Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Relationship Of Urinary Incontinence To Hysterectomy And Episiotomy, Elizabeth Oakley, Debra Buchtel, Rachel Atanosian, A. Lynn Millar

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a problem that affects women of all ages. Research has identified many risk factors for the development of UI but is inconclusive regarding the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and the development of UI symptoms. Physical therapists are emerging as primary care providers which increases the importance of attention to and knowledge of risk factors facilitate timely screening and care for women at risk or who have UI signs and symptoms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and incidence of urinary incontinence. SUBJECTS: The subjects included …

Retraining Balance Using Task-Focussed Work-Stations, Nancy Low Choy

Nancy Low Choy

Extract:

This chapter aims to:
Present a task-oriented approach to retraining balance and mobility using workstations as an effective mode of delivering tailored interventions to individual or small groups of residents or community-based elders who are: frail aged; elders who ambulate with supervision within residential care facilities; or elders who are independently ambulant in the community.

Provide an outline of workstations that illustrate varying levels of challenge but address the multiple aspects of balance and mobility that need to be considered while retraining balance and mobility in elders.

© Copyright Elsevier Limited, 2004

A Theoretical Framework For The Assessment And Treatment Of Balance And Mobility Deficits, Nancy Low Choy

Nancy Low Choy

Extract:

This chapter aims to:
Review the theoretical elements that contribute to balance and mobility as a basis for assessing balance and mobility in the elderly, and presenting a tailored but multidimensional approach to assessing and retraining balance and mobility deficits in the elderly.

Describe a process of assessing balance and mobility in the elderly that uses observational and problem-solving skills while analysing balance and mobility tasks, identifies and measures impairments, and monitors progress and outcomes for elders of varying functional motor ability.

© Copyright Elsevier Limited, 2004

Normal Values Of Balance Tests In Women Aged 20 - 80, Rosemary Isles, Nancy Low Choy, Marie Steers, Jennifer Nitz

Nancy Low Choy

Objectives:
To determine normal values for four commonly used clinical functional balance tests from community-dwelling women aged 20 to 80 and to identify any significant decline due to aging.

Design:
A cross-sectional study was undertaken to provide normative values for four clinical balance tests across 6 decade cohorts.

Setting:
The Betty Byrne-Henderson Center for Women and Aging, Royal Womens' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.

Participants:
Four hundred fifty-six community-dwelling, independently ambulant women with no obvious neurological or musculoskeletal-related disability, aged 20 to 80, were randomly recruited from a large metropolitan region.

Measurements:
The clinical balance measures/tests were the Timed Up and Go …

Orthopedic Treatment Outcomes And Physical Therapists' Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Status, Karin Granberg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification has been available since 1989, however, no prospective studies exist demonstrating better patient outcomes with OCS certification. The purpose of this study was to prospectively explore if there are differences in effectiveness as measured by health, work status and patient satisfaction; efficiency, as measured by visits, treatment duration, number of treatment codes and cost; value (unit of functional improvement per dollar charged), and utilization (unit of functional improvement per visit) depending on OCS status of PTs working in orthopedic outpatient settings.

Subjects. Six PTs with OCS certification and 11 PTs without …

The Effectiveness Of A Physical Therapy Intervention For Children With Hypotonia And Flatfeet, Charmayne G. Ross

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy using Cascade orthotics and an exercise program for children with hypotonia and flatfeet. Subjects: Thirty-seven children, aged 18 months to 5 years, who demonstrated developmental delays and hypotonia with flatfoot dysfunction, participated in this study. Methods: Three groups (control, orthotic, and orthotic-exercise) were studied. The orthotic- exercise group practiced bilateral heel lifts besides wearing the orthoses. An arch index was used to assess the width of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) pre/post interventions. Gait parameters (velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence) were assessed four times in …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Temporal And Spatial Gait Characteristics Measured With An Instrumented Walkway System (Gaitrite)., Cornelis J T Van Uden, Marcus P Besser

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of temporal and spatial gait measurements over a one-week period as measured using an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite). METHODS: Subjects were tested on two occasions one week apart. Measurements were made at preferred and fast walking speeds using the GAITRite system. Measurements tested included walking speed, step length, stride length, base of support, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single and double support times, and toe in-toe out angle. RESULTS: Twenty-one healthy subjects participated in this study. The group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Temporal And Spatial Gait Characteristics Measured With An Instrumented Walkway System (Gaitrite®), Cornelius J.T. Van Uden, Marcus P. Besser

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of temporal and spatial gait measurements over a one-week period as measured using an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite®).

Methods
Subjects were tested on two occasions one week apart. Measurements were made at preferred and fast walking speeds using the GAITRite® system. Measurements tested included walking speed, step length, stride length, base of support, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single and double support times, and toe in-toe out angle.

Results
Twenty-one healthy subjects participated in this study. The group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, …

A Comparison Of Hip Versus Ankle Exercises In Elders And The Influence On Balance And Gait, Laura Z. Gras, Pamela Levangie, Mary (Tina) Goodwin-Segal, Deborah A. Lawrence

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Purpose: Reductions in hip and ankle strength and range of motion (ROM) in elderly subjects have been associated with decreased functional mobility and risk of falls. The purpose of this research was to determine if short duration hip or ankle interventions designed to increase ROM and strength could improve ROM and strength of those joints, as well as improve balance and gait outcomes. Methods: Well elderly volunteers recruited from retirement communities and a senior citizen center were randomly assigned to a hip or ankle intervention group. Both groups performed a home exercise program (HEP) of stretching 5 days a week …

Impact Of Service Learning On Physical Therapist Students' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Older Adults And On Their Critical Thinking Ability, Janna Beling

Service Learning, General

As the number and proportion of elderly people rapidly increase in the next few decades, there will be increased demands for physical therapists to work with older clients. Although the availability of physical therapists to work with elderly people will be determined, in part, by their personal preferences,¹ most physical therapists will be routinely required to work with elderly clients and clients' aging family members.² In order to provide effective services, it is imperative that physical therapist students possess adequate knowledge about the aging process and recognize the individuality of older clients, as well as their capacity for …

Qtc Is Associated With Obesity And Physical Activity Level For African American Females, C. Jayne Brahler

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular or ischemic disease mortality. Obesity as a cause for acquired LQTS in otherwise healthy individuals is rapidly gaining the attention of the scientific community. African American people have a higher incidence of obesity compared to Caucasians, yet race-specific information is not available for their prevalence of LQTS. Chronic physical activity can help reduce the incidence of obesity, yet little is known about the effects of chronic physical activity on acquired LQTS. Subjects in this study were a volunteer sample of African American mothers (21-53 yr, n = 44) and …

Management Of Postsurgical Hyperhidrosis With Direct Current And Tap Water, Bernadette T. Gillick, Luther C. Kloth, Andrew John Starsky, Laura Cincinelli-Walker

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background and Purpose. Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, involves the eccrine sweat glands of the axillae, soles, palms, and/or forehead. The use of iontophoresis to reduce or eliminate excessive sweating has been described since 1952. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of tap water galvanism (TWG) using direct current (DC) with a patient who had postsurgical hyperhidrosis. Case Description. The patient was a 36-year-old male electrician with traumatic phalangeal amputation and postsurgical development of hyperhidrosis. Tap water galvanism was administered using a DC generator, 2 to 3 times per week for 10 treatments. The patient's …

A Comparison Of Four Electrical Stimulation Types On Staphylococcus Aureus Growth In Vitro, Harold L. Merriman, Chris A. Hegyi, Cheryl R. Albright-Overton, John Carlos Jr., Robert W. Putnam, Janet A. Mulcare

Faculty Publications

We evaluated the efficacy of common electrical stimulation (ES) types on bacterial growth in vitro using clinically relevant conditions. Four types of ES-continuous micro-amperage direct current (μADC), high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC), low-voltage monophasic milliamperage pulsed current (LVMmAPC), and low-voltage biphasic milliamperage pulsed current (LVBmAPC)-were each applied to a separate set of culture plates containing Staphylococcus aureus for 1 h at 37°C on 3 consecutive days. After ES treatment, the zone of inhibition surrounding each electrode was measured. Zone of inhibition measurements showed a significant inhibitory effect for continuous μADC and HVPC (p < 0.05), but not for LVM-mAPC and LVBmAPC. Differences in bacterial growth inhibition were not found for polarity and time. These data suggest that for infected wounds, HVPC and continuous μADC treatments may have an initial bacterial inhibitory effect, which does not significantly change with subsequent treatments.

Examination Of Balance And Weightbearing In Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing The Weight Bearing And Step Up/Over Tests On The Neurocom Balance Master, Kim Broadway, Carrie Grise, Nicky Yamamoto, Franz Yuen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently in the United States, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. Although sports activities commonly cause injury to the ACL, non-athletic individuals are affected as well. With the increasing prevalence of the ACLR procedure, a need appears for researching the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM), version 8.02, Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) and Step Up/Over (SUO) tests with individuals who were …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During The Traditional Muscle Testing Position And A Modified Position, Keri M. Doyle, Molly E. Mcdonald, Heather M. Partlow, Eric R. Paur

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many people use repeated overhead movements in their occupations or recreational activities. Literature has shown that this repeated overhead activity greatly contributes to the incidence of shoulder pathologies such as impingement syndrome. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the lower trapezius was more successfully recruited in the traditional muscle testing position of 145° of shoulder abduction or a modified position consisting of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion.

Forty-one subjects between the ages of 21 and 45 voluntarily participated in this study. One subject was excluded due to exceeding …

A Survey Of Educators' Needs When Accommodating Students With Physical Disabilities In Regular Education Classrooms, Heather Fisher, Lynn Mckay, Barbara Roise, Katrina Sem

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Students with physical disabilities have been included in regular education classrooms, under IDEA, since the 1970's. Research has shown that many teachers do not feel adequately prepared for adapting their classrooms for a student with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived needs of regular educators in North Dakota and determine what ways physical therapists can offer assistance to educators when accommodating for a student with physical disabilities.

Subjects and Methods. Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected, North Dakota teachers via the mail (325) and email (325). …

The Effect Of Ionized Bracelets On Pain And Function In Individuals With Arthritis, Jamie Gullickson, Josh Hamilton, Amy Hebl, Rachel Hoffman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Arthritis is a prevalent condition found throughout the entire population. Manifestations of this disease can lead to increased pain in multiple joints leading to decreased functional mobility and limitations in activities of daily living. Ionized bracelets have become an increasingly popular non-traditional, conservative treatment for decreasing pain and improving well-being in persons with multiple diagnoses and body system involvement. Very little research has been conducted on the effects of ionized bracelets; therefore, additional research needs to be conducted to validate these theories.

The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of ionized bracelets on pain and function in …

The Relationship Between Work Related Injury And Participation In Exercise And Recreational Activities, Stephen Kaiser, Chris Kuhn, Jay Steckler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The cost of health care is on the rise for both employers and employees. Research has shown that exercise in any capacity will improve overall health and fitness levels. Limited research has shown that proper exercise can lead to a decrease in musculoskeletal injuries. With the number of musculoskeletal injuries occurring in the workplace at high levels, establishing a connection between injury reduction and exercise is imperative. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between participation in exercise and recreational activities and injury in the workplace.

Methods: A random stratified sample of 396 …

Validity And Comparisons Of Tibiofemoral Angles And Translations Using A New Femoral Tracking Device (Ftd) During Walking, Jeff Houck, H. John Yack, Tyler Cuddeford

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

First, this study compares tibiofemoral motion during walking using a new femoral tracking device (FTD) and bone mounted markers in a single subject (n=1). The results suggest errors ofn=13). The results suggest similar tibiofemoral angles in the sagittal and frontal planes using the two methods (average root mean square (RMS) differencesP

The Effects Of Torque Production Using A Stationary Hand-Held Dynamometer On Different Points Of The Forearm When Manual Muscle Testing Elbow Flexors, Justin Allred, Ross Homstad, Eugene Monette

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Muscle testing using a stationary dynamometer has given therapists a more objective method of assessing a patient's strength. However, few studies have been performed as to the effects that dynamometer placement has on force production.

The purpose of this randomized, repeated measure study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in reliability between torque measurements with dynamometer placement at two well-defined points on the forearm. The differences in torque values from the two points of application (distal wrist crease and the midpoint of the forearm) were also compared to assess for differences between these values.

Thirty-two healthy subjects …

A Comparison Of Isokinetic Ankle Plantarflexion Force Generation In Knee Flexed And Knee Extended Positions, Reyn Hata, Delbert Peralta, Daniel Uyeunten

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The triceps surae, composed of the soleus and the two heads of the gastrocnemius, is a very active muscle in all activities involving the lower extremities. This study compared the maximal force generated by these ankle plantarflexors in a knee extended and knee flexed position to determine relative contribution to plantarflexion force in varying positions. Eighteen male and female college students were tested for maximal concentric plantarflexor force generation isokinetically at 3D/sec in both positions. Means of maximal force in knee extension and flexion, 242.56 Ibs. and 227.22 Ibs., respectively, were found to be statistically significantly different. The mean of …

A Study Of Benefits/Barriers To Physical Exercise Among College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Eric Leopold, Shawn Petrie, Mike Svekcar

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With the current emphasis on prevention and wellness in the area of public health, there is a need for insight regarding exercise behavior. Since college students are at the age when activity levels begin to decline,1 this may prove to be a crucial intervention point to promote positive exercise behaviors which may carry over into the adult years.

The purpose of this study is to examine personal and facility-related factors influencing exercise behavior among college students at the University of North Dakota. A randomized sample selected from the student population of the University of North Dakota (n = 900) was …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance For Patients Following A Cva: A Case Study Approach, Michele Jackson, Kimberly Lindemann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebral vascular accident (CV A) is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 75% of people who have a stroke survive, many of whom live with some level of impairments that impact their activities of daily living and quality of life. One of the results of these impairments can be decreased balance. Limitations in balance may impact an individual's risk of falls, ability to ambulate, and performance of functional activities. Exercises emphasizing balance training playa significant role in improving postural control. …

The Effect Of Direct Access With Direct Reimbursement On Physical Therapy Practice, Heather Lafreniere, Katie Sauvageau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In 2002, North Dakota passed legislation that allowed physical therapists to be directly reimbursed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota for physical therapy services. The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of direct access with direct reimbursement on physical therapy practice. The survey was sent to 400 licensed physical therapists within Arizona, Maryland, and Minnesota. These states were chosen for their experience in utilizing direct access with direct reimbursement and the geographic location.

The survey consisted of 7 categories addressing demographics, clientele changes, marketing strategies, physical therapist/physician relationship, insurance changes, direct effects on patient care …

Sitting Pressure-Mapping Of The Buttocks Region Of Elderly People Who Use Wheelchairs For Locomotion, Brian A. Rud, Wheelchairs

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Elderly people who spend multiple hours in a wheelchair are prone to skin breakdown of the buttock and leg regions. Pressure relief of these areas can help prevent skin breakdown and can be achieved through the use of a wheelchair cushion, weight shifting, and positioning. Strategies for effective pressure relief can be found for individuals by utilizing pressure-mapping technology.

The purpose of this study was to identify if elderly wheelchair-dependent nursing home residents (n = 6) had adequate pressure relief of the buttock and leg regions. Pressures at the buttock and leg regions were measured with the FSA Pressure-Mapping device …

Electromyographic Analysis Of An Isometric Vastus Medialis Oblique Contraction With Incorporated Adductor Component, Dan Thielen, James Turner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pathology is a common clinical complaint that may result in diminished function of the affected lower extremity, ultimately leading to atrophy of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. The VMO contributes a great deal to the medial tracking mechanism of the patella which is crucial for normal biomechanical function of the knee joint. Effective strengthening of the VMO is a challenging task in physical therapy clinics. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to enhance the muscle activity of the VMO with the addition of an adductor contraction.

Thirty-one subjects between the ages of …

Needs Assessment For Families With Children Currently Eligible For Services Provided Under Idea Part C/, Lindsay Anderson, Emily Hassenstab, Jamie Schroeder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

While other studies have researched the level of satisfaction of parents whose children are receiving early intervention services, no current studies have been done directly relating to services provided in North Dakota. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current need for information regarding rights and regulations that families with children eligible for early intervention services in North Dakota may have. In addition, the level of satisfaction of eligible families regarding the support given to them by Infant Development, along with their current and preferred methods of receiving pertinent information, was researched.

This study was done using a …

Barriers To Preventive Health Screenings For Benefitted University Of North Dakota Employees, Laurie Betting

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine perception of the utilization of preventive health screenings as compared to actual utilization for benefitted University of North Dakota employees. The research was designed to determine the perception of compliance and barriers to receiving recommended health screenings for benefitted employees. The significance was that the University of North Dakota has created a Well ness Center and has begun the creation of a worksite well ness program for its employees. While there are a variety of worksite well ness program designs, very little has been done to ascertain utilization or …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Plyo Press Jump And A Vertical Jump, Leigh James Griffith, Kristen Michelle Olson, Daniel Kenneth Sinness, Steven Peter Thomas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many training programs have been developed to aid in training the athlete with their goal of maximizing strength and performance. The Plyo Press machine was developed for training athletes enrolled in the Frappier Sports Acceleration Program. This machine was designed to couple strength training with plyometrics to enhance dynamic muscle activity and speed.

There has been limited research on the Plyo Press machine to support these claims. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to compare muscle recruitment during a vertical floor jump versus a plyojump in the Ply Press leg machine. EMG analysis of selected lower extremity muscles was …

Variable-Frequency-Train Stimulation Of Skeletal Muscle After Spinal Cord Injury, C. Scott Bickel, Jill Slade, Leslie R. Vanhiel, Gordon L. Warren, Gary A. Dudley

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Skeletal muscle, after spinal cord injury (SCI), becomes highly susceptible to fatigue. Variable-frequency trains (VFTs) enhance force in fatigued human skeletal muscle of able-bodied (AB) individuals. VFTs do this by taking advantage of the "catch-like" property of skeletal muscle. However, mechanisms responsible for fatigue in AB and SCI subjects may not be the same, and the efficacy of VFT stimulation after SCI is unknown. Accordingly, we tested the hypothesis that VFT stimulation would augment torque-time integral in SCI subjects. The quadriceps femoris muscle was stimulated with constant frequency trains (CFTs) (six 200 s square wave pulses separated by 70 ms) …