Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Sanctuary: Counter-Oppressive Relationships With Farmed Animals As An Ecopsychological Imperative, Kelsey Bomboy

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Consumers are intentionally shielded from and often misled about the process of breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals for consumption. By confining most farmed animals to warehouses in rural areas while the majority of humans are sequestered in urban areas, we have effectively created a world where humans do not have to contend with the sense of interconnectedness that arises when witnessing and being witnessed by a farmed animal. Within industrial slaughterhouses, the physical act of killing is minimized to just a fraction of the workers, so that even those who are responsible for rendering a once living being will never …

Assessing Content Validity Of The Osteo-Taq(Aus) Using Cognitive Interviews: Cross-Jurisdictional Evidence From Uk Osteopathic Practice​​, Oliver P. Thomson, Elena Golder, Gopi Anne Mcleod, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Steven Vogel, Brett Vaughan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Osteopaths’ Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) has demonstrated content, construct, and face validity across multiple jurisdictions but required cognitive validation for use in the United Kingdom (UK). Objectives: To assess the cognitive content and face validity of the Australian-adapted Osteo-TAQ (Osteo-TAQ(Aus)) with practising UK osteopaths, and to determine whether any revisions were necessary. Methods: Cognitive interviews were conducted with six (n = 6) UK osteopaths using a combination of think-aloud and verbal probing techniques, informed by the Cognitive Interview Reporting Framework (CIRF). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using team-based content analysis to identify issues of item interpretation, clarity …

Enhancing Independence And Social Connection: The Impact Of A Tailored Exercise Program On New Residents Transitioning Into Australian Residential Care Facilities, Stacey Scott, Annette Raynor, Julie Dare, Jennifer Grieve, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Transitioning from independent living to a residential care facility often results in a significant loss of independence, autonomy, and connectedness, leaving new residents with profound feelings of loss and grief. In light of these challenges, this study explored the potential benefits of a tailored in-house exercise program for new residents. Methods: The study took place in an Australian residential care facility and included four new residents (aged 72 to 88, 75% female), who participated in a 12-week tailored exercise program led by an exercise physiologist. A focused ethnographic approach was used to obtain a comprehensive data set, drawing on …

Caregiver Burden And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Parents Of Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Ahmed K. Bamaga Bamaga

Journal of Medical Rehabilitation Science

Background: Caring for a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) places significant physical and emotional demands on parents and may negatively affect caregiver quality of life (QoL). This study assessed caregiver burden and QoL among parents of children with DMD.

Methods: This study included 77 parents of children with genetically confirmed DMD recruited from two pediatric neurology and pediatric neuromuscular clinics (King Abdulaziz University Hospital and Alsalama Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). Caregiver burden was assessed using the 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and caregiver QoL using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical and mental component summary scores (PCS, MCS). Group comparisons, …

Starting To Feel Like A Clinician: Graduate Student Experiences Of Communication Partner Training For People With Aphasia, Katie A. Strong, Esther S. Kim, Aura Kagan, Nina Simmons-Mackie

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Communication partner training (CPT) is among the most evidence-based interventions for supporting people with aphasia, yet many speech-language pathologists report not implementing it in practice, and graduate students frequently report low confidence communicating with people with aphasia prior to targeted training. This qualitative descriptive study examined graduate students' experiences learning CPT through a course-embedded, multi-modal experiential approach with structured reflection. Written reflections from 79 first-year graduate students across two university programs served as the data source. Reflections were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: Learning by Design, reflecting students' metacognitive awareness of the pedagogical elements most meaningful …

Joy To The Rehabilitation World: A Call To Incorporate Enjoyment Into Clinical Practice, Cristina Colón-Semenza, Raymond Jones, Winston Kennedy

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Although multiple academic disciplines recognize the motivational power of joy, rehabilitation professionals have, historically, underemphasized this construct in clinical practice. In addition, many clinicians report persistent challenges in motivating patients to adhere to prescribed exercise regimens. In response, there is growing advocacy for integrating affective-based interventions into practice. This overview aims to 1) raise awareness among rehabilitation professionals about the role of joy in physical rehabilitation, 2) illustrate how joy influences physical activity engagement and recovery outcomes, 3) outline evidence-based strategies for enhancing joy in clinical settings, and 4) introduce validated measures of joy suitable for use in practice. By …

Identification Of Current Ai Usage In The Fields Of Exercise-Related Professions And The Requirement Of Ai Experience As A Hiring Criterion: A Preliminary Study, Michelle Stehman, Matthew Hankinson

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing within exercise-related professions, raising the question of whether college curricula for these professions should include AI education. This study aimed to evaluate current AI usage and to discover the priority of AI skills for hiring managers among exercise-related professionals. Section one of the questionnaire included questions about current use of AI within exercise-related professions (N = 65), and section two was specific to hiring managers and their position on AI skills as a hiring requirement (n = 32 completed this section). The main outcome of this study was that 32% of exercise-related professionals …

Parkinson’S Report Cards For Rural Communities: Bridging Access To Care For Behavior Change And Fall Risk Reduction, Jamie Haines, Emily Schubbe, Brooke Alexander, Lachane Ballard, Chin-I Cheng

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) in rural communities face delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care, and lower self-efficacy for disease management. A physical therapist designed the Parkinson’s Report Card Program (PRCP) to provide improved access to symptom monitoring, feedback, education, and follow-up support every six months for one year, aiming to enhance disease management when access to specialized care is challenging. This study evaluated the impact of the Report Card Program on non-motor symptoms, physical function, care-seeking behaviors, and self-efficacy in three rural communities in Michigan. Methods: Twenty-eight participants completed assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 1 …

Exploring Burnout Impacting Graduate-Level Faculty And Leadership Within Health Profession Education In The United States: A Systematic Scoping Review, Megan Donaldson, Neeti Pathare, Garry Gilbert, Joshua Cleland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Phenomenon: Full-time academic clinicians who hold faculty appointments in graduate‑level health professions education are expected to fulfill multiple, often competing role demands, including teaching, scholarship, service, clinical practice, and, for some, administrative leadership. These cumulative expectations can place faculty and educational leaders at elevated risk of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, with implications for career longevity, institutional stability, and educational quality. Approach: The objective of this systematic scoping review was to map how burnout has been conceptualized, measured, and associated with organizational and role-related factors among full-time graduate-level faculty and educational leaders in health and medical education (health professions) programs. Eligible …

The Investigation Of Ground Reaction Forces To Validate Progression Of Plyometric Exercise: A Pilot Study, Bradley Bechard, Brett Walker, Peter Leno

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Current approaches lack research toward rehabilitation of the lower extremity following injury regarding progression and the effects of ground reaction forces (GRFs) along the kinematic chain. A typical physical therapy protocol demonstrated the patients initially performing non-weight bearing, or open chain exercises followed by walking and running activities. This initial pilot study entertained the need for a more “seamless” progression of exercises to bridge the gap of GRFs when rehabilitating a weight bearing joint from walking-to-running in healthy individuals. Methods. 10 plyometric exercises were chosen for the study following careful review of evidence-based literature and researched protocols for strength …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

A Comparison Of Three Cryocompression Therapies On Patient Satisfaction, Skin Temperature, And Intramuscular Temperature, Valerie W. Herzog, Aaron Petersen, Nancy Weston, Justin Valdez, Kyle Lindley, Samantha Rollins, Zachary Simmons, Baylee Blanchard, Hannah Dickinson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many cryotherapy modalities are available with varying prices. This study compared the effectiveness of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro, the NICE1 System, and a frozen elastic bandage with a non-stick coating layer in lowering intramuscular temperature in recreationally-active individuals. Method:  Twenty-four participants who exercised three times per week and had a posterior lower-leg skinfold thickness of no more than 1.5 cm volunteered to participate in this crossover study with repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the counterbalanced treatment orders and received all three treatments at least 72 hours apart. Skin temperature and intramuscular temperature (measured 1 …

The Impact Of A Board Preparatory Platform On First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates, Shuying Lin, Melanie Lauderdale, Alyssa Bradford, Michael Brown, Kimberly Holt, Madelaine Palen, April Coward, Evan Warnick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, …

The Long-Term Effects Of Covid-19 On Pulmonary Function, Emily Russell, Chris Russian, Kevin Collins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of hospitalizations and significant long-term health consequences. While acute COVID-19 symptoms are well-documented, the long-term pulmonary effects remain incompletely understood, particularly in patients with mild or asymptomatic infections. This review examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pulmonary function, including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and related outcomes such as exercise capacity and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CINAHL Ultimate, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases, yielding 10 articles for review (6 cohort studies, 3 review articles, and 1 systematic review and meta-analysis). Studies were assessed for …

Systematic Review Of Sports Safety Best Practice Implementation In Non-Scholastic Youth Sport Organizations, Katie Sniffen, Hayley J. Root, Richelle M. Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Non-scholastic youth sports organizations offer competitive and recreational activities to millions of children each year but lack centralized oversight for health and safety policy. Despite the benefits of sport participation, there are inherent risks, including cardiac-, concussion-, heat-, and musculoskeletal-related conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand how youth sports safety policies are implemented in non-scholastic youth sport organizations. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the implementation of youth sports safety policies in non-scholastic youth sport organizations in the United States. Methods: A computerized search of Cochrane, CINHAL, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus …

Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration Through Occupational Therapy-Led Stress Reduction Intervention During Post Mass Casualty Simulation Debriefing Process, Benjamin Gross, Katherine Jones, Jennifer Radziak, Ralph C. Bay, Sue Dahl-Popolizio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether an occupational therapist (OT) led stress reduction intervention, implemented as part of an interprofessional education initiative, could be integrated into a mass casualty simulation and whether it was effective in reducing self-reported stress among healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used following an interdisciplinary mass casualty simulation involving first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Physician Assistant (PA) students (N=190). After a standard educational debriefing, participants engaged in a 25-minute OT-led stress reduction session consisting of structured, activity-based strategies. A retrospective pretest survey administered …

Balancing The Clinic And The Classroom: Perspectives Of Health Sciences Faculty On Clinical Practice Engagement, Derek B. Charles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of faculty within a College of Health Sciences at a public university who engage in clinical practice. Specifically, it examined the perceived benefits, barriers, and institutional factors that influence faculty participation in clinical care alongside their academic responsibilities. Methods: An online survey was distributed via Qualtrics to full- and part-time faculty members across multiple departments in the College of Health Sciences. Data included Likert-scale responses evaluating perceptions of clinical engagement, as well as open-ended questions eliciting qualitative feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data. Participants’ comments …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

Females With Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability, Jean L. Mccrory, Corrie Mancinelli, Kate Harrison, Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, Krystal L. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and …

Predictors Of Clinical Performance On The Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0, Derrick F. Campbell, Nancy G. Hellman, Felicity Macahilig-Rice, Sean E. Witkin, Mansoor Alameri

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 12 performance criteria from the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (PT CPI 3.0) on predicting Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student clinical performance outcomes during clinical education experiences. The PT CPI 3.0 was revised in 2023 to measure DPT student clinical performance. Identifying predictors for clinical performance may help flag students who struggle to meet or fall below performance expectations.

Method: A convenience sample of 693 DPT students from a large U.S. multi-campus program during Fall 2023 clinical education experiences participated. Using an …

Beyond Walking: Exploring Functional Use Of Exoskeletons In The Home Environment, Sue D. Dahl-Popolizio, Adam M. Story, Thomas Hartman, Lacee Andrews, Jennifer Radziak, Angela Zhu, Joelly Lobato De Faria Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study was completed to determine whether individuals with paraplegia can perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in their homes using a personal exoskeleton. The physiological effects of using an exoskeleton for these tasks were investigated as well. Methods: In this mixed-methods observational study, participants with paraplegia were observed using an exoskeleton to complete ADLs and IADLs in their homes. Performance and satisfaction with performance were measured before and after home exoskeleton use with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The level of importance of completing ADLs and IADLs to the …

Beyond Tuition: Understanding The Financial Impact Of Full-Time Clinical Education On Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Michelle L. Donahue

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The physical therapy literature has explored the cost and affordability of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education; however, academic and clinical educators may lack a nuanced understanding of the costs students incur to complete their full-time Clinical Education (CE) experiences. This study explored expenses beyond course credits during a full-time CE experience. As this was the first exploratory study on this topic, the aim was to gather information from a diverse sample of participants about the costs associated with a CE experience and the perceived financial burden. Method: A survey was developed and administered to collect quantitative and …

International Competency And Regulatory Standards In Osteopathic Practice: A Comparative Documentary Analysis Of Regulated And Formally Recognised Jurisdictions, Lee Muddle, Gopi Anne Mcleod, Loïc Treffel, Oliver P. Thomson, Ana Paula A. Ferreira, Brett Vaughan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To compare competency standards and regulatory expectations for osteopathic practice across jurisdictions where the profession is formally regulated or recognised as a healthcare profession. Methods: A documentary analysis was undertaken across regulated and formally recognised jurisdictions. National competency frameworks, regulatory standards and professional guidance documents were identified through regulatory and professional body websites and direct contact with relevant organisations. Nineteen national competency, regulatory or professional framework documents from 17 jurisdictions were included. The World Health Organization Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy and EN16686 Osteopathic Healthcare Provision were included as international comparison points. Data were extracted using a structured template …

Best Practices For Supporting Occupational Therapy Students With Disabilities During Clinical Education: Results From A Three-Round Delphi Study, Courtney Gohean, Katie Mclaughlin, Aster Harrison

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Disabled occupational therapy students face systemic barriers in clinical education. Although legal mandates require reasonable accommodations, implementation is often inconsistent, and few standardized guidelines exist for fieldwork education. This study is aimed at establishing best practices for supporting occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students with disabilities during fieldwork.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-round Delphi study was conducted with a panel of 30 experts, including disabled occupational therapy students, disabled occupational therapy practitioners, academic fieldwork coordinators (AFWCs), fieldwork educators (FWEs), disability services staff, and researchers. In Round 1, participants answered open-ended questions about challenges, accommodations, and environmental supports. Responses …

Implementation Of Medical Documentation Sign-In Sheets For Patient Evaluations And Treatments: A Quality Improvement Project, Madicyn Barnes, Beth Davis, Kaitlyn L. Holland, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Medical documentation of athletic training services at a large, public secondary school was limited to clinically significant or legally sensitive information entered into the electronic medical record (EMR) system. There are only 2 full-time athletic trainers (ATs) providing medical services to over 800 student-athletes across 45 different teams throughout the school year. Due to the large patient load, documentation is difficult to complete and, therefore, limited to the most “significant” information. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve medical documentation at this secondary school by implementing physical sign-in sheets in the athletic training facility (ATF) to …

The Correlation Between Ankle Proprioception And Lower Extremity Muscle Reactions In Response To Simulated Ankle Sprains, Erin Carroll, Justin Stanek, Abby Salvadore

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Neurological structures of the somatosensory system provide proprioceptive and neuromuscular input regarding joint positioning to the brain. Lower extremity motor control relies on local proprioceptive input to the central nervous system and neuromuscular control of individual joints to produce coordinated, global responses to external events. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ankle proprioception and lower extremity muscle reaction time in response to an unexpected ankle inversion perturbation.

Methods: Twenty healthy college-aged volunteers were recruited to participate by word of mouth. Absolute and exact errors for passive joint position sense (PJPS) were assessed using a …

The Evaluation Of A Soft Skills Curriculum In Athletic Training Education: A Mixed Methods Study, Emily A. Duckett, Heather Schugar, Alison Gardiner-Shires, Jacqueline S. Hodes

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Developing athletic training students’ soft skills to effectively engage in patient-centered care is integrated throughout multiple Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Curricular Content Standards. Despite evidence supporting the importance of compassionate care, there is currently data to suggest that health care is experiencing a compassion crisis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ways pre-professional athletic training students transfer knowledge from a soft skills curriculum to clinical experiences as students in an entry level master’s program.

Methods: This study is an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Phase 1 includes participants (n = 19) enrolled in …

Breaking The Cycle: From Victimization To Offending Through The Lens Of Human Services, Colette R. Penalosa

Master of Arts in Human Services

The victim-offender overlap challenges the common view that victims and offenders are separately labeled by recognizing that both groups have experienced significant childhood trauma, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Current research implies these experiences can increase the risk of offending as they all influence cognitive and behavioral development while leaving criminal behavior undetermined. The purpose of this capstone is to analyze the relationship between childhood victimization and offending from a human service perspective; analyzing the pathways a victim takes on the road to offending. Research conducted will focus on exploring the victim-offender overlap, …

Translational Initiative To Minimize Childhood Hemiparesis After Asymmetrical Perinatal Brain Injury, Susan V. Duff, Emily Garavatti, Terrie Inder

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

The purpose of this perspective paper is to present a translational approach aimed at identifying the critical periods in brain development during which to provide neuroprotective and neurorestorative strategies, followed by prehensile training, to minimize hemiparesis and foster skill acquisition after asymmetrical perinatal brain injury (APBI). We contend that hemiparesis could be minimized after APBI through a multimodal sequential approach based on timely implementation of evidence-based intervention strategies. If APBI is identified early, neuroprotective techniques can be used in the first 10 days of life to minimize cell death. This can be followed in the next 3 months by the …

Leadership Style And Employee Outcomes In Private Practice Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics, Catherine Beuerle Martin, Debra Ann Beazley

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Background: Workforce retention, employee engagement, and job satisfaction are ongoing challenges in outpatient physical therapy practice. Leadership style has been identified as a potentially modifiable organizational factor that may influence clinician experience and workplace outcomes. Despite extensive leadership research in other health professions, evidence specific to outpatient physical therapy settings remains limited. 

Purpose: To examine the relationships between private practice outpatient physical therapy clinic directors’ perceived leadership styles and staff physical therapists' work engagement, job satisfaction, turnover intention, leadership effectiveness, satisfaction with leadership, and willingness to exert extra effort.

Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study surveyed licensed staff physical …