Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Interferential Current In The Management Of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review, Ginny Skipper Spt, Sarah Maissy Spt, Roger Allen Phd, Pt

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Purpose: Interferential current (IFC) is widely used in conjunction with other therapies to manage musculoskeletal pain. While previous systematic reviews have found a lack of studies examining the independent treatment effects of IFC, this study reviews the isolated effects of IFC compared to a control group. The purpose of this study is to determine if IFC is an effective modality for treating musculoskeletal pain.

Number of Subjects: Ten peer-reviewed journal articles, representing a total of 898 participants

Materials/Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro , SportDISCUS and CENTRAL were searched between November 2016 and February 2017 with the following terms: interferential …

Global Health Perspectives In Physical Therapy Education: A Qualitative Report On A Service Learning Experience In Guatemala, Adriana Sandoval, Winter F. Wildt-Bailey, Dr. Holly Roberts Pt, Dpt, Gcs, Ncs

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Authors: Winter F Wildt-Bailey, SPT; Adriana Sandoval, SPT; Holly J Roberts, PT, DPT, GCS, NCS

Global Health Perspectives in Physical Therapy Education: A Qualitative Report on a Service Learning Experience in Guatemala

Purpose: Doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of Puget Sound traveled to Zacapa, Guatemala to deliver physical therapy services for 5 days as part of an elective course introducing students to physical therapy and health care delivery from a global health perspective. Participants journaled about their experiences, responding to prompts provided by the course professor/clinical instructor. The purpose of this research was to explore the …

Diversifying Physical Therapy: Recruitment And Retention Of Under-Represented Minorities To Improve Patient Outcomes, Miriam Janove, Isaac Aguliar, Alex Knapp

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) has determined that physical therapy (PT) education and practice has fallen short of “representation of the general population”. This lack of diversity compromises access to rehabilitation among under-represented minorities (URM), thus perpetuating the suffering from disease. Using the ACAPT definition of URM, we encompass not only traditional racial and ethnic groups, but also low socioeconomic status, geographically underrepresented, and educationally disadvantaged groups. Lack of resources leads to decreased levels of physical activity, compounded by lack of access to care within URM areas, and has been linked to the perpetuation of sedentary diseases. …

Computerized Dynamic Posturography Testing In Concussion: A Systematic Review, Ashlynn Aoki, Whitney Peterson, Cameron Prins, Holly Roberts

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Title: Computerized Dynamic Posturography Testing in Concussion: A Systematic Review

Purpose/Hypothesis: Computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) has been utilized within research and clinical practice for assessment of sensory deficits following concussion. However, it is unclear if current evidence on psychometric properties supports its use. The purpose of this systematic review is to compile evidence on psychometric properties of CDP for individuals following concussion.

Number/Subjects: 7 research articles including 1239 participants that met inclusion criteria.

Materials/Methods: Relevant studies published between 1980 and September 2018 extracted from the following electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Central, and PEDro. Additional resources …

Implications Of Direct Access To Physical Therapy In A Global Health Context, Coty Hogue, Mercedes Friend, Holly Roberts

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

The purpose of this study was to examine the implications of direct access in a global health setting through the process of medical screening during physical therapy (PT) examinations in rural Guatemala. Six patients (5%) presented with signs and symptoms requiring follow-up medical care or when medical follow-up was unavailable, modification of physical therapy intervention. The role of physical therapists (PTs) in the delivery of health care is expanding. PTs practicing abroad must be prepared for the unique health needs of medically underserved populations. Additionally, as direct access to physical therapy services becomes increasingly common in the United States, clinicians …

Physical Therapy Implications Of Zika And Microcephaly In Latin America, Acacia Dyer, Miriam Janove, Holly Roberts

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to:

• describe the history and etiology of the Zika virus as well as relationship of gestational Zika infection to incidence of microcephaly.
• describe clinical manifestations and useful physical therapy treatments of microcephaly.

Description

• Lit Review: A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed and CINAHL. Two researchers reviewed the sources screening in articles with relevance for evaluation and treatment of infants and children with microcephaly. Articles relevant to the link between Zika and microcephaly were also included in the review.
• Case Studies: During 03/11/18 - 03/16/18 in the Zacapa region of Guatemala, three …

Common Experiences And Beliefs Among Highly Active Individuals, Amy Luong, Aaron Hall, Danny Mcmillian

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze how motivational characteristics, fulfillment of psychological needs, and individual experiences and beliefs play a role in influencing individuals’ motivation for physical activity. Validated questionnaires, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale (BPNSFS), and Motives for Physical Activities Measure Revised (MPAM-R) were used along with a narrative approach via recorded interviews to elucidate the experiences of highly active middle-aged adults. Videos were created to capture “movement stories” that combined footage of participants doing the physical activities they enjoyed along with pieces of their interviews. …

Exploration Of A Novel Approach To Measure Brain Smudging In Dancers, Connor Mickelson, Morgan Cooke, Mercedes Friend, Laura Shellooe

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Objective

Obtain baseline accuracy measurements of right/left discrimination in actively performing dancers without performance-inhibiting injuries.

Purpose

Gather data that can be used in future studies to expand understanding of brain smudging in dancers.

Methods

This study is a prognostic cohort study. This study will involve participant use of a simple iPad application to do the left and right discrimination test that is suggested to give information on brain reorganization, or brain smudging

Research Problem

The specific physical, mental, and emotional demands of dancers’ careers put constant strain on their bodies to perform at the level required and can lead to …

The Effects Of Occupation-Based Activities On Problem Behaviors And Quality Of Life Of People With Dementia, Kelly Souza, Nicole Utt

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Cathryn Schaffer and Sonia Nurkse, occupational therapists in an inpatient rehabilitation unit at Good Samaritan of Multicare in Puyallup, WA, proposed a research question: Can occupation-based activities be used to improve quality of life and/or reduce problem behaviors in adults with dementia-related cognitive impairment? Five databases were searched for articles published from 2007 to 2017, resulting in 23 articles that met search criteria. Interventions that did not take extensive time, training, or resources were included with the intention that they would be easily incorporated into a caregiver or health professional’s routine. Multiple interventions were found that address problem behaviors and/or …

School-Based Service Delivery Models And Interventions For Handwriting, Rachel Arnold, Hannah Michlmayr, Kiley Throop

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

This project was part of a research initiative in collaboration with Wendi Trummert, DrOT, OTR/L, a practicing school-based occupational therapist in the Puyallup School District. The purpose of our project was to compare the effectiveness of certain service delivery models and intervention approaches to improve handwriting outcomes for school-aged children. Our search of the literature yielded a total of 20 applicable research studies, which utilized a wide variety of models and approaches. There was limited research specifically comparing service delivery and/or specific components of handwriting interventions. Our findings indicated that there are a variety of effective service delivery models and …

Emerging Opportunities: Lymphedema Management And The Potential For Surveillance Methods In A Primary Care Model, Claire Brummet, Nicole Chang, Kayleigh Odgear

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Heidi Shaffer, OTR/L, MSM, CLT-LANA at MultiCare-Gig Harbor was interested in how early intervention, namely intervening at Stage 0, related to better outcomes for oncology patients at risk of lymphedema. This question was developed from a desire to follow-up prior student research relating to the usefulness of the LDEX in lymphedema management, however current literature did not indicate the LDEX as an early intervention method. Although the authors did not exclude other types of cancer, the research only reflected breast cancer outcomes. Overall, strong evidence was found that exercise is not contraindicated for clients at risk of breast cancer related …

Comparing The Effectiveness Of Activity-Based Interventions And Rote Exercises In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Loren Burnett, Kelsey Tasoe, Kirsten Woodard

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Joette Jindra, OTR/L and director of rehabilitation at ManorCare in Tacoma, WA was interested in learning what type of interventions should be utilized by the therapists on her team. Therefore, the purpose of this critically appraised topic (CAT) was to examine the current literature on the effectiveness of activity-based intervention (meaningful or nonmeaningful) and rote exercise for improving physical performance outcomes in patients residing in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). The student researchers examined the literature on articles comparing the outcomes of activity-based interventions to those of rote exercise. Articles describing the outcomes of the two interventions independently were also examined. …

Efficacy Of Myofascial Release, Michelle Chait Ots, Erin Eaton Ots, Tiffany Farley Ots

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

In collaboration with Tomi Johnson and Domonique Herrin, hand therapists working in a MultiCare rehabilitation clinic, we sought to answer the question: In adults with upper extremity and cervical spine orthopedic and peripheral nerve conditions, does myofascial release (MFR) lead to functional outcomes (such as decreased pain or disability, or increased range of motion etc.), compared to therapeutic exercises, other manual therapeutic techniques, and/or modalities? Twenty-three research articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in our evaluation of the research. Based on our findings, moderate evidence exists to support the use of MFR in the upper extremity and its effectiveness …

Sensory-Based Interventions In Schools, Ashley Davies, Leilani Jones, Katrina Larossa, Julia Shure

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Dr. Jamie Palmer, DrOT/L of Central Kitsap school district requested that University of Puget Sound occupational therapy (OT) students research the impact of sensory-based interventions (SBIs) on attention, behavior, and academic performance for children in preschool to high school with or without diagnoses. Based on a systematic review of 33 studies, the evidence for the use of SBIs in the classroom to improve academic performance, behavior and attention is preliminary and ranges from limited to moderate depending on the specific type of SBI. The use of those specific SBIs with limited to moderate evidence is recommended for students whose demographic …

Utilizing The Cognitive Orientation To Occupational Performance Approach For Improved Performance And Executive Functioning, Casey Mendoza, Caitlin Mitchell, Emily Reynolds

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

The Outreach Program (TOP) in the Kent School District assists young adults in their transition from high school to adulthood. The research team and Dr. Abbott, an occupational therapist at TOP, sought to address whether better outcomes when teaching instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to adolescents with intellectual disabilities occur when addressing underlying performance skills and client factors through the Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach or when addressing them through traditional occupational therapy practices. There is strong evidence to support CO-OP as an effective strategy to improve performance and moderate evidence indicating that it improves executive functioning …

Impacts Of Schoolwide Social Skills Curricula On Elementary Students With Diverse Needs, Lauren Fong, Lindsey Lambert, Alyssa Ode

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Julie Anderson, DrOT, OTR/L, an occupational therapist in a school district in Puyallup, Washington was seeking research to support the students in her district who require additional support for their social and emotional development. She requested occupational therapy graduate students from the University of Puget Sound to research the following question: “What is the current evidence for schoolwide social skills curricula that are implemented in an elementary school for children in kindergarten through sixth grade with diverse needs?” A systematic review of the literature resulted in 31 studies indicating a wide range of schoolwide social skills curricula that yield positive …

Critically Appraised Topic: Maintenance & Generalization Of Social Skills & Social Skills Guide, Alanna Flynn, Megan John, Maddie Mcbroom

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Research was conducted to investigate the evidence for generalizability and/or long term maintenance of social skills intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ages 13-21 years. The question was created at the request of Kari Tanta PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA of the Valley Medical Center Children’s Therapy. The literature review was conducted, generating 17 articles that matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The process involved rigorous article review via several databases and saturating the available literature from various professions. There is strong evidence to support the use of social skill intervention for adolescents with ASD. Furthermore, the evidence supports the …

State Of Evidence For Everyday Technology Use In Upper Extremity Motor Recovery Post-Stroke, Claire Ferree, Dillon Oldham, Amanda Robert, Alana Yee

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

The research team, in consultation with collaborating clinician Sarah Bicker, an OTR/L at Harborview Medical Center, researched everyday technology applications. The team conducted a systematic review considering what evidence exists about the effectiveness of commercially available everyday technology (ET) for improving upper extremity motor control and/or motivation to participate in therapy in clients post-stroke. The evidence was promising in support of the use of ET as indicated by improved upper extremity motor control outcomes and client and clinician reports of satisfaction, motivation, and engagement in post-stroke rehabilitation. Clinicians should consider the benefits of implementing ET for upper extremity motor recovery …

Symmetry Of Resting Tone, Alignment, And Strength In The Pelvic Region, Scott Shelton, Grant Kinnee, Robert Boyles, Rebecca Fowler

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: Resting tone contributes substantially to postural alignment and stability of the spine. Muscles attached to the axial skeleton, specifically muscles crossing the SI joint such as the gluteal muscles and latissimus dorsi, could contribute to pain and dysfunction if significant differences in side-to-side resting tone exist. While studies have observed side-to-side differences in resting tone of the biceps brachii, no current studies have assessed resting tone differences across the SI joint.

Methods and Measures: Data on resting tone, pelvic asymmetry, and strength were collected using the MyotonPRO myometer, PALM palpation meter, and a strength dynamometer respectively from 30 asymptomatic. …

Motor Competency And Physical Activity In Young Ambassadors Of Physical Education, Wesley Geer, Courtney Norman, Julia Looper

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the TGMD-2 can identify the children in the Young Ambassadors (YA) program as competent in their motor skills, and determine if there is a link between the overall physical activity level of the children in YA and their motor competency scores. It was hypothesized that the TGMD-2 would misclassify YA participants as having average motor competence due to their participation in non-traditional motor skills, and that children with higher levels of physical activity would score higher on the TGMD-2.
 12 participants were recruited from the Tacoma Public Schools 2017 YA program. …

Comparison Of Abdominal Compression Devices In Persons With Abdominal Paralysis Due To Spinal Cord Injury, Michaela De Groot, Jennifer Swartz, Jennifer Hastings

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Comparison of abdominal compression devices in persons with abdominal paralysis due to spinal cord injury.

Michaela de Groot, MA, SPT; Jennifer Swartz, MA, SPT; Jennifer Hastings PT, PhD, NCS University of Puget Sound, Tacoma WA

Objective: In the United States the incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is approximately 17,000 new cases a year and there are estimated to be 282,000 persons living with SCI. Approximately 80% of those injured sustain neurologic lesions that impair the function of the abdominal musculature. In the non-disabled population it is well understood that the strength of the abdominal wall is key to prevention …