Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial To Evaluate The Effects Of Noncontact Normothermic Wound Therapy On Chronic Full-Thickness Pressure Ulcers, Luther C. Kloth, Joseph E. Berman, Marilyn Nett, Paula Papanek, Sonia Dumit-Minkel

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of noncontact normothermic wound therapy (NNWT) versus standard wound care on chronic full-thickness pressure ulcers.

DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial

SETTING: Veterans administration medical center and 7 long-term-care facilities

PATIENTS: 40 inpatients with 43 Stage III and IV pressure ulcers

INTERVENTIONS: A sterile noncontact wound dressing was applied to 21 wounds for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Each day after the wound was irrigated and the noncontact dressing was changed, a heating element in the dressing was activated for 3 1-hour periods for 12 weeks or until wound closure. Twenty-two control wounds …

5 Questions–And Answers–About Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, Luther C. Kloth

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Thoracic Pain In A Collegiate Runner (Case Report), Gary P. Austin, W. T. Benesky

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

This case study describes the process of examination, re-examination, and intervention for a collegiate runner with mechanical thoracic pain preventing athletic participation and limiting daily function. Unimpaired function fully returned in less than 3 weeks with biweekly sessions to re-establish normal and painfree thoracic mechanics via postural hygiene, exercise, mobilization, and manipulation. The outcome of this case study supports the original hypothesis that the pattern of impairments was in fact responsible for the functional limitations and disability in this athlete. At the time of publication the athlete was without functional limitations and had fully returned to competitive sprinting for the …

Comparisons Of Perceived Exertion Of Elliptical Training Versus Treadmill Exercise, Marcisha Brazley

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Education at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts by Marcisha Brazley on June 28, 2002.

Effect Of Electrode Size, Shape, And Placement On Electrical Current And Subject Comfort During Electrical Stimulation, Bonnie J. Forrester

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Six healthy subjects were studied to determine the optimal size, shape and placement of stimulating electrodes during the application of electrical stimulation (ES) to the biceps, quadriceps, and tibialis anterior muscles. Subjects were recruited to allow for diversity in age, sex, and skin pigmentation. Subjects sat in a custom designed multi-positional chair, which allowed precise positioning of each extremity. After determining the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the muscle and careful determination of the motor point, ES, with a biphasic square wave of 300 ms duration and a frequency of 30 Hz, was used to bring the muscle to 10% …

Patterns Of Scholarly Productivity In Physical Therapy Faculty, Ardith L. Williams-Meyer

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Due to the proliferation of entry-level doctorate physical therapy programs (DPT), there are two important qualifications for current physical therapy educators: 1) they should hold academic doctorate degrees and 2) they need to conduct scholarly activity, such as research, to increase the scientific base for physical therapy practice. In order to determine current faculty preparation for the increasing number of DPT programs, this descriptive study compared the current percentage of doctorally prepared faculty teaching in entry-level doctorate and masters degree programs, and determined their contributions through original research, publications as first or contributing authors or presentations, during the last five …

A Problem-Based Learning Approach To Facilitate Evidence-Based Practice In Entry-Level Health Professional Education, Michelle M. Lusardi, Pamela Levangie, Beverly D. Fein

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

This article will provide an overview of the problem-based learning process, and an illustration of how problem-based learning can facilitate development of critical appraisal necessary for evidence-based practice. It will trace the development of problem-based learning as an educational methodology for entry-level health professional education. The information seeking and appraisal themes common to both problem-based learning and evidence-based practice will be examined, along with the roles and responsibilities of faculty and tutors who are part of problem-based learning courses or curricula. Examples of strategies for student assessment will be discussed, for both mastery of didactic content and for contribution to …

Effect Of Frequency On Human Unipedal Hopping, Gary P. Austin, David Tiberio, Gladys E. Garrett

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

All mature forms of locomotion involve periods of unilateral stance. Unipedal hopping may provide useful information about the neuromuscular and biomechanical capabilities of a single lower extremity in adults. This study investigated whether hopping influenced vertical stiffness and lower extremity angular kinematics during human unipedal hopping. Vertical force and two-dimensional kinematics were measured in 10 healthy males hopping at three frequencies: preferred, +20%, and -20%. At +20%, compared to preferred, vertical stiffness increased 55% as hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion decreased, while at -20%, vertical stiffness decreased 39.4% as hip flexion, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion increased. As …

Effect Of Added Mass On Human Unipedal Hopping, Gary P. Austin, Gladys E. Garrett, David Tiberio

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Although hopping is considered a children's activity, it can be used to provide insight into the neuromuscular and biomechanical performance of adults. This study investigated whether mass added during unipedal hopping altered the vertical stiffness, hopping period, and angular kinematics of the lower exteremity of adults. Measures of two-dimensional kinematics and vertical force were made from 10 healthy men during hopping at a preferred period under three conditions: Body Mass, Body Mass +10%, and Body Mass +20%. Adding mass significantly increased hopping period and hip flexion without significantly affecting vertical stiffness, ankle dorsiflexion, or knee flexion. Overall, the findings agreed …

Interprofessional Perceptions Between Occupational Therapists And Physical Therapists: Barriers To Effective Interdisciplinary Team Functioning, Jennifer L. Gober

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

OT and PT practitioners are expected to function as members of an interdisciplinary team effectively. It is important to be aware of the barriers that may create conflict between them. The purpose of this study was to examine interprofessional perceptions regarding interprofessional and practice issues that might serve as barriers to effective interdisciplinary team functioning. A random sample of 400 therapists (200 OTs and 200 PTs) was mailed questionnaires. A total of 182 questionnaires were used for data analysis. Research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, t-tests, and chi-squares.

This study finds that OTs and PTs have differences …

A Preliminary Study On The Reliability Of Physical Performance Measures In Older Day-Care Center Clients With Dementia., Vince Salazar Thomas, Patricia A. Hageman

Journal Articles: Physical Therapy

BACKGROUND: Decline in physical functional ability is an intrinsic component of the dementia syndrome. Reductions in muscle mass and strength represent a major factor in the loss of functional ability Although resistance exercise has been studied as a method for maintaining/recovering function in populations of frail older adults, people with dementia have been systematically excluded because of uncertainty about the reliability of outcome measurements.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of a battery of established performance-based measures of strength and function among subjects with dementia.

SETTING: A hospital-affiliated adult day-care facility.

SUBJECTS: Twelve of …

Prevalence Of Various Upper Extremity Disorders In Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Versus Patients Without Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Daniel C. Buda

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose: Increasingly larger numbers of patients present with repetitive strain injuries of the upper extremities, especially carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A large number of these patients appear to have more than one upper extremity condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the probability that a patient diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome will also be diagnosed with other upper extremity and/or cervical spine disorders.

Subjects: A group of 188 subjects diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and a group of 203 subjects without carpal tunnel syndrome were selected through a chart review of patients at Loma Linda …

2002 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

"Survivor:" Outwit, Outlast, Alumni.

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 …

A Survey Of College Students With And Without Low Back Pain: A Comparison Of Risk Factors, Carrie Bristow, Erika Buckhouse, Jessica Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many people suffer from low back pain. The lifetime incidence of low back pain has been widely studied in the general population. Previous research has found risk factors that have been correlated with an increase in low back pain. Individuals with low back pain seek different sources of treatment; outcomes of treatments vary. This survey targeted younger adults, specifically college students of ages 18 to 26. The results of this survey attempt to answer these three research questions: 1) What is the lifetime incidence of LBP in young adults ages 18 to 26? 2) In college students, is there a …

Determining The Level Of Knowledge Of Und College Women In Their Childbearing Years Regarding Exercise During Pregnancy, Tricia Flohr, Sara Hoerner, Kari J. Melby

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With an increase in the number of pregnant women exercising, there is an increased need for patient education and the distribution of updated guidelines to promote appropriate exercise activities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge in English-speaking, college women in their childbearing years attending the University of North Dakota regarding the risks, precautionary measures and recommended modes of exercise during pregnancy.

SUBJECTS & METHODS: Eighty-four women between the ages of 18 and 40 enrolled in the summer school session completed a thirty-one question survey. The survey was used to gather information about the …

An Emg & Motion Analysis Study Of The Elliptical Trainer, Chris Hansen, Jaime Horner, Filip Johnson, Emily Wolkomir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe lower extremity muscle activity and joint range of motion while moving both forward and backward on an elliptical trainer at minimum and maximum inclines.

Subjects

Ten healthy subjects (7 female and 3 male) gave informed consent to voluntarily participate in this study.

Methods

A single group experimental design was used. A maximum contraction was performed for comparison measure and electromyographic (EMG) data was collected while the subjects performed the stride at the specified variables.

Results

The vastus lateralis was the most active of all the muscles throughout the entire …

Differential Diagnosis And Management Of Spinal Nerve Root- Related Pain, P. Sizer, V. Phelps, G. S. Dedrick, O. Mattijs

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of The Leg Coordination Patterns Of Preterm And Fullterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis, Yuping Chen, Linda Fetters

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background and Purposes: The purposes of this meta-analysis were (1) to investigate the relation between prematurity and the parameters of infant kicking, and (2) to examine to what degree the effect size varies as a function of age, study type, publication type, and country of origin. Methods: Six studies met all the inclusion criteria and were used for this meta-analysis. A r-indicator was used to represent the effect size indicating the difference between low-risk preterm and full term infants and the difference in kinematic variables between high-risk preterm and full term infants. A fixed-effect model was assumed in this study. …

Reliability Of Shoulder Goniometric Measurements In Persons Who Are Elderly, Karina Koch, Lauri Paulsen, Heather White, Richard Williamson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of the United States is rapidly aging; this is exemplified by the cohort of "Baby-Boomers" who make up a large part of the population. This becomes relevant to physical therapists, as our clients will reflect this "graying" of America. There is a lack of research regarding normative values for shoulder range of motion (ROM) in the elderly population. Due to many different factors in the aging process, there may be a decline in ROM in elderly persons. Current normative values may not be applicable to this population.

Two pilot studies were conducted measuring active and passive shoulder ROM …

A Comparison Of Abdominal Muscle Activity During The Crunch, Crunch On Ball, And Abslide Exercises, Jessica M. Norton, Lesley Splonskowski, Hayley Strauss, Sabrina Wagner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People have developed an obsession with flattening their stomachs and slimming down their waistlines. The so called "ab machines" have become the most popularly purchased home exercise tools. Although numerous electromyographic (EMG) analysis studies have been done on various forms of equipment-free abdominal exercise, little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of equipment-aided exercise. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate any differences in EMG activity between three abdominal exercises: the traditional crunch, the crunch on a ball, and utilization of a prone rolling machine (AbSlide®).

Thirty, healthy subjects between the ages of 19 and …

A Survey Of The Use Of Physical Agents And Therapeutic Modalities In Physical Therapy, Kyle B. Seto, Eric D. Walberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. It is desirable that physical therapy programs update their curricula according to the clinical application patterns of physical agents and therapeutic modalities in physical therapy. The purpose of this study is to 1) determine the frequency of use of physical agents and therapeutic modalities, 2) determine the factors in deciding which physical agent or therapeutic modality to use, 3) determine the educational coverage of each physical agent or therapeutic modality and identify strengths and weaknesses of the respondents training, and 4) compare the frequency of use with the current training in physical agents and therapeutic modalities at …

The Effect Of Hip Taping On Hip And Knee Muscle Activity, Kyle Barker, Greg Charlton, Grant Goven, Daren Martin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: It has been hypothesized that patellofemoral pain may be precipitated by weak hip abductor musculature that does not pull the pelvis and femurs into correct alignment during gait activities. The misalignment at the pelvis leads to misalignment down the kinetic chain, eventually affecting the knees. It is theorized that hip taping may aid in supporting the pelvis, thus reducing the EMG activity of the hip abductors and normalizing the alignment of the knees. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion during a step-down test in subjects with and without the hip …

The Effects Of Magnetic Insoles On Lumbar Flexion, Kari Braaflat, Becky Cox, Angela Delacruz, Heather Skarsgard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Magnets have been used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. Today, magnetic devices and other alternative therapies are more popular than ever among the general public. The effect of these magnetic devices is dependent on several variables including strength, depth of penetration, placement, time exposed to the magnetic field, and polarity. There are many proposed theories on how magnets affect the body, but there is little research to support them. One of the theories proposed is that magnets alter connective tissue elasticity and allow greater range of motion (ROM). Additional research needs to be conducted to validate or negate …

A Survey Of Perception And Awareness Of Physical Therapy Services In North Dakota, Dustin Carter, Nathanyal Jacklitch, Chris Nephew

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists treat patients with a wide array of medical conditions, diseases, and dysfunctions in a variety of settings across the state of North Dakota. Few studies have been conducted to determine the level of public awareness of physical therapy and/or the existing perceptions toward physical therapy. The purpose of this study is 1) to determine the level of public awareness concerning physical therapy services that exist in North Dakota and 2) to determine the public perceptions of North Dakota residents towards physical therapy. The results of this survey were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared …

Intra And Inter-Tester Reliability For Lumbar Flexion And Extension Using The Dualer Digital Inclinometer, Amber M. Flatland, Jennifer Johnson, Tracy Stommes, Kimberly Weeda

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-tester reliability of the DualerTM Digital Inclinometer when measuring lumbar flexion and extension. Past studies examining reliability of inclinometers have reported variable results. Few studies in the literature have sought to determine the reliability of the Dualer™ Digital Inclinometer for measuring lumbar flexion and extension.

Methods: The subjects who participated in this study were university students between 20 and 41 years of age without a significant history of back pain (n=22). Two testers measured each subject's lumbar flexion and extension, hip flexion and extension, and straight leg raise …

The Effects Of Boron On The Range Of Motion Of Dexterity Related Joints: A Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nicole Herda, Jessica Woehl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, destructive and chronic, inflammatory disease of the joint synovium. Signs and symptoms include pain, limited range of motion, swelling, and tenderness, which may progress to deformity. These manifestations may limit dexterity, independent living, and the overall well being of an individual. Living with daily restrictions proves to be a psychologically distressing experience.

An increase in the dietary boron level of laboratory rats has shown to have a positive effect on the range of motion in their involved joints. This concept was tested on a human subject at the United States Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition …

The Hand Center: Considerations Related To The Design, Planning, Staffing, And Marketing, Marcia L. Miller

Community & Environmental Health Theses & Dissertations

A therapist intent on planning a hand therapy center has no resources that are specific to this specialty area of practice. There are contributions utilized to plan occupational and physical therapy departments that can be synthesized to a degree in the planning of a hand therapy center. The practice of hand therapy incorporates a high degree of physical interaction, with close proximity to the patient and handling by the therapist. This paper explores the unique requirements of a hand therapy department. In order to determine hand therapists' preferences for equipment and space utilization a survey was developed and distributed to …

Preparing Students For Ebp, Pamela Levangie

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Describes one particular approach to teaching evidence-based practice in physical therapy. At Sacred Heart University students begin course work that is foundational to preparing them for evidence-based practice. In the first semester of study, they take a Concepts in Measurement unit. During the second semester, I teach a semester-long Clinical Research course that focuses on understanding concepts of clinical research and on critical review of physical therapy literature. During the third and fourth semesters of study, when they are doing their clinical coursework, the emphasis is on the concepts of validity and reliability of the tools they use. The students …