Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Safety And Improvement Of Movement Function After Stroke With Atomoxetine: A Pilot Randomized Trial, Andrea Ward, Cheryl Carrico, Elizabeth Powell, Philip M. Westgate, Laurie Nichols, Anne Fleischer, Lumy Sawaki

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Faculty Publications

Background: Intensive, task-oriented motor training has been associated with neuroplastic reorganization and improved upper extremity movement function after stroke. However, to optimize such training for people with moderate-to-severe movement impairment, pharmacological modulation of neuroplasticity may be needed as an adjuvant intervention.

Objective: Evaluate safety, as well as improvement in movement function, associated with motor training paired with a drug to upregulate neuroplasticity after stroke.

Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 12 subjects with chronic stroke received either atomoxetine or placebo paired with motor training. Safety was assessed using vital signs. Upper extremity movement function was assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment, …

Dual-Task Does Not Increase Slip And Fall Risk In Healthy Young And Older Adults During Walking, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Dual-task tests can identify gait characteristics peculiar to fallers and nonfallers. Understanding the relationship between gait performance and dual-task related cognitive-motor interference is important for fall prevention. Dual-task adapted changes in gait instability/variability can adversely affect fall risks. Although implicated, it is unclear if healthy participants’ fall risks aremodified by dual-task walking conditions. Seven healthy young and seven healthy older adults were randomly assigned to normal walking and dual-task walking sessions with a slip perturbation. In the dual-task session, the participants walked and simultaneously counted backwards from a randomly provided number. The results indicate that the gait changes in dual-task …

Teft Fasi Alpha Test Report, Barbara Gage, Trudy Mallinson, Laurie Lyons, Joyce Maring, Ken Harwood, Anju Paude, Alex Gorsky, Beth Jackson, Pat Rivard, Lisa Gold, Allison Weaver, Kerry Lida

Physical Therapy and Health Care Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Life Review On Quality Of Life For Older Adults Living In Nursing Homes, Rene' Wren

Occupational Therapy Collection

Aim: To examine the effects of life review on daily activities, social participation, outlook on life, and perceptions of living in a nursing home measured by life satisfaction and quality of life in older adults.

Method: The study design was a two-phase quasi-experimental pre-post-tests including development and testing of a life review protocol. Nine residents, age ≥65, participated in a life review group once weekly for 6 weeks. Outcomes were analyzed using the Life Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z) and pre-post surveys.

Results: LSI-Z scores improved post-intervention and survey outcomes indicated participation in activities of daily living (ADLs), socialization, …

Research Day Program, 2017, Physical Therapy Department, Arcadia University

Physical Therapy Student Work

Each of the poster presentations and platform sessions summarized in this program represents a collaborative effort between students and faculty in the Physical Therapy Department of Arcadia University, aimed at developing new knowledge to understand mechanisms that inform clinical practice.

Sex Differences In Neuromuscular Fatigability Of The Knee Extensors Post-Stroke, Meghan Kirking, Reivian B. Barillas, Philip A. Nelson, Sandra K. Hunter, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background and Purpose: Despite the implications of optimizing strength training post-stroke, little is known about the differences in fatigability between men and women with chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the sex differences in knee extensor muscle fatigability and potential mechanisms in individuals with stroke. Methods: Eighteen participants (10 men, eight women) with chronic stroke (≥6 months) and 23 (12 men, 11 women) nonstroke controls participated in the study. Participants performed an intermittent isometric contraction task (6 s contraction, 3 s rest) at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque until failure to maintain the target …

Interprofessional Peer Teaching: Physical Therapy Students Teaching Dental Students To Transfer Patients, Kim Dunleavy, Pt, Phd, Ocs, Venita Sposetti, Dmd

Collaborative Healthcare: Interprofessional Practice, Education and Evaluation (JCIPE)

Background While the need for interprofessional education (IPE) has been clearly elucidated, (Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2016), one of the major barriers is the logistical challenge of meeting curricular requirements for all involved. The organization and time required in an already full schedule are often deterrents. Ideal opportunities meet specific program curricular requirements as well as enhancing interprofessional competencies. Interprofessional competencies include developing skills to teach other health care providers about profession-specific skills and enhancing communication across the professions (Bridges, 2011; Interprofessional Education Collaborative, 2016). Active learning techniques have been advocated for adult learners to promote motivation and engagement (Knowles, 1984), …

Pre- Versus Post-Exercise Protein Intake Has Similar Effects On Muscular Adaptations, Brad J. Schoenfeld, Alan A. Aragon, Colin Wilborn, Stacie L. Urbina, Sara E. Hayward, James Kriegor

Publications and Research

The purpose of this study was to test the anabolic window theory by investigating muscle strength, hypertrophy, and body composition changes in response to an equal dose of protein consumed either immediately pre- versus post-resistance training (RT) in trained men. Subjects were 21 resistance-trained men (>1 year RT experience) recruited from a university population. After baseline testing, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups: a group that consumed a supplement containing 25 g protein and 1 g carbohydrate immediately prior to exercise (PRE-SUPP) (nD9) or a group that consumed the same supplement immediately post-exercise (POST- SUPP) …

The Reciprocal Relationship Between Art And Occupational Therapy Practice, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Susan Burwash, Ph.D., OTR/L, an occupational therapy professor and artist based in Washington State, provided the cover art for the Winter 2017 issue of the Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). The featured piece contains Professor Burwash’s signature fauxpals, lampwork glass beads made from molten glass and pure silver foil. Art creates balance between traditional medicine and personal medicine, those meaningful activities that give life purpose. Professor Burwash’s personal medicine is making beautiful things that can be given away.

Changes In Knowledge, Skills, And Confidence In Fieldwork Educators After An Evidence-Based Practice Short Course, Alison Nichols

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: It is critical that fieldwork educators demonstrate effective use of evidence for clinical decision making so that occupational therapy (OT) students learn to apply concepts from the classroom to everyday practice.

Method: OT fieldwork educators completed a 3-hour short course designed to provide instruction on the first three steps of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process: developing a clinical question, searching the literature, and assessing the evidence. The participants completed a pretest on site and posttest 3 weeks after the course to assess their knowledge, skills, and confidence when using EBP. The Adapted Fresno Test was used to …

Generation Y Health Professional Students’ Preferred Teaching And Learning Approaches: A Systematic Review, Caroline Mary Hills, Tracy Levett-Jones, Samuel Lapkin, Helen Warren-Forward

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Generation Y or Millennials are descriptors for those born between 1982 and 2000. This cohort has grown up in the digital age and is purported to have different learning preferences from previous generations. Students are important stakeholders in identifying their preferred teaching and learning approaches in health professional programs. This study aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize the best available evidence regarding the teaching and learning preferences of Generation Y health professional students. The review considered any objectively measured or self-reported outcomes of teaching and learning reported from Generation Y health professional student perspectives. In accordance with a previously published …

International Service Learning: Occupational Therapists' Perceptions Of Their Experiences In Guatemala, Jason C. Lawson, Myrna R. Olson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The U.S. is fast becoming more culturally diverse, creating a greater need for entry-level occupational therapists to be culturally competent. In order to increase students’ cultural competence, there is a growing support for international service learning (ISL). The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the perspectives of occupational therapy practitioners who engaged in ISL as occupational therapy students. Interviews were conducted with nine practicing occupational therapists, all of whom graduated from the same occupational therapy program in the U.S. and participated in an ISL experience in Guatemala. Phenomenological methods were used to analyze the transcribed interviews for …

Using High Fidelity Simulation To Impact Occupational Therapy Student Knowledge, Comfort, And Confidence In Acute Care, Debra M. Gibbs, Mary Dietrich, Emmy Dagnan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: As the demand for occupational and physical therapists in acute care settings is increasing, students are reporting a need for increased educational preparation to handle the complexities they may face in this setting. This pretest/posttest study examines the impact of an inter-professional high fidelity simulation experience on perceived levels of knowledge, comfort, and confidence among occupational therapy doctorate students when handling an acutely ill patient in an ICU setting.

Methods: Two cohorts of occupational therapy students participated in an inter-professional acute care scenario with high fidelity simulation mannequins (Cohort 1, n = 19; Cohort 2, n = …

Evaluation Of A Coaching Experiential Learning Project On Ot Student Abilities And Perceptions, Erin A. Phillips

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Innovative teaching methods to address emerging practice needs are critical components of effective occupational therapy education. Experiential learning strategies can enhance skill development and translation of knowledge into OT clinical practice. In addition, skills such as coaching may provide important links to health promotion practices. Thirty-two occupational therapy students took part in an experiential project to connect occupational engagement and health for a community of older adults. A pretest/posttest design was used to evaluate program outcomes in student perceived abilities, and narrative reflection papers provided postexperience qualitative information. The students improved in all 10 areas of abilities self-assessment with …

Adapting To A Challenging Fieldwork: Understanding The Ingredients, Emily Raphael-Greenfield, Ivettedari Miranda-Capella, Myra Branch

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Two occupational therapy students were assigned to an inpatient psychiatric unit for their first Level 1 fieldwork. With limited on-site supervision provided, they looked to each other for peer support and collaboration in assisting one patient with severe depression who was considered the “sickest patient on the unit.” The students were able to work together and make a positive intervention with this patient despite their novice status. Understanding what each of them brought personally to this experience as well as the nature of their working relationship and their use of concepts taught in the classroom has important implications for occupational …

Blended Approach To Occupational Performance (Baop): Guidelines Enabling Children With Autism, Jordan M. Skowronski, Jack R. Engsberg

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The performance of daily activities is impacted by motor impairments in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Research has recently demonstrated the prevalence and specificity of motor impairments in people with ASD. The motor learning of individuals with ASD is partially intact, and evidence suggests that a method to alter skill learning and repeated practice of motor sequences might be beneficial. Aiming to use this knowledge to guide occupational therapy interventions, initial guidelines for children with ASD blended Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) with virtual reality (VR) were created. An expert panel reviewed the initial guidelines. The results …

Parental Adherence To A Research Protocol To Investigate The Effect Of The Wilbarger Therapressure Programtm: A Qualitative Study, Hugh Stewart, Kobie Boshoff, Scott Weeks

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Wilbarger Therapressure Program^TM is a technique applied by parents at home for sensory overresponsivity in children. The program is anecdotally reported to be demanding on parents, which can affect parental adherence. Currently, there is an absence of high quality research to support the use of the program. This pilot study aimed at developing appropriate research protocols to investigate the effectiveness of the program on the stress response of children with sensory overresponsivity. This article reports on the second phase of the project.

Method: After participating in the trial data collection protocols to investigate the effect …

Perceptions Of Occupational Therapy Involvement In School Mental Health: A Pilot Study, Susan M. Cahill, Brad E. Egan

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Mental health providers outside of occupational therapy, including those who work in school systems practice, often do not fully understand the contribution that occupational therapy practitioners can make to the delivery of mental health services.

Method: The purpose of this mixed methods pilot study is to describe how instructional support staff from one special education cooperative learned about occupational therapy’s role in school mental health and to explain how this education changed the instructional support staff members’ perceptions regarding the involvement of occupational therapy practitioners in school-based mental health services.

Results: Instructional support staff's perceptions about …

Continuing Competence Trends Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Ketti Johnson Coffelt, Linda S. Gabriel

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the perceptions and practices of occupational therapists regarding the types of professional development activities they seek to ensure competency. A self-report survey was used to investigate the therapists’ selection of and engagement in professional learning activities. The results from 43 occupational therapists were analyzed. Descriptive results identified the value of a professional development plan and collaboration with colleagues. Self-assessment and searching for and analyzing journal articles emerged as frequently used continuing competence learning practices. The results showed that therapists actively plan and select formal and informal professional activities to promote meaningful …

Outcome Measures With Copm Of Children Using A Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton, Tracy Shank, Marissa Eppes, Jobayer Hossain, Margaret Gunn, Tariq Rahman

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX) is a body-powered, four degrees of freedom orthosis that allows gravity-minimized movement of the arm at the shoulder and elbow. We sought to measure patient satisfaction and performance with use of the WREX during activities of daily living, play, and at school.

Method: Twenty-five families completed a phone interview based on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). These families all had a child, aged 2 to 21years, who had a neuromuscular disorder and who had used the WREX for at least eight months. The parents rated their child’s performance of and satisfaction …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Community-Based Programming: Addressing Childhood Health Promotion, Julie D. Kugel, Heather Javherian-Dysinger, Liane Hewitt

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Obesity and poor health habits impact youth’s health and occupational participation. Occupational therapy’s role in preventing and treating obesity continues to emerge in the research literature. This article explores the impact of a community-based program emphasizing health and wellness for female youth.

Methods: Five girls 11 to 13 years of age participated in the healthy occupations program. Before and after the program, the participants engaged in an individual semi-structured interview and completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the CATCH Kids Club Questionnaire. The youth participated in a focus group midprogram.

Results: The participants were receptive …

State Of The Journal Year 4: Mapping Our Progress, Diane Powers Dirette

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

No abstract provided.

Evolution Of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History Of Kelly Taubert, M.S. Otr/L, Amber Fernandez, Hannah Fiser

Oral History Student Papers

This life history is one of twenty-nine life history interviews, which are a part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential in Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) in North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of this project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life histories of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current …

A Systems Approach To The Problem Of Falls In Old Age, Patrick A. Dillon

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

The problem of falls in old age is enormously costly and disruptive for the older individual, others, and society, and its severity is likely to intensify as our population ages. This dissertation takes a systems-oriented approach toward the falls problem and is presented in two parts. The first part critically develops a new approach to the problem of falls. The second part describes an empirical study that applies this new approach in a pragmatic manner.

Conventional fall prevention strategies employ a reductionist approach to the problem of falls. This approach is questioned because it corresponds poorly to the holistic nature …

Wrist-Worn Physical Activity Trackers Progressively Underestimate Steps With Increasing Walking Speeds, T. Sears, E. Alvalos, S. Lawson, I. Mcalister, C. Eschbach, J. Bunn

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Physiological And Emotional Influence On Heart Rate Recovery After Submaximal Exercise, J. Bunn, J. Manor, E. Wells, B. Catanzarito, B. Kincer, C. Eschbach

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Current Low Back Pain On Volitional Preemptive Abdominal Activation During A Loaded Forward Reach Activity, V. R. Nagar, T. L. Hooper, G. S. Dedrick, J. M. Brismee, M. K. Mcgalliard, P. S. Sizer

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Critically Appraised Paper For “The Effects Of A Home-Based Virtual Reality Rehabilitation Program On Balance Among Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease”, Amanda Lee, Sophie E. Miller, Holly Snyder, Phoebe Taasan, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based exercise program using the Nintendo Wii system in its capacity to improve balance and balance confidence and maintain exercise compliance. Balance and balance confidence were measured with the Center of Pressure Length (COPL) and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), which were administered before the start of the intervention, 6 weeks into the intervention, and within 1 week postintervention. Although changes in balance and balance confidence scores were found to be nonsignificant, a pattern emerged in which scores for both measures rose between preand postintervention assessments, then fell to nearly baseline levels …

Critcally Appraised Paper For: “Is Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy More Effective Than Bimanual Training In Improving Arm Motor Function In The Subacute Phase Post Stroke? A Randomized Controlled Trial.”, Jason Ichimaru, Jennifer Sik, Kelly Schmidt, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Patients poststroke compose one of the largest demographics treated by occupational therapists in the physical disability setting. Approximately two-thirds of individuals who have had a stroke present with arm function impairment (Kwakkel & Kollen, 2007). Therefore, effective arm rehabilitation in occupational therapy settings is critical to help patients regain functional independence and quality of life. Modified constraint-induced movement (MCIM) therapy has been reported as the superior method of arm rehabilitation for individuals in the subacute phase poststroke, although recent research has also supported bimanual training. This 4-week, randomized controlled, quantitative study compared the effect of MCIM therapy and bimanual task-related …

Can Real-Time Visual Feedback During Gait Retraining Reduce Metabolic Demand For Individuals With Transtibial Amputation?, Elizabeth R. Esposito, Harmony S. Choi, Benjamin J. Darter, Jason M. Wilken

Physical Therapy Publications

The metabolic demand of walking generally increases following lower extremity amputation. This study used real-time visual feedback to modify biomechanical factors linked to an elevated metabolic demand of walking in individuals with transtibial amputation. Eight persons with unilateral, traumatic transtibial amputation and 8 uninjured controls participated. Two separate bouts of real-time visual feedback were provided during a single session of gait retraining to reduce 1) center of mass sway and 2) thigh muscle activation magnitudes and duration. Baseline and post-intervention data were collected. Metabolic rate, heart rate, frontal plane center of mass sway, quadriceps and hamstrings muscle activity, and co-contraction …