Digital Commons Network^™

Diabetes Knowledge: What Do College Students Know, Abdoulaye Diallo, Roy K. Chen, Mohammed Mozadded Hossen, J. Luna, Diana Paz, Eva Arjona

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

This study investigates students’ knowledge about diabetes, with a focus on academic disciplines and gender. Data were collected from 218 students enrolled at a large public university. Descriptive statistics were employed, and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. The results showed that, while participants seemed to have some knowledge about diabetes, they generally lacked specific content information about the disease. Female students outperformed male students in diabetes knowledge. Rehabilitation counselor educators can offer an invaluable service by covering the topic of diabetes in their courses and curricula. They can consider incorporating specific information about diabetes that can better prepare …

Walking Improvement In Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury With Exoskeleton Robotic Training (Wise): A Randomized Controlled Trial, Dylan J Edwards, Gail Forrest, Mar Cortes, Margaret M Weightman, Cristina Sadowsky, Shuo-Hsiu Chang, Kimberly Furman, Amy Bialek, Sara Prokup, John Carlow, Leslie Vanhiel, Laura Kemp, Darrell Musick, Marc Campo, Arun Jayaraman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Study design: Clinical trial.

Objective: To demonstrate that a 12-week exoskeleton-based robotic gait training regimen can lead to a clinically meaningful improvement in independent gait speed, in community-dwelling participants with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI).

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation or research institute.

Methods: Multi-site (United States), randomized, controlled trial, comparing exoskeleton gait training (12 weeks, 36 sessions) with standard gait training or no gait training (2:2:1 randomization) in chronic iSCI (>1 year post injury, AIS-C, and D), with residual stepping ability. The primary outcome measure was change in robot-independent gait speed (10-meter walk test, 10MWT) post 12-week intervention. Secondary …

Effects Of Tai Chi On The Quality Of Life, Mental Wellbeing, And Physical Function Of Adults With Chronic Diseases: Protocol For A Single-Blind, Two-Armed, Randomised Controlled Trial, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Johnny Lo, Sadie Geraghty, Angela Wei Hong Yang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Quality of life (QoL), mental wellbeing, and physical function are often diminished among people with chronic disease. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may be effective in improving chronic disease management. This protocol paper outlines a trial to determine the therapeutic effects of a Tai Chi program on chronic disease management. Methods and analysis This study will be a pilot, interventional, single-blind, two-armed, randomised, parallel, and controlled trial involving a 12-week Tai Chi program for Australian adults. Forty people aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with one or more chronic disease from general community will be …

Human-Robot Interaction Torque Estimation Methods For A Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robotic System With Uncertainties, Juan C. Yepes, Santiago Rúa, Marisol Osorio, Vera Z. Pérez, Jaime A. Moreno, Adel Al-Jumaily, Manuel J. Betancur

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Lower limb rehabilitation robot (LLRR) users, to successfully conduct isotonic exercises, require real-time feedback on the torque they exert on the robot to meet the goal of the treatment. Still, direct torque measuring is expensive, and indirect encoder-based estimation strategies, such as inverse dynamics (ID) and Nonlinear Disturbance Observers (NDO), are sensitive to Body Segment Inertial Parameters (BSIPs) uncertainties. We envision a way to minimize such parametric uncertainties. This paper proposes two human–robot interaction torque estimation methods: the Identified ID-based method (IID) and the Identified NDO-based method (INDO). Evaluating in simulation the proposal to apply, in each rehabilitation session, a …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Physical Prehabilitation On A Total Knee Arthroplasty, Zen S. Miyashiro

University Honors Theses

Prehabilitation is a rather new method of approach to the physical therapy setting in which patients attend therapy sessions to prepare for their upcoming surgery. Researchers hypothesize that if patients enter a procedure with higher levels of strength and function, they will be able to recover from their surgery quicker and more successfully. This literature review assesses different approaches that numerous studies have taken with regards to prehabilitation for patients about to undergo a Total Knee Arthroplasty. Majority of the studies conclude that there needs to be further research done to yield consistent results. Based on what has been done, …

Identifying Gait Pathology After Acl Reconstruction Using Temporal Characteristics Of Kinetics And Electromyography, Naoaki Ito, Jacob J. Capin, Ashutosh Khandha, Thomas S. Buchanan, Lynn Snyder-Mackler

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

Asymmetrical gait mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with the development of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis. Current measures of gait mechanics have focused heavily on peak magnitudes of knee kinematics, kinetics, and joint contact forces but have seldom considered the rate of knee loading, cumulative knee load, or the timing of motor input surrounding peaks. The purpose of this study was to introduce and describe novel metrics of gait using temporal characteristics of kinetics and EMG to identify neuromuscular deficits of the quadriceps in patients after ACLR.

Methods

Gait mechanics were assessed 6 months (n = …

Total Knee Arthroplasty Assessments Should Include Strength And Performance-Based Functional Tests To Complement Range-Of-Motion And Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, Jacob J. Capin, Michael J. Bade, Jason M. Jennings, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Range of motion (ROM) and pain often define successful recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but these routine clinical outcomes correlate poorly or not at all to functional capacity after TKA. The purpose of this Perspective is to underscore the importance of muscle strength and performance-based functional tests in addition to knee ROM and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to evaluate outcomes after TKA. Specifically: (1) muscle strength is the rate-limiting step for recovery of function after TKA; (2) progressive rehabilitation targeting early quadriceps muscle strengthening improves outcomes and does not compromise ROM after TKA; (3) ROM and PROs fail to …

Faculty Perspectives On Interprofessional Collaborations Between Occupational Therapy And Industrial Design: A Qualitative Ethnographic Inquiry, Kimberly S. Mollo, Madalyn Peterson, Rebecca Brown

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Incorporating a user-centred approach to universal design solutions improves functionality and access for a more diverse group of individuals to engage with end products within everyday environments successfully. Interprofessional collaborations between industrial design and occupational therapy are one approach that integrates a user-centred universal design perspective throughout the design process, as occupational therapists have unique expertise in understanding how individuals participate in activities and engage with everyday products and environments. This qualitative ethnographic inquiry explored faculty perspectives (n=5) involved in interprofessional academic collaborations between design and occupational therapy at the university level in the Northeastern United States. Five themes emerged: …

Feasibility And Effectiveness Of A Prehabilitation Program Prior To Breast Cancer Surgery: A Critically Appraised Topic, Emma Choi, Alissa Lee, Kayla Woods, Morgan Mills, Carol Houston

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our project is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a prehabilitation (prehab) program for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery as compared to only receiving post-surgical rehabilitation. Our clinical mentor has recently obtained certification as a lymphedema specialist and is assisting with the opening of an outpatient mastectomy clinic through the Methodist University systems. Through our research process, we critically appraised two Level II articles, two Level III articles, and one Level IV article. Positive outcomes related to the feasibility were identified, however there is limited significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of the intervention. We recommend using …

Effect Of Botox And Therapy On Spasticity In Cerebral Palsy: A Critically Appraised Topic, Rachel Bray Mot/S, Tatum Cabot Mot/S, Peyton Clark Mot/S, Cameron Goodman Mot/S, Tarason Moore Mot/S, Claire Napier Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy often experience upper limb spasticity. Research has shown Botox injections in combination with occupational therapy can reduce the effects of spasticity in the upper limb. This literature review aims to determine how long is the appropriate duration of occupational therapy to administer after Botox injections to see decreased spasticity in the upper limbs.

Effects Of Sensory Intervention On Neurological Development In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paulina Bullard Mot/S, Emma Gadberry Mot/S, Siham Sherif Mot/S, Virginia Strawn Mot/S, Courtney Travis Mot/S, Delaney Weller Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains four research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include a randomized clinical trial, a randomized control trial, a systematic review and meta-analysis, and an integrative review. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to recommend sensory intervention for neurological development of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). One of the articles describes statistically significant effects. One of the articles describes both statistically significant and non-statistically significant effects of sensory intervention on neurological development of premature infants in the NICU. The other two …

Group Therapy For Adults With Hip Replacements, Riley Burford Mot/S, Hillary Talley Mot/S, Elizabeth Seals Mot/S, Alishah Pirwani Mot/S, Tylan Wakefield Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the best current evidence regarding the feasibility of group occupational therapy and outcomes related to ADL performance. The final portfolio contains a total of four research articles. Study designs include two randomized control trials, one cohort design, and one systematic review. All studies related directly to the PICO question and were used to determine best evidence for the feasibility of group therapy of the older adult population who have hip replacements in a rehabilitation setting.

The Effects Of Air-Cell Based Cushions On Pressure Relief For Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic, Audrey Carr Mot/S, Olivia Hamby Mot/S, Hailey Hanson Mot/S, Olivia Kincaid Mot/S, Molly Mcwilliams Mot/S, Anna Pollan Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Most acute care level patients with a SCI are dependent in performing pressure relief. Research was appraised and synthesized to answer the question: Are air-filled cushions effective for reducing pressure and development of pressure ulcers among adults with a spinal cord injury who are unable to independently perform pressure relief?

Effect Of Early Mobilization On Length Of Hospital Stay In Covid-19 Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ashlee Hodges, Anna Claire Briscoe, Anna Beth Willoughby, Carlton Hubbard, Nathan Smith

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

For this project, we created a critically appraised topic to study the effects of early mobilization on length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients in the ICU.

A Qualitative Study On Nurse Facilitators Of Mind-Body Skills Groups, Paula D. Blake-Beckford

Mindfulness Studies Theses

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM), founded by Dr. James Gordon, provides communities with evidence-based Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs) that foster self-care, self-awareness, and self-expression. MBSGs range from 8 to 12-week series on various mind-body practices wherein group members meet, practice, and reflect on the impact of mind-body skills in their lives. Research has demonstrated that participants in MBSGs have positive outcomes. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially nurses, gain resiliency from MBSGs. As facilitators of MBSGs, nurses develop essential skills transferable to clinical and educational settings. MBSGs are therapeutic for adult participants with chronic stress. Prior to this thesis, only one …

Dance/Movement Therapy As A Transdisciplinary Approach To Treating Trauma, Destany Schadder

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This thesis considers dance/movement therapy as a transdisciplinary approach to treating trauma in the body. It explains what the functions of the brain are, how trauma negatively affects it, and how posttraumatic stress disorder is expressed in both the body and the brain. It discusses multidisplinary approaches, it shows how these approaches leverage the body in treating trauma. Moreover, it demonstrates the benefits and advantages of a dance/movement therapist in supporting individuals who have experienced traumatic events. To achieve these goals, this thesis discusses research by neuroscientists, such as Damassio (1999), who maintain that the body and mind directly affect …

Interprofessional Collaboration With Occupational Therapy Assistant And Physical Therapist Assistant Students Through A Simulated Academic Setting, Brooke Gentry, Samantha Harris, Cindy Hayden, Allen Keener

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Background: There is a direct emphasis on interprofessional learning and interprofessional education (IPE) at the accreditation and national level (IPE, 2016). There are, however, no studies on the effectiveness in the delivery of interprofessional collaboration in the academic setting, specific to occupational therapy assistant students. Therefore, the following research has been developed to address this area of need in occupational therapy assistant education.

Methods: This research was conducted in the academic setting, through a simulated lab-based case with occupational therapy assistant and physical therapist assistant students as the participants. The perceived confidence and communication were measured through a pre …

A Novel Approach Toward Concussion Testing, Jorge K. Mercado, Ari Schacter, Danielle Euzent

Student Theses

A concussion is a violent jarring or shaking of the head caused by whiplash or direct impact that results in a disturbance of brain function. Concussions can be mild and brief, as a person may be dazed momentarily or can be more serious, resulting in a loss of consciousness. Underreporting of concussions is prevalent because they are a symptom-based diagnosis, lacking a clinical test. In this study, we investigated the use of VNG testing as a clinical diagnosis of concussions. Looking at the VNG test battery, the previous research cohort found that saccades, gaze, and positional testing are the most …

Clinical Application And Feasibility Of Utilizing The Pedi-Cat To Assess Activity And Participation Among Children Receiving Physical Therapy Incorporating Hippotherapy, Susan Conroy, Trish Evans, Dana Butler-Moburg, Richard Beuttler, Janelle Robinson, Matt Huebert, Erin O. Mahoney, Marybeth Grant-Beuttler

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Hippotherapy (HPOT) is a physical therapy (PT) treatment tool using equine movement to improve mobility for children with movement impairments. Although research suggests HPOT improves body structure and function, there is limited evidence regarding its impact on activity and participation outcomes in a clinical setting. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) may be useful in HPOT settings to highlight changes in activity and participation.

Purpose

1) Evaluate the PEDI-CAT’s sensitivity to changes in activity and participation among children receiving PT using HPOT; 2) determine feasibility of administering the PEDI-CAT in a HPOT setting; and 3) …

Study Protocol: Investigating The Effects Of Uncarboxylated Osteocalcin And Anodal Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation On Recovery Post-Spinal Cord Injury In Mouse Model, Wing To Ip, Parth Shah, Brandon Nam

Student Theses

Individuals with spinal cord injury often present with severe neuromuscular spasticity due to over-secretion of the neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Spasticity is made worse by the other sequelae of SCI, including muscle atrophy and loss of bone mineral density. This manuscript presents a study protocol that attempts to target such widespread physiological changes affecting multiple body systems. Our protocol establishes a potential treatment approach for SCI by combining recent advances in literature with a novel approach never seen before. We hypothesize

that the use of the already-promising anodal trans-spinal direct current stimulation (A- TSDCS) along with exogenous administration …

Education For Patients And Caregivers To Reduce 30-Day Readmissions Into Acute Care, Tyler W. Taylor

Department of Occupational Therapy Entry-Level Capstone Projects

The purpose of this capstone project was to reduce 30-day readmissions of patients into the acute care setting by developing, enhancing, and implementing education materials for patients and their caregivers during occupational therapy treatment sessions. Patients who experience unplanned readmissions into acute care within 30 days are subjected to disruption in occupations, functional decline, occupational deprivation, and role strain and stress on caregivers and families. All patients with occupational therapy orders from a physician that matched certain criteria received this treatment. However, only readmission rates for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure (HF), pneumonia, and cerebrovascular accident …

Acute Response Of A Lower Extremity Mobility Routine On Arom, Sprint Time, And Vertical Jump Height In Flexible And Nonflexible Adults., Flinn Christian

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

Although previous studies have shown that stretching can increase range of motion and affect performance, the comparison of the effects on flexible and nonflexible adults is not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how flexible and nonflexible adults responded to a lower extremity mobility routine focusing on the hip and ankle joints. A randomized treatment experimental design was used in which subjects had their hip and ankle ranges of motion, lower body flexibility, countermovement vertical jump, and sprint performance assessed. They were then randomly assigned to one of two treatment orders for hip (n=9) or ankle …

Cancer Survivors’ Participation In Meaningful Life Activities, A Mixed Methods Approach, Allison Jean L'Hotta

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

A new cancer diagnosis dramatically impacts an individual’s daily life. While data describing cancer-related symptoms (e.g. fatigue) and impairments (e.g. weakness) are abundant, there remains limited data detailing the impact of cancer on survivors’ daily life participation. Advancement in participation research is challenged by the lack of a universally accepted definition of participation and a standard approach to measurement. Previous research evaluating participation among cancer survivors is limited by small sample sizes, cross-sectional data including only a single disease group, and assessing participation exclusively among individuals who have completed active cancer treatment. The purpose of the presented dissertation was to …

Motivation, Daily Physical Activity Participation, And Depression Post-Stroke, Chun Lun Lau

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Self-management is an important concept in stroke rehabilitation and has received increased recognition for its effectiveness in preventing stroke recurrence and post-stroke depression. Among different self-management strategies, staying physically active is purported to be most helpful by patients in their day-to-day management of depression. However, stroke survivors are largely sedentary and only 17% meet the recommended level of physical activity. Motivation is a strong, frequently reported, but far less studied facilitator for post-stroke physical activity participation. The purpose of this dissertation was to gather needed information to develop a mobile motivation-based self-management intervention to enhance daily physical activity participation and …

Concepts Of Leadership And The Value Of Leadership For Health Care Professionals: Perspectives From Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Tara Haj

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The complex and rapidly changing environment of health care requires health care professionals with leadership knowledge and skills. Many health professional education programs have recognized the importance of developing the leadership abilities of students studying to be professionals in their field. There is emerging evidence of the need for leadership development for physical therapists, including a set of leadership competencies that has recently been identified by physical therapists. The perspective of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students regarding leadership and the value of leadership for health care professionals is unknown.

This qualitative phenomenological study utilizing semi-structured interviews was conducted to …

Adaption, Retention, And Readaptation Strategies For Unfamiliar Leka (Lower-Extremity Knee Angles), Leea M. Perry

Honors Capstones

This capstone aimed to look into individuals’ abilities to adapt, retain, and readapt a newly-provided, typically over-exaggerated, goal knee angle for their right leg based upon feedback received and accuracy of examined gait pattern. Research was carried out using individuals aged 18-25, looking at the potential of “learning” per say, a new pattern for their rather instinctual previously formed habits for walking. Knee angle, both baseline and individuals’ attempts at goal angle, were measured with a knee brace worn throughout data collection. Participants for this study were blind in terms of what their goal LEKA (lower-extremity knee angle) was. The …

Trauma Healing With The Neurosequential Model Of Therapy And Bal-A-Vis-X, Becky Johnston

Educational Specialist, 2020-current

Stigma related to childhood trauma is shifting with the help of advancements in the understanding of neurobiology and interventions that are proving to be effective for healing. There are immense costs and consequences for survivors of childhood trauma and their loved ones that were not so long ago considered irrelevant and the notion that kids bounce back from adversity was previously popular in the psychological community (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017). The broad strokes of Dr. Bruce Perry’s clinical intervention model, The Neurosequential Model of Therapy (NMT) describes a trauma-sensitive, sequential approach to changing the stress response within mental health counseling. …

Barriers To Exercise And Physical Activity - Insight From The Rural Practitioner, Erin G. Tillery

Honors College Theses

Sedentary lifestyles are a growing public health concern. Furthermore, many rural Americans lack adequate access to healthcare resources. When healthcare is sought, the patient-practitioner interactions may serve to influence the patient’s lifestyle choices. The practitioners' exercise and physical activity habits may shape the effectiveness of the patient-practitioners interaction. Here, we explored the potential barriers to exercise and physical activity (PA) in licensed physical and occupational therapists. In addition, we aimed to describe barriers to exercise and PA in individuals with a history of stroke from the perspective of the practitioner. Lastly, how current exercise and physical activity habits influence their …

General Variability Leads To Specific Adaptation Toward Energy Optimal Policies, Sabrina J. Abram, Katherine L. Poggensee, Natalia Sánchez, Surabhi N. Simha, James M. Finley, Steven H. Collins, J. Maxwell Donelan

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Our nervous systems can learn optimal control policies in response to changes to our bodies, tasks, and movement contexts. For example, humans can learn to adapt their control policy in walking contexts where the energy-optimal policy is shifted along variables such as step frequency or step width. However, it is unclear how the nervous system determines which ways to adapt its control policy. Here, we asked how human participants explore through variations in their control policy to identify more optimal policies in new contexts. We created new contexts using exoskeletons that apply assistive torques to each ankle at each walking …

Comparison Of Hemodynamic Responses Between Conventional And Virtual Reality Therapies In Patients With Heart Failure Admitted To An Emergency Room, Angélica Bologna Raposo, Alice Haniuda Moliterno, João Pedro Lucas Neves Silva, Rafael Varago Favri, Ana Paula Coelho Figueira Freire, Francis Lopes Pacagnelli

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

This study aimed to evaluate and to compare the acute response, due to semi-immersive virtual reality (VR) and conventional therapies (CT), of hemodynamic parameters in hospitalized individuals admitted to an emergency unity for heart failure (HF). This is a viability study with 11 individuals subjected to sessions with and without VR. At CT, stretching, active or active-assisted exercises, and fractional inspiration were performed. In VR therapy (VRT), VR box glasses were used to promote VR relaxation associated with CT. The hemodynamic parameters evaluated were heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and double product. To analyze them, Student’s …