Digital Commons Network^™

Vestibular Disorders And Rehabilitation, Stephanie Ann Jones

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The management of patients with vestibular disorders is a formidable problem. Many individuals present to their physician with symptoms of loss of balance and dizziness. A major contributor to sustaining proper upright balance, the vestibular system, consists of a complex network of fluid-filled canals and organs which aid in orientation of the head to vertical and provide information on head movements. The vestibular system is also involved in the sensation and perception of motion and position. Peripheral vestibular dysfunctions, which involve the vestibular organs and/or nerve, can produce a variety of signs and symptoms.

Physical therapy is a key discipline …

A Wrist And Cervical Screening Of Grand Forks City Employees: A Pilot Study, William D. Jr. Kukuk

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) developed at work are caused by repetitive movements or sustained postures. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Cervical Radiculopathy (CR) are both CTDs resulting from repetitive wrist movements and sustained cervical postures respectively. Although both conditions can present with similar symptoms in the exact same hand and finger location, there has been no research comparing the prevalence of CTS and CR symptoms in a given population.

The purpose of this study was to identify hand and finger symptoms and correlate the severity of the symptoms with objective measures. Thirty employees of the City of Grand Forks, ND, …

An Overview In The Ergonomics Of An Office Computer Workstation, James H. Matetich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ergonomics is an applied science concerned with adapting a workplace environment to match the capabilities of a worker and ensure the worker's safety. The study of ergonomics is one of increasing interest to American business. Specifically, the ergonomics of the office computer workstation has come under growing scrutiny due to a tremendous rise in the reported incidence of work related injuries. Workers, in this work environment, appear to be at a greater risk of injuries to the back, neck, shoulder, forearm, wrist, hand, and leg. These injuries, classified as cumulative trauma disorders or CTDs, can be attributed to ergonomic hazards …

A Review Of Treatment Methods For Patients With Patellofemoral Pain, Kristi Minter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There have been many therapeutic methods proposed for the treatment of patellofemoral pain, but there still remains some question as to which of these options is most beneficial to the patient. There are many steps to follow in order to find the most effective treatment method for an individual suffering from patellofemoral pain syndrome.

This paper is a review of the literature regarding patellofemoral pain syndrome. The paper begins with a discussion of the anatomy of the patellofemoral joint. Etiological factors of this common syndrome are also presented as well as the clinical presentation of this patient population. The focus …

An Overview Of The Prescription Of Orthotics For Abnormal Subtalar Joint Pronation, Kari Rafteseth

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The foot and ankle are a complex set of joints that are susceptible to various types of dysfunction, including abnormal subtalar joint pronation. An option for treatment of this problem that may be used is the prescription of orthotics. An orthotic is used to assist the foot in functioning properly and to prevent damage due to malalignment.

In this literature review, the anatomy and biomechanical function of the subtalar joint are discussed. The structure of the other joints of the foot and ankle are also mentioned. Several etiologies of abnormal pronation are discussed. In addition, changes in structure and function …

Polypharmacy And Physical Therapy In The Geriatric Population, Cathy A. Reuer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are seeing more and more elderly individuals with acute, chronic, or multiple disease conditions. Many of these conditions are treated with medications. It is common for the geriatric patient to be taking multiple medications. Polypharmacy is a relevant concern for physical therapists as adverse effects are often revealed in the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. These manifestations can cause adverse effects in evaluation, treatment, and outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to discuss the common non-prescription and prescription medications consumed by the elderly, describe the biologic and physiologic changes that occur with age and how these changes …

Trauma Rehabilitation Of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Physical Therapy Perspective In The Management Of Muscular Complications, Heterotopic Ossification, And Skin Breakdown, Erin N. Sabe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any combination of focal and/or diffuse central nervous system dysfunction, both immediate and delayed, at the brainstem level and above. The dysfunctions, which, are not developmental or degenerative, are due to the interaction of any external forces and the body, violent movements of the body, infection, toxicity, surgery, and non-age related vascular disorders. In the United States, TBI has reached epidemic proportions and is the leading killer and cause of disability in children and young adults.

The TBI survival rate is increasing due to life-saving technology. Survivors will face extensive rehabilitation services, which have been …

A Comparison Study Of Cervical Range Of Motion Between Unilateral Breathers And Bilateral Breathers In Collegiate Swimmers During Freestyle Swimming, Nadine K.M. Takai

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in cervical rotation between unilateral breathers and bilateral breathers for freestyle swimmers. The sample consisted of 44 (23 males, 21 females) University of North Dakota Varsity swim team members. Among the swimmers there were 19 bilateral breathers, 21 right unilateral, and 4 left unilateral breathers. The CROM device was the tool used to measure cervical rotation. An ANOVA analysis showed no significant difference in right rotation (p=.6585) and total rotation (p=.0693) for any breathing style, however a significant difference existed for left rotation (p=.0078) between bilateral and …

Sacroiliac Joint: An Overview, Cheryl Walker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain is a common cause of limitation in daily activities. Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is often an overlooked cause of low back pain. The biomechanics of the SIJ is not well understood. There is controversy about how much movement is in the joint, but it is generally agreed that movement does occur. There are six ligaments in the SIJ that add to its stability and no muscles that act directly on the joint. SIJ dysfunction can be caused by direct trauma, indirect trauma, pregnancy, or muscle imbalances. Evaluation of the SIJ should include subjective and objective information. The …

Nurses' Perceptions Of The Profession Of Physical Therapy In The Inpatient Setting, Sharon Vanmullekom, Joanne Childs

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interprofessional relationship that exists between nurses (RNs) and physical therapists (PTs) as perceived by RNs in the inpatient setting. A questionnaire, the Interprofessional Perception Scale, (Ducanis & Golin 1978) was modified and sent to 230 day shift nurses who have contact with PTs at four West Michigan hospitals. Forty-five percent of the surveys were returned. RNs responded to the following questions regarding the nursing and physical therapy professions: how would you answer; how would PTs answer, and how would PTs say that you answered, for 15 interprofessional issues. Differences between how …

The Effects Of A Downhill Skiing Program On Standing Balance In Adults And Children With Various Disabilities, Colleen Kavanaugh, Tara Mcnabb, Tami Revett

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess possible improvements in balance following a downhill ski program at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The 15 subjects' ages ranged from 7-67 and were obtained by a convenience sample of participants in the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association. Diagnoses of the participants included cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident, hearing impaired, visually impaired, and developmentally disabled.; A pre-test, post-test design was used to assess the participants balance using the functional reach test--yardstick method. Data was analyzed by computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Using the t-test for paired comparisons, …

Geriatric Knowledge, Attitudes And Interests Of Physical Therapy Alumni Of Grand Valley State University, Elizabeth Johnson

Masters Theses

Gerontologic knowledge, attitudes and interest in working with the elderly were investigated and potential relationships explored. Six years of Grand Valley State University alumni (3 years Bachelor's {dollar}\{lcub} \rm N=63\{rcub}{dollar} and 3 years Master's {dollar}\{lcub} \rm N=84\{rcub} ){dollar} were surveyed. Questionnaires consisted of: a Personal History Questionnaire, to collect demographic data; the Palmore's Facts on Aging Questionnaire Part 2 with a "don't know" option added; and a modified Semantic Differential by Rosencrantz and McNevin. P-values were set at {dollar}\le{dollar}.05 to determine statistical significance. Correlations were also run on the data. Results indicate a fairly high correlation between people who believe …

The Effects Of Contralateral Limb Strength Training On Muscle Atrophy In An Immobilized Upper Extremity, Robin R. Hlavacek

Masters Theses

Four case studies were used to evaluate the effects of three weeks of isokinetic strength training on retarding muscle atrophy in the contralateral casted limb. The non-dominant arm of each subject was immobilized in a long-arm plaster cast. Two subjects participated in an isokinetic strength training program three times per week for three weeks and two subjects were untrained. Each subject was measured for limb circumference and strength before and after casting. Pre- and post-immobilization values were compared within each subject. The results suggest a possible cross transfer effect of strength from the trained limb to the casted limb in …

The Validity Of The Physiological Cost Index At Short Distances, Devin Deboer, John Heyerman, Robert Stout

Masters Theses

Background and purpose. The Physiological Cost Index (PCI) was developed as a tool using heart rate and walking speed to measure energy expenditure during walking. This tool was developed using long distances, therefore, its validity at short distances is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the PCI at short distances.; Subjects. Forty-six subjects aged 20-30 years old were tested. Methods. Subjects walked 600 meters around a 40 meter oval track. Heart rate and walking speed were monitored at various intervals. Results. No strong correlation between short and long distances was found until 80 meters …

Exercise Walking For Obesity Management In Older Adult White Women, Mary I. Dallas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a program of exercise walking would lead to any changes in the level of physical fitness for obese white women, aged fifty and over. Twenty-two women were recruited from three sites located in Holland, Michigan. The ten week program consisted of exercise walking three times a week for forty-five minutes at 60% to 70% maximum heart rate capacity. Subjects' weight, mean percentage of body fat, waist to hip ratio, body mass index, and the step test were found to decrease significantly between the pre- and post-test measures. As a result of …

The Effects Of An Eleven-Week Therapeutic Riding Program On Motor Skills As Measured By The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency, Angela M. Cripe, Angela A. Schmid

Masters Theses

The purpose of this single-case experimental design study was to determine whether or not therapeutic horseback riding was effective in improving motor skills. The subject was a 7-year-old girl with diplegic cerebral palsy. She participated in a therapeutic riding program for 11 weeks. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-SF) was administered a total of seven times (two pretests, three tests during the riding program, and two posttests). Due to the limited number of testing sessions and only having 1 subject, the results of the study are considered inconclusive. However, based on visual analyses of graphs, some improvements in …

Electromyographic Comparison Of Internal And External Obliques Using A Modified Version Of Kendall's Strength Test Positions For Upper And Lower Abdominals, Rebecca A. Currier, Margie L. Johnson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of the internal obliques (upper abdominals) versus the external obliques (lower abdominals) during a modified version of Kendall's upper and lower abdominal strength tests using surface electromyography on adults. The study was not correlated to Kendall's theory due to the necessity to have the internal oblique electrode placed on the anterior abdomen. Twenty-four women and sixteen men participated in the study. All subjects were taught two positions ("easy" and "hard") for both abdominal tests and performed eight trials. A normalized ratio was generated by dividing one "hard" trial by the …

Relationships Among Isokinetic Knee Flexion And Extension Parameters, Three Functional Tests, And Subjective Knee Scores In Acl Reconstructed Patients, Laura Call, Sheryl Chandler

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the relationships between isokinetically tested quadriceps femoris and hamstring strength, the subjects' self-assessment of knee function, and three functional tests, and (2) to determine the strength and functional differences between the surgical and non-surgical limbs. Subjects included 18 males and 27 females aged 18 to 45 years who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee strength was measured at 180, 300, and 450{dollar}\sp\circ{dollar}/second and normalized to body weight, while functional hop data were normalized to height. Significant differences existed between limbs for the single, triple, and cross-over hops, and all, but …

Effects Of A Feldenkrais-Based Mobility Program On Function Of A Healthy, Elderly Sample, Barbara Brown, Susan Finney, Carolyn Sarantakis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a program of mobility exercises, based on the Feldenkrais Method, would result in an increase in range of motion and function, as measured by the Functional Reach (FR), modified Functional Reach (modified FR), and Timed "Up and Go" tests. Twenty-eight healthy elderly volunteers participated in the study. The experimental group participated in the program three times a week for six weeks. Measurements were taken before and after the six week program. The Timed "Up and Go" test improved significantly (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05) in the experimental group when age was accounted for. Right ankle dorsiflexion also increased significantly (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). The FR and modified FR measurements did not demonstrate a significant change. As measured by the Timed "Up and Go" test, a Feldenkrais based program may improve function in healthy elderly individuals. Further research, with healthy and disabled subjects, is needed to understand the benefits of the Feldenkrais Method.

Effect Of Thirty Second Static Stretch On Hamstring Muscle Flexibility In Subjects Over Age 65, Erin Bloomquist

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a thirty second static stretch on hamstring muscle length in a sample of healthy people over age sixty-five. Twelve individuals between the ages of 65 and 89 were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group which performed one repetition of a thirty second static stretch of the hamstrings, one time per day for four weeks, and a control group which did not perform a hamstring stretch. ANCOVA results were calculated as p =.046, implying a significant treatment effect. Overall power was calculated as.541. The results suggest that in …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Two Modalities In The Treatment Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Kenneth Newland

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of massage and light exercise in alleviating the signs and symptoms of DOMS. Fifteen male and female subjects were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups. To obtain a DOMS response, each group performed eccentric exercise on a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer to both arms. As treatment, one group (N = 7) received massage to one arm and light exercise in the form of upper body ergometry to the other arm. The other group (N = 8) received massage to one arm and light exercise in the form of supine …

The Effect Of Anterior Tibial Translation On Quadriceps Recruitment During An Isometric Squat, Natalie K. Howard, Penny P. Tussing

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine how closed chain anterior tibial translation (ATT) affected quadriceps femoris recruitment as evidenced by electromyography.; Forty-three healthy subjects performed a unilateral squat under two conditions: anterior tibial force (ATF) and no tibial force (NTF). Two adjustable-height pulleys produced ATF by each pulling with ten percent of body weight in opposite directions on the proximal tibia and distal femur. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis was monitored using surface electrodes. Percentage change in EMG area between the two squat conditions was averaged across all subjects and muscles. …

The Physical Therapist's Role In Sexual Education Of People With Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation, Karen Ellexson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical therapist's role in sexual education of spinal cord injured patients during inpatient rehabilitation. Descriptive data were collected by questionnaire from 72 licensed physical therapists working in CARF accredited inpatient spinal cord injury units. The results indicated that although therapists rated sexual education as an important and appropriate topic in physical therapy, they addressed sexual issues only 46% of the time and initiated these discussions only 30% of the time. Significant correlation was present between the frequency of addressing and initiating discussions of sexuality and the therapists' preparedness and comfort level …

The Effect Of Verbal Commands On Muscle Performance, Lisa M. Marichal, Molly K. Veen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between voice command intensity and maximum torque production of an isometric muscle contraction. Thirty nine healthy subjects ranging in age from 18-30 participated in this study. The maximum torque production of triceps brachii was measured using a Cybex II+ isokinetic dynamometer in response to varied, tape recorded voice commands. Data was analyzed by a series of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for an unbalanced incomplete-block crossover trial design. No significance was found between voice intensity and peak torque. Gender was found to impact torque …

Use Of Gum Chewing And Electromyography In The Conservative Treatment Of Unilateral Masseter Muscle Hyperactivity, Marc F. Maday, Ben Rentfrow, Nathan T. Tear

Masters Theses

It is estimated that up to 10% of the American public has some form of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), of whom perhaps 5% may seek or need treatment. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that chewing gum for 5 minutes on the involved side at levels less than maximal contraction will decrease resting muscle tone in the masseter muscle as demonstrated through surface electromyography.; This study examined 40 normal subjects as well as 6 people diagnosed with TMD. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in masseter output after the intervention as measured by EMG in …

Induction Into Academia: The Experiences Of New Occupational Therapy Faculty, Catherine R. Acre

Theses and Dissertations

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) estimates the number of therapists in the nation's occupational therapy workforce at 46,357. Silvergate (1994) estimates a 71% shortage based on the actual vacancies for occupational therapy personnel currently exists. In response to the growing demand for occupational therapists, the number of academic programs in occupational therapy has increased. Currently there are 85 accredited occupational therapy programs and 30 developing programs in the United States. In addition, for every newly available student space in professional-level programs, there were a reported 3.4 applicants. With only five doctoral programs in occupational therapy in the United States, …

Use Of Alternative Approaches By Physical Therapists In Michigan, Karen E. Huber, Brian W. Scherff

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of use of alternative treatments by physical therapists in Michigan, what approaches are used most often and if use of alternative techniques is associated with practice characteristics. A questionnaire listing 20 treatment techniques which met the operational definition of alternative was mailed to a random sample of 300 licensed physical therapists in Michigan. Number of modalities used, frequency of use for each alternative treatment, average caseload treated, and relationships between modality use and characteristic of practitioners were determined. Results showed 83% of respondents use one or more alternative modalities; 39% …

Knowledge, Utilization, And Favorability Of Commonly Referring Michigan Physicians Regarding Physical Therapy, Jill M. Cabanilla, Sandra J. Frantz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess commonly referring Michigan physicians' knowledge of physical therapy, and its impact on favorability toward, and utilization of, its services. Three hundred questionnaires were sent to physicians of orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and general practice. The usable return rate was 22 percent. Technical, professional, and overall knowledge scores, as well as utilization patterns were compared across medical specialty, practice location, and years of experience. The mean overall knowledge score was 63% with orthopedic physicians scoring the highest at 77 percent. Physicians demonstrated higher knowledge of "professional" PT procedures over "technical" …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Aerobic Dance To Water Aerobic Training On Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Terri L. Bedford, Tamara A. Dusterwinkle, Darcy J. Hoppman

Masters Theses

Water aerobics is one mode of exercise that is gaining popularity. Water aerobics allows adults who participate in an exercise program to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine if water aerobic training is as effective as land dance aerobic training in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary healthy adults. Eighteen subjects participated in this study; nine in dance aerobics and nine in water aerobics. Before and after eight weeks of training, subjects performed a graded maximal exercise test on a Schwinn Air-Dyne while maximal oxygen uptake was measured via a Beckman Metabolic Cart. ANCOVA was …

Social Support And Adaptation To Disability, Deborah J. Russell

Masters Theses

Based on Roy's Model of Adaptation, this study examined the relationship between social support and functional independence following hip fracture. A descriptive correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 29 women age 65 and older. The Personal Resource Questionnaire was used to measure social support and the Functional Independence Measure was used to measure locomotion as an aspect of physical function.; Data indicated that women who had higher levels of functional independence one week following hip fracture had higher levels of social support. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The hypothesized relationship between social support and functional …