Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Case Study On The Effects Of Functional Exercises In Improving Quality Of Life (Qol) In A Patient Diagnosed With Glioblastoma Multiforme (Gbm), Kathy Nguyen, Savonna Reed, Sepehr Rezaei, Vanessa Rindge-Silvas, Brianne Bozzella

San Marcos, Fall 2019

Background and Purpose: The estimated prevalence of primary brain tumors in the US population is 14 per 100,000. GBM accounts for 50% of primary central nerve tumors in people older than 15 years old. Approximately 12,820 deaths each year are due to primary and nervous system tumors. There is limited research on the optimal interventions and effects of physical therapy on individuals diagnosed with GBM.¹ The purpose of this case report was to determine which aspects of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health model are the most important to consider during physical rehabilitation and possible interventions that …

What Is Congenital Talipes Equinovarus?, Cornelia Lieb-Lundell

San Marcos, Fall 2019

An estimated 80% of clubfoot cases occur in low to middle-income countries. Incidence of clubfoot is estimated to be 1-1.5 per 1000 births, and male to female occurrence is 3:1. (1) Left untreated, this congenital anomaly becomes a “neglected clubfoot” and can result in lifelong hardships including limited ambulation related to gait deviations, pain, foot deformities and an inability to wear shoes. Without treatment, this health condition can lead to functional limitations with limited independence in activities of daily living and participation restrictions within the family and community related to decreased mobility. (2)

The intervention presented is the main components …

Weight-Bearing Interventions To Decrease Spasticity And Improve Gait In Stroke Patients: A Case Report, Melin Nguyen, Shelby Peterson, Jessika Sun, Irene Taing, Faris Alshammari

San Marcos, Fall 2019

The purpose of this case report was to determine the success of weight-bearing interventions on spasticity reduction and improved gait patterns in a 61 year-old-male patient recovering from a chronic left hemorrhagic CVA. The patient’s primary impairments included right upper and lower extremity spasticity, circumduction gait, weakness and decreased range of motion of right extremities.

The interventions included in this patient’s treatment program included standing calf stretches, toe raises, ankle range of motion and gait training for 1 hour once a week for 4 weeks. This case report supports the application of weight-bearing through the paretic limb, which has been …

The Effect Of Aquatic Interventions In Combination With Early Start Physical Therapy Services On Gross Motor Development In A Male Child With Down Syndrome, Roxanne Mueller

San Marcos, Fall 2019

Introduction: Aquatic therapy has been used in various patient populations as a modality to facilitate motor control and manage tonicity.^1-3 Despite the variety of literature addressing individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and aquatic therapy, there has been little described about the effects of aquatic therapy on early gross motor development in children with DS.

Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to examine whether aquatic physical therapy interventions combined with early start physical therapy influence gross motor developmental delay in a child with DS.

Case Description: The patient is a 31-month-old boy with diagnosis of …

The Effects Of Dry Needling In The Management Of Sub-Acromial Impingement Syndrome: A Case Report, Kaitlyn Radice, Lindsey Bramlette, Kristin Fenstermaker

Miami, Fall 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectivness of dry needling to an active trigger point in the anterior deltoid musculature in conjunction with physical therapy. This case study presents a 77-year-old male with traumatic pull into flexion injury. In addition to being given RTC and postural musculature strengthening exercises, PROM, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization, dry needling was performed at week 2 and week 4 of treatment.

From this case study, we can conclude that TrP-DN to an active TrPin the anterior deltoid can yield statistically significant improvements in ROM, strength, pain, and functional abilities when …

Muscle Activation Patterns During Movement Attempts In Children With Acquired Spinal Cord Injury: Neurophysiological Assessment Of Residual Motor Function Below The Level Of Lesion., Darryn A Atkinson, Laura Mendez, Natalie Goodrich, Sevda C Aslan, Beatrice Ugiliweneza, Andrea L Behrman

Physical Therapy Collection

Introduction: Characterization of residual neuromotor capacity after spinal cord injury (SCI) is challenging. The current gold standard for measurement of sensorimotor function after SCI, the International Society for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) exam, seeks to determine isolated intentional muscle activation, however many individuals with SCI exhibit intentional movements and muscle activation patterns which are not confined to specific joint or muscle. Further, isolated muscle activation is a feature of the neuromuscular system that emerges during development, and thus may not be an appropriate measurement standard for children younger than 6.

Methods: We utilized neurophysiological assessment …

Treatment Of Phantom Limb Pain And Knee Flexion Contracture Due To Transtibial Amputation: A Case Study, Kristin Smead, Donna Leigel

Miami, Fall 2019

This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of visual mirror therapy for phantom limb pain desensitization in conjunction with a physical therapy regimen of therapeutic exercise, short-wave diathermy, and gait training in a 66-year-old male with left lower extremity amputation.

Through a combination of mirror therapy, short-wave diathermy over the hamstring musculature, and therapeutic exercise, the patient displayed an overall improvement in left lower limb knee flexion contracture and a reduction in perceived phantom limb pain.The patient can now tolerate full weight bearing through this extremity from an improved fit of the prosthesis socket. Throughout the course of …

Physical Therapy Management Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In The Pediatric Population: A Case Study, Debra Dy, Maureen Egizii

Miami, Fall 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine if external pelvic floor examination and treatment can be an effective, non-invasive intervention for urinary incontinence in the pediatric population. The case study examines the effectiveness of exercise therapy for an 11-year-old female with pelvic floor dysfunction. This case demonstrates that pelvic floor strengthening exercises can help to resolve incontinence symptoms without the implementation of internal examination or treatment. Although commonly used to address incontinence in adults, pelvic floor physical therapy may also be an effective, non-invasive intervention option for children who are experiencing urinary incontinence.

Femoral Retrotorsion As The Source Of Sacroiliac Symptoms – A Case Report, Catherine Patla, Kristin Hernandez

Physical Therapy Collection

The presence of femoral retrotorsion limits the ability to functionally utilize internal rotation IR of the hip. Postures which require the internal rotation of the hip can place more stress on the sacroiliac SI area as a compensation. This case report highlights a patient s self management of the SI symptoms by avoiding the postural positions requiring internal rotation. Retrospective analysis shows a significantly higher correlation of femoral retroversion (57%) in patients with these pain descriptors versus asymptomatic patients in whom the incidence of retroversion is only 5-15% (Prather 2019). The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate that …

Decreased Mobility Of Cuboid Rotation As The Source Of Achilles Tendinopathy--A Case Report, Catherine Patla, Kristin Hernandez

Physical Therapy Collection

Joint mobility is necessary for adequate function of musculature. Internal rotation of the cuboid functions to allow midtarsal and hindfoot pronation in weight bearing. Inability of the cuboid to internally rotate limits mid tarsal pronation, which limits contraction of the gastroc soleus on weight bearing, ultimately contributing to muscle/tendon stress. The continued stress on the contractile structure leads to a tendinopathy which results in limited functional use with pain of the gastroc/soleus. The purpose of this case report is to outline the successful treatment of a patient with this clinical presentation.

Rehabilitation Modifications For A Patient With Parkinson’S Disease Following A Suspected Case Of Gilbert’S Syndrome: A Case Study, Jason Bandong, Hy Ia, Naureen Imam, Kayla Wilcox, Travis Dennis

San Marcos, Summer 2019

The purpose of this case study was to assess the effects of core stabilization exercises, balance training, agility ladder step drills, fine motor, and dual-task training in the treatment of a high-functioning, 55-year-old, male patient with a history of Parkinson’s Disease and suspected Gilbert’s Syndrome.

This treatment program delivered for 1 hour once per week over 4 weeks led to mild improvements in activity limitations with the most notable being able to button a shirt with decreased time and assistance. The patient also exhibited mild improvement in body structure/function impairments with decreased loss of balance as evident during tandem walking …

Case Study: Effects Of Psychosocial Factors On A Geriatric Patient With Guillain Barré Syndrome, Keane Evangelista, Mary Pent Hunter, Jessica Phung, Aum Tejani, Lee Anne H. Robotta

San Marcos, Summer 2019

The purpose of this case report is to determine how a change in intrinsic motivation and environmental factors help physical and functional improvements in a 77-year-old male patient with Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) in the geriatric population. Interventions to promote this change included patient education about lifestyle choices along with endurance and balance exercises.

Patient psychological state, community access, and general education about interventions/dosing had an effect on the patient's participation in his prescribed HEP. His comorbidities hindered his overall progress over the course of his treatment and should be addressed to improve patient outcomes. Activities that were more salient …

Simulation Enhances Soft Skills Among Inter-Professionals Participating In An International Service-Learning Experience To A Resource-Limited Country, Suzanne Trotter, Sharon Dunnivan-Mitchell

Physical Therapy Collection

Introduction: Soft skills are the hallmark of a master healthcare provider. One of the most effective ways to teach soft skills to healthcare providers is through service-learning. Evidence suggests that adding simulation as part of a service-learning team’s pre-departure training (PDT) will better prepare them to resolve ethical and cultural dilemmas often encountered in resource-limited countries, plus facilitate soft skills. We hypothesized that simulation could improve soft skills of physical and occupational therapy students and clinicians providing rehabilitation services on a one-week service-learning experience in Guatemala.

Methods: A convenience sample of 21 physical and occupational therapy students and …

Hip And Trunk Muscle Activity During The Star Excursion Balance Test In Healthy Adults, Kunal Bhanot, Navpreet Kaur, Lori Thein Brody, Jennifer Bridges, David C. Berry, Joshua J. Ode

Physical Therapy Collection

CONTEXT: Dynamic balance is a measure of core stability. Deficits in the dynamic balance have been related to injuries in the athletic populations. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is suggested to measure and improve dynamic balance when used as a rehabilitative tool.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the electromyographic activity of the hip and the trunk muscles during the SEBT.

DESIGN: Descriptive.

SETTING: University campus.

PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two healthy adults (11 males and 11 females; 23.3 [3.8] y, 170.3 [7.6] cm, 67.8 [10.3] kg, and 15.1% [5.0%] body fat).

INTERVENTION: Surface electromyographic data were collected on …

Simulation Enhances Soft Skills Among Inter-Professionals Participating In An International Service-Learning Experience To A Resource-Limited Country, Suzanne Trotter, Sharon Dunnivan-Mitchell

Physical Therapy Collection

Soft skills are the hallmark of a master healthcare provider. One of the most effective ways to teach soft skills is through service-learning. Evidence suggests that adding simulation as part of a service-learning team’s pre-departure training (PDT) will better prepare them to resolve ethical and cultural dilemmas plus facilitate soft skills. We hypothesized that simulation could improve soft skills of healthcare providers delivering rehabilitation services on a one-week service-learning experience in Guatemala

A convenience sample of 21 physical and occupational therapy students and clinicians who participated in four 1-hour PDTs were included in this qualitative study using grounded-theory methods. Training …

Development Of A Physical Therapy Faculty Workload Measurement Tool, Wanda Nitsch, Kathleen Manella, Jodi Liphart, Cherie Peters-Brinkerhof, Terri Roberts

Education Collection

Counting credit hours is not an equitable way to measure faculty workload in physical therapy education considering online delivery with heavy workloads negatively impacting satisfaction, learning outcomes, and research productivity. The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate-level institution in the United States, with seven Doctor of Physical Therapy programs offered in four US locations. USAHS faculty workload includes 50% teaching, 20% scholarship, 30% a combination of service, administration, release, and discretionary time. The aim of this study was to develop a faculty workload measurement tool that quantifies productivity, was easy to use, and equitable. Two …

Physical Therapists’ Perceptions Of Barriers To The Use Of Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Intervention With Individuals Of 65 Years Of Age Or Older, Charles Agbonghae

Student Dissertations

Falls are a problem in the elderly population. Evidence-based fall prevention programs are available but physical therapists do not always utilize them. The literature identifies a number of barriers to clinician’s use of evidence-based interventions in general but there is limited knowledge of barriers to the use of evidence-based interventions in the clinical practice area of fall prevention. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers perceived by physical therapists to the use of evidence-based fall prevention interventions with individuals of 65 years of age or older. The study utilized an on-line survey of physical therapists licensed in Texas. …

Using The Backward Design Process To Integrate Interprofessional Education Utilizing Simulation In Ot And Pt Educational Curricula, Norman C. Belleza, Maureen Johnson

Physical Therapy Collection

Interprofessional simulation education (IPSE) has been integrated into the OT and PT curriculum. Having a dedicated simulation center on-site allows for continued use of IPSE for regular monitoring and assessment of student achievement in interprofessional exchanges. Additional healthcare disciplines can also integrate IPSE including nursing, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, post-graduate professionals, athletic trainers, and speech and langue pathology. Inclusion of IPSE will augment the collaborative effort for increased interactions among various health care providers.

Interrater Reliability Of The Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale In Children With Spina Bifida, Elizabeth Ardolino, Megan Flores, Germaine Ferreira, Susan Jeantete, Kathleen Manella

Physical Therapy Collection

Purpose: There is a paucity of outcome measures to assess the quality of functional mobility in children with spina bifida¹. The Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Peds NRS) is a valid and reliable outcome measure that was developed to assess the motor capacity of children with spinal cord injury^2-6. The purpose of this study was to examine the interrater reliability of the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Peds NRS) to classify motor capacity in children with myelomeningocele (MMC) form of spina bifida.

Subjects: Twenty-one children with MMC (1.4- 10 years of age; mean age of 5.3 …

Integrating Interprofessional Education With Simulation Experiences Within Ot And Pt Curricula: A Look At The Backwards Design Process, Nicole Rodriguez, Norman C. Belleza, Maureen Johnson

Physical Therapy Collection

Interprofessional education has become a significant focus across healthcare disciplines noting the benefits that can be achieved through improving patient outcomes, increasing awareness for potential referral to other providers, and fostering collaboration.

The integration of simulation into established OT and PT curriculum was a less daunting task by using the backward design process. Continued growth and the addition of Speech Therapy, Nursing, and Physician’s Assistant programs will further necessitate use of backward design to integrate meaningful multidisciplinary activities for students.