Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Gait And Balance Post-Stroke, Leonard Ubalde, Jordon Jacklin, Peyton Hobson, Sara Wright-Avila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation is effective in combination with traditional physical therapy to facilitate motor performance in patients who recently survived a stroke. Current literature has focused on transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation efficacy for improving the completion of fine motor tasks in the upper extremities. However, there is a lack of current evidence regarding the efficacy of this therapy in the lower extremities. Objective: To measure the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on lower extremity clinical outcomes in patients who had a stroke including gait speed, functional reach, and balance. Methods: Randomized control trial in …

The Effectiveness Of Implementing A Collegiate Dance Clinic At The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, Quinn Williams, Kristin Allman, Matthew Mcarthur, Ryan Yim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Screenings are commonly employed in athletics to identify deficits in performance with the goal of providing interventions to decrease injury risk; however, their utilization is uncommon in collegiate dance programs. Therefore, the purpose of this service learning project was to address the needs of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) dance program through implementation of an injury screening and prevention clinic for collegiate-level dancers. Four second year Doctor of Physical Therapy students (SPTs) supervised by a clinical faculty member with dance medicine expertise researched, developed, and provided screenings to identify increased risk for dance-specific injuries, and education to decrease …

Patient And Facility Perceptions On The Feasibility Of A Student-Run Pro-Bono Back-School For Uninsured Patients With Low Back Pain, Javier Ascanio-Pellon, Sofia Cruz, Lauren Liebert, Trevor Pacuk

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A. Background of Knowledge: Nevada ranks 8th highest in uninsured population in the United States. People who are uninsured may be more affected by low back pain (LBP) than their insured counterparts. Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), a non-profit organization, serves uninsured people in Nevada. VMSN partnered with UNLV Physical Therapy (UNLVPT) to provide a back-school for patients. UNLVPT proposed a service-learning model to provide both education and treatment for VMSN patients with LBP. B. Purpose: The purpose of this community-based research project is to create and implement a student-run pro-bono back-school for uninsured individuals with LBP in …

Brain Volumes And Dual-Task Performance Correlates Among Individuals With Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis, Jon Basterrechea, Daniel Krist, Caitlin Moreland, Morgan Wise

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition characterized by loss of brain volume and changes in cognition, motor function, and dual-tasking ability. Objective: To examine associations between brain volumes, dual task performance, and gait and balance in those with CI to elucidate the mechanisms underlying loss of function. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with CI and compared brain volumes, dual task performance, and measures of gait and balance. Results: Greater cognitive function and combined dual task effect (DTE) is associated with smaller brain volumes. In contrast, greater motor DTE is associated with larger …

Comparisons Of Patellar Bone Mineral Density Between Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Chris Khuu, Allina Cummins, Steven Shepherd

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Although bone stress injuries have been reported in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP), especially within the lateral patella, it remains unclear whether persons with PFP exhibit altered patellar regional bone mineral density (BMD). The primary purpose of this study was to compare BMD of the patella (lateral, medial, and total regions) between individuals with and without PFP using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The secondary aim was to examine the associations between patellar regional BMD and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) alignment. Methods: Ten individuals with retropatellar pain and 10 sex, age, weight, height, and activity matched pain-free controls underwent a QCT …

Parental Perceptions Of Water Safety Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Amanda Casey Ph.D., Jennifer Blok, Katherine Vaughan, William O'Dwyer

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are twice as likely to die from unintentional drowning compared to same-age children without ASD emphasizing the importance of water-safety skills and knowledge. Yet little research has been published on perceptions of water safety for this population. The objective of the study was to investigate parental perceptions of water safety amongst children with ASD. An online questionnaire focusing on parental perceptions of water safety was distributed to parents of children with ASD associated with autism support groups across Canada. Forty-nine parents completed the self-report questionnaire with items related to demographics, swimming proficiency and lessons, …

Effectiveness Of Aerobic Exercise For Adults With Leukemia, Jalin Davis, Summer Hood, Alex Miller, Sam Stein, Kaylee Stem

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

We wanted to look at the most effective interventions for increasing strength and endurance in clients with Leukemia experiencing functional decline.

Medical Student Understanding Of The Pm&R Specialty, Disability, And Post-Acute Care, Stephanie Tow

Research Days

No abstract provided.

Muscle-Bone Interactions In Chinese Men And Women Aged 18–35 Years, Meihua Su, Zhaojing Chen, Breanne Baker, Samuel R. Buchanan, Debra A. Bemben, Michael G. Bemben

Health & Human Performance Faculty Publications

To characterize bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength, muscle and fat mass, and muscle strength and power in Chinese women (n = 25) and men (n = 28) classified as in the bone accrual phase (18–25 years) or in the peak bone mass phase (26–35 years). Calcium intakes, physical activity levels, and serum vitamin D were measured. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessed body composition, lumbar spine, and hip areal BMD (aBMD) variables and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) assessed cortical and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone strength. Muscle strength and power were assessed by grip strength, leg …

A Mobile App Specifically Designed To Facilitate Exercise In Parkinson Disease: Single-Cohort Pilot Study On Feasibility, Safety, And Signal Of Efficacy, Merrill R. Landers, Terry D. Ellis

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

Background: Many people with Parkinson disease do not have access to exercise programs that are specifically tailored to their needs and capabilities. This mobile app allows people with Parkinson disease to access Parkinson disease–specific exercises that are individually tailored using in-app demographic questions and performance tests which are fed into an algorithm which in turn produces a video-guided exercise program. Objective: To test the feasibility, safety, and signal of efficacy of a mobile app that facilitates exercise for people with Parkinson disease. Methods: A prospective, single-cohort design of people with Parkinson disease who had downloaded the 9zest app for exercise …

The Partial Immersion Aquatic Approach Using Adjustable Weight Bearing To Improve Posture And Sitting Balance Adaptation For Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy, Niv Shelef

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The innovative ‟Partial Immersion” Aquatic Therapy Approach was developed to enhance balance and posture during sitting adaptation for children with severe cerebral palsy who exhibit deficiency in those skills on land. Stable balance during sitting posture is one of the preconditions for hands function in activities of daily living. Aquatic skills learned during aquatic therapy were then transferred to a land environment. Therapy included the use of a treatment chair that enabled adjustable weight bearing in a series of 30 mm steps. A mixed-methods design employing a multiple case study approach (n=5) including quantitative and qualitative methods investigated the effectiveness …

A Pilot Study On A Mindfulness Intervention For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Meredith Obaytek

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

This project explores the effects of a mindfulness intervention on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in an occupational therapy setting, as well as explores the attitudes of student occupational therapists on the treatment acceptability for mindfulness interventions in occupational therapy. This paper discusses the current research in mindfulness and explores how it may have an impact on children with ASD, and in particular, within the field of occupational therapy. This project was made up of two components and took place at James Madison University’s Inter-Professional Autism Clinic (IPAC) over the course of three weeks. The first component was an …

Effects Of Liquid Viscosity And Food Texture On Swallowing Sounds, Chun Feng

Theses & Dissertations

Cervical auscultation (CA) is a technique of monitoring swallowing performance according to swallowing acoustic signals utilizing a stethoscope or other measurement devices such as a microphone and an accelerometer. In the past few years, doctors have utilized the stethoscope to identify the swallowing sounds, which resulted in an inability to accurately diagnose the aspiration/penetration in patients with dysphagia when compared to the gold standard. A digital CA assessment records swallowing acoustic signals and extracts the specific features from the recordings. It has been proven that digital CA as a promising portable and low-cost tool can be used for identifying patients …

Effect Of Sport-Specific Demands On Swimmer's Shoulder, Jordan A. Thielbar

Honors Thesis

Swimming is a unique sport in that the shoulders generate most of the propulsive force. Therefore, due to the large amounts of repetitive force, the shoulders generate during freestyle, swimmer’s shoulder is the most common injury among competitive swimmers. Freestyle biomechanics, muscular imbalances and posture all play a pertinent role in a swimmer’s risk for developing a shoulder injury during their swimming career. Swimmers typically develop large muscular imbalances between their dominant and nondominant shoulders due to several sport-specific demands including freestyle stroke mechanics, breathing, and body roll. These muscular imbalances alter a swimmer’s posture and freestyle biomechanics which eventually …

From Zero To One Hundred: Assessing Discomfort In Different Cuff Widths Following Use Of Blood Flow Restriction, Raksha Chatakondi

Honors Theses

Purpose: To examine the impact of cuff width, pressure, and sex on the perceptual response to blood flow restriction through a series of six experiments. Methods: Experiment One (n=50), Experiment Two (n=105), and Experiment Three (n=105) took place in the upper body, and Experiment Four (n=100), Experiment Five (n=100), and Experiment Six (n=100) took place in the lower body. Perceptual discomfort was measured following each condition. Results: Results are expressed as mean (+ SD). In Experiment One, there were no differences in discomfort. In Experiment Two, the wide cuff resulted in more discomfort [43 (20) AU] compared to the narrow …

Assessment Of Antebrachial And Carpal Muscle Activity During Smartphone Use: Is “Selfie Wrist” A Real Phenomenon?, Monica Stacy

Honors Theses

Reports in the media by celebrities have sparked an interest in a phenomenon being called “selfie-wrist,” in which smartphone users develop symptoms traditionally associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). There has been no research to date which investigates the claims of “selfie wrist.” The primary aim of this study was to address the validity of “selfie wrist” claims. The secondary aim of this study was to further investigate the effects of texting on musculoskeletal health, taking into account the differences between texting one-handed versus two-handed, and the effect of using a grip device while texting.

The experiment consisted of an …

Occupational Therapy’S Role With Ventricular Assist Devices And The Promotion Of Travel Protocols, Natasha Chandra, Linda Suplicki

The VAD Journal

An option for individuals diagnosed with end-stage heart failure is to receive a ventricular assist device (VAD). In 2006, Shepherd and Wilding produced an article regarding occupational therapy’s role during the VAD process as they anticipated a growing need for this area of practice. Since that time, there continues to be a lack of supporting literature on occupational therapy’s important role with this population. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to explain an occupational therapist’s contribution on the VAD team, offer opportunities and interventions for enhancing quality of life for this unique population, and discuss an innovative travel protocol …

The Association Between Y-Balance And The Delos Postural Proprioceptive System In Professional Basketball Players, Philip A. Anloague, Shawn Windle, Grady Garno, Mike Lewandowski, Caleb Norton, Ryan Smerke, Sierra Speck, Jenna Stoner, Aaron Strausbaugh

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Lower extremity injury is common in professional basketball. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) and the Delos Postural Proprioceptive System (DPPS) have been purported to assess dynamic postural control and balance, which has been associated with injury in elite athletics. It has been reported that performance on balance assessments is influenced by many factors that include mobility, strength, and proprioception. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the relationship between DPPS and YBT performance in professional basketball players.

Methods: 13 professional basketball players (age=25.5 yrs +/- 3.9, height = 2.00 m +/- .079 weight = 99.89 kg +/- 12.38, …

Reliability Of The Arch Height Index Tool As A Foot Measure In Children Ages 1-7 Years, Jessica White, Anna Rushing, Katie Durisek

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: An objective and reliable measure is needed to track longitudinal changes in the young child’s foot. The Arch Height Index (AHI) tool measures the arch height of a foot. There is one study investigating the reliability of the AHI tool in children ages 6-12 years. Currently, no studies have determined the reliability of the AHI tool in children younger than 6 years. The purpose of this study was to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the AHI tool in daycare, preschool and early school-aged children as an objective foot measure.

Methods: Thirty-two children (13 males, 19 females), ages …

Arm Function In Women Treated For Breast Cancer, Mary Insana Fisher, Anne Fleischer, Taylor Bergin, Christine Delong

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Women with breast cancer (WBC) report decreased function following cancer treatment, yet objective measures of function typically return within the first year after surgery. Kinesiophobia, or fear of physical activity (PA), has been documented following other musculoskeletal pathologies. This study explored the relationships between fear of PA and self-reported arm function, QOL, perceived stress, and objective measures of range of motion (ROM), strength, and muscular endurance in WBC.

Methods: Women (n=30) diagnosed with stage 0-3 breast cancer 6-60 months prior to enrollment participated; WBC were excluded with metastatic disease, shoulder pathology, or history of shoulder/neck surgery. Self-reported function was …

Predicting Falls In Community-Dwelling Older Adults Using The Repetitive Step Test, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Jamie Wynk, Megan Gordon, Kathryn Quinn, Sarah Welsh

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: The Repetitive Step Test (RST) is a newly developed dynamic balance test that requires stepping in multiple directions. It has previously demonstrated excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability, along with ability to retrospectively classify individuals who had fallen more than once in 12 months though its ability to predict falls has not been evaluated. This study aimed to determine the capability of the RST to identify individuals likely to fall prospectively over 12 months.

Methods: 63 community-dwelling adults >65 years old were tested using the following balance and mobility measures: RST, 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale …

Frontal And Sagittal Plane Lower Extremity Mechanics During Single-Limb Squatting In Chronic Ankle Instability, David M. Werner, Kati Brubakken, Claire Grace, Mike Lawless, Aaron Lewis, Marc Mccuen, Dennis Mirosh, Joaquin Alberto Barrios

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Chronic ankle instability is a common sequelae to the lateral ankle sprain. Individuals with CAI have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis and reporting lower quality of life scores. Biomechanical variations have been observed in individuals with CAI during ambulation and landing. To the authors’ knowledge there are no studies investigating the biomechanical profile of the SLS in individuals with CAI. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of the SLS in individuals with unilateral CAI. We hypothesized that inter-limb biomechanical differences would be observed in individuals with unilateral CAI.

Methods: Participants were recruited from a …

The Relationship Between Knee Valgus And Clinical Measures In Professional Basketball: A Cart Analysis, Philip A. Anloague, Donald S. Strack, Carl Eaton, Joshua David Corbeil, Steven Michael Short, Paul John Insana, Stephanie Lynn Nazario

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Lower extremity injuries occur at an amplified rate in professional basketball. Evidence suggests that knee frontal plane valgus may be associated with risk of injury. The Landing Error Scoring System includes the assessment of maximum knee valgus during a countermovement jump. The investigation of interactions among linear and non-linear factors may help the understanding of the interdependence of various measures and poor performance on the knee valgus displacement (KVD) component of the LESS in professional basketball players. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of knee valgus displacement on the LESS. We hypothesize that a positive finding …

Effect Of Ankle-Foot Orthosis On Reactive Stepping In Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Kyra Twohy, Hunter Andrews, Ryan Christopher, Aaron Scott, Katie Valentine, Kurt Jackson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Ankle-Foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used in individuals with neurologic disorders such as MS and stroke. However, a rigid style of AFO may impact an individual's ability to complete dynamic balance tasks especially reactive stepping movements in the instance of losing balance. The impact a rigid AFO has on reactive stepping has not been investigated. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the impact rigid AFOs have on reactive stepping preference in healthy young adults, thus providing preliminary data on healthy individuals’ stepping strategies that could be used for further research with more neurologically-involved populations.

Methods: Twenty …

Effects Of Extracurricular Physical Activity On Strength, Balance, Endurance And Quality Of Life On Children With Disabilities, Christy Lee, Alana Mathews, Kayla Ayers, Madison Weisbarth, Melissa Spurbeck

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extracurricular physical activity on strength, balance, endurance and quality of life on children with disabilities.

Methods: Eighteen children (10 males, 8 females) ranging in age from 11-18 years participated in a local inclusive kickball program. All children and their parents were aware that participation was voluntary and signed consent or assent forms. Diagnoses of the children included Down Syndrome, Asbergers, Expressive Language Delay and Developmental Delay. The children participated in 60 minute kickball sessions led by a program director, 1 time per week for 6 weeks. The Pediatric …

Scapular Acceleration During Upper Extremity Elevation In Healthy Individuals With And Without Scapular Dyskinesis, Joseph M. Day, Taylor Hunter, Kayla Eiben, Yitz Berger

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Individuals with upper extremity pathology often present with altered scapular motion and muscle performance. There are few clinical tools that are capable of collecting specific and efficient data on alterations in scapular motion and even fewer studies have looked at variations in scapular acceleration. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of wireless accelerometers for detecting changes in acceleration in individuals with and without scapular dyskinesis.

Methods: Twenty-seven subjects, mean age 24 (SD1.49). Healthy subjects were visually screened for scapular dyskinesis. Subjects were positioned in a standardized standing posture and anatomical references were marked on …

Swim Instruction For Individuals With Developmental Coordination Disorder, Susan J. Grosse

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Almost every swim teacher has encountered an individual who had difficulty learning to swim, whose movements appeared dissimilar from peers, or who needed to repeat swim course instructional levels many times. That individual might have had difficulty with sport activities, handwriting, and been clumsy in gross and fine motor tasks. Difficulty with coordination and control of movement may suggest a diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Individuals experiencing DCD may feel left out, inadequate, unhappy, frustrated, and embarrassed by his or her ineptness. These feelings may result in an individual withdrawing or refusing to join in and participate in physical …

Staff Training In Aquatics For Individuals With Disabilities: The Quest, Susan J. Grosse

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Trained instructors in general programs have the ability and resources to initiate and follow through with developing water safe individuals who are capable swimmers. Specific staff training to prepare individuals to facilitate aquatic participation for individuals with disabilities is currently extremely limited. The purpose of this article is to examine the barriers to specialized staff training in aquatics for individuals with disabilities, to suggest necessary staff training content, and to propose topics for further research in the area of staff training. Seeking development of quality staff training programs for those working in aquatics for individuals with disabilities is the quest.

Treating Trauma: The Occupational Therapy Perspective, Matthew Althaver

Honors Projects

Holistic health trends are increasing in the field of healthcare. The current research examines holistic trends in trauma treatment. Furthermore, it specifically looks at what occupational therapists can do to treat trauma. Survey results provide insight into occupational therapists' views on holistic health and trauma treatment. Overall, therapists bought into the concept of holistic health. Specific characteristics, like the length of time practicing OT, had an effect on their holistic health views.

A Literature Review And Clinical Commentary On The Development Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome In Runners, Derek Charles, Clay Rodgers

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background and Purpose:

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is the second leading cause of pain in runners and there are a number of theories related to its etiology. Multiple theories exist for the etiology of ITBS related symptoms including anterior-posterior friction of the IT band on the lateral femoral condyle during knee flexion and extension activities, compression of a layer of fat near the IT band distal attachment, and inflammation of the IT band bursa. The purpose of this literature review and clinical commentary was to explore the potential factors that contribute to ITBS development in runners.

Description of Topic with …