Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Optimizing Hand Crank Configuration For Therapeutic Use Of Amtrykes® For Children With Upper Extremity Motor Deficits, Jennifer Hardy

Theses and Dissertations

Objective

The purpose of this research study was to create a model to assist therapists, that determines the optimal positioning of the hand cranks when fitting a child for an AmTryke® with a disability that limits upper body strength, such as a brachial plexus injury.

Method

A fitting model was developed by testing the amount of force required to start moving the hand cranks on the AmTryke® when various amounts of weight were applied to the seat of the device. The data collected inserted into a table. A questionnaire developed and emailed to a convenient sample of pediatric physical and …

Impact Of The Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease Program On Self-Efficacy, Quality Of Life And Pain Reduction In A Group Format, Kelly Nicole Reese

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease Program for individuals with self- or medically-diagnosed arthritis within a group format. The study also investigates the individuals' perceptions on self-efficacy, quality of life and pain reduction pre- and post- intervention.

Background: The prevalence of arthritis is increasing and this places a major burden on individuals, health systems and social care systems globally. Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis condition, is a major cause of impaired mobility and disability for aging populations. Osteoarthritis affects millions of people around the world. Self-management programs like the Walk With Ease Program have …

Kinematic And Kinetic Comparisons Of Arm And Hand Reaching Movements With Mild And Moderate Gravity-Supported, Computer-Enhanced Armeo®Spring: A Case Study, Qussai M. Obiedat

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Stroke has been recognized as a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the United States (U.S.) with 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke each year (Roger et al., 2011). The most apparent defect after stroke is motor impairments (Masiero, Armani, & Rosati, 2011). Statistically, half of stroke survivors suffer from upper extremity hemiparesis and approximately one quarter become dependent in activities of daily living (Sanchez et al., 2006). There is strong evidence that intensity and task specificity are the main drivers in an effective treatment program after stroke. In addition, this training should be repetitive, functional, …

Examining The Lived Experience Of Student Veterans Using Photovoice Methodology, Nikhil Tomar

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this study was to understand the lived experience of student veterans using photovoice methodology. After returning from service veterans struggle most with school (Plach & Haertlein Sells, 2013). Student veterans experience difficulty in time management, and transitioning to student life (Radford, 2009). They spend more time working at jobs and caring for dependents than non-veteran students, but spend equivalent time studying. They perceive less engagement with faculty and campus support than their peers (NSSE, 2010). For many veterans, education is a primary occupation but there is dearth of data about their lived experience and factors that …

Quality And Coordination Of Care For Persons With Brain Injury In The Community: Developing A Survey, Brian Philip Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Because of increasing demand on primary care physicians and a complex, fragmented, healthcare "system", people now must coordinate their own healthcare and services. In response, care coordination has become a clinical specialty, typically done by nurses or social workers. People with disabilities (PWD) also must coordinate their care, including health and disability-support services, knowing who to call, advocating for themselves, and scheduling appointments, among other things. Such demands can be particularly problematic after brain injury, which may impair abilities to prioritize, coordinate, manage, and schedule activities. Coordinating services requires participation of the PWD, and supportive significant others (SSO). At …

Using The Strain Index And Tlv For Hal To Predict Incidence Of Aggregate Distal Upper Extremity Disorders In A Prospective Cohort, Tiffany Amber Cash

Theses and Dissertations

Work-related distal upper extremity (DUE) musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are very prevalent and costly in the United States. It is important to recognize working conditions that lead to these disorders, in order to lessen the impact that they have on workers and their employers. Identifying jobs that are likely to cause DUE MSDs is difficult because there are many factors that are believed to contribute to DUE MSD development. The current study aims to determine if the Strain Index (SI) and the ACGIH TLV for HAL (two DUE job physical exposure assessment methods) predict increased risk of workers developing aggregate DUE …

Effects Of Progressive Lens Eyeglasses On Gait Performance Factors Among Young And Middle-Aged Groups, Autumn Marie Milanowski

Theses and Dissertations

Background: It is estimated that over 85% of adults over the age of 45 develop a condition called presbyopia (Holden et al., 2008). Multifocal lenses (MfLs) are used to functionally adapt to this condition to allow for convenient near and distance vision. However, this causes vision distortion in the lower part of the visual field at ground level while walking. Since safe ambulation relies on the lower visual field to detect obstacles (Marigold et al., 2008), and vision acts as a moderating factor for increased fall rates as individuals age (Heasley et al., 2005), there is a need to investigate …