Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Shoulder-Specific Patient Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer:An Assessment Of Reliability, Construct Validity, And Overall Appropriateness Of Test Score Interpretation Using Rasch Analysis, Melissa Michelle Eden

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Context: Medical management for head and neck cancer (HNC) often includes neck dissection surgery, a side effect of which is shoulder dysfunction. There is no consensus for which patient-reported outcome measure (PRO) is most appropriate to quantify shoulder dysfunction in this population.

Objective: The aims of this research study were to: (1) use Rasch methodologies to assess construct validity and overall appropriateness of test score interpretation of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), QuickDASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) in the HNC population; (2) determine appropriateness of use of University of …

When Duty Calls: A Description Of Human Conflict And Occupational Therapy, Bryce Carsone, Jonathan Pitts

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

As violent events escalate, even within the United States, it is imperative that occupational scientists have an in-depth understanding of the level one (descriptive) research implications, and occupational therapy practitioners are prepared to meet the needs of those impacted by conflict. This article aims to (a) describe the occupations of those affected by conflict (b) inform on current interventions through an intentional review (c) present the case for a call to action of occupational therapy practitioners. A general review of literature resulting in a description of occupations, identified four distinct populations: those who fight, caregivers, those who stay home, and …

A Need For Occupational Justice: The Impact Of Racial Microaggression On Occupations, Wellness, And Health Promotion, Emily Grullon, Carlneshia Hunnicutt, Melisa Morrison, Olandria Langford, Mirtha M. Whaley

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

“Ism,” in general terms describes a practice that denotes oppression of a group based on the characteristics of its members: racism, sexism, and ageism, are the three types most commonly identified. “Isms” often impose limits on people, and while we have been aware of those limits at the macro level, we have been less aware of acts that happen at the level of the individual, the micro level. These acts, which are frequently heard and seen in the media, have personal, occupational, and health implications for those affected by them. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about …

December 2018 Issue

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

No abstract provided.

The Interprofessional Exploration Of Occupational Deprivation (Od) In Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) To Inform The Health Professional, Chane' Wray, Cheryl Mae Granada

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

One of the most common forms of violence against women is intimate partner violence (IPV), a public health issue affecting one in three women globally and one in four in the nation (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). IPV produces long-term impressions as it is defined as any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm (WHO, 2016). Women affected by IPV are inclined to isolate themselves socially decreasing their participation in daily routines (Gorde et al., 2004). The prolonged preclusion of women from necessary/meaningful occupations such as child rearing and social interaction is a conflict outside …

The Use Of Occupation-Based Interventions In Hand Therapy, Rajesh Malikayil, Justin Jameson

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Certified hand therapists (CHTs) provide therapeutic rehabilitative services after injury or illness of the upper extremity (Colaianni, & Provident, 2010). The approaches to interventions that CHTs utilize differ from those more typically used by occupational therapists (OTs) because the approaches to interventions are often primarily based in the medical model of physical disabilities (Robinson, Brown, & O’Brien, 2016). There is growing concern that OTs in hand rehabilitation are not using occupations as a method to intervention, leading the occupational therapy profession away from its foundational tenets (Grice, 2015). Furthermore, according to Colaianni, Provident, Lessa, and Wheeler (2015), there is a …

Tips For Allied Health Professionals To Successfully Engage With Research: A Commentary, Siti Nurliyana Abdullah, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

While allied health professionals are encouraged to engage with research, there are numerous challenges to do so in practice. In this commentary, we reflect on some of these challenges and provide some simple tips on strategies that can be used by allied health professionals to overcome these challenges. These tips may provide a starting point for allied health professionals to successfully engage with research.

The Magic Wand: A Case Study Of Chronic Neck Pain, Sandra L. Winkler

The Qualitative Report

Medications used to manage chronic pain have documented side effects including drug dependency, drug interaction, and adverse systemic reactions. This case study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to understand how one individual experienced chronic neck pain including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Convenience sampling identified Ms. P, an individual with a 10-year history of chronic pain. The research questions were: “How does one individual with chronic neck pain describe their experience living with neck pain?” and “How does one individual with chronic neck pain manage their pain?” Three super-ordinate themes emerged: pain pervades everything, finding relief, and recovery. Findings suggest that living …

Comprehensive Occupational Therapy In A Breast Cancer Program, Nicole Renee Scheiman

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop an evidenced-based, innovative, and comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation and intervention protocol for breast cancer care. The contents of this paper will include an introduction into the current care provided to survivors, literature review on best practice in breast cancer care, outline of the procedures completed to discover what best practice care should be, results of these procedures, discussion of the results, and conclusion with proposed program and recommendations for further investigation. The concern investigated is the inconsistencies in care provided to survivors from the time of diagnosis throughout their lifespan or …

Fine Motor Skills And The Occupations Of Young Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, Mary Squillace

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting adults of working age, and those of younger ages of onset have been increasingly recognized. Twenty-seven percent of people with MS (PwMS) are age 30 years old or younger. The burden of MS for young adults puts them at risk for poorer outcomes regarding their education, family planning, vocation, and social skills as they transition to adulthood. Fine motor (FM) skill impairment might impede performance within the daily occupations of young adults who are transitioning into adulthood. Few studies focus on the occupations and occupational performance of …

Enhancing Collaboration Regarding Long-Term Therapy Planning For Children With Chronic Conditions Using Participatory Action Research, Victoria Ann Mcquiddy

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Children with chronic conditions often participate in therapy, but there is little information about how often or for how long therapy services should be provided. Participatory action research (PAR) methods were utilized in this study and, therefore, involved both parents and occupational and physical therapists throughout the study. Parental interviews were conducted to understand parent perception of self-management and how parents felt their child’s therapist was doing or could do to facilitate self-management, particularly as it related to discharge planning or having their child take a break from ongoing therapy. Through analysis of parent interviews completed by the therapist team …

Influence Of A Post-­Graduate Physical Therapy Residency Program On Clinical Reasoning, Professional Development, And Career Advancement In Nairobi, Kenya, Shala Cunningham

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement

Residency programs that emphasize clinical reasoning and manual therapy can provide a means to optimize the outcomes of physical therapy without the need for or access to expensive equipment. The residency format of continuing education could allow physical therapists in developing countries access to specialty training and ongoing mentorship. However, there are limited studies that investigate the influence of residency training on the progression of clinical reasoning, professional development, and career advancement.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was threefold. The first objective was to describe the outcome of a post-graduate orthopaedic manual therapy residency program on development …

Effect Of Individual Height And Testing Methods On Outcome Of The Forward Functional Reach Test, Jill Elaine Heitzman

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: With falls a leading cause of injuries among those over age 65, early recognition of risk is imperative to reduce rising rates. The Forward Functional Reach test (FFRT) (Duncan et al., 1990) is frequently used to identify fall risk, however, the variability in cut values found in the research may be related to height and reach strategies.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if FFRT is affected by an individual’s height and if bilateral reach to height ratio could more accurately identify fall risk.

Methods: Sixty-six participants (60 and older) were recruited from a senior center …

Use Of A Telerehabilitation Delivery System For Fall Risk Screening, Robert W. Nithman

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that falls are the “leading cause of injury death and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admission for trauma among people ages 65 and older.”1 Falls can have significant economic consequences to the individual and payer sources. To address these consequences, telerehabilitation was hypothesized to be a suitable supplement for fall screening efforts. Several sources concluded that support for synchronous telerehab was underdeveloped in the literature. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility, reliability, and validity of telehealth-delivered fall screening among community-dwelling older …

Impact Of An Exercise Program On Stress, Fatigue, And Quality Of Life For Individuals Living With Primary Immunodeficiency Disease, Kerri Sowers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: There are over 300 Primary Immunodeficiency diseases (PID) that are a result of a genetic or idiopathic dysfunction of any aspect of the immune system. These conditions result in a higher frequency of infections, autoimmune conditions, or malignancies. Moderate intensity exercise is thought to help the immune system, while high intensity exercise may have a negative impact on immune function. The impact of exercise on individuals with an impaired immune system due to PID is not yet understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a low to moderate intensity exercise program would have an effect …

Predictors Of Shoulder Injuries In Female Collegiate Swimmers, Eric Lee Lippincott

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Competitive swimmers frequently injure their shoulders. The risk factors for shoulder injuries in competitive swimmers have not been clearly identified. The primary purposes of this study were to describe the characteristics of female collegiate swimmers at the onset of a swim season, identify the risk factors of shoulder injury in female collegiate swimmers, characterize the swim volume of female collegiate swimmers, and determine if swim volume is a predictor of shoulder injury.

A prospective longitudinal cohort multi-center design was utilized. Female collegiate swimmers [n=53, mean age=19.3+/– 1.2] from four NCAA Division II universities were recruited to participate in this study. …

Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Imaging: How Physical Therapists Utilize Imaging In Clinical Decision-Making, Hilmir Agustsson

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This qualitative study describes how physical therapist experts in musculoskeletal disorders evaluate and interpret imaging studies and how they employ imaging in clinical decision-making. The informants are physical therapists who are certified orthopedic clinical specialists (OCS) and/or fellows of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT). The study employed web conferencing to display patient cases, record screen-capture videos, and to conduct interviews. Informants were observed and their activity video-captured as they evaluated imaging studies and, afterwards, interviews were employed to explore the processes they utilized to evaluate and interpret the images and to discuss imaging-related clinical decision-making, including …

Relationship Between Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging And The Modified Prone Straight Leg Raise Test To Identify Multifidus Weakness, Mitchell T. Maione

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is often associated with lumbar spinal instability (LSI). The multifidus muscle is considered a stabilizer of the spine and has been studied extensively with Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI). There may be a relationshipbetween clinical signs of LSI, decreased cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus and weakness. Having the ability to detect multifidus weakness without the use of RUSI may serve to be invaluable to the clinician in detecting multifidus weakness.Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the modified prone straight leg raise test (MPSLR) and CSA of the multifidusmuscle as measured by RUSI and to investigate …

Physical Therapists’ Beliefs About Preparation To Work In Special Care Nurseries And Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Joyce Lammers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

BACKGROUND: Physical therapists (PTs) may care for full-term or premature newborns in all levels of hospital nurseries. There is some endorsement in the published physical therapy literature for restricting practice in the nursery setting to only those PTs with specialized training.1-4 PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of becoming and being a physical therapist in a special care nursery (SCN) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the therapists’ perspective. METHODS: The participants were physical therapists who have practiced in a SCN or NICU in the United States. A phenomenological approach was used and data …

Shoulder Symptom Irritability: Development And Testing Of A New Construct, Stephen Michael Kareha

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Physical therapists regularly make decisions regarding intervention intensity based upon pathoanatomy and symptom irritability, but the reliability and validity of classifying patients by symptom irritability are unknown. Purpose: Examine the reliability and construct validity of the shoulder symptom irritability classification (SSIC) system for the purposes of determining an appropriate treatment intensity. Design: Prospective repeated-measures cross-sectional single-blinded design. Methods: 101 consecutive subjects with primary complaints of shoulder pain were assessed by a pair of blinded raters. Raters recorded the SSIC level and selected the appropriate intervention intensities for the subjects. Data Analysis: Prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted Kappa for ordinal scales (PABAK-OS) and …

Impact Of An Exercise Program On Stress, Fatigue, And Quality Of Life For Individuals Living With Primary Immunodeficiency Disease, Kerri Sowers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: There are over 300 Primary Immunodeficiency diseases (PID) that are a result of a genetic or idiopathic dysfunction of any aspect of the immune system. These conditions result in a higher frequency of infections, autoimmune conditions, or malignancies. Moderate intensity exercise is thought to help the immune system, while high intensity exercise may have a negative impact on immune function. The impact of exercise on individuals with an impaired immune system due to PID is not yet understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a low to moderate intensity exercise program would have an effect …

Student And Faculty Perceptions Of Live Synchronous Distance Education For Allied Health Students Following Program Expansion To A Rural Campus, Betsy J. Becker, Kelsey Rutt, Allyson Huntley, Harlan Sayles, Kim Michael

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background & Purpose: Distance education (DE) is a means to meet allied health workforce needs in rural locations where healthcare worker shortages are apparent. Five allied health programs were expanded to a rural campus teaching synchronously using distance education technology. The purpose of this convergent parallel mixed methods study was to explore perceptions of allied health students and faculty at two campus locations.

Methods: Quantitative and qualitative information were collected through a survey of students and faculty (physical therapy, physician assistant, and medical imaging [diagnostic medical sonography, radiography, magnetic resonance imaging] programs). Both campuses served as live and distance sites …

Effects Of A Customized Professionalism Educational Intervention On Physical Therapists’ Knowledge And Attributes Of Professionalism, Joseph A. Balogun Distinguished University Professor, Chidozie E. Mbada Dr., Adetutu O. Balogun Dr., Udoka A. Okafor Dr.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a growing call around the world to include professionalism in the entry-level education of physical therapists and to teach professionalism as a continuing education professional development workshop for practicing physical therapists. Unfortunately, there is currently no empirical evidence to support the use of didactic instruction to effectuate a change in the knowledge and attributes of professionalism. This study evaluated the effects of a customized professionalism educational intervention on physical therapists’ knowledge and attributes of professionalism.

Methods: A quasi-experimental research was conducted among 47 Nigerian physical therapists (Mean age = 41 ± 10.1 years). The educational intervention consisted …

Education On Fall Prevention To Improve Self-Efficacy Of Nursing Staff In Long Term Care: A Pilot Study, Mark D. Leverenz, Jennifer Lape

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Fall prevention is an ongoing concern in long-term care. Self-efficacy of nursing staff affects their performance levels related to fall prevention. Research concerning falls in the elderly is plentiful but there are no published studies addressing self-efficacy of nursing staff for implementation of fall prevention strategies in long-term care. The authors hypothesize that fall prevention education by an occupational therapist would be effective to improve the self-efficacy of nursing staff for implementation of fall prevention strategies and self-efficacy to prevent resident falls.

Method: A pre-test post-test pilot study implementing a five-week, multifaceted, fall prevention education course was conducted by …

Systematic Review Of The Addition Of Hip Strengthening Exercises For Adults With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Cara Elliott, Fraser Green, Karen Hang, Bronwen Jolliffe, Maureen P. Mcevoy

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder typically occurring in physically active people aged 40 years and younger, causing pain, functional deficits and lower limb weakness. Traditional treatment has been aimed at strengthening the knee, however recent research suggests the muscles around the hip also play an important role in the development and continuity of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome.

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of the addition of hip strengthening exercises to standard physiotherapy treatment (knee strengthening and stretching exercises) on reducing pain, and enhancing strength and function when compared to standard physiotherapy treatment alone in adults with Patellofemoral …

The Neuro Clinic: A Pilot Model To Facilitate Student Clinical Development Through In-Class Patient Experiences While Meeting Community Need, Rosanne M. Thomas, Jamie Bayliss

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To detail the implementation and assessment of a pilot model the Neuro Clinic. This is one component of a Patient Experience Model (PEM) of embedded progressive in-class patient experiences (IcPE) in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The Patient Experience Model, an innovative model of experiential learning, was developed to bridge the gap between didactic coursework and clinical education, facilitate progressive patient experiences and assess developing student professional and skill competence.

Methods: The Neuro Clinic was held in laboratory classroom space for six weekly sessions with consistent student: patient triads. Overwhelming patient interest indicated a need in our community …

National Survey Of Lymphedema Therapists’ Dosing Of Complete Decongestive Therapy In Breast Cancer Survivors With Lymphedema, Katie M. Polo, Peter J. Rundquist, Nathaniel D. Krumdick, Gail L. Gamble

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify dosing levels of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) with survivors with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) and describe factors related to how occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, and physical therapists assistants with advanced lymphedema training determine dosing.

Methods: An electronic survey was sent to 598 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, and physical therapists assistants with training in lymphedema. Respondents completed questions regarding demographics, dosing practices, and factors related to dose determination in complete decongestive therapy of survivors with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Results: 107 surveys were returned (18% response rate). …

Normative Grip Strength Values In Males And Females, Ages 50 To 89 Years Old, James R. Roush, Kaylee L. Gombold, R. Curtis Bay

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. To develop normative reference values for grip strength of males and females between the ages of 50 and 89 years old that can be used by health care professionals in clinical settings.

Methods. This study assessed data from a sample of males and females between the ages of 50 and 89 years old who participated in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) sponsored by the National Institute on Aging. The Health and Retirement Study collected data from 6,266 participants in a physical measures sub-study. Grip strength was assessed in a standing position with the shoulder adducted and elbow flexed …

Addressing Opioid Misuse And Abuse Through Interprofessional Engagement And Education, Marta J. Brooks, Suzanne E. Holm, Shelene Thomas, Amy J. Rich

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this initiative was to develop and implement an interprofessional panel aimed to expose a university audience to the magnitude of opioid misuse and abuse, as well as demonstrate each health professional’s role in curbing the epidemic. Further, this experience was to provide a platform for interprofessional discussion and to share with attendees tangible action items to begin combatting the opioid epidemic.

Methods: An interdisciplinary committee of healthcare professionals collaborated to initiate a dialogue around opioid misuse and abuse to highlight the power of interprofessional (IP) collaboration in addressing the opioid epidemic. Each panel member shared …

Assessment Of Medical Screening And Clinical Reasoning Skills By Physical Therapy Students In A Simulated Patient Encounter, Therese E. Johnston

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical therapists (PTs) screen their patients for medical issues that may present as musculoskeletal conditions. In physical therapy education, learning activities followed by assessment of skills and clinical reasoning is important. The purposes of this study are to 1) demonstrate the feasibility of the use of standardized patients (SPs) and standardized physicians (SPhs) during a practical examination focused on medical screening, and 2) report outcomes related to the students’ abilities to screen for medical issues and make clinical decisions about referral to a physician.

Methods: Students evaluated a standardized patient in an outpatient setting model. After receiving …