Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of Semantics And Syntax On Lexical Retrieval In Individuals With Aphasia, Marta M. Korytkowska

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Nearly all people with aphasia (PWA) report difficulty with lexical retrieval (i.e., anomia). While there are several tasks used to measure lexical retrieval, each poses different degrees and types of challenges. For example, some studies have found that PWA performance varies depending on the type of lexical retrieval task. The tasks that have been used include lexical retrieval in isolation tasks (such as picture-naming), lexical retrieval in sentence level tasks (such as narration tasks), and lexical retrieval in sentence-completion tasks. Some studies have found no differences between the accuracy of lexical retrieval in isolation and at the sentence level (e.g., …

The Effects Of Music Therapy On Elderly Adults With Dementia, Jeante J. Jackson

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

As people age, the brain is more susceptible to changes that diminish cognitive function. In recent years neuroscience has found convergent evidence between music therapy and brain architecture, as it has shown the generation of new connections in the brain or a reorganization and possible strengthening of existing connections already in the brain. However, the literature regarding music training’s effects on executive control, selective attention, and speech processing is lacking particularly when it comes to older populations.

This study investigated Verbal Working Memory, Visuospatial Attention and Task Initiation, and Auditory Selective Attention in a 91-year-old adult (B.P.) diagnosed with dementia. …

Creating An Interactive Virtual-Reality Game As A Method For Vestibular Rehabilitation, Jessica Kaganskiy

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Virtual reality is an innovative form of technology that has been used more and more in vestibular rehabilitation therapy programs for individuals with chronic balance problems. Blender and Unity game engines were used to create a 3D interactive virtual reality video game intended for Oculus devices in order for individuals to utilize the game to perform vestibular rehabilitation exercises. The activities in the video game are based on the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises commonly used in vestibular rehabilitation. The exercises target eye movement, head movement, stretch movement, and bilateral coordination; repetitive motion is used to help train and treat the individual’s vestibular …

Neuroplasticity Of The Corticospinal System: Applications Of Neuromodulation-Based Therapies, Alzahraa M. Amer

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The motor cortex and corticospinal tract are necessary for producing skilled movements. I use intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a high-frequency stimulation protocol known to promote neural plasticity, as a tool to characterize short- and long-term plasticity of the CS system.

Although it is well known that activity-dependent motor cortex (MCX) plasticity produces long-term potentiation (LTP) of local cortical circuits, leading to enhanced motor evoked potentials (MEPs), the effects produced by the corticospinal (CS) projection on spinal cord neurons have not yet been thoroughly studied. In Chapter 2, I determined if the CS tract (CST) is capable of producing LTP …

Controlled Observation: The Challenges Of Therapy For The Mentally Ill Incarcerated Population, Esther Tingué

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Popular perception and objective of incarceration is confinement, brutality and in some cases inhumane conditions. But what about the incarcerated population who suffer from the additional burden of mental illness? How does confinement affect mentally ill inmates? This capstone project asks: (1) how do individuals/organizations provide rehabilitative services in this evolved culture of crime and punishment? And (2) how is therapy provided in a restricted environment? I examine these questions from the perspective of the therapist, the person who (in a restricted environment) takes on the responsibility of treating and managing the effects of mental illness for this population.

Development Of An Aba Tool Kit For Audiologists To Increase Hearing Aid Wear Time In Individuals With Autism, Lindsay Brown

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

When working with individuals with the dual-diagnosis of hearing loss and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), audiologists are often faced with unique challenges and must adapt their approach in order to more effectively address the needs of these individuals. Currently, there is only a small body of research focused on the special considerations required for appropriately fitting and utilizing amplification for children with the dual-diagnosis of hearing loss and ASD. Subsequently, recommendations and strategies for clinicians to implement when faced with these common challenges, specifically of hearing aid compliance and appropriate hearing aid wear time, are lacking. It is important to …

American Sign-Language (Asl) For Audiologists, Colette Vossler-Welch

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The goal of this project is to provide a means for Audiologists, Speech-Language-pathologists and related personnel to improve their ability to communicate and connect with culturally Deaf individuals through the use of video-animated sign-language interpretations. Arguments for or against the bilingual approach of using ASL and the spoken language with regards to Deaf education will be discussed through both a personal memoir and a review of current literature. This study will also shed light upon the history of the American Deaf population, American Sign-Language (ASL) and will conclude with a training module in ASL. The training module will be available …

The Effect Of A Voice Treatment On Facial Expression In Parkinson’S Disease: Clinical And Demographic Predictors, Amanda D. Bono

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with a wide range of motoric, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Impairments in facial mobility and emotional expressivity are common and can impair communication, in turn, affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Previous research suggests that the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment © (LSVT LOUD; Ramig et al., 2001, 2011) increases vocal loudness and facial expressivity in individuals with PD compared to PD and healthy controls. This study extends the literature by examining the effects of LSVT and an articulation-based control treatment (i.e., ARTIC) on multiple aspects of facial expressivity (i.e., emotional frequency …

Dancing, Mindfulness, And Our Emotions: Embracing The Mind, Body, And Sole, Alisha M. Collins

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This capstone project examines dance, as an intervention and mindfulness practice that assists with managing our emotions. There is a need for dance therapy in social institutions such as, healthcare facilities, schools, and community centers. Dance therapy has the potential to reduce negative emotions, create mindfulness, improve self-expression, and promote a healthy well-being. I am proposing that dance therapy is applied as a regular practice in social institutions to develop mindfulness and promote emotional stability.

In this study, I argue that dance therapy can contribute to our well-being long term. In addition to this written thesis, a visual component of …

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 …

The Efficacy Of Motor Imagery Training On Range Of Motion, Pain And Function Of Patients After Total Knee Replacement, Noorelhoda Mahmoud, Marc A. Razzano Jr., Karen Tischler

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The present study examined the potential of motor imagery training and investigated the role of motor imagery instructions (audio) to improve knee range of motion after a total knee replacement. The participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental motor imagery group (n=4) or a control group (n=6). Both groups performed specific exercises to improve their knee range of motion and strengthen their muscles. Participants in the Motor Imagery group performed a motor imagery training exercise for a knee flexion stretch on the stairs prior to performing the actual exercise. The motor imagery group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in …

Language-Mixing In Discourse In Bilingual Individuals With Non-Fluent Aphasia, Avanthi Paplikar

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Language-mixing (LM) as defined by Chengappa (2009, p. 417) is an “intra-sentential phenomenon referred to as the mixing of various linguistic units (morphemes, words, modifiers, phrases, etc.), primarily from two participating grammatical systems”. LM is influenced by grammatical, environmental, and social constraints (e.g., Milroy & Wei, 1995; Bhat & Chengappa, 2005). Researchers have suggested that LM in patients with aphasia is a communicative strategy used to achieve successful exchanges between speakers; the effectiveness of this mixing, however, had yet to be demonstrated quantitatively.

In the current study we investigated whether LM is present in bilingual speakers with aphasia, and if …

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Survey To Assess Inclusion In Dpt Curricula In The United States, Michael Erickson, Paul Nasri, David Perrotto

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The objective of this study is to assess the current level of inclusion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Doctor of Physical Therapy curricula in the United States. This survey provides self-reported data regarding the challenges associated with incorporating TCM into the curriculum. All 228 CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs were included in this survey instrument. A College of Staten Island (CSI) Human & Animal Protection Office (HARPPO) approved survey was e-mailed to the chairperson of each DPT program and respondent data was stored via a secure Survey Monkey® online …

Reliability Of Clinical Evaluators Of Spasticity In Patients With Stroke, Tiffany Alvino, Shiney David, Chelsea Gendvil

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Spasticity is characterized by hyperexcitable stretch reflexes with amplitude increases in response to velocity dependent passive movement and resistance. Spasticity is the result of abnormal function of segmental and suprasegmental neuronal circuits. The objective of this study was to determine any positive correlation between three clinical evaluators of spasticity (i.e., the pendulum test, the patellar tendon tap test (PTT), and the Modified Ashworth scale) in their reliability to assess spasticity in people post-stroke. It was hypothesized that the use of force movement sensors along with surface electromyography increases the reliability of the standardized clinical tests. The results show that all …

Multi-Digit Coordination In Absence Of Cutaneous Sensory Feedback During Grasping Tasks, Christina Gioeli, Kerry Mcpartlan, Emily Reid, Matthew Turturro

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Motor learning and adaptation to object properties and task requirements requires integration of cutaneous sensory feedback with motor commands. Joint mechanics constantly change, with individual joints or muscles compensation so performance output is the same per task. Effects of mixed cutaneous sensory feedback on multi-digit coordination is not well understood. Investigators sought to determine the influence absent cutaneous sensory feedback has on motor learning and adaptation, and how the CNS coordinates multi-digit mechanical output to adapt to manual tasks, with partially intact digital sensory feedback. 19 participants were randomly assigned for three-digit anesthesia administration (TIM- thumb, index, middle; TRL- thumb, …

Paired Associative Transspinal And Transcortical Stimulation Produces Bidirectional Plasticity Of Human Cortical And Spinal Motor Pathways, Luke Dixon, Mohamed Ibrahim, Danielle Santora

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Anatomical, physiological, and functional connectivity exists between primary motor cortex (M1) and spinal cord neurons. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) produces enduring changes in M1 based on the Hebbian principle of associative plasticity. The present study aims to discover immediate neurophysiological changes on human corticomotor pathways by pairing noninvasive transspinal and transcortical stimulation via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We delivered paired transspinal and transcortical stimulation for 40-min at precise interstimulus intervals with TMS being delivered after (transspinal-transcortical PAS) or before (transcortical-transspinal PAS) transspinal stimulation. Transspinal-transcortical PAS markedly decreased intracortical inhibition, increased intracortical facilitation and M1 excitability with concomitant decreases of motor …

Physiopathology And Intervention In Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review, Justin Gelesky, Dylann C. Germann, Amanda Percaccio, Rachelle Schick

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In the United States, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic illness in the adult population affecting an estimated 27 million individuals with a yearly health care cost of over $150 billion (CDC, 2014; Lawrence et al., 2008). The pathological osteoarthritic process results in the progressive degradation of articular cartilage due to chemical and biological imbalances within a joint (Weiland et al., 2005). These imbalances are not well understood and neither are the biomechanical joint changes that occur as a result. Due to these limitations, treating and monitoring this condition is a challenge to clinicians and the processes are currently …

Developmental Coordination Disorder: The Relationship Between Gait And Attention With Possible Implications For Early Identification And Intervention, Yocheved Bensinger-Brody

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

The aim of this research was to evaluate how increased levels of challenge to attentional capacity would affect the motor planning and coordination in the gait of children at risk of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) across developmental ages. The study incorporated a dual task paradigm requiring both motor and attention performance, with the primary hypothesis that children who are at risk of DCD across different ages (3- to 8 yrs.-of-age) would demonstrate an alteration in their motor strategies if they were simultaneously engaging in an attention task. A secondary hypothesis of this study was that there is an underlying deficit …

Assessment Of Physical Performance In Adolescents Of Varying Body Weight, Nicholas Dalonzo, Nicole Liquori, Nicole Savarese

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Fifty-one healthy adolescents of both gender without any neuromuscular, musculoskeletal or cardiopulmonary disorders and between the ages of 12 and 17 with a mean age of 14.09 years (SD: 1.45 years) were recruited to participate in the 6-minute walk test. Several measurements such as height, weight and leg length were taken before testing, along with heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation (SPO2) before, after and 10 minutes post 6-minute walk test. Walk distance was also quantified and used as an outcome measure. The adolescents were divided into two groups prior to statistical testing. The first group was classified as …

Implications Of Muscle Activation Patterns On Balance In The Elderly, Arielle Bailey, Goldie Baum, Hadassa Radzik, Aruna Woods

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

More than one third of adults ages 65 years old and older fall each year in the United States. This can result in trauma, hospital admissions, and potential death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of waist-pull perturbation training on balance in the elderly. There were two experimental groups, elderly non-fallers (n=9) and elderly fallers (n=5) between ages 65-86, and a control group comprised of young, healthy subjects (n=10) ages 21-31. All subjects underwent baseline and post-training measurements using EMG recordings of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and semimembranosus. Training was performing using repeated waist-pull …

Effect Of Absent Tactile Sensation On Multi-Digit Coordination Underlying Hand Control, Michael P. Alcorn, Bruce Faulkner, Matthew Macina, Brian Sherman

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

We investigated the effect of anesthesia, causing absent tactile sensation feedback, on multi-digit coordination underlying hand control. The purpose of the study is to expand our understanding on the essential role of tactile sensation feedback in the sensorimotor integration process by examining the motor coordination patterns during multi-digit forces production tasks. We hypothesized that absent tactile sensation feedback would interrupt the force sharing pattern at local and non-local digits. Twelve participants were utilized for data collection and statistical analysis (25.6 ± 4.1 years old, 6 males and 6 females), right-handed (according to their preferred hand use for writing and eating) …

Investigating The Effects Of Combining Treadmill Training With Trans-Spinal Direct Current Stimulation On Motor Skill Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury, Jennifer Blake, Rebecca Bullen, Jeremy Pahl, Samantha Scicchigno

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This study assessed the effect of treadmill training with or without trans-spinal direct current stimulation on motor recovery following a T13/L1 spinal cord hemi section in CD-1 mice. Mice all received the same spinal cord injury, which resulted in left hind limb paralysis, and were assigned to one of three groups. Control animals received no treatment. Treadmill only mice were treated with 5 sessions of treadmill training. Treadmill + stimulation animals were treated with concurrent treadmill training and trans-spinal direct current stimulation. Progress was assessed by analyzing each subject’s steps on a horizontal ladder test, which the animals performed both …

The Effects Of Cooling During Gait On Gait Endurance In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Using The Six Minute Walk Test, Meghan Higgins, Esther Sosowsky, Elisheva Zinberg

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Persons with MS (pwMS) are limited in their mobility due to thermosensitivity. Exercising at a sufficient volume and intensity to increase mobility can result in increased core temperatures and resultant worsening of symptoms. The use of cooling garments to lower core temperature has been found to be a successful means of allowing pwMS to exercise for longer periods. Previous studies have relied on precooling for an extended period of time prior to activity, to achieve improved exercise performance. Cooling during the performance itself, or pericooling, may allow for similar performance gains to be realized without spending the time needed …

Dancer Performance On The Lower Quarter Y Balance Test: A Longitudinal Study, Megan Dehey, Kelly Kaems, Molly Saunders, Gabrielle Schneider

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose: There is a need in the current literature for further information regarding dancer performance on the Y Balance Test (YBT). This study tracked the test scores of a group of dancers to assess change over time and relationship of balance scores to injury risk. It is hoped that clinicians may be able to use the information found in this study to more accurately screen dancers for asymmetries, deficits, and changes over time using the YBT. Such screenings would allow for more effective care and better assessment of readiness to return to dance. Method: A group of 12 dancers between …

The Effects Of Maximal Strength Training On Gait And Balance In Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pretest Posttest Pilot Study, Janet Klein, David Park, Charles Wright, Michael Zervas

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Background: Physical Therapy strength training programs utilizing mild to moderate intensity are commonly prescribed to address many of the deficits found in multiple sclerosis, but studies examining the effectiveness of higher intensity strength training in gait and balance have not been performed. Maximal strength training (MST), which involves lifting nearly maximal weights (85-95% of an individual’s one repetition maximum [1RM]) with low repetitions, has been shown to improve functional abilities in both healthy and non-MS impaired populations. The higher intensity training used in MST may result in greater activation of the CNS, providing a greater stimulus to improvement than …

Interactions Between Descending And Somatosensory Inputs In Humans, Lisa Krivis, Ann Mackey, Maureen Mcdonough, Denise Uttaro

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

In this study, we assessed the corticospinal integration in healthy people while seated. Corticospinal integration was assessed by establishing the latency and amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) evoked following transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the primary motor cortex area representing the leg muscles, and the latency and amplitude of spinally-mediated reflex responses. Further, the modulation pattern of the spinally-mediated reflex responses were determined following subthreshold and suprathreshold TMS. All compound muscle action potentials, descending motor or spinally-mediated reflexes were recorded from the leg muscles through surface electromyography. Both subthreshold and suprathreshold TMS induced a similar modulation pattern on the …

An Electromyographic Comparison Of The Functional Performance Of The Gluteus Maximus Muscle In Prolonged Sitting Versus Standing Populations, Kerry Campagnola, Giusi Gerbino, Erica Johnson, Adrienne O’Keefe

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

PURPOSE: A common clinical concern of Physical Therapists is the inexplicably weak gluteus maximus (GM) muscle; we hypothesized that this may be linked to the popular habit of prolonged sitting. The purpose of this study was to determine if surface electromyography (sEMG) output and timing of the GM and hamstrings muscles differed between people who sit for prolonged periods of time and people who stand for prolonged periods of time. METHODS: The design of our study was a single session case-control study. Subjects were 22 healthy adults (23-36 years old) who either sat or stood for 8-10 hours a day …

Use Of The Bioness L300® Functional Electrical Stimulator In Acute Stroke Rehabilitation, Christine Flanigan, Colleen M. Martinez, Beth N. Terranova, Nicholas Wildi

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Purpose. Over 150,000 people in the U.S. every year experience foot drop following a stroke, slowing their ambulation and increasing their falls risk. We explore whether the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the common fibular nerve during acute rehabilitation can maximize ambulation gains. Methods. Five in-patients admitted at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital experiencing foot drop participated. While receiving conventional physical therapy, four subjects wore the Bioness L300® device, and one subject used an elastic figure-8 wrapped elastic bandage. Gait parameters were evaluated at initial evaluation, an intermittent evaluation, and discharge. Results. During their stay, subjects significantly improved in gait …

Retrospective Chart Review Of Patients Following Unilateral Total Knee Replacement To Assess Achievement Of Functional Milestones Based On Type Of Anesthetic Used Intra-Operatively, William S. Benish, Lolline Chong, Elana Kram, Danielle Krieger

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

PURPOSE: Given the large number of Total Knee Replacements (TKR) performed annually in the US and the prediction that those numbers will increase, providing optimal analgesia during TKR is an important strategy for reducing cost and improving patient outcomes. Currently, no standard analgesia protocol for TKR exists and facilities in the US and world-wide use varied methods of analgesia. The purpose of the present study is to determine which analgesic technique; femoral nerve block (FNB), saphenous nerve block (SNB) or periarticular injection (PAI), within the context of a multi-modal pain management regimen, results in optimal TKR patient outcomes and achievement …

The Influence Of Forward Head Posture On Suprahyoid Activity During Oropharyngeal Swallowing: A Surface Electromyographic Analysis, Brianne Carroll, Sierra Hunt, Katherine Sheeleigh, Mark Wnukowski

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

STUDY DESIGN: Within subjects repeated measures design.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to explore the effect that Forward Head Posture has on the mylohyoid muscle during swallowing in a healthy population.

BACKGROUND: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is the most common deviation from ideal head posture, and has become more prominent due to the rise of smart phones and the prevalence of computers in the household and workplace. FHP is associated with a variety of detrimental effects on the musculoskeletal system that arise from the abnormal positioning of the cranial and cervical bones and joints. In particular, the muscles …