Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Stakeholder Generated Conceptualization For Successful Return To Work Outcome Evaluation: A Concept Mapping Approach, Rhysa Leyshon

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Measurement of return to work (RTW) lacks attention to outcomes of relevance to all stakeholders. The objective of this thesis was to define what constitutes a successful RTW outcome from a stakeholder perspective and determine how to best measure it. A concept mapping method was used to create a conceptualization of successful RTW outcome based on indicators of interest and importance to various stakeholders. RTW researchers were questioned and the literature was searched for measures that mapped to the conceptualization and concepts. Stakeholders, made up of RTW consumers and providers, generated 48 indicators of successful RTW which were subsequently grouped …

Effects Of Taiji And Strength Training Interventions On Knee Osteoarthritis Of Older Adults, Michael George Wortley

Doctoral Dissertations

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate a 10-week Taiji intervention to a 10-week strength training intervention in terms of their ability to relieve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms, alter gait, and improve mobility in seniors with knee OA.

Methods. Men and women between the ages of 60 and 85 years who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA were recruited to participate in either a simplified Taiji program (n=12), an open-chain strength training program (n=13), or a control group (n=6). All participants completed the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), three physical performance tests, …

Development Of Software To Estimate Pressures On The Residual Limbs Of Amputees By Means Of A Pylon Mounted Transducer, Malli K. Yalamanchili

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The alignment of prosthesis has been recognized as one of the main factors that determine successful prosthetic outcomes for trans-tibial amputees. Alignment is defined as the relative position and orientation of the prosthetic components. Misalignment can result in changes in the position and orientation of the joints of the leg and moments experienced by them during gait, increases in energy use, and discomfort or even tissue breakdown at the socket/stump interface. Hence it is very important to align the prosthesis in correct manner. Gait analysis can be used to examine the effects of incorrect alignment of the prosthesis during gait. …

Mechanisms Of Rotator Cuff Disease: Alterations Of Scapular Kinematics On Subacromial Space, Amee Seitz

Theses and Dissertations

Rotator cuff disease is multi-factored and has been attributed to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors contribute to compression of the rotator cuff tendons. Intrinsic factors that contribute to rotator cuff tendon degradation with tensile/shear overload include alterations in biology, mechanical properties, morphology, and vascularity. Subacromial impingement is related to factors that encroach upon the subacromial space, while internal impingement affects the articular side of the tendons adjacent to glenoid. While the mechanisms of impingement are varied, further research is necessary to improve treatment and patient outcomes. Chapter 2 is a thorough review of literature on the mechanisms of …

Relationships Among Person And Environment Variables And Turnover Intention In Adults With Multiple Sclerosis, Wanda Shull

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The organization and management literature presents a large base of research on the concept of turnover intention, i.e. the point at which a person decides to leave employment. What is known is that turnover intention is the precursor to employee turnover, yet very little research exists in the rehabilitation field to address this concept in terms of persons with chronic illness and disability. This study examines this variable in the population of adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). Employing multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to analyze three blocks of variables and their impact on turnover intention, the results show that groups …

Resistance Exercise And Vascular Function: Training And Obesity-Related Effects, Grayson Lipford

Theses and Dissertations

Endothelial dysfunction, or the inability of an artery to dilate sufficiently when subjected to excessive shear stress, serves both as a predictor of future cardiovascular events as well as an early indication of atherosclerosis. Several chronic disease states, including obesity, have been shown to alter endothelial function, which may be mediated through circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines. Still, the mechanisms by which obesity-related low-grade inflammation alters endothelial function are not fully elucidated. Acute and chronic endurance exercise training has previously been shown to be effective in improving endothelial function; however, chronic resistance exercise training is not universally regarded as beneficial …

Positioning Techniques To Reduce The Occurrence Of Dequervain’S Tendonitis In Nursing Mothers, Alison Virzi

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

DeQuervain's tendonitis is an inflammation of two tendons: the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus as they cross in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Symptoms include pain, swelling along the radial aspect of the wrist, and a decrease in thumb motion. A positive Finkelstein's test at examination is seen. Frequently it is caused by repetitively gripping, lifting, and positioning the wrist in flexion, ulnar deviation with thumb extension. It is a common diagnosis in women, referred to as "washerwoman's syndrome". It is also common for new mothers to experience due to the demands their wrists are …

Comparison Of Body Composition Between Physically Active And Inactive Wheelchair Users, Masaru Teramoto

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between regular physical activity and body composition in individuals with physical disabilities. The study was designed to compare body composition parameters between wheelchair users participating in adapted sports programs and those being physically inactive. Male wheelchair users were recruited and classified based on physical activity level (active or inactive) and disability type (paraplegic or quadriplegic). Regional and whole-body percent body fat (%BF), lean body mass (LBM), and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. These variables were then compared among the groups using a two-way between-groups multivariate …

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Mary (Katie) Busmire

Psychology and Child Development

This is a senior project about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term given to a child who has been affected by exposure to prenatal alcohol. Drinking during pregnancy can lead to several physical, neurological and behavioral effects. However, there are several interventions that can help minimize the effects of prenatal alcohol. Focusing on family interventions and therapies will best benefit the lives of children with FASD and their families.

Aerobic Exercise And Bone Turnover In Trained And Untrained Premenopausal Women, Michelle Prowse

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Regular weight-bearing exercise is recommended for healthy young adults to optimize bone mineral density (BMD) (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2008). BMD alone however, is not a significant predictor of osteoporosis or fracture risk. While bone turnover markers are used clinically to assess efficacy of pharmacological intervention in individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis, they may also have a role in evaluating acute responses to exercise. The purpose of this dissertation was to compare two groups of premenopausal women, those which are sedentary (low fitness) versus those that are well-trained (high fitness), by BMD and bone turnover markers at rest and the …

Effects Of Underwater Treadmill Exercise On Mobility Of People With Knee Osteoarthritis, Jaimie Roper

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Gait, pain, and self-efficacy alterations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients may be precursors for pathological alterations and are important variables to examine in an aquatic therapy study aimed at improving mobility. A greater understanding of these alterations will be useful for the treatment of OA and the prevention of OA progression. The purpose of this thesis was twofold: to review the effects of certain land and aquatic therapies on gait kinematics and mobility of people with osteoarthritis, and to examine the effects of short-term aquatic treadmill exercise on gait kinematics, perception of pain, and mobility in OA patients. A direct comparison …

The Differences Of Personality Traits And Competitive Tendencies Between Female Collegiate Athletes And Females Majoring In Professional Competitive Fields, Terra Upham

Master's Theses

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the differences between collegiate female athletes to females majoring in professional competitive fields to (1) specific personality factors, (2) levels of competitiveness, and (3) differences in competitive levels with regard to classification year. Methods included discriminating the Big Five personality traits and competitive tendencies to ascertain if personality and competitiveness measures differed between, 23 female collegiate athletes and 27 female majors in traditionally competitive professions. Participants ranged from ages 18 through 43. Participants self-reported their individual demographics, personality traits, and levels of competitiveness through survey tests. The personality traits of extraversion, agreeableness, …

The Effect Of Static Stretching And Order Of Warm-Up On The Isokinetic Peak Torque Of The Knee Extensors, Eric J. Sobolewski

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purposes of these studies were to determine if an acute static stretch influenced isokinetic peak torque (IPT), and to examine if the order in which the warm up routine was performed affected peak knee extension torque. Twenty trained college male students performed maximal isokinetic knee extensions under four conditions: a control consisting of no stretching, a stretch only trial, jog then stretch, and stretch then jog conditions. Each stretch was held for a total volume of 360 s. Measurements were taken on a Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer at speeds of 60º s^-1 and 300º s^-1. …

The Effects Of Aquatic Exercise On Physiological And Biomechanical Responses, Matthew M. Denning

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Due to recent advances in aquatic research, technology, and facilities, many modes of aquatic therapy now exist. These aquatic modes assist individuals (e.g., osteoarthritis patients) in the performance of activities that may be too difficult to complete on land. However, the biomechanical requirements of each aquatic therapy mode may elicit different physiological and functional responses. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis was to: (a) provide a review of the physiological and biomechanical differences between aquatic and land based exercises, and (b) examine the acute effects of underwater and land treadmill exercise on oxygen consumption (VO₂), rating of perceived …

Mysticism And Mystery Moves: An Examination Of Flow Theory, John Michael Trembley

Masters Theses

This study takes a phenomenological approach to squirt kayaking. It looks to examine mystical states of consciousness, as defined by William James, and flow theory, as defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and focuses on what these experiences mean for participants of the squirt kayaking community. The study poses three research questions. (1) Do squirt kayakers experience mystical states of consciousness through squirt kayaking, and what does this experience mean? (2) Do squirt kayakers experience flow states of consciousness through squirt kayaking, and how was this experienced? (3) What is the mystery zombie or the mystery trance state, and how is it …

Physical Function During Performance-Based Tasks And Throughout Daily Life. Is It Different Across Levels Of Frailty?, Olga Theou

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The overall aim of this thesis was to provide a more focused understanding about the physical function of older women across levels of frailty. The specific aims were: 1) Examine the physical function of older women across levels of frailty during performance-based tasks and throughout their normal daily life; and 2) Review the effectiveness of current exercise interventions for the management of frailty. To answer these aims an observational study of community-dwelling older women (63-100 years) from rural Greece and a comprehensive systematic review on the impact of exercise on frail older adults were conducted. The performance-based measures that had …

Building A Bridge Between Physical Therapists And Fitness Professionals: The Development Of A Business Plan For San Luis Sports Therapy Clinics, Ashley August Fittz

Master's Theses

The purpose of this project was to create a business plan for a profitable, self-sustaining, program to build a bridge between physical therapists and fitness professionals.

The Quick Fit Program was a new service for the existing business San Luis Sports Therapy. The program was designed to be implemented within each of the company’s physical therapy clinics in California using existing personnel and resources. The Quick Fit Program is one way in which physical therapy practices can diversify the services they offer to keep pace with the changing landscape of healthcare.

Clients in the Quick Fit Program would receive an …

Injury-Induced Hand Dominance Transfer, Kathleen E. Yancosek

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Hand dominance is the preferential use of one hand over the other for motor tasks. 90% of people are right-hand dominant, and the majority of injuries (acute and cumulative trauma) occur to the dominant limb, creating a double-impact injury whereby a person is left in a functional state of single-handedness and must rely on the less-dexterous, non-dominant hand. When loss of dominant hand function is permanent, a forced shift of dominance is termed injury-induced hand dominance transfer (I-IHDT).

Military service members injured in combat operation may face I-IHDT following mutilating injuries (crush, avulsion, burn and blast wounds) that result in …

The Effects Of Gestalt And Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Group Interventions On The Assertiveness And Self-Esteem Of Women With Physical Disabilities Facing Abuse, Cilene Susan Adam Rita

Wayne State University Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the differential effects of Gestalt and Cognitive-Behavioral group therapy interventions on assertiveness and self-esteem among women with physical disabilities facing abuse. The eleven women, who met the study criteria, were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions, Gestalt Therapy (GT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) group interventions. The Demographic Questionnaire (Adam Rita, 2009) documented personal characteristics of the participants. The criterion instruments were: a) RAS (Rathus, 1973), and b) CFSEI-2 (Form AD, Battle, 1992) measuring assertiveness and self-esteem respectively and were administered pre-and-post treatment. The research was conducted over a period of …

Using Matching Methods From Both Fisher's Experimental Design And Rubin's Causal Model To Compare Between Two Medical Facilities With Extremely Skewed Number Of Subjects, Gideon D. Bahn

Dissertations

The present study deals with the problem of comparison between a two medical facilities' with extremely skewed sample sizes from non-experimental study. The data came from a study of rehabilitation interventions with patients diagnosed with cardiac and pulmonary issues who received treatment either in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) or in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Due to inclusion and exclusion criteria, however, the study had failed to recruit sufficient number of participants between two comparison groups: 319 from IRFs and 27 from SNFs. As a result, the main hypothesis of the study was not tested due to the disparity of the …

Digital Human Models Of People With Disabilities, Ron Hamameh

Wayne State University Theses

The current state-of-the-art in Digital Human Modeling (DHM) allows for full simulation and analysis of any task a person is required to perform at home, at work, in the military, in space, in sports, etc. The problem is that the software is missing a very important population: people with physical disabilities. What modifications and enhancements must be made to existing, commercially available DHM software to include this population?

The Job Teaches You, If You Are Open To It: The Experiences Of Hospice Occupational Therapists, Gaea Haymaker

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

During the last 3 decades, hospice care has become increasingly prevalent in the United States, and evidence indicates that occupational therapists are involved in end of life care. There is little research, however, examining the experiences and professional development of occupational therapists in hospice care. This study used qualitative methodology (grounded theory) to explore the experiences of 4 hospice occupational therapists practicing in urban western Washington. Data analysis identified 5 major themes: Enhancing clients’ quality of life, Therapeutic use of self, Advocacy, Interdisciplinary team involvement, and Images of ideal practice. A preliminary theory of the professional development of hospice occupational …

Mini-Mental State Examination And Large Allen Cognitive Level Screen: Predictive Validity For Discharge Disposition Among Patients Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Tonya Pitman

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

The objective of this study was to determine the association between scores on the Large Allen Cognitive Levels Screen (LACLS) and the Mini-Mental Statue Examination (MMSE) among residents of a skilled nursing facility (SNF) and to what extent they have predictive validity for discharge disposition. Data were collected from one SNF in Washington State through a retrospective chart review. Among all cases, no correlations were found between the MMSE and discharge disposition, and the LACLS and discharge disposition. However, the LACLS was a statistically significant predictor of discharge disposition among orthopedic patients, r (22) = .479, p = .01. A …

Emergency Preparedness And Personal Evacuation Planning: Involvement Of Occupational Therapists, Paul Noakes Jr.

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Theses (2010-2015)

Disaster and emergency events are common occurrences and the skills necessary to respond to these incidents appear to fall within the scope of practice of occupational therapy (OT). This survey explored the format, methods and content, and frequency with which U.S. home health occupational therapists address two topics: emergency preparedness and personal evacuation planning with clients and caregivers, as well as their views of its place within the scope of OT practice. From 250 mailed recipients, 88 usable questionnaires were received for an adjusted response rate of 38.3%. Of the respondents, 85.2% were found to address either or both of …

Life Skills: An After School Program For Children With Down Syndrome, Allison Hendrickson, Kayla Korynta

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Parents of a child born with Down syndrome often have concerns about their child’s education, ability to live independently outside of the home, gain employment and have a means to support themselves, and their participation in social events within the community. Concerns also arise when parents are unsure about what professional will address these issues and help support their child in development. Occupational therapy is a unique discipline that offers a number of services to children with disabilities in the school system. These services begin at the age of 3 and continue until the child graduates or turns 21 and …

A Lifestyle Modification Program For Community Dwelling Adults With Obesity, Ashlee M. Lee, Julie A. Stolt

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Obesity is significantly rising among adults in the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC, 2009e), estimates that obesity increased by 15% to 32.9% within a 20 year span (1985 – 2008). Clinical obesity is defined as having a BMI 30 and over; it is correlated with secondary complications that include hypertension, type II diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, cerebral vascular accidents, sleep apnea, and respiratory illnesses (CDC, 2009d; World Health Organization [WHO], 2009). Beyond the many health consequences caused by obesity, there are also psychosocial, genetic, and discriminatory aspects of this disease that negatively impact the quality of …

Easing The Transition Into Long Term Care: An Occupation Based Approach, Sarah Boroos, Janel Ludenia

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to present methods to help ease the transition process for older adults into a long term care (LTC) facility using a meaningful occupation based approach. An estimated .9% of the community dwelling individuals versus 72% of long term care residents exhibit some form of depression (Harris & Haffer, 2003; Harris, 2007). Consequently residents experience decrease functional status and decreased quality of life. A comprehensive literature review of adults' transitioning into LTC facilities was conducted using PubMed, Ebsco, Psychlnfo, Scopus, OT search, CINAHL, AJOT, textbooks, and the internet. The literature supp0l1s the need for …

An Exploratory Study Examining Interprofessional Collaboration Between Occupational Therapy And Physical Therapy Practitioners And Students, Matthew Cappetta, Roberta Carrlson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between occupational therapy and physical therapy students and practitioners. Historically there has been limited research conducted that pertains specifically to the interprofessional collaboration of occupational and physical therapy students and practitioners. For the purposes of this study the researchers examined the relationships between occupational and physical therapy students, the relationships between practicing occupational therapists and physical therapists, and differences and similarities of their relationships with respect to variables thought to impact interprofessional collaboration.

Methods: A non-experimental survey research design was used to gather and analyze information from the participants. …

Activity Strategy Workbook For Mothers Experiencing Multiple Sclerosis, Skylar Davis, Elizabeth Meyer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource for mothers diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) to promote optimal success and independence in the motherhood role. The resulting workbook targets the mothering activities of individuals who have been newly diagnosed with MS and are raising young, pre-school aged children. The product provides education and guidance to optimize the mother's ability to care for herself and her child or children.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine current best practice and treatment guidelines for MS, the influence of MS on both the parent and child, and also common …

The Promotion Of Pediatric Sensory Integration Using Small Animals In A Clinical Or Classroom Environment: A Resource For Occupational Therapists, Nina Perez Jackson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create and provide a program to assist occupational therapists in setting up, managing, and providing animal assisted activities and therapies (AAA/T) as a useful conjunction with sensory integration therapy.

A review of the literature revealed a lack of information for occupational therapists to provide AAA/T with children. The research revealed that the use of sensory integration therapy as a pre-established framework to implement AAA/T would provide a research based platform to present a program incorporating animals into therapy.

Based on the literature findings, a product was developed to guide occupational therapists in …