Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Predictors Of Physical Therapy Non-Treatment Among Patients Scheduled For Treatment Two Times A Day In The Acute Hospital, Sara Bookout, Kyle Ozaki

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Consistent participation in physical therapy treatment is the key to the success of any physical therapy treatment program. Scheduled therapy sessions that do not result in treatment (non-treatment) may cause longer hospital stays and/or poor outcomes. A better understanding of the factors affecting non-treatment could allow proper adjustments to prevent non-treatment by hospital administration, improve patient-therapist interaction, and may result in improved care, greater patient satisfaction, and lower healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of patients that affect physical therapy non-treatment events for patients scheduled for therapy twice a day (BID) in …

Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Disease: A Retrospective Analysis Across Varying Levels Of Cognitive Impairment, Diana Contreras, Jessica Heim, Jun Nelson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: It was once thought that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affected mostly cognition with minor motor impairment; however, it is becoming apparent that motor impairment may also be a prominent feature. Determining the extent of motor impairments throughout the continuum of cognitive impairment is critical in developing timely interventions for this population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to gain a greater understanding of motor impairment in AD by exploring the relationships among gait, balance, and falls. Specifically, we explored the association of fall history to measures of cognition and performance-based balance measures in individuals with AD. We hypothesized that …

Fine-Wire Intramuscular Insertion To The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Does Not Affect Muscle Activation And Performance During High Exertion Spinal Extension Muscle Contractions, James Dimascio, Rebeka Hicks, Matthew Kimber, Kelsey Synder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is associated with paraspinal muscle dysfunctions. A method to study the deep lumbar paraspinal muscle activation is with intramuscular electromyography (EMG). However, it is currently unknown how paraspinal muscle performance is affected by the invasive intramuscular insertion and the presence of the fine-wire electrode in the muscle. The purpose of this study was to analyze how insertion of fine-wire EMG into lumbar paraspinal muscle affects the lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue, endurance, activation, and peak extension torque during high exertion spinal extension exercises. Participants: 20 individuals between the ages of 18-40 participated. The participants …

Measurement Of Anterior Translation Of The Mandibular Condyle Using Ultrasonography, Brooke Laskowski, Danielle Hahn, Christensen J. Hardy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Reliability of clinical measurement. Objectives: To establish a standardized ultrasonographic approach to quantify anterior translation of the mandibular condyle during mouth opening by examining the reliability of imaging acquisition and processing. Background: Restricted mouth opening is a common limitation in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), however the arthrokinematics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mouth opening have not been studied thoroughly. Furthermore, how anterior translation of the mandibular condyle contributes to mouth opening remains unclear. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects without TMD participated. During day 1 of data collection, all subjects performed maximal mouth opening while an examiner placed a …

Use Of Active Video Gaming In Children With Neromotor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review, Robert Manzanares, Lisa Popescu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Active video games (AVG) are gaining popularity as a strategy for improving motor function in children with neurologically-based movement disorders, but there is no consensus regarding AVG’s utility or effectiveness in this population. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine current evidence on the use of AVG to improve motor function in children 2-17 years of age with neurologically-based movement disorders. Methods: Authors followed standard criteria for systematic review conduct and rating quality of evidence including the PRISMA checklist. Databases searched were Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Systematic reviews, randomized control trials, or …

Acute Effects Of Walking On The Deformation Of Femoral Articular Cartilage, Jayson Mcclaren, Skyler Sudweeks

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a progressive loss of the articular cartilage, increasing the amount of friction in the joint, resulting in pain and decreases in mobility and function. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that frontal plane lower extremity (LE) malalignment (e.g., varus, valgus) is associated with onset and progression of OA. Previous studies showed that static loading of 50% body weight at the knee results in more cartilage deformation in those with knee OA compared to healthy controls. As walking produces forces in the knee that are 2-3 times body weight, it may result in …

Trunk And Respiratory Motor Control In Typically Developing Children And Its Implications In Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury., Goutam Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Independent sitting is a major milestone and is also a prerequisite for optimal performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). Development of sitting posture control is a dynamic process involving control of degrees of freedom of head and trunk. Traditionally, trunk has been modeled as a single unit (segment). However, recent studies have suggested that it is made up multiple spinal units, controlled by a combination of trunk muscles. During typical development, posture control of trunk is different for different trunk segments. This motor development of trunk control is a complex process due to constant interaction between the nervous system …

Disposition And Success Of Patients Following Discharge In The Acute Setting, Ciera Cortney, Kathryn Lutjens, Kristopher Raines

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Abstract: Background & Purpose: Many patients are seen in the hospital by physical therapists who also help decide where the patient will go after discharge (e.g., home, rehab hospital, skilled nursing facility) with the goal being the safest and best quality of life. Therapists may use different tests and measures along with their own professional judgment to help make a recommendation for a discharge location. The purpose of this study was to examine how PT’s recommendation for discharge location, POMA score, “6-clicks” score, age, diagnosis, and gender determine patient’s fall/readmission status after being discharged by hospital. Subjects: There were 113 …

Pressure Injury Assesment Comparison: Bedside Nurse Vs. Experts, Ali'itasi Kelemete, Brandi Hillock, Casey Snell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) defines a pressure injury (PI) as, “A localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.” PIs affect millions of people each year creating a substantial financial burden. Medicare has created policies for reimbursement and reporting of PIs making it financially important for hospitals to correctly assess PIs upon admission. A basic skin assessment to categorize PIs has not been standardized among facilities, resulting in inaccuracies, poor documentation, and gaps in the reporting and quality …

Living With Fragile X Syndrome: An Examination Of Family Occupations, Rebecca Schira, Samantha Alexander, Noelani Brisbane, Kaitlyn Williams

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited Intellectual Developmental Disorder and a genetic model for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Those living with FXS face emotional, social, intellectual, and physical challenges that impact engagement in occupations, yet to date, there has been limited qualitative research examining family occupations in FXS. In this research, twelve interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for common themes anchored in the Person, Environment, Occupation (PEO) model. Results indicated that while children with FXS exhibit strengths, there are certain occupations that families find difficult to engage in. A new model was created for consideration …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Listening On Bilateral Coordination, Avery Wilson, Mios Buccat, Amanda Grace Irao, Morgan Mousley, Michael Yra Munchua

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Therapeutic Listening® is an intervention increasingly used by occupational therapists despite the lack of supporting evidence in current literature. Therapeutic Listening® is a sound-based treatment developed by Sheila Frick, OTR/L, rooted in sensory integration. The purpose of this continuation study was to compare the quality of bilateral movement in typically developing children after either listening to Therapeutic Listening® Bilateral Coordination Quick Shift or listening to white noise. This study used a randomized control pretest-posttest experimental design to analyze posture, smooth and continuous movement, effort, precision, and arm/leg movements. Specific items were further analyzed after eliminating those with a strong ceiling …

Implementing Multifactorial Education Modules With Older Adults: Individualized And Interactive Fall Prevention Education, Salvador Chavez, Jocelle Flores, Rachelle Yambao

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Falls are a significant concern for community-dwelling older adults (OAs), with one in four OAs reporting a fall every year. Occupational therapy students collaborated with first responders of the Novato Fire District to identify gaps in fall prevention community outreach programs and found that many interventions lack an interactive or individualized approach. Based on the gap analysis and current literature, seven education modules were developed to address key risk factors including home safety hazards, polypharmacy, fear of falling, and strength and balance exercises. Thirty community-dwelling OAs participated in the education modules that were implemented at two senior community sites in …

The Duc Healthy Aging Website: Providing Online Occupation-Based Information, Haley Caruthers, Samantha Talavera, Jackeline Ulloa, Stephanie Vera

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Access to current, evidence-based health information is an important step to the promotion of health and wellness for all age groups, including OAs. Since the virtual world is easily accessible and is being used more frequently by OAs, an effective way to convey relevant up-to-date health information is through a website devoted to the dissemination of health promotion information tailored for OAs, including tips for integrating healthy habits into their lifestyle. Dominican University of California’s (DUC) Healthy Aging website, developed in May 2014, contains relevant and evidence-based research, including activities and local community based programs that promote healthy aging on …

Resilience And Social Support Among College Students With Disabilities, Rachita Sharma

Theses and Dissertations

Since the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, individuals with disabilities have found enhanced opportunities in various areas of living. The numbers of students with disabilities in institutions of postsecondary education have also increased in the past few decades; however, despite this increase, the degree completion rates of students with disabilities continue to lag in comparison to their non-disabled peers in colleges and universities. As such, most universities currently have a designated office or department of disability accommodations designed to provide academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Nonetheless, current rehabilitation research is lacking in knowledge regarding interventions …

Difference In Quality Of Life Between Group And Individual Exercise In A Faith-Based Sample, Everett Jackson Amburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There is limited data on the quality of life of individuals who exercise in a group versus individuals who exercise alone. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the quality life between adults who attend an exercise class and those who exercise alone. Using the WHOQOL-BREF, 27 adult females were surveyed in Central California at two Church of Latter Day Saints locations. Ten females were enrolled in a group exercise class while 17 were individual exercisers. The data was analyzed using a t-test for independent samples to determine if there is a …

The Reliability Of The Thoracic Percussion Test, Casey Donaldson, Rey Veloz, Kaylee Waters

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate the reliability of the Thoracic Percussion Test (TPT), which is a quick screening tool used by manual therapists to assess hypomobility in the thoracic spine. Participants: 36 healthy subjects (18-60 years old), with or without back pain, and 10 therapists participated in the study. Six of the therapists with less than 5 years clinical experience were considered “novice” and 4 with at least 20 years experience were considered “expert” therapists. Methods: All participants were divided into a morning and an afternoon group. Both groups consisted of 18 subjects and a mix of novice and expert therapists. All …

Can Simple Postural Instructions Modify Running Forms In Recreational Runners, Casey Gray, Matthew Poggemiller, Ian Tracy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Recent research suggests that alteration of trunk angle and foot strike pattern during running may result in beneficial changes that prevent running related injuries due to reduction in vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF). For example, running form emphasizing a forward trunk lean and a midfoot or forefoot strike pattern has been shown to be effective in reducing knee stress and the risks of other impact-related running injuries. In clinical practice however, it is currently unknown if simple postural cues given to runners can elicit motor learning that leads to modification of running form. The purpose of this study was …

Comparison Of Land And Aquatic Loaded Countermovement Jump Landings In Female Ncaa Division I Collegiate Athletes, Samantha L. Nielson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate alterations in lower extremity kinematics during the landing phase of a countermovement jump when performed in different environments and under multiple external loads. Twenty-four NCAA Divison I collegiate female athletes performed 12 countermovement jumps on land and 12 jumps in water, submerged to the xiphoid process, for a total of 24 jumps. Within each environmental condition, four loading conditions of three jumps each were performed using a weighted vest: Unloaded, 10%, 20%, or 30% of body mass. The hip, knee, and ankle angles were measured as the smallest angles between the major …

Training Parents In Descriptive Assessment And Function Identification, Makenzie Sip

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It is often difficult for parents to address their child’s problem behavior. Children with special needs can display more frequent and intense problem behavior. Therefore, professionals need to help parents of children with special needs identify how to decrease their child’s problem behavior. Professionals help to decrease problem behavior by performing assessments called descriptive assessments to identify why the problem behavior is happening, and then using these assessments to create an appropriate plan of how to prevent and respond to the problem behavior. We examined if parents could be taught the skills necessary to perform descriptive assessments and then use …

Examining Effects Of Technology Level And Reinforcer Arrangements On Preference And Efficacy, Audrey N. Hoffman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Applied behavior analysts use reinforcement to enact socially meaningful outcomes with the individuals that they work with. Identifying the ways in which reinforcers function optimally is an important consideration for behavioral research. Preference for reinforcers, and how effective reinforcers are, may change depending upon several factors. Two important factors to consider are how reinforcers are arranged and the technology level of the reinforcers used. Reinforcers can be delivered following every response in a distributed manner or they can be delivered following several responses in an accumulated manner. Additionally, leisure items used as reinforcers can be classified according to technology level, …

Prevention Of Ankle Sprains, Travis Schomacker

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Ankle instability is weakness of the ankles due to previous injuries. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), more than 460,000 college athletes play a total of 24 sports. Results from Indiana University showed that 67% of former players claim they suffered a major injury while competing n the collegiate level.

Social Support In Collegiate Athletics: An Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Perceived Social Support Among Injured College Athletes And Its Effect Upon Well-Being Throughout The Rehabilitation Process, Gabriella Bores

Selected Honors Theses

Athletic injuries are increasingly common at the collegiate level. These injuries not only produce physical detriments, but often elicit emotional responses as well. As a result, injured athletes are often facing increased stress and are in dire need of social support throughout the rehabilitation process. This study seeks to add to the amassing literature on the stress-buffer hypothesis and evaluates social support provided by athletic trainers, coaches, teammates, and professors and instructors for injured collegiate athletes. Qualitative findings revealed the most commonly expressed type of social support was emotional support from coaches, teammates, and professors, while tangible support was the …

The Effect Of Three Different Ankle Braces On Vertical Jump Performance In Female College Volleyball Players, Ashley M. Jefferson

Undergraduate Theses

Background/Purpose: Ankle braces are often used to stabilize the ankle joint of an athlete to reduce the risk of initial injury while participating in athletic activity or to protect the joint from re-injury when returning to play. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of application of three different braces on vertical jump performance in collegiate female volleyball players. A secondary aim was to compare participant preference and satisfaction on selected characteristics of each of the three different braces.

Subjects: 31 female varsity/club college volleyball players >18 years of age.

Materials/Methods: Health History Assessment and a dynamic …

Mindfulness Program For Student Athletes, Daniel J. Savory

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

Student athletes face challenging situations during their time at college which can cause their experience to be a negative one if they are not fully supported. This can be due to several factors; most athletes face an immense amount of pressure to succeed in the classroom as well as in their sport. Also, many athletes are moving away from home for the first time and this can be a daunting feeling. They are expected to manage all of these challenges, and if mishandled, it can lead to an overwhelming amount of negative stress resulting in an unsuccessful time as a …

Metformin To Augment Strength Training Effective Response In Seniors (Masters): Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Douglas E. Long, Bailey D. Peck, Jenny L. Martz, S. Craig Tuggle, Heather M. Bush, Gerald Mcgwin, Philip A. Kern, Marcas M. Bamman, Charlotte A. Peterson

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Muscle mass and strength are strong determinants of a person’s quality of life and functional independence with advancing age. While resistance training is the most effective intervention to combat age-associated muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), the ability of older adults to increase muscle mass and strength in response to training is blunted and highly variable. Thus, finding novel ways to complement resistance training to improve muscle response and ultimately quality of life among older individuals is critical. The purpose of this study is to determine whether a commonly prescribed medication called metformin can be repurposed to improve the response to resistance …

Camping For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Emily Scannell

Honors Theses

Children with cerebral palsy and their families may have needs that make camping difficult or seemingly inaccessible. Through an explanation of the research backing the benefits of camping, this paper makes it clear that camping is a worthwhile activity that can be optimized through modifications. Understanding cerebral palsy and the steps of basic camping activities, it is possible to create modifications to increase family and child wellness while camping. Through a hypothetical case study, a specific look can be had at the ways to prepare for an optimal camping experience- from adapted equipment, to modified preparatory strategies. Through a review …

Evidence In Action: Impact Of Early Occupational Therapy Intervention In The Complex Stroke Patient, Gabriela Charles, Otr/L, Katie Connolly, Otr/L, Alan Cook, Otr/L, Megan Drollinger, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

Cerebrovascular disorders represent the third leading cause of mortality and second major cause of long-term disability in North America (3). Patients who arrive at the emergency room within 3 hours of their first symptoms tend to have less disability 3 months after a stroke than those who received delayed care (4). Further, several studies suggest stroke rehabilitation is most effective when initiated early, and confirms the existence of a positive correlation between early rehabilitation interventions and improved functional outcomes (2). Rationale to support these findings is centered around various arguments that bed rest negatively affects various body systems and …

Factors In Patient Responsiveness To Directional Preference-Matched Treatment Of Neck Pain With Or Without Upper Extremity Radiation, Benjamin Holmes, Ruta Brazauskas, Laura D. Cassidy, Rachel A. Wiegand

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose

Patient-related predictive factors in responsiveness to directional preference therapy for neck pain with or without upper extremity radiation (NP/R) have not been reported. A directional preference is any neck movement that, when performed repeatedly to end range, results in centralization and/or alleviation of NP/R. It was hypothesized that patient compliance with a prescribed, directional preference-matched home exercise program would improve positive responsiveness to NP/R treatment.

Methods

Patient-related factors thought to affect responsiveness to care were collected retrospectively from charts and de-identified for patients with NP/R who underwent chiropractic treatment at a multispecialty spine clinic from January 2014 through June …

Occupational Therapy And People Living With Scoliosis And Undermineralized Bones, Curran Smith, Ids, Katie Ramin, Ots

Program of Industrial Design Posters

Poster highlights work with 7 year old boy Brendan. Created Prone Pillow which can be used as a back rest. It also features a handle for carrying and a removable cover.

An Organisational Study Into The Impact Of Mobile Devices On Clinician And Patient Experience In Auckland, New Zealand, Kelly L. Bohot, Rebecca C. Hammond, Teresa A. Stanbrook

Patient Experience Journal

Mobile technology has potential to improve workflow, patient safety and quality of care, and has been identified as an important enabler of community services. However, little is known about the impact of mobile device use on clinician and patient experiences. Eleven community allied health clinicians were provided with live access to electronic health records, their email and electronic calendar, peer reviewed education and therapy mobile applications via a mobile device. Three data measures were collected over 19-weeks. First, quantitative time and motion data was gathered at baseline and follow-up to enable longitudinal analysis of clinician workflow. Second, a questionnaire consisting …