Digital Commons Network^™

Developing Normative Data For Three Unilateral Lower Extremity Functional Tests, Brian Fulton, Kathleen Hegyan, Troy Wieling

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research study was to gather normative data on three unilateral extremity functional tests: single-leg triple hop for distance, single-leg timed hop, and single-leg cross-over triple hop for distance. A total o f ninety-six male and female subjects between the ages of 18-30 volunteered to participate in this study. The variables looked at in this study were: age, gender, height, weight, leg dominance, activity level, and order o f tests performed. Data from the three functional hop tests were divided into aggregated data and non-aggregated data. The data were analyzed using SPSS© for Windows and SAS® software …

Strength And Neuromuscular Characteristics Of Female And Male High School Basketball Players, Diane M. Beach, Barbara J. Hoogenboom, Lisa M. Rose

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify possible differences in strength ratios and neuromuscular performance between high school female and male basketball players, as tested by concentric isokinetic testing using the Blodex® isokinetic system . We recruited high school basketball players, females (N=26) and males (N=27). All participants underwent isokinetic concentric testing of bilateral hamstrings and quadriceps at five speeds (60, 180, 240, 300, 450 degrees per second). Female subjects demonstrated lower hamstrlng/quadriceps ratios than males at 60 and 240 degrees per second. Compared with male subjects, the female subjects took significantly longer to generate maximum hamstring muscle torque …

An Analysis Of Pathological Gait, Michael N. Nakamoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Behavior Management In Children With Autism And Related Disorders, Lisa J. Miller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Children with autism and related disorders commonly suffer from developmental delays and physical impairments. These often require services such as physical and occupational therapy. The behavioral symptoms these children display can pose an additional challenge to therapy sessions, requiring therapists to spend time dealing with the behaviors rather than focusing on the treatment.

The purpose of the study is to review the literature on autism and related disorders and to provide effective means of behavior management to achieve more effective therapy sessions. This paper will discuss physical therapy interventions such as sensory integration and deep touch proprioception, and how these …

Physical Therapy Faculty Burnout: A Survey, Donna J. Mcleod

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Burnout is a serious concern in today's world, especially in the educational setting. Burnout not only affects the individual physically and emotionally, but it can also affect the work place. More specifically it can lead to increased absenteeism, job turnover, and other work associated withdrawal behaviors. Furthermore, burnout has the potential of affecting many other people above and beyond that individual who is burned out.

At this time, new physical therapy programs continue to be developed across the United States, although there is already a limited number of faculty in the physical therapy field. Therefore, due to the physical therapy …

Joint Mobilization For The Lower Extremity, Michelle C. Robert

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the field of physical therapy there are a number of therapeutic techniques used for evaluation and treatment of dysfunction. There is one technique that is seen especially jn the orthopedic setting and has been around since ancient Egyptian times. 1,2 This technique is joint mobilization and even though there are limited studies on its usefulness, it can not be ignored as a treatment technique. Due to the complexity of the techniques, students often need additional resource materials to assist in the learning process.

Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to introduce theoretical background, terminology, and an explanation of …

A Comparison Of Botox Injections To Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy In The Treatment Of Spasticity, Katherine S. Rogers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Following certain types of perinatal or adult-onset brain damage spasticity is the common feature. A persons's disability can be greatly increased secondary to spasticity, which may present a major problem in the restoration of motor function.

Depending on the cause and location of brain injury, the clinical characteristics of spasticity can vary in signs and severity. These varying signs include flexor spasms in the patient with the spinal injury, dystonic posturing in the patient with hemiplegia and spastic diplegia in the child with cerebral palsy. It is apparent that many factors are involved with augmented reflexes and the list of …

Magnetic Therapy: An Alternative Approach To Treatment, Becky S. Rohr

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Magnetic therapy has been a treatment of choice for hundreds of years in many European countries as well as in several areas of the Orient, but has only recently been gaining popularity in the United States and Canada. It is believed that applying static magnets to a painful body structure will bring relief to the patient. It is also proposed that a general feeling of well ness and increased energy will be gained from magnetic therapy. These benefits are theorized to be attained through the placement of a static magnet on the surface of the body, which blocks the transmission …

Mechanical Biofeedback For Treatment Of Female Urinary Incontinence, Rhonda J. Salentiny

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence (UI), the involuntary loss of urine so severe as to have social and/or hygienic consequences, is becoming a medical diagnosis for which patients are referred to physical therapy. It is estimated that between 10 and 12 million American adults suffer from UI. Conservative treatment including physical therapy is sought for UI because of its superior cure rate compared to surgical intervention.

The purpose of this study is to educate its readers on the types, anatomy, physiology, and conservative treatments of UI. Most importantly, however, is the understanding of how pelvic floor exercises (PFE) with use of mechanical biofeedback …

Management Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome By Physical Therapy: An Outcome Study, Jouni Zidbeck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a disorder caused by compression of the brachial nerve plexus or subclavian artery or vein as they pass through a potentially limited space in the anterolateral neck and proximal shoulder. An individual with a predisposition for TOS due to his or her anatomy may have an onset of symptoms due to many different etiologies including acute injury and prolonged postural abnormalities. Although conservative management by physical therapy cannot replace surgery in severe or complicated cases of TOS, it is, nevertheless, the recommended first treatment choice. The purpose of this study was to assess the success …

Child Abuse And Its Implications For Physical Therapists, Tanya Surdez

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Child abuse has existed for many centuries, but has only recently been recognized as a serious social problem. Child abuse affects millions of children each year from all income, racial and ethnic groups; thereby affecting society as a whole. Many studies have shown the devastating psychological, social, cognitive and physical effects of child abuse. There are a limited number of studies that demonstrate the role of physical therapists in working with victims of abuse. It is necessary that therapists learn to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and know the appropriate action to take.

The purpose of this study is …

Athletic Nutrition, Glenn M. Taira

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Science has broken down many of the barriers that once kept athletes from performing at their very best. This has been done through the scientific study of athletes and the development of a combination of proper training, technique, mental attitude, and nutrition. While training and technique are variables that come with time and practice, proper nutrition can produce positive changes in an athlete's performance in a relatively short period of time. Eating the right kinds of foods, in the right proportions, for a given type of athletic event (Le. aerobic, anaerobic, strength, and muscular definition) can provide an athlete the …

A Literature Review And Introductory Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Manual, Dena Wright

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic therapy continues to grow as an acceptable and often times preferable means of achieving therapeutic goals across a variety of patient populations: pediatric to geriatric, orthopedic to neurologic. The unique properties of water allow people to exercise and to recover in a safe and relaxing environment that promotes similar goals to those on land. However, land exercises can not simply be performed in water due to the water's unique properties. Similarly, exercises for adults do not work as effectively for children. Many physical therapy programs across the nation provide only minimal instruction on aquatic or pediatric therapy as a …

Correlation Between Isokinetic Plantarflexion Versus Vertical Height Jump Power Index, Eric H. Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Twenty-five male subjects between the ages of 20 and 41 were tested on the KinCom isokinetic dynamometer to obtain peak torque values for the bilateral ankle plantarflexor muscle groups at 60 degrees/second. The subjects were also tested for vertical height jump (VHJ) and body composition to determine correlation between isokinetic plantarflexion peak torque and vertical height jump capacity.. VHJ was multiplied by the participant's body weight to obtain the vertical height jump power index (VHJPI). The results indicate that there was no significant correlation between VHJPI and peak torque of bilateral plantarflexion using the parameter of isokinetic peak torque.

The Relationship Between Vertical Leap And Eccentric Ground Force Time In Competitive University Men And Women Basketball Players, Cory Alan Ash

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study evaluated the relationship between vertical leap and eccentric ground force time as measured by the Cybex Fastex TM. Ten male and ten female competitive university basketball players volunteered to perform three maximum vertical jumps on the Fastex TM force platform. Pearson correlation coefficients were not significant between eccentric ground force time and vertical leap when all subjects on all jumps were assessed. When differences in gender were examined, pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant positive relationship between eccentric ground force time and vertical leap for men, but no such relationship was found for women. These results show that …

Upper Extremity Joint Mobilization, Carolyn Brown

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most costly nonfatal pathologies in the United States. Eighty to 90% of persons afflicted with musculoskeletal dysfunctions will require a treatment other than surgery. Manual therapy is a system of techniques which may be used to ease the pain and dysfunction with which these patients present. The purpose of this paper and the accompanying video tape, is to provide the physical therapy student with a source to aid their study of upper extremity joint mobilization. The paper presents a brief history of manual therapy, beginning in ancient Thailand and Egypt and ending with the …

Correlation Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Knee Mobility With Knee Injury Prevalence And The Role Of Lower Extremity Dominance, Darin Didier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of generalized joint hypermobility and knee mobility with knee injury prevalence among female high school basketball players. The role of lower extremity dominance with knee injury prevalence was also examined.

Sixty female subjects evaluated for generalized joint hypermobility and knee mobility using the Beighton hypermobility criteria and KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer, respectively, were followed-up for this study. Subjects were previously evaluated as sophomore high school basketball players. Fifty eight of the sixty eligible subjects participated in this study as high school juniors by: 1) completing a survey indicating their level …

A Review Of Tbi And Return To Work, Anne Berg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Approximately two million traumatic brain injuries occur every year and of those 70,000 to 90,000 individuals develop disabilities which prevent a normal independent lifestyle. The typical individual afflicted is a 20 year old male with a normal life expectancy who is likely to face a lifetime of unemployment and dependency on public assistance if post-acute rehabilitation services are not provided. There is a lack of vocational programs and very limited funding available. This literature review will begin to fill the void of information regarding return to work programs by examining the return to work rate, specific return to work programs, …

Concurrent Validity Of Functional Reach In Community-Dwelling Elderly Women, Aimee Hosek, Kimberly Sackett

Masters Theses

The purpose o f this correlational study was to establish concurrent validity of functional reach, the maximal distance one can reach forward beyond arm's length without taking a step, as a measure of physical decline, by determining the relationship between functional reach and other physical performance measures. Subjects included 46 community-dwelling women over 65 years of age who performed the functional reach test, the timed Up and Go, and the 10-foot walk. Data analysis employed Pearson correlation coefficients. The association between FR and timed Up and Go and 10-foot walk was r = -.51 and r = -.53 respectively. After …

Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Clinical Instructor Behaviors That Affect The Development Of Self-Confidence, Debra E. Veltkamp

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine clinical instructor behaviors that students perceive as important in promoting or hindering their development of self-confidence. One hundred fifty-eight associate degree and baccalaureate nursing students rated 21 clinical teaching behaviors on the degree each helped or hindered their self-confidence as nurses and responded to two open-ended questions by identifying additional behaviors. Factor analysis of these behaviors revealed six dimensions of clinical teaching that characterized the instructor as: encourager, evaluator, discourager, enabler, benevolent presence, and resource. All behaviors contributing to the dimensions of clinical instructor were rated by students as helpful in their …

Exercise During Pregnancy, Sue Merkel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical fitness and sports participation has increased in popularity over the years. This raises concerns as to whether exercising while pregnant is beneficial or harmful to the mother and her unborn child. Research has determined the maternal and fetal responses during various forms of exercise. This research has been used to help establish guidelines and recommendations for pregnant women. However, there continues to be controversy as to the exercise guidelines pregnant females need to follow. Women experience physical changes throughout their pregnancy which can lead to low back pain, abdominal or pelvic floor dysfunctions. These complications can be prevented or …

Participation Of The Lower Extremity Amputee In Sports And Recreation, Pamela A. Helfrich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to the increasing emphasis on fitness in our society, there has appeared a significant population of young and/or active lower extremity amputees who have a desire to participate in sports and recreational activities. The physical benefits of participation in sports and recreational activities may be obvious; however, there are many psychological and psycho-social benefits as well. In order to achieve a successful rehabilitation outcome it is imperative for the health care team to be well informed regarding sports and recreational options available for lower extremity amputees. Along with being knowledgeable in these areas, the health care professional also must …

Diagnostic And Rehabilitation Techniques For Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Aaron Reinhardt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the peripheral vestibular system that results in vertigo, nystagmus, and often nausea and vomiting. BPPV has been treated in the past by a variety of rehabilitation approaches. Today, physical therapists are becoming an integral part of the rehabilitation of these patients. The purpose of this study is to review the diagnostic and treatment techniques currently being used to rehabilitate patients diagnosed with BPPV. This will be accomplished by thoroughly examining the anatomical and physiological processes involved in BPPV. Once these are discussed, the diagnostic process will be explored. Finally, all current …

Headache Intervention: A Nonpharmacologic Approach To The Treatment Of Tension-Type Headaches, Marty D. Mohr

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Headaches have long been a problem for many people with hundreds of thousands seeking medical attention for their head pain each year. Migraine and tension-type are by far the most common forms of headaches, but from a physical therapy standpoint, the literature indicates that tension-type headaches respond better from the services provided by a therapist. The objective of this literature review will be to examine the different nonpharmacologic physical therapy approaches to the treatment of tension-type headaches. The techniques to be examined will include spinal manipulation, traditional physical therapy, electro acupuncture, and biofeedback and relaxation training. Examination of the literature …

A Literature Review Of Alcohol Abuse And Dependence, Julie R. Vaughan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Alcohol abuse and/or dependence poses significant risks to a person's health. The negative effects and consequences of alcohol abuse and/or dependence has been well documented in the literature. Many people who are either alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent are admitted to hospitals with neurological deficits, medical complications and traumatic injuries. Often times an etiology related to alcohol abuse is ignored.

This population may be referred to physical therapy for rehabilitation. Functional outcomes and compliance are often unsatisfactory with this population. A better understanding of alcohol abuse and/or dependence could help identify persons at risk and improve functional outcomes.

The purpose …

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Abdominal Unit, Michelle M. Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strengthening of trunk musculature is an important part of prevention and treatment for low back pain. Various exercise machines have been developed to strengthen the trunk muscles. One such machine, the Abdominal Unit, has been marketed by a company in North Dakota, Fitness Plus, Inc. However, there is currently no research to validate the manufacturer's claims as to muscles exercised through the use of their machine.

The purpose of this study was to measure and describe the muscle activity elicited while exercising on the Fitness Plus Abdominal Unit. Telemetried electromyography was used to study muscle activity in the rectus abdominis, …

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Low Back Unit, Joel Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Fitness Plus, Inc. has developed a series of exercise machines for strengthening of the trunk musculature. Their Low Back Unit is claimed to target the rectus abdominus (RA), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles, but there is no research to solidify these claims. The purpose of this study was to describe the electromyographic (EMG) activity during the use of the Fitness Plus, Inc. Low Back Unit.

Methods: Fifteen healthy, males (ages 20-30) volunteered to participate in this study. Surface EMG was used to assess the muscle activity in four trunk and hip muscles. The …

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: A Clinical Literature Review, Michele Heinrich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common chronic disabling conditions of children occurring in 1.5 to 2.5 per 1000 live births with a similar prevalence rate into adolescence and adulthood. The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by increased muscle tone, decreased range of motion, and altered motor coordination resulting in an impairment in function. Spasticity contributes to muscle contractures and creates abnormal movement patterns.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that is used to reduce a child's spasticity. It has been proven to reduce the spasticity, but is …

Outcome Based Study Of 1994 Physical Therapy Graduates, Tracey A. Pudenz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Evaluation in physical therapy programs is necessary for reassessing and updating curricula to meet the changing needs of the profession and Accreditation Standards. This study addresses program evaluation within the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT).

Questionnaires were developed and mailed to the 1994 UND-PT graduates, and their employers and patients in November, 1995. This study formalizes the data collected from these questionnaires and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the UND-PT program as it relates to curriculum.

Twenty-four of the graduate questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 52%. The returned employer questionnaires represented 27 …

The Effect Of Upper Extremity Immobilization Following Surgical Rotator Cuff Repair On Balance In Elderly Individuals, Edward S. Gagné, Rebecca L. Schneider

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between upper extremity immobilization following surgical rotator cuff repair and balance in elderly individuals. Twenty-eight healthy volunteers (nine with rotator cuff repair, nineteen without) aged 53 to 74 participated in the study. Balance was measured using the Berg Balance Measure, Modified Berg Balance Measure, Functional Reach Test, and force plate analysis. Results were analyzed using t-tests for paired and independent samples, Mann Whitney U (Wilcoxon Rank Sum W) tests and Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed- Ranks tests. Significant differences were found between the post-rotator cuff surgery and control groups for …