Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Predictors Of Physical Therapy Non-Treatment Among Patients Scheduled For Treatment Two Times A Day In The Acute Hospital, Sara Bookout, Kyle Ozaki

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Consistent participation in physical therapy treatment is the key to the success of any physical therapy treatment program. Scheduled therapy sessions that do not result in treatment (non-treatment) may cause longer hospital stays and/or poor outcomes. A better understanding of the factors affecting non-treatment could allow proper adjustments to prevent non-treatment by hospital administration, improve patient-therapist interaction, and may result in improved care, greater patient satisfaction, and lower healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of patients that affect physical therapy non-treatment events for patients scheduled for therapy twice a day (BID) in …

The Effect Of Floss Bands On Elbow Range Of Motion In Tennis Players, Kenna Hodeaux

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Floss bands have been used to improve ROM, restore joint mechanics, and break down adhesive tissue from previously injured musculature, however, there is limited research available and the few research studies have mixed results on the usefulness of floss bands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of floss bands in increasing elbow range of motion (ROM) in tennis players. Twelve elite tennis players (6 female and 6 male) participated in this randomized crossover design study. Subjects attended two separate sessions. Passive ROM measures were taken with a standard goniometer for elbow flexion and extension and forearm …

The Effects Of Fatigue On Balance In Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Influence Of Medication And Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype, Michael Baer, Bradley Klemetson, Diana Scott

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the effects of fatigue on balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Because falls in this population can have deleterious consequences, it is important to understand the influence of fatigue and PD medications on balance. Additionally, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be related to motor performance, we explored its role in balance fatigue. Participants: 27 individuals (age= 65.4±8.1; males= 14, females= 13) with neurologist-diagnosed PD. Of the 27, 13 were genotyped for BDNF as Val/Val, 11 as Val/Met, 2 as Met/Met, and one refused genotyping. Methods: Participants were …

Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Disease: A Retrospective Analysis Across Varying Levels Of Cognitive Impairment, Diana Contreras, Jessica Heim, Jun Nelson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: It was once thought that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affected mostly cognition with minor motor impairment; however, it is becoming apparent that motor impairment may also be a prominent feature. Determining the extent of motor impairments throughout the continuum of cognitive impairment is critical in developing timely interventions for this population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to gain a greater understanding of motor impairment in AD by exploring the relationships among gait, balance, and falls. Specifically, we explored the association of fall history to measures of cognition and performance-based balance measures in individuals with AD. We hypothesized that …

The Reliability Of The Thoracic Percussion Test, Casey Donaldson, Rey Veloz, Kaylee Waters

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate the reliability of the Thoracic Percussion Test (TPT), which is a quick screening tool used by manual therapists to assess hypomobility in the thoracic spine. Participants: 36 healthy subjects (18-60 years old), with or without back pain, and 10 therapists participated in the study. Six of the therapists with less than 5 years clinical experience were considered “novice” and 4 with at least 20 years experience were considered “expert” therapists. Methods: All participants were divided into a morning and an afternoon group. Both groups consisted of 18 subjects and a mix of novice and expert therapists. All …

Measurement Of Anterior Translation Of The Mandibular Condyle Using Ultrasonography, Brooke Laskowski, Danielle Hahn, Christensen J. Hardy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Reliability of clinical measurement. Objectives: To establish a standardized ultrasonographic approach to quantify anterior translation of the mandibular condyle during mouth opening by examining the reliability of imaging acquisition and processing. Background: Restricted mouth opening is a common limitation in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), however the arthrokinematics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mouth opening have not been studied thoroughly. Furthermore, how anterior translation of the mandibular condyle contributes to mouth opening remains unclear. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects without TMD participated. During day 1 of data collection, all subjects performed maximal mouth opening while an examiner placed a …

Fine-Wire Intramuscular Insertion To The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Does Not Affect Muscle Activation And Performance During High Exertion Spinal Extension Muscle Contractions, James Dimascio, Rebeka Hicks, Matthew Kimber, Kelsey Synder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is associated with paraspinal muscle dysfunctions. A method to study the deep lumbar paraspinal muscle activation is with intramuscular electromyography (EMG). However, it is currently unknown how paraspinal muscle performance is affected by the invasive intramuscular insertion and the presence of the fine-wire electrode in the muscle. The purpose of this study was to analyze how insertion of fine-wire EMG into lumbar paraspinal muscle affects the lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue, endurance, activation, and peak extension torque during high exertion spinal extension exercises. Participants: 20 individuals between the ages of 18-40 participated. The participants …

Acute Effects Of Walking On The Deformation Of Femoral Articular Cartilage, Jayson Mcclaren, Skyler Sudweeks

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a progressive loss of the articular cartilage, increasing the amount of friction in the joint, resulting in pain and decreases in mobility and function. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that frontal plane lower extremity (LE) malalignment (e.g., varus, valgus) is associated with onset and progression of OA. Previous studies showed that static loading of 50% body weight at the knee results in more cartilage deformation in those with knee OA compared to healthy controls. As walking produces forces in the knee that are 2-3 times body weight, it may result in …

Difference In Quality Of Life Between Group And Individual Exercise In A Faith-Based Sample, Everett Jackson Amburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is limited data on the quality of life of individuals who exercise in a group versus individuals who exercise alone. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the quality life between adults who attend an exercise class and those who exercise alone. Using the WHOQOL-BREF, 27 adult females were surveyed in Central California at two Church of Latter Day Saints locations. Ten females were enrolled in a group exercise class while 17 were individual exercisers. The data was analyzed using a t-test for independent samples to determine if there is a …

Trunk And Respiratory Motor Control In Typically Developing Children And Its Implications In Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury., Goutam Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Independent sitting is a major milestone and is also a prerequisite for optimal performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). Development of sitting posture control is a dynamic process involving control of degrees of freedom of head and trunk. Traditionally, trunk has been modeled as a single unit (segment). However, recent studies have suggested that it is made up multiple spinal units, controlled by a combination of trunk muscles. During typical development, posture control of trunk is different for different trunk segments. This motor development of trunk control is a complex process due to constant interaction between the nervous system …

Disposition And Success Of Patients Following Discharge In The Acute Setting, Ciera Cortney, Kathryn Lutjens, Kristopher Raines

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Abstract: Background & Purpose: Many patients are seen in the hospital by physical therapists who also help decide where the patient will go after discharge (e.g., home, rehab hospital, skilled nursing facility) with the goal being the safest and best quality of life. Therapists may use different tests and measures along with their own professional judgment to help make a recommendation for a discharge location. The purpose of this study was to examine how PT’s recommendation for discharge location, POMA score, “6-clicks” score, age, diagnosis, and gender determine patient’s fall/readmission status after being discharged by hospital. Subjects: There were 113 …

Can Simple Postural Instructions Modify Running Forms In Recreational Runners, Casey Gray, Matthew Poggemiller, Ian Tracy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Recent research suggests that alteration of trunk angle and foot strike pattern during running may result in beneficial changes that prevent running related injuries due to reduction in vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF). For example, running form emphasizing a forward trunk lean and a midfoot or forefoot strike pattern has been shown to be effective in reducing knee stress and the risks of other impact-related running injuries. In clinical practice however, it is currently unknown if simple postural cues given to runners can elicit motor learning that leads to modification of running form. The purpose of this study was …

Social Support In Collegiate Athletics: An Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Perceived Social Support Among Injured College Athletes And Its Effect Upon Well-Being Throughout The Rehabilitation Process, Gabriella Bores

Selected Honors Theses

Athletic injuries are increasingly common at the collegiate level. These injuries not only produce physical detriments, but often elicit emotional responses as well. As a result, injured athletes are often facing increased stress and are in dire need of social support throughout the rehabilitation process. This study seeks to add to the amassing literature on the stress-buffer hypothesis and evaluates social support provided by athletic trainers, coaches, teammates, and professors and instructors for injured collegiate athletes. Qualitative findings revealed the most commonly expressed type of social support was emotional support from coaches, teammates, and professors, while tangible support was the …

The Effect Of Three Different Ankle Braces On Vertical Jump Performance In Female College Volleyball Players, Ashley M. Jefferson

Undergraduate Theses

Background/Purpose: Ankle braces are often used to stabilize the ankle joint of an athlete to reduce the risk of initial injury while participating in athletic activity or to protect the joint from re-injury when returning to play. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of application of three different braces on vertical jump performance in collegiate female volleyball players. A secondary aim was to compare participant preference and satisfaction on selected characteristics of each of the three different braces.

Subjects: 31 female varsity/club college volleyball players >18 years of age.

Materials/Methods: Health History Assessment and a dynamic …

Assessing The Impact Of Caregiver Outcomes On Function And Reintegration Of Stroke Survivors Participating In A Community Stroke Rehabilitation Program., Spencer R. Thompson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

There is a limited amount of literature evaluating the relationship between caregivers, and the stroke survivors’ function and reintegration. The objectives were to evaluate the association between caregivers’ lifestyle changes on function and the role of functioning as a moderator between caregiving and reintegration among stroke survivors receiving community-based rehabilitation. Data were collected from January 2011 to January 2016. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance and multivariable linear regression were performed on Functional Independence Measure, Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale, Reintegration to Normal Living Index across admission, discharge, and follow-up. Mean age was 70.2±13.17 years with 58% males (n=200). A …

Links Between Physical And Mental Health: Assessment Of Therapeutic Riding’S Effect On Children With Special Needs, Sabah I. Hasan

Brescia Psychology Undergraduate Honours Theses

This observational study examined the effect of therapeutic riding (TR) on four domains, physical skills, positive values, social skills, and self-identity in children with special needs. Participants were recruited from SARI Therapeutic Riding and were divided, based on observation, into more or less severe diagnosis categories. It was predicted that children with less severe diagnosis would show more of an increase on the four domains, especially physical skills due to TR. Participants were observed using an observational checklist at pre- and post-riding lessons. Results showed non-significant differences in all four domains, however, there was a tendency for scores to increase …

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation For The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Daniel Webb, S Dibiase, T Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The purpose of this project was to construct a rehabilitation protocol using therapeutic exercises carried out to return to play. The protocol was for a soccer player in the college setting who has sustained a torn ACL. The sources that we use include databases from EBSCO, physiopedia, hindawi and google scholar. ACL injuries are common in soccer players. It is important that the sports medical field has a good understanding on how to preform a rehabilitation protocol for athletes that are recovering from ACL reconstruction. Injuries to the ACL can occur with direct contact or non-contact. A cut-or-plant movement is …

Educational And Practice Standard Differences Between Third World Physiotherapy And First World Physical Therapy, Elizabeth Egan

Honors Senior Capstone Projects

In the medical field, physical therapists or physiotherapists as many countries outside the United States refer to the profession as, are “highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility...” Physical therapists/physiotherapists are responsible for teaching patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. Physical therapists/physiotherapists do this by examining each individual and developing a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before …

A Case Study Evaluating The Effects Of Augmented Feedback On The Gait Patterns Of Two College-Age Students With Disabilities, Tara Teeples

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) is a program at Otterbein University for Westerville City School District students who have identified disabilities. The BOBW program is a comprehensive transition program, providing instruction in work skills, community participation skills, independent living skills, and self-advocacy skills. Same-aged peers (Otterbein students) work with the BOBW students and assist them in the development of a healthy, active adult life, through a peer buddy workout program. Gait disorders are common in individuals with a neurological disorder. These gait disorders have then been linked to increased incidence for falls. Falls are one of the most common risks …

Effects Of A Balance And Strength Training Program On Functional Proprioceptive And Motor Control Abilities In Young Adults With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Victoria Timmons

Undergraduate Distinction Papers

he objective of this study was to determine if young adults, ages 18-22, with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disabilities, Communication Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder, and Motor Disorders, would benefit by adding a propioceptive intervention program to an already existing strength training program. Benefits hypothesized from this intervention were int he areas of agility and balance, two of the three components of propioceptive abilities. Increased agility and balance has been proved to increase functionality and safety as it can decrease fall risks. Subjects were all apart of a transitional program from high school into the adult …

The Health Status Of Older Adults Discharged Home From An Acute Care Hospital: A Descriptive Study, Colleen Chancler

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background. Hospitalized older adults are susceptible to adverse events reporting decreased activity, falls and dependence in activities of daily living after hospitalization. Falls incidence is higher among those in the hospital compared to community dwelling older adults. Research has demonstrated the rate of readmission to the hospital for older adults is essentially unchanged at approximately 20% over the last 20 years despite attempts to provide meaningful interventions while patients are in the hospital or once they return home.

Objective. The study objectives were to describe the health status of older adults discharged home from a hospital, to explore the impact …

The Effect Of A Single Bout Of Physical Exertion On Expressive Language And Word Finding In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Marissa A. Barrera

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

To date, little research has been conducted on the relationship between fatigue and expressive language among Multiple Sclerosis patients (MS). This study was a response to this knowledge gap. A nonrandom, matched- subject, mixed-factor design model was used with a purposive sample of 17 individuals with MS (five had primary-progressive (PP) MS, and 12 had relapsing-remitting (RR) MS). The research design was subjected to pretesting to ensure validity. Participants were assessed on a range of language tasks after undergoing one bout of cardiovascular exercise (NuStep T5 Recumbent Cross Trainer) and asked to provide a subjective fatigue score. The expressive language …

A Systems Approach To The Problem Of Falls In Old Age, Patrick A. Dillon

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

The problem of falls in old age is enormously costly and disruptive for the older individual, others, and society, and its severity is likely to intensify as our population ages. This dissertation takes a systems-oriented approach toward the falls problem and is presented in two parts. The first part critically develops a new approach to the problem of falls. The second part describes an empirical study that applies this new approach in a pragmatic manner.

Conventional fall prevention strategies employ a reductionist approach to the problem of falls. This approach is questioned because it corresponds poorly to the holistic nature …

Meniscectomy Of A College Athlete, Aaron Bakker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to describe the case of an athlete who sustained a meniscus injury and his subsequent course of physical therapy.

Case Description: The patient in the study is a 20 year old college football player seen by physical therapy following a left knee arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy. He injured his knee while cutting to change direction during football practice.

Intervention: Initial treatment for the patient started off as basic body weight resistance along with modalities and ice to reduce inflammation. Each week he progressed from bodyweight to weighted resistance activities and …

Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Case Report, Abby R. Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background & Purpose Total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are the most commonly performed elective surgery in the United States. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common diagnosis treated with a TKA, which aims to restore an individual's functional ability by improving joint biomechanics and decreasing pain. The purpose of this case report is to describe the progression of physical therapy rehabilitation for a patient status post total knee arthroplasty.

Case Description The patient was a 64 year old male who underwent a TKA surgery to resolve the complications from severe osteoarthritis (OA) of his left knee. He presented to physical therapy with …

Conservative Treatment Of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report, Benjamin A. Lofgren

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: This case study provides a description of the outpatient physical therapy management of a 55-year-old female with low back pain and sciatica.

Case Description: Initially, the patient was diagnosed with illiotibial band syndrome (ITB) syndrome. During physical therapy examination, the patient demonstrated signs and symptoms consistent with a lumbar disc pathology. Interventions were designed to address the lumbar disc pathology and included mechanical traction, therapeutic exercises, and patient education for posture, positioning and proper body mechanics.

Outcome: Following 4 weeks of conservative physical therapy treatment, the patient was referred to her primary care physician with a …

Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Study Of An Atypical Rehabilitation Progression Due To Unmodifiable Circumstances, Brianna Gustafson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are very prevalent throughout the US. They are often caused by a head injury leading to alterations in brain functioning and often result in lifelong disabilities. Current literature is limited on the aspects of rehabilitation following a TBI because of the many factors that differ within each case. This study will explore an atypical pathway for rehabilitation following a TBI.

Case Description The patient was a 32-year-old male who sustained a TBI following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Rancho Los Amigo Scale (RLAS) were assessed initially and …

The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale And Its Use In The Stepping On Program To Determine The Relationship Between Balance Confidence And Fall Risk, Erin Yankovec

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Due to the high incidence of falls in the elderly population, there is a continued need to develop intervention strategies and prevention programs to help reduce the risk of fall related injuries. Stepping On is a 7 week program designed to reduce falls and build confidence in older adults. Participants are educated on balance and strengthening exercises along with information on home hazards, community mobility, safe footwear and equipment, coping, and many other topics to help reduce falls.

Purpose: To determine if group education and exercise classes, like Stepping On, improve balance confidence levels, if balance confidence …

Effectiveness Of The Stepping On Program In Fall Prevention Measured By The Four Stage Balance Test (Fsbt), Jenna Goecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. Stepping On is one of many fall prevention programs in which individuals who have a fear of falling can participate. Stepping On is a 7 week multifactorial fall prevention program for community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. The program implements an exercise program and addresses education on mobility safety in the community and home. The program addresses how different fall risk factors impact function including diet, medication, vision, balance, and strength.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure pre- and post-program fall risk with the …

A Case Study: Adhesive Capsulitis After Breast Cancer Surgery, Kelsey Kratzke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to outline the physical therapy interventions and factors affecting rehabilitation of a patient with adhesive capsulitis following breast cancer surgery.

Case Description: A 65 year-old female, with limited range of motion in the right shoulder and right anterior chest pain, was seen at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Past medical history included unilateral right mastectomy, right lymph node dissection, and chemotherapy. The physical therapy examination and patient history led to the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder and fibrosis of the anterior chest wall musculature.

Plan of Care …