Digital Commons Network^™

Physical Therapy Interventions And Outcomes For A Patient Following Hospitalization For Viral Gastroenteritis And Resulting Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: A Case Report, Rachel Lewis

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background and Purpose: Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and the intestines, and is a major cause of illness in the United States. It is a significant cause of hospitalization and deaths every year, especially in the elderly population. The purpose of this case report was to describe the interventions and outcomes of a patient undergoing physical therapy after hospitalization for viral gastroenteritis using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as the theoretical framework.

Case Description: The patient was an 88 year old female who was admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) …

Prevention Of Work-Related Shoulder And Neck Injuries: A Systematic Review, Daniel Frush, Kimberly Redlin, Jacob Cruze

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background

Musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 33% of all workplace injuries and illnesses in 2011; sprains, strains and tears accounted for 38% of injuries. Typically, injuries resulted from repetitive motion and required a median of 23 days away from work. Currently, there are no practice guidelines for the prevention of work-related shoulder and neck injuries. Due to the social and economic costs of workplace musculoskeletal injuries, there is an urgent need to identify the most effective preventative interventions.

Purpose

To evaluate the current evidence for workplace interventions for the prevention of work-related shoulder and neck injuries.

Method

A systematic search of …

Core Strength Testing: Developing Normative Data For Three Clinical Tests, David Anderson, Lindsay Barthelemy, Rachel Gmach, Breanna Posey

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background/Purpose:

Research suggests that core endurance is related to function and injury. Core endurance tests are commonly used in the clinic and yet limited data about normative values exist. This study aims to establish normative values and assess the effect of specific variables on these values in adults 18-55 years old for three clinical core endurance tests.

Subjects/Methods:

Fifty-five subjects, 20 male and 35 female with a mean age of 29 participated in this study. Subjects were required to complete a general health and exercise history questionnaire. Each subject was then randomly assigned a test order and tested by one …

The Effects Of Walking Poles And Training On Gait Characteristics And Fear Of Falling In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Sarah Becker, Lisa Glad, Kelsie Nebelsick, Katie Yernberg

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Walking poles are becoming popular not only in younger populations, but also with older adults. Manufacturers are promoting the health benefits of walking poles and claim that they facilitate a more normal gait pattern and increase confidence with walking in older adults. There is a lack of evidence to support these claims. The purpose of this double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving community dwelling older adults is twofold: 1) to measure the impact of walking poles on gait speed, stride length, and fear of falling; and 2) to compare the impact of walking pole use between a structured …

Effects Of A Therapeutic Dance Program On Balance And Quality Of Life In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Krista Berger, Julie Kaminski, Lindsey Kolnik, Jennifer Miller

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background and Purpose

Falls are common in older adults and linked to decreased balance and increased morbidity. Regular exercise can improve balance and decrease falls risk. Recent research suggests that participation in cultural-based activities, such as dance, may be associated with decreased falls risk and improved health. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of a dance-based exercise program called "The Dancing Heart Program" on balance and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. This is an interactive program facilitated by professional instructors from Kairos Dance Theatre in the Twin Cities. It includes activities challenging balance while providing …

Physical Therapists’ Role In Health Promotion As Perceived By The Patient: A Descriptive Study, Jessica Berglund, Erin Poepping

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background and Purpose:

Physical therapists have acquired the skills and knowledge to discuss and advise patients about personal health behaviors (PHB). Research has shown that PTs believe it is their role to discuss PHBs with patients yet there are barriers which keep them from doing so consistently. There is a lack of evidence regarding what patients believe physical therapists’ role is in regards to health promotion. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients believe that PTs should advise them on PHBs.

Methods:

Three outpatient PT clinics received 100 surveys to distribute to patients who met the inclusion …

Findings Of The Lower Extremity Dynamic Screen In Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Pilot Study, Jake Foley, Meghan Grathen, Lindsey Johnson, Elizabeth Volk

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Study Design: Case control study.

Background and Purpose: Research has shown that patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) have altered frontal plane hip and knee kinematics. Multiple factors have been hypothesized to contribute to these altered movement patterns. The Lower Extremity Dynamic Screen (LEDS) is a previously-developed instrument used to visually assess hip and knee kinematics during dynamic activities. The purpose of this study was to compare LEDS scores between a patient population with PFPS and healthy control subjects.

Methods: Ten subjects with PFPS and thirty-eight control subjects were recruited from a local outpatient clinic and the St. …

The Impact Of Chemotherapy On The Neuromuscular Components Of Gait, Kari Johnson, Britta Schwartzhoff, Sandy Silva, Rina Terk

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background and Purpose: Pediatric cancers affect over ten thousand children in the United States each year. Although survival rates continue to climb, debilitating long-term side effects from cancer treatment are surfacing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chemotherapy on selected gait characteristics in children ages five to twenty-two.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study that investigated the differences found in and between children undergoing cancer treatment for non-central nervous system cancers and children without cancer. The data was collected in the oncology program of the two campuses of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. …

Reentry Home After Disaster Relief Work In Haiti: A Mixed Methods Study Of The Reentry Process Of Medical Professionals, Kelsey Leeman, Andrea Olson, Abby Rassat, Rita White

Doctor of Physical Therapy Research Papers

Background and Purpose: Physical therapists and other health care workers are now playing a greater role in disaster relief work after the 2010 earthquake of Haiti. Many of the volunteers were prepared for the work they did while abroad. What they failed to prepare themselves for was re-entry upon their return home. Little information is available on the challenges of returning home after the intense experience of volunteering in Haiti. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the re-entry process of health care providers, including physical therapists, who participated in relief work in Haiti.

Methods: A total …