Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Psychological Readiness Of Athletes To Return To Play Following Injury, Alyssa C. Monahan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Returning an injured athlete to sport before they are both physically and psychologically ready can lead to increased psychological concerns. Traditionally, return to play decisions are based on physical outcomes and it is rare if an athlete is held back from returning to sport if he or she is not psychologically ready to return. Therefore, athletes may be returning to play before they are psychologically ready. Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the psychological readiness of the athlete to return to play following injury, and the degree to which psychological readiness was considered by the …

The Effects Of Static Stretching On Pennation Angle And Muscle Power Production In The Triceps Surae Complex, Lacey G. Dennis

Honors College Theses

Many studies have examined how power is affected by static stretching. However, little research has been completed to examine why the muscle power production is affected by static stretching. The purpose of this study is to see the correlation of how pennation angle (PA) and muscle power production (MPP) is affected by a static stretching protocol. For the methodology, PA of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscle will be measured using Terason ultrasound machine. After the PA is measured participants will perform a vertical jump on a force plate while utilizing a Vertec, to determine the height of their jump …

Practicing Therapeutic Recreation In A World Of Differences, Morgan Herrington

Honors College Theses

Therapeutic recreation (TR) services are available to any individual who wishes to increase quality of life and improve functioning. The profession is based on many conceptual foundations, including quality of life; perceived freedom; intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and self-determination; health, wellness, and disability; and recreation and leisure. However, these Western-ideological perspectives may hinder the introduction and practice of TR in countries with other worldviews. This study was designed to explore different worldviews and to evaluate the conceptual foundations of TR with respect to these differences. Findings attempt to identify ways to adapt and shape TR foundations so that it may be …

Differences In Trunk And Hip Flexion/Extension Strength, Jasmin Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The definition of the “core” within the literature is misconstrued: some researchers believe the core only involves muscles of the trunk while others believe it also includes muscles of the hip. Core strength tests typically include exercises that activate hip flexors and extensors without a firm definition of the “core” including the muscles of the hip. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to differentiate between the strength of the trunk and hip during flexion and extension.

Methods: Participants included 28 Division I collegiate athletes from a single university (12 males, 16 females, height (in.) = 69.14 ± 4.81, …

An Exploration Of The Underlying Mechanisms Causing Spasticity In Young People With Cerebral Palsy, Alexis Carnes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background and Objective(s): Spasticity is a common symptom experienced by individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Spastic CP is often accompanied by hypertonia. Currently, there is a limited understanding of the contributions of spasticity to hypertonia which can in turn hinder the development of new rehabilitative measure to improve these conditions. Additionally, clinical evaluation of spasticity is limited to observational techniques such as the Ashworth scale. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in passive joint torque in the upper extremity between individuals with severe, spastic CP (MACS III-V) and healthy, age-matched controls at different speeds during passive stretching. …

A Study Exploring Parents’ And Occupational Therapists Views On Facilitating Social And Emotional Development, Salena C. Neuwar

Honors College Theses

This study examined how parents of a child with a disability and the child's occupational therapist each facilitate social and emotional development among children who have or are currently receiving occupational therapy services. This study first served to identify, through interviews, what social and emotional skills are important individually to the parent and the occupational therapist that the child gains. Through interviews, the researcher investigated the perceptions of how parents and occupational therapists facilitate social and emotional skills. The location of the therapy session was found to be a vital component among parent and occupational therapist interaction. Finally, this research …

The Reliability Of The Navicular Drop Test And Its Transferability To Dynamic Movement, Joshua Krispin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Navicular drop can be defined as the distance the navicular tuberosity moves from a standing weight bearing to a standing neutral position, as the subtalar joint moves from a relaxed position to a neutral position. Navicular drop is an important measurement for clinicians used to describe foot function, pronation, and excessive movement seen in several pathologies. Objective: The purpose of this study is to see if navicular drop is influenced by mode or speed of locomotion, if it is will there be other influences such as the forefoot and heel soft tissue, and will those factors influence those measures. …

An Examination Of Spasticity Of The Lower Extremity Among Young People With Cerebral Palsy, Jordan Nourse

Honors College Theses

Background: Spasticity is the most common symptom among individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Spasticity is often presented as stiff limbs often resulting in pain. Currently, clinicians are limited in diagnosing spasticity using observational tools. The purpose of this study was compare spasticity at various functional levels using dynamometry. Methods: Participants included nine adolescents (12-19) with CP and nine adolescents (age-matched) without CP. The participants participated in passive stretches delivered by the Biodex System 4 Pro Dynamometer at four different speeds (90, 120, 150, and 180 deg/s), Measurements of the quadriceps will be collected before and during passive knee extension stretches …

Perceptions Of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities On Experiences At A Weeklong Camp, Erica P. Teilhaber

Honors College Theses

This study was conducted to attempt to understand the perceptions of a weeklong camp experience for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. A survey was administered to campers from two of the three locations, asking questions pertaining to their time spent at camp. Specifically researchers asked questions related to the conceptual, social, and practical domains. Additionally, researchers sent a follow up survey to make sure the data they summarized was correct. Results showed positive feedback, and convey the participants perceived improvements in aspects related to the conceptual, social, and practical domains.

Measuring Perceptions In Quality Of Life After Camp, Madison M. Monk

Honors College Theses

As children with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) begin to age out of the school system, they begin losing opportunities for socialization and recreation participation. Losing these opportunities greatly affects these individuals’ quality of life. Limitations to socialization and recreation participation are problematic and research shows it would be beneficial to provide such opportunities. This study explores how a camp environment can increase adults’ with I/DD perceptions of quality of life through providing opportunities to participate in recreation activities and socialize with other campers. Through the use of a Qualtrics survey, researchers contacted campers who attended Camp Sunlight, a camp for adults …

I'Ve Been Diagnosed: A Champion! Crohn's & Colitis Family Day, Samantha M. Goldberg

Honors College Theses

This Honors thesis outlines the creation of “I’ve Been Diagnosed: A Champion! Crohn’s & Colitis Family Day”—an experience designed to provide Southeast Georgia children and families affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) an opportunity to enhance community involvement and build a support network through therapeutic recreation, team-based activities, education, and a positive family-centered environment. Following the nursing process focusing on the community as the patient, this paper is organized by assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation. A literature review was conducted and interviews with a medical professional and a patient were completed. Specific interventions were planned using the nursing process …

A Qualitative Examination Of Optimal Professional Traits Of Physical Therapists. – An Exploratory Investigation, Nicholas G. Wood

Honors College Theses

Physical therapists are constantly searching for aspects of their professional practice to improve, in order to enhance interactions with patients, eventually leading to a more successful practice (Resnek & Jensen, 2003). Although this is the case, limited research has been found which has examined optimal qualities of physical therapists from neither a qualitative perspective, nor based upon their location. Thus, the purpose of this study is to use a qualitative approach to describe optimal qualities necessary for a successful physical therapy practice. In addition, this study aims to determine if therapists practicing in a rural community describe different qualities than …

Evidence Based Design In Healthcare: An Applied Study On The Impacts Of Interior Design For Cerebral Palsy, Katie D. Phillips

Honors College Theses

Evidence Based Design (EBD) is an informed approach to design where designers base their decisions on quantitative and qualitative research. The design of the Universal Access Center for United Cerebral Palsy, discussed in this paper, encapsulates this approach to design. The five stages of EBD and how they were achieved within this project is defined. In the first phase, programming, current trends in healthcare as well as issues surrounding design for adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are discussed. In schematic design, initial issues of the project are resolved, and creative ideas are explored leading to the design development stage. In …

The Emotions, Coping And Social Support Perceived By Ncaa Division I Athletes During Concussion Recovery: A Qualitative Study, Paige Wells

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Concussed patients require an individualized assessment and treatment plan in order to improve the outcomes associated with their overall recovery. A new model has been created to explain the psychological response to sport concussion injury and rehabilitation process. This model highlights pre-injury and post-injury factors affecting the recovery process including emotions, coping and social support. Understanding the emotional disturbances, coping behaviors and social support available to concussed athletes may provide valuable information for the healthcare team in management and care for the concussed athlete.

Purpose: To identify and describe the emotions, coping mechanisms and social support perceived by Division …

An Examination Between Swimming Ability, Gender, And Race- An Exploratory Investigation, Laynie E. Brown

Honors College Theses

One of the leading causes of unintentional death worldwide is drowning. From 2005-2009, an estimated 3, 107 people in the United States over the age of fifteen died from drowning (Peden, Oyegbite, & Ozanne-Smith, 2008). Research has found higher amounts of drowning deaths to be males than females and African-American than Caucasian (Saluja et al., 2005). However, no significant differences have been found in real or perceived water competency between gender or age groups (Moran et al., 2012). Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine ability to swim between gender, race, and school classification of college students. Quantitative …

The Use Of A Visual Motor Test To Identify Lingering Deficits In Concussed Collegiate Athletes, Erik W. Sanders

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually. Athletes who have suffered a concussion but are symptom free and have returned to baseline on conventional tests may not necessarily be recovered from the effects of the concussion. The premature return to play of an unrecovered athlete may increase the risk of a subsequent concussion. Measurement of upper-limb visual motor coordination has identified lingering deficits following concussion and so it may provide clinicians with a more sensitive means of tracking recovery. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if a visual motor coordination test would identify lingering deficits …

The Effect Of Involvement In Recreation And Community Activities On The Self Concept Of In-Center Hemodialysis Clients, Teresa Ann Sweat

Legacy ETDs

This study consisted of 20 subjects. The treatment group consisted of 10 subjects from the Statesboro and Vidalia Dialysis Centers. The control group consisted of 10 subjects from the Metter Dialysis Center. Treatment consisted of: 1) establishing client-therapist rapport, 2) assisting subjects with their knowledge of recreation as a means for developing self awareness, self worth, and related participatory and decision making skills, 3) assisting subjects with exploration and acquisition of specific recreation interests and skills, and 4) bridging the gap between the subjects and their community. Self concept was measured using the pre and post test administration of the …