Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Improving Functional Independence With Rehabilitation Following A Metastatic Melanoma Brain Tumor Resection: A Case Report, Benjamin Sherr

Case Report Posters

History: A 67 year-old male with a one year history of melanoma complained of headaches 1-2 weeks prior to admission to an acute care hospital with left sided hemiplegia and dysarthria. A head CT scan revealed an intracerebral hematoma and a lesion suspicious for metastasis within the right parietal lobe. A right parietal craniotomy, evacuation of the hematoma and resection of the brain tumor were performed and the pathology revealed metastatic melanoma. Discussion: The patient received 18, 60-75 minute physical therapy sessions over a span of 21 days while in the inpatient rehabilitation unit. This case study utilized many essential …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Three Months Following Left Shoulder Arthroscopic Repair Of A Type-Ii Slap Lesion: A Case Report, Charles Dowd

Case Report Posters

Background: Research demonstrates a drastic increase in the prevalence of type-II superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion repairs, and its surgical correction has become the favored method of treatment, because of its ability to effectively improve quality of life (QOL). A type-II SLAP lesion consists of fraying and degenerative changes to the superior labrum, in an anterior to posterior direction, with the biceps tendon detached from the glenoid. Purpose: Document the examination, evaluation, and plan of care (POC) concerning a patient that was referred to physical therapy (PT) three months following the surgical correction of a type-II SLAP lesion.

The Use Of Electrical Stimulation And Cryotherapy In Pain Reduction For A Patient Following An Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Miranda Carlson

Case Report Posters

Background: An arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is a common procedure that consists of removing some of the meniscus from the tibio-femoral joint. It is a minimally invasive surgery. Following the procedure, physical therapy is used to improve function. In many cases, some level of pain management is utilized which may include Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and cryotherapy. TENS has been shown to be more effective than pain medication following arthroscopic knee surgery and aid in faster regains of strength and range of motion. Cryotherapy for pain management has been shown to have a significant effect on the level of pain, …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Following Surgical Debridement Of Osteochondritis Dissecans Of The Talar Dome: A Case Report, Angela Serrani

Case Report Posters

Background: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): Alteration of subchondral bone with disruption of the adjacent articular cartilage; cause unknown, hypotheses include repetitive trauma and or non-traumatic disruption of subchondral blood supply; suspected chondral injury with up to 50% of ankle instability episodes. Treatment Options: Goals: relieve symptoms and improve function; non-surgical: rest, immobilization, NSAIDS; surgical: excision of lesion, excision with cutterage and/or microfracturing, filling the defect with bone graft, antegrade transmelleolar drilling, retrograde drilling, fixation, osteochondral transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Purpose: To describe physical therapy treatment and outcomes for a patient following surgical debridement of OCD of the talar dome.

Physical Therapy Management With Emphasis On Quadriceps Strength Training For Chronic Patellar Dislocations In A Female Adolescent With Kabuki Syndrome: A Case Report, Liesel Jay

Case Report Posters

Background: Kabuki Syndrome (KS) has a current estimated prevalence at 1 in 32,000. KS is a rare, but highly recognizable genetic disorder manifested in the craniofacial, skeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular systems/regions of the body. Patellar dislocations are common in children with KS due to the presence of hypotonia causing muscle imbalances and joint laxity. Most commonly, treatment of patellar islocations are done conservatively through exercise. Surgical interventions (lateral release, medical imbrication, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, or bone realignment) are considered with continued dislocations. Purpose: Physical therapy management approach with a focus on addressing chronic patellar dislocations through quadriceps strengthening in …

The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Adverse Mechanical Tension Including The Use Of Neural Gliders And Tensioners: A Case Report, Brent Manley

Case Report Posters

Background: Adverse mechanical tension on one’s nervous system can impair a nerves ability to mobilize in relation to its interfacing tissues and lead to sensations of pain, paresthesia and numbness. Common physical therapy intervention includes sliding and tensioning of the irritated nerve and managing the tissues surrounding it. Purpose: The purposes of this case report were to (1) provide overview of adverse mechanical tension and (2) to report a case describing specific physical therapy management approaches and outcomes during outpatient rehabilitation for a patient with adverse mechanical tension.

The Relationship Between Pain Sensitivity And Motor Adaptations, Irina Fedulow, Katherine S. Rudolph

Research Report Posters

The perception of pain in patient populations can arise from tissue damage but when pain persists past the point of tissue healing it is thought to relate to abnormal pain processing in the CNS such as persistent central sensitization. Studies have shown that persistent central sensitization occurs in about 1/3 of people with chronic pain from knee OA and this abnormal pain processing can affect motor output and motor adaptation. It is unclear whether individuals with OA and persistent sensitization are predisposed to heightened pain perception or whether they develop heightened pain as a result of the chronic pain from …

Physical Therapy Management For A Patient With Low Back Pain Utilizing Medical Exercise Therapy, George Tsakos

Case Report Posters

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal diagnosis in America. Approximately 50% of individuals with LBP have recurrent episodes by 1 year, 60% by 2 years and 70% by 5 years. Multiple studies have been inclusive determining a gold standard for cost effective long term outcomes. MET therapy focuses on early functional activity to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Early functional activity is made possible by using counter weights to obtain required range of motion. This system of unloading gives the patient the opportunity to perform exercises in a functional manner. The …

The Usefulness Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation For The Management Of Chronic Low Back Pain, Nicholas Lasarso

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made on a systematic review by Khadilkar et al, which compared the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) against a placebo in the management of chronic low back pain in healthy adults. When comparing TENS versus the placebo, outcome measurements included: pain, functional status, general health status, disability, patient satisfaction and side effects. Per the Visual Analog Scale, two of the three studies were found to have clinically insignificant and clinically unimportant benefits with the use of TENS. Using both the Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, two studies revealed no statistically significant or clinical …

The Effect Of Anterior Versus Posterior Glide Joint Mobilization On External Rotation Range Of Motion In Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis, Erika Derks

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

No abstract provided.

Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization And Dynamic Balance Training Effects On Pain And Dynamic Postural Control Of Young Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability, Brandie Schmierer

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

A review of a randomized single-blind controlled trial by Schaefer and Sandrey was done to determine the effects of Graston soft tissue mobilization (GISTM) and dynamic balance training (DBT) on dynamic postural control of young athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Three intervention groups were utilized in this study. The first group interventions consisted of dynamic balance training and Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (DBT/GISTM). The second group interventions consisted of dynamic balance training and Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization sham (DBT/GISTM-S). The third group intervention was dynamic balance training as a control group (DBT/C). Based on the following outcome measures: Foot …

Giving The Homeless Population A Chance To Become Healthier: An Initial Needs Assessment Of The Homeless Population Of Portland, Maine, Annarae Andresen, Oana Butnarasu, Jayme Keith, Sarah Kou, Dana Mccoy, Stephanie Sheehan, Jessica Takatsuki, Zoe Hull, Ian Imbert, Suzanne Dunn, Tara Lonneman, Marissa Prezanno, Catherine Bixby

Homeless Needs Assessment

Research poster stemming from IPEC mini-grant student project Homeless Needs Assessment. The project was designed to assess the greatest needs for people experiencing homelessness in Portland, Maine. UNE Students from several healthcare professions partnered together to provide a holistic approach to the community needs with hopes of developing and implementing intervention strategies. Goal was to conduct surveys of at least 100 homeless individuals.

Is The Berg Balance Assessment A Reliable Predictor Of Fall Risk In Older Adults?, Paige Blasco

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

Bogle Thorbahn and Newton performed a prospective cohort study to determine if the Berg Balance Assessment was a reliable measure at predicting an elderly patient’s fall risk. According to the evidence, the Berg Balance Assessment had low sensitivity for identifying those who would fall, but was highly specific at correctly identifying individuals without a history of falls. In addition, the Berg Balance Assessment proved useful at predicting a person’s use of an assistive device with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 94%. The authors concluded that falls are multi-factorial and individuals should be assessed in the environment in which …

Cancer Survivorship Care: An Emphasis On Rehabilitation Needs In Maine, Miranda Carlson, Nicole Christine, Charles Dowd, Cassandra Dawley, Irina Fedulow, Lisa Gerhardt, Erin Pike, Kaitlin Powers, Angela Serrani

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Papers

The first section of this report addresses the evidence of causation concerning impairments developed as a result of a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The second section investigates the evidence regarding rehabilitation and physical activity as an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of impairments from cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The third section discusses the underlying behavioral change theory for incorporation of our Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation Algorithm (Appendix 1), which details our proposed use of rehabilitation and wellness services in the continuum of cancer care and includes an outline for a survivorship care plan. This section also discusses …

Critical Appraisal Of The Efficacy Of Various Assessment Tools In Determining Fall Risk In The Elderly Individual With Parkinson Disease, Gabriella Goshtigian

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

No abstract provided.

Using The 6-Minute Walk Test As A Way To Measure Endurance Improvements In Older Individuals, Cory Marcoux

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made on a randomized controlled trial by Rikli, R & Jones, C to determine if the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a valid outcome measure to determine physical endurance in generally health, older individuals. The participants’ 6MWT results were compared to measures previously proven to be valid and reliable (treadmill testing, composite physical function scale, and self-reported physical activity levels. All data gathered fell within the 95% confidence intervals. The 6MWT was able to distinguish differences between age and fitness level groups, and was comparable to the Balke graded exercise treadmill test. This test has good test-retest …

The Responsiveness Of The Quick Dash Versus The Full Dash In Patients With Hand Pathologies, Erika Derks

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

No abstract provided.

Use Of The Slump Test Over The Straight Leg Raise Test For Diagnosing Lumbar Disc Herniations In Physical Therapy Initial Evaluations, Clinton T. Boone

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made on a prospective case-control study by Majlesi J, Togay H, Unalan H, and Toprak S, which determined the sensitivity and specificity of the Slump Test and Straight Leg Raise Test. Results of these tests were compared to the MRI results of the 75 patients involved in this study. Per Epi Info 2000, the Slump Test had higher levels of sensitivity and specificity compared to the Straight Leg Raise Test. The Slump Test had sensitivity and specificity levels of 84% and 89%, respectively. In comparison, the Straight Leg Raise Test had sensitivity and specificity levels of 52% …

Grant Application: Immigrant And Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga And Zumba, Elizabeth Crawford, Faith Swenson, Angela Serrani, Kathleen Cassidy, Brittany Roy, Trixie Porter

Immigrant and Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga and Zumba

IPEC Mini-grant application for funding of UNE student project Immigrant And Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga And Zumba. Students from multiple health professions collaborated to provide Yoga and Zumba classes at the Riverton Community Center. The project aimed to increase the participants’ ability to utilize stress reducing activities through a blend of student created heath education materials and yoga and zumba classes for refugee women and children.

Grant Application: Homeless Needs Assessment Project, Annarae Andresen, Oana Butnarasu, Jayme Keith, Sarah Kou, Dana Mccoy, Stephanie Sheehan, Jessica Takatsuki, Ian Imbert, Zoe Hull, Tara Lonneman, Marissa Prezanno, Suzanne Dunn

Homeless Needs Assessment

IPEC Mini-grant application for funding of UNE student project Homeless Needs Assessment. The Homeless Needs Assessment Project was designed to assess the greatest needs for people experiencing homelessness in Portland, Maine. UNE Students from several healthcare professions partnered together to provide a holistic approach to the community needs with hopes of developing and implementing intervention strategies. Goal was to conduct surveys of at least 100 homeless individuals.

Exploring The Neuro-Occupational Relationship Between Routine Family Mealtimes And Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Megan Shea

Neuro-Occupation Papers

There is a widely held opinion that eating is one of the most significant, emotional, and enjoyable daily occupations. Mealtimes provide a sense of familiarity, comfort, and structure to our days, while the preparation of meals often provides opportunities for us to socialize, acquire new skills, and develop meaningful roles (Hasselkus, 2002). The sharing of routine family meals is associated with numerous neurological, psychosocial, developmental, and educational benefits, including increased family communication and cohesiveness, and opportunities for parents to model healthy eating patterns and behaviors (Absolom & Roberts, 2011). However, prevalence rates indicate that mealtime difficulties are very common in …

Improving Gait And Function In Children With Cerebral Palsy; A Comparison Of Supported Speed Treadmill Training To Therapeutic Exercise, Brianna Palmer

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made of an article by Schindl et al, regarding the efficacy of supported speed treadmill training (SSTTEP) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The selected paper included children with GMFCS Level II-IV spastic CP, and compared SSTTEP intervention to therapeutic exercise.

Both intervention groups significantly improved gait speed, cadence, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) global scores, however only the SSTTEP group maintained those gains four weeks after the study ended. The SSTTEP group also yielded decreased stride length.

The study is optimistic for both SSTTEP and therapeutic exercise interventions for improving gait in children with …