Physical Therapy Commons^™

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Pelvic Tilt And Unilateral Sacroiliac Pain, Beth-Anne Moody Jones

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Low back pain is the nation's leading cause of disability. Differential diagnosis of a low back injwy can be complicated and uncommon disorders can be overlooked. Many of the signs and symptoms related to low back pain may in fact be caused by sacroiliac dysfunction. Reliability of the current clinical tests for detection of sacroiliac involvement has been of concern. Recently more focus has been given to the use of pelvic tilt measurement as a source of clinical information on the sacroiliac joint. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of unilateral sacroiliac dysfunction with asymmetrical changes …

Job Satisfaction Of School-Based Physical Therapists, Leonard Elbaum

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recruitmuent and retention of Physical Therapists (PTs) by public school systems has been identified in the literature as a significant problem, and the resultant shortage of school-based PTs hinders the capability of school systems to deliver physical therapy services to exceptional students as mandated by federal statute. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of job satisfaction among physical therapists who currently work in public school settings. Job satisfaction can be an important factor affecting recruitment and retention.

A systematic sample of 462 school-based PTs was chosen to receive via mail a survey instrument which requested information …

Antibacterial Effects Of A Silver Electrode Carrying Microamperage Direct Current In Vitro, Poh Chye Young, Luther C. Kloth, Linda Jean Laatsch-Lybeck

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Currently, electrical stimulation is an accepted method used clinically to promote chronic wound healing. A literature review revealed that similar therapeutic current has been shown to suppress growth of common wound pathogens in vitro and in vivo. To date, little has been reported on the factors contributing to the antibacterial effects of microamperage direct current (μADC) stimulation. The purpose of this project was to investigate the role of electric field strength, current density, pH, and type of electrode used in vitro, to gain a better understanding of how these factors contribute to inhibiting growth of select wound pathogens. …

Effects Of Rehabilitation For The Improvement Of Fitness Levels For The Acute Spinal Cord Injured Population, Sandee Melton, Sarah Morrison

Sarah Morrison, PT, MBA, MHA

A Comparison Study Of Hip Range Of Motion And Electromyography During Backward Walking Between Children With Spastic Diplegia And Children Without Known Disabilities, Martin L. Carrillo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics of the pelvis and the right hip and the electromyographic activity of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris during backward walking in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and children without known disabilities. Subjects included 6 children, three with a diagnosis of spastic diplegia and three without known disabilities.

The results of the study showed important differences between the experimental group and the control group. Subjects with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) walked backwards with less hip extension, more body rotation, shorter and slower steps, and used a higher percentage …

The Effects Of Muscle Tone On Shoulder Pain In The Post-Cva Population, Jane Ubben, Kim Moyle

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were to determine whether post-CVA hemiplegic shoulder pain is related to hypertonicity, whether muscle tone of the shoulder differed between patients with pain and those without, and to determine whether a relationship exists between hypotonicity or hypertonicity and amount of range of motion (ROM), glenohumeral subluxation, or sensory disturbances, in those who experience pain. Data was analyzed for significance using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks Test, Mann-Whitney U-Test, Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests ({dollar}\alpha{dollar} = 05). Review of l09 charts revealed a significant relationship between ROM limitations and pain. ROM limitations were significantly related to …

The Effect Of Immobilization On Grip Strength And Pinch Strength In Normal Subjects, Bonni L. Kinne

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a one-week period of immobilization resulted in a significant decrease in the grip strength and/or pinch strength of normal subjects.; The participants in this investigation were right-handed females between the ages of 21 and 45. Throughout the one-week period between the pre-test and post-test, each subject assigned to the experimental group had her left hand immobilized in a cast. During the pre-test and post-test, all of the subjects had their left hands tested for grip strength and pinch strength. A separate unpaired t-test was then calculated for grip strength measured with …

Administration Of The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency To Healthy 25 To 30 Year Old Males, M. Michelle Butler, Vanessa L. Koschtial

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the standards of performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-S) of healthy males from 25 to 30 years of age. Although the BOT-S was developed and standardized on children, this test is used by physical therapists to assess adult patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The BOT-S evaluates both gross and fine motor control. Reliability and validity of the BOT-S have been established on children 4.5 to 14.5 years of age. This study estimated standard scores for 25 to 30 year old males on the BOT-S.; This study was …

Physical Therapists' Views Of Certified Athletic Trainers In The Clinical Setting, Leah Parizon, Andrew Snyder

Masters Theses

Since certified athletic trainers began working in the clinical setting alongside physical therapists, there has been controversy between the two professions concerning the utilization of the ATCs. Although views of ATCs from the PTs' perspective have been speculated, there has been no conclusive research on this topic. The purpose of this study was to find out how physical therapists in the state of Michigan view ATCs in the clinical setting. The Health Team Stereotype Scale, which was developed by Dr. Harry Parker, was used to determine the PTs' attitudes toward the ATCs. There was a return rate of 47.4% (N …

A Survey Of Clinical Applications And Outcome Assessment Procedures For Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization Exercise Training, Brenda Engels, Carrie Patterson, Mary Beth Sawinski

Masters Theses

The San Francisco Spine Institute (SFSI) Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization (DLMS) Program is a comprehensive, non-operative treatment approach to lumbar spine dysfunction. This program is implemented in physical therapy clinics nationwide.; The purpose of this study was to compare DLMS treatment concepts and methods used by Michigan rehabilitation professionals with the SFSI protocol. Forty-nine clinicians were interviewed using a questionnaire developed by the investigators. The areas surveyed included: clinicians' rationale for use and implementation of DLMS training, and clinicians' assessment of patient functional outcomes.; The survey responses suggest that clinicians focus on orthopedic evaluation parameters and low back pain management …

Differences In Job Satisfaction Between Contract And Directly Employed Physical Therapists, Valerie Stonehouse, Nicole Vanderberg

Masters Theses

This research study explores the possible differences in general job satisfaction between contracted physical therapists and directly employed physical therapists. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was sent to contract and directly employed therapists who fulfilled the following criteria: working in an acute care setting, working at that particular job for at least six months but no more than two years, and working in the profession for at least six months. A total of 200 surveys were mailed to therapists in the state of Michigan with 17 surveys being returned by contracted therapists and 34 from directly employed therapists, for a 25.5% …

Efficacy Of Implementing An Ergonomics Program In An Industrial Setting Regarding Cumulative Trauma Disorders To The Upper Extremity, Christa Abraham, Lisa Evans, Patrick Hoban

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of an industrial ergonomics program would decrease the number of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders, lost days of work, and insurance costs. Data was collected from company records and OSHA logs including type of injury, lost days of work, restricted days of work, and insurance costs. This data was then analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.; The results of this study supported the concept that ergonomic programs may decrease the number of lost days of work. In this study, a number of limitations and weak correlations were found between …

1994 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1994 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

Resistance Training In Children, Debra L. Cutner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strength training in the child and adolescent has been a controversial topic for quite a few years. Current research has changed the thoughts of many professionals regarding strength gains or the possibility of strength gains in the prepubertal and adolescent age groups. Part of the controversy lies with the fact that some believe it is not safe for a child to do resistance training as it may cause various injuries such as musculoskeletal sprains and strains and epiphyseal fractures.

A review of the literature indicates that strength gains can occur in prepubertal children and that training with weights can be …

A Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Mark Daugherity

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain is one of the leading causes of lost productivity at work and disability in the United States. There are many factors thought to be involved in this diagnosis. These include intervertebral disc problems, mechanical dysfunctions, muscle sprains, ligament strains, and infectious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis. One area often overlooked in the diagnosis of low back pain is the sacroiliac joint. There is much controversy surrounding the function of this joint. Although some clinicians question if there is any movement at all, many manual therapists evaluate this area in their daily practice and believe that …

Motor Skills And Mental Practice: A Tool For Physical Therapy, Kari L. Drevecky

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this Independent Study is to review the literature concerning mental practice and its effects on motor skill performance and retention as important within the field of physical therapy. The study of mental practice as concerned with physical therapy is important as this .modality is not often included in patient treatment programs, despite its potential applications. The content of this paper will consist of. definitions, theoretical explanations, effectiveness of mental practice, and the effects of individual differences on mental practice. The primary research questions were: (1) What is mental practice? (2) How does mental practice work? (3) Does …

The Effects Of Microcurrent Stimulation In The Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylitis, Justin G. Feeser

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS) is a modality that is quickly gaining popularity in the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. At this time, there is a lack of literature, especially well controlled clinical studies, to support its use. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the effects of MENS in the treatment of a common musculoskeletal dysfunction, lateral epicondylitis. Approximately ten subjects with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis were assigned either to group A, receiving MENS and conservative treatment (education, home exercise program, ice, and counterforce bracing), or group B, receiving sham MENS and conservative treatment. Subjects were …

Poststroke Depression, Colleen Frohberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Depressed mood is the most common psychiatric disorder following stroke with estimated prevalence rates ranging anywhere from 20% to 60%. It has been reported that effective and rapid treatment of poststroke depression may enhance stroke rehabilitation and speed up functional recovery. The potential reversibility of depression emphasizes the importance of early identification of poststroke depression. Yet, poststroke depression remains largely untreated as part of the rehabilitation process. Therefore, it is important that health professionals, such as physical therapists, who often work with patients who have suffered a stroke are aware of the signs and symptoms of poststroke depression to ensure …

Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises Of The Shoulder Joint: Biomechanics And Clinical Implications, Todd L. Gentzler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The shoulder is a complex joint with many structures located in a small area. The purpose of this paper is to first analyze the shoulder joint mechanics and allow for a more complete understanding of this structure. The anatomical features are defined, including muscles, tendons and ligaments, their attachments and innervations. These structures are often predisposed to injury or pathology.

The second part of this paper introduced a new treatment concept: Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises of the shoulder joint. Closed kinetic chain exercises are defined, including the purpose and rationale behind this new treatment. Closed kinetic chain exercises add variability …

Critical Overview Of Wound Care Modalities, Keith W. Hartnett

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to explore Physical Therapy modalities used in adjunct to traditional wound management. There are many factors that influence the healing rate. A basic knowledge of the body's healing process is needed in order to understand the affects modalities have on the wound.

The key to wound management is the initial and constant assessment. The patient history, subjective information, and objective measure are critical to the etiology and progression of the wound, and will be discussed.

Modalities can accelerate wound healing. Mechanical and physiological effects of the different modalities will be explored. This study …

Subjective Functional Knee Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructive Surgery, Malissa K. Hauser

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It is established in the literature that primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knee is achieved through means of reconstructive surgery. However, with continuing advances in both the surgical technique performed and, consequently, the rehabilitation program implemented following reconstruction, the need for ongoing research becomes essential in evaluating the long-term effectiveness of such changes. Currently, the longterm follow-up studies available on ACL reconstructive surgery report information through means of clinical evaluation and objective testing measures with little or no emphasis on the value of the patient's subjective responses. The purpose of this study is to determine the …

Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise In The Lower Extremity, Christine Krantz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study is a literature review comparing and contrasting the advantages of closed kinetic chain exercise over open kinetic chain exercise. It is the purpose of this study to show that open kinetic chain exercise may not be the safest or the most functional way to rehabilitate the lower extremity. It is also the purpose to show the specific advantages of using closed kinetic chain exercise over open kinetic chain exercise to protect the integrity of the ACL deficient or reconstructed knee by decreasing anterior shear forces, increasing joint compression, increasing joint proprioception, increasing muscular joint compression, and increasing the …

Low Back Pain, Jeff Large

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common disorders seen in the health care setting today. The cost of rehabilitation of LBP makes up a significant proportion of today's health care economy. Both physical and social factors have been associated with the etiology of LBP. Today's advanced diagnostic equipment has allowed the underlying pathologies of LBP to be better understood. In the past, different theories and techniques for rehabilitation have been utilized. Current rehabilitation of LBP has emphasized effective, cost-efficient prevention and education.

The purpose of this independent study is to research current theories of risk factors, pathologies …

Plantar Fasciitis: Etiology And Treatment, Todd M. Leingang

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plantar fasciitis is a repetitive injury which causes microtrauma to the attachment of the plantar aponeurosis at the medial calcaneous of the foot. This condition is most prevalent among athletes involved in running sports, but can also occur in a sedentary individual who is overweight. Traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and passive modalities, are helpful in temporarily reducing inferior heel pain. However, recurrence of this condition is common because the potential biomechanical causes of plantar fasciitis are often left unidentified. The purpose of this study is to review the anatomical structures and the biomechanical functions …

The Use Of Lower Extremity Functional Electrical Stimulation In Spinal Cord Injured Patients, Michelle Mccrory

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating, life-altering injury that presents a variety of rehabilitative and long-term medical management challenges. Not only must the inability to ambulate, which is generally of primary concern to the patient, be addressed, but also the inherent degenerative and deconditioning effects of SCI which may ultimately lead to various secondary complications.

Recently, functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been the subject of a variety of research concerning the rehabilitation of individuals with SCI. FES is a means of activating alpha motor neurons to stimulate muscular contraction and elicit a therapeutic or functional effect.

The purpose of …

Nonoperative Treatment Of Shoulder Instability In The Throwing Athlete, Whitney A. Meier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

An increase interest of the shoulder complex has led to additional knowledge through research and enhancement of rehabilitation for various shoulder disorders. Shoulder injuries are common for overhead sporting activities, such as pitching. The pitching mechanism combines a high level of neuromuscular coordination between the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic muscles. The intricate balance and timing of these muscles is necessary to allow full mobility and to maintain the dynamic stability throughout the entire throwing motion. Any deficiency in muscular strength or timing can affect shoulder function and potentially cause shoulder instability.

Rehabilitation and nonoperative management of shoulder pain due to instability …

A Literature Review Of Strengthening And Injury Prevention Techniques As Related To High School Athletes, Matthew Miller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the U.S. an estimated 20-25 million youths participate in high school athletics yearly. Of these, nearly 30% will be forced to miss part or all of the season due to injury. It has been speculated that through proper training, many of the injuries seen may be reduced or eliminated. However, most coaches do not have an extensive anatomical and physiological background to provide athletes with these correct training techniques. Although athletic trainers have expertise in this area, they are only employed in approximately 10% of the high school systems in the U.S.

Much of the research to date on …

A Literature Review Of The Team Approach In The Cardiac Rehabilitation Process, Kristin Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Teamwork is a term that is now commonplace in the provision of health services for all people. Variations of this team are widely used, such as multidisciplinary teams and inter-disciplinary teams. A health care team is a group of persons, each possessing particular expertise, who have a common purpose and goal. Teams including professionals, such as nurses, doctors, physical therapists, social workers, and other staff, depending on needs and local resources, are now commonplace in hospital and community services. The purpose of this independent study is to review the literature regarding collaborative team approaches to cardiac rehabilitation. Included in this …

Iontophoresis In Physical Therapy: A Review Of The Literature, Kurt Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently iontophoresis is used by many physical therapists on a variety of pathological conditions. Therefore, therapists must have a thorough understanding of this modality as to provide the best, most efficient care possible to our patients.

The purpose of this study is to provide clinicians with a review of the available literature on iontophoresis in physical therapy. The history and principles of iontophoresis are briefly discussed, followed by a review of the clinically performed studies. This section includes studies related to pain and range of motion, tissue repair, movement of fluids, and other diagnoses. Animal and in vitro experimental studies …

The Exercise Component Of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Thomas H. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among all persons in the United States today. Many other people suffer from heart problems or conditions and are fortunate enough to survive. For those who do have nonfatal initial heart problems and complications, exercise will be a significant part of their follow up comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program.

The cardiac rehabilitation program is determined by many medical professionals all of whom carry various responsibilities and participate in particular stages of a patient's overall program. The physical therapist is a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team and is generally in charge of the …