Digital Commons Network^™

Disposition And Success Of Patients Following Discharge In The Acute Setting, Ciera Cortney, Kathryn Lutjens, Kristopher Raines

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Abstract: Background & Purpose: Many patients are seen in the hospital by physical therapists who also help decide where the patient will go after discharge (e.g., home, rehab hospital, skilled nursing facility) with the goal being the safest and best quality of life. Therapists may use different tests and measures along with their own professional judgment to help make a recommendation for a discharge location. The purpose of this study was to examine how PT’s recommendation for discharge location, POMA score, “6-clicks” score, age, diagnosis, and gender determine patient’s fall/readmission status after being discharged by hospital. Subjects: There were 113 …

Fine-Wire Intramuscular Insertion To The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Does Not Affect Muscle Activation And Performance During High Exertion Spinal Extension Muscle Contractions, James Dimascio, Rebeka Hicks, Matthew Kimber, Kelsey Synder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is associated with paraspinal muscle dysfunctions. A method to study the deep lumbar paraspinal muscle activation is with intramuscular electromyography (EMG). However, it is currently unknown how paraspinal muscle performance is affected by the invasive intramuscular insertion and the presence of the fine-wire electrode in the muscle. The purpose of this study was to analyze how insertion of fine-wire EMG into lumbar paraspinal muscle affects the lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue, endurance, activation, and peak extension torque during high exertion spinal extension exercises. Participants: 20 individuals between the ages of 18-40 participated. The participants …

The Reliability Of The Thoracic Percussion Test, Casey Donaldson, Rey Veloz, Kaylee Waters

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate the reliability of the Thoracic Percussion Test (TPT), which is a quick screening tool used by manual therapists to assess hypomobility in the thoracic spine. Participants: 36 healthy subjects (18-60 years old), with or without back pain, and 10 therapists participated in the study. Six of the therapists with less than 5 years clinical experience were considered “novice” and 4 with at least 20 years experience were considered “expert” therapists. Methods: All participants were divided into a morning and an afternoon group. Both groups consisted of 18 subjects and a mix of novice and expert therapists. All …

Can Simple Postural Instructions Modify Running Forms In Recreational Runners, Casey Gray, Matthew Poggemiller, Ian Tracy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Recent research suggests that alteration of trunk angle and foot strike pattern during running may result in beneficial changes that prevent running related injuries due to reduction in vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF). For example, running form emphasizing a forward trunk lean and a midfoot or forefoot strike pattern has been shown to be effective in reducing knee stress and the risks of other impact-related running injuries. In clinical practice however, it is currently unknown if simple postural cues given to runners can elicit motor learning that leads to modification of running form. The purpose of this study was …

Measurement Of Anterior Translation Of The Mandibular Condyle Using Ultrasonography, Brooke Laskowski, Danielle Hahn, Christensen J. Hardy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Reliability of clinical measurement. Objectives: To establish a standardized ultrasonographic approach to quantify anterior translation of the mandibular condyle during mouth opening by examining the reliability of imaging acquisition and processing. Background: Restricted mouth opening is a common limitation in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), however the arthrokinematics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mouth opening have not been studied thoroughly. Furthermore, how anterior translation of the mandibular condyle contributes to mouth opening remains unclear. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects without TMD participated. During day 1 of data collection, all subjects performed maximal mouth opening while an examiner placed a …

Acute Effects Of Walking On The Deformation Of Femoral Articular Cartilage, Jayson Mcclaren, Skyler Sudweeks

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a progressive loss of the articular cartilage, increasing the amount of friction in the joint, resulting in pain and decreases in mobility and function. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that frontal plane lower extremity (LE) malalignment (e.g., varus, valgus) is associated with onset and progression of OA. Previous studies showed that static loading of 50% body weight at the knee results in more cartilage deformation in those with knee OA compared to healthy controls. As walking produces forces in the knee that are 2-3 times body weight, it may result in …

The Effects Of Fatigue On Balance In Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Influence Of Medication And Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype, Michael Baer, Bradley Klemetson, Diana Scott

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the effects of fatigue on balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Because falls in this population can have deleterious consequences, it is important to understand the influence of fatigue and PD medications on balance. Additionally, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be related to motor performance, we explored its role in balance fatigue. Participants: 27 individuals (age= 65.4±8.1; males= 14, females= 13) with neurologist-diagnosed PD. Of the 27, 13 were genotyped for BDNF as Val/Val, 11 as Val/Met, 2 as Met/Met, and one refused genotyping. Methods: Participants were …

Pressure Injury Assesment Comparison: Bedside Nurse Vs. Experts, Ali'itasi Kelemete, Brandi Hillock, Casey Snell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) defines a pressure injury (PI) as, “A localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.” PIs affect millions of people each year creating a substantial financial burden. Medicare has created policies for reimbursement and reporting of PIs making it financially important for hospitals to correctly assess PIs upon admission. A basic skin assessment to categorize PIs has not been standardized among facilities, resulting in inaccuracies, poor documentation, and gaps in the reporting and quality …

Use Of Active Video Gaming In Children With Neromotor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review, Robert Manzanares, Lisa Popescu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Active video games (AVG) are gaining popularity as a strategy for improving motor function in children with neurologically-based movement disorders, but there is no consensus regarding AVG’s utility or effectiveness in this population. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine current evidence on the use of AVG to improve motor function in children 2-17 years of age with neurologically-based movement disorders. Methods: Authors followed standard criteria for systematic review conduct and rating quality of evidence including the PRISMA checklist. Databases searched were Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Systematic reviews, randomized control trials, or …

Comparison Of Land And Aquatic Loaded Countermovement Jump Landings In Female Ncaa Division I Collegiate Athletes, Samantha L. Nielson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate alterations in lower extremity kinematics during the landing phase of a countermovement jump when performed in different environments and under multiple external loads. Twenty-four NCAA Divison I collegiate female athletes performed 12 countermovement jumps on land and 12 jumps in water, submerged to the xiphoid process, for a total of 24 jumps. Within each environmental condition, four loading conditions of three jumps each were performed using a weighted vest: Unloaded, 10%, 20%, or 30% of body mass. The hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured as the smallest angles between the major …

Trunk And Respiratory Motor Control In Typically Developing Children And Its Implications In Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury., Goutam Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Independent sitting is a major milestone and is also a prerequisite for optimal performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). Development of sitting posture control is a dynamic process involving control of degrees of freedom of head and trunk. Traditionally, trunk has been modeled as a single unit (segment). However, recent studies have suggested that it is made up multiple spinal units, controlled by a combination of trunk muscles. During typical development, posture control of trunk is different for different trunk segments. This motor development of trunk control is a complex process due to constant interaction between the nervous system …

Physiological Effects Of A Novel Fes Cycling Protocol On A 34-Year-Old Individual With Chronic Paraplegia, Kay Ann Simmons

Honors Theses

Background and Purpose: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at a higher risk of sedentarism and the health risks that are associated with inactivity (Gorgey, Dolbow, Dolbow, Khalil & Gater, 2015). Because this population has limited exercise options due to paralysis, a new protocol of resistance-guided, high intensity interval training functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling was developed to allow people with SCI to utilize their paralyzed legs as opposed to their overused arms. This new protocol is important as it provides an opportunity to restore body composition to a more favorable muscle to fat ratio decreasing obesity and increasing …

Prevention Of Ankle Sprains, Travis Schomacker

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Ankle instability is weakness of the ankles due to previous injuries. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), more than 460,000 college athletes play a total of 24 sports. Results from Indiana University showed that 67% of former players claim they suffered a major injury while competing n the collegiate level.

Social Support In Collegiate Athletics: An Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Perceived Social Support Among Injured College Athletes And Its Effect Upon Well-Being Throughout The Rehabilitation Process, Gabriella Bores

Selected Honors Theses

Athletic injuries are increasingly common at the collegiate level. These injuries not only produce physical detriments, but often elicit emotional responses as well. As a result, injured athletes are often facing increased stress and are in dire need of social support throughout the rehabilitation process. This study seeks to add to the amassing literature on the stress-buffer hypothesis and evaluates social support provided by athletic trainers, coaches, teammates, and professors and instructors for injured collegiate athletes. Qualitative findings revealed the most commonly expressed type of social support was emotional support from coaches, teammates, and professors, while tangible support was the …

The Effect Of Three Different Ankle Braces On Vertical Jump Performance In Female College Volleyball Players, Ashley M. Jefferson

Undergraduate Theses

Background/Purpose: Ankle braces are often used to stabilize the ankle joint of an athlete to reduce the risk of initial injury while participating in athletic activity or to protect the joint from re-injury when returning to play. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of application of three different braces on vertical jump performance in collegiate female volleyball players. A secondary aim was to compare participant preference and satisfaction on selected characteristics of each of the three different braces.

Subjects: 31 female varsity/club college volleyball players >18 years of age.

Materials/Methods: Health History Assessment and a dynamic …

Mindfulness Program For Student Athletes, Daniel J. Savory

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

Student athletes face challenging situations during their time at college which can cause their experience to be a negative one if they are not fully supported. This can be due to several factors; most athletes face an immense amount of pressure to succeed in the classroom as well as in their sport. Also, many athletes are moving away from home for the first time and this can be a daunting feeling. They are expected to manage all of these challenges, and if mishandled, it can lead to an overwhelming amount of negative stress resulting in an unsuccessful time as a …

Metformin To Augment Strength Training Effective Response In Seniors (Masters): Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Douglas E. Long, Bailey D. Peck, Jenny L. Martz, S. Craig Tuggle, Heather M. Bush, Gerald Mcgwin, Philip A. Kern, Marcas M. Bamman, Charlotte A. Peterson

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Muscle mass and strength are strong determinants of a person’s quality of life and functional independence with advancing age. While resistance training is the most effective intervention to combat age-associated muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), the ability of older adults to increase muscle mass and strength in response to training is blunted and highly variable. Thus, finding novel ways to complement resistance training to improve muscle response and ultimately quality of life among older individuals is critical. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a commonly prescribed medication called metformin can be repurposed to improve the response to resistance …

Camping For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Emily Scannell

Honors Theses

Children with cerebral palsy and their families may have needs that make camping difficult or seemingly inaccessible. Through an explanation of the research backing the benefits of camping, this paper makes it clear that camping is a worthwhile activity that can be optimized through modifications. Understanding cerebral palsy and the steps of basic camping activities, it is possible to create modifications to increase family and child wellness while camping. Through a hypothetical case study, a specific look can be had at the ways to prepare for an optimal camping experience- from adapted equipment, to modified preparatory strategies. Through a review …

Evidence In Action: Impact Of Early Occupational Therapy Intervention In The Complex Stroke Patient, Gabriela Charles, Otr/L, Katie Connolly, Otr/L, Alan Cook, Otr/L, Megan Drollinger, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

Cerebrovascular disorders represent the third leading cause of mortality and second major cause of long-term disability in North America (3). Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms tend to have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who received delayed care (4). Further, several studies suggest stroke rehabilitation is most effective when initiated early, and confirms the existence of a positive correlation between early rehabilitation interventions and improved functional outcomes (2). Rationale to support these findings is centered around various arguments that bed rest negatively affects various body systems and …

Factors In Patient Responsiveness To Directional Preference-Matched Treatment Of Neck Pain With Or Without Upper Extremity Radiation, Benjamin Holmes, Ruta Brazauskas, Laura D. Cassidy, Rachel A. Wiegand

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose

Patient-related predictive factors in responsiveness to directional preference therapy for neck pain with or without upper extremity radiation (NP/R) have not been reported. A directional preference is any neck movement that, when performed repeatedly to end range, results in centralization and/or alleviation of NP/R. It was hypothesized that patient compliance with a prescribed, directional preference-matched home exercise program would improve positive responsiveness to NP/R treatment.

Methods

Patient-related factors thought to affect responsiveness to care were collected retrospectively from charts and de-identified for patients with NP/R who underwent chiropractic treatment at a multispecialty spine clinic from January 2014 through June …

Occupational Therapy And People Living With Scoliosis And Undermineralized Bones, Curran Smith, Ids, Katie Ramin, Ots

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster highlights work with 7 year old boy Brendan. Created Prone Pillow which can be used as a back rest. It also features a handle for carrying and a removable cover.

An Organisational Study Into The Impact Of Mobile Devices On Clinician And Patient Experience In Auckland, New Zealand, Kelly L. Bohot, Rebecca C. Hammond, Teresa A. Stanbrook

Patient Experience Journal

Mobile technology has potential to improve workflow, patient safety and quality of care, and has been identified as an important enabler of community services. However, little is known about the impact of mobile device use on clinician and patient experiences. Eleven community allied health clinicians were provided with live access to electronic health records, their email and electronic calendar, peer reviewed education and therapy mobile applications via a mobile device. Three data measures were collected over 19-weeks. First, quantitative time and motion data was gathered at baseline and follow-up to enable longitudinal analysis of clinician workflow. Second, a questionnaire consisting …

Repeat After Me: Dance Program Evaluation For The Friendship Circle, Michelle Sire

Honors Projects

Approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States are diagnosed with one or more developmental disabilities or delays (Boyle et al., 2011). Although the number of therapeutic approaches for children with developmental disabilities has increased, no single treatment or combination of treatments is effective in relieving symptoms for all individuals (Scharoun, Reinders, Bryden & Fletcher, 2014). Therefore, there is a need to continue to explore alternative therapeutic methods. Research over the past twenty years has found dance/movement therapy (DMT) to be an effective form of treatment for children with special needs, specifically in terms of functioning and well-being. However, …

A Company-Wide Initiative To Improve Screening For Vision Impairment, Tami Levengood, Otr/L, Mscs, Otd, Marie Christine Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

CSHLA Scholar Day

Objectives:

• > 1 out of 6 point up in knowledge of vision impairment & confidence in screening (6 questions; 1=strongly disagree to 7=strongly agree)
• 40% of clients will undergo vision screening
• Identify & resolve barriers to vision screening (4 questions)

Sensory-Based Interventions In The School Setting: Perspectives Of Paraeducators, Lyn Carvell, Ms, Otr/L, Otd Candidate, Marie-Christine Potvin, Phd, Otr/L

CSHLA Scholar Day

Sensory experiences or environmental modifications can:

• Regulate behavior
• Improve sensory modulation
• Improve readiness for activities
• Improve focus for learning

Sleep Quality And Quantity May Differ By Design Versus Health Science Majors At Philadelphia University, T. Sweeney, T. Buonanno, B. Balsirow, J. Bhatt, B. Buleza, N. Grosso, T. Paulose, M. Pease, R. Petrie, A. Zaveri, A. Bower

CSHLA Scholar Day

Abstract:

Sleep deprivation in college students leads to a diminishment in motivation, ability to retain information, and shortens attention span which combined leads to lower academic performance. While some students may resort to caffeine or substance use to increase productivity, others forego drowsiness and consequently suffer from sleep deprivation. Increased stress and screen time both aggravate this situation. We hypothesize that there is a relationship between work demands related to a student’s choice of major and poor sleep quantity and quality. A 38-question survey was administered to 70 college students at Philadelphia University in March 2017 using Typeform, an on-line …

Therapeutic Benefits Of Certified Canines For Veterans With War-Related Trauma Disorders, Erin Caspers

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Therapeutic Benefits Of Certified Canines For Veterans With War-Related Trauma Disorders, Smith Lauren

Honors Theses

Veterans and their service dogs share a special relationship that is not only a friendship but a working relationship as well. They each give each other something that they cannot get on their own. The purpose of this thesis is to determine the relationship between veterans and their service dogs and the emotional and physical support provided. A review of the literature, combined with systematic interviews of combat veterans led to an initial understanding of the relationship between a veteran and a service dog and the benefits and risks associated with this special connection.

Injury History In The Collegiate Equestrian Athlete: Part Ii: Head, Upper And Lower Extremities, Michael L. Pilato, Timothy Henry, Drussila Malavase

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Equestrian sports are known to have a high risk and rate of injury. While there is injury data available on acute injuries in the equestrian population, it is of a general nature. Within that data appears to be a lack of information on the collegiate equestrian athlete. Thus, the purpose of the current study and this analysis is to describe the incidence of upper and lower extremity injuries and head injuries, sans concussion, in intercollegiate equestrian athlete. Method: A survey was developed with input from each author and implemented in Mach forms. It was sent to 43 equestrian …

Injury History In The Collegiate Equestrian Athlete: Part I: Mechanism Of Injury, Demographic Data And Spinal Injury, Michael L. Pilato, Timothy Henry, Drussila Malavase

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Equestrian sports are known to have a high risk and rate of injury. While there is injury data available on acute injuries in the equestrian population, it is of a general nature. Within that data appears to be a lack of information on the collegiate equestrian athlete. Thus, the purpose of the current study and this analysis is to describe the demographics and incidence of spinal injuries found in intercollegiate equestrian athlete. Method: A survey was developed with input from each author and implemented in Mach forms. It was sent to 43 equestrian coaches in the Eastern United …