Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Conservative Management Of A Complete Rupture Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report, Ali Woller

Case Report Papers

Background/Purpose: The long head of the biceps plays an important role stabilizing the shoulder. Most of the current literature supports surgical intervention following a complete rupture, but there is little evidence that supports conservative management. Due to a lack of evidence supporting conservative management of a complete rupture of the long head of the biceps, the purpose of this case study was to evaluate the progress this patient made over a six-week period with outpatient physical therapy addressing his impairments resulting from his injury. Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old male with a confirmed diagnosis of a complete rupture …

A 6 Week Balance And Gait Training Program Using The Alterg For A Patient With Cervical Myelopathy After Spinal Decompression Surgery: A Case Report, Palak Patel

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause radicular symptoms due to compression of the spinal cord. About 80% of patients over 70 years old have some level of stenosis. Patients with severe types of cervical stenosis may require operative management which includes spinal decompression and fusion. In this case report the AlterG was used to perform a balance and gait training program for a patient who had significant loss of strength and functional mobility after spinal decompression surgery. Case Description: The patient was an 83-year-old male who was a retired farmer that …

Comprehensive Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Decreased Shoulder Function And A History Of Breast, Lung, And Oral Cancer: A Case Report, Andrew Chongaway

Case Report Papers

Background: Cancer treatments can have late effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, nervous, and integumentary systems. This case report describes comprehensive physical therapy (PT) management of decreased shoulder function for a patient with a history of breast, lung, and tongue cancers treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Case Description: The patient was a 71-year-old female referred to outpatient PT for right shoulder and neck pain with the goals to reduce pain and increase functional mobility. Past history included local cancer treatment occurred to the right upper quadrant for multiple cancers. Outcome measures included the Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS), the Numeric …

A Barefoot Running Program For A College Lacrosse Player With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report, Erica Mazzarelli

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Although barefoot running has been investigated for anterior and lateral exertional compartment syndrome, a specific barefoot running program aimed at altering running mechanics has not been determined for posterior exertional compartment syndrome for a college lacrosse player. The purpose of this case report was to examine the effects of adopting a forefoot running pattern through a barefoot running program in a 20-year-old college lacrosse player with posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in conjunction with a comprehensive physical therapy program. Case description: The patient was a 20-year-old female college lacrosse player who presented to physical therapy with …

Mckenzie Approach To Treating Lumbar Radiculopathy With A Lateral Shift: A Case Report, Carly Theriault

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Pain and dysfunction of the lumbar spine has the highest incidence of any other musculoskeletal condition. LBP is thought to affect 70-85% of people. The purpose of this case report was to implement the McKenzie method, along with manual therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, modalities, patient education, and an HEP for a patient with lumbar radiculopathy. Case Description: The patient was a 59-year-old male with an eight-year history of LBP. Following his most recent injury, the patient had LBP with pain radiating to the right LE. The patient received PT treatment twice a week for eight weeks. …

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 …

Working Towards The Promise Of Participatory Action Research: Learning From Ageing Research Exemplars, Colleen E. Mcgrath

Occupational Therapy Publications

Within research addressing issues of social justice, there is a growing uptake of participatory action research (PAR) approaches that are ideally committed to equitable participation of community members in all phases of the research process in order to collaboratively enact social transformation. However, the utilization of such approaches has not always matched the ideal, with inconsistencies in how participation and action are incorporated. “Participation” within various research processes is displayed differently, with the involvement of community members varying from full participation to their involvement as simply participants for data collection. Similarly, “action” is varyingly enacted from researchers proposing research implications …

Intra-Rater & Inter-Rater Reliability In 2nd Year Dpt Students Performing The Navicular Drop Test, Kirsten Buchanan, Nick Allard, David Buchan, Mike Curtin, Andrew Dipartolo

Research Report Posters

The Navicular Drop Test (NDT) is used as a clinical measure of mid-foot pronation. Objective measurements are rooted in the trust of the tool. When utilizing the NDT, the tool is the practicing clinician. Research has revealed that experienced clinicians have good-excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability when measuring navicular drop (ND). Current data reports ~25,000 practicing US PTs have < 3 years experience. There is limited research exploring the intra- and inter-rater reliability of less experienced DPTs when performing the NDT. The purpose of this research report was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of three 2^nd year DPT students.

Female Athlete Triad: Strategic Plan, Kaitlyn Savard, Carly Theriault, Polina Weinstein, Mayra Zerpa Calderon

Physical Therapy Administration

The following is a blueprint for creating a screening and educational program focused on the Female Athlete Triad. Our program intends to promote awareness, encourage women to take action regarding their health needs, and reduce the stigma surrounding this underdiagnosed and undertreated health issue. Created during the Fall 2018 semester of the Physical Therapy Administration course, this strategic plan contains all values, rationale, and strategies for reaching the target population and addressing this health issue.

Female Athlete Triad: Presentation, Kaitlyn Savard, Carly Theriault, Polina Weinstein, Mayra Zerpa Calderon

Physical Therapy Administration

Presentation created to summarize a strategic plan and screening program focused on the Female Athlete Triad. Program intends to promote awareness, encourage women to take action regarding their health needs, and reduce the stigma surrounding this underdiagnosed and undertreated health issue.

Acute Care Physical Therapy And Early Mobilization For A Patient Following Bilateral Staged Anterolateral Total Hip Arthroplasties: A Case Report, Rachel Claussen

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case report was to add to the limited literature describing acute care physical therapy (PT) management of patients receiving staged BTHA and to document both episodes of care. Primary hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of significant hip pain resulting in disability, joint stiffness, and loss of function. 42% of people with hip OA have it in both hips. Minimally invasive surgery using an anterolateral approach spares the hip external rotator muscles and posterior hip capsule. Staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA): two separate surgical procedures during different hospitalizations. Lower risk of deep vein thrombosis …

Functional Mobility For An Elderly Patient With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report, Gianna G. Pezzano

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: This case report provides a detailed description of how balance training was incorporated into physical therapy (PT) treatment to reduce fall risk and maintain functional mobility in an elderly patient diagnosed with ALS. Due to lack of research on ALS, and the terminal nature of the disease, clinicians and researchers may benefit from a palliative care PT plan to maintain functional mobility for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Case Description: An 82-year old female presented to outpatient PT with the diagnosis of ALS, with decreased functional mobility, high fall risk, and left hip/knee pain due to arthritis. She …

Functional Mobility For A Patient With Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Chronic Gvhd, And Corticosteroid Use: A Case Report, Alyssa Deardorff

Case Report Papers

Background: The use of corticosteroids to treat chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) is common in oncological treatment. However, the long-term complications of cGVHD and prolonged use of corticosteroids have not been reported in terms of the benefits of physical therapy (PT) interventions. The purpose of this case report was to report the impact of PT interventions for an individual with a cancer diagnosis having received an allogenic-stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) with the long-term complications associated with cGVHD, long-term corticosteroid use, and cancer survivorship. Case Description: The patient was a 73-year-old male diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and received an allo-SCT two years prior …

Relieving Low Back Pain And Improving Mobility For An Adult Patient With Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Case Report, Derek Schwaiger

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease affecting patients with compromised immune systems. It attacks the central nervous system through white matter plaques that destroy neurons. Plaques form due to the John Cunningham Virus (JCV). There is no approved JCV treatment and thus, no treatment for PML. The purpose of this case report is to examine the physical therapy interventions administered to a patient with PML to address low back pain and functional mobility deficits. Case Description: The patient chosen was a 51-year-old male referred to outpatient physical therapy services with a medical diagnosis of PML. …

Pre-Operative Versus Post-Operative Kinematic Assessment And Functional Outcomes Of The Thoracohumeral Joint In Adults With Rotator Cuff Tears, Margaret French

Theses and Dissertations

PRE- OPERATIVE VERSES POST-OPERATIVE KINEMATIC ASSESSMENT OF THE THORACOHUMERAL JOINT IN ADULTS WITH ROTATOR CUFF TEARS

by

Margaret E. French

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2018

Under the Supervision of Brooke A. Slavens, PhD

This project investigated upper extremity (UE) motion and functional outcomes before and after full-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff (RC) repair through kinematic analyses of three Activities of Daily Living (ADL) tasks. RC repair is a standard procedure known to alleviate pain, weakness, and stiffness, with improvements of decreased pain and increased range of motion (ROM). Eight (8) subjects (63.6 ± 6.3) with a supraspinatus RC tear participated in …

December 2018 Issue

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

No abstract provided.

Single Arm Recumbent Bicycle, Alexander Borsotti, Ryan Westermann, Sean Liston

Mechanical Engineering

The goal of this report is to outline and cover the scope of work for the Single Arm Recumbent Bicycle Senior Project. The report will give an introduction of the problem, a background of the existing research or products relating to our project, the objectives of our project, our project management plan, our final design, manufacturing, testing, our project management, and final recommendations for improving the final design. The team is being supported by the Quality of Life Program, a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of those injured in duty while serving our nation.

Up until now, …

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management For A Patient With Chronic Pulmonary Complications Secondary To Multiple Lobectomies: A Case Report, Bayley Archinal

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Bronchiectasis is a disease defined by abnormal dilation of the bronchi from recurrent infections and/or chronic inflammation, which can lead to irreversible lung damage. Based upon severity and patient response to conservative treatment, a lobectomy may be required to resolve their symptoms. Though surgery may provide symptom relief and improve overall quality of life, patients are likely to have long-term pulmonary complications. There are several studies regarding the treatment of patients with pulmonary limitations secondary to a lobectomy. However, there is little to no evidence regarding the long-term treatment of patients who have undergone multiple lobectomies. The …

Occupational Therapy: A Partner For Justice In Jesuit Higher Education, Rebecca M. Aldrich

Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal

The commitment to justice spans disciplines across Jesuit higher education, including the health sciences. At least 12 Jesuit colleges and universities offer occupational therapy programs, but the profession has been somewhat overlooked as a partner for justice on those campuses. Through a case example focusing on Saint Louis University’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (SLU-DOSOT), this article aims to illustrate the ways in which occupational therapy can be a partner in the promotion and pursuit of justice. A brief overview of the profession’s perspective on occupational justice precedes the description of SLU-DOSOT, and selected examples illustrate the range …

Capabilities Of Upper Extremity Test (Cue-T) V1.1 (Jul 2016) – Training Video, Ralph J. Marino

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Training Videos and Materials

No abstract provided.

Factors Contributing To Successful Employment Outcomes For Individuals Who Are Hard-Of-Hearing, Sergio Cuevas

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between demographic variables (gender, race and ethnicity, age, level of education, and secondary disability), state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and VR employment outcomes among individuals who are hard-of-hearing. This study also explored what VR services contribute to employment outcomes for individuals who are hard-of-hearing. Data from The U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Service Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) FY 2014 was used to focus on individuals who are hard-of-hearing. Logistic regression, Chi-square, and Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analyses were used to analyze the RSA-911 dataset.

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 …

Identifying Trippers And Non-Trippers Based On Knee Kinematics During Obstacle-Free Walking, Lauren C. Benson, Stephen C. Cobb, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Kevin G. Keenan, Jake Luo, Kristian M. O'Connor

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Trips are a major cause of falls. Sagittal-plane kinematics affect clearance between the foot and obstacles, however, it is unclear which kinematic measures during obstacle-free walking are associated with avoiding a trip when encountering an obstacle. The purpose of this study was to determine kinematic factors during obstacle-free walking that are related to obstacle avoidance ability. It was expected that successful obstacle avoidance would be associated with greater peak flexion/dorsiflexion and range of motion (ROM), and differences in timing of peak flexion/dorsiflexion during swing of obstacle-free walking for the hip, knee and ankle. Three-dimensional kinematics were recorded as 35 participants …

A Study Of Counselor Trainees' Self-Perceived Competency In Social Justice Advocacy, Mary Ann Rocha

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study is to examine the social justice advocacy competencies of rehabilitation counselor trainees. The study aims to explore rehabilitation counselor trainees’ self-perceived social justice advocacy competencies. More specifically, counselor trainees’ demographic and training variables will be examined to understand the process of social justice advocacy competency. Also, the study will explore the correlation between social justice advocacy competency and ethical awareness. A convenience sample of counselor trainees who are in a master’s-level or doctoral level rehabilitation counseling program or related counseling program was utilized for this study. In total, 132 counselors in training completed the online …

Certified Rehabilitation Counselors' Self-Perceived Competency In Facilitating End-Of-Life Care Services, Miranda Lopez

Theses and Dissertations

As of 2010, certified rehabilitation counselors (CRC) have been provided ethical guidelines addressing end-of-life care (EOL) service delivery for persons with disabilities. Due to the plethora of pertinent knowledge and skills sets needed to facilitate comprehensive EOL issues, it is vital to examine rehabilitation counselors’ self-perceived competence in facilitating EOL care service delivery. The study was conducted as a non-experimental exploratory design. Based on the study’s sample (N = 188), descriptive statistics reported 70% of counselors lacked education while 69% had not participated in EOL training. Approximately 81% of the participants reported the need for EOL education and training. …

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors' Experiences, Perceptions, And Readiness Related To Self-Employment Of People With Disabilities, Deborah Ashley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation study was to explore the experiences, perceptions, and readiness (EPR) of vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs) supporting people with disabilities (PWD) in self-employment. While PWD are twice as likely to be self-employed than the general population, self-employment case closure rates within vocational rehabilitation remain historically low around 2%.

Descriptive, inferential, and correlational statistical analysis were used to investigate the EPR of 205 Certified Rehabilitation Counselors across the nation via an online survey, the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Self-Employment Process Survey (VRC-SEPS). The VRC-SEPS consists of demographic items, two Likert-type scales examining experiences and readiness, and a set …

Cost Of Caring: The Effects Of Euthanasia On Animal Shelter Workers, Kim L. Nguyen-Finn

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study focuses on animal shelter workers, a population that has often been overlooked in research and clinical practice, and the emotional strains of the task of euthanasia. The effects of employment in a kill or no-kill shelter, participation in euthanasia, and number of years employed on mental health issues of substance abuse, anxiety, depression, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout were examined. A three-way MANOVA was run to test the hypothesis that there is a cell effect among the type of shelter employed in, participation in euthanasia, and years of experience on mental health, which was not supported by …

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 …

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 …

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 …