Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Recumbent Stepping On Leg Muscle Activity In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Caroline Buchheit, Jack Castetter, Jessie Lakamp, Morgan Vollmer, Kurt Jackson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Recumbent steppers are commonly used for improving cardiovascular and muscular endurance in neurological populations. Prior research has shown that using specific verbal cues and a foot strap can significantly alter lower extremity muscle activity and recruitment in healthy individuals during recumbent stepping. The purpose of this case series was to measure lower extremity muscle activity during recumbent stepping under a variety of stepping conditions in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Number of Subjects: 3 adults (2 F, 1 M; age 40 -54) with multiple sclerosis (MS) with varying levels of lower extremity motor function and disability.

Materials and Methods: During …

The Relationship Between Dorsiflexion Mobility And Achilles Stiffness, Philip Anloague, Emma Collett, Sarah Monnier, Megan Garro, Tyler Stiers, Brandon Chan, Kendra Kahle, Hailey Mcpherson, Joaquin Barrios

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: The biomechanical properties of muscles and tendons are important in rehabilitation and sport performance but are not routinely assessed. Recently, the MyotonPro device has been used in the assessment of a specific aspect of soft tissue stiffness, the resistance in deformation to an external force, at the Achilles tendon. Interestingly, it remains unclear if this stiffness is related to decreased ankle joint dorsiflexion mobility, and further if limb dominance affects this relationship. Indeed, dorsiflexion mobility has been linked to lower extremity injury risk such as anterior knee pain and anterior cruciate ligament injury. Therefore, the primary purpose of this …

Effects Of An Ehealth Program On Physical Performance In Women With Cancer-Related Fatigue And Breast Cancer, Sydney George, Kelsey Haas, Delaney Hardery, Catherine Nasman, Mary I. Fisher

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is common in women treated for breast cancer. Exercise can reduce CRF, yet the impact of an eHealth exercise program on physical performance (PP) is rarely described. While the primary aim was to reduce CRF, this ongoing study reports on the effect of an 8-week multidisciplinary physical (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) eHealth program on measures of PP.

Materials and Methods: Participants ages 18-69 diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 5 years, who rated fatigue ≥4/10 on 0-10 scale and had completed primary cancer treatment, were randomized to intervention (EX) or control (CON) groups. Using …

Concurrent Validation Of A Reverse Wall Lunge Test Position To Assess Hip Joint Extension Mobility, Joaquin Barrios, Anne Breeding, Hannah Dressman, Emily Howard, Justin Mitchell, Elizabeth Schueler, Lauren Thomas

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Hip joint extension mobility is commonly assessed for restriction in clinical practice, most often with the modified Thomas test (MTT). However, the MTT is not without challenges, particularly in regards to achieving and standardizing the proximal pelvis and trunk positioning. The lone 3D validation study on the MTT used a blood pressure cuff under the lumbar lordosis in an attempt to achieve standard positioning, which is not always clinically pragmatic. Therefore, we propose assessing hip extensibility with a novel reverse wall lunge test (RWL) described below, essentially as an upright weight-bearing version of the MTT that also standardizes proximal …

Determining The Concurrent And Predictive Validity Of The Repetitive Step Test In Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Harold Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Kathleen Mulligan, Arrah Sandy

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: The Repetitive Step Test (RST) assesses rapid stepping capability in anterior lateral (AL) and posterior lateral (PL) diagonal directions. This study’s goal was to determine the predictive validity of the RST to identify fallers with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). A secondary objective was to determine concurrent validity of the RST to other established tests. It was hypothesized that those who completed fewer steps with the RST would be more likely to fall and that the RST would predict falls at least as well as the other balance tests.

Materials and Methods: 19 subjects (10 F, 9 M; mean age 70.3 …

Soft Tissue Mobilization Is More Effective Than Self-Stretching In Reducing Common Wrist Extensor Tendon Stiffness In Recreational Tennis Players, Olivia Potts, Noah Knackstedt, Cayton Ruby, Harold Merriman, Joseph Day

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Increased muscle and tendon stiffness plays a role in the development of musculoskeletal pathologies. A number of interventions have been proposed to temporarily reduce muscle/tendon stiffness including soft tissue mobilization (STM) techniques and stretching. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and short-term effects of STM versus self-stretching on common extensor tendon (CET) stiffness in a group of recreational tennis players.

Subjects: Healthy recreational tennis players

Materials/Methods: Stiffness, measured with the shear wave modulus in kilopascals (kPa), was obtained at rest on the dominant CET using 2D ultrasound imaging shear wave elastography (SWE) (GE Logiq S8, …

A Criterion Reference Validity Study For The Modified Thomas Test For Hip Extension Mobility Using Three-Dimensional Motion Capture, Joaquin Barrios, Anne Breeding, Hannah Dressman, Emily Howard, Justin Mitchell, Elizabeth Schueler, Lauren Thomas

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: Hip region extension mobility is commonly assessed in physical therapy practice, most commonly performed using the modified Thomas test (MTT). The validity of the MTT using 3D motion capture methods has been evaluated in only a study evaluating only healthy young males. Further, this study utilized a blood pressure cuff at 60 mm Hg under the lumbar lordosis to control the pelvis and trunk, further modifying the MTT and limiting clinical translation. Therefore, the purpose of this ongoing 3D motion capture study was to acquire criterion reference data for the traditional modified Thomas test without use of blood pressure …

Efficacy Of Abdominal Curl Up Task As Abdominal Exercise For Diastasis Recti Abdominis For Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Julia Black, Ariana Bostwick, Sierra Darlington, Brooke Sizemore, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by the inappropriate functioning and synthesis of collagen, elastin, and fibrillin in the body, affecting many systems including the musculoskeletal system. In hypermobility-type EDS, individuals can present with instability at various locations in the body and may result in joint dislocations and pain. This can result in difficulty activating the abdominal muscles. The purpose of this study is to determine if a focused 3 to 6 month rehabilitation program improves inter-rectus distance (IRD), abdominal strength, and body image in women diagnosed with EDS.

Number of Subjects: Women (n=24) 33-62 …

Prayers For Pope Leo Xiv, Eric F. Spina

President's Blog: From the Heart

Dear students, faculty, and staff, Let’s extend our sincere congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff in history!

Pope Leo Xiv: Ud Scholars Reflect On New Leader’S Social Mission And Marian Devotion, University Of Dayton

News Releases

University of Dayton faculty offer early reflections on the election of Pope Leo XIV, highlighting his deep roots in the Americas, his commitment to Catholic social teaching; and his emphasis on unity, peace and dialogue. Faculty also noted his strong devotion to the Virgin Mary, made clear in one of his first public acts: leading the crowd in St. Peter’s Square in the Hail Mary prayer.

The Role Of Regional Integration Organizations On Energy Transition And Sustainable Development In Africa, Neba Ridley Ngwa

Journal of African Policy Studies

The Paris Agreement represents a pivotal milestone in multilateral efforts to combat climate change and facilitate energy transition globally. As a comprehensive international legal framework, it outlines commitments for nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate impacts. This research examines the key role of regional and sub-regional integration organizations in facilitating energy transition and promoting sustainable development across Africa. As the continent grapples with the dual challenges of energy crisis and climate change, the African Union and its specialised agencies have emerged as key players in enhancing energy cooperation among member states. Though previous scholars have …

Social Movements And Democratization In Nigeria Since 1999: The Search For Good Governance And Justice, Kwame Adum-Kyeremeh, Danladi Abah

Journal of African Policy Studies

What factors account for the surge in social movements in Nigeria and what are the implications for democratization? Who have been the actors and what internal and external dynamics are reconfiguring the materiality of social movements? How is the state responding to the dramatic fluidity and frequency in movements? And what strategies have civil societies used to harness the potentials in social movements for sustainable democratization? Through a political economy approach, oral interviews with NGO leaders, leaders of human rights and pro-democracy activists, interviews with some citizens, and use of journals, newspapers, magazines and reports, this study interrogates and documents …

Les Archives Au Cameroun Dans Les Politiques Publiques De Développement: Des Plans Quinquennaux A La Stratégie Nationale De Développement Snd 2020–2030, Esther Olembe

Journal of African Policy Studies

Cet article examine la place des archives dans le contenu des documents de politiques publiques de développements au Cameroun, depuis les plans quinquennaux d’aprèsindépendance jusqu’à la Stratégie Nationale de Développement 2020–2030 (SND2020–2030). Après l’accession aux indépendances, les pays africains ont cherché à formuler des politiques endogènes de développement, souvent sous l’influence des modèles de coopérations internationales. Le rôle des archives dans ces processus de développement est paradoxalement resté relativement marginal, bien que crucial pour la continuité et la transparence des actions publiques, comme le démontre la revue de la littérature étudiée. L’article met en lumière la difficile intégration des systèmes …

Leading Schools In The Midst Of Covid-19: Experiences Of Basic School Leaders Of The Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem District Of The Central Region Of Ghana, Corinne Brion

Journal of African Policy Studies

This qualitative study uses a phenomenological approach to understand the experiences of thirteen Ghanaian head-teachers in suburban and rural areas of the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem district during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings revealed that these leaders faced numerous challenges related to pivoting to remote learning for the first time combined with the lack of access to technology. Other challenges pertained to the absence of infrastructure and resources such as books. Despite these challenges, these Ghanaian head-teachers were able to adapt to the crisis and alter their leadership style to educate the children they served. Currently, there is a limited …

Archives In Cameroon In Public Development Policies: From Five-Year Plans To The National Development Strategy 2020–2030, Esther Olembe

Journal of African Policy Studies

This article examines the role of archives in Cameroon’s public development policies, from post-independence five-year plans to the National Development Strategy 2020–2030 (SND2020–2030). After gaining independence, African countries sought to formulate endogenous development policies, often influenced by international cooperation models. However, archives have paradoxically remained relatively marginal in these development processes, despite being crucial for continuity and transparency in public actions, as demonstrated in the reviewed literature. The article highlights the challenges of integrating archive management systems into development strategies, despite being essential for the planning, management, and evaluation of public policies. It also analyzes current archiving policies and proposes …

Cover, Table Of Contents, And Editor's Message, Julius A. Amin

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Book Reviews, Percyslage Chigora

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Nigeria's Federalism And The Threat Of Secession: The Case Of The Ipob, Emmanuel Oladipo Ojo, Osadola Oluwaseun Samuel

Journal of African Policy Studies

Since 2015, there has been renewed agitation for the creation of the Republic of Biafra. This article focuses on one of the two organizations involved in that struggle: The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB, the second being the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB). The Federation of Nigeria, inaugurated on 1 October 1954 under the Lyttelton Constitution, which became operational on that date, has been assailed by a plethora of centrifugal pulls and secession threats since 1950. While many of these threats were resolved politically and at round tables, a few had involved armed confrontation …

Agrarian Reforms For Sustainable Food Security And Development: Lessons For Developing Countries From The Fast Track Land Reform In Zimbabwe, Percyslage Chigora, Tobias Guzura

Journal of African Policy Studies

Developing countries across the world have been in one way or the other been experiencing a rather stagnating condition in terms of general agricultural development and specifically food security. Differing policies have been implemented so as to deal with these problems and subsequently led to food security. Zimbabwe is one such country which at the turn of the new millennium embarked on a massive land reform program. The justifications have been, among others, the need to increase participates in the agricultural sector and enable the majority who have been marginalized with no or little land for agricultural purpose to benefit …

Disclosure Of Positive Serostatus Among People Living With Hiv In Terna, Ghana: Decisions And Outcomes, Ethel O. Sakitey, Ami R. Moore, Foster K. Amey

Journal of African Policy Studies

Disclosure of a positive HIV serostatus is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. This study uses a mixed methods approach to examine disclosure and outcome related issues among a randomly selected group of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLH) in Terna, Ghana. Overall, disclosure was relatively high among the PLH. The qualitative data showed that PLH first assessed people in their lives to whom they could potentially disclose and only disclose to those they believed would accept them, provide them support, and/or keep disclosure secret. However, some PLH inaccurately predicted the reactions of people to whom they disclosed their serostatus. Also, an …

Cover And Table Of Contents, Institute On African Affairs

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Nigeria's Retirement Pension System And Elderly Poverty, Tonyesima Furro

Journal of African Policy Studies

This study examines the nature of Nigeria's contributory retirement pension system. It shows that the government took monthly payroll deductions from the incomes of retirees and deposited in said retirement funds. Prior to retirement, retirees would receive a severance package of a lump-sum payment of a few months to a few years' earnings. They were assured that their regularly scheduled monthly disbursement would be remitted to their designated bank accounts. But due to the cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, many pension claimants were unsuccessful in receiving their benefits before death. The study reveals that the nation's pension administration system is characterized by …

Constitution Making Under Governments Of National Unity: The Zimbabwean Case 2009-2013, Tobias Guzura

Journal of African Policy Studies

Constitutions are the bedrock of democratic governance in the contemporary world and any state claiming democratic credentials needs to base its claims on a good constitution and positive constitutionalism. In the period from 2009 to 2013, Zimbabwe was ruled by a negotiated Government of National Unity (GNU). The government, a result of inconclusive presidential elections in 2008 was tasked with writing a new constitution to take the country out of the crisis that it has undergone since the turn of the century. The GNU duly set upon this task and wrote the constitution which was passed by parliament in May …

Pastoralism, Social Protection And Vision 2030 In Kenya: Possibilities And Prospects, Maurice N. Amutabi

Journal of African Policy Studies

This paper is based on research which investigated the availability of social protection structures and institutions among pastoralists in northern Kenya. Social protection, which consists of policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability by promoting efficient labor markets, diminishing people's exposure to risks, and enhancing their capacity to protect themselves against hazards and interruption/loss of income is something that northern Kenya needs. The paper faults Vision 2030 and suggests mechanisms and ways in which pastoralists can be incorporated in Kenya's development more meaningfully. The argument is that Vision 2030 has not addressed the plight of pastoralists in political, …

Cover And Table Of Contents, Institute On African Affairs

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Islamic Political System In Sudan And Its National, Regional, And International Impact, Solomon Hailu

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

China In Africa: A Critical Examination Of Its Peacekeeping And Peacebuilding Activities, Earl Conteh-Morgan, Patti Weeks

Journal of African Policy Studies

The objective of this analysis is to examine and critically assess the peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts of China in Africa generally. In other words, what level of support does China provide to African peacekeeping efforts? What is China's rationale for engaging in peacekeeping and peacebuilding in SSA? What is the nature of its activities in those areas? What does it emphasize in its peacebuilding and peacekeeping activities?

Diamond In The Rough: Unearthing Botswana's Sources Of Political Legitimacy, Angela Gapa

Journal of African Policy Studies

Botswana has garnered analytic attention in the past few decades as Africa's developmental miracle. Being among the poorest countries in the world upon its independence in 1966, it catapulted itself to one of the fastest growing economies in the world for a period of four decades. What made the Botswana experience all the more outstanding, was that within the context of its company among other non-renewable natural resource dependent countries, it stood as an anomaly. This is because these resource endowed countries generally suffered or were susceptible to the "resource curse." This paper identifies legitimacy as having important value in …

Cover And Table Of Contents, Institute On African Affairs

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Methodological Analysis Of The Guinea Bissau Nationalist Movement 1963-1974: Amilcar Cabral-Marxist Or Pragmatist Revolutionary?, Aliou Ly

Journal of African Policy Studies

On 24 September 1973, the former Portuguese colony of West Africa, Guinea Bissau, under the leadership of Amilcar Cabral and the PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and the Cape Verde Islands), declared its independence after fighting a national liberation war against their Portuguese colonialists. This was the first and the only war for independence in West Africa, with the complete defeat of a European colonial army. During and after the Guinea Bissau Liberation war; 1963-1974, many social scientists, particularly those using the Marxist framework analyzed this African nationalist struggle as a successful Marxist revolution in West Africa. …