Digital Commons Network^™

Functional Performance In People With Parkinson’S Disease: Lsvt Big For Life®, Mark Blanchard, Barbara Doucet, Cassidy Perilloux, Tamara Marchetta, Darian Price, Ashley Pattison, Galla Bonanni, Baily Amedee

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

This study aimed to observe the effects that an LSVT BIG for LIFE^® program had on functional performance and overall health related quality of life. Method. Seven participants with Parkinson’s disease participated in onsite LSVT BIG for LIFE sessions throughout a 40-week program. Each session included the completion of seven LSVT BIG^® exercises, one functional component task (sit to stand), a mindfulness activity, and a functional activity. Seven standardized assessments including the Box and Blocks Test (BBT), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), Physical Performance Test (PPT), Timed Up and Go …

The Association Between Medication Use And Gait In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, S. Maas, D. A.M. Festen, Thessa I.M. Hilgenkamp, A. Oppewal

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) often have polypharmacy and often use antipsychotics. Both polypharmacy and antipsychotics have a negative effect on gait in the general population, but this has not been studied in adults with ID. These negative effects may add to pre‐existing gait disturbances in adults with ID and increase the risk for adverse health outcomes in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the difference in gait parameters between adults with ID with and without polypharmacy and between adults with ID using and not using antipsychotics. Method: The gait parameters of 31 participants …

Understanding The Impact Of Social Distancing On Older Adults And Senior Centers To Better Adapt Towards A New Normal, Salina Jivan

Student Capstone Papers

COVID-19 brought about social distancing mandates that posed as a new barrier to meaningful social participation in the community. The purpose of this project was to understand the impact of social distancing on older adults and senior organizations to better inform the role of OT in helping seniors adapt towards a new normal within the community. A qualitative study and needs assessment were performed through phone interviews with seniors and organizations that support them from around the United States. Themes highlighted seniors desire for social contact and cautious return to the community once mandates are lifted. Both seniors and organizations …

Application Of Self-Efficacy Training In Group Aural Rehabilitation: An Interprofessional Collaborative Model, Stephen D. Roberts, Nancy A. Delich

JADARA

Few studies have explored self-efficacy training with persons with hearing loss (PHLs), yet alone with their communication partners (CPs). The purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine the impact of self-efficacy training as a framework for an Interprofessional Psychosocial Group Aural Rehabilitation (IPGAR) workshop with PHLs and their CPs. Four PHLs and their four CPs consented to participate in the IPGAR workshop that employed interventions including short lectures, psychosocial exercises, communication strategies training, speech perception training, adaptive/stress reduction exercises, and group discussions relevant to mutually established shared goals for each couple. The participants reported improved communication abilities in the …

Greater Fatigability And Motor Unit Discharge Variability In Human Type 2 Diabetes, Jonathon Senefeld, Kevin G. Keenan, Kevin S. Ryan, Sarah E. D'Astice, Francesco Negro, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study determined the discharge characteristics of motor units from two lower limb muscles before and after fatiguing exercise in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with no symptoms of polyneuropathy and activity-matched controls. Seventeen people with T2D (65.0 ± 5.6 years; 8 women) and 17 controls (63.6 ± 4.5 years; 8 women) performed: (a) intermittent, isometric contractions at 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) sustained to failure with the ankle dorsiflexors, and (b) a dynamic fatiguing task (30% MVIC load) for 6 min with the knee extensors. Before and after the fatiguing tasks, motor unit characteristics (including coefficient of …

Effectiveness Of Home-Based Rehabilitation Program In Minimizing Disability And Secondary Falls After A Hip Fracture: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Anum Sadruddin Pidani, Saniya Sabzwari, Khabir Ahmad, Ata Khan, Shahryar Noordin

Department of Surgery Docs

Introduction: Hip fractures are a major health problem globally and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and substantial economic costs. Successful operative treatment of hip fracture patients is necessary for the optimization of post-op mobility and functional recovery of the patient. Rehabilitation after surgical stabilization of a hip fracture is crucial in order to restore pre-fracture function and to avoid long-term institutionalization. In particular ongoing exercise which targets balance can prevent up to 40% of falls. Therefore, we have designed a post-discharge home-based physical rehabilitation intervention program to minimize disability and falls in this high-risk elderly population.
Methods and analysis: …

A Systematic Review Of The Efficacy Of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (Cst) On Quality Of Life In Persons With Dementia, R. Babiarz, B. Haden, S. Karlin, J. Mark, A. Williams, M. Ferraro, M. C. Potvin

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Quality of life (QoL) is an established outcome measure of patients with dementia and is strongly influenced by an individual's environment and mood. While there are many outcomes that can be examined with Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) interventions, this systematic review focused on quality of life.

Pinch Span And Force: Normative Data, Requirements For Functional Tasks And Life Roles, And The Influence Of Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis, Nancy Hock

Dissertations

The three studies that form this dissertation build knowledge related to functional pinch. Study 1 provides normative data for the Baseline® 5-Position Hydraulic Pinch Meter, which may be used in clinical practice. The data collected in this study demonstrate the relationship between lateral pinch strength and age and reveal that strength decreases with age in both males and females. Through examination of the lateral pinch force produced at the 5 different pinch spans, it was found that the strongest lateral pinch strength was produced at 4-5 cm of pinch span. This information can be used by clinicians as they modify …

Brain Volumes And Dual-Task Performance Correlates Among Individuals With Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis, Jon Basterrechea, Daniel Krist, Caitlin Moreland, Morgan Wise

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition characterized by loss of brain volume and changes in cognition, motor function, and dual-tasking ability. Objective: To examine associations between brain volumes, dual task performance, and gait and balance in those with CI to elucidate the mechanisms underlying loss of function. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with CI and compared brain volumes, dual task performance, and measures of gait and balance. Results: Greater cognitive function and combined dual task effect (DTE) is associated with smaller brain volumes. In contrast, greater motor DTE is associated with larger …

Hospital To Home: Fall Prevention Interventions For The Discharging Patient, Joy Bridewell

Nursing Masters Papers

Falls is a major public health problem globally, with an estimated 646,000 fatal falls per year. This makes falls the second leading cause of unintentional injury death. Falls are very costly with non-fatal fall injuries costing about $50 billion per year and fatal falls with an estimated $754 million. Many risk factors contribute to a person’s risk of falling. Risk factors include age, gender, muscle strength, underlying medical or disabling conditions, and unsafe environments. Patients who have been hospitalized are also among those at risk. Most hospitalized patients are assessed frequently to determine their risk of falling so that care …

Challenges Associated With Occupational Therapy In Nebraska, Delaney Simmonds

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

As part of a fast-growing field, occupational therapists (OTs) in Nebraska face many challenges. This project utilizes interviews with local OTs, analysis of scholarly articles, and online databases in order to understand the challenges faced by OTs and how they may be improved upon at both an individual and a state level. The three most common settings for occupational therapists to be placed for fieldwork assignments and for work post-graduation are hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (AOTA State Affairs Group 2017). Interviews were carried out with occupational therapists working in these three settings in order to examine the similarities …

Effects Of Brain Training On Brain Function, Jeanae Williams

Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Over one million Americans are diagnosed with brain diseases or disorders each year. This means brain disease is very common, and because most brain diseases are incurable, it is vital that more information on prevention is provided. Brain training is a program of regular activities that claims to maintain or improve one’s cognitive abilities. Cognitive abilities are brain-based skills required to perform various mental tasks, from the simplest to the most complex. This presentation will discuss the effects that brain training activities have on cognition and brain function.

Exploring The Concurrent Validity Of The Indoor Mobility Pre-Driving Screen (Imps): A Comparison Of The Imps And Ef-Car Motion Driving Simulator., Nicholas T. Bolen

Student Capstone Papers

This paper details the results of a non-experimental assessment comparison study of concurrent validity in which the Indoor Mobility Pre-driving Screen (IMPS) is compared to an EF-Car Motion Driving Simulator. 36 participants completed both assessments concurrently. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's r correlations. Results show low to moderate correlations between the compared assessments.

Executive Function As A Mediating Factor Between Visual Acuity And Postural Stability In Cognitively Healthy Adults And Adults With Alzheimer's Dementia, Susan W. Hunter, Alison Divine, Edward Madou, Humberto Omana, Keith D Hill, Andrew M Johnson, Jeffrey D Holmes, Walter Wittich

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Falls in older adults, notably those with Alzheimer's dementia (AD), are prevalent. Vision and balance impairments are prominent falls risk factors in older adults. However, recent literature in the cognitively impaired suggests that executive function (EF) is important for falls risk assessments. The study objectives were to: 1) to compare balance among people with AD, healthy older adults (OA), and healthy young adults (YA) and 2) to quantify the interaction of visual acuity and EF on postural stability.

METHODS: We recruited 165 individuals (51 YA, 48 OA, and 66 AD). Trail Making Tests (A and B) quantified EF and …

Supporting Older Adults Through Aging In Place And Capable Programs, Laura Compton

OTD Capstone Projects

This experiential component or doctoral capstone project involved a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. Through this agency, projects were completed based on identified needs of the Aging in Place and CAPABLE programs. The Aging in Place (AIP) program provides critical home repairs to low-income adults aged 60 years and older. The CAPABLE program provides the same critical home repairs along with a select number of visits from a registered nurse and an occupational therapist to help the older adults age in place safely.

Social Media As Occupation: Implications For Occupational Therapy Practice, Sheryl Eckberg Zylstra, Kimberly Erler, Wendell Nakamura, Brenda Kennell

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Assessing Unmet Needs Of Caregivers After Stroke: Occupational Therapist Practices And Perspectives, Deborah R. Clymer, Hadley A. Fields, Kathy Kniepmann

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Family caregivers of stroke survivors often feel unprepared and overwhelmed post discharge with numerous unmet needs. Occupational therapists can play an integral role in addressing family caregivers’ needs. Limited research exists on assessment practices of occupational therapists in identifying caregivers’ needs poststroke. This study explores the practices and perspectives of occupational therapists in assessing unmet caregivers’ needs.

Method: A cross-sectional, mixed methods research design was used to electronically survey 15 occupational therapists. Part 1 of the survey explored participant methods for identifying caregivers’ needs and their views on using formal caregiver assessment tools. Part 2 gathered participant perspectives on …

Exploring How Older People Living At Home Alone Occupy Their Time – A Time-Geographic Study, Alison Wicks, Megan Blanchard, Ingeborg Nilsson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Knowing what older people choose to do with their time informs occupational therapists in their everyday practice. This study explored how sixteen older Australians living at home alone without support occupied their time.

Method: People aged 70 years and older living alone in one’s home and receiving no support services were voluntary recruited. The participants completed time-use diaries for 5 days and recorded how, with whom, and where they spent time. Data were coded and analyzed using the software program Vardagen.

Results: The participants reported 217 different daily activities. While patterns of daily participation varied, all …

High Supervised Resistance Training In Elderly Women: The Role Of Supervision Ratio, Denis Cesar Leite Vieira, Dahan Da Cunha Nascimento, Vitor Tajra, Tatiane Gomes Teixeira, Darlan Lopes De Farias, Ramires Tibana, Alessandro Oliveira Silva, Thiago Santos Rosa, Milton Rocha Moraes, Fabrício Azevedo Voltarelli, James W. Navalta, Jonato Prestes

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of very high supervision (VHS-RT) versus high supervision (HS-RT) ratio resistance training (RT) on irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF), muscle strength, functional capacity, and body composition in elderly women. Participants performed daily undulating periodized RT over 16 weeks with two different supervision ratios: VHS-RT at 1:2 (supervisor/subject) or HS-RT at 1:5. Serum was used to analyze brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and irisin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while functional capacity was evaluated using the Six-minute walk test, and Timed Up and …

The Effects Of Virtual Rehabilitation Therapy On Multiple Sclerosis, Mary Price

Honors Projects

In this review article, the effect of virtual rehabilitation therapy on multiple sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disorder, is explored. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by damaged nerves that result in incomplete signal processing between the brain and the spinal cord. The symptoms of this condition can include vision loss, decreased coordination, pain, fatigue, and deteriorating motor output. The severity of the symptoms and the rate of progression of multiple sclerosis can vary from person to person; some individuals live the majority of their lives with mild symptoms while others become bedridden and immobile. There is no cure for this disease, however implementation …

Combined Effects Of Telehealth And Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy For Individuals With Chronic Hemiparesis, Mary Ann Smith, Machiko R. Tomita

Occupational Therapy Collection

Telehealth use allows improved access to services and results in potential cost savings. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a combined modified Constrained Induced Movement Therapy (mCIMT) program using telehealth and in-person sessions, for participants with higher (Group 1) and lower (Group 2) functional ability of the hemiparetic upper extremity. Using a pre-experimental design with a 6-week intervention, 28 participants were assessed twice on use of upper extremity via subjective and objective measures. For the Motor Activity Log, the amount of use and quality of use were significant for Groups 1 and 2. Significant improvements …

Occupational Therapy: The Supports And Barriers To Practice, Tammy Lane

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The United States population is aging due to advances in healthcare and the aging of the “baby boomers generation” and the rate of aging is set to be the next public health challenge (Quarterman, 2017). Purpose: To address the unique nature of providing skilled therapy services in rural communities. To gain insight into the recruitment and retention of occupational therapists to rural communities. Theoretical Framework: The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) (Kielhofner,2008) theory explains how occupations motivate participants in their environments supported by habits and roles in which they engage. Methods: Quantitative design using a descriptive method research approach …

Aging In Place: Causes And Importance Of Fall Prevention Education, Molly Banks, Danielle Halstead, Mariah Leroux

Critically Appraised Topics

Falls are a significant concern for older community-dwelling adults’ ability to age in place, specifically those who aged 60 and older. Many factors contribute to the risk of falls in older adults that need to be addressed by health care facilities, home health providers, and caretakers. Occupational therapy has a role to educate older adults, as well as health care providers on how to prevent the risk factors of older adults and falls. The purpose of this CAT is to take a deeper look at why this population has so many falls and examine the research addressing education and risk …

Relationship Of Demographic Characteristics Of Occupational And Physical Therapists Towards Their Knowledge And Attitude On Person-Centered Care In Skilled Nursing Facilities, Sadashiv R. Aggarwal

Theses and Dissertations

The study aimed to assess the relationship of specific demographic characteristics of occupational (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) with their knowledge and attitudes towards principles of Person-Centered Care (PCC) in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The study further examined if knowledge and/or attitudinal differences exist between OTs and PTs towards PCC. The proposed descriptive study used the Person-Centered Care theory, which is a holistic (bio-psychosocial-spiritual) health care delivery approach. PCC delivers services that are respectful and individualized, allowing negotiation of care, and offering choice through a therapeutic relationship where persons receiving care are empowered to be involved in health decisions at …

Do The Anatomical And Physiological Properties Of A Muscle Determine Its Adaptive Response To Different Loading Protocols?, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Andrew D. Vigotsky, Jozo Grgic, Cody Haun, Bret Contreras, Kenneth Delcastillo, Aston Francis, Gilda Cote, Andrew Alto

Publications and Research

It has been proposed that superior muscle hypertrophy may be obtained by training muscles predominant in type I fibers with lighter loads and those predominant in type II fibers with heavier loads.

Purpose: To evaluate longitudinal changes in muscle strength and hypertrophy of the soleus (a predominantly slow-twitch muscle) and gastrocnemius (muscle with a similar composition of slow and fast-twitch fibers) when subjected to light (20–30 repetition maximum) and heavy (6–10 repetition maximum) load plantarflexion exercise.

Methods: The study employed a within-subject design whereby 26 untrained young men had their lower limbs randomized to perform plantarflexion with a low-load (LIGHT) …

Effect Of Foam Pad Balance Exercise In Individual With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy, Chanatsupang Saraboon

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Background: People with cancer undergoing chemotherapy usually report a decline in balance and physical function. Foam pad balance exercises improve balance and physical function in older adults. This study aimed to examine the effect of foam pad balance exercise on balance, physical function, peripheral neuropathy, and quality of life in people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Thirty participants were divided randomly into 2 groups: control group (CG) and balance exercise group (BG). The BG were asked to perform foam pad balance exercises 60 minutes/day, twice a week for 6 weeks, and conventional therapy. The CG was given conventional therapy only. …

Can Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (Promis) Measures Accurately Enhance Understanding Of Acceptable Symptoms And Functioning In Primary Care?, Ryan Jacobson, Daniel Kang, Jeff Houck

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Value-based healthcare models will require prioritization of the patient’s voice in their own care toward better outcomes. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) gives patients a voice and leads providers to actionable treatments across a broad range of diagnoses. However, better interpretation of PROMIS measures is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms (SE), Pain Interference (PI), Fatigue, and Depression measures to discriminate patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) in primary care, determining if that accuracy is stable over time and/or retained when PROMIS score thresholds …

Effects Of A Strength Training Intervention And Quality Of Life: Case Study On A Sedentary Adult Female, Lucas Frazier

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of the project is to evaluate physiological and quality of life changes in a

sedentary, senior-aged (55 or older) female using a six-week strength training

intervention. This case study will instruct how to perform a push-pull-legs split

routine by going to the gym three times per week. Prior to the six week intervention,

both quantitative and qualitative variables will be collected to assess baseline data,

including the subject’s resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, grip strength, one-

repetition maximum on seven whole body exercises (dumbbell bicep curl, tricep

pushdown, barbell bench press, wide-grip lat pull-down, seated dumbbell press, …

Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Junior Faculty Member Preparation: Perceptions Of Doctoral Programs And Clinical Practice, Jessica L. Barrett, Stephanie M. Singe, Aynsley Diamond

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Institutions of higher education suffer from a shortage of appropriately prepared faculty members in athletic training and physical therapy programs. Both professional programs have recently undergone curricular reform and degree change. We sought gain an understanding of the preparation mechanisms experienced by athletic training and physical therapy practitioners for their junior faculty positions. Method: Twenty-six athletic trainers and physical therapists participated in this phenomenological study. Data from one-on-one phone interviews were analyzed following the inductive process of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Content experts, pilot interviews, multiple analysts and member checking ensured trustworthiness. Results: Findings indicate two primary mechanisms prepared the …

Understanding Falls In People With Intellectual Disability In Western Australia, Portia Ho

Theses

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) experience earlier age-related changes, compared with other age-matched populations, but concurrently their life expectancy is increasing. Falls often result in serious injuries and reduced health-related quality of life, however there is limited research regarding falls in older adults with ID. The purpose of this research was to investigate falls among community dwelling older adults with ID, including the epidemiology, risk factors and experiences when engaging with health services after a fall.

A meta-analysis of the incidence and prevalence of falls in adults with ID was initially conducted to inform the research aims. Prospective research was …