promoting self-care for the recreational therapist using the broaden and build theory. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Poster, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2019, September). Virtual reality: Attitudes, confidence, and training of recreational therapists. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Poster, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R. (2019, September). The Engagement in Preferred Activities Scale & online toolkit: Resources for recreational therapy professionals working with older adults. Utah Health Care Association Annual Convention and Showcase, Sandy, UT. Presentation, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Hinton, J., & Hutchins, D. (2019, September). CARTE Accreditation: Let's move the profession forward with quality and consistency. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Presentation, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J., & Liston, M. (2019, September). Feel the rhythm: Drumming up innovative programming in recreational therapy. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Presentation, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Isaacs, L. & Nelson, R. (2019, September). Virtual reality interventions in recreational therapy practice. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Reno, NV. Presentation, Presented, 09/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2019, August). Virtual reality in recreational therapy practice. Recreational Therapy Research and Training Lab Workshop, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 08/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2019, July). Virtual reality in recreational therapy practice. Utah State Hospital Recreational Therapy Staff Training. Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 07/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Ritcey, A. (2019, June). CARTE accreditation: Implications for the recreational therapy practitioner. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Presentation, Presented, 06/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Mortensen, M. (2019, June). Video journaling as a recreational therapy intervention. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Presentation, Presented, 06/2019.
  • Nelson, R. (2019, June). Applying positive psychology principles using the PERMA-Profiler to recreational therapy practice in substance use disorder treatment. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Presentation, Presented, 06/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2019, April). Virtual reality applications in recreational therapy. University of Utah Virtual Reality Symposium for Education, Research and Clinics. Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 04/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Emery, E., Janusz, E., & Westenskow, R. (2019, March). The use of robotic pets to address mood and behavior in older adults. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2019, March). Virtual reality music-making: Usability in recreational therapy practice. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Conference, Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Mortensen, M. (2019, March). Video journaling as a recreational therapy intervention. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Conference, Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J., & Liston, M. (2019, March). Therapeutic applications of group drumming. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Conference. Provo, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2018, December). Virtual reality in recreational therapy. University of Utah Emerging Technology Steering Committee Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 12/2018.
  • Nelson, R. (2018, November). The Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale (EPASS) and online toolkit. Therapeutic Recreation Symposium for the Southwest. Dallas, TX. Presentation, Presented, 11/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2018, November). Virtual reality music making for health promotion and rehabilitation. Therapeutic Recreation Symposium for the Southwest. Dallas, TX. Presentation, Presented, 11/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2018, November). Applying positive psychology principles using the PERMA-Profiler in recreational therapy practice in substance use disorder treatment. Therapeutic Recreation Symposium for the Southwest. Dallas, TX. Presentation, Presented, 11/2018.
  • Nelson, R., Isaacs, L., Lindsay, W., & Yaeger, E. (2018, September). Using the WHOQOL-BREF to document client and program outcomes in substance use disorder treatment. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. Poster, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Nelson, R., Hummel, E., Millet, P., Murray, K. & Tucker, A. (2018, September). Virtual reality interventions addressing balance, mobility, and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. Poster, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Crumbie, V. & Nelson, R. (2018, September). Reliability and validity of the Engagement in Preferred ActiviteieS Scale (EPASS). American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference, Grand Rapids, MI. Poster, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Hummel, E. (2018. September). Using multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation, and pain in individuals receiving treatment for a substance use disorder. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. Poster, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Isaacs, L. & Nelson, R. (2018, September). Applying positive psychology principles to recreational therapy practice in substance use disorder treatment. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. Presentation, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2018, September). Virtual reality music making for health promotion and rehabilitation. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. Presentation, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Beck, T. (2018, September). Preparing the self-study for academic accreditation in recreational therapy: A hands-on session. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Grand Rapids, MI. Presentation, Presented, 09/2018.
  • Nelson, R., & Isaacs, L. (2018, August). Virtual reality in recreational therapy practice: Assessing therapist knowledge and evaluating usability. Recreational Therapy Research and Training Lab, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 08/2018.
  • Nelson, R. (2018, July). Therapeutic applications of virtual reality music making. Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) Conference. Arlington, VA. Presentation, Presented, 07/2018.
  • Nelson, R. (2018, June). The Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale (EPASS) and online toolkit: Resources for recreational therapists working with older adults. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Presentation, Presented, 06/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Hummel, E. (2018, June). Using multisensory interventions in recreational therapy to address anxiety, agitation, and pain in individuals receiving substance abuse treatment. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Presentation, Presented, 06/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Beck, T. (2018, June). Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE): Orientation to accreditation and site visitor training. Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Presentation, Presented, 06/2018.
  • Hummel, E., Millet, P., Perkins, J., Sowards, R., & Nelson, R. (2018, March). Multi-sensory interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Translating research into recreational therapy practice. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Sandy, UT. Poster, Presented, 03/2018.
  • Isaacs, L., Nelson, R., Lindsay, W., & Yaeger, E. (2018, March). Using the PERMA profiler to document client and program outcomes in substance use disorder treatment. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Sandy, UT. Poster, Presented, 03/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Hummel, E. (2018, March). Using multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation and pain in individuals receiving substance abuse treatment. Utah Valley University Conference on Addiction, Orem, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2018.
  • Nelson, R. (2018, March). The Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale (EPASS) and online toolkit: Resources for recreational therapists working with older adults. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Sandy, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Hummel, E. (2018, March). Using multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation and pain in individuals receiving substance abuse treatment. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Sandy, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2018.
  • Nelson, R., Hummel, E., Millet, P., Murray, K., & Tucker, A (2018, March). Virtual reality interventions: Addressing balance, mobility and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Annual Conference, Sandy, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2018.
  • Hummel, E., Millet, P., Perkins, J., Sowards, R., & Nelson, R. (2017, September). Multi-sensory interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Translating research into recreational therapy practice. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Poster, Accepted, 09/2017.
  • Nelson, R. & Beck, T. (2017, September). Preparing the self-study for academic accreditation in recreational therapy: A hands-on session. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Presentation, Accepted, 09/2017.
  • Nelson, R. & Perkins, J. (2017, September). Facilitating positive behavior change in recreational therapy: Using the transtheoretical model to guide clinical practice. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Presentation, Accepted, 09/2017.
  • Nelson, R., Hummel, E., & Millet, P. (2017, September). Mobile multi-sensory interventions in recreation therapy practice: Presenting treatment protocols for diverse settings and populations. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Presentation, Accepted, 09/2017.
  • Nelson, R. (2017, April). The role of expressive and creative arts interventions in recreational therapy practice. Utah Association of Music Therapists Spring Conference. Salt Lake City, UT. Presentation, Presented, 04/2017.
  • Nelson, R., Hummel, E., Millet, P., & Sowards, R. (2017, March). Multi-sensory interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Translating research findings into recreational therapy practice. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Conference. Layton, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2017.
  • Nelson, R. (2017, March). Using the Beamz interactive music system in recreational therapy practice: Presenting treatment protocols for diverse settings and populations. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Conference. Layton, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2017.
  • Nelson, R. & Perkins, J. (2017, March). Facilitating behavior change in recreational therapy: Using the transtheoretical model to guide clinical practice. Utah Recreation Therapy Association Conference. Layton, UT. Presentation, Presented, 03/2017.
  • Sorantino, S. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). The leisure-spiritual coping model: A framework for addressing pain management in individuals with multiple sclerosis. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Poster, Presented, 09/2016.
  • King, J. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). Sexuality after spinal cord injuries: Applying the theory of planned behavior to intimate relationships. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Poster, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Hunt, B. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). Optimizing lifelong health and well-being: The importance of leisure and recreation in the lives of children living in poverty. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Poster, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Crumbie, V. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). Diffusion of innovation: Creating a culture of awareness and acceptance for LGBTQ older adults living in LTC facilities. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Poster, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Blanzola, C. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). Resilience theory and enhanced coping in military families. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Poster, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Bell, A. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). Obesity in adults with intellectual disabilities: Using the leisure ability model to increase leisure time physical activity. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Poster, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Ashton, C., Carter, M., Daly, F., & Nelson, R. (2016, September). The status of higher education: An exploration of curriculum models and program designs. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Presentation, Presented, 09/2016.
  • McCormick, B. & Nelson, R. (2016, September). Preparing the self-study for academic accreditation in RT: A hands-on session. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Presentation, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Nelson, R. (2016, September). Research Institute: Effects of recreational music making on cognitive function, mood, and engagement in assisted living residents. American Therapeutic Recreation Association Annual Conference. Lombard, IL. Presentation, Presented, 09/2016.
  • Abbott, K., Nelson, R., & Van Haitsma, K. (2016, March). Preference based person centered care: Process and outcome quality indicators. American Society on Aging’s Aging in America Conference. Washington, D.C. Presentation, Presented, 03/2016.
  • Nelson, R. (2016, March). Teaching public health: Using case studies. Temple University Teaching and Learning Center. Philadelphia, PA. Presentation, Presented, 03/2016.
  • Nelson, R. (2016, March). Introduction to the VECTA mobile multisensory station. Mercy LIFE Staff Training and Development Workshop. Elwyn, PA. Presentation, Presented, 03/2016.
  • Nelson, R. (2016, February). Understanding the therapeutic value of multisensory interventions for older adults. Mercy LIFE Staff Training and Development Workshop. Elwyn, PA. Presentation, Presented, 02/2016.
  • McCormick, B., Skalko, T., & Nelson, R. (2016, January). Completing the self-study for CAAHEP accreditation via CARTE standards. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), Committee on Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE) Workshop, Tampa, FL. Presentation, Presented, 01/2016.
  • Axelrod, P., Chitturi, P., Haviland, J., Kreinberg, S., Montroe,A., Morris, N., & Nelson, R. (2016, January). Lunch with Temple’s award winning teachers. Temple University Teaching and Learning Center. Philadelphia, PA. Presentation, Presented, 01/2016.

Publications

  • Nelson,R. (2022). Using multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation, and pain in adults receiving treatment for a substance use disorder. [Special Issue ATRA Annual] Therapeutic Recreation Journal. Vol. 56(4), 522-539. Published, 10/2022.
    https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2022-V56-I4-11579
  • Nelson, R. & Westenskow, R. (2022). Evaluation of a robotic pet intervention protocol for older adults with dementia. Canadian Journal of Recreation Therapy. Vol. 1, 88 – 104. Published, 07/2022.
    https://js.sagamorepub.com/cjrt/article/view/11452...
  • Nelson, R., Romoser, C., Black, K., Brooks, S. & Ritchie, W. (2022). Virtual reality interventions for college students with anxiety: Possibilities for RT. 2022 Abstracts from the 2022 ATRA Conference Proceedings. Accepted, 07/2022.
  • Pardinas, M. & Nelson, R. (2022). Evaluation of a high intensity interval training program for military personnel receiving inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder. Abstracts from the 2022 ATRA Conference Proceedings. Accepted, 07/2022.
  • Bennett, J. & Nelson, R. (2022). Evaluation of a virtual recreational therapy fieldwork and clinical supervision program: Implications during the pandemic and beyond. Therapeutic Recreation Journal. Vol. 56(2), 191-213. Published, 05/2022.
    https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2021-V56-I2-11339
  • Romoser, C. & Nelson, R. (2021). Adopting VR into RT Practice. Vol. 37(4). American Therapeutic Recreation Association Newsletter. Published, 12/2021.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2021). Usability of the HTC Vive virtual reality system in recreational therapy. American Journal of Recreation Therapy. Vol. 19(4), 25-34. Published, 12/2021.
    https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2020.0224
  • Isaacs, L., Nelson, R. & Trapp, S. (2021). Recreational therapists consider leisure motivation when evaluating virtual reality games. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Accepted, 08/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Bennett, J. & Liston, M. (2021). Impact of a group drumming intervention on the affect of adults receiving residential treatment for a substance use disorder. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institute Abstracts. Accepted, 06/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Ashnault, C., Good, S., Goaslind, A. & Zanetti, M. (2021). Therapeutic uses of robotic and animatronic animals for children and adolescents with autism. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institute Abstracts. Accepted, 06/2021.
  • Nelson, R., Emery, E., Rogers, N., Bryant, M. & Portillo, A. (2021). Adaptive music technology applications for people with upper extremity amputations. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institute Abstracts. Accepted, 06/2021.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2021). Exploring therapeutic applications of Google Earth VR. American Journal of Recreation Therapy. Vol. 19, 35-43. Published, 05/2021.
  • Bennett, J., Nelson, R. & Destromp, M. (2020). Podcast programming for client education: Implications for adoption in RT practice. Abstracts from the 2020 ATRA Conference Proceedings. Published, 11/2020.
  • Nelson, R. & Westenskow, R. (2020). Older adult response to a robotic pet intervention using Joy for All companion pets. Abstracts from the 2020 ATRA Conference Proceedings. Published, 11/2020.
  • Nelson, R., Hinton, J. & Hutchins, D. (2019). CARTE Accreditation: Let’s move the profession forward with quality and consistency. (pp. 21-22). Vol. 35(3). American Therapeutic Recreation Association Newsletter. Published, 12/2019.
  • Bennett, J. & Nelson, R. (2019). Promoting self-care for the recreational therapist using the Broaden and Build Theory. (pp. 55 – 58). Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institutes Abstracts. Published, 12/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Emery, E., Janucz, E. & Westenskow, R. (2019). The use of robotic pets to address mood and behavior in older adults. (pp. 62 – 65). Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institutes Abstracts. Published, 12/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L. (2019). Virtual Reality: Attitudes, Confidence, and Training of Recreational Therapists. (pp. 48 -50.). Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institutes Abstracts. Published, 12/2019.
  • Nelson, R., Mortensen, M & Lindsay, W. (2019). Evaluation of a Video Journaling Program in Recreational Therapy Treatment. (pp. 67-69). Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institutes Abstracts. Published, 12/2019.
  • Isaacs, L. & Nelson, R. (2019). Adopting Improvements to Recreational Theory Fieldwork Education Using Diffusion of Innovations Theory. (pp. 58-60). Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation, Research Institutes Abstracts. Published, 12/2019.
  • Nelson, R. & Hummel, E., Millet, P., Murray, K., & Tucker, A. (2018). Virtual reality interventions addressing balance, mobility, and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Accepted, 08/2018.
  • Crumbie, V. & Nelson, R. (2018). Reliability and validity testing of the Engagement in Preferred ActivitieS Scale. Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Accepted, 08/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Isaacs, L., Yaeger, E., & Lindsay, W. (2018). Using the WHOQOL-BREF to document client and program outcomes in substance use disorder treatment. Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Accepted, 08/2018.
  • Nelson, R. (2018). Using multisensory interventions to address anxiety, agitation, and pain in individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders. Vol. 26. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Accepted, 08/2018.
  • Nelson, R. & Schumacher, L. (2017). Effect of recreational music making on cognitive function, mood, and engagement in assisted living residents. (pp. 117-118). Vol. 24. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Published, 11/2017.
  • Nelson, R. (2017). Jam Studio VR therapy guide. Beamz Interactive, Inc./Evolution Marketing, Inc.. Published, 10/2017.
  • Nelson, R. & Hummel, E., Millet, P., Perkins, J., & Sowards, R. (2017). Multi-sensory interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Translating research into recreational therapy practice. Vol. 25. Annual in Therapeutic Recreation. Accepted, 08/2017.
  • Blanzola, C., O’Sullivan, P., Smith, K., & Nelson, R. (2016). The benefits of dragon boat participation for breast cancer survivors. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(3), 242-246. Published, 08/01/2016.
  • King, J., Prout, B., Stuhl, A., & Nelson, R. (2016). Scrapbooking as an intervention to enhance coping in individuals experiencing grief and loss. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(2), 181-185.. Published, 05/01/2016.
  • Bell, A., Palace, K., Allen, M., & Nelson, R. (2016). Using martial arts to address social and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 50(2), 176-180.. Published, 05/01/2016.
  • Davis, J. & Nelson, R. (2015). Aquatic exercise for pain management in older adults with osteoarthritis. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(4), 326-330. Published, 11/2015.
  • Kenuk, S., Borders, R., Palmer, K., & Nelson, R. (2015). Using the Wii for functional improvements in individuals with brain injuries. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(3), 261-264. Published, 08/2015.
  • Crumbie, V., Olmos, F., Watts, C., Avery, J., & Nelson, R. (2015). The impact of dance interventions on mood and depression in older adults.Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(2), 187-190. Published, 05/2015.
  • Snead, B., Pakstis, D., Evans, B., & Nelson, R. (2015). The use of creative writing interventions in substance abuse treatment. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(2), 179-182. Published, 05/2015.
  • Mishin, Y., Hunt, B., Decker, K., Coley, M., & Nelson, R. (2015). Promoting health through biking programs for youth with developmental disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(2), 183-186. Published, 05/2015.
  • Crew, A., Petrosky, J., Byrnes, K., & Nelson, R. (2015). The effects of tai chi on physical functioning in older adults with Parkinson's disease. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(1), 80-83. Published, 02/2015.
  • Cooper, V. & Nelson, R. (2015). The impact of play and recreation on reported pain levels in children with cancer.Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 49(1), 84-86. Published, 02/2015.
  • Ross, G., & Nelson, R. (2014). Using theater and drama interventions to reduce bullying in school-aged children. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 48(4), 334-336. Published, 11/2014.
  • Pola, A., & Nelson, R. (2014). The impact of bibliotherapy on positive coping in children who have experienced disaser. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 48(4), 341-344. Published, 11/2014.
  • Fiore, R., Nelson, R. & Tosti, E. (2014). The use of yoga, mantram and mindfulness to enhance coping in veterans with PTSD. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 48(4), 337-340. Published, 11/2014.
  • Crew, A., & Nelson, R. (2014). The Beamz therapy guide: Protocols and resources for clinicians. Scottsdale, AZ: Beamz Interactive, Inc. Published, 10/2014.
  • Lyons, B., Nelson, R., & Hsieh, P. (2013). Physiological effects of a technology-based music making program in skilled nursing residents. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 12(3), 216-231. Published, 09/2013.
  • Nelson, R. (2012). Life story: What do you do? In Anderson & Heyne, Therapeutic recreation practice: A strength's based approach. State College, PA: Venture Publishing. Published, 06/2012.
  • Nelson, R., & Coyle, C. (2010). Effects of a bedtime massage on relaxation in nursing home residents with sleep disorders. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 34(3), 216-231. Published, 09/2010.
  • Nelson, R., & Coyle, C. (2010). Using massage to reduce use of sedative-hypnotic drugs with older adults: A brief report from a pilot study.Journal of Applied Gerontology, 29(1), 129 - 139. Published, 01/2010.