Public Health Commons^™

Running Biomechanics Differ During And After Pregnancy Compared To Females Who Have Never Been Pregnant, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Elizabeth Avila, Nicholas Reynolds, Jo Armour Smith, Kevin Valenzuela, Dimitrios Katsavelis

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Perinatal running participation has increased recently; however, pregnancy related symptoms can limit activity. Perinatal running biomechanics could inform interventions to help perinatal individuals maintain an active lifestyle.

Research question

Are perinatal running biomaechanics and muscle activation different compared to nulligravida females?

Methods

Sixteen pregnant participants completed self-selected velocity running during second trimester (2 T), third trimester (3 T), and postpartum (PP) and 16 matched controls completed these procedures once in this case control study. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyography (EMG) data were collected using a motion capture system, force plates, and EMG electrodes. Peak trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle …

Implementation Of Post-Covid Conditions Management Utilizing Interprofessional Collaboration In A Multi-Facility Healthcare Organization, Jocelin Friedman, Christina Dhesi-Bawa, Kathleen Kennedy, Stephen Lee, Leona Hidalgo

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: The prevalence of Post-Covid Conditions (PCC) is estimated to affect 10-35% of infected individuals, with upwards of 85% of previously hospitalized individuals reporting prolonged effects. Literature indicates deficiencies in communication between healthcare providers which can negatively affect patients. Due to limited interprofessional communication, there was a scarcity of individuals with PCC receiving comprehensive therapy treatment on an outpatient basis. The multi-system nature of PCC was an indication for interprofessional collaboration and the development of workflows facilitating access to care.

Purpose: This qualitative study investigates the Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Program (PCRP) at a California, USA multi-facility healthcare system. The …

An Exploratory Analysis Of Gait Biomechanics And Muscle Activation In Pregnant Females With High And Low Scores For Low Back Or Pelvic Girdle Pain During And After Pregnancy, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Nicholas Reynolds, Jo Armour Smith, Michelle Walaszek, Hannah Runez, Kristina Lam, Julie Peterson, Dimitrios Katsavelis

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare gait kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation between pregnant females with high and low scores for low back and/or pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy.

Methods

Twenty participants tested during second trimester, third trimester, and again post-partum. At each session, motion capture, force plates, and surface electromyography data were captured during self-selected velocity over-ground walking. Participants completed the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) and were assigned to high (QBPDS ≥15) or low pain groups (QBPDS

Findings

Nine participants met the high pain group criteria and 11 were low pain. During …

Lower Extremity Kinetics And Muscle Activation During Gait Are Significantly Different During And After Pregnancy Compared To Nulliparous Females, Jennifer J. Bagwell, Nicholas Reynolds, Michelle Walaszek, Hannah Runez, Kristina Lam, Jo Armour Smith, Dimitrios Katsavelis

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Low back, pelvic, and lower extremity pain are common during and after pregnancy. Understanding differences in mechanics between pregnant and non-pregnant females is a first step toward identifying potential pathological mechanisms. The primary purpose of this study was to compare joint kinetics and muscle activation during gait between females during and after pregnancy to nulliparous females.

Methods

Twenty pregnant females completed testing on three occasions (second trimester, third trimester, and post-partum), while 20 matched, nulliparous controls were tested once. Motion capture, force data, and surface electromyography were averaged across seven trials during gait. Lower extremity kinematics, lower extremity moments …

Dynamical Properties Of Postural Control In Obese Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Christopher W. Frames, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart, John Lach, Dong Sam Ha, Karen A. Roberto, Abraham Lieberman

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Postural control is a key aspect in preventing falls. The aim of this study was to determine if obesity affected balance in community-dwelling older adults and serve as an indicator of fall risk. The participants were randomly assigned to receive a comprehensive geriatric assessment followed by a longitudinal assessment of their fall history. The standing postural balance was measured for 98 participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ranging from 18 to 63 kg/m2, using a force plate and an inertial measurement unit affixed at the sternum. Participants’ fall history was recorded over 2 years and participants with at least …

Innovative Evaluation Of Dexterity In Pediatrics, Susan V. Duff, Dorit H. Aaron, Gloria R. Gogola, Francisco J. Valero-Cuevas

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Hand dexterity is multifaceted and essential to the performance of daily tasks. Timed performance and precision demands are the most common features of quantitative dexterity testing. Measurement concepts such as rate of completion, in-hand manipulation and dynamic force control of instabilities are being integrated into assessment tools for the pediatric population.

Purpose

To review measurement concepts inherent in pediatric dexterity testing and introduce concepts that are infrequently measured or novel as exemplified with two assessment tools.

Methods

Measurement concepts included in common assessment tools are introduced first. We then describe seldom measured and novel concepts embedded in two instruments; …

The Influence Of Hip Strength On Lower-Limb, Pelvis, And Trunk Kinematics And Coordination Patterns During Walking And Hopping In Healthy Women, Jo Armour Smith, John M. Popovich, Kornelia Kulig

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Study Design

Cross-sectional laboratory study.

Objectives

To compare peak lower-limb, pelvis, and trunk kinematics and interjoint and intersegmental coordination in women with strong and weak hip muscle performance.

Background

Persons with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders often demonstrate a combination of weak hip musculature and altered kinematics during weight-bearing dynamic tasks. However, the association between hip strength and kinematics independent of pathology or pain is unclear.

Methods

Peak hip extensor and abductor torques were measured in 150 healthy young women. Of these, 10 fit the criteria for the strong group and 9 for the weak group, representing those with the strongest …