Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Median Nerve Mobility Measurement Using A Motion Tracking Analysis Program: A Reliability Study, Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez, Jan Nathleen Dizon, Belinda Cabungcal-Fidel, Ronald Christopher A. Cua, Valentine C. Dones, Peter Lesniewski, John C. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: To evaluate relative and absolute reliability and repeatability in assessing median nerve mobility at the level of the wrist and distal upper arm of the right upper extremity during wrist extension. Methods: Six healthy participants participated in the study. Median nerve mobility was captured three times at both sites using Sonocyte Turbo by two sonologists for a total of 72 video clips (36 for each site and 18 by each sonologist). Longitudinal movement was measured using Motion Tracking Analysis Program (MTAP) by the two assessors who were rehabilitation medicine residents. After one month, the assessors remeasured the longitudinal excursion …

A Novel Approach To Lymphedema Management In Upper Extremity Amputations: A Case Report, Katie Polo, Gali Gamble

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Many breast cancer survivors experience lymphedema complications from past medical management procedures such as axillary lymph node dissections and/or radiation therapy. These complications negatively affect the patient’s health and overall quality of life. Occupational therapists (OT) certified in lymphedema management can contribute to positive patient outcomes as part of a comprehensive medical team. A case is presented of a 73-year-old female post voluntary trans-humeral amputation due to radiation induced brachial plexopathy. This patient’s treatment was led by an OT certified in lymphedema management and included complete decongestive therapy and analysis of function with a focus on the development of a …

Commentary: Considering Educational Perspectives And Their Relevance To Allied Health Professional Education: Using Physical Therapy As An Example, Jennifer Audette, Susan Roush

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to three educational perspectives: progressive, critical, and professional, and explain their relevance to allied health professional education. Faculty in allied health professional education are often solely educated as clinicians and not as teachers, entering academia with limited background in educational theory. Professional organizations and accrediting bodies, however, are highlighting the need for evidence and theory-based pedagogy and practice in educational settings. Method: An overview of three educational perspectives is provided, as is a discussion of their relevance to allied health professional education, using physical therapist education as an example. Conclusion: …

Investigation Of Relationships Between Physical Characteristics Of Recreational Runners And Lower Extremity Injuries, Steven Marc Jackson

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric measurements, proximal and distal lower extremity muscle performance, core muscle endurance, lower extremity flexibility, and neuromuscular control with the incidence of injury in recreational runners over one season. Also, when a relationship was established, we sought to evaluate the predictive validity for any of the variables being investigated for risk of injury in this population. Study Design: Prospective cohort Methods: Anthropometric measurements, proximal and distal isometric lower extremity muscle performance, isometric core muscle endurance, lower extremity flexibility and neuromuscular control were measured in 75 recreational runners prior …

Staff Perceptions Of The Barriers To Mobilizing Icu Patients, Simone Dafoe, Kathy Stiller, Marianne Chapman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Whilst early progressive mobilization is known to be safe and beneficial for patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), barriers still exist to its implementation. As part of a broader quality improvement project that had the overall aim of increasing the frequency of mobilization in our ICU, we conducted a survey of ICU staff to investigate their perceptions of the barriers to the early progressive mobilization of ICU patients. Method: A prospective survey of ICU staff in an Australian, tertiary care, public hospital ICU was undertaken. A total of 93 medical, nursing, and physiotherapy staff participated. A purpose-designed survey …

Implementation Of An Exercise Program In Breast Cancer Rehabilitation To Improve Shoulder Outcomes: A Pilot Study, Dragana Ceprnja, Katherine Maka

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To examine the effects of a group exercise program on shoulder pain, disability, range of motion, and strength. Method: This was an observational study of twenty-six patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery and were receiving physiotherapy intervention. The intervention was a supervised 8-week exercise group program. The primary outcome measure was shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI). Secondary outcome measures were shoulder range of motion of flexion and abduction and strength of shoulder flexion and abduction. Results: The average age of patients referred to the group was 56-years (range of 29 to 71 years). The average time …

Usefulness Of The Managemed Screen (Mms) And The Screening For Self-Medication Safety Post Stroke (S5) For Assessing Medication Management Capacity For Clients Post-Stroke, Jessica J. Bolduc, Regula H. Robnett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Occupational therapists need to efficiently and accurately screen a client’s medication management capacity, especially for clients post-stroke. Most therapists are not aware of, nor do they utilize specific assessments for, medication management capacity. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the results of the ManageMed Screen (MMS), the Screening for Self-Medication Safety Post Stroke (S5), and the Montreal Assessment of Cognition (MoCA) on a population of rehabilitation clients post-stroke to determine the usefulness of the medication assessment tools in clinical practice. These screens were designed for use in occupational therapy practice among other healthcare professions: the MMS was …

Decision Making About Rural Physiotherapy Service Provision Varies With Sector, Size And Rurality, Robyn Adams, Anne Jones, Sophie Lefmann, Lorraine Sheppard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Decisions about physiotherapy service provision occur within the context of organisations, locations, and settings. The uniqueness of rural communities means it is important to consider contextual factors when making decisions about rural health services. As literature describing decision making about rural physiotherapy services is limited, this study sought perspectives on service level decision making (SLDM) from a range of stakeholders. The research approach needed to support consideration of both location and the broader health system. Method: A sequential mixed methods approach within a systems theory-case study heuristic provided the framework to explore rural physiotherapy SLDM. The investigation site, a …

Exploratory Study Of Breast Cancer Survivors' Lived Experience : Activity Engagement During And After Breast Cancer Treatment, Anne Fleischer

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study is to describe breast cancer survivors' experiences and the associated meanings participating in their important activities during and after breast cancer treatment and the relationship among the survivor, environment, occupation, and performance, using a concurrent mixed method design. Ten survivors between the ages of 45 and 64 with Stage I, II, or III breast cancer who had been treated consecutively with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy were recruited for the study. Each survivor completed the Activity Card Sort-modified scoring system (ACSm) during the first and last week of radiation therapy and 3 and 6 months …

Participatory Action Research To Improve Caregiver Education Based On Cognitive Performance Test Results For Persons With Alzheimer's Disease Or Mild Cognitive Impairments, Terrianne Jones

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study was to make changes to how occupational therapists in a transitional care unit setting provide education about Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) scores to caregivers of those patients with dementia or suspected dementia. Caregiver education for this population is important, as the incidence of persons living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias is expected to grow dramatically in the coming two decades. This study used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to gather input from occupational therapists and caregivers of patients evaluated with the CPT. Interviews of caregivers indicated that they were unhappy with the education …

Individual Case Study: The Sos Approach To Feeding, Amy Dow

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Capstone Paper:

Individual Case Study: The SOS Approach to Feeding

Employment Needs Of The Age 21 And Over Id Population In South Florida : An Occupational Therapy Perspective, Ingris Treminio

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

A review in the literature makes it evident that employment needs of the age 21 and over ID population are not being met; the employment rate for this population continues to be less than half of the employment rate of the general population (Siperstein et al., 2013). There is evidence that occupational therapy has the potential to meet the employment needs of this population, however, practice guidelines for occupational therapists working with this population are limited. This study recruited seven participants and interviewed them using a needs assessment approach to investigate the employment needs of the age 21 and over …

Achieving Competence: Clinical Instructors' Perspective, Kimberly W. Coleman-Ferreira

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The profession of physical therapy uses physical therapist clinical instructors to educate students in the clinical education portion of the curriculum. The requirements to become a clinical instructor are minimal and non- specific regarding formal training and development. A variety of educational opportunities is available to clinical instructors, but the evidence in the physical therapy literature is conflicting regarding the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, no previous research regarding the meaning of competence, nor the pathway to achieving competence as a clinical instructor was found. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the experience of achieving competence …

Promoting Professional Behavior In Physical Therapist Students : Use Of Standardized Patient Feedback, Mary Anne Riopel

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Entry-level physical therapist (PT) students receive feedback on professional behavior performance from academic and clinical faculty members. Literature is lacking on the impact that verbal feedback from standardized patients (SPs) may have on student learning of professional behavior in PT students. Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the use of SP feedback as a strategy for professional behavior development. A secondary purpose was to describe the perspectives of PT students on the influence of SP feedback on clinical interactions and professional behavior during a full-time clinical experience. Participants: A sample of convenience identified 13 PT …

College Of Health Care Sciences-Physical Therapy Entering Class 2015, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Intra-Tester Reliability And Concurrent Validity Of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound And Vernier Calipre In Quantifying The Anteroposterior Diameter Of The Common Extensor Origin Of The Forearm And The Radial Nerve: A Cadaveric Study, Valentine Dones Iii, Ian P. Aguinaldo, Svetlana Maris Aycardo, Buena Fe Apepe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: The literature reports an increase in anteroposterior diameter of the common extensor origin (CEO) of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) or the radial nerve in painful elbows diagnosed with lateral epicondylalgia (LE) or supinator syndrome. The edge-to-edge measurements of these anatomical structures are quantified using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS). However, in the current literature, reports on the reliability and validity of MSUS measurements of the CEO (of ECRB and EDC) and the radial nerve are not found. In this study, reliability was measured for three testers in determining the anteroposterior diameter of the CEO …

Evidence-Based Health Literacy Training Program For Occupational Therapy Professionals : Program Development And Evaluation, Cheryl Miller-Scott

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This capstone project is a training program development and evaluation project. The purpose of the project was to develop, pilot, and evaluate an

evidence-based health literacy training program for occupational therapy professionals. Occupational therapy strives to be a science-driven profession, which provides client-centered care. Health literacy is a client-centered factor for which occupational therapy professionals require additional training to best serve their clients in all settings and across the lifespan. A review of health literacy literature was used in this project to develop the training program and offers a science-driven approach to this client-centered factor for occupational therapists to better …

Measuring The Playfulness Of Children With Special Needs In Occupational Therapist Led, Caregiver-Included Community Playgroups, Sarah Fabrizi

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of community playgroups on the playfulness of children ages 15 months to 3 years with special needs. In addition to playfulness of the child, the sensitivity and responsiveness of the caregiver were examined. A quasi-experimental, pretest-and-posttest, repeated measures design was used to follow eight children and their caregivers receiving early intervention services and taking part in a community playgroup. The children and their caregivers were measured during a 4-week standard-of-care baseline, before and after an 8-week intervention period, and 4 week post-intervention. The Test of Playfulness (ToP) was utilized to …

Planning For The Future : A Grounded Theory Study Of Well Older Adults' Decision-Making Regarding Home Modifications, Kathleen Subasic

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this dissertation research was to understand the decision-making process that well older adults use when deciding whether to make a home modification. The researcher also sought to understand the views of well older adults concerning the use of home modification to prevent injury and declines in occupational performance. The researcher used the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model (Law et al., 1996) from occupational therapy and occupational science as the orienting framework.

A qualitative grounded theory approach based on that proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998) was used to structure data collection and analysis. Participants were obtained using purposive and …

Sensory Intervention To Improve Sleep Behaviors And Social Participation Of Children In Israel With Sensory Modulation Disorder, Geela Spira

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study was to investigate a sensory intervention of moderate pressure touch on children with sensory modulation disorder on the outcomes of sleep behaviors and social participation. 50 children, aged 6-11 years, with both sensory modulation disorder and sleep difficulties were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group participants received three weeks of nightly massage by their parents. The parents filled out questionnaires reporting on sleep behaviors, sensory modulation, and social participation, as well as recording a sleep log, and determining goal attainment scaling goals. The questionnaires used were the Short …

Contextual Aspects Influencing Mothers' Placement Considerations For Their Children With Autism, Margaret E. Moffett Boyd

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

"Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Occupational Therapy Department, College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University."

Abstract Background: In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized autism as an urgent public health concern understanding families would need supports services at many levels. Parents are the most prominent caregivers of children with disabilities and inadequacy of support services often influences the placement outside of the home. Federal mandates require that states actively avoid placements based on costs, community connections, and least restrictive environments; however, unsustainable family life potentially …

Adapting The Resources For Enhancing Alzheimer’S Caregivers Health (Reach) Program For Use In A Nursing Home Setting, Edward Golden

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Adapting the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health (REACH) program for use in a nursing home setting

OCT 7003 Capstone Paper

Living With Uncertainty: The Impact On Breast Cancer Survivors And Their Intimate Partners, Kimberley Dockery

Department of Family Therapy Dissertations and Applied Clinical Projects

This study explored the lived experiences of breast cancer survivors and their intimate partners. The research was informed by a social constructionist framework and phenomenological method of inquiry. While the body of literature on the physical, psychological, and social health of breast cancer survivors is growing, only a few studies have focused solely on the lived experience of survivorship and the uncertainty of recurrence. This study sought to explore the construction of meaning in the couples' context and experiences of surviving breast cancer. The present study examined how breast cancer survivors make meaning of their survivorship in context of living …

Usefulness Of The Mms And S5 For Assessing Medication Management Capacity For Clients Post-Stroke, Jessica Jean Bolduc

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Occupational therapists need a means to efficiently and accurately screen a client’s medication management capacity, especially for clients post-stroke. Most therapists are not aware of, nor do they utilize specific assessments for medication management capacity, partly due to lack of thorough assessments. The purpose of this study was to compare the scores of the ManageMed Screen (MMS), the Screening for Self-Medication Safety Post Stroke (S5), and the Montreal Assessment of Cognition (MoCA) on a population of rehabilitation clients post-stroke to evaluate consistency of scores and determine their usefulness in clinical practice. All screens were designed for use in occupational therapy; …

Transition Doctor Of Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Program 2013, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy 2013, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Effective Mentoring In Physical Therapy : Approaches For Residency Training, Anne E. O'Donnell

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate how physical therapy mentors instill clinical judgment and competence during residency training. The researcher investigated effective mentoring behaviors and techniques in physical therapy residency training. SUBJECTS: Participants included physical therapy residency faculty, physical therapy residents currently enrolled in U.S. residency programs credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and resident graduates (ie, within the past 2 years) from APTA programs. METHOD: A quantitative survey design was used to gain information about effective mentoring behaviors and techniques of physical therapy residency faculty who foster clinical expertise in physical therapy residents. Two online surveys were …

Fact Sheet: Role Of Occupational Therapy, Shelia Longpre

Occupational Therapy Faculty Books and Book Chapters

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy 2009, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.