Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating The Role Of In-Person And Virtual Poverty Simulations In Promoting Empathy Among Healthcare Students Before And During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Savannah S. Poole, Susan M. Smith, Edward T. Chiyaka, Ryan E. Owens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether differing poverty simulation formats during the first year of didactic training increase healthcare students’ empathy toward and/or understanding of people living with poverty. Methods: Data collected from 2019 and 2021 poverty simulations was retrospectively analyzed to determine the impact of in-person and virtual simulations on the understanding of poverty. Pre-simulation surveys were compared to detect potential differences in empathy due to the emergence of COVID-19. The 2019 simulation was performed in-person utilizing the Missouri Association of Community Action (MACA) simulation kit. The 2021 simulation was performed virtually due to COVID-19; …

Bilateral Inguinal Hernias Versus Osteitis Pubalgia: A Case Study, Rileigh T. Ricken, P. Drake Short, James Cornwell, Adam Bradley, Jennifer L. Volberding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

A 31-year-old male ice hockey player presented with symptoms consistent with bilateral inguinal hernias further confirmed with imaging. After undergoing surgical excision, the patient continued to report pain. Further evaluation determined the patient’s pain seemed to be concentrated around the pubic region. Upon MRI reassessment, the patient demonstrated mild inflammation of the pubic symphysis from osteitis pubalgia (OP). Following this diagnosis, a new course of treatment was delivered with symptom elimination. This treatment was a methylprednisolone acetate 40 mg injection into pubic symphysis. It is essential to take into consideration not only the physical presentation, but also the activities that …

Long Covid Among Young Adults: Findings From The Household Pulse Survey, Ragan Grantham, Molly Jacobs, Charles Ellis Jr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Substantial research has been completed to describe the prevalence and risk factors associated with COVID-19. However, less attention has been given to persisting symptoms beyond three months. These persisting symptoms defined as long COVID include fatigue, difficulty thinking or concentrating, memory problems, mobility issues, difficulty seeing, trouble hearing, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Further, less attention has been given to young adults who are more likely to experience mild forms of COVID-19 and potentially differential effects of long COVID. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of young adults experiencing long COVID symptoms and explore the …

Perception Of Disordered Eating Among Different Ncaa Divisions Of Collegiate Athletes, Kearsten Powers, Luis Torres, Fredrick A. Gardin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disordered eating is an unhealthy pattern of eating that may develop into an eating disorder. It can include the use of excessive exercise, caloric restriction, binging, or inappropriate use of diet pills/laxatives. It commonly affects collegiate athletes due to the pressure they face to continue to perform well, maintain a specific body composition or appearance, and be influenced by their teammates' eating and exercise habits. This study was conducted to gain qualitative knowledge on how college athletes perceived and experienced disordered eating risk factors during their participation in an NCAA sport. This information can be used to further understand …

Avascular Necrosis Of The Hip Following Surgical Repair Of A Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Case Report, Ryan Gregory Boggs, Michael Ross, Justin Petrocy, Michael Tall

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical course of a patient with a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) who was subsequently diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Case Description: The patient was a 15-year-old male seen by a physical therapist 2 months after in-situ fixation with 2 screws for a SCFE. One week after undergoing surgery, the patient experienced a considerable increase in left hip pain. Radiographs revealed inadequate fixation and a second surgical fixation was performed with 5 screws. On examination, the patient was ambulating weight bearing as tolerated with bilateral axillary crutches. …

Awareness Of The Diabetic Population Towards Diabetic Complications: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, Hafiza Muriam Ghani, Layba Marrium, Maryam Aftab, Rikza Khalid

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Diabetes (DM) is a complex disease that affects more than 170 million people worldwide. Despite its knowledge, compliance with medications, and following a diet plan, diabetic patients are at risk of many chronic complications affecting different organ systems, which deteriorates health of the population and increases health care costs. Awareness of diabetic complications at the community level is important to reduce diabetes-related morbidity, mortality and ultimately health care cost. Purpose: The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) To assess the level of awareness of diabetic complications in diabetic patients, and 2) To identify the prevalence of the most …

Stakeholder Involvement And Systematic Review Of Elements That Determine A Successful Return To Work For Injured Workers: A Scoping Review, Sundip Kaur Khosa, Wilma Jelley Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: A healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) for a worker after injury or illness has benefits for the worker, their family, the employer, and society.¹ For this research we used the following definition of RTW success; return to positive and meaningful work in a position or occupation not necessarily including all the aspects of the worker’s pre-injury or pre-illness functions or tasks. Purpose: The question behind this survey-based research was, What elements are perceived as essential, to ensure return to employment of injured or ill workers, by stakeholders with experience in the RTW process? Methods: A 32 …

Lifestyle Medicine For Allied Health Students: A Pilot Study Of An Online Program, Dragana Krpalek, Julie D. Kugel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health students may experience a range of academic, financial, and social stressors which negatively impact their health and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional threats to student health and well-being were introduced. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to pilot an online lifestyle medicine program for enhancing students’ physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental, mixed-method study to test the effectiveness of an online health program. Participants engaged in a four-week lifestyle medicine program titled “5 Minutes to a Healthier You.” Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the …

The Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Pain And Function In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Critically Appraised Topic, P. Drake Short, Rileigh T. Ricken, Jennifer L. Volberding

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that impacts upwards of 40% of patients over the age of 70, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a common treatment protocol. To date, there is no consensus on the effectiveness of TENS as a modality for knee OA. Thus, this critically appraised topic (CAT) aims to determine the impact of TENS on the pain and functional outcome of patients with knee OA. Methods: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of TENS, a systematic search of the available literature was conducted, focusing on pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. Online databases were searched …

The Significance Of Significance, Cheryl J. Hill, Morey J. Kolber

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

No abstract provided.

Faculty Perspectives On Professional Behaviors In Exercise Science And Kinesiology Education, Christina Davlin-Pater

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Professional behaviors are important for success, and many employers expect students to learn these behaviors in their academic programs. This study identified the value faculty place on specific professional behaviors, their views, their behaviors related to teaching and fostering professional behaviors, and the negative behaviors observed in students. It also examined the perceived barriers faculty have to teaching professional behaviors. Method: 100 institutions with exercise science and/or kinesiology undergraduate programs were identified. Public and private institutions from 8 regions of the country were included. An email requesting participation in a survey was sent to 1567 individuals identified as faculty …

Examining Burnout Among Collegiate Athletic Trainers: The Relationship With Age, Gender, And Years Of Experience, Stephanie M. Singe, Alexandrya Cairns, Christianne M. Eason

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Burnout continues to be a concern for healthcare providers who work in sport organizations. More research is needed on variables such as age, gender, and years of experience and its relationship with burnout. The purpose of this study is to better understand burnout within athletic trainers in a collegiate setting, specifically how burnout differentiates between men and women, age, and years of experience. Methods: Athletic trainers (n=1,006) working in the collegiate setting completed a cross sectional survey via Qualtrics (Provo, UT) that consisted of 2 main sections: 1) demographic information, and 2) Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Results: Seventy-two percent …

Rethinking Disability Simulations For Occupational And Physical Therapy Students: Integrating The Social Model Of Disability, Sara Kate Frye, Monique C. Chabot

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disability simulations traditionally have been used in many healthcare profession educational programs with the intent to foster empathy and positive viewpoints towards people with disabilities. However, research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these activities. The appropriateness of these activities has also been called into question when considering disability as a form of diversity and social justice, with recommendations to utilize the Social Model of Disability to frame activities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a temporary orthopedic injury simulation assignment on first-year occupational and physical therapy students’ viewpoints regarding working with people with …

Can Self-Talk Improve Athletic Performance? A Critically Appraised Topic, Allison Brombach, Mikaela Dawn Boham, Ronald L. Snarr, Erica M. Filep

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Clinical Scenario: Athletes are constantly searching for alternative mechanisms to improve performance in sport. In addition to modifying physical training, psychological training tools (e.g., self-talk) have been used to elevate athletes from the average competitor. Athletes can use self-talk to navigate challenges in competition and improve self-confidence in tasks leading to potential increases in performance. However, literature relaying performance benefits for adolescent and adult athletes using self-talk is unclear. Clinical Question: In athletic populations, does the implementation of motivational or goal-setting self-talk increase athletic performance? Summary of Key Findings: Four studies were identified exploring self-talk on athletic performance outcomes. Methodology …

Distance To Level 1 And 2 Trauma Centers From Native American Reservations Sponsoring Interscholastic Sports, Laurel Trail, Andrew Cage, Ayami Yoshihara

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the distance to a level 1 or level 2 trauma center from Native American and First Nations reservations that contain high schools and junior high schools that sponsor interscholastic sports. Methods: A list available on the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs revealed 174 public K-12 schools on reservations. A total 66 (37.9%) schools reported sponsoring interscholastic sports on their public websites. To calculate the minimal distance from each school to the closest level 1 and 2 trauma center, geographic information was uploaded on Tableau Desktop (version 2022.2, Tableau Software, LLC, …

Occupational Therapists In Disaster Management: A Survey Study, Rebecca I. Estes, Gina M. Delgado, Nicole J. Bing, Megan E. Byrne, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Alyssa B. Kopp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs …

Gait Initiation Alone May Be Insufficient To Identify A Neuromuscular Mechanism Underlying Concussion-Related Kinematic Alterations, Tyler A. Wood, Rafael Casas, Chris Hill, Nicholas E. Grahovec

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Concussions create significant long-term health consequences, such as kinematic alterations, which may contribute to lower extremity musculoskeletal injury, dexterity limitations, disability, and declines in quality of life. A potential movement test that may identify neuromuscular mechanisms underlying these kinematic alterations is gait initiation. Gait initiation can assess preparatory postural adjustments as an individual transitions from static balance to voluntary movement. Thus, this study aims to examine muscle activation latency of individuals who sustained a concussion 3 to 24 months prior to testing, compared to healthy controls, during gait initiation tasks. Methods: This case-control study included 32 individuals who sustained …

Undergraduate Allied Healthcare Professional Students’ Perceived Knowledge Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Meghna Patel, Sthembiso Ncube, Maria Du Toit, Carlien Muller Vorster, Raeesa Dawood, Chriséle Du Preez, Renata Eccles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied healthcare professionals are key stakeholders involved in managing children with autism spectrum disorder. Adequate knowledge, interprofessional education, and collaborative practice should therefore be fostered through a responsive curriculum from an undergraduate level. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of final-year undergraduate allied healthcare professional students from a South African university regarding risk factors, symptoms, and intervention considerations for children with autism spectrum disorder. Method: A cross-sectional e-survey design was implemented, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The e-survey was distributed to 170 undergraduate students. Results: A total of 59 participants from the following …

Extending Pain Psychology Beyond The Psychologist: The Need For A Professional Clinical Identity, Tyler D. Barrett

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This paper outlines the argument for establishing a commonly understood designation for allied health clinicians who specialize in psychological interventions for chronic pain. There is a growing need for clinicians with skills in psychological interventions for pain (“pain psychology”). However, there are not enough pain psychologists to meet the demand. Recent research has suggested that allied health professionals from varying disciplines can safely and effectively deliver pain psychology interventions. Clinical training in psychological interventions for pain outside of clinical psychology has been growing but remains limited. As the pool of cross-discipline clinicians with expertise in pain psychology expands, this specialization …

Understanding Organ Donation Messaging: A Qualitative Inquiry, Rebecca K. Britt, Amy A. Ritchart

The Qualitative Report

Promoting health communication about organ donation remains a crucial objective within Native American communities. The goals of the current study were to communicate with young adult Native Americans about the Organ Donation Willingness Model (ODWM; Horton & Horton, 1991) to gain their responses to materials from campaigns about donation strategies tailored to Native American communities. Six focus groups were conducted with a total of 31 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2019, 2022) and following Smith’s guidelines (2008), which include showing deep respect for the group participants, conducting the study in a face-to-face setting, and being …

Constructing Fame: A Phenomenological Study Of Online Impression Management Among Indonesian Tiktok Celebrities, Vidi Sukmayadi, Dante Darmawangsa, Suffian Hadi Ayub, Sarah Annisa Fadhila

The Qualitative Report

The relevance of social media platforms in our daily lives is intensifying. Social media have become a "showcase" for our life experiences. In addition, they represent a range of dimensions of our status in the virtual and actual social world. These two factors trigger people to construct particular identities to thrive in dual social ecosystems. Subsequently, Tiktok's prominence as a current trending social media platform with a total of 500 million users globally transforms its function from a communication medium to a medium for gaining social capital. This phenomenon notably influences Indonesian society, with people being heavily invested in that …

E-Learning Challenges Faced By University Teachers During Covid-19 Pandemic, Ayesha Noor, Sana Mumtaz, Fozia Malik, Sultan Maqsood

The Qualitative Report

The research has explored various challenges related to E-learning dynamics faced by high-education academicians during the COVID-19 period. To develop an in-depth understanding, qualitative research methods were used and the narrative inquiry method was integrated for collecting data from interviewees. Data were collected from 14 university teachers via focus group discussions in which respondents were required to provide written narrations about the teaching-related challenges as well. Data were narrated from the words of respondents using the thematic analysis approach. Based on the analysis, seven major themes were derived and characterized as the key challenges of e-learning during COVID-19 named as …

Paving Pathways: Navigating The Intersection Of Ai And Student Support In Higher Education, Tracy M. Balduzzi, Lori Driscoll Edd, Sean Nufer, Amanda Major

FDLA Journal

Higher education is undergoing a major transformation influenced by globalization, technological advancements, and the recent challenges posed by global pandemics. In response to these disruptions, institutions are increasingly embracing innovative strategies to enhance student support, faculty development, and overall educational effectiveness. This article explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), student support, and faculty development in higher education, highlighting key initiatives and strategies implemented by institutions across the United States.

The article examines the evolving role of educators with regard to AI, emphasizing the use of AI-powered tools to enhance teaching and learning experiences while addressing concerns about academic integrity …

Best Practices For Synchronous Online Teaching: A Framework To Support Engagement And Inclusion, Amy Sugar, Sue Bauer, Rohan Jowallah

FDLA Journal

The last two decades have seen an increasingly rapid advancement in the landscape of technology. While these advancements enhanced the quality of education, the COVID-19 pandemic forced institutions to rapidly transition to synchronous online teaching and learning. This transition was not often done within a sound pedagogical process. According to De Leon (2022), in many cases Covid negatively affected students’ development. The writer goes on to suggest that social, mental health, and instructional issues may have contributed to the deficit in learning currently being explored by many academics. Hence, we must create sound approaches for teaching and learning online. As …

Passing The Gen Z Vibe Check: A Values-Based Approach For Instructional Design, Charlotte A. Jones-Roberts, Rebecca Mcnulty

FDLA Journal

This paper emphasizes the significance of establishing a compelling digital course environment to meet the preferences of Generation Z (Gen Z) students, who prioritize multimedia content, personalization, and on-demand learning as key components to online learning. Educators seeking to enhance online pedagogy will need to consider these preferences in order to address the challenge of aligning instructional design with targeted learning experiences. To that end, this paper uses a literature review and analysis of values to explore the intersection between Gen Z values and preferences and to suggest pedagogical support for aligning online course content to corresponding values.

Lessons Learned: A Case Study On The Creation Of An Online Phd Program, Ashley H. Tharpe

FDLA Journal

This case study delves into the development of an online PhD program in Health Sciences at Liberty University, highlighting valuable lessons learned and offering insights for effective program creation and implementation. The study addresses the complexities of curriculum development, the importance of comprehensive communication, the role of faculty mentorship, and the significance of fostering a sense of community in online education. Drawing on the experiences of program developers, faculty members, and students, this research sheds light on strategies for aligning course content with program goals, embracing imperfection in program design, and cultivating a vibrant online learning community. Additionally, the study …

Bring Them Back To Campus: Optional Engaging Campus Activities For Online Classes With Livestreaming, Victoria Brown Ed. D., David Devraj Kumar

FDLA Journal

Ever since the pandemic, students have adapted to taking their classes online. However, coming to campus promotes a connection to the university through faculty and classmates. The event had a dual purpose in promoting the adoption of computational skills through robots in K-12 classrooms, which is the educational goal of the project. A carefully designed “Educational Robotics Day” event encourages students to return to campus through an engaging event while accommodating those students that are unable to come to the campus but still attend. The coordinators of the event also measured the effectiveness of the event through an exit survey …

Role Playing Job Scenarios In Online Discussions, Emily Franklin

FDLA Journal

This article focuses on the value and implementation of job scenario-based role plays in online discussions, which can apply to any field to engage online learners in their course community and subject matter. These role plays prepare students with on-the-job skills by providing safe practice of difficult problem-solving scenarios. This step-by-step guide reviews four components of designing, developing, implementing, and assessing job scenario-based role plays in an online course, noting both synchronous and asynchronous methods of delivery. Examples of how role plays were developed for an online English language skills course are discussed.

Blazing New Pathways For Digital Engagement In Mathematics Using Geogebra, Math Manipulatives, And Picture Books In A Stem World To Nurture Confident Young People In Mathematics, Joseph M. Furner

FDLA Journal

Using best practices for teaching mathematics like GeoGebra, math manipulatives, and children’s literature picture books can all be connected to each other and better help to prepare students for a STEM world to develop confident young people in doing mathematics in a world of AI and emerging technologies. This paper will highlight all the above best practiced and share how they can be connected and taught in a way that is make math meaningful and help students to be confident with technology and mathematics in a way that helps them see math in a hands-on, visual, and abstract way. Learners …

Evolution Of Global Anatomy Research Through Covid-19: A Post-Pandemic Evaluation, Harsh Chheda, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

The Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) struck the world with a deep impact on many countries' healthcare systems. More specifically, anatomical research experienced a drastic setback due to the limitations and restrictions placed upon them by the medical community. This study aims to review how COVID-19 guidelines presented conflict regarding the retrieval and use of cadavers, as well as how anatomy research was modified on a global scale owing to the pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak called for several changes upon each significant anatomical research technique, ranging from cadaver dissection to diagnostic imaging. Given the remarkable shift in medical research guidelines …