Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Therapeutic Guide To Intellectual Disability And Special Populations, Robert Spencer Ashmun

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Measuring Outcomes Of Rehabilitation Among Persons With Upper Extremity Traumatic Injuries, Jamie Carl Grede

Theses and Dissertations

Grip strength is frequently measured to determine outcomes of rehabilitation among people with upper extremity traumatic injuries (UETIs). UETIs also affect rate of force-production during an isometric grip. However, we do not have a reliable and valid measure for detecting these force changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and responsiveness, i.e. ability to detect change, of the Force-Time Curve (F-T Curve) to determine rate of force production. Twenty people with UETIs undergoing rehabilitation were recruited to participate in this study. Using an electronic Jamar dynamometer, each participant performed three maximal isometric grips, each lasting 10 …

The Meaning Of Play For Adults From A Reversal Theory Perspective, Linda Lane

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Play is important to adults' mental creativity and happiness (Marano, 1999), and stress reduction (Apter, 2009a; Baptiste, 1995). Yet play may be considered as trivial behavior that is not appropriate for the adult population. The purpose of the study was to examine how adults describe the concept of play and to determine whether this description reflects their dominant metamotivational state. According to reversal theory, these states are the frames of mind that characterize an individual's motivation at any given point in time (Apter, 1982). An individual tends to be in a more playful (paratelic) state or serious-minded (telic) state depending …

Hand Pressure And Force: Adapted Knives Compared To A Straight Knife, Melissa S. Hudecz, Lillian A. Schaefer, Katherine A. Simon

Hand and Upper Extremity

This study analyzed the pressure and force required to cut an object with a standard kitchen knife and two adaptive knives. Occupational therapists recommend adaptive utensils such as kitchen knives. The appropriate tool or adaptive device reduces joint force and pressure and helps keep joints properly aligned to reduce pain during daily activities for individuals with arthritis. This research seeks to add to the body of knowledge to support the use of adapted equipment. Methods: Thirty-three participants were included in this study. Data were collected using a hand sensor and software made by Novel Pliance-X. This tool was found to …

Factors Contributing To Successful Employment Outcomes For Hispanic Women Who Are Deaf: Utilization Of Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detector And Logistic Regression Analysis, Amber M. Feist

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Hispanic women who are deaf constitute a heterogeneous group of individuals with varying vocational needs. To understand the unique needs of this population, it is important to analyze how consumer characteristics, presence of public supports, and type of services provided influence employment outcomes for Hispanic women who are deaf. The purpose of this study was to examine predictive factors of consumer characteristics, public supports, and patterns of service delivery related to employment among Hispanic women who are deaf utilizing the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) case service report (RSA-911) for fiscal year 2009 (FY 2009). Exhaustive chi-squared automatic interaction detector (CHAID) …

How Power Tilt Is Used In Daily Life To Manage Sitting Pressure: Perspectives Of Adults Who Use Power Tilt And Therapists Who Prescribe This Technology, Laura C. Titus

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Recent research studies have identified that use of large amplitudes of power tilt as a pressure management strategy used by adults who use wheelchairs and are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, was low. While the reason for low use was not identified, a lack of fit between using large amplitudes of tilt and daily life function was speculated as a main reason across studies. Using a post-positivist grounded theory approach, this study explored how power tilt was used in daily life particularly for managing sitting pressures, from the perspectives of five people experienced with using power tilt and six …

Causes Of Post Stroke Falls Along The Care Continuum: Implications For Improving Patient Safety, Mona Madady

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

In Western countries stroke is responsible for 10-12% of all deaths. In 2000, strokes cost $3.6 billion for the Canadian healthcare system and lost productivity due to premature death and long-term disability. Falls are a frequent occurrence at all stages of post-stroke recovery and can have significant negative impacts. While information about the incidence and risk factors of falling among stroke survivors is available, considerably less is known about the specific factors contributing to falls and the circumstances surrounding these adverse events. The purpose of this project was to identify similarities between systemic factors of falls in stroke survivors across …

Impact Of Finger Position On Pinch Strength, Rachel Boerema, Jamie Powers, Kelsey Walukonis

Hand and Upper Extremity

The purpose of this study was to assess for differences in the amount of tip, lateral, and three-jaw-chuck pinch force generated when fingers are placed on the groove or bridge of a B&L pinch gauge. Thirty-six healthy volunteers (9 males, 27 females), ages 19-49, participated in the study. Using a quantitative crossover design, each participant pinched six times: one for each type of pinch with fingers placed on the groove and bridge. Although no significant differences were found, results revealed slightly higher three-jaw- chuck and lateral pinch strength when fingers were placed on the groove, whereas tip pinch strength was …

Sleep-Wake Cycle Assessment In Type 2 Diabetes And Salivary Melatonin Correlates, Paula Regina Aguiar Cavalcanti

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

p=.047). Additionally, there were significant inverse relationships between melatonin collected at two hours before bed time and latency (ρ=-.87; p=.001), wake after sleep onset (ρ =-.69; p=.02) and nocturnal activity (ρ =-.67; p=.03). Latency was inversely correlated with melatonin collected at bed time (ρ =-.69; p=.02). These findings suggest that T2DM presents disturbances in the homeostatic and circadian drives, mainly characterized by less consistency across days of the daily circadian signal, higher rhythm fragmentation and lower rhythm amplitude. In addition to the lower melatonin levels, the decrease in the amplitude of the activity rhythm may also be involved in circadian …

An Examination Of Executive Function, Mild Cognitive Impairment And Fall Risk In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Jennifer A. Blackwood

Dissertations

The aim of this three-paper dissertation was to examine the relationship between fall risk, executive function (EF) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community dwelling older adults. Papers one and two describe how mild changes in cognition influence performance on four measures of fall risk, the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTS), usual gait speed, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) in a group of community dwelling older adults. The third paper describes if participation in a progressively challenging domain specific computerized cognitive training intervention influenced performance on measures of …

Impact Of Participating In A Short-Term Intervention Model Of Sports Education Camps For Children With Visual Impairments, John Michael Mcmahon

Dissertations

This three-paper format dissertation explores three topics relevant to participating in a short-term model Sports Education Camp for youth with vision impairments. The three papers are independent studies, yet build upon each other by first measuring physical performance in certain skills, then exploring their levels of self-perception, body mass index, and level of physical activity in their local communities, and finally describing the population of participants at various points over a 25-year period. Papers one and two examined differences in pre- and post-camp measures for first-time and repeat participants, with the first paper focusing on physical performance, and the second …

Stress, Depression, Quality Of Life, And Language Recovery In Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy (Ciat), Brian Sharp

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Traditional aphasia treatment approaches focus initially on restoration of language, but quickly move to use of alternative modes of communication when progress is slow. Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT), a more intensive form of treatment, is based on the concept of frequent, long sessions and forced use of the impaired language system. Prior to the present study, the relationship between CIAT and stress had not been explored; therefore, this study compared cortisol stress levels and improvement of language skills in two groups of subjects, all of whom presented with expressive aphasia. Ten subjects participated in CIAT, and received 10 days …

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Elasticity And Force For Knee Flexion During The Menstrual Cycle In Women, Haneul Lee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Numerous studies have been conducted on changes of knee ligament laxity during the menstrual cycle (MC) since there are more injuries in certain phases. Some researchers believe that since estrogen receptor β exists in ligaments and tendons in the knee, estrogen may modulate towards a state of laxity. However, increased tissue temperature also observed during the MC can predispose ligament and tendon laxness. The number of women using oral contraceptive pills (OCP) has constantly increased in the United States. This exogenous source of synthetic forms of steroid hormones prevents ovulation by maintaining more consistent daily hormone levels than occurs. Since …

Navy Seal Prosthetic Hand, Devon Patrick Augustus

Master's Theses

Prosthetic development recently has focused mainly on myoelectrically controlled electric hands despite a majority of upper extremity amputees actively choosing body powered devices. Myoelectric hands utilize a small electric pulse generated in muscles when flexing as a signal to the hand to close. Finger flexion in these devices is controlled by electromechanical servos, requiring no strength input from the user. Body powered devices use a cable attached to a shoulder harness which causes mechanical closure of the device via tension placed on a control cable by a shoulder shrug motion or arm extension. Outfitting of active duty service personnel has …

Hoist To Transfer Athletes From Wheelchair Into A Kayak, Jennifer Batryn, Javier Mendez, Kyle Mooney

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Aquatic Immersion On Static Balance, Talin J. Louder

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Objective To quantitatively assess measures of static balance and limits of stability (LOS) in an aquatic environment compared to on land. Methods Fifteen healthy, young adults (23 + or - 2 years) performed 90 s static balance trials on land and aquatic immersion at two different depths (greater trochanter, xiphoid process). Measures of 95% ellipse area and center of pressure (CoP) mean velocity were computed from the force data. Additionally, participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS) of perceived stability for each environmental condition. Following the static balance trials, participants performed anterior-posterior and medial-lateral LOS assessments. Results Significant differences in …

Lactate Threshold: Land Versus Water Treadmill Running, Ron T. Garner

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Aquatic treadmill running has become increasingly popular for rehabilitation and training purposes due to decreased joint impact on the lower extremities, which is beneficial for special populations such as the injured, elderly, arthritic, and obese (Greene et al., 2009; Hall, Grant, Blake, Taylor, & Garbutt, 2004). Accordingly, researchers have compared key differences such as heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), stride frequency, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) between land and water running at maximal and submaximal efforts (Brubaker, Ozemek, Gonzalez, Wiley, & Collins, 2011; Rife, Myrer, Feland, Hunter, & Fellingham, 2010; Rutledge, Silvers, Browder, & …

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 …

The Validity And Reliability Of The Fort Hays State University Shuttle Walk Test, Lynae Wright

Master's Theses

A variety of time limited, distance limited and incremental shuttle walk tests have been utilized to evaluate functional fitness. Most incremental shuttle walk tests require the same leg to always be on the inside of the walking pattern; therefore receiving more stress because the body’s mass shifts to the inside foot. Only one previous study used a figure-8 walking pattern, it was not used to measure functional fitness (Hess, 2010). The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Fort Hays State University (FHSU) shuttle walk test of functional walking fitness incorporating a figure-8 walking …

A Systematic Review To Assess The Methodological Quality Of Intervention Research Designed To Increase Physical Activity In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jolene Winn

HIM 1990-2015

In comparison to normally developing children, many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do not possess the same opportunities to be physically active due to the impairments exhibited by their disorder. A systematic review using the Downs and Black checklist and the PEDro scale was conducted to assess the methodological quality of the literature on promoting physical activity in children with ASD. The following inclusion criteria had to be met: (1) subjects must include children with a clinical ASD diagnosis (2) the children have to be under the age of thirteen years old (3) the interventions must target physical activity; …

Dive Into The Pit: Moshing And Its Effects On Perceived Stress, Sense Of Belonging, & Self-Esteem In College Undergraduates, William Tyler Edwards

Honors Theses

Moshing has been underrepresented in the research field. This is especially true in the area of Therapeutic Recreation. Moshing has been seen as a dangerous and violent form of dance. However, in a controlled environment moshing has the potential to be used as a therapeutic modality.

This study examined the effects of moshing on perceived stress, sense of belonging, and self esteem in undergraduate college students at the University of Southern Mississippi. Data was collected during a five-week moshing dance session through the use of three assessments/surveys, which included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rosenburg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the …

Always Hope: The Matthew Jessen Story, Christopher Jessen

Honors Thesis

Everyone is at risk of a brain injury every day. The effects of a brain injury can range from the minimal to the debilitating. Matthew Jessen is a brain injury survivor and my brother. His story is one of struggles and triumph as he overcame an injury that could have killed him. This documentary examines the impact brain injuries have through Matthew’s story. It describes Matthew’s journey through his initial seizures, his stay at the Mayo hospital and the brain injury facility On With Life, and his return home and to school. The documentary also shows wide range of effects …

Anterior Cervical Decompression And Fusion On Neck Range Of Motion, Pain And Function: A Prospective Analysis, Kate Addis, Jason Longhurst, Bree-Lyn Vom Steeg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Summary of background data: Intractable cervical radiculopathy secondary to stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus is commonly treated with an anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedure (ACDF). However, there is little evidence in the literature that demonstrates the impact such surgery has on long term range of motion outcomes

Study Design: Prospective, non--‐experimental.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare cervical range of motion and patient reported outcomes in patients before and after a 1, 2 or 3 level ACDF.

Patient Sample: 46 patients.

Methods: Patients undergoing an ACDF for cervical radiculopathy had their cervical range …

Organized Camp And Character Development 2013, Veronica Ripp

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between organized camp and character development. In particular, it looked to determine to what extent organized camp affected campers' character, including how much change in character campers' experienced in a week at camp, what aspects of character were most influenced, and what factors about camp had the most impact on campers' character. The study was multimodal in design, using the Values in Action Inventory for Youth (VIA-Youth) as a pre and posttest for quantitative analysis and camper interviews, staff interviews, and researcher observations for qualitative analysis. Seven completed VIA-Youth pre …

Test-Retest Reliability And Responsiveness Of Gaze Stability And Dynamic Visual Acuity In High School And College Football Players, Denise Kaufman, Mallory Puckett, Mitchell Smith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish reliability and responsiveness of the active dynamic visual acuity test (DVAT) at speeds of 150 to 200 degrees per second (deg/sec) and the gaze stabilization test (GST) in high school and college football players.

Design: Reliability design

Setting, Participants, Main Outcome Measures: A total of 50 high school and college football athletes completed vestibulo-ocular reflex testing using the DVAT and GST in the yaw (horizontal) and pitch (vertical) planes on two separate occasions within 14 days.

Results: Test-retest reliability for the DVAT was good in yaw, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) (3,3) …

Modern Technology And An Aging Population: Can The Use Of The Wii Fit Gaming System Improve Functional Balance In Community Dwelling Seniors?, Curtis N. Phillips

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Seniors are a growing segment of the population of the United States. By 2030 they will make up nearly 20% of the general population. Senior citizens face many health challenges as they age. Injury due to falling is a major concern for many in this age group. Research shows that approximately one third of seniors will fall each year. Injuries that result from falls have been identified as the number one cause of accidental death in this age group each year. While falls have been studied by researchers for a number of years, and some progress has been made in …

The Acute Effects Of Upper Extremity Stretching On Throwing Velocity In Untrained Baseball Throwers, Ashley Delobel, Lanisa Harveson, Jason Melton, Michael Williams

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of static and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching of shoulder internal rotators on throwing velocity as compared to a typical dynamic warm-up.

Subjects: 27 male untrained throwers (mean age = 25.1 years old, SD =2.4) with basic knowledge of throwing mechanics.

Methods:The study was conducted over a series of three sessions with at least one week between each session. During each session, subjects warmed-up, threw 10 pitches, were randomly assigned to one of three separate stretching protocols, and then threw 10 more pitches.The three protocols were static stretching, …

Decreasing Fall Risk In Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness, Reynaldo Joseph Ballesteros Jr., Kellie Ann Hislop, Chanita Mary Panchasarp

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This thesis project was created to help promote fall risk awareness in older adults who are living in the community with a serious mental illness. This project consisted of a 3-part multifactorial intervention plan that focused on increasing fall risk awareness and promoting participation in healthy lifestyles. Environmental modifications were made to the facility to create a safe environment and minimize the risk of falls. An exercise video was created and piloted with the residents of a facility for people with serious mental illness. The video included strength and balance exercises which minimize the risks of falling. An inservice was …

Increasing Fall Self-Efficacy And Awareness Of Fall Risks Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Dona Diane Andersen, Brian Edwin Dinozo, Heather Vengco Enrile, Brittany Anne Hutchison

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a modified version of the Stepping On fall prevention program in increasing fall self-efficacy and awareness of fall risks in community-dwelling older adults.

Method: This research study utilized a quantitative, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest singlegroup design with a qualitative element. The fall prevention program was the intervention of this study. The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) was a pre and post measurement tool. The Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), the Romberg test, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status Examination (SLUMS) were screening tools. Fourteen older adults aged 75 …

Bridging The Gap For First Generation Students (Bg4fgs): An Occupation-Based Peer Mentoring Program At Dominican University Of California, Victoria Danielle Rivera, Marion De Celis Sarte, Alison Jean Wiggam

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Attending college is a major milestone in the lives of students. The transition to college can be a challenging process for new students, particularly first-generation students, impacting their ability to meet the more rigorous academic demands and to integrate socially into the campus community (Prospero & Vohra-Gupta, 2007; Ramos-Sanchez & Nichols, 2007). To ease the transition to college, peer mentoring programs can assist new college students by offering guidance, one-on-one and group sessions, providing information about campus life and resources, and referring them to support services (Ferrari, 2004; Lennox & Leonard, 2007). The project developers collaborated with Dominican University of …