Digital Commons Network^™

The Investigation Of Ground Reaction Forces To Validate Progression Of Plyometric Exercise: A Pilot Study, Bradley Bechard, Brett Walker, Peter Leno

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Current approaches lack research toward rehabilitation of the lower extremity following injury regarding progression and the effects of ground reaction forces (GRFs) along the kinematic chain. A typical physical therapy protocol demonstrated the patients initially performing non-weight bearing, or open chain exercises followed by walking and running activities. This initial pilot study entertained the need for a more “seamless” progression of exercises to bridge the gap of GRFs when rehabilitating a weight bearing joint from walking-to-running in healthy individuals. Methods. 10 plyometric exercises were chosen for the study following careful review of evidence-based literature and researched protocols for strength …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

A Comparison Of Three Cryocompression Therapies On Patient Satisfaction, Skin Temperature, And Intramuscular Temperature, Valerie W. Herzog, Aaron Petersen, Nancy Weston, Justin Valdez, Kyle Lindley, Samantha Rollins, Zachary Simmons, Baylee Blanchard, Hannah Dickinson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many cryotherapy modalities are available with varying prices. This study compared the effectiveness of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro, the NICE1 System, and a frozen elastic bandage with a non-stick coating layer in lowering intramuscular temperature in recreationally-active individuals. Method:  Twenty-four participants who exercised three times per week and had a posterior lower-leg skinfold thickness of no more than 1.5 cm volunteered to participate in this crossover study with repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the counterbalanced treatment orders and received all three treatments at least 72 hours apart. Skin temperature and intramuscular temperature (measured 1 …

The Impact Of A Board Preparatory Platform On First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates, Shuying Lin, Melanie Lauderdale, Alyssa Bradford, Michael Brown, Kimberly Holt, Madelaine Palen, April Coward, Evan Warnick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, …

The Long-Term Effects Of Covid-19 On Pulmonary Function, Emily Russell, Chris Russian, Kevin Collins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of hospitalizations and significant long-term health consequences. While acute COVID-19 symptoms are well-documented, the long-term pulmonary effects remain incompletely understood, particularly in patients with mild or asymptomatic infections. This review examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pulmonary function, including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and related outcomes such as exercise capacity and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CINAHL Ultimate, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases, yielding 10 articles for review (6 cohort studies, 3 review articles, and 1 systematic review and meta-analysis). Studies were assessed for …

Systematic Review Of Sports Safety Best Practice Implementation In Non-Scholastic Youth Sport Organizations, Katie Sniffen, Hayley J. Root, Richelle M. Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Non-scholastic youth sports organizations offer competitive and recreational activities to millions of children each year but lack centralized oversight for health and safety policy. Despite the benefits of sport participation, there are inherent risks, including cardiac-, concussion-, heat-, and musculoskeletal-related conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand how youth sports safety policies are implemented in non-scholastic youth sport organizations. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the implementation of youth sports safety policies in non-scholastic youth sport organizations in the United States. Methods: A computerized search of Cochrane, CINHAL, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus …

Relationship Between Children’S Screen Exposure And Stress Among Parents Of Primary School Children, Malathi S, Koteeswari Arumugam, Sugasini R, Senthil Selvam, Manju B. Manoharan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The increasing use of digital devices among children has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on child well-being and family functioning. Prolonged screen exposure has been linked to behavioural issues, sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and psychosocial difficulties, which may contribute to increased parenting-related stress. However, limited research has explored the relationship between children’s screen exposure and parental stress. This study aimed to examine the association between children’s screen exposure and parental stress among parents of primary school children. Method: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 45 parents of primary school children aged 6–12 years enrolled at Vels …

Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration Through Occupational Therapy-Led Stress Reduction Intervention During Post Mass Casualty Simulation Debriefing Process, Benjamin Gross, Katherine Jones, Jennifer Radziak, Ralph C. Bay, Sue Dahl-Popolizio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether an occupational therapist (OT) led stress reduction intervention, implemented as part of an interprofessional education initiative, could be integrated into a mass casualty simulation and whether it was effective in reducing self-reported stress among healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used following an interdisciplinary mass casualty simulation involving first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Physician Assistant (PA) students (N=190). After a standard educational debriefing, participants engaged in a 25-minute OT-led stress reduction session consisting of structured, activity-based strategies. A retrospective pretest survey administered …

Balancing The Clinic And The Classroom: Perspectives Of Health Sciences Faculty On Clinical Practice Engagement, Derek B. Charles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of faculty within a College of Health Sciences at a public university who engage in clinical practice. Specifically, it examined the perceived benefits, barriers, and institutional factors that influence faculty participation in clinical care alongside their academic responsibilities. Methods: An online survey was distributed via Qualtrics to full- and part-time faculty members across multiple departments in the College of Health Sciences. Data included Likert-scale responses evaluating perceptions of clinical engagement, as well as open-ended questions eliciting qualitative feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data. Participants’ comments …

Use Of Simulation In Interprofessional Education In U.S. Physical Therapist Programs: A Multiple Case Study, Sarah Ross

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a cornerstone of healthcare professional education, facilitating professions learning about and with each other. Simulation-based learning (SBL) is teaching and learning modality that is frequently used to incorporate IPE into curricula. Current research shows that physical therapist (PT) education programs are increasingly using SBL for IPE purposes. However, there is little research outlining how programs are using simulation.

Method: The data in this study were pulled from a larger qualitative study looking at how US PT programs use simulation because of the heavy emphasis on IPE. Three programs were selected from a pool of volunteers …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

State-Level Implementation Of Health And Safety Policies In Mississippi Secondary Schools, Heather L. Shirley, Valerie J. Moody

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: State-level investigations of health and safety policy implementation in secondary school athletics highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring student-athlete safety that aligns with evidence-based best practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine current state-level implementation of health and safety policies in Mississippi secondary schools from the perspective of athletics/activities directors, athletic trainers, and other school administrators. Methods: In May 2025, a 26-item web-based questionnaire was distributed to 226 athletic directors and 114 athletic trainers across Mississippi secondary schools. The survey assessed participant demographics, access to healthcare resources, emergency action planning (EAP), required coaches’ health and safety training, …

Females With Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability, Jean L. Mccrory, Corrie Mancinelli, Kate Harrison, Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, Krystal L. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and …

Current Status And Future Needs Of Audiology Services In Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study, Ahmad A. Alanazi, Alhanouf N. Alhathal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Audiology services in Saudi Arabia are expanding; however, workforce shortages, limited postgraduate training programs, and variability in specialized services may affect equitable access to care. This study aimed to examine the current status of audiology services in Saudi Arabia and identify future needs related to service availability, workforce capacity, and specialized clinical provision to support the development of equitable, standardized, and high-quality audiological care nationwide. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among practicing audiologists across healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. Because a comprehensive national registry of audiology clinics is unavailable, a purposive convenience sampling strategy was used to …

Beyond The Classroom: Impact Of An Interprofessional Exertional Heat Stroke Simulation On Knowledge And Confidence, Hannah L. Stedge, Amanda Hawkes, Melani Kelly, Behle Burns, Sara Beaudry

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of a high-fidelity exertional heat stroke (EHS) live broadcasted simulation on the knowledge and confidence of a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals attending an interprofessional continuing education conference. Methods: Participants were eligible for this study if they were a credentialed athletic trainer, physician, or emergency medical services professional. Participants attended an interprofessional symposium on EHS which included didactic training sessions followed by a live broadcasted EHS simulation and group debrief. Participants completed the 29-item survey instrument modeled after the Emergency Medical Services Knowledge of Exertional Heat Stroke Questionnaire …

Predictors Of Clinical Performance On The Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0, Derrick F. Campbell, Nancy G. Hellman, Felicity Macahilig-Rice, Sean E. Witkin, Mansoor Alameri

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 12 performance criteria from the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (PT CPI 3.0) on predicting Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student clinical performance outcomes during clinical education experiences. The PT CPI 3.0 was revised in 2023 to measure DPT student clinical performance. Identifying predictors for clinical performance may help flag students who struggle to meet or fall below performance expectations.

Method: A convenience sample of 693 DPT students from a large U.S. multi-campus program during Fall 2023 clinical education experiences participated. Using an …

Coinfections In Infectious Keratitis: A Case Involving Herpes Simplex Virus (Hsv) Type 1 Infection, Saeed S Alqahtani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Infectious keratitis remains a major cause of corneal morbidity and vision loss. While bacterial keratitis is commonly encountered, coexisting viral infections may complicate diagnosis and delay effective treatment. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing polymicrobial keratitis in patients with atypical or non-resolving clinical courses. Method: We describe the clinical course, diagnostic evaluation, and management of a 40-year-old female contact lens wearer who presented with a severe corneal ulcer initially presumed to be bacterial in origin. The patient was treated with intensive fortified topical antibiotics based on clinical suspicion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection related to prolonged contact …

A Survey Of Medical Coverage In The Marching Arts, Stephanie Maszera, Luis Torres, Fredrick A. Gardin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: This research aimed to identify how the marching arts’ access to medical coverage affects an individual’s success in the activity. Medical coverage in the marching arts varies greatly between the levels that exist within the activity. Marching bands’ physical demands rival traditional sports, with a longer season and fewer resources. Despite the lack of coverage, the incidence of injury remains a challenge for competing groups. METHODS: A survey was conducted to ask individuals about their experiences with their band’s medical staff and any injuries or conditions they may have dealt with. Participants were at least 18 years old and …

The Perceived Benefit Of A Degree Requirement In Emergency Medical Services Education And Success, Joseph H. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: This study sought to assess how graduates of Wallace Community College's paramedic program impacted their readiness for the NREMT Paramedic examination and entering the workforce, specifically comparing those who completed an associate degree to those who completed the certificate program. Methods: This qualitative study analyzed the perspectives of graduates from the paramedic program using a phenomenological approach. Using a purposive sampling technique, nine graduates were chosen for one-on-one interviews, and six were selected for a focus group. Results: Analysis of participant responses revealed three main themes: the perceived value of a degree, student preparedness for the NREMT exam and …

Examining The Influence Of Cognitive Load And Self-Efficacy On The Development Of Clinical Reasoning In The First Clinical Education Experience Of First Year Physical Therapy Students, Andrew S. Bartlett, Brittney Gunterstockman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is critical for effective decision-making and patient outcomes in physical therapy. Although self-efficacy, cognitive load, and clinical reasoning have been studied individually, limited research has examined these constructs holistically. This study explored the influence of cognitive load and self-efficacy on the development of clinical reasoning during the first clinical education experience of first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students using a think-aloud protocol. Methods: All participants completed measures of self-efficacy (New General Self-Efficacy [NGSE], Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy [PTSE]) and cognitive load (intrinsic, extraneous, germane) before and after their first clinical education experience. Think-aloud protocols were conducted at …

Development And Initial Validation Of The Observation-Mimicking-Participation-Independent (Ompi) Workplace-Based Assessment Model For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Keiko Takeuchi, Hirotaka Onishi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Workplace-based assessment (WBA) is essential for evaluating clinical competence in occupational therapy and allied health education; however, many existing assessment approaches lack an explicit developmental structure aligned with progressive learning during fieldwork. Competency-based education frameworks emphasize staged skill acquisition, yet operationalized developmental assessment models remain limited. To address this gap, this project aimed to develop the Observation–Mimicking–Participation–Independent (OMPI) model as a theoretically grounded developmental WBA framework and to conduct an initial evaluation of its reliability and educational utility in occupational therapy fieldwork education. Methods: The OMPI model was constructed to reflect staged progression in clinical learning, moving from structured …

Comparative Analysis Of Knowledge, Usage, Perceptions, And Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students And Faculty Over Two Years, Qing Zhang, Heather David, Brandy Schwarz, Kristen Johnson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: AI chatbots (AIC) are increasingly integrated into healthcare education, yet research on DPT faculty and student perceptions remains limited. This study compared knowledge, usage, perceptions, and attitudes (KUPA) toward AIC between DPT faculty and students and examined how these changed from 2023 to 2024. Method: A repeated cross-sectional survey was administered to two consecutive first-year DPT student cohorts and core and associate faculty at one DPT program. A 20-item survey was used, incorporating items adapted from validated instruments and researcher-developed questions, using a five-point Likert scale. Results: Participation rates were 41.5% (n=62) in Year 1 and 39.1% (n=69) in …

Compression Therapy In A Patient With Lymphedema Bilateral Lower Extremities And Heart Failure: A Case Report, René Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Patients with heart failure may develop secondary lower extremity lymphedema, yet evidence to guide compression therapy in this population is limited. This case highlights clinical decision-making in applying compression within a medically complex scenario.

Case Presentation: A 75-year-old female with chronic heart failure and multiple comorbidities presented with severe bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and reduced mobility. Interventions included compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care education, delivered by a physical therapist with advanced cardiopulmonary and lymphedema training. Edema reduction was achieved; however, therapy was discontinued due to signs of cardiac decompensation requiring medical management.

Conclusion:This …

Beyond Walking: Exploring Functional Use Of Exoskeletons In The Home Environment, Sue D. Dahl-Popolizio, Adam M. Story, Thomas Hartman, Lacee Andrews, Jennifer Radziak, Angela Zhu, Joelly Lobato De Faria Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study was completed to determine whether individuals with paraplegia can perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in their homes using a personal exoskeleton. The physiological effects of using an exoskeleton for these tasks were investigated as well. Methods: In this mixed-methods observational study, participants with paraplegia were observed using an exoskeleton to complete ADLs and IADLs in their homes. Performance and satisfaction with performance were measured before and after home exoskeleton use with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The level of importance of completing ADLs and IADLs to the …

Beyond Tuition: Understanding The Financial Impact Of Full-Time Clinical Education On Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Michelle L. Donahue

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The physical therapy literature has explored the cost and affordability of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education; however, academic and clinical educators may lack a nuanced understanding of the costs students incur to complete their full-time Clinical Education (CE) experiences. This study explored expenses beyond course credits during a full-time CE experience. As this was the first exploratory study on this topic, the aim was to gather information from a diverse sample of participants about the costs associated with a CE experience and the perceived financial burden. Method: A survey was developed and administered to collect quantitative and …

Department Of Health Exerts Strong Control Over Cbct In Dental Offices: Regulations, Adopted Over Objection From Nysda, Take Effect Immediately., Lance Plunkett Jd, Llm

The New York State Dental Journal

On July 22, the New York State Department of Health finally adopted an entire set of new regulations covering all aspects of ionizing radiation. Contained in Article 16 of Title 10 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York (10 NYCRR), the new regulations repealed and replaced the old Article 16. It is important to note that the new regulations are in effect only in counties outside of New York City. Dentists in New York City should still rely on guidance from the city Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. The regulations contain …

Prevalence Of Acute Periapical Abscesses In Cannabis Users, Ilan Rotstein D.D.S., Joseph Katz D.M.D.

The New York State Dental Journal

Background: Cannabis use and cannabis-related disorders have increased significantly worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of acute periapical abscesses (PAs) in cannabis users.

Methods: Data from 1,799,122 patients were analyzed and the odd ratio (OR) of acute PAs and their association with cannabis use were statistically compared.

Results: Patients using cannabis showed significantly more PAs than nonusers. The difference was statistically significant. Following adjustment for diabetes and smoking comorbidities, the statistical difference remained significant.

Conclusion: The risk for acute PAs is significantly higher in cannabis users as compared to nonusers.

September 2026, Swosu Rural Health Center

RURAL ROCKS

Introducing Hilltop Health: Connecting Campus, Community & Care

This fall marks an exciting new chapter for SWOSU Hilltop Health as services and partnerships continue to grow within the Jerry & Margaret Hodge College of Pharmacy and Rural Health Center. Designed to create a more connected approach to health and wellness, Hilltop Health brings together healthcare access, prevention, education, and community resources while creating new opportunities for collaboration across SWOSU and western Oklahoma.

Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories (A Div. of J. B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg Due to Potential Cross Contamination …

Cyanobacteria-Derived Near-Infrared Autofluorescent Exosomes Enabling Synergistic Brain Lesion Imaging And Neuroprotection, Jingmei Pan, Yayun Wang, Yikun Feng, Jiaoyang Wang, Qiongya Huang, Lei Yan, Xiaobo Zhou, Huili Sun, Huaiyu Wang, Qu Wei

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Precision diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases are hindered by limited probe penetration, toxicity risks, and low imaging signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The blood-brain barrier (BBB) further restricts drug delivery, especially in stroke therapy. This study proposes and validates a natural exosome (sExos) from cyanobacteria, featuring intrinsic near-infrared-I (NIR-I) autofluorescence, with strong imaging and neuroprotective functions. As a theranostic nanoplatform, sExos enable integrated diagnosis and treatment of stroke and other brain disorders. Enriched with the fluorescent phycobiliprotein ApcE, sExos support label-free, high-SNR brain imaging in the NIR-I window. In vivo, sExos cross the BBB and accumulate in …

Endocarditis Caused By Candida (Candidozyma) Auris, Farah Ebrahim, Mzee Ngunga, Abdulaziz Abeid, Hilda Nasibwa, Newnex Mongare, Rodney Adam

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Candida (Candidozyma) auris has emerged as a hospital-acquired pathogen and was first reported in East Asia in 2009. Infective endocarditis due to C. auris has been rarely reported, while other Candida species account for < 2% of infective endocarditis (IE) cases. Herein we report three cases of endocarditis caused by C. auris , including a native aortic valve, a native tricuspid valve, and a prosthetic valve. Each of these cases had been in healthcare settings months to years earlier that were the likely sources of their infec- tions. These cases suggest the possibility for indolent but life-threatening infections from C. auris . ©2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.