Digital Commons Network^™

Lumbar Pathological Fracture Due To Salmonella Osteomyelitis Mimics Compression Fracture, Ming-Fong Tsai, Zong-Jing Wang, I-Chiun Lu, Chi-Hung Chiu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

We describe a patient with Salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis who presented with severe low back pain. An initial diagnosis of compression fracture was based on clinical symptoms and signs, as well as imaging studies. During hospitalization, the patient developed a fever. A repeat MRI, positive blood cultures, and abscess culture results obtained during an operative procedure confirmed the diagnosis of Salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis. Salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis is rare, and its clinical presentation may mimic other common diseases such as compression fracture. This case illustration suggests that in patients with rapidly progressive low back pain, fever, and poor response to treatment, vertebral …

Diffuse Positive Sharp Waves In A Patient With Left Radial Nerve Palsy: “Emg” Disease, Meng-Jer Lee, Jan-Wei Chiu, Han-Wen Lee, Tcho-Jen Liu, Rai-Chi Chan

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Positive sharp waves (PSW) and fibrillations are frequently seen together in a variety of neuromuscular diseases and share the same clinical significance. However, PSW alone are also reported to occur in myotonic disorders, periodic hypokalemic paralysis, and local muscle trauma.Our patient, a 32-year-old man, fractured his left humerus in a traffic accident 3 weeks prior to presentation. He was referred to our electrodiagnostic laboratory due to left wrist and hand drop. On physical examination, he was found to have grade 0 muscle power in his left wrist and finger extensors. There was numbness over the dorsal aspect of the first …

Alcohol-Related Central Pontine Myelinolysis: A Casereport, Tai-Te Lee, Vikey Huang

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) characterizes demyelinolysis of the central basal pons without involving the nerve axon. The etiology and incidence are unclear. According to previous reports, CPM occurs most often in chronic alcoholism, followed by hyponatremia due to rapid correction of electrolyte imbalance. Clinical manifestations of CPM include consciousness disturbance, lethargy, impaired brain function, dysphasia, dysarthria, four limbs weakness, ataxia, decreased deep tendon reflex, hypotension and seizure. The treatment of CPM includes supportive management with enough nutrition intake and rehabilitation programs. Our casereport is a 47 year old male with the history of diabetics mellitus, hypertension and chronic alcoholism. He …

Childhood Traumatic Brain Injury: Recovery Of Working Memory Function And Behavioral Adjustment, Gayle L. Crahen

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Children and adolescents with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) were the focus of this investigation using an extant data set. The 3 7 participants were between the ages of 5 and 15 years at the time of injury, and the majority had a severe TBI. Participants were evaluated soon after injury for a Baseline description of functioning on measures of cognition and memory and re-evaluated at one and/or two year return appointments. Parents provided estimates of adaptive, internalizing, and externalizing behaviors at Baseline and at follow-up appointments on the V ABS and CBCL. It was expected that parents' descriptions of …

Relationship Of Urinary Incontinence To Hysterectomy And Episiotomy, Elizabeth Oakley, Debra Buchtel, Rachel Atanosian, A. Lynn Millar

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a problem that affects women of all ages. Research has identified many risk factors for the development of UI but is inconclusive regarding the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and the development of UI symptoms. Physical therapists are emerging as primary care providers which increases the importance of attention to and knowledge of risk factors facilitate timely screening and care for women at risk or who have UI signs and symptoms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and incidence of urinary incontinence. SUBJECTS: The subjects included …

A Closer Look At Development Of Self-Awareness And Compensatory Strategy Use In Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury, Melissa A. Byrne

Masters Theses

My study investigates the development of self-awareness and use of compensatory strategies in eight adults with traumatic brain injuries using the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ) and three additional questions of descriptive nature. This study also examines whether or not the severity of brain injury (mild, moderate, severe) impacts the development of self-awareness. In addition, the spouses' perceptions of client awareness are compared to the relatives' to determine existence of potential variance.

Results indicate that while there is no significant difference in self-awareness_ between the mild and moderate groups, the severe group significantly varies from both the mild and moderate groups. Also, …

The Effectiveness Of Personal Data Assistants In Improving Daily Function Of Adults With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Connie Lee Budiwarman

Masters Theses

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using Personal Data Assistants to help with memory and/or organizational difficulties with adult patients who had survived mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Utilizing an AB single subject design method with a training period, one subject ultimately completed the study. The study demonstrated mixed results. Through the use of daily record sheets, the subject reported improvement in three areas of daily function but reported negative improvement in three areas of daily function. This study suggests, but does not completely support, the potential use of Personal Data Assistants with patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.

Influence Of Aging On Sex Differences In Muscle Fatigability, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare time to task failure for a sustained isometric contraction performed at a submaximal intensity with elbow flexor muscles by young and old men and women. Twenty-seven young (14 men and 13 women, 18–35 yr) and 18 old (10 men and 8 women, 65–80 yr) adults sustained an isometric contraction at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction torque until target torque could no longer be achieved for ≥5 s. Young adults were stronger than old adults (66.8 ± 17.9 vs. 47.7 ± 18.1 N·m, P < 0.05), and men were stronger than women (69.8 ± 17.9 vs. 47.1 ± 15.3 N·m, P < 0.05), with no interaction between age and sex (P > 0.05). Time to task failure was longer …

Beyond Bloodletting: Fda Gives Leeches A Medical Makeover, Carol Rados

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Library Materials

In June 2004, the Food and Drug Administration cleared the first application for leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to be used in modern medicine as medical devices. By definition, a medical device is an article intended to diagnose, cure, treat, prevent, or mitigate a disease or condition, or to affect a function or structure of the body, that does not achieve its primary effect through a chemical action and is not metabolized.

Visual-Motor Integration Skills Impact On Handwriting, Amber M. Kapnick

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a visual-motor integration intervention improved handwriting legibility and visual-motor integration in first grade students as measured by the Minnesota Handwriting Test (MHT) and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). Intervention was based on sensory-motor learning theories. Sixty-six children from four first grade classrooms in a suburban elementary school were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control condition. The intervention group received eight weeks of visual-motor integration training twice a week for 30 minute sessions. The control group received regular academic instruction. All children were tested on the Minnesota Handwriting …

The Understanding And Utilization Of Occupational Therapy Services By Medical Doctors In Acute Hospital Settings, Naina Jamani

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine what medical doctors working in the Canadian healthcare system know about occupational therapy, and if this understanding of occupational therapy is deemed valuable by the rate of referrals generated by these practitioners. This study will examine the relationship between physician's knowledge level and referrals to occupational therapy. The study instrument was a survey that consisted of eight questions, seven multiple choice and one open-ended response. The study took approximately five minutes to complete. A total of forty surveys were distributed at three different acute hospital settings. A total of fourteen or thirty-five …

Spousal Congruence On Disability, Pain, And Spouse Responses To Pain, Annmarie Cano, Ayna B. Johansen, Michael Geisser

Psychology Faculty Research Publications

We examined congruence between chronic pain patients and their spouses on their reports of patient pain severity, patient disability, and spouse responses to pain. Patients reported that they were more physically and psychosocially disabled than their spouses reported them to be. However, spouses reported that the patients’ pain was more severe than patients reported. Depressive disorders in the patient and gender interacted with patient–spouse ratings. For physical and psychosocial disability, depressed patient couples reported significantly larger differences in disability ratings than nondepressed patient couples. In addition, female patients’ disability was rated as more severe by the female patients than by …

Influence Of Varied, Controlled Distances From The Crank Axis On Peak Physiological Responses During Arm Crank Ergometry, Thomas L. Miller, Carl G. Mattacola, Mayra C. Santiago

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of varied, controlled distances from the crank axis during arm crank ergometry (ACE) on peak physiological responses and physical work capacity (PWC). Physiological responses to ACE were evaluated using three controlled distances from the crank axis based on 0°, 15°, and 30° from full extension in the elbow while at the furthest point in the crank rotation. Eleven adult, able-bodied women (age = 24.5 ± 4.7 yrs) performed graded maximal ACE tests at each of three distances from the crank axis. Data were analyzed for differences in peak physiological responses …

Orthopedic Treatment Outcomes And Physical Therapists' Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Status, Karin Granberg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification has been available since 1989, however, no prospective studies exist demonstrating better patient outcomes with OCS certification. The purpose of this study was to prospectively explore if there are differences in effectiveness as measured by health, work status and patient satisfaction; efficiency, as measured by visits, treatment duration, number of treatment codes and cost; value (unit of functional improvement per dollar charged), and utilization (unit of functional improvement per visit) depending on OCS status of PTs working in orthopedic outpatient settings.

Subjects. Six PTs with OCS certification and 11 PTs without …

The Effectiveness Of A Physical Therapy Intervention For Children With Hypotonia And Flatfeet, Charmayne G. Ross

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy using Cascade orthotics and an exercise program for children with hypotonia and flatfeet. Subjects: Thirty-seven children, aged 18 months to 5 years, who demonstrated developmental delays and hypotonia with flatfoot dysfunction, participated in this study. Methods: Three groups (control, orthotic, and orthotic-exercise) were studied. The orthotic- exercise group practiced bilateral heel lifts besides wearing the orthoses. An arch index was used to assess the width of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) pre/post interventions. Gait parameters (velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence) were assessed four times in …

Diabetes: The Interrelationship Between Vascular, Nervous Systems And Avandia, Salameh Bweir

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Diabetes Mellitus has been linked to vascular and neurological impairments. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between vascular endothelial dysfunction, autonomic and somatic nervous systems impairment in diabetic patients. These studies also evaluated the effects of rosiglitazone (Avandia) on the vascular, autonomic, and somatic nervous systems.

Fourteen diabetic subjects and fourteen control subjects (age matched) participated in three series of experiments. Using Whitney volume plesythmography to assess post occlusion blood flow in the subject’s forearm did assessment of vascular endothelial function. Evaluating skin blood flow, orthostatic tolerance, heart rate, and thermal responses under thermal and postural …

Men Are More Fatigable Than Strength-Matched Women When Performing Intermittent Submaximal Contractions, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, In-Sik Shin, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare the time to task failure for a series of intermittent submaximal contractions performed with the elbow flexor muscles by men and women who were matched for strength (n = 20, 18–34 yr). The fatigue task comprised isometric contractions at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque (6-s contraction, 4-s rest). The MVC torque was similar for the men and women [64.8 ± 9.2 (SD) vs. 62.2 ± 7.9 N·m; P > 0.05]. However, the time to task failure was longer for the women (1,408 ± 1,133 vs. 513 ± 194 s; P …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Temporal And Spatial Gait Characteristics Measured With An Instrumented Walkway System (Gaitrite®), Cornelius J.T. Van Uden, Marcus P. Besser

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of temporal and spatial gait measurements over a one-week period as measured using an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite®).

Methods
Subjects were tested on two occasions one week apart. Measurements were made at preferred and fast walking speeds using the GAITRite® system. Measurements tested included walking speed, step length, stride length, base of support, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single and double support times, and toe in-toe out angle.

Results
Twenty-one healthy subjects participated in this study. The group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Temporal And Spatial Gait Characteristics Measured With An Instrumented Walkway System (Gaitrite)., Cornelis J T Van Uden, Marcus P Besser

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of temporal and spatial gait measurements over a one-week period as measured using an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite). METHODS: Subjects were tested on two occasions one week apart. Measurements were made at preferred and fast walking speeds using the GAITRite system. Measurements tested included walking speed, step length, stride length, base of support, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single and double support times, and toe in-toe out angle. RESULTS: Twenty-one healthy subjects participated in this study. The group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, …

Ritalin Use In Elementary School Children, Amber Ayres

Honors Capstones

Capstone submitted as a graduation requirement for the BSU Honors Program.

Knitting In Art Therapy: An Exploratory Study, Mollie Irene Howey Tracy

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

While knitting has long been considered a functional craft, there is significant evidence to support knitting as an art form. Current research exploring the artistic, meditative, and therapeutic qualities of knitting was reviewed and findings indicated scarce research on knitting in art therapy. In this phenomenological study, six female knitters were interviewed and the author addressed her personal experience as well. Several themes were identified: the freedom felt when knitting, keeping one’s hands busy, reduction of anxiety, sharing the finished piece with others, a connection to self and to others, and knitting as a bridge into more traditional art therapy …

A Comparison Of Hip Versus Ankle Exercises In Elders And The Influence On Balance And Gait, Laura Z. Gras, Pamela Levangie, Mary (Tina) Goodwin-Segal, Deborah A. Lawrence

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Purpose: Reductions in hip and ankle strength and range of motion (ROM) in elderly subjects have been associated with decreased functional mobility and risk of falls. The purpose of this research was to determine if short duration hip or ankle interventions designed to increase ROM and strength could improve ROM and strength of those joints, as well as improve balance and gait outcomes. Methods: Well elderly volunteers recruited from retirement communities and a senior citizen center were randomly assigned to a hip or ankle intervention group. Both groups performed a home exercise program (HEP) of stretching 5 days a week …

Comparison Of Selected Orthotic Devices On Ground Reaction Forces Produced During A Drop Landing, Betsy Faye Halwes

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The effect of different types of athletic shoes, foot orthoses, and other arch support materials on lower extremity kinetics and ground reaction forces during walking and running gait has been documented; however, the potential effects of such devices on ground reaction forces during drop landings has not been extensively studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if over-the-counter orthotics, made of the same material, affect vertical and mediolateral ground reaction forces during a drop landing. Design and Setting: A lx3 repeated measures design guided this study where the independent variable, orthotic, has 3 levels (no orthotic-control, …

A System For Monitoring Pressures And Spinal Curvature In Spinally Injured People Immobilised On A Spinal Raft, Ruairí De Fréin, Eoin Flinn, Ted Burke

Articles

We present a system designed to study the pressure at various ‘hot spots’ on the back of the body and the deformation of the spine experienced by a patient when strapped to a spinal board, and the potential alleviation of both by the addition of an inflatable “spinal raft” (or other similar device). In measuring pressure we devised a system of air-filled sacks interfaced with a PC. Each sack, placed under a particular key point on the body, is inflated until its faces just begin to separate and a switch thereby opens. The pressure reading is then captured and displayed …

Physical Therapy And Womens' Health: Treating Low Back Pain During Pregnancy And Postpartum, Robin Borba

Whittier Scholars Program

This project is a close study of low back pain that women experience during pregnancy or postpartum. This study includes anatomy of the lower back, factors that affect Lumbar Lordosis, and physical and psychological changes during pregnancy. This project also includes an in depth analysis of lower back pain during pregnancy which includes symptoms, types, causes and risk factors. This paper demonstrates how physical therapy treats low back pain during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum and also includes a glossary, pictorial appendix and brochure.

Qtc Is Associated With Obesity And Physical Activity Level For African American Females, C. Jayne Brahler

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular or ischemic disease mortality. Obesity as a cause for acquired LQTS in otherwise healthy individuals is rapidly gaining the attention of the scientific community. African American people have a higher incidence of obesity compared to Caucasians, yet race-specific information is not available for their prevalence of LQTS. Chronic physical activity can help reduce the incidence of obesity, yet little is known about the effects of chronic physical activity on acquired LQTS. Subjects in this study were a volunteer sample of African American mothers (21-53 yr, n = 44) and …

Impact Of Service Learning On Physical Therapist Students' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Older Adults And On Their Critical Thinking Ability, Janna Beling

Service Learning, General

As the number and proportion of elderly people rapidly increase in the next few decades, there will be increased demands for physical therapists to work with older clients. Although the availability of physical therapists to work with elderly people will be determined, in part, by their personal preferences,¹ most physical therapists will be routinely required to work with elderly clients and clients' aging family members.² In order to provide effective services, it is imperative that physical therapist students possess adequate knowledge about the aging process and recognize the individuality of older clients, as well as their capacity for …

Enhancing The Rehabilitation Counseling Process: Understanding The Obstacles To Asian Americans' Utilization Of Services, Roy K. Chen, Song-Jae Jo, Chandra M. Donnell

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

Improving rehabilitation services for Asian Americans with disabilities through the rehabilitation counseling process remains as an ongoing challenge. Despite being the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, past studies have reported low utilization rates of vocational rehabilitation and mental health services among this population. This article (a) describes Asian American views on disabilities from religious, philosophical, and spiritual perspectives; (b) reviews factors that may contribute to their being underserved in the rehabilitation; (c) discusses the influence of family dynamics on the rehabilitation process; (d) underscores unique employment challenges facing the Asian Immigrant community; and (e) draws out the …

A Comparison Of Four Electrical Stimulation Types On Staphylococcus Aureus Growth In Vitro, Harold L. Merriman, Chris A. Hegyi, Cheryl R. Albright-Overton, John Carlos Jr., Robert W. Putnam, Janet A. Mulcare

Faculty Publications

We evaluated the efficacy of common electrical stimulation (ES) types on bacterial growth in vitro using clinically relevant conditions. Four types of ES-continuous micro-amperage direct current (μADC), high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC), low-voltage monophasic milliamperage pulsed current (LVMmAPC), and low-voltage biphasic milliamperage pulsed current (LVBmAPC)-were each applied to a separate set of culture plates containing Staphylococcus aureus for 1 h at 37°C on 3 consecutive days. After ES treatment, the zone of inhibition surrounding each electrode was measured. Zone of inhibition measurements showed a significant inhibitory effect for continuous μADC and HVPC (p < 0.05), but not for LVM-mAPC and LVBmAPC. Differences in bacterial growth inhibition were not found for polarity and time. These data suggest that for infected wounds, HVPC and continuous μADC treatments may have an initial bacterial inhibitory effect, which does not significantly change with subsequent treatments.

Management Of Postsurgical Hyperhidrosis With Direct Current And Tap Water, Bernadette T. Gillick, Luther C. Kloth, Andrew John Starsky, Laura Cincinelli-Walker

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background and Purpose. Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, involves the eccrine sweat glands of the axillae, soles, palms, and/or forehead. The use of iontophoresis to reduce or eliminate excessive sweating has been described since 1952. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of tap water galvanism (TWG) using direct current (DC) with a patient who had postsurgical hyperhidrosis. Case Description. The patient was a 36-year-old male electrician with traumatic phalangeal amputation and postsurgical development of hyperhidrosis. Tap water galvanism was administered using a DC generator, 2 to 3 times per week for 10 treatments. The patient's …