Digital Commons Network^™

The Lived Clinical Experiences Of Expatriate Athletic Trainers, Emily K. Mulkey, Elizabeth R. Neil, Trisha Cousins, Mary Murray

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

One of the ways that healthcare systems have adapted to the needs of patient care is to expand the role of allied healthcare professionals. The utilization of these clinicians, with wide-ranging skill sets, allows for increased adaptability and improved patient outcomes.¹ Expansion of physician reach through allied health professions provides improved connectivity to patients.² While medical communities all have a common goal, the healthcare system varies among nations in terms of the representation of allied healthcare professions.² Within the United States (US), one of the most versatile allied health professions is athletic training. With a skill set …

Sport Health Care Providers Knowledge Of Pain-Relieving Medications Including Opioids, Jackie Vandertuin, Dalya Abdulla, Stephanie Lowther, Miranda Manolakos

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Sport health care providers (SHCP) frequently field inquiries from athletes and key stakeholders regarding pain-relieving procedures, including medications. Purpose: This study sought to investigate the knowledge and role of SHCPs in managing and dispensing pain-relieving medications (PRMs), including opioids, for Canadian athletes. Method: Certified athletic therapists, registered sport massage therapists, licensed doctor of chiropractic sport sciences, and registered physiotherapists were sent an online survey. Percentage responses for each question as well Chi-squared analyses to determine potential interactions between questions were calculated. Results: Findings revealed a significant majority of participants (80%) self-reported having a “great deal” or “some” knowledge about …

Director Of Clinical Education Training In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Michele (Shelly) Lewis, Eric Folkins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Directors of clinical education (DCEs) need knowledge and skills in many areas to succeed in their roles.Not only does the DCE need to master the traditional faculty roles of scholarship, service, and teaching, but the DCE also needs to become competent in administrative duties. Lack of training, especially in research, can negatively affect the DCEs’ ability to perform their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. In this study, we aimed to examine how DCEs learn their numerous roles and how training and experience influence self-perceived competence. Method: In this quantitative, non-experimental study, we used an online survey to obtain information from …

Perspectives Of Medical And Dental Undergraduate Students On Educational Strategies During And Post Covid-19 Lockdown, Syed Junaid Hasan, Syed Yawar Ali Abidi, Samira Adnan, Muhammad Elham Habib, Maham Muneeb Lone, Isma Sajjad, Jamshed Ahmed

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction After the emergence and declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic in March 2019, many countries implemented lockdown with cessation of essential and non-essential activities including educational and academic processes, in order to restrict the spread of the disease,. This necessitated the shift of education from face -to-face conventional methods towards online teaching and assessment practices in all domains, including medicine. This study determined the perspectives and level of satisfaction of medical and dental undergraduate students regarding the online teaching and assessment modes practiced during and after Covid-19 lockdown period. Method: The study was conducted at various medical and dental …

A Comparison Of Menstrual Health And Well-Being Among Adolescent Girls In Urban And Rural Areas Of The Belegavi District: A Crossectional Study, Arati Mahishale, Nagma Khan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Due to their relationship with several health hazards, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and awareness are major public health concerns in both urban and rural settings. This study examined the awareness of MHM among adolescent girls in Belagavi and assessed their knowledge and understanding of menstruation and related taboos.

Methods: In the Belagavi District of Karnataka, India, a cross-sectional, community-based observational study was carried out. About 380 (as 8 were excluded) menstruating adolescent girls between the ages of 12 and 18 who attended different convent and government schools were included in the study. IBM SPSS version 20 was used to …

Self-Compassion And Occupational Engagement To Promote Overall Well-Being In Graduate Health Professions Students, Elena Wong Espiritu, Cynthia Evetts

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Evidence suggests that there is an increasing trend of graduate students experiencing poor well-being during their educational experience. Health professions students are at an even higher risk for psychological and psychosocial distress. However, there is limited programming to promote graduate student well-being provided in academic settings as most programming is focused on undergraduate students. Purpose: The primary purpose of this exploratory predictive and descriptive, cross-sectional survey study was to determine if self-compassion and occupational engagement constructs (engagement in meaningful occupations, occupational balance, physical activity) significantly predict overall well-being constructs (general psychological distress, health, wellness, general well-being, psychological well-being) in …

The Cognitive And Affective Empathy Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Vs. Specialty Choice, Bruce W. Newton, Michelle Green, Zachary Vaskalis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This modified cross-sectional study was performed to determine which specialties DPT students desire to enter, and how affective and cognitive empathy is related to the specialty choice. There are two types of empathy: affective and cognitive. Affective empathy from an emotionally charged situation enters the CNS of a person first and is followed by a cognitive empathic response. Methods: Affective empathy was measured using the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) and cognitive empathy was measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professions Student (JSE-HPS) version. Each student was asked to indicate which specialty they desired to enter: cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, …

Evaluating The Role Of In-Person And Virtual Poverty Simulations In Promoting Empathy Among Healthcare Students Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Savannah S. Poole, Susan M. Smith, Edward T. Chiyaka, Ryan E. Owens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether differing poverty simulation formats during the first year of didactic training increase healthcare students’ empathy toward and/or understanding of people living with poverty. Methods: Data collected from 2019 and 2021 poverty simulations was retrospectively analyzed to determine the impact of in-person and virtual simulations on the understanding of poverty. Pre-simulation surveys were compared to detect potential differences in empathy due to the emergence of COVID-19. The 2019 simulation was performed in-person utilizing the Missouri Association of Community Action (MACA) simulation kit. The 2021 simulation was performed virtually due to COVID-19; …

Bilateral Inguinal Hernias Versus Osteitis Pubalgia: A Case Study, Rileigh T. Ricken, P. Drake Short, James Cornwell, Adam Bradley, Jennifer L. Volberding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

A 31-year-old male ice hockey player presented with symptoms consistent with bilateral inguinal hernias further confirmed with imaging. After undergoing surgical excision, the patient continued to report pain. Further evaluation determined the patient’s pain seemed to be concentrated around the pubic region. Upon MRI reassessment, the patient demonstrated mild inflammation of the pubic symphysis from osteitis pubalgia (OP). Following this diagnosis, a new course of treatment was delivered with symptom elimination. This treatment was a methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg injection into pubic symphysis. It is essential to take into consideration not only the physical presentation, but also the activities that …

Long Covid Among Young Adults: Findings From The Household Pulse Survey, Ragan Grantham, Molly Jacobs, Charles Ellis Jr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Substantial research has been completed to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with COVID-19. However, less attention has been given to persisting symptoms beyond three months. These persisting symptoms defined as long COVID include fatigue, difficulty thinking or concentrating, memory problems, mobility issues, difficulty seeing, trouble hearing, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Further, less attention has been given to young adults who are more likely to experience mild forms of COVID-19 and potentially differential effects of long COVID. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of young adults experiencing long COVID symptoms and explore the …

Perception Of Disordered Eating Among Different Ncaa Divisions Of Collegiate Athletes, Kearsten Powers, Luis Torres, Fredrick A. Gardin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disordered eating is an unhealthy pattern of eating that may develop into an eating disorder. It can include the use of excessive exercise, caloric restriction, binging, or inappropriate use of diet pills/laxatives. It commonly affects collegiate athletes due to the pressure they face to continue to perform well, maintain a specific body composition or appearance, and be influenced by their teammates' eating and exercise habits. This study was conducted to gain qualitative knowledge on how college athletes perceived and experienced disordered eating risk factors during their participation in an NCAA sport. This information can be used to further understand …

Avascular Necrosis Of The Hip Following Surgical Repair Of A Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Case Report, Ryan Gregory Boggs, Michael Ross, Justin Petrocy, Michael Tall

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical course of a patient with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) who was subsequently diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Case Description: The patient was a 15-year-old male seen by a physical therapist 2 months after in-situ fixation with 2 screws for a SCFE. One week after undergoing surgery, the patient experienced a considerable increase in left hip pain. Radiographs revealed inadequate fixation and a second surgical fixation was performed with 5 screws. On examination, the patient was ambulating weight bearing as tolerated with bilateral axillary crutches. …

Awareness Of The Diabetic Population Towards Diabetic Complications: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, Hafiza Muriam Ghani, Layba Marrium, Maryam Aftab, Rikza Khalid

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Diabetes (DM) is a complex disease that affects more than 170 million people worldwide. Despite its knowledge, compliance with medications, and following a diet plan, diabetic patients are at risk of many chronic complications affecting different organ systems, which deteriorates health of the population and increases health care costs. Awareness of diabetic complications at the community level is important to reduce diabetes-related morbidity, mortality and ultimately health care cost. Purpose: The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) To assess the level of awareness of diabetic complications in diabetic patients, and 2) To identify the prevalence of the most …

Stakeholder Involvement And Systematic Review Of Elements That Determine A Successful Return To Work For Injured Workers: A Scoping Review, Sundip Kaur Khosa, Wilma Jelley Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: A healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) for a worker after injury or illness has benefits for the worker, their family, the employer, and society.¹ For this research we used the following definition of RTW success; return to positive and meaningful work in a position or occupation not necessarily including all the aspects of the worker’s pre-injury or pre-illness functions or tasks. Purpose: The question behind this survey-based research was, What elements are perceived as essential, to ensure return to employment of injured or ill workers, by stakeholders with experience in the RTW process? Methods: A 32 …

Lifestyle Medicine For Allied Health Students: A Pilot Study Of An Online Program, Dragana Krpalek, Julie D. Kugel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health students may experience a range of academic, financial, and social stressors which negatively impact their health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional threats to student health and well-being were introduced. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to pilot an online lifestyle medicine program for enhancing students’ physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental, mixed-method study to test the effectiveness of an online health program. Participants engaged in a four-week lifestyle medicine program titled “5 Minutes to a Healthier You.” Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the …

The Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Pain And Function In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Critically Appraised Topic, P. Drake Short, Rileigh T. Ricken, Jennifer L. Volberding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that impacts upwards of 40% of patients over the age of 70, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a common treatment protocol. To date, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of TENS as a modality for knee OA. Thus, this critically appraised topic (CAT) aims to determine the impact of TENS on the pain and functional outcome of patients with knee OA. Methods: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of TENS, a systematic search of the available literature was conducted, focusing on pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. Online databases were searched …

The Significance Of Significance, Cheryl J. Hill, Morey J. Kolber

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

No abstract provided.

Faculty Perspectives On Professional Behaviors In Exercise Science And Kinesiology Education, Christina Davlin-Pater

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Professional behaviors are important for success, and many employers expect students to learn these behaviors in their academic programs. This study identified the value faculty place on specific professional behaviors, their views, their behaviors related to teaching and fostering professional behaviors, and the negative behaviors observed in students. It also examined the perceived barriers faculty have to teaching professional behaviors. Method: 100 institutions with exercise science and/or kinesiology undergraduate programs were identified. Public and private institutions from 8 regions of the country were included. An email requesting participation in a survey was sent to 1567 individuals identified as faculty …

Examining Burnout Among Collegiate Athletic Trainers: The Relationship With Age, Gender, And Years Of Experience, Stephanie M. Singe, Alexandrya Cairns, Christianne M. Eason

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Burnout continues to be a concern for healthcare providers who work in sport organizations. More research is needed on variables such as age, gender, and years of experience and its relationship with burnout. The purpose of this study is to better understand burnout within athletic trainers in a collegiate setting, specifically how burnout differentiates between men and women, age, and years of experience. Methods: Athletic trainers (n=1,006) working in the collegiate setting completed a cross sectional survey via Qualtrics (Provo, UT) that consisted of 2 main sections: 1) demographic information, and 2) Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Results: Seventy-two percent …

Rethinking Disability Simulations For Occupational And Physical Therapy Students: Integrating The Social Model Of Disability, Sara Kate Frye, Monique C. Chabot

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disability simulations traditionally have been used in many healthcare profession educational programs with the intent to foster empathy and positive viewpoints towards people with disabilities. However, research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these activities. The appropriateness of these activities has also been called into question when considering disability as a form of diversity and social justice, with recommendations to utilize the Social Model of Disability to frame activities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a temporary orthopedic injury simulation assignment on first-year occupational and physical therapy students’ viewpoints regarding working with people with …

Can Self-Talk Improve Athletic Performance? A Critically Appraised Topic, Allison Brombach, Mikaela Dawn Boham, Ronald L. Snarr, Erica M. Filep

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Clinical Scenario: Athletes are constantly searching for alternative mechanisms to improve performance in sport. In addition to modifying physical training, psychological training tools (e.g., self-talk) have been used to elevate athletes from the average competitor. Athletes can use self-talk to navigate challenges in competition and improve self-confidence in tasks leading to potential increases in performance. However, literature relaying performance benefits for adolescent and adult athletes using self-talk is unclear. Clinical Question: In athletic populations, does the implementation of motivational or goal-setting self-talk increase athletic performance? Summary of Key Findings: Four studies were identified exploring self-talk on athletic performance outcomes. Methodology …

Distance To Level 1 And 2 Trauma Centers From Native American Reservations Sponsoring Interscholastic Sports, Laurel Trail, Andrew Cage, Ayami Yoshihara

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the distance to a level 1 or level 2 trauma center from Native American and First Nations reservations that contain high schools and junior high schools that sponsor interscholastic sports. Methods: A list available on the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs revealed 174 public K-12 schools on reservations. A total 66 (37.9%) schools reported sponsoring interscholastic sports on their public websites. To calculate the minimal distance from each school to the closest level 1 and 2 trauma center, geographic information was uploaded on Tableau Desktop (version 2022.2, Tableau Software, LLC, …

Occupational Therapists In Disaster Management: A Survey Study, Rebecca I. Estes, Gina M. Delgado, Nicole J. Bing, Megan E. Byrne, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Alyssa B. Kopp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs …

Gait Initiation Alone May Be Insufficient To Identify A Neuromuscular Mechanism Underlying Concussion-Related Kinematic Alterations, Tyler A. Wood, Rafael Casas, Chris Hill, Nicholas E. Grahovec

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Concussions create significant long-term health consequences, such as kinematic alterations, which may contribute to lower extremity musculoskeletal injury, dexterity limitations, disability, and declines in quality of life. A potential movement test that may identify neuromuscular mechanisms underlying these kinematic alterations is gait initiation. Gait initiation can assess preparatory postural adjustments as an individual transitions from static balance to voluntary movement. Thus, this study aims to examine muscle activation latency of individuals who sustained a concussion 3 to 24 months prior to testing, compared to healthy controls, during gait initiation tasks. Methods: This case-control study included 32 individuals who sustained …

Undergraduate Allied Healthcare Professional Students’ Perceived Knowledge Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Meghna Patel, Sthembiso Ncube, Maria Du Toit, Carlien Muller Vorster, Raeesa Dawood, Chriséle Du Preez, Renata Eccles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied healthcare professionals are key stakeholders involved in managing children with autism spectrum disorder. Adequate knowledge, interprofessional education, and collaborative practice should therefore be fostered through a responsive curriculum from an undergraduate level. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of final-year undergraduate allied healthcare professional students from a South African university regarding risk factors, symptoms, and intervention considerations for children with autism spectrum disorder. Method: A cross-sectional e-survey design was implemented, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The e-survey was distributed to 170 undergraduate students. Results: A total of 59 participants from the following …

Extending Pain Psychology Beyond The Psychologist: The Need For A Professional Clinical Identity, Tyler D. Barrett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This paper outlines the argument for establishing a commonly understood designation for allied health clinicians who specialize in psychological interventions for chronic pain. There is a growing need for clinicians with skills in psychological interventions for pain (“pain psychology”). However, there are not enough pain psychologists to meet the demand. Recent research has suggested that allied health professionals from varying disciplines can safely and effectively deliver pain psychology interventions. Clinical training in psychological interventions for pain outside of clinical psychology has been growing but remains limited. As the pool of cross-discipline clinicians with expertise in pain psychology expands, this specialization …

Case Based Interprofessional Learning Versus Traditional Teaching Methods For Medical, Nursing, And Physiotherapy Students, Seema Saini, Ganesh Kamath, Mary Mathew, Derek Dsouza

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: The traditional teaching method is a teacher centric approach with little involvement from the students. In contrast to that, case-based interprofessional learning (CBIL) is a self-directed learning strategy using case scenarios with the understanding of interprofessional roles and is a student centric learning. Introducing CBIL as a teaching/learning (T/L) strategy for undergraduate healthcare students and assessing its effects on students were the goals of this project. Methods: 134 MBBS, physiotherapy, and nursing final-year students participated in the study. In both traditional teaching and CBIL as self-directed learning techniques, cases with distal end radius fracture and prolapsed intervertebral disc were …

Beyond Milestones Online Education Resource For Allied Health Professionals, Sonia Hughes, Carmel M. Blayden Ms, Jennifer Nicol, Susan Sims

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the observed impact of Beyond Milestones online education resource in developing allied health professionals’ knowledge of normal child development and skills in observational assessment. It also aimed to identify the usefulness of the resource and necessary modifications for potential application with allied health professionals working for New South Wales (NSW) Health. While the effectiveness of the resource with medical clinicians has been demonstrated, no evidence was identified regarding the usefulness with allied health professionals. Methods: The study used a crossover repeated measures design to determine the observed impact of Beyond Milestones on developing the …

The Benefits Of Peer Visitation On The Rehabilitation Of New Amputees: A Qualitative Study, Bruce N. Elliott, Caitlyn Ofiesh, Dpt, Shannon Morrisey Dpt, Julie Mulcahy Dpt, Kristina Economou Dpt, Dennis Beaudry Dpt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: For the purpose of this study a peer visitor is being defined as someone who has experienced some type of limb loss and is now mentoring other amputees. Their focus is on health and recovery as opposed to illness as they listen, provide emotional support, and most importantly inspire hope in an individual who has experienced a new amputation. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the reports of amputees regarding their personal experiences related to whether they spoke with a peer visitor following surgery. The study focuses on the benefits of peer visitation and how it …

Pilot Study For Use Of An Arthrometer To Assess Joint Laxity In People With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dawn T. Gulick, Valerie Iovine, Kerstin Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Joint hypermobility is a condition in which synovial joints move beyond normal limits. Approximately 10-25% of children and 5-25% of adults experience hypermobility syndrome. One such hypermobility syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Typically, a score of 4-5 out of 9 on the Beighton scale is indicative of hypermobility in adults. Whereas 6 out of 9 is the criteria for children. No significant correlations were found between the systemic features of EDS and the Beighton score. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if an arthrometer could be used …