Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Lumbar Spine Extension Mobility Increases With Longer Participation In Football, Matthew Linback, Nicole Nord, Kari Pedersen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Football players are known to develop lumbar spine pathologies, especially extension pathologies (Le., spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis). This study examined the possibility of increased mobility in the lumbar spine with increased exposure to football, possible correlating the increased motion with lumbar spine pathologies. Extension of the lumbar spine in college football players was measured and the results of two groups were compared: those who had completed one or two years of eligibility versus those who had completed three or four years. The influence of the collision nature of football on lumbar extension was examined.

Subjects: Thirty-nine male collegiate football players …

Muscle Activation During Simulated Patient Transfers: Preliminary Study Of Experienced Versus Novice Patient Handlers, Benjamin Mitchell, Patrick Septon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Back injuries are a common problem in providing health care and manually transferring patients can be a cause of back injuries. Because of this fact, there has been a need for research looking into safe methods for manually transferring patients. The intent of this study was to compare muscle recruitment patterns of novice and experienced health care professionals during a simulated patient transfer. By comparing the muscle activity of the experienced group to that of the novice group, we hoped to see differences that could be used to refine training techniques, thus increasing the safety of novice health care …

A Family Guide To The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Merri M. Reese, Lori M. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of the many challenges facing health care professionals practicing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is providing appropriate care that is sensitive, individualized, and supportive to infant development and parental roles (Lawhon, 2002). Because the families are often the ultimate advocates and caregivers for infants in the NICU it is important that they understand and take part in their babies' care. Therefore, by providing clear and easy to understand explanations of equipment, technology, and procedures that are a part of the NICU environment, professionals can help alleviate parental stress and promote parental involvement.

An extensive review of literature …

Eating Disorder Programming In Four-Year College Recreation Wellness Centers, Tiffany Jean Anderson, Amanda Lynn Gulka

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eating disorders are more prevalent in the college-age group when compared to the lifetime prevalence. Because of this increased prevalence, college recreation/wellness center staff should be aware of their clients in terms of the increased risk for eating disorders. College wellness/recreation centers, while serving the campus community, also serve the individuals within this community diagnosed with or at-risk for an eating disorder. Through survey research, we show who is employed at wellness/recreation centers, what type of training they receive regarding eating disorder, how this training is provided along with its content, and what method of public awareness on eating disorders …

Adults With Low Vision: Continuing Education For Occupational Therapists And Occupational Therapy Students, Ashley Berglund, Kelli Hughes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Low vision is a condition that occurs when an individual has "some amount of usable vision, but their visual functioning is impaired and interferes with their ability to carry out desired tasks" (Lampert & Lapolice, 1995, p. 885). Impairments in vision cause disruptions in areas of daily living including work and leisure, routines, habits, roles, and social participation. There is a great need for holistic and client-centered occupational therapy in low vision rehabilitation services to improve an individual's functional performance and overall quality of life.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on low vision definitions and medical conditions, the variety …

A Hippotherapy Protocol For Occupational Therapists, Callie Holt, Kirsten Sonderland

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Hippotherapy is an occupational, physical, and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. In hippo therapy, the client engages in activities that are enjoyable and challenging while the therapist modifies the horse's movement and grades sensory input to improve neurological function and sensory processing (American Hippotherapy Association, 2003).

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a hippotherapy protocol for occupational therapists interested in developing a hippotherapy program. It was the intent that this hippotherapy protocol be utilized with individuals of all ages who …

Children With Limb Deficiency: The Impacts Of Using A Prosthetic For Functional Independence, Kirsten Brandt, Michelle Grimes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many emotions, questions, and concerns may arise for parents and caregivers upon learning that their child has a limb deficiency. Educational resources for parents of children with limb deficiencies may be lengthy, time consuming to find and read, and full of medical jargon. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational booklet that is concise and easy to read for parents and caregivers of children with limb deficiencies.

An extensive literature review was conducted addressing the physical and psychological impacts children with limb deficiencies experience during daily activities. Parents with children who have limb deficiencies, individuals with …

A Wellness Program Module For Employees Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Cindy Janssen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Instruction On Emg Activity Of The Rectus Abdominis During A Crunch On A Swiss Exercise Ball, Tina J. Boyer, Suzanne S. Hammer, Tyler L. Jepson, Eric G. Thompson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the benefit of instruction from a physical therapist in participant performance of an abdominal crunch on a Swiss ball, determined through electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis.

Subjects: Our subjects included male (n=15) and female (n=15) college students between the ages of 18-50 years old. Exclusion criteria included a history of low back pain, prior spine surgery, pregnancy, previous formal instruction of crunches on a Swiss ball, and an allergic reaction to rubbing alcohol. Instrumentation: EMG biofeedback was used to test rectus abdominis muscle activity. This activity was transmitted by a …

Muscle Activation In Individuals Who Are Status-Post A Stroke During Over Ground, Treadmill, And Body Weight Supported Gait: A Comparative Study, Rhonda L. Breitbach, Kelly L. Malmin, Beth M. Nordmark, Jennifer A. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate individuals who are status post stroke during ambulation over ground, on a treadmill without support, and on a treadmill with partial body weight support (PBWS) to determine if there are any differences in muscle activation of major muscle groups in the lower extremity.

Subjects: Two subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects were included if they were over the age of 50 years, could fulfill a two-hour time commitment, and walk independently with or without the use of an assistive device. Subjects were excluded if they have had surgery or an …