Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Occupational Therapy Program 2006, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

An Electromyographic And Electrogoniometric Study Of Stair Climbing With And Without The Use Of The Ez-Stepª And The Quad-Stepª, Rebecca Behrens, Catherine Gregoire, Tara Mathern, Jennifer L. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare lower extremity muscle activity along with hip and knee ROM in an elderly population on stair ascent and descent using the EZ-StepTM and Quad-StepTM in comparison to traditional stair climbing.

Subjects: Twenty nine male and female adults volunteered for this study. Inclusion criteria included those 65 years of age and older, ability to climb three flights of standard stairs, and upper extremity strength to be able to manipulate the Quad-Step TM.

Instrumentation: The EZ-StepTM and Quad-StepTM are devices that decrease stair step height by one-half. The EMG activity and ROM was …

Effect Of Instruction On Emg Activity Of The Rectus Abdominis During A Crunch On A Swiss Exercise Ball, Tina J. Boyer, Suzanne S. Hammer, Tyler L. Jepson, Eric G. Thompson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the benefit of instruction from a physical therapist in participant performance of an abdominal crunch on a Swiss ball, determined through electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis.

Subjects: Our subjects included male (n=15) and female (n=15) college students between the ages of 18-50 years old. Exclusion criteria included a history of low back pain, prior spine surgery, pregnancy, previous formal instruction of crunches on a Swiss ball, and an allergic reaction to rubbing alcohol. Instrumentation: EMG biofeedback was used to test rectus abdominis muscle activity. This activity was transmitted by a …

Effectiveness Of Pressure Biofeedback In Activation Of Transversus Abdominis During The Abdominal Draw-In Maneuver, Jenni L. Freie, Jan L. Kruse, Amanda M. Kvien, Kimberly M. Rzeszutko

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Study Design: Repeated Measures Design.

Objectives: To compare the recruitment of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique during the performance of the supine abdominal draw-in maneuver with the use of pressure biofeedback and without the use of pressure biofeedback. Muscle recruitment will be measured through the use of surface electromyography (EMG).

Background: Surface EMG reliability and validity is reported for transversus abdominis.

Methods: Thirty-nine healthy subjects of the ages 18 to 54 were tested. The subjects were instructed and performed practice trails of the supine draw-in maneuver with and without pressure biofeedback prior to data collection. EMG muscle activity was …

Lumbar Spine Extension Mobility Increases With Longer Participation In Football, Matthew Linback, Nicole Nord, Kari Pedersen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Football players are known to develop lumbar spine pathologies, especially extension pathologies (Le., spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis). This study examined the possibility of increased mobility in the lumbar spine with increased exposure to football, possible correlating the increased motion with lumbar spine pathologies. Extension of the lumbar spine in college football players was measured and the results of two groups were compared: those who had completed one or two years of eligibility versus those who had completed three or four years. The influence of the collision nature of football on lumbar extension was examined.

Subjects: Thirty-nine male collegiate football players …

The False Wisdom Of Tuition Based Ranking Of Allied Health Programs, Is Your Program Affordable?, Tamara L. Little Phelan

All Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the extent to which the ranking of programs based on total tuition cost changes when housing and program length were added to total tuition. Method: To accomplish this, the cost of tuition at 13 physical therapist education programs was compiled. Programs were ranked from most expensive to least expensive. The costs associated with housing, program length, and lost opportunity to earn wages were then added to total tuition. Programs were again ranked from most expensive to least expensive. Results: Regional differences in the cost of living and the total length of …

Top-10 Positional-Release Therapy Techniques To Break The Chain Of Pain: Part 2, Timothy E. Speicher, David O. Draper

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Positional-Release Therapy (PRT) is advocated as an effective indirect therapeutic treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic somatic dysfunction. Initial investigations have shown PRT to significantly reduce low back and hip pain and improve hip strength. The effects of PRT are thought to occur from placing a patient’s tissues in a position of comfort for an extended period of time.

Clinically, the practice of PRT and its therapeutic benefits have an established history. What is lacking is research into the neural and physiologic mechanisms of the process by which PRT alleviates somatic dysfunction. It can be tempting to view the technique …

Metacarpal-Phalangeal Arthroplasty: A Post-Operative Approach, Lance Norman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): Caregiver And Family Education Handbook, Heather Yekel, Breana Medlock

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Life can be very confusing for the friends, family member(s), and caretaker(s) of those individuals who are diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The people who live with and care for the individual with a TBI want to know how they can help and what they can do to speed up the recovery. They also want to know what they can expect from their loved one, how much time the recovery will take, and what is causing the changes in their behavior?

A review of the literature was conducted and professionals, who are currently providing services to individuals diagnosed …

Nurture Your Infant And Yourself: A Breastfeeding Program, Kathryn J. Conrad

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Livin' Right! Morning, Noon, And Night: A Multi-Disciplinary Wellness Camp [For] Children With Obesity Issues, Lynne R. Bradbury

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The prevalence of childhood obesity is rapidly increasing in the United States and the percentage of overweight or obese children in South Dakota exceeds the objective set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2000). An extensive review of literature was completed on the prevalence and characteristics of obesity in children as well as interventions such as a multi-disciplinary team approach and family involvement. A review of the use of measurement tools both for screening and outcome measures was also conducted. There are significant health and societal impacts that accompany the increasing prevalence of obesity in our communities. …

Children With Limb Deficiency: The Impacts Of Using A Prosthetic For Functional Independence, Kirsten Brandt, Michelle Grimes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Many emotions, questions, and concerns may arise for parents and caregivers upon learning that their child has a limb deficiency. Educational resources for parents of children with limb deficiencies may be lengthy, time consuming to find and read, and full of medical jargon. The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop an educational booklet that is concise and easy to read for parents and caregivers of children with limb deficiencies.

An extensive literature review was conducted addressing the physical and psychological impacts children with limb deficiencies experience during daily activities. Parents with children who have limb deficiencies, individuals with …

School-Based Practice: Integrating The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, Nancy M. Daly

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Occupational therapists in school-based practice frequently experience change due to the evolution of the profession and education reform. This project examines the impact of these changes relative to the integration of client-centered and occupation-based services in contemporary educational practice. Occupational therapists have identified significant barriers that impact the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery. This paper, through the review of current occupational therapy and special education literature, explores the integration of collaboration, client-centered occupation-based care, and service delivery. The increasing requirements for accountability and professional standards define documentation needs. Findings indicate a need for school-based occupational therapists to have processes …

Eating Disorder Programming In Four-Year College Recreation Wellness Centers, Tiffany Jean Anderson, Amanda Lynn Gulka

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eating disorders are more prevalent in the college-age group when compared to the lifetime prevalence. Because of this increased prevalence, college recreation/wellness center staff should be aware of their clients in terms of the increased risk for eating disorders. College wellness/recreation centers, while serving the campus community, also serve the individuals within this community diagnosed with or at-risk for an eating disorder. Through survey research, we show who is employed at wellness/recreation centers, what type of training they receive regarding eating disorder, how this training is provided along with its content, and what method of public awareness on eating disorders …

Muscle Activation In Individuals Who Are Status-Post A Stroke During Over Ground, Treadmill, And Body Weight Supported Gait: A Comparative Study, Rhonda L. Breitbach, Kelly L. Malmin, Beth M. Nordmark, Jennifer A. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate individuals who are status post stroke during ambulation over ground, on a treadmill without support, and on a treadmill with partial body weight support (PBWS) to determine if there are any differences in muscle activation of major muscle groups in the lower extremity.

Subjects: Two subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects were included if they were over the age of 50 years, could fulfill a two-hour time commitment, and walk independently with or without the use of an assistive device. Subjects were excluded if they have had surgery or an …

An Electromyographic Study Of Upper Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, And Serratus Anterior Muscle Activity During Traditional And Modified Muscle Testing Positions, Jace Everett, Mike Fowler, Jason Haak, Robby Luck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the muscle activity of the shoulder joint force couple induced by the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior to determine if they are more effectively recruited during the traditional exercise position of forward shoulder elevation in 145° of shoulder abduction versus a modified position of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion

Methods: Nine participants took part in this randomized study in which EMG data was collected during 4 exercise trials of 10 repetitions each on the right shoulder. EMG activity was monitored …

Balance Comparison Of Open- And Closed-Back Shoes, Tiffany Hemberger, Sara Henderson, Eric Loiland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A growing number of healthcare professionals have been choosing to wear an open-back shoe rather than a traditional closed-back shoe in the workplace. Healthcare professionals incorporate dynamic balance and quick reactions during direct patient interaction. The purpose of the study was to determine if dynamic balance would be affected in healthcare professionals when wearing open-back shoes versus closed-back shoes.

Thirty-two healthcare professionals or students of healthcare professions (28 females and 4 males) were recruited for this study. Subjects ranged in age from 20 to 62 years (mean age 28.2 years), with the majority being physical therapists or physical therapy students. …

Role Of Z-Coilª Shoes On Plantar Pressure Forces During Short Distance Walking, Tyler Volle, Michael Rider, Brett Jenks, Benjamin Deubner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The Z-CoiL ® company has marketed a shoe that is advertised to decrease pressure and attenuation of forces on the foot, ankle, and other lower extremity joints. Evidence based studies, however, are lacking in support of this claim. The purpose of this study was to compare the peak pressure distributed onto the bottom of the foot from heel strike to midstance when walking bare foot, using a personal athletic shoe, and using a Z-CoiL ® shoe.

Subjects: Thirty subjects without any current history of orthopedic pathologies were examined in this study. Fourteen subjects were excluded from final data analysis, …

Review Of Quick Reference Dictionary For Massage Therapy And Bodywork, John Stephen Brantley

Faculty & Staff Research & Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

Massachusetts Employment And Disability Snapshot Report, 2000-2005, Jennifer Sullivan Sulewski, John Butterworth

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

This monograph presents the results of secondary analysis of the RSA-911 database from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. All successful VR closures for individuals with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy for six data points between 1985 and 1998 were investigated. Trends in competitive labor market and extended employment (sheltered workshops) closures were examined. The use of supported employment in the VR system and its outcomes were also discussed. Findings include increased incidence of competitive labor market closures and supported employment services, with a decrease in extended employment closures.

This is the second in an annual series of snapshot reports on …

Adults With Low Vision: Continuing Education For Occupational Therapists And Occupational Therapy Students, Ashley Berglund, Kelli Hughes

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Low vision is a condition that occurs when an individual has "some amount of usable vision, but their visual functioning is impaired and interferes with their ability to carry out desired tasks" (Lampert & Lapolice, 1995, p. 885). Impairments in vision cause disruptions in areas of daily living including work and leisure, routines, habits, roles, and social participation. There is a great need for holistic and client-centered occupational therapy in low vision rehabilitation services to improve an individual's functional performance and overall quality of life.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on low vision definitions and medical conditions, the variety …

Assistive Technology Guide For The Occupational Therapy Treatment Of Elementary School-Aged Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystropy, Kara Cook, Jessica Mcmahan

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

There Is More To Vision Than Seeing Clearly, Dawn Cardinal, Genea Nannemann

Occupational Therapy Capstones

"Vision is not simply the ability to read a certain size letter at a distance of 20 feet. Vision is a complex and adaptable information gathering and processing system which collects, groups, analyzes, accumulates, equates, and remembers information" (American Optometric Association, 2005, p.1). The purpose of this project is to develop a parent/caregiver handbook that will educate parent/caregivers with children who have visual deficits and to benefit the Vision Therapy Project, which is located in Casper, Wyoming. This project is a non-profit organization dedicated to provide assistance and education to parents/caregivers with children in need of vision therapy. Information for …

A Hippotherapy Protocol For Occupational Therapists, Callie Holt, Kirsten Sonderland

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Hippotherapy is an occupational, physical, and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. In hippo therapy, the client engages in activities that are enjoyable and challenging while the therapist modifies the horse's movement and grades sensory input to improve neurological function and sensory processing (American Hippotherapy Association, 2003).

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a hippotherapy protocol for occupational therapists interested in developing a hippotherapy program. It was the intent that this hippotherapy protocol be utilized with individuals of all ages who …

Eating Disorders: A Guide For The Occupational Therapist, Randi Horner

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can impact physical and mental health. Increasingly, occupational therapists encounter this population in general psychiatric hospitals and treatment facilities, as well as specialized eating disorders treatment facilities. Yet, questions concerning the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of eating disorders remain. The purpose of this project is to increase the awareness of the role of occupational therapy in the treatment of eating disorders by providing a guide for effective treatment of these illnesses. A literature review includes information regarding eating disorders, the demographics and diagnostic criteria of eating disorders, multidisciplinary treatment settings and …

A Wellness Program Module For Employees Of A Skilled Nursing Facility, Cindy Janssen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Aquatic Therapy For Clients With Neurological Impairments: An Introductory Manual For Occupational Therapists, Jason C. Kjar

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

A Model And Resource For Organizational Leadership For Occupational Therapists, April M. Kingsbury

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Training Assistance For Caregivers Working With Students With Traumatic Brain Injury, Randi L. Price

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Students who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often require assistance from a variety of professionals and staff to complete their daily routines. Frequently it is a classroom assistant (paraprofessional), under the direction of a teacher, who attends to the student's basic and daily needs. Teachers and their assistants may receive some general training, but assistants, especially, are seldom offered an opportunity to attend trainings specific to managing the needs, difficulties, and behaviors that they are likely to encounter in their students. Unfortunately, according to J. Shuiz, Training Director and Special Education Services Coordinator for Natrona County School District …

A Family Guide To The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Merri M. Reese, Lori M. Thompson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of the many challenges facing health care professionals practicing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is providing appropriate care that is sensitive, individualized, and supportive to infant development and parental roles (Lawhon, 2002). Because the families are often the ultimate advocates and caregivers for infants in the NICU it is important that they understand and take part in their babies' care. Therefore, by providing clear and easy to understand explanations of equipment, technology, and procedures that are a part of the NICU environment, professionals can help alleviate parental stress and promote parental involvement.

An extensive review of literature …