Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Transpinal And Transcortical Stimulation Alter Corticospinal Excitability And Increase Spinal Output, Maria Knikou

Publications and Research

The objective of this study was to assess changes in corticospinal excitability and spinal output following noninvasive transpinal and transcortical stimulation in humans. The size of the motor evoked potentials (MEPs), induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and recorded from the right plantar flexor and extensor muscles, was assessed following transcutaneous electric stimulation of the spine (tsESS) over the thoracolumbar region at conditioning-test (C-T) intervals that ranged from negative 50 to positive 50 ms. The size of the transpinal evoked potentials (TEPs), induced by tsESS and recorded from the right and left plantar flexor and extensor muscles, was assessed following …

The Effect Of Tdcs On Cd-1 Mouse Behavior Post Induced Sensorimotor Cortex Injury, Michelle Gardella, Natalia Gozias, Kristina Laktionova, Tricia Roehrig

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The functional topography of the motor cortex has been shown to be modifiable by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS works by directing electrical currents into the brain which induces alterations in neuroplastic cortical excitability. This experiment’s aim was to test the effect of tDCS on recovery of skilled locomotion, recovery of balance, and recovery of grip strength after bilateral electrolytic lesions to sensorimotor cortices in mice. Tests employed in this experiment included the ladder test, grip test, and a balance pole test. We were able to show that 4 days of tDCS post brain injury in mice produced improvements …

Motor Imagery And Action Observation As An Alternative Gait Training Intervention For The Elderly, Matthew F. Cirelli, Brian Fettner, Lindita Ismaili, Danielle Jordan

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Motor imagery (MI) is the mental representation of movement without any body movement. Action observation (AO) is a non-physical method of training, in which the learner observes the action of another individual. Eighteen subjects between ages 60-80 were randomly assigned to 3 training groups, the MI, AO and motor training groups. All subjects were assessed and measured with the Expanded Timed-Get Up and Go (TUG) test and Figure-8-Walk (F8W) test. All three groups yielded a significant improvement in difference in total TUG time (<0.05). When individual aspects of the TUG were considered, the sit to stand component improved in the MI and Motor groups. The results of this study suggest that MI and AO can improve cadence and have an effect mirroring that of motor practice. If utilized properly, MI and AO may be indicated as a rehabilitation intervention adjunct to gait training, and potentially decrease the risk of falls in the elderly population.

Research Components In Curriculum Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Stephen Ingrassia, Gary Mulligan, Roman Tverdovskiy, Andy Zhu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the current Doctor of Physical Therapy program curriculum, as it applies to research classes and research projects. We investigated the current research requirements of various DPT programs nationwide to determine DPT graduates’ preparedness to conduct research post-graduation.

METHODS: Participants of the current study were recent DPT college graduates selected from DPT programs across the United States. Subjects were asked to participate in a brief online survey questionnaire in reference to their DPT program research curriculum.

RESULTS: A total of 215 DPT programs contacted, out of which 39 schools were able to …

The Effects Of Morning Versus Evening Stretching Exercises In Hamstrings Flexibility Gains, Camron Einerman, Emily Eleff, Ana Ilijeska, Aliza Zinberg

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Many human physiological functions, including muscle flexibility, exhibit a pattern over a 24-hour period, known as circadian rhythm. Muscle flexibility and its circadian rhythm have been researched, though much more information is needed, especially regarding the hamstring muscle group. The object of this study was to determine if stretching at different times of the day results in differences in hamstring flexibility. Since muscles and joints are most flexible at night, greater ranges of motion should be available, allowing for a greater degree of stretching to take place. We hypothesize that when utilizing the optimal type, duration, and frequency of stretch, …

Cortical Modulation Of Spinal Reflexes In Healthy Humans, Caitlin Bedell, Joseph Capogrosso, Kristin Thomas, Charlotte Westmoreland

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Considerable evidence suggests that monosynaptic and polysynaptic spinal reflexes are prone to corticospinal inputs. The goal of this study was to establish the cortical modulation of monosynaptic and polysynaptic spinal reflexes in healthy humans. Cutaneomuscular responses were evoked following stimulation of the medial edge of the right foot with a 30 ms pulse train every 10 s via a bipolar electrode and recorded from the ipsilateral tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Across subjects, medial edge foot stimulation was delivered at 1.2 to 1.5 times the response threshold. The soleus H-reflex was evoked and recorded via conventional methods. The effects of transcranial …

The Performance Of Dancers On The Lower Quadrant Y Balance Test, Heather Cole, Jinny Mcgivern, Anna Morejon, Tiffany Sudol

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The Lower Quadrant Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) is an evidence-based screening tool that measures one’s ability to maintain unilateral stance while reaching the contralateral leg in the anterior (ANT), posteromedial (PM), and posterolateral (PL) directions. The purpose of this study was to observe the performance of collegiate dancers on the YBT-LQ and compare it with that of other athletic populations from previously published studies. 39 healthy collegiate dance majors at the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance (ages 17-24 years; mean years of dance training 12.9 ± 3.9 years) participated in this study. Subjects stood on the central platform of the YBT-LQ …

The Long-Term Effects Of Low Level Laser Therapy (Lllt) Combined With Complex Decongestive Therapy (Cdt) In The Treatment Of Breast Cancer Lymphedema: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study, Olivia Bramlett, Igor Daysudov, Toshi Odaira, Bethany Rodriguez

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the gold standard for lymphedema treatment, fails to demonstrate long-term efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing post-mastectomy lymphedema when used with CDT. The experimental group received LLLT and CDT (n = 7) while control group received sham laser and CDT (n = 7), twice a week for 4 to 8 weeks. Percent arm circumference difference between affected and unaffected limbs was collected over 18 months. Results revealed no statistical difference between both groups at all time periods: 1 (p = 0.902), 2 …

Comparing Nmes Stimulation Intensity At Various Lengths Of The Tibialis Anterior, Brent Brookbush, Maya Hakami, Jennifer Wolff, Amy Zelin

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if placement of electrodes at various distances along the Tibialis Anterior muscle belly had a significant effect on the intensity of stimulation needed to evoke a contraction using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Twenty subjects between the ages of 21-65 in good health and presented with no precautions to NMES were recruited from the CUNY Hunter College physical therapy department. Two reference lines were drawn on subjects’ legs, one outlining the tibial crest (L1), and another from the most lateral portion of the tibial plateau to the center of the lateral malleolus (L2). …

Comparison Of An Intermittent Vs. Continuous Walking Program In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Using The 6 Minute Walk Test: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study, Stefanie Dicarrado, Bridget Dungan, Elizabeth Huallpa, Jacob Potrzeba

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Difficulty with gait is one of the most common complaints of persons with MS (pwMS) and can be due to many causes, including neurogenic fatigue. Neurogenic fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms, and can prevent pwMS from walking longer distances, thus limiting their ability to improve gait endurance. Intermittent walking, a technique where persons take breaks during walking rather than walking continuously, may allow for pwMS to walk longer distances due to less accrual of fatigue.

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether a program of intermittent walking will result in a …

Corticospinal Integration In Healthy Humans, Amanda Asmar, Leandra Manfredini, Kerri Mclean, Christina Scannapieco

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Synchronized arrival of neuronal signals from the periphery and motor cortex has been associated with neuronal plasticity and motor learning. The main objective of this study was to examine neuronal interactions following excitation of descending motor axons from the primary motor cortex (M1) and spinal neuronal circuits via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcutaneous electric stimulation of the spine (tsESS) in 15 healthy humans while seated semiprone. TMS was delivered below or above the resting motor evoked potential (MEP) threshold, for the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, while tsESS was delivered at the lowest stimulation intensity that evoked responses in most …

Influences Of Motor Control Instruction And Taping On Center Of Pressure And Scapulothoracic Kinematics During Reaching For Individuals With Hemiparesis, Michelle De Guzman, Tatyana Farber, Anna Kochanova, Jonathan Lazarus

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose: To determine if application of Kinesiotape™ was able to normalize the overall reaching motion by analyzing both surface electromyographic data and force platform feedback. Design: This study utilizes a case-control design.

Subjects: 5 control and 5 stroke survivors age >40 were recruited for this study through flyers at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains, NY.

Methods: Surface EMG electrodes were applied to upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) muscles and an accelerometer placed on the reaching UE. Subjects stood on a force platform and reached towards a target at shoulder height. The task was repeated 5-7 times with right …

Falls Prevention Training At New York Presbyterian Hospital: Does Education Regarding Fall Prevention Reduce Incidence Of Falls After Discharge To Home From An Acute Rehabilitation Facility?, Yuning Chiu, Michelle Frager, Hyunseok Lee, Solange Wong

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The objective of this study was to determine the compared effectiveness of different instruction types for fall prevention training in an inpatient rehabilitation setting based on 6-month falls incidence. This study included 89 English-speaking patients aged 18-90 who participated in a fall prevention training program at New York Presbyterian Hospital’s inpatient rehabilitation center. Patients were divided into two class types, a group or an individual class. Both classes were subdivided into with and without a caregiver. A 10-Meter Walk Test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) scores were recorded for baseline comparisons among …

Corticospinal Reorganization After Locomotor Training In A Person With Motor Incomplete Paraplegia, Nupur Hajela, Chaithanya K. Mummidisetty, Andrew C. Smith, Maria Knikou

Publications and Research

Activity-dependent plasticity as a result of reorganization of neural circuits is a fundamental characteristic of the central nervous system that occurs simultaneously in multiple sites. In this study, we established the effects of subthreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex region on the tibialis anterior (TA) long-latency flexion reflex. Neurophysiological tests were conducted before and after robotic gait training in one person with a motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) while at rest and during robotic-assisted stepping. The TA flexion reflex was evoked following nonnociceptive sural nerve stimulation and was conditioned by TMS at 0.9 TA motor …

Plasticity Of Corticospinal Neural Control After Locomotor Training In Human Spinal Cord Injury, Maria Knikou

Publications and Research

Spinal lesions substantially impair ambulation, occur generally in young and otherwise healthy individuals, and result in devastating effects on quality of life. Restoration of locomotion after damage to the spinal cord is challenging because axons of the damaged neurons do not regenerate spontaneously. Body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is a therapeutic approach in which a person with a spinal cord injury (SCI) steps on a motorized treadmill while some body weight is removed through an upper body harness. BWSTT improves temporal gait parameters, muscle activation patterns, and clinical outcome measures in persons with SCI. These changes are likely the result of …