Sex Differences In The Effects Of Cortisol On Muscle Characteristics: A Meta-Analysis, Natalie Bitetti

CMC Senior Theses

Background: Cortisol plays a central role in both muscle breakdown and growth. These effects are highly dependent on dose and interactions with other hormones. It is known that men and women show considerable differences in their muscle structure and physiology, which are largely driven by hormonal differences. Cortisol release patterns may also vary between the sexes, with current research showing considerable disagreement. The interplay between cortisol and muscle, two highly variable and sexually dimorphic factors, may prove to have different effects in males versus females.

Objective: This meta-analysis integrates existing research on sex differences in cortisol-muscle physiology with existing research …

Evaluation Of Conservative And Operative Treatments In Active Patients With Acromioclavicular (Ac) And Rotator Cuff (Rc) Injuries, Jesse Singh

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Abstract

Introduction: Shoulder pain and disability, particularly acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) and rotator cuff (RC) injuries, are common in a physically active population. Determining operative or rehabilitative treatment plans involve multiple treatment choices influenced by the injury grade and treatment goals, such as return to sport. This thesis investigates the management of treatment for AC and RC injuries

Method: The first study is a scoping review that uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) to synthesize 32 studies involving athletes who have undergone conservative or operative treatment for their Rockwood grade III …

Effects Of Static Versus Dynamic Cupping On Ankle Dorsiflexion, Alexandria N. Schaub

All NMU Master's Theses

PURPOSE: Cupping therapy involves lifting and separating fascial tissue to facilitate stretching and promote blood flow. Although cupping is a common treatment modality for pain, studies are inconsistent in regards to whether cupping improves other outcomes, like range of motion. Possessing a limited range of motion can lead to musculoskeletal injury. The aim of this research is to determine the acute effect of different methods of cupping therapy on ankle dorsiflexion. METHODS: A total of 35 healthy adults (age: 22.1±4.52 years) with an average ankle ROM of 34.68±4.22° at baseline were included in the study. Participants were randomly …

Effective Therapies And Nursing Approaches: Improving Cognition In Older Adult Stroke Patients, Selyna Baltazar

Nursing | Senior Theses

Background

Ischemic stroke occurs in thousands of older adults throughout the year. Due to the lack of oxygen entering the brain, many patients experience a decline in cognitive function due to ischemic stroke. Cognition is the ability to understand, learn, and remember information which is needed for completing daily tasks. Modern technology has allowed for patients to survive ischemic strokes but has yet to provide proper screening tools and methods for stroke-related cognitive impairment.

Objective

To investigate the best practices for identifying, treating, and caring for patients with a cognitive injury related to a stroke. A review of the research …

Best Practice For Treatment And Prevention Of Ankle Sprains In Ballet Dancers, Sara Bergin

Honors Program Theses

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Landing Biomechanics Between Different Competitive Levels Of Irish Dance, Jade Shields

West Chester University Master’s Theses

Abstract

Objectives: To determine differences in lower limb landing biomechanics and lower extremity function scale scores between champion levels, in young female Irish dancers.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: McDade-Cara School of Irish Dance

Participants: 12 Open Champion (OC) level female Irish dancers (11.9 ± 3.37 years) and 9 Preliminary Champion (PC) Irish dancers (13.5 ± 3.37 years) performed the landing error scoring system test (LESS), and completed the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and a descriptive data questionnaire

Main outcome measures: LESS scoring sheet and LEFS PRO

Results: No significant differences found between OC and PC levels on …

Minimizing Musculoskeletal Injury Risk In Health Care Professionals With Education On Safe Patient Handling, Aubrey Graves

Honors College Theses

Introduction: Nursing is a high-risk occupation for musculoskeletal injuries due to the strenuous activity of patient handling. These tasks include, assisting a patient in bed, moving a patient from the bed to a wheelchair, and assisting with walking. These work-related tasks can create a large amount of stress on the body, especially the back if proper technique is not utilized and/or if excessive loads are applied. The purpose of this study is to examine if teaching proper body mechanics and the dangers of not performing the tasks properly is an effective way of reducing musculoskeletal injuries.

Methods: The NUR 202 …

Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: Evaluating Postoperative Rehabilitation Progress And Return To Sport Readiness, Trevor A. Day

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a common cause of non-arthritic hip pain and reduced physical activity in active young adults. It is defined as a motion-related disorder of the hip with a triad of symptoms, clinical signs, and imaging findings that represents symptomatic premature contact between the proximal femur and the acetabulum. There are two anatomical morphologies that can cause FAIS, cam, and pincer, and is a challenging clinical pathology. Patients typically undergo hip arthroscopy to repair damage to the joint and recess the bone causing the impingement. These procedures can result in positive outcomes for the patient, like reduced …

Visuomotor Adaptation During Asymmetric Walking, Charles Napoli

Masters Theses

Necessary for effective ambulation, head stability affords optimal conditions for the perception of visual information during dynamic tasks. This maintenance of head-in-space equilibrium is achieved, in part, by the attenuation of the high frequency impact shock resulting from ground contact. While a great deal of experimentation has been done on the matter during steady state locomotion, little is known about how head stability or dynamic visual acuity is maintained during asymmetric walking.

In this study, fifteen participants were instructed to walk on a split-belt treadmill for ten minutes while verbally reporting the orientation of a randomized Landolt-C optotype that was …

Therapeutic Exercise Influences On Activity Of The Multifidus Muscles In Horses, Tena L. Ursini

Doctoral Dissertations

Back pain is a worldwide debilitating condition that affects humans and animals alike. Lower back pain in humans can be caused by a myriad of conditions, including idiopathic origin. Spinal stability is compromised during disease, and a lack of stability also contributes to pathologic spinal conditions. Regardless of species, the stability of the spine depends on bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Muscles provide the only active component that can counteract various loads applied to the body. There are several muscle groups that contribute to spinal mechanics. The erector spinae group are large superficial muscles the lie along each side of …

Assessment Of Landing Biomechanics And Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Sheila S. Gagnon

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Aberrant landing biomechanics increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and are a focus of rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. The purpose of the present thesis was to develop and evaluate methods of assessing landing mechanics and investigate the effects of different rehabilitation strategies after ACL reconstruction. Three studies were conducted. The first study used a Delphi process to develop the content of a Clinician-Rated Drop Vertical Jump Scale to evaluate jump landing mechanics during rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. Twenty experts participated in four rounds of questioning, resulting in 92% agreement for knee valgus collapse, lateral trunk lean, insufficient …

The Effects Of Intrinsic Foot Muscle Strengthening On Foot Posture, Balance, And Agility In Ice Hockey Players, Rebecca Eve Veltrie

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Context: Research has shown that intrinsic foot muscle strengthening over a 4-week period is beneficial for improvements in dynamic postural control, function, stability and foot posture. Ice hockey is a sport that requires immense levels of balance, stability and performance on the lateral aspect of the skate. With research lacking on the impact of intrinsic foot muscle strengthening on ice hockey athletes’ balance, foot posture and performance, implementation of such a program may be beneficial for ice hockey players. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of foot intrinsic muscle strengthening versus a traditional …

Effects Of A Strength Training Intervention And Quality Of Life: Case Study On A Sedentary Adult Female, Lucas Frazier

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of the project is to evaluate physiological and quality of life changes in a

sedentary, senior-aged (55 or older) female using a six-week strength training

intervention. This case study will instruct how to perform a push-pull-legs split

routine by going to the gym three times per week. Prior to the six week intervention,

both quantitative and qualitative variables will be collected to assess baseline data,

including the subject’s resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, grip strength, one-

repetition maximum on seven whole body exercises (dumbbell bicep curl, tricep

pushdown, barbell bench press, wide-grip lat pull-down, seated dumbbell press, …

Different Effects Of Static And Vibrating Foam Rollers On Ankle Plantar Flexion Flexibility And Neuromuscular Activation, Brianna G. Mazzei

Honors College Theses

The relatively new implementation of vibration into foam rollers was developed in response to the positive feedback of whole-body vibration treatment and foam rolling therapy. The purpose of the study is to research the changes in range of motion and myoelectric activity of the ankle dorsiflexors in female NCAA Division I swimmers when using a vibrating foam roller in comparison to a static foam roller. Combining the self-myofascial release with the increased blood flow and muscle temperature exerted from vibration could possibly enhance the effects of foam-rolling treatment. The different effects of ankle flexibility and motor unit activation after static …

Description Of Motor Control Using Inverse Models, Anton Sobinov

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Humans can perform complicated movements like writing or running without giving them much thought. The scientific understanding of principles guiding the generation of these movements is incomplete. How the nervous system ensures stability or compensates for injury and constraints – are among the unanswered questions today. Furthermore, only through movement can a human impose their will and interact with the world around them. Damage to a part of the motor control system can lower a person’s quality of life. Understanding how the central nervous system (CNS) forms control signals and executes them helps with the construction of devices and rehabilitation …

Integrating Alexander Technique Into Treatment Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis To Improve Patient Quality Of Life, Ana Nishioka

Scripps Senior Theses

The following thesis posits training in the Alexander Technique as a possible solution to address the comorbidities of poor body image and reduced feelings of efficacy in patients treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Both literature and personal accounts of AIS highlight that current conservative methods of treating AIS offered by the Western medical sphere, including observation, bracing, and physical therapy, do not adequately address, and may actually exacerbate, negative mental health symptoms. Patients are often represented as their external orthopedic diagnosis and receive limited emotional guidance in exploring their internal feelings about their body and its capabilities. Alexander Technique …

Using Foot Pressure Analysis To Predict Reoccurrence Of Deformity For Children With Unilateral Clubfoot, Juanita Jean Wallace

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Reoccurrence of deformity can affect upwards of 64% of children with clubfoot. The ability to use foot function as a measure of reoccurrence has not been previously assessed. The purpose of this investigation was to utilize foot pressure analysis to predict the probability of reoccurrence in children with unilateral clubfoot. Retrospective foot pressure data revealed predictive algorithms detecting the probability of experiencing any type of reoccurrence (overall reoccurrence) and for experiencing a tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT). The equation for overall reoccurrence reported sensitivity and specificity of 0.82 and 0.81 and the equation for TATT reported values of 0.81 and …

Muscle Synergy During A Single Leg Standing Test In Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy, Brennan L. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by dysfunctional motor coordination, balance problems, and loss of selective motor control. Motor coordination exhibited as co-contraction, has been subjectively quantified using gait analysis, but recent studies have begun to objectively analyze the amount of co-contraction by collecting electromyography (EMG) data. Center of pressure excursion (COPE) measurements collected during a single leg standing test (SLST) have shown to be more valid measurements of balance in populations with motor disabilities than a SLST alone. A recent study has correlated increased COPE velocity with a lower fall risk as determined by reported fall …

Effects Of Lower Extremity Aerobic Exercise And Conditioned Pain Modulation On Evoked Shoulder Pain, Logan Lumpkins, Craig Wassinger

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that aerobic exercise and conditioned pain modulation may be advocated in treating patients with musculoskeletal pain. The effects of lower extremity aerobic exercise and conditioned pain modulation on evoked shoulder pain are not known.

Purpose: To determine the acute effects of lower extremity aerobic exercise and conditioned pain modulation on outcomes of evoked shoulder pain from pain pressure threshold measurements.

Study Design: Repeated measures.

Methods: Thirty (30) healthy volunteers were tested over the course of two sessions. Session 1 consisted of collecting pain pressure threshold measurements over the infraspinatus before and immediately following a conditioned pain …

Neuromuscular Function In Women Postpartum, Rita Deering

Dissertations (1934 -)

Efficient abdominal muscle function is important for functional mobility in men and women, and dysfunction of these muscles has been associated with impaired function such as low back pain. This dissertation explored abdominal muscle function in healthy young men and young women who have never been pregnant (nulligravid). As pregnancy and child birth also impact the tissues of the abdominal wall, this dissertation will also explore abdominal muscle function in postpartum women. This dissertation involved three primary aims. Aim1 compared abdominal muscle function and experimental pain perception in males and nulligravid females. Maximal strength over a range of trunk angles, …

Perceptions Of Ncaa Division I Baseball Pitchers On Treatment Modalities For Pitching Arm Health, Thomas Williams

Graduate Theses

Throwing athletes of all sports have similarities, even if the sport itself is very different. Throwing an object creates a great amount of stress on the body, particularly at the shoulder and the elbow. A baseball pitcher should train and compete in all three planes of movement-sagittal, frontal and transverse. Training for throwing athletes has two main goals: to increase throwing power and to reduce throwing injuries. Analyzing training habits of a throwing athlete includes an understanding of the modalities they perform in order to prevent potential injuries from occurring. Baseball pitchers are extremely susceptible to throwing injuries, and must …

Effects Of Ankle Weights On Metabolic Response And Muscle Activity On A Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill 2017, Saige Hupman

Master's Theses

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) treadmills are growing in popularity for rehabilitative use, as the benefits of exercising at partially supported body weight may induce faster recovery. It is unknown if there are certain practices that increase exercise intensity while maintaining positive effects of LBPP. Adding ankle weights when walking or running could increase intensity of rehabilitation programs while maintaining the comfort of supported body weight. PURPOSE: To measure metabolic response (VO2, RER, HR, Caloric expenditure), RPE, and lower limb electromyography (EMG) amplitudes of LBPP treadmill walking and running with and without ankle weights. METHODS: Sixteen participants (Age: 21.94 ± …

Do Running Kinematics Change On The Alter-G Treadmill? [2016], Brittany Lavaute

Master's Theses

The Alter-G lower body positive pressure treadmill, also known as the antigravity treadmill, provides a unique means of exercising for rehabilitation patients and low-impact training in athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effect of four different treadmill weighted conditions and three different running velocities (2.68 m.s-1, 3.13 m.s-1, and 3.58 m.s-1) on the kinematic variables of step length, step rate, contact time, and flight time on the Alter-G treadmill (AG) and on the regular treadmill (TM). Fifteen participants completed two separate days of testing. All individuals ran at four different conditions (100%, 80%, 60%, and …

Markerless Radiostereogammetry Of The Shoulder Joint In Humans: Comparisons Of Scapulohumeral Kinematics Between Individuals With Healthy And Supraspinatus-Impaired Shoulders, Ashley N. Hannon

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The purpose of this collection of studies was to further develop the knowledge of shoulder motion in order to better understand joint function through direct measurement of 3D scapulohumeral joint kinematics using a technique of high accuracy. Markerless, bi-planar fluoroscopic radiostereometric analysis using a generic shoulder model was developed in this thesis, reducing the amount of radiation exposure to subjects. The studies compared kinematic data of the scapulohumeral joint in six degrees of freedom with a precise, in-vivo measuring technique. Data were collected on young and older healthy individuals, individuals with a torn supraspinatus and post-surgical intervention.

Although this generic …

Hip Flexor Extensibility And Its Correlation To Hip Hyperextension And Lower Back Pain In Dancers, Tessa Richards

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

In the world of ballet, flexibility and strength are the keys to success. A leg extended to extraordinary heights is equated with beauty and expertise, whereas a lower height is seen as lesser quality. Dancers are trained from their first ballet lesson to reach their toes to the utmost end of their range of motion, and push themselves beyond the regular restrictions of the human body. Despite the pressure put on dancers to be extremely flexible, tight hip flexor muscles (the rectus femoris and the iliopsoas group) are a common complaint, restricting hip hyperextension (called an arabesque). To compensate for …

Temporal Neuromuscular Alterations Of The Quadriceps After Unilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Conrad M. Gabler

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Objective: The primary aim of this research was to examine the temporal pattern of neuromuscular quadriceps deficits in both the involved and uninvolved limbs of patients assigned to the control group after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLr), by assessing quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and corticomotor excitability prior to surgery (baseline), three months after ACLr, and six months after ACLr. A secondary aim of this research was to determine whether quadriceps strength, voluntary activation, and/or corticomotor excitability assessed in patients prior to ACLr and/or at three months after surgery, is predictive of lower extremity postural control and/or self-reported function at six …

Degrees Of Damage: Quantifying Male Vs. Female Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Through Magnetization Transfer Ratios, Nicholai Michael Clausius Crawford

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

No direct, quantitative, and non-invasive markers presently exist to assess exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). However, magnetization transfer ratios (MTR), an emerging measurement quantified via magnetic resonance imagery, provide more direct indication of muscle integrity following EIMD. This study compares and correlates the temporal pattern of the MTR to alternative indirect markers of EIMD in male vs. female populations, and subsequently establishes whether there are sex differences in biochemical activity during recovery. The antioxidant properties of estrogen hypothetically minimize muscle trauma, maintain membrane stability, and limit swelling resulting in heightened tissue integrity and resilience to EIMD. Six males and three females …

Tibial Tubercle Transfer To Correct Bilateral Patellar Tendinopathy In A Collegiate Football Player, Andrew D. Hamstra

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To present a case of a competitive football player with chronic patellar tendinopathy and the associated bilateral tibial tubercle transfer surgeries performed leading to the reduction of pain and return to participation.

Background: A 19 year-old male football athlete (height= 187.96 cm, mass= 112.037 kg) presented with chronic patellar tendinopathy that began in his high school career and continued to worsen with the increased physical demands associated with participation in collegiate sport.

Differential Diagnosis: Chondromalacia patella and Osgood Schlatters disease.

Treatment: After nonsurgical intervention resulted in no decrease of pain, bilateral tibial tubercle transfer surgery was conducted to correct …

Anterior Cervical Decompression And Fusion On Neck Range Of Motion, Pain And Function: A Prospective Analysis, Kate Addis, Jason Longhurst, Bree-Lyn Vom Steeg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Summary of background data: Intractable cervical radiculopathy secondary to stenosis or herniated nucleus pulposus is commonly treated with an anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedure (ACDF). However, there is little evidence in the literature that demonstrates the impact such surgery has on long term range of motion outcomes

Study Design: Prospective, non--‐experimental.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare cervical range of motion and patient reported outcomes in patients before and after a 1, 2 or 3 level ACDF.

Patient Sample: 46 patients.

Methods: Patients undergoing an ACDF for cervical radiculopathy had their cervical range …

Is Pilates An Effective Treatment For Improving Functional Disability And Pain In Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain?, Koren V. Fleming

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Pilates an effective treatment for improving functional disability and pain in patients with nonspecific low back pain?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, two of which were published in 2006 and the other in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Three single-blind randomized control trials comparing the Pilates method of treatment to a control group that did not receive Pilates intervention were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the studies had patients participate in Pilates sessions for six to seven weeks. …