Digital Commons Network^™

Caring For Your Lymphedema: A Guide To Everyday Action, Beryl J. Olson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present a workbook that assists patients with lymphedema and their therapists to develop a home management program that can successfully be integrated into the patient's daily occupations. The workbook utilizes the principles of the Occupational Adaptation theoretical frame of reference to guide the patient through the steps of making an adaptive response to the occupational challenge of lymphedema management. A review of the literature describes the physical aspects, psychosocial aspects, and the lived experience of the person with lymphedema. The literature review also indicates that currently the preferred method of treatment for …

Play Therapy With Victims Of Child Abuse, Annie E. Jessen

Graduate Research Papers

Child abuse is a very serious issue around the world. An estimated 906,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States in 2003. Child fatalities are the most tragic consequence of maltreatment. Play therapy provides children with the ideal environment where they feel safe and they may experience their feelings without restriction.

Oftentimes play allows children to distance themselves from experiences that are quite painful if expressed directly to a therapist. When assessing the needs of children, it is important for play therapists to assess the phenomenological impact of the abuse, the family's …

Variations In Emg Activity In Lower Leg Musculature With Use Of The Biomechanical Ankle Platform System (Baps), Carrie Carpenter, Andrea Lund, Jodi Sailer, Slinde Jessie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle sprains account for 17% to 20% of all injuries in most sports. Other ankle conditions such as posterior tibialis tendon disorder and Achilles tendinosis are quite common in the nonathletic population and require many of the same interventions. Some of these interventions include range of motion, stretching, strengthening and proprioception. Many studies have shown that strength and proprioceptive training are the intervention of choice for those with lateral ankle instability. Many of these studies have supported the use of BAPS in improving proprioception among individuals with lateral ankle instability, however there is only one study examining the use of …

The Short-Term Effects Of Magnetic Insoles On Pain And Function In A Population With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study, Janice Holth, Sarah Barendt, Jennifer Surma

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Muscle Activation During Simulated Patient Transfers: Preliminary Study Of Experienced Versus Novice Patient Handlers, Benjamin Mitchell, Patrick Septon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Back injuries are a common problem in providing health care and manually transferring patients can be a cause of back injuries. Because of this fact, there has been a need for research looking into safe methods for manually transferring patients. The intent of this study was to compare muscle recruitment patterns of novice and experienced health care professionals during a simulated patient transfer. By comparing the muscle activity of the experienced group to that of the novice group, we hoped to see differences that could be used to refine training techniques, thus increasing the safety of novice health care …

Sensory Processing: A Guide For Parents And Community Professionals, Julie Yutrzenka

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Miller (2006) describes sensory processing as the way the nervous system receives sensory messages, processes the information, and responds to it. Sensory Processing Disorder is the inability to effectively process information received through the senses. This includes sensory information received through the five traditional senses of vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. It also includes information from the vestibular (movement) and the proprioceptive (muscle sense). Sensory Processing Disorder affects 1 in 20 children (Miller, 2006). Difficulties with sensory processing can negatively affect a child's participation in the daily occupations of play, learning, activities of daily living, and social interaction. Occupational …

Motion Analysis Of A Back Handspring, Sarah Knoll, Jaclyn Minar, Melissa Moos

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the joint angles and segmental motion of gymnasts during a back handspring in a tumbling series. The difference in lower extremity motion of the individual gymnasts with different levels of experience was compared.

Subjects: 13 gymnasts were recruited by gymnastics coaches at Red River Valley Gymnastics. Only subjects with qualifications of being competitive in USA Gymnastics program, varying in levels 5-10, were included. Subjects were required to be able to perform a tumbling series consisting of a round off, a back handspring, and a back tuck-salto on a floor exercise mat …

The Effect Of Handling Time On Temporal Discounting In Two New World Primates, Alexandra G. Rosati, Jeffrey R. Stevens, Marc D. Hauser

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Foraging decisions in nonhuman animals often require choosing between small, immediate food rewards and larger, more delayed rewards. Faced with such choices, animals typically discount or devalue the future quite strongly. Although discounting studies often focus on delays to reward access, other temporal intervals contribute to foraging rate, and thus may potentially influence discounting levels. Here, we examine the effect of handling time, the time required to process and consume food, on discounting in cottontop tamarins, Saguinus oedipus, and common marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, two species that differ in levels of temporal discounting. We presented subjects with a discounting task under …

Review Of Quick Reference Dictionary For Massage Therapy And Bodywork, John Brantley

Faculty & Staff Research & Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Dorsiflexor Endurance Exercises On Foot Drop Secondary To Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study, Julie Mount, Stan Dacko

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: This is a pilot study to determine if endurance exercises for dorsiflexors will improve walking for people with foot drop secondary to MS, and if improvement in muscle endurance for persons with MS can be predicted based on the amount of central fatigue (CF) in the muscle.

SUBJECTS: Five individuals with foot drop secondary to MS and five age-matched controls.

METHODS: The intervention was 4 sets of 10 isometric contractions, at 60% of MVC, 3X/week, 8 weeks. Pretests-posttests included a dorsiflexor endurance test with superimposed electrical stimulation to measure CF, and a gait assessment including measurement of dorsiflexion at …

Physical Therapy 2006, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Program 2006, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

An Electromyographic And Electrogoniometric Study Of Stair Climbing With And Without The Use Of The Ez-Stepª And The Quad-Stepª, Rebecca Behrens, Catherine Gregoire, Tara Mathern, Jennifer L. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare lower extremity muscle activity along with hip and knee ROM in an elderly population on stair ascent and descent using the EZ-StepTM and Quad-StepTM in comparison to traditional stair climbing.

Subjects: Twenty nine male and female adults volunteered for this study. Inclusion criteria included those 65 years of age and older, ability to climb three flights of standard stairs, and upper extremity strength to be able to manipulate the Quad-Step TM.

Instrumentation: The EZ-StepTM and Quad-StepTM are devices that decrease stair step height by one-half. The EMG activity and ROM was …

Effect Of Instruction On Emg Activity Of The Rectus Abdominis During A Crunch On A Swiss Exercise Ball, Tina J. Boyer, Suzanne S. Hammer, Tyler L. Jepson, Eric G. Thompson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the benefit of instruction from a physical therapist in participant performance of an abdominal crunch on a Swiss ball, determined through electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis.

Subjects: Our subjects included male (n=15) and female (n=15) college students between the ages of 18-50 years old. Exclusion criteria included a history of low back pain, prior spine surgery, pregnancy, previous formal instruction of crunches on a Swiss ball, and an allergic reaction to rubbing alcohol. Instrumentation: EMG biofeedback was used to test rectus abdominis muscle activity. This activity was transmitted by a …

Effectiveness Of Pressure Biofeedback In Activation Of Transversus Abdominis During The Abdominal Draw-In Maneuver, Jenni L. Freie, Jan L. Kruse, Amanda M. Kvien, Kimberly M. Rzeszutko

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Study Design: Repeated Measures Design.

Objectives: To compare the recruitment of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique during the performance of the supine abdominal draw-in maneuver with the use of pressure biofeedback and without the use of pressure biofeedback. Muscle recruitment will be measured through the use of surface electromyography (EMG).

Background: Surface EMG reliability and validity is reported for transversus abdominis.

Methods: Thirty-nine healthy subjects of the ages 18 to 54 were tested. The subjects were instructed and performed practice trails of the supine draw-in maneuver with and without pressure biofeedback prior to data collection. EMG muscle activity was …

Lumbar Spine Extension Mobility Increases With Longer Participation In Football, Matthew Linback, Nicole Nord, Kari Pedersen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Football players are known to develop lumbar spine pathologies, especially extension pathologies (Le., spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis). This study examined the possibility of increased mobility in the lumbar spine with increased exposure to football, possible correlating the increased motion with lumbar spine pathologies. Extension of the lumbar spine in college football players was measured and the results of two groups were compared: those who had completed one or two years of eligibility versus those who had completed three or four years. The influence of the collision nature of football on lumbar extension was examined.

Subjects: Thirty-nine male collegiate football players …

The False Wisdom Of Tuition Based Ranking Of Allied Health Programs, Is Your Program Affordable?, Tamara L. Little Phelan

All Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the extent to which the ranking of programs based on total tuition cost changes when housing and program length were added to total tuition. Method: To accomplish this, the cost of tuition at 13 physical therapist education programs was compiled. Programs were ranked from most expensive to least expensive. The costs associated with housing, program length, and lost opportunity to earn wages were then added to total tuition. Programs were again ranked from most expensive to least expensive. Results: Regional differences in the cost of living and the total length of …

Top-10 Positional-Release Therapy Techniques To Break The Chain Of Pain: Part 2, Timothy E. Speicher, David O. Draper

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Positional-Release Therapy (PRT) is advocated as an effective indirect therapeutic treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic somatic dysfunction. Initial investigations have shown PRT to significantly reduce low back and hip pain and improve hip strength. The effects of PRT are thought to occur from placing a patient’s tissues in a position of comfort for an extended period of time.

Clinically, the practice of PRT and its therapeutic benefits have an established history. What is lacking is research into the neural and physiologic mechanisms of the process by which PRT alleviates somatic dysfunction. It can be tempting to view the technique …

Metacarpal-Phalangeal Arthroplasty: A Post-Operative Approach, Lance Norman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): Caregiver And Family Education Handbook, Heather Yekel, Breana Medlock

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Life can be very confusing for the friends, family member(s), and caretaker(s) of those individuals who are diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The people who live with and care for the individual with a TBI want to know how they can help and what they can do to speed up the recovery. They also want to know what they can expect from their loved one, how much time the recovery will take, and what is causing the changes in their behavior?

A review of the literature was conducted and professionals, who are currently providing services to individuals diagnosed …

Nurture Your Infant And Yourself: A Breastfeeding Program, Kathryn J. Conrad

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Livin' Right! Morning, Noon, And Night: A Multi-Disciplinary Wellness Camp [For] Children With Obesity Issues, Lynne R. Bradbury

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing in the United States and the percentage of overweight or obese children in South Dakota exceeds the objective set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2000). An extensive review of literature was completed on the prevalence and characteristics of obesity in children as well as interventions such as a multi-disciplinary team approach and family involvement. A review of the use of measurement tools both for screening and outcome measures was also conducted. There are significant health and societal impacts that accompany the increasing prevalence of obesity in our communities. …

Children With Limb Deficiency: The Impacts Of Using A Prosthetic For Functional Independence, Kirsten Brandt, Michelle Grimes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many emotions, questions, and concerns may arise for parents and caregivers upon learning that their child has a limb deficiency. Educational resources for parents of children with limb deficiencies may be lengthy, time consuming to find and read, and full of medical jargon. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational booklet that is concise and easy to read for parents and caregivers of children with limb deficiencies.

An extensive literature review was conducted addressing the physical and psychological impacts children with limb deficiencies experience during daily activities. Parents with children who have limb deficiencies, individuals with …

School-Based Practice: Integrating The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, Nancy M. Daly

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists in school-based practice frequently experience change due to the evolution of the profession and education reform. This project examines the impact of these changes relative to the integration of client-centered and occupation-based services in contemporary educational practice. Occupational therapists have identified significant barriers that impact the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. This paper, through the review of current occupational therapy and special education literature, explores the integration of collaboration, client-centered occupation-based care, and service delivery. The increasing requirements for accountability and professional standards define documentation needs. Findings indicate a need for school-based occupational therapists to have processes …

Eating Disorder Programming In Four-Year College Recreation Wellness Centers, Tiffany Jean Anderson, Amanda Lynn Gulka

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eating disorders are more prevalent in the college-age group when compared to the lifetime prevalence. Because of this increased prevalence, college recreation/wellness center staff should be aware of their clients in terms of the increased risk for eating disorders. College wellness/recreation centers, while serving the campus community, also serve the individuals within this community diagnosed with or at-risk for an eating disorder. Through survey research, we show who is employed at wellness/recreation centers, what type of training they receive regarding eating disorder, how this training is provided along with its content, and what method of public awareness on eating disorders …

Muscle Activation In Individuals Who Are Status-Post A Stroke During Over Ground, Treadmill, And Body Weight Supported Gait: A Comparative Study, Rhonda L. Breitbach, Kelly L. Malmin, Beth M. Nordmark, Jennifer A. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate individuals who are status post stroke during ambulation over ground, on a treadmill without support, and on a treadmill with partial body weight support (PBWS) to determine if there are any differences in muscle activation of major muscle groups in the lower extremity.

Subjects: Two subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects were included if they were over the age of 50 years, could fulfill a two-hour time commitment, and walk independently with or without the use of an assistive device. Subjects were excluded if they have had surgery or an …

An Electromyographic Study Of Upper Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, And Serratus Anterior Muscle Activity During Traditional And Modified Muscle Testing Positions, Jace Everett, Mike Fowler, Jason Haak, Robby Luck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the muscle activity of the shoulder joint force couple induced by the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior to determine if they are more effectively recruited during the traditional exercise position of forward shoulder elevation in 145° of shoulder abduction versus a modified position of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion

Methods: Nine participants took part in this randomized study in which EMG data was collected during 4 exercise trials of 10 repetitions each on the right shoulder. EMG activity was monitored …

Balance Comparison Of Open- And Closed-Back Shoes, Tiffany Hemberger, Sara Henderson, Eric Loiland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A growing number of healthcare professionals have been choosing to wear an open-back shoe rather than a traditional closed-back shoe in the workplace. Healthcare professionals incorporate dynamic balance and quick reactions during direct patient interaction. The purpose of the study was to determine if dynamic balance would be affected in healthcare professionals when wearing open-back shoes versus closed-back shoes.

Thirty-two healthcare professionals or students of healthcare professions (28 females and 4 males) were recruited for this study. Subjects ranged in age from 20 to 62 years (mean age 28.2 years), with the majority being physical therapists or physical therapy students. …

Role Of Z-Coilª Shoes On Plantar Pressure Forces During Short Distance Walking, Tyler Volle, Michael Rider, Brett Jenks, Benjamin Deubner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The Z-CoiL ® company has marketed a shoe that is advertised to decrease pressure and attenuation of forces on the foot, ankle, and other lower extremity joints. Evidence based studies, however, are lacking in support of this claim. The purpose of this study was to compare the peak pressure distributed onto the bottom of the foot from heel strike to midstance when walking bare foot, using a personal athletic shoe, and using a Z-CoiL ® shoe.

Subjects: Thirty subjects without any current history of orthopedic pathologies were examined in this study. Fourteen subjects were excluded from final data analysis, …

Review Of Quick Reference Dictionary For Massage Therapy And Bodywork, John Stephen Brantley

Faculty & Staff Research & Creative Activity

No abstract provided.