Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Manual Ability Classification System: A Scoping Review, Deepa Jeevanantham, Emily Dyszuk, Doreen Bartlett

Physical Therapy Publications

PURPOSE: To examine the use of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and to identify gaps in the literature by conducting a thorough search of existing publications from 2006 to March 2013.

METHODS: An extensive literature search included 15 databases, using the search terms "Manual Ability Classification System" or "MACS" to retrieve relevant abstracts.

RESULTS: A total of 161 articles were identified for final inclusion. The review identified literature that supports the reliability, validity, and stability of the MACS.

CONCLUSIONS: The MACS could be considered as a standard classification for children with cerebral palsy on the basis of manual abilities. …

For Healthy Older Adults, Does Participation In A Water-Based Balance Training Exercise Program, When Compared To A Land-Based Balance Training Exercise Program, Improve Balance Performance?, Sara Pro, Rajvinder Bains, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Occupational therapy plays a significant role in wellness promotion for older adults. Critical to maintaining health and wellness in older adults is prevention of falls and fall-related injuries. One in three community-dwelling older adults reports a fall every year, and the incidence of falls increases exponentially from ages 60 to 65 and 80 to 85. Falls are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from fractures and secondary complications. Leading causes of falls in older adults include decreased balance and an abnormal gait pattern. Balance training programs can help improve balance, decrease the risk of falling, and promote functional independence. However, …

Sleep Occupation Quality And Occupation-Based Hand Function In Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Angela M. Goorman Ms, Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Sleep disturbance is considered a health crisis by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). It is not uncommon for clients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to also have poor sleep (Patel et al., 2014). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of sleep quality on hand function, while controlling for pain level and CTS diagnostic electromyography severity in CTS clients at a Southern Arizona orthopedic practice. This study tested the following hypothesis: Sleep quality is positively associated with hand function above and beyond the association of pain and CTS severity to occupation-based hand function in CTS …

Exploring And Examining Sensory Processing And Social Participation In Gifted Students, Gwendolyn Goodman

MOT Student Capstones

The purpose of this project was to examine and explore the relationship of sensory processing and social anxieties among the gifted in order to better inform occupational intervention and education. With limited research regarding the sensory processing of this specific group, understanding where sensory and social characteristics intersect can assist in understanding occupation based needs. Gifted students have historically been labeled with oddities of social norm presentation and sensory idiosyncrasies. Occupational therapists, educators and parents can be empowered and broaden student diversity to increase participation in occupation for students that are otherwise deemed "self sufficienf' due to their intelligence yet …

Reaping The Rewards Of Gardening: A One Day Workshop Demonstrating The Holistic Effects Of Incorporating Horticulture And Gardening Into Long Term Care Facilities, Annah Furr

MOT Student Capstones

As the American population continues to age the number of individuals ages 60 and over that will need full-time care will eventually outweigh the number of people 15 and under needing care. The total cost of care for the elderly individual will continue to rise due to an increased need for assist in institutional care. The elderly entering institutional care will experience physical, mental, emotional, and social changes that will influence their overall health and wellbeing. These changes can potentially start a domino effect that can lead to multiple comorbidities and global decline in abilities. Finding ways to promote positive …

Occupation Based And Compensatory Techniques To Promote Functional Independence In Clients With Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy, Kathryn W. Mckinnell

MOT Student Capstones

The origin of this project was derived from a personal desire to acquire more knowledge related to a population where occupational therapy is an emerging area of practice. Coinciding with this craving for more comprehension was the great need for occupational therapy program development within the oncology service line at an area hospital. These factors provided an excellent forum for the development of personal and professional growth. As the project developed, it became increasingly apparent that the topic population would also greatly benefit from the outcomes of the literature synthetization required to fulfill the first two needs. These factors combined …

The Use Of Theatre To Develop Social And Communication Behaviors For Students With Autism, Suzanne Reading, James Reading, Robert J. Padgett, Samantha Reading, Pete Pryor

Scholarship and Professional Work - Communication

Social and communication behaviors are often a focus of instruction for individuals with autism. A theatre rehearsal and production process is challenging and joyful work that nurtures the development of social and language skills. This study evaluated and described social and language behaviors for students with autism both before and after a 10-week theatre experience. The results indicated that, when compared with a control group, the students with theatre experiences had significant and positive changes in the development of social and language skills. Most particularly, these students had significant improvement in social responsiveness, acknowledgement of the perspective of others, and …

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) For Neuropathic Pain In Adults (Protocol), William Gibson, Benedict Wand, Neil E. O'Connell

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows:

To determine the analgesic effectiveness of TENS versus placebo (sham) TENS, TENS versus usual care, TENS versus no treatment and TENS in addition to usual care versus usual care alone in the management of neuropathic pain in adults.

Eccentric Loading Of Triceps Surae Modulates Stretch Shortening Cycle Behaviour - A Possible Therapeutic Mechanism, J Debenham, W Gibson, M Travers, A Campbell, G Allison

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Context: Eccentric exercises are increasingly being used to treat lower limb musculoskeletal conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy. Despite widespread clinical application and documented efficacy, mechanisms underpinning clinical benefit remain unclear. Positive adaptations in motor performance are one potential mechanism.

Objective: To investigate how an eccentric loading intervention influences measures of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) behaviour during a hopping task.

Design: Within subjects repeated measures observational study.

Setting: University motion analysis laboratory.

Participants: Healthy adults. Interventions: A single intervention of 5 sets of 10 eccentric plantarflexion contractions at 6 RM using a commercial seated calf raise machine.

Main outcome measures: Lower limb …

Behavioral Implications Of A Cognitive Training Program For Individuals With Moderate Cognitive Impariment, Joseph L.D. Kennedy

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive training program on behavioral outcomes for individuals with moderate cognitive impairment. A total of twenty participants were randomized into either a waitlist control or an experimental group. Collateral individuals familiar with each participant completed a series of measures of behavioral and emotional functioning at both pre- and post-intervention. Results demonstrated little effectiveness for the cognitive training program in stabilizing or improving behavioral functioning. Limitations and future directions are then provided to enhance future research in this area.

Breastfeeding Initiatives In Rural Kentucky: An Action Research Approach To Improving Public Health, Mallory D. Ratliff

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for mother and baby and should be considered a priority for the health of communities as opposed to a parenting choice (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2012). Occupational therapists have a place in breastfeeding support, public health promotion, and guiding performance patterns (Pitonyak, 2014).

This study sought to identify what occupational therapists within the medical and community systems could offer stakeholders involved in breastfeeding support and neonatal care. Action research methods were utilized to allow stakeholders in a rural community in Kentucky to decide what objectives could benefit their area. A series of three focus groups were …

Community Based Programming Promoting Physical Activity, Jennifer Hight M.S. Otr/L

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing health concern, negatively impacting a child’s quality of life, and ability to engage in daily occupations; while contributing to rising healthcare costs. This Capstone Project is a community based program encouraging the development of gross motor skills in the four year old population of a local childcare center to promote engagement in physical activity for less engagement in sedentary daily activities.

Purpose: Although many causal factors have been linked to childhood obesity, current review of the literature demonstrating effective interventions to decrease obesity in the pediatric population is limited, and there is a scarcity …

A Descriptive Study Of Menopausal Woman's Life Experiences, Stressors And Their Occupational Meanings, Melanie Ford Dr.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

This study describes some of the major physical and emotional occupational needs of menopausal women, and the direct impact this has on their relationships and overall well-being. The primary objective of this research project was to describe the life experiences of menopausal women and how various stressors affected their emotional, physical, and relational occupations. A descriptive grounded theory method was used to explore the stressors, their meanings, and the women’s unique perspectives of their menopausal experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then coded and analyzed into key categories. From this information, specific themes were formulated, resulting in an …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Primary Care, Priti Patel

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

The Capstone Project is focused on communicating, influencing and educating other health care professionals regarding the role of occupational therapy in the future model of primary care delivery initiated by the adoption of the Affordable Care Act and the Triple Aim Initiative. Currently, primary care, the largest health care platform in United States, is not inclusive of occupational therapy services. Occupational therapists have the scope, knowledge and understanding to be part of the redesigned team model of primary care. Educating those currently working in primary care about adding occupational therapy services can have a significant impact on the profession of …

Enriching Occupational Therapy In Early Intervention: Using And Documenting The Evidence, Shelli Dry, Christine Myers

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Occupational therapists working in Kentucky’s Early Intervention System (First Steps) are required to use evidence-based practice within their treatment sessions. Evidence-based practice incorporates information from scientific research, the clinician’s expertise and the family’s values in an all-encompassing treatment approach. Implementing evidence-based practice into treatment sessions promotes efficiency in treatment by improving clinical outcomes in a shorter period of time. This capstone project was developed as a first step in identifying methods to promote the implementation and documentation of evidence-based practice into early intervention services. This project included developing an online continuing education course and exploring changes in occupational therapists perceptions …

Exploring Recruiting Challenges Of The Insurance Industry, Hema Chaurasia

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Insurance companies provide financial protection to the general population, but their workforce challenges may destabilize the companies to the point of financial distress. Senior insurance company leaders lack effective strategies to recruit skilled professionals. With contingency theory and resource-based view theory as the framework, the focus in this multicase study was the exploration of the recruiting strategies of human resources (HR) managers in New York City area insurance companies. Four insurance company HR managers were recruited via a purposeful and snowball sampling method for semistructured interviews. These interviews were analyzed through a reflective interpretation process, which was guided by the …

Handwriting With Adult With Developmental Delays, Joseph Hoctor

A with Honors Projects

This paper provides an assessment of the author's experience working with an adult male with Downs Syndrome to improve his cursive handwriting skills.

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae And Middle Trapezius Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Jamie Flint, Toni Linneman, Rachel Pederson, Megan Storstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine, a complex movement that has yet to be fully understood, occurs regularly in activities of daily living (ADLs) and sport performance. Rotation (twisting) of the spine is a contributing factor in low back pain pathology and, by reports, has been associated with up to 60% of all back injuries. One of the largest muscles of the back, the latissimus dorsi (LD), is the only muscle to attach to the spine, pelvis, ribs, scapula, and humerus, and has the potential to impact the spine during many different activities. To date, there is limited research on …

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Josh Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy and affects both motor and sensory nerves. Clinical presentation is similar among all types and results in distal muscle atrophy and weakness, diminished sensation and proprioception, and balance and gait disturbances. Pes cavus is a prominent feature. Although gene therapy and neurotrophic growth factors show promise as treatment, physical therapy remains the most viable option at this time. The purpose of this case report is to determine the effect that physical therapy may have on both physical and psychological outcomes related to CMT.

Case Description: Patient was a …

Transfemoral Amputation Of A Male With Type Ii Diabetes: A Case Study, Daniel Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study is focused on the treatment of an individual with a residual limb after a transfemoral amputation. The main goal is to help provide a greater understanding of how to treat the residual limb after a transfemoral amputation has been performed.

Case Description. This case study focuses on an older gentleman who recently underwent a transfemoral amputation of the right lower extremity because of dysvacularity. The patient was obese and had diabetes which is not uncommon for patients with an amputation. Physical therapy provided care in many ways including but not limited to …

Osteochondritis Dissecans (Ocd): A Case Report, Brady Meyer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Osteochondritis Diseccans, (OCD) is the separation of articular cartilage and its adjacent underlying subchondral bone from the articular surface of a joint. Multiple hypotheses have been put forward regarding the cause of OCD including inflammation, ossification abnormalities, ischemia, and repetitive microtrauma. At this time, there is no single cause regarding the etiology of OCD. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions performed on a college athlete for non-operative treatment of OCD. To also look at the non-operative treatment that the patient underwent, and determine if treatment could delay or stop …

Effectiveness Of The Graston Technique For Soft Tissue Injuries Such As Bicipital Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Brian Storhaug

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Abstract: This case report discusses a unique approach to the treatment of a soft tissue injury, such as bicipital tendonitis, through the approach called the Graston Technique.

Case Description: A 61 year old Caucasian male received treatment after a diagnosis of bicipital tendonitis. His job was working at a mail office which required repetitive manual labor consisting of moving boxes of varying weight and height in a position of protracted shoulders, extended elbows and supinated wrists. Treatment consisted of stretching the biceps brachii and upper trapezius, Graston, cross friction massage, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise.

Background and purpose: …

Maximizing Functional Outcomes In A Patient With A Complete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, Samantha Braegelmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal cord injury is damage sustained to any nervous tissue in the spinal cord that results in loss or decreased motor function or sensation. Every year in the United States there is about 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries with young Caucasian males' most prevalent. The purpose of this scholarly article is to analyze various factors to maximize functional outcomes and determine the proper course of treatment following a spinal cord injury.

Case Description: Patient was a right handed Caucasian female who was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident and sustained a C7-Tl …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Sit To Stand Dependent Transfers With And Without Education On Lifting Technique, Jordan Braun, Samantha Stegman, Alex Wohl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess if there was a change in electromyography (EMG) activity in the back or leg muscles when performing a dependent sit-to-stand lift before and after a brief proper lifting intervention.

SUBJECT: The subjects in this study included 10 female third-year doctoral physical therapy students from the University of North Dakota that were all in good health with no significant pathology of either their backs or lower extremities.

INSTRUMENTATION: The EMG activity was recorded by the Noraxon ™ TeleMyo 2400R G2 transmitter and a TeleMyo 2400 SG150 unit. Knee flexion …

Orthotic Satisfaction Survey, Jamie Bowman, Sarah Erickson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The foot is made up of many bones, joints, and ligaments that help support the foot and body. When these structures are not properly aligned the appropriate biomechanics of the foot become compromised. Foot orthotics act as a conservative method of treatment to address some of the painful symptoms associated with these conditions. Common problems that have previously been addressed include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, shin splints, flat feet, hallux valgus, and patellofemoral, heel and back pain.

In this study, we hope to indicate when and where orthotic use is indicated and what diagnoses benefit most when using orthotics as …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Report, Angela Kumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common injury among young female athletes. It is difficult to determine the primary factor that contributes to its development due to the fact that there are multiple causes. Factors influencing the development of PFPS are increased quadriceps (Q) angle, patella alta, abnormal or excessive foot pronation, quadriceps muscle weakness, diminished flexibility of the hamstrings and rectus femoris muscles, malalignment of the femur, weakness of the hips, static and dynamic skeletal malalignment, and altered neuromuscular recruitment strategies.

Case Description. The patient was a young female collegiate track and cross country …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Study, Alexandra Jares

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common lower extremity disorders reported, with a higher prevalence among females and in active individuals. While quadriceps strengthening has generally been the chosen treatment approach, some studies have pointed to the importance and influence of the hip musculature. Patients with PFPS commonly present with decreased posterolateral strength, specifically in the hip abductors, hip extensors, and hip external rotators.

Case Description: The patient was a 13-year-old thin-framed female who was referred to physical therapy after dislocating her right patella during a twisting motion in dance class.

Interventions …

Pilot Study To Investigate The Influence Of The Timing Of Student Clinical Experiences And Student Characteristics In The Hiring Of New Graduates, Kjersten Skjold, Allison Vosgerau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Clinical experiences provide the student with the opportunity to practice technical skills as well as soft skills. This opportunity may benefit the student in future employment at the clinical facility. As the clinical experiences are at various time periods throughout the coursework, many students feel that the later sessions of clinical experiences may be more beneficial in employment opportunities upon graduation. Students also feel that grade point average plays an important role in potential employment opportunities.

Methods: A survey was developed to identify the influence clinical experience session times and student characteristics that support future employment …

An Interdisciplinary Analysis Of Core Competencies In Pain Management For Prelicensure Education: Curriculum Application For Physical And Music Therapy, Schaun Seaburg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Core competencies in pain management were recently established for prelicensure health professional education and assessed for ways that they could be integrated into professional physical therapy practice. The competencies present the expected minimal capabilities for graduating health care students for the subject of pain management. The pain competencies include 4 domains: multidimensional nature of pain, pain assessment and measurement, management of pain, and context of pain. The proposed competencies are recommended for educational programs and could be implemented for other health professions. The purpose of this study is to assess the implementation of the pain competencies in physical therapy and …

The Use Of Physical Therapy Evaluation And Treatment To Manage A Patient Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Scott Holm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The knee is a significant structure within the musculoskeletal system, which is used for dynamic and static movement in the environment. Obesity has been found to have significant health implications within all of the body's systems. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of an obese patient following a total knee arthroplasty and gain understanding of the impact that obesity has on functional improvement during postoperative physical therapy care of a total knee replacement.

Case Description: The patient is a 43 year old female, who has undergone a total knee …