Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Electromyographic Study Of The Shoulder Musculature During Codman's Exercises, Myndi L. Frey

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Codman's exercises are commonly used in physical therapy as a supposed passive shoulder activity to help increase range of motion without causing detrimental damage to the injured tissue or surgical graft. These mild shoulder exercises are often the first exercises used post- operatively. Some clinicians often add a weight to the hand or wrist with the assumption that the distraction will decrease the impingement between the acromion and the shoulder musculature while performing these exercises. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of muscle activity within the shoulder musculature during Codman's exercises with and without the addition …

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Minimizing Deformity And Preserving Function In The Hand, Cindy Gillespie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of the synovial joints. The hand and wrist are the most commonly involved. The disease is characterized by pain, inflammation, limited range of motion, and destruction of bone and articular structures. In the later stages of RA, the person usually exhibits deformity of the affected joints. This can result in the inability to use the hand in a functional manner.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately one percent of the population. A person with RA usually has increased medical expenses. It is likely that the person will experience a loss of productivity and income due …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In Wyoming, Gavin Green

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess physicians' knowledge of and referral patterns for physical therapy. A questionnaire was developed using the scientific literature base as well as input from physical therapy faculty and practicing physicians. Subjects included Wyoming physicians from five specialty areas. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the Wyoming chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Results suggest that physicians as a group are unaware of a significant number of physical therapy services. This study further demonstrated that physicians with better knowledge of …

An Analysis Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Knee Pathology, Jan L. Gustafson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a relationship exists between generalized joint syndrome and knee pathology. Both of these have been found to be of increased prevalence in females. Sixty female high school seniors from eight northwestern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota high schools were selected to participate in this study. Selection criteria consisted of prior testing for ligament laxity with a KT-IOOO and for generalized joint hypermoblity syndrome. Guidelines were established and a participation survey was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of North Dakota. The survey form required the completion of open-ended …

An Electromyographic Study Of Backward Walking In Normals And In Subjects Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Matthew Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy strives to incorporate innovative and efficient protocols for rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Research supports the benefits of closed kinetic chain exercises (distal segment of extremity is fixed) over the traditional open kinetic chain exercises (distal segment not fixed). It is theorized that backward walking on inclined surfaces will recruit the knee musculature to a greater extent than forward walking, but there is little research to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to utilize electromyography during treadmill walking to analyze the muscle activity in the lower extremity of individuals were normal and who …

Differential Diagnosis And Conservative Treatment For Cervical And Lumbar Radiculopathies, Scott Kurtz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Back and neck pain are common afflictions affecting millions of Americans every year. The economic impact of these impairments is billions of dollars annually. Although less than 5 percent of patients with pain in the lumbar spine experience radiculopathies, patients with radiculopathies still make up a considerable number of the clients seen by physical therapists. Correct diagnosis and treatment of these disorders is vital in limiting the length of time people are disabled. In order to improve the outcomes of conservative treatment, a proper understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine is requisite along with knowledge of the …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Within The Field Of Physical Therapy, Dawn M. Leidholm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Musculoskeletal injuries are frequently reported in the health care industry; an increasing number of physical therapists are affected. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and job factors within the field of physical therapy. A four page questionnaire was sent to 418 randomly selected individuals who graduated from the University of North Dakota Physical Therapy Program between 1970 and 1996. The survey instrument was derived from a literature review and previously conducted studies. It consisted of three sections: general practice, occupational injury, and demographic information. The highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was …

The Effect Of Hippotherapy On Lower Extremity Range Of Motion In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Jim Pitman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It has been postulated that hippotherapy will help increase range of motion (ROM), pulmonary function, balance, and muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy and, therefore, may be used as a physical therapy modality. The purpose of this independent study is to objectively measure lower extremity range of motion in children with cerebral palsy after an eight-week hippotherapy program.

Six children diagnosed with cerebral palsy initially participated in the experiment using a repeated measure design. Only two subjects completed the study. No control group was used for this study. A consent form was signed prior to measuring LE ROM.

It …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Forearm And Upper Trapezius Musculature While Typing At Different Keyboard Heights, Karianne M. Sekiya

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Ergonomics involves adapting the job and work environment to fit the worker and maximize safety and efficiency in the workplace. To mimimize the stresses on the musculoskeletal system, ergonomic guidelines have been established for visual display terminal workstations. The 90 degree angle position of the elbow is considered an industry standard, however available literature has not adequately established that this angle represents the optimal elbow position. The purpose of this study is to add to the current knowledge of ergonomics and reduce the risk of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace by determining the optimal elbow position …

Aquatic Physical Therapy Techniques For Neurologic Symptoms, Jennifer Skjefte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic physical therapy (APT) has been defined as a comprehensive therapeutic approach that benefits a person physically, emotionally, and psychologically through active participation in an individualized pool program. The purpose of this study is to review the literature regarding aquatic therapy and neurologic symptoms to provide physical therapy students and professionals with techniques and exercises that can be used to treat persons who present with neurologic disorders.

The history of hydrotherapy, the relative properties of water, the contraindications, precautions, and indications of aquatic exercise, and the definitions and treatments of specific neurologic symptoms will be addressed. The symptom specific techniques …

Tensile Properties Of The Autogenous Quadruple-Stranded Semitendinosus-Gracilis Graft Used For Reconstruction Of The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, James E. Swanton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to further enhance the knowledge of autogenous tissues around the knee which are used for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens were used to conduct this experiment. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons, as well as the bone-patellar tendon-bone complex, were excised and prepared for testing. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were doubled and fashioned into a quadruple-stranded graft. The tissue units were then individually fixated in a tensile testing apparatus and tested to failure. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and compare our data with similar studies to …

Evaluating The Effects Of A Stretching Routine On The Peak Torque Of The Hamstrings, Christopher Thorson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stretching has long been an accepted method of enhancing one's performance in most athletic events. However, while there has been other research performed on the subject of stretching benefits, there has been very little research found in the area of muscle performance being positively affected by stretching. In this study, 19 male subjects between the ages of 18 and 25 with no previous knee pathology volunteered to have their knee flexion torque tested on a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer. They were tested once with prior hamstring stretching and once without prior hamstring stretching. There was no significant difference found between the …

Visual Impairment And Its Affects On Gross Motor Development: A Literature Review And Implications For Physical Therapy, Jodi A. Toenjes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Visual impairment, or blindness, in the pediatric population has been shown to affect several key areas of gross motor development. Many of these areas can be positively influenced by physical therapy techniques. However, some physical therapy curriculums do not teach this topic of study because the prevalence of blindness is low. The purpose of this study is to develop a teaching manual that will provide the physical therapist with specific exercises, activities, and helpful hints that will facilitate the treatment of a patient with blindness in a pediatric setting.

The manual includes information regarding common mannerisms of the blind population …

Gynecological Factors Related To Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Women, Melissa Tuominen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Current literature has just begun to look at gynecology and obstetrics beyond the point of pregnancy and into the realm of sports medicine. Clinical research is starting to determine that female athletes may be predisposed to musculosketal injuries because of regular hormonal fluctuations. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between ACL injuries in females and a specific phase of their menstrual cycle. Survey's were mailed to 52 female patients who had undergone ACL reconstructive surgery within the past year. Twenty-five (48%) of the women completed and mailed back the survey. A majority of …

The Effect Of Various Shoulder And Elbow Positions On Grip Strength, Melanie Wentz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study investigated the effect of various shoulder and elbow positions on grip strength in 42 subjects. Both dominant and non-dominant upper extremities were tested using the Jamar dynamometer. The subjects were tested in the following positions while standing: 1) 90 degrees shoulder flexion and 90 degrees elbow flexion, 2) 90 degrees shoulder flexion and full elbow extension, 3) 90 degrees shoulder abduction and 90 degrees elbow flexion, and 4) 90 degrees shoulder abduction and full elbow extension. A repeated-measures ANOVA showed that shoulder and elbow position does significantly (p<.05) affect grip strength. A significant difference between genders was found for each position and hand dominance was significant (p<.05) for position 2. Both males and females were strongest with their shoulder in 90 degrees of flexion. The findings suggest that 90 degrees of shoulder flexion may be more of a position of function than 90 degrees of abduction. When measuring grip strength, position of testing and gender are two important variables to consider when trying to help patients attain their highest grip strength score.

The Effects Of Abdominal Strength Exercises And Testing On Posture In School Children, Greta L. Mcdonald, Kristin L. Nederveld

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare an abdominal strength testing method used in school systems to tests used in the physical therapy profession. Results were associated with lumbar lordosis. The study included 58 female and 5 male subjects between 10-11 years old from two school districts. Kendall’s Upper Abdominal Test, Kendall’s Lower Abdominal Test and The Presidential Physical Fimess Test were performed in random order. Lumbar lordosis was measured before and afrer abdominal testing by recording the curvature of the low back using a flexible ruler. A Chi-square analysis was used to demonstrate the association of abdominal strength …

Development Of The Preschool Occupational Therapy Assessment, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

Initial reliability and validity studies were completed for a newly created assessment tool called the Preschool Occupational Therapy Assessment (POTA). The POTA was designed to examine fine motor and sensory motor skills relevant to preschool academic function. Forty-five children, both typically developing and developmentally delayed, participated in the initial research. Results of data analysis support further development of this tool.

The Efficacy Of A T’Ai Chi Intervention On Functional Balance And Walking Speed In The Elderly, Melanie Mckimmy, Sarah Teubert

Masters Theses

This study assessed the efficacy of a T’ai Chi exercise intervention on functional balance and walking speed. Twenty-two volunteer subjects over the age of 65 were included and categorized as near-frail or well elderly, based on their functional status. Subjects randomly selected for the intervention group participated in a 45 minute T’ai Chi group exercise class, bi-weekly for six weeks. Pre- and post-intervention data was on the Berg Balance Scale, and on self-selected and maximum walking speed. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed no statistical significant differences between the intervention group and the control group. Likewise, there was no statistical significant …

The Effect Of Eccentric Fatigue Of The Hamstrings On Knee Joint Proprioception, Kenneth M. Arends, Scott T. Miller, John T. Vandermaas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of eccentric hamstring fatigue on the ability to accurately reproduce different knee joint angles. Thirty-one males and 29 females, 18-40 years old, were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Using the Biodex®, proprioceptive pre-test and post-test measurements were taken having the blindfolded participant replicate predetermined angles of 25°, 45°, and 65°. The control group underwent a passive movement protocol and the treatment underwent a fatigue protocol. Data Analysis was performed using 2-tailed t-test comparing the means of pre-test and post-test angle accuracy measurements for the control and treatment groups. …

Knee Flexion Angle And Its Influence On Vmo:Vl Ratios During Isometric Quadriceps Contraction, Jeffrey P. Hendra, William D. Allan

Masters Theses

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a major cause of knee pain and is caused by lateral patellar tracking. Treatment consists of strengthening the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO). While many exercises strengthen the VMO, simultaneous vastus lateralis (VL) strengthening often occurs and patellar malalignment remains. The VMO must, therefore, be strengthened independently or to a greater extent than the VL. Thus, the VMO:VL ratio of activity must be considered rather than VMO activity alone. This study compared isometric knee extension electromyographically at 0, 20, 60, and 90 degree angles to determine which angle produced the greatest VMO:VL ratio of activity. Results …

Relationship Between Sensibility Loss And Performance On The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test In Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients, Bethany J. Navarre, Elizabeth A. Ware

Masters Theses

The assumed correlation between sensibility loss in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and hand function has not been supported by research. The purpose of this study is to examine this relationship. Thirteen subjects with CTS, no previous hand surgeries, hypothyroidism, or diabetes participated. The Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Test was used to assess sensibility and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test was used to assess hand function. No correlations were found between sensibility loss and hand function. Despite a small sample, lack of correlation between sensibility loss in CTS and hand function is significant. It suggests that further research is needed.

Real And Perceived Barriers To Evaluation And Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence In Nulliparous Women, Roxanne R. Kudwa, Kelli J. Thompson

Masters Theses

The incidence of urinary incontinence (UI) in women has been estimated to be as high as 50%, and ranges from 17-52% in nulliparous women (women who have never been pregnant). The purpose of this study was to describe real and perceived barriers for UI affected women to seeking evaluation and treatment. Seventeen women were interviewed. 410 surveys were sent to women living in Southern Michigan to identify participants. Twenty-one met the inclusion criteria and seventeen were purposively interviewed regarding their experiences with UI. Themes were identified and generated to increase awareness of attitudes toward UI.

Effects Of Eccentric Strengthening On Force Output Of The Erector Spinae As Measured By Surface Electromyography (Emg), Audi Chenoweth, Chris Moore

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in force output of the erector spinae using the mean amplitude of surface electromyography (EMG) before and after an eccentric exercise program. Eight healthy subjects, two men and six women, between the ages of 30-45 were individually dosed and evaluated for baseline recordings of their EMG activity during three isometric and six eccentric contractions of their lumbar erector spinae. The exercise program consisted of a single eccentric lowering exercise of six repetitions for three sets, two times a week, for four weeks. EMG recordings were taken in post-test measurements during …

Crosstalk: Surface Versus Intramuscular Electrodes For The Peroneus Brevis And Peroneus Longus, Tanya Cardillo, Susan Dresden, Jacquelyn Solem

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to measure crosstalk when using surface electrodes over the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles. EMG was recorded from the right lower extremity of 14 normal subjects, taken from a sample of convenience. Surface electrodes were applied over the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles; fine wire electrodes were inserted into the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, anterior tibialis and extensor digitorum longus muscles of each subject. During manual muscle tests for the peroneals, anterior tibialis, and extensor digitorum longus, data were recorded from all electrodes simultaneously over 5 trials of each. Pearson product-moment …

A Comparative Electromyographic Study Of The Effect Of Four Selected Closed Chain Squat Exercises On Vastus Medialis Oblique And Vastus Lateralis, Barbara D. Campbell, Michelle Kosiara, Heidi Tolloff

Masters Theses

Patellofemoral dysfunction (PFD) usually involves patellar maltracking. Vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) are two key muscles that help maintain patellar alignment. Open kinetic chain (OKC) studies suggested that the optimum ratio of VMO:VL is about 1:1. With PFD the VMO becomes much weaker. Purpose: To determine which of four partial squat exercises, often used in rehabilitation, best favors VMO firing: partial squat, partial squat squeezing a ball between knees, partial squat with pulley resistance and partial squat with 45° oblique pulley resistance. Analysis of EMG for 31 normal subjects randomly performing all four exercises using repeated ANOVA …

The Efficacy Of A Six-Week T'Ai Chi Intervention Compared To A "Sit And Be Fit" Class On Actual And Perceived Balance In The Community-Dwelling Elderly, Janine Bonner, Jennifer Laudenslager, Todd Sanders

Masters Theses

Recent evidence supports the use of T’ai chi to decrease fall risk and improve self-efficacy (Wolf et al., 1996). The purpose of this study was to compare T’ai chi to a “Sit and Be Fit” intervention in a sample of the community-dwelling elderly. Classes met twice weekly for six weeks. Authors investigated the effects of each intervention on perceived and actual balance using timed one-legged stance, Tinetti Balance Subscale and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. Pre- and post-testing were performed within one week of intervention. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine statistical differences between the two groups. The Wilcoxon …

The Effects Of An Articulated Ankle-Foot Orthosis On Dynamic Balance In Elderly Subjects With Hemiplegia, Cathi Logan, Traci Roon

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine If a difference exists in dynamic balance of elderly subjects with hemiplegia when the affected lower extremity Is braced with an articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) versus unbraced. Participants were volunteers with a history of a cerebral vascular accident resulting In hemiplegia who required the use of an articulated AFO for ambulation. Balance data was obtained from the random limits of stability test on the Balance Master* version 3.4. Path length and limits of stability were analyzed using a multifactorial ANOVA. The AFO did not have a statistically significant effect on path length …

The Relationship Of Eccentric Hamstrings Time To Peak Torque And Anterior Knee Joint Displacement, Julie Ann Clark, Maureen B. Godfrey, Noreen R. Laborde

Masters Theses

Research suggests that females are more likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury when compared to males and that the ACL and hamstring muscles work together to preserve joint stability. Information is limited regarding any relationship between anterior knee joint laxity, in the absence of injury, and eccentric hamstring time to peak torque. This study compared anterior knee joint displacement and eccentric hamstrings time to peak torque in 30 female athletes and 30 female non-athletes ages 14-18 years. The passive anterior drawer was measured on both lower extremities using the KT-1000® arthrometer before and after eccentric hamstrings time …

Music And The Effect It Has On The Motor Learning Of A Serial Task In Children, Ages Seven And Eight, Karen L. Kurncz, Tara K. Nielsen

Masters Theses

Purpose: To study the hypothesis that music will improve the motor learning of a serial task in seven and eight year old children.

Design: Acquisition - Retention Design

Intervention: The twenty-one subjects were randomly divided into two conditional groups, those who received musical intervention and those who did not. Each subject performed the serial task eleven times during the acquisition session. During the acquisition session, the only difference between the groups was the addition of music to the verbal cues in the experimental group. Approximately twenty-four hours later, each subject returned for a retention session to assess the motor learning …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of An Aquatic Therapy Program Versus A Combined Aquatic/Land Program On Functional Reach Measurements In The Elderly, Caroline S. Kuether, Michelle M. Smith

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an aquatic exercise program with a combination land/aquatic program on functional reach measurements in the elderly. Twenty volunteers, aged 65 and older, were selected and assigned to either an aquatic or a combination exercise group. Subjects participated in 4 weeks (12 classes) of exercise. Functional reach (FR) measurements were taken prior to exercise and weekly thereafter. To determine significant differences in overall and weekly FR measurements, a t-test for independent samples, the Mann-Whitney U-Wilcoxon Rank Sum W Test, and a t-test for paired samples were used. Both groups demonstrated …