In this final episode, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson reflect on the journey of this capstone project and the development of the Student Takeover podcast series. From identifying gaps in knowledge and clinical implementation to creating accessible, evidence-based content, this series aimed to bridge research and practice in a meaningful way. This episode highlights key insights gained, the impact of podcast-based learning, and the importance of continuing to promote innovative, client-centered interventions in occupational therapy.

In this episode, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson sit down with Laura Wiess, an occupational therapy student from the University of Pittsburgh, to explore an innovative and emerging intervention: the use of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in occupational therapy practice.

Laura shares her journey into OT and what inspired her to pursue a capstone focused on TTRPGs as a therapeutic tool. She breaks down what tabletop role-playing games are in a way that is accessible for all listeners, while highlighting how these games can be used to support meaningful engagement and participation in therapy. The conversation dives into how TTRPGs align with core occupational therapy principles.

Listeners will also get an inside look at Laura’s capstone project, including the development of her TTRPG generator, a customizable tool designed to help practitioners easily implement game-based interventions across a variety of client populations and settings. She shares examples, discusses the adaptability of the tool, and reflects on the feedback and outcomes she observed throughout her project.

Is gaming really therapeutic? Or is it just play? In this evidence-based episode of OT Unleashed: Student Takeover, Dr. Erik Johnson and Katie Peterson take a deep dive into the research behind adaptive and therapeutic gaming in occupational therapy.

Katie breaks down current literature on gamification, virtual reality, and digital gaming, exploring how these interventions support motor recovery, cognitive function, motivation, and psychosocial well-being. From stroke rehabilitation outcomes to the role of gaming in fostering identity, inclusion, and community, this episode highlights the growing body of evidence validating gaming as a meaningful and skilled occupational therapy intervention.

The discussion also addresses common challenges, including accessibility barriers, cost, and lack of clinician training while emphasizing the critical role occupational therapists play in bridging the gap between technology and function.