Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Patient Participation In Physical Therapy Goal-Setting, Susan M. Baker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. An important part of treatment planning in physical therapy is effective goal-setting. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice recommends that therapists identify the patient’s goals and objectives during the initial evaluation as a way to maximize treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether therapists seek patient participation in goal-setting and, if so, with what methods. We also examined therapists’ attitudes toward participation and patient satisfaction with the evaluation encounter.

Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two physical therapists audiotaped the initial evaluation of 73 elder patients. The audiotaped evaluations were then scored using the Participation …

The Effects Of High Fat And High Carbohydrate Diets On Aerobic Performance, Julie Becker, Kelly Mattila

Masters Theses

The effect of a high carbohydrate (HCHO) or high fat (HF) diet on time to fatigue and mood state was examined in the present study. Six untrained males, (mean age 26.6 ± 0.74) were randomly assigned to a high fat (HF) or a HCHO diet for seven days. Subjects performed an endurance test at 55% of VO₂max following the diet. Time to fatigue and psychometric variables of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were recorded. Subjects then consumed the alternate diet following one week of a normal diet and a second endurance test was performed. There was no …

The Effects Of Water Or Sports Drink Ingestion Prior To Exercise On The Performance Of Middle Distance, Amateur Runners In A Thermoneutral Environment, Julie A. Barnes, Scott G. Devries

Masters Theses

Sports drinks have been shown to influence running performance, however, the best methods of hydration are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of water versus sports drink (6% carbohydrate/electrolyte) hydration prior to an exercise bout on the performance of middle distance, amateur runners. Ten subjects were randomly assigned to run two trials and began with either ingestion of water or sports drink. They then completed a maximal treadmill test to volitional exhaustion and returned two days later and drank the opposite drink. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max), time of run, heart rate, respiratory …

Repeatability Of Kinematic And Kinetic Data In The Analysis Of Normal Human Gait, Jennifer M. Piotter, Peter A. Post, Kristi J. Vanden Berg

Masters Theses

Computerized gait analysis (CGA) is a powerful tool used to study the intricacies of human walking. The CGA tool is being used to make objective observations of human movement patterns. It is essential that acceptable repeatability of kinematic and kinetic data be established so that clinicians can detect actual changes between successive tests. This study assessed the repeatability of kinematic and kinetic waveform data from test and re-test trials on 15 subjects. Intra-tester and inter-tester data were examined to determine how much error existed due to marker placement between trials and testers. Part II of this study assessed the repeatability …

Plantar Fasciitis: Etiology And Treatment, Scott Ackman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of inferior heel pain in athletes and non-athletes. The diagnosis for plantar fasciitis is relatively simple due to the distinct nature of the subjective findings. Despite the simplicity of the diagnosis, a thorough history and objective evaluation are essential in order to identify possible etiological factors. The etiology of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial with no one factor present in all cases. Many treatment methods for plantar fasciitis are currently practiced. It is important to note no one treatment method was found to be successful in all cases of plantar fasciitis. In general, research supported …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercises In Post-Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom® Balance Master System, Kelly Adams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case study involved a 61-year-old male post-stroke subject who underwent six weeks of balance training using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NCBM) system.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a six-week training program on a post-stroke individual (> 6 months). Pre- and post-test assessments were conducted utilizing the NCBM protocols and the Berg Balance Scale.

Results: The subject showed improvement in four of five NCBM test conditions-rhythmic weight shifting, sit-to- stand test, walk test, and modified clinical test for sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB) test. Regression was shown in the components of three test …

The Pre-Absorptive, Instantaneous Effects Of Natural And Refined Sugar On Quadriceps Peak Torque, Brian Adams, Kevin Valdes, Scott Vanzanten

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of natural and refined sugar at an instantaneous, pre-absorptive level on quadriceps peak torque and to measure any prolonged effect on normal, healthy subjects. The experimental group (n=40) was randomly assigned to sugar testing order, with refined sugar testing occurring on one day and natural sugar testing occurring on the opposite day. The control group (n=10) followed the same protocol but held distilled water in their mouth. Isokinetic peak torque was recorded for each subject at three intervals, pretest, post-test I (~1 min.), and posttest n (-15 min.). Results showed …

The Effect Of Cognitive Load On Stance Width Of Healthy Older Adults, Susan Brown, Amy Thackery

Masters Theses

Research has shown that narrower stance widths lead to increased postural sway. There is also evidence of increased postural sway with cognitive loading. However, no research has been done to investigate the effect of a cognitive load on stance width. The purpose of this study was to determine if a cognitive task affected the stance widths of healthy, community dwelling 65-80 year old adults. Subjects underwent six task trials (three cognitive, three non-cognitive) after which their stance width was measured. Cognitive task trials required subjects to count backwards by 7's; non-cognitive task trials required subjects to look at a picture …

Functional Effects Of Botulinum Toxin-A Intramuscular Injections In A Patient With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single Subject Case Design, Christina M. Higel, Molly L. Arndt

Masters Theses

This single subject case design sought to evaluated the long-term and short-term effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin-A (BTXA) treatment in conjunction with directed physical therapy on spasticity, active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scores, and motor performance in a patient with TBI. Researchers hyopothesized that directed physical therapy in conjunction with BTXA would maximize a subject’s motor control and performance. An "A₁-BC-B-A₂” single subject design, scheduled to last six months and three weeks, was proposed. Clinically significant changes were defined as: a decrease by one point for the Modified …

Functional Outcome Measures Following Isometric Quadriceps Strengthening In Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis, Rochelle Cibor, Damon Collier, Kris Cooper

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the strength gained from the performance of a six week isometric training program for the quadriceps femoris would result in improvements in the disability level, strength, pain, stiffness, and functional abilities of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Twelve subjects with symptomatic knee OA were randomly assigned to either control or experimental groups, with the experimental group completing a six week isometric program. Pre- and post-test measures included strength assessment on the Biodex and completion of the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. Results indicate that experimental subjects had significant improvements in strength and disability …

Exploration Into The Validity Of Use Of The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency In Assessing The Adolescent With Down Syndrome, Robin J. Essebaggers, Wynne M. Martin, Gina E. Smies

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) in assessing the adolescent with Down syndrome. Thirteen individuals with Down syndrome ages 13 to 20 years with an IQ of at least 35 were administered the short form of the BOTMP (BOTMP-SF). The functional abilities of these subjects were assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Four parts of the PEDI were utilized: 1) Self-Care Functional Skills, 2) Self- Care Caregiver Assistance, 3) Mobility Functional Skills, and 4) Mobility Caregiver Assistance. No evidence of significant correlation existed between the …

The Relationship Between A Functional Throwing Performance Test And Strength Of Various Scapular Muscles, Karen L. Bos, Kellie S. Gehrs, A. Louise C. Hester

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the strength of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, and overhead throwing accuracy in 52 female collegiate softball players. The correlation between manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometry (HHD) was also examined. The Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI) was used to measure throwing accuracy. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated no correlation between the strength assessments and throwing accuracy, as measured by the FTPI. Moderate correlations were found between MMT and HHD strength assessments of the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. A poor …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, Torin Berge

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis we evaluated three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

Etiology And Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Injuries In Baseball Pitchers, Jeff Breyen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rotator cuff injury is one of the most common shoulder problems seen in the baseball pitchers today. The rotator cuff is the primary dynamic stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint and is placed under significant stress during each pitch the player delivers to the plate. Rotator cuff injury and dysfunction in the baseball pitcher may be classified based on etiology as primary impingement, primary tensile overload, instability, and macrotrauma.

The shoulder is a complex joint and proper treatment relies on the physical therapist's knowledge of the anatomy and function of all of the involved structures about the shoulder. The therapist must …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Becky Coy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Shawn Dockter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production between morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) hours. Thirty healthy male subjects between the ages of 21 and 43 were tested during an AM and PM session on the Kin-Com dynamometer. Six concentric isokinetic contractions of the right quadriceps were tested at a speed of 60° Is. The maximal peak torque measurements were compared between the AM and PM sessions to establish the validity of results taken at differing times of day. No significant difference in strength assessment due to time of day was found. The data collected in …

The Effect Of Peripheral Neuropathy On Balance Performance In Community-Dwelling Adults With Type I Diabetes Mellitus, Laura Eckel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Balance is affected by visual, somatosensory, proprioceptive, and vestibular input. Anything that alters one of these elements could potentially cause a decrease in postural stability. One disease which reduces the somatosensory input from the foot and ankles is diabetic neuropathy. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between Type I DM and balance performance, thereby adding to the current knowledge of postural control and the impact, if any, DM has on balance.

Methods: Twenty-five volunteer subjects with Type I DM and 25 age-matched control subjects participated in the study. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used to determine plantar …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Samantha Gould

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study, Darrin Goyn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stroke is the largest single cause of neurologic crippling in the United States, with approximately 550 000 Americans having a new or recurrent stroke each year. The costs associated with strokes are estimated at $30 billion annually. Due to the continuing decline of the health care dollar, stroke rehabilitation units must be designed to reduce functional limitations and disabilities in both a timely and cost effective manner.

The goals of stroke rehabilitation are to reduce functional limitations, prevent complications, educate the patient and family, and improve the patient's quality of life. A proper rehabilitation setting and active participation by the …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Anna Hillig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Brian T. Laumb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjunction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

Principles Of Pediatric Burn Care: A Literature Review, J. Chris Leonard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Principles of Pediatric Burn Care: A Literature Review is meant to provide a compact and comprehensive source of information on the therapy related care of young burn victims. This literature review will be most useful for students and clinicians of physical and occupational therapy.

Recent medical advances have improved the survival rates of children who have sustained burns; this situation demands an increased knowledge and awareness of pediatric burn therapy. The information in this literature review includes a comparison and contrast of the findings of research related to the prevention, classification, pathophysiology, and treatment options of pediatric burn care from …

The Native American Patient Population: A Guide For Physical Therapists, Carrie Luiken

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

For a physical therapist in the state of North Dakota, it is important to be knowledgeable about the Native American cultures in order to provide the best possible health care. A knowledge of the patient's culture is essential to enhance communication which will help the therapist identify the patient's needs and form a plan of care. Enhanced communication also establishes the physical therapist's credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of the patient.

The purpose of this paper is to orient the physical therapist to some shared aspects of Native American cultures and to provide information to facilitate effective communication between …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Shawn Mccoul

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production in early morning hours to afternoon hours. Thirty male subjects volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to an AM or PM testing session. At least one week after the first test, the subjects completed a similar test in the opposite time slot. Each subject was positioned on the Kin-Com (Chattecx Corp., Chattanooga, 'IN) dynamometer and performed six maximal concentric isokinetic repetitions of knee extension at 600/s between the ROM of 10° and 80° of knee flexion. The AM/PM ratios indicated no significant difference between …

Efficacy Of Dynamic Shoulder Bracing In The Management Of Anterior Shoulder Instability, Kristopher S. Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to add to the orthopaedic body of knowledge regarding the efficacy of dynamic shoulder bracing in the management of anterior shoulder instability. Two fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used for testing. One shoulder was used as the "normal" shoulder, while the other was used as the "unstable" shoulder through the creation of a simulated Bankart lesion. Arthroscopic insertion of radiographic markers allowed for assessment of anterior translation of the humerus through the use of x-rays. X-rays were taken with and without shoulder braces applied with the arm in a 90°/90° position. Descriptive statistics were used …

The Use Of Baclofen In The Management Of Spasticity In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Anne E. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is one of the leading developmental disabilities amongst children. The majority of children with cerebral palsy experience some degree of spasticity. This spasticity can be very painful and disabling to the child. It can affect their posture, movements, and their mobility.

Currently, baclofen is one of the most common medications used for the treatment of cerebral spasticity. It can be administered either orally or intrathecally through an implanted pump.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the use of oral and intrathecal baclofen in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Included is a …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Michelle Overbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a critical part of daily activities and essential for independent function. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a balance difference between subjects at twelve to sixteen weeks following unilateral knee arthroplasty and normal community dwelling controls. This study measures balance ability using five functional tests from the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system. Twelve subjects between the ages of 65 and 80 were tested. The two case study subjects with total knee replacements were between 12 and 16 weeks post-operatively. The control group consisted often healthy community dwelling adults. Results showed noticeable differences between …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Heather Phillips

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjuction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

Low Back Pain: An Orthopedic Review Of Sacroiliac Joint Etiologic Theories, Key Diagnostic Criteria, And Effective Manual Therapy Treatment, Michael J. Ressler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists commonly evaluate and treat patients with referral of low back pain. There still remains great controversy whether sacroiliac joint dysfunction produces significant pathological problems. It is imperative that the therapist providing the care posses skillful knowledge in the areas of anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, and treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. These characteristics are required in order to effectively treat patients with low back pain possibly resulting from sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

The purpose of this independent study is to review existing literature with primary focus on the anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, and efficacious manual therapy treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Primary …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Michael Rexin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to compare maximal quadriceps peak torque production in isokinetic strength assessment in the morning and the afternoon. Thn1y male subjects between the ages of21 and 43 volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to either an early morning group (7:30 AM to 9 AM) or an afternoon group (2:30 PM to 5 PM). Each subject performed six maximal concentric isokinetic contractions with the quadriceps muscles after a warm up and an initial familiarization session. Data analysis was done using a t-test for paired samples and Pearson's correlation The results showed a .90 …