Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Standard And Cognitive Four Square Step Test (Fsst), Renee Hoffman, Hannah Bucholz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The Four Square Step Test (FSST) measures dynamic standing balance and agility and was developed to identify older adults at risk for falls. It has a cognitive component for remembering the stepping sequence but has never been tested with an additional cognitive task. The purpose of this study was to collect normative data for the FSST and Cognitive FSST in community dwelling adults for various age groups.

Materials/Methods: Eighty-seven community-dwelling adults (55 females, 32 males) between the age 21 and 86 (48.22 years) were included in the study. Participants completed a fall risk checklist and a cognitive screen prior …

Collaboration Of Music And Physical Therapy: A Case Study For Treatment Of Balance And Coordination Impairments Following Radiation Necrosis, Micah Hale, Paige Slemmons

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Medulloblastomas are a form of cancer most commonly found in children. They are normally treated through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Radiation necrosis is a possible side effect of radiation therapy which can have devastating effects on a patient's function. Research on the effects of physical therapy interventions in treating the functional impairments which can result from medulloblastomas and radiation necrosis is limited. The purpose of this case study is to examine the effects of collaborative treatment between two student physical therapists and a student music therapist on a· patient with functional limitations due to a medulloblastoma …

Effectiveness Of The Stepping On Program In Fall Prevention Measured By The Four Stage Balance Test (Fsbt), Jenna Goecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. Stepping On is one of many fall prevention programs in which individuals who have a fear of falling can participate. Stepping On is a 7 week multifactorial fall prevention program for community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. The program implements an exercise program and addresses education on mobility safety in the community and home. The program addresses how different fall risk factors impact function including diet, medication, vision, balance, and strength.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure pre- and post-program fall risk with the …

The Effectiveness Of The "Stepping On" Program For Reducing The Incidence Of Falls In The Elderly: Measured By Four Stage Balance Test, Julia Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: The Stepping On program encompasses both a balance and strengthening exercise regimen that is targeted towards reducing falls in community-dwelling individuals over the age of 65, who have experienced a fall or are fearful of falling.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the Four Stage Balance Test (FSBT) is an appropriate measure of fall risk in the Stepping On program and to determine if the Stepping On program is effective at reducing fall risk, measured by improved time performance.

Methods: Eight participants, all female, ages ranging from 80-94 years old (M=87.2) completed …

The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale And Its Use In Assessing Confidence In Elderly Community-Dwellers Attending The Stepping On Program, Sierra Heeren

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Stepping On is a 7-week comprehensive fall program aimed at reducing falls for the community-dwelling elderly. Participants are educated on balance and strengthening exercises, and the influence medications, visions, inclement weather, etc. has on safety and falls.

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to utilize the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) and survey results to determine if attendance of Stepping On improves balance confidence. Secondly, this research sought out to discover if increased balance confidence relates to decreased fall risk.

Methods: Participants of this were included 13 individuals initially (with one participant joining the …

Timed Up And Go (Tug) Test And Its Effectiveness In Fall Risk Screening And Assessing The Success Of The Stepping On Program In Fall Prevention, Eric Estes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a functional assessment that has been proven effective at identifying individuals at a risk for falls. The Stepping On program aims toward fall prevention through education, exercise, and shared experiences among participants. With previous evidence displaying positive, significant results for Stepping On and the TUG, a utilization of this assessment to track participants' progress in the course is indicated.

Objective: The purpose of this study was 1) to determine if the Stepping On program displays a decrease in fall risk through the application of the TUG and 2) if …

Effectiveness Of Cognitive Timed Up And Go Test In Assessing Fall Risk In The Older Adult, Cory Sailer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Falls are a common and devastating injury for the older adult. Fall programs, such as the Stepping On program, are used to educate, strengthen, and sequentially reduce the number of falls its participant's endure. The Stepping On program is a multifactorial fall prevention program that addresses: balance and strength exercises, visual impairments, home modifications, pharmacologic effects, and even assistive devices. One aspect that has been found to be influential on fall risk is cognition, in particular executive functioning during ambulation.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to screen participants of the Stepping On program for unknown …

Stepping On: Gait Velocity And Fall Risk Assessment, Brittney Herbst

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: To identify fall risk and determine if the Stepping On program is effective at reducing the risk of falls in participants by increasing gait speed to greater than or equal to 1 m/s. Step and stride length were also compared to age related norms to determine if they correlated to fall risk. Gait speed of less than I m/s has been shown to increase the risk for falls in elderly.

Methods: Fourteen female participants over the age of 65 (mean age of 87) were recruited from a local Stepping On class conducted at an assisted living facility …

The Effectiveness Of The "Stepping On" Program For Reducing The Incidence Of Falls In The Elderly, Lisa Yonker, Jacqueline Maddock, Kathleen Breuer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: One in three adults greater than 65 years of age have had an accidental fall in their lifetime. In 2012, accidental falls cost the U.S. healthcare system $30.1 billion dollars. Strength, balance, and coordination deficits contribute to an individual experiencing a fall. Studies have shown that community based-exercise programs for older adults can improve strength, balance, and coordination and reduce the risk of falls.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover whether participant balance and confidence improved following the completion of the Stepping On program. Also, the study evaluated the effectiveness of Stepping On in …

Establishing Intra-Reliability And Normative Data In Physical Functioning Assessments: A Pilot Study, Scott Jackson, Ryan Schrock, Mark Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PURPOSE: Normative data ranges are not available for all functional balance tests for all age groups. The purpose is to establish intra-reliability and normative age-sensitive data ranges in a battery of functional balance-related measures including the modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB), One-legged Stance Test (OLST), Functional Reach Test (FRT), 30-second Sit-to-Stand Test (30STS), 1 O-meter Walk Test (10MWT), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale).

METHODS: Ninety-two subjects (n =92), aged 19-87 years, were tested with each of these balance tests. Participants were randomly assigned the order in which to complete the six balance tests. Intra-rater …

Balance Comparison Of Open- And Closed-Back Shoes, Tiffany Hemberger, Sara Henderson, Eric Loiland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A growing number of healthcare professionals have been choosing to wear an open-back shoe rather than a traditional closed-back shoe in the workplace. Healthcare professionals incorporate dynamic balance and quick reactions during direct patient interaction. The purpose of the study was to determine if dynamic balance would be affected in healthcare professionals when wearing open-back shoes versus closed-back shoes.

Thirty-two healthcare professionals or students of healthcare professions (28 females and 4 males) were recruited for this study. Subjects ranged in age from 20 to 62 years (mean age 28.2 years), with the majority being physical therapists or physical therapy students. …

Effects Of Ankle Taping On Postural Stability, Jessica Brown, Andrea Foley, Michelle Hager, Andrea Kresel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle taping is a common practice used to support the ankle joint after injury when engaging in activities. Balance is a crucial component of athletic performance that relies on input from the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. Proprioception plays a role in the somatosensory portion of balance and postural control. Ankle taping, which is used to improve performance, may alter a person's proprioception, balance, and postural control.

The purpose of this study is to determine if ankle taping has an effect on postural control in an individual free of chronic or acute ankle dysfunction. Thirty-two subjects were tested on a …

The Effects Of Hypermobility On Static And Dynamic Balance In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Laura Elbert, Teresa Tostenrud

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A significant percentage of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students have been found to exhibit signs of systemic hypermobility. Hypermobility can be defined as joints displaying excessive range of movement. Balance is an integral aspect of the job tasks of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists and involves collaboration of muscles, joints, ligaments, and the proprioceptive input they collectively provide. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of hyper mobility on static and dynamic balance in a population of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students at the University of North Dakota.

Seventy nine physical therapy and occupational therapy …

Examination Of Balance And Weightbearing In Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing The Weight Bearing And Step Up/Over Tests On The Neurocom Balance Master, Kim Broadway, Carrie Grise, Nicky Yamamoto, Franz Yuen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently in the United States, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. Although sports activities commonly cause injury to the ACL, non-athletic individuals are affected as well. With the increasing prevalence of the ACLR procedure, a need appears for researching the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM), version 8.02, Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) and Step Up/Over (SUO) tests with individuals who were …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance For Patients Following A Cva: A Case Study Approach, Michele Jackson, Kimberly Lindemann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebral vascular accident (CV A) is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 75% of people who have a stroke survive, many of whom live with some level of impairments that impact their activities of daily living and quality of life. One of the results of these impairments can be decreased balance. Limitations in balance may impact an individual's risk of falls, ability to ambulate, and performance of functional activities. Exercises emphasizing balance training playa significant role in improving postural control. …

The Effects A Total Knee Arthroplasty Has On Static And Dynamic Balance, Connie Christensen, Nicole Riddle, Nicole Sukut, Cara Uyema

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the United States today, the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. A generous amount of information exists regarding joint proprioception after a joint replacement, however no studies have been done testing postural control after a TKA. With the increasing popularity of the TKA procedure, a need appears for research evaluating static stability and functional mobility of TKAs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects a TKA, 6 months postoperative or beyond, has on static and dynamic balance. The balance of 8 female volunteers and 4 …

Examination Of Tester Reliability Utilizing The Limits Of Stability Test On The Neurocom Balance Master For Assessing Balance In Healthy Individuals, Casey Bartolo, Katie Miller, Rachael Seals, Christal Stotesbery

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is critical for optimal function in completion of everyday tasks. Physical therapists frequently work with people that have balance disturbances in order to help return them to optimal function. One tool used in the assessment and treatment of balance disorders is the NeuroCom® Balance Master 7.06 (NBM), a computerized forceplate system that provides objective measurements of balance performance. In order to obtain accurate measurements on the NBM, it is necessary that the tester have adequate training. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of training necessary for a therapist to obtain reliable results using the NBM. …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance, Heather Bethard, Trish Magee, Susie Mcgarry, Sarah Mcguire

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the six-week "Get Off Your Rocker" balance exercise class, promoted by HealthSouth®, had a significant effect on balance in the geriatric population. If proven to be effective, this class could be an additional tool for physical therapists to utilize to aid in improving a patient's balance.

A total of 22 subjects volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=1 0, 8 females and 2 males) and an exercise group (n=12, 8 females and 4 males). All subjects were high functioning and were …

The Effects Of Plyometric And Treadmill Training On Balance And Reaction Time In High School Aged Athletes, Jay R. Armstrong

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

High school athletes ' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and …

The Effect Of TʻAi Chi Chih On Balance And Blood Pressure, Jennifer Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine if rai Chi Chih could be beneficial in a therapeutic setting. More specifically, if balance and blood pressure could be improved in healthy young adults ages 20-39 after a six week rai Chi Chih program. rai Chi Chih is a shorter form of the ancient martial art rai Chi Chuan.

Two research groups were formed consisting of a rai Chi Chih group (n=11) and a walking group (n=7). Each group participated in one hour of either walking or rai Chi Chih three times a week for six weeks. Participants were tested before …

The Effects Of Elevated Shoe Heights On Static And Dynamic Balance In Healthy Younger Women, Rhett L. Randall

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of elevated shoe heights on static and dynamic balance in healthy young women. The balance of 30 female volunteer subjects with ages ranging from 20 to 26 years (mean age = 22.3 years) was tested. Dynamic balance was tested using the limits of stability (LOS) test on the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM®), version 6.1 as well as the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Each subject's static balance was tested using the bilateral stance test on the NBM®. Subjects participated in a one time testing session which consisted of the performance of …

The Effects Of Plyometrics And Treadmill Training On Balance And Reaction Time In High School Aged Athletes, Marcus Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

High school athletes' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and treadmill …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Shannon Lee Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …

The Effects Of Line Dancing On Balance And Coordination In The Elderly, Christa M. Stelmachuk

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week line dancing program has a significant effect on balance and coordination in a geriatric population. A total of 12 volunteer subjects participated in this study. They were separated into two groups, a control group (n = 6, 4 females and 2 males) and a dance group (n = 6, all female) according to participants' preference. Subjects were in good health, were high functioning, and were found to be at low risk for falls. Age of subjects ranged from 72 to 94 years, with a mean age of 85.67.

The …

TʻAi Chi Chih And Its Effects On Balance And Blood Pressure, Anita Strand

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Our society is faced with more stress, injury, and disease every year. Besides the traditional medicine that we know so well in the Western cultures, people are trying more non-traditional therapies to alleviate their aches and pains. One of these non-traditional therapies that is becoming popular is Tai Chi. The purpose of this study is to determine if balance can be improved and/or blood pressure can be reduced in adults ages 20-39 by practicing Tai Chi Chih three times a week for six weeks.

Eleven subjects participated in Tai Chi Chih, and seven subjects participated in a walking program, each …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Kendra Marie Van Valkenburg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal, healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal, healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …

The Effects Of Line Dancing On Balance And Coordination In The Elderly, Sara Welder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week line dancing program has a significant effect on balance and coordination in a geriatric population. If proven effective, line dancing can be added to the options available to physical therapists for balance and coordination training.

A total of 12 volunteer subjects participated in this study. They were separated into two groups, a control group (n = 6, 4 females and 2 males), and a dance group (n = 6, all female) according to participant's preference. Subjects were in good health, were high functioning , and were found to be …

The Effects Of Elevated Shoe Heights On Static And Dynamic Balance In Healthy Younger Women, Kip S. Ouchi

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of elevated shoe heights on static and dynamic balance in healthy young women. The balance of 30 female volunteer subjects with ages ranging from 20 to 26 years (mean age = 22.3 years) was tested. Dynamic balance was tested using the limits of stability (LOS) test on the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM®), version 6.1 as well as the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Each subject's static balance was tested using the bilateral stance test on the NBM®. Subjects participated in a one time testing session which consisted of the performance of …

The Effects Of Plyometric And Treadmill Training On Balance And Reaction Time In High School Aged Athletes, Andrea E. Richter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

High school athletes' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and treadmill …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Katie M. Rood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …