Digital Commons Network^™

Multiple Fracture Following Non-Occupational Fall: A Case Report, Brittany Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are prevalent in adults over the age of sixty-five due to lack of balance and decreased lower extremity strength. Non-occupational falls are reported to have an increasing prevalence with age and one-fifth of these types of falls results in hospitalization. The hospitalization of patients who sustain injuries following falls most often results in skeletal fractures. The cost to treat these patients is projected to reach $54.9 billion by the year 2020. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the outcomes of a patient who sustained multiple fractures following a nonoccupational fall.

Case Description …

Mobility Device For Injured Us Army Corp Engineer, Jessica Jones, Robert Whittaker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain affects 70-85% of American adults at some point in their life. Back pain can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life. A group of three engineering students and two physical therapy students collaborated on designing a mobility device for a US Army veteran to aid him in transfers and pain management. The purpose of this research proposal would be to assess how our client would respond to an individualized mobility device.

Case Description: Our client suffered lumbar disc injuries as a result of lifting and twisting a heavy object resulting in …

The Effectiveness Of Traction In A Patient With Recurring Neck Pain: A Case Report, Kassandra Kertz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: According to Hoya et aI, neck pain is a common problem throughout the world, affecting 10.4-21.3% of the population each year. 50-85% of people with a new episode of neck pain will have a recurrence of neck pain 1-5 years later. Mechanical traction is an intervention commonly used to treat neck disorders; however, there is little current research supporting or refuting the effectiveness of the use of mechanical traction for neck pain. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the effectiveness of using mechanical traction in one patient with a recurring incidence of neck, shoulder, …

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Bppv): A Case Report, Kylie J. Palmiscno

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder. Of the vestibular disorders diagnosed in the general population, BPPV accounts for one third and may be successfully diagnosed and treated by a physical therapist in as little as one visit.

METHODS/CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a single case report of a 36-year-old female who was 5 months pregnant and diagnosed by her physician with vertigo. She was referred to physical therapy for further evaluation and treatment.

FINDINGS/INTERVENTION: With use of the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver the patient's diagnosis was confirmed and specified to be BPPV of the right …

A Case Report: Diabetic Amputee, Kip H. Thorstenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to present the reader with a detailed description of the physical therapy provided for a diabetic lower extremity amputee. As the number of amputations across America steadily increase, there is an elevated importance of understanding the prevalence, causes, and reasons for amputations and which interventions are most effective in increasing a patient's quality of life.

Case Description: The patient is a 77 year old male with significant past medical history of type I diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. This patient has significant gross muscle weakness in both his …

Distal Femoral Osteotomy With Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A Multifaceted Therapeutic Approach, Mark Laraway

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The surgical procedure known as a distal femoral osteotomy has been shown to be effective in treating valgus deformities of the knee with osteoarthritis in younger, active patients. But with any procedure, unsuspected complications such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can make rehabilitation for the patients and their therapists challenging. This study focuses on taking a multifaceted approach to treating all of the underlying impairments of a patient with recurring knee pathologies and an underlying secondary diagnosis of CRPS.

Case Description: The patient is a 38-year-old female who has had multiple surgeries on her …

Sex Offender Registration Laws For The Homeless: Safeguarding Society Or Punishing Sexually Dangerous Individuals For Being Homeless?, Emily Donaher

North Dakota Law Review

No abstract provided.

Saps And Digital Games: Improving Mathematics Transfer And Attitudes In Schools, Richard Van Eck

Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice Faculty Publications

Many suggest that digital games are a way to address problems with schools, yet research on their ability to promote problem solving, critical thinking, and twenty-first century skill sets appears to be mixed. In this chapter, I suggest that the problem lies not with digital games, but with our conceptualization of what it means to promote problem solving and critical thinking, and how transfer of such skills works in general and, specifically, with games. The power of digital games lies not in some magical power of the medium, but from embedded theories (e.g., situated learning and problem-centered instruction) and from …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae And Middle Trapezius Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Jamie Flint, Toni Linneman, Rachel Pederson, Megan Storstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine, a complex movement that has yet to be fully understood, occurs regularly in activities of daily living (ADLs) and sport performance. Rotation (twisting) of the spine is a contributing factor in low back pain pathology and, by reports, has been associated with up to 60% of all back injuries. One of the largest muscles of the back, the latissimus dorsi (LD), is the only muscle to attach to the spine, pelvis, ribs, scapula, and humerus, and has the potential to impact the spine during many different activities. To date, there is limited research on …

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Josh Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy and affects both motor and sensory nerves. Clinical presentation is similar among all types and results in distal muscle atrophy and weakness, diminished sensation and proprioception, and balance and gait disturbances. Pes cavus is a prominent feature. Although gene therapy and neurotrophic growth factors show promise as treatment, physical therapy remains the most viable option at this time. The purpose of this case report is to determine the effect that physical therapy may have on both physical and psychological outcomes related to CMT.

Case Description: Patient was a …

Transfemoral Amputation Of A Male With Type Ii Diabetes: A Case Study, Daniel Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study is focused on the treatment of an individual with a residual limb after a transfemoral amputation. The main goal is to help provide a greater understanding of how to treat the residual limb after a transfemoral amputation has been performed.

Case Description. This case study focuses on an older gentleman who recently underwent a transfemoral amputation of the right lower extremity because of dysvacularity. The patient was obese and had diabetes which is not uncommon for patients with an amputation. Physical therapy provided care in many ways including but not limited to …

Osteochondritis Dissecans (Ocd): A Case Report, Brady Meyer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Osteochondritis Diseccans, (OCD) is the separation of articular cartilage and its adjacent underlying subchondral bone from the articular surface of a joint. Multiple hypotheses have been put forward regarding the cause of OCD including inflammation, ossification abnormalities, ischemia, and repetitive microtrauma. At this time, there is no single cause regarding the etiology of OCD. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions performed on a college athlete for non-operative treatment of OCD. To also look at the non-operative treatment that the patient underwent, and determine if treatment could delay or stop …

Effectiveness Of The Graston Technique For Soft Tissue Injuries Such As Bicipital Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Brian Storhaug

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Abstract: This case report discusses a unique approach to the treatment of a soft tissue injury, such as bicipital tendonitis, through the approach called the Graston Technique.

Case Description: A 61 year old Caucasian male received treatment after a diagnosis of bicipital tendonitis. His job was working at a mail office which required repetitive manual labor consisting of moving boxes of varying weight and height in a position of protracted shoulders, extended elbows and supinated wrists. Treatment consisted of stretching the biceps brachii and upper trapezius, Graston, cross friction massage, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise.

Background and purpose: …

Maximizing Functional Outcomes In A Patient With A Complete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, Samantha Braegelmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal cord injury is damage sustained to any nervous tissue in the spinal cord that results in loss or decreased motor function or sensation. Every year in the United States there is about 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries with young Caucasian males' most prevalent. The purpose of this scholarly article is to analyze various factors to maximize functional outcomes and determine the proper course of treatment following a spinal cord injury.

Case Description: Patient was a right handed Caucasian female who was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident and sustained a C7-Tl …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Sit To Stand Dependent Transfers With And Without Education On Lifting Technique, Jordan Braun, Samantha Stegman, Alex Wohl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess if there was a change in electromyography (EMG) activity in the back or leg muscles when performing a dependent sit-to-stand lift before and after a brief proper lifting intervention.

SUBJECT: The subjects in this study included 10 female third-year doctoral physical therapy students from the University of North Dakota that were all in good health with no significant pathology of either their backs or lower extremities.

INSTRUMENTATION: The EMG activity was recorded by the Noraxon ™ TeleMyo 2400R G2 transmitter and a TeleMyo 2400 SG150 unit. Knee flexion …

Orthotic Satisfaction Survey, Jamie Bowman, Sarah Erickson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The foot is made up of many bones, joints, and ligaments that help support the foot and body. When these structures are not properly aligned the appropriate biomechanics of the foot become compromised. Foot orthotics act as a conservative method of treatment to address some of the painful symptoms associated with these conditions. Common problems that have previously been addressed include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, shin splints, flat feet, hallux valgus, and patellofemoral, heel and back pain.

In this study, we hope to indicate when and where orthotic use is indicated and what diagnoses benefit most when using orthotics as …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Report, Angela Kumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common injury among young female athletes. It is difficult to determine the primary factor that contributes to its development due to the fact that there are multiple causes. Factors influencing the development of PFPS are increased quadriceps (Q) angle, patella alta, abnormal or excessive foot pronation, quadriceps muscle weakness, diminished flexibility of the hamstrings and rectus femoris muscles, malalignment of the femur, weakness of the hips, static and dynamic skeletal malalignment, and altered neuromuscular recruitment strategies.

Case Description. The patient was a young female collegiate track and cross country …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Study, Alexandra Jares

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common lower extremity disorders reported, with a higher prevalence among females and in active individuals. While quadriceps strengthening has generally been the chosen treatment approach, some studies have pointed to the importance and influence of the hip musculature. Patients with PFPS commonly present with decreased posterolateral strength, specifically in the hip abductors, hip extensors, and hip external rotators.

Case Description: The patient was a 13-year-old thin-framed female who was referred to physical therapy after dislocating her right patella during a twisting motion in dance class.

Interventions …

Pilot Study To Investigate The Influence Of The Timing Of Student Clinical Experiences And Student Characteristics In The Hiring Of New Graduates, Kjersten Skjold, Allison Vosgerau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Clinical experiences provide the student with the opportunity to practice technical skills as well as soft skills. This opportunity may benefit the student in future employment at the clinical facility. As the clinical experiences are at various time periods throughout the coursework, many students feel that the later sessions of clinical experiences may be more beneficial in employment opportunities upon graduation. Students also feel that grade point average plays an important role in potential employment opportunities.

Methods: A survey was developed to identify the influence clinical experience session times and student characteristics that support future employment …

An Interdisciplinary Analysis Of Core Competencies In Pain Management For Prelicensure Education: Curriculum Application For Physical And Music Therapy, Schaun Seaburg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Core competencies in pain management were recently established for prelicensure health professional education and assessed for ways that they could be integrated into professional physical therapy practice. The competencies present the expected minimal capabilities for graduating health care students for the subject of pain management. The pain competencies include 4 domains: multidimensional nature of pain, pain assessment and measurement, management of pain, and context of pain. The proposed competencies are recommended for educational programs and could be implemented for other health professions. The purpose of this study is to assess the implementation of the pain competencies in physical therapy and …

The Use Of Physical Therapy Evaluation And Treatment To Manage A Patient Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Scott Holm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The knee is a significant structure within the musculoskeletal system, which is used for dynamic and static movement in the environment. Obesity has been found to have significant health implications within all of the body's systems. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of an obese patient following a total knee arthroplasty and gain understanding of the impact that obesity has on functional improvement during postoperative physical therapy care of a total knee replacement.

Case Description: The patient is a 43 year old female, who has undergone a total knee …

Winter 2015, University Of North Dakota Alumni Association

ALL: UND Alumni Review Master List

Winter 2015 issue of "The University of North Dakota Alumni Review." 67 pages

Volume 98, Number 4

Rehabilitation Of A Patient With A Jones Fracture, Calvin Crawford

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Ankle and foot injuries are common for all age groups, no matter the activity level. Ankle and foot injures can include strains, sprains, and/or fractures in any combination which can be debilitating for ambulation and functional activities. The most common foot fracture is an avulsion of the fifth metatarsal base, also called a Jones fracture, often associated with forced inversion of the foot. Almost all patients will return to their prior ambulatory state with proper care and rehabilitation within 12-16 weeks. The purpose of this scholarly project is to show the rehabilitation of a Jones fracture in …

Current Knowledge Of Occupational Therapists In Wyoming Regarding The Affordable Care Act: A Quantitative Pilot Study, Christopher J. Greenman, Lauren C. Harvey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is little information and research addressing occupational therapists’ knowledge level and ability to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This leads to the following problem statements: occupational therapists’ knowledge level of and ability to implement changes to practice is unknown; furthermore, it is unknown if there is a difference in knowledge level based on professional membership, years of practice, and area of practice; and it is also unknown which aspects or areas of the ACA occupational therapists would like to know more about, and if there is a difference based upon professional membership, years of practice or area of …

Occupational Therapy's Role: A Foundational Occupational Therapy Education Resource For Ghana, Shalyn K. Hample, Maria J. Sundsted

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the developing country of Ghana, West Africa, there is a population of over 1 million individuals with disabilities (Timney, 2007). Ninety-five percent of these people have no rehabilitation service access (Timney, 2007). Due to the presence of social, political, and economic factors including negative societal stigma towards people with disabilities, political corruption and poverty, Ghana's population is vulnerable for occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation places this population at risk for preventing engagement in or forceful discontinuation of meaningful daily occupations such as farming, education, and employment opportunities (Whiteford, 2000; Yeoman, 1998).

The U.S. has helped offer some assistance to Ghana, …

Infusing An Occupational Perspective Into Chronic Disease Management: A Manual For Occupational Therapists, Katelyn Mari, Abby Wicklund

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: In 2014, the National Council on Aging reported that almost 92% of older adults were affected by a chronic condition and 77% of these individuals had at least two chronic conditions. In addition, chronic disease is responsible for 75% of United States health care spending. Ironically, only 1% of health care dollars are spent on public education and other efforts to reduce the incidence of chronic disease.

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to provide a framework for occupational therapists to deliver effective treatment for individuals with chronic disease. Due to the longevity of chronic disease, encouraging …

A Manual For Caregivers Of Infants With Brachial Plexus Injuries, Maranda Myrold, Taryn Wagner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a holistic manual for occupational therapists to provide to caregivers of infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). A literature review was conducted on the impact of NBPP on both the infant’s and their caregiver’s quality of life. The literature review revealed that NBPP can lead to functional deficits for infants, increasing the amount of care, attention, and resources they require. Due to these challenges, a caregiver may experience high levels of stress, which could result in depression, anger, and frustration (Matlow, Stevens, Harrison, & Laxer, 2006). Also, current research is …

Facilitating The Role Of An Occupational Therapist As A Primary Care Provider For Clients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alexis Nims, Kayli Schumacher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Chronic disease management is an ever-growing need within the current population. One of those chronic diseases, arthritis, is the present leader in cause for disability among adults (Helmick et al., 2008). This incidence is expected to increase by 40% over the next 25 years. Among this population are those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is anticipated to affect over 1.2 million Americans each year alone (Helmick et al., 2008). Incurable, RA is a debilitating condition that results in the loss of function within various occupations of daily life. The needs of this population are great, yet are often left …

The Experience Of Occupational Therapists' Approaches And Interventions For School-Aged Children And Adolescents With Anxiety, Meg O'Brien, Emily Terhaar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In the realm of occupational therapy there is not a clear or cohesive evidencebased approach that OT's use to guide intervention planning with school-aged children or adolescent who have anxiety or anxiety secondary to another medical condition. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the experience of 6 pediatric occupational therapists in an outpatient setting in developing and implementing interventions for this population. Researchers utilized a phenomenological qualitative research method completing six interviews to understand the experience of the participants. Findings suggest that occupational therapists who participated in this study feel that they have skills …

Insulin Patch Pumps In Type 2 Diabetes, Cristin Altendorf

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• DM is a leading cause of death in Americans

• A HbA1c above 6.5% is diagnostic for DM because it is at this level the patient is at risk for retinopathy and other microvascular disease

• The purpose of this study is to determine alternative methods of maintaining tighter control on HbA1c to lessen the effects of type II diabetes.