Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Cervical Muscle Strength And Kinematics During An Unanticipated Perturbation In University Aged Male And Female Rugby Athletes, Abigail Ruppert, Lauren J. Lattimer

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Introduction: Female athletes participating in contact sports demonstrate a concussion injury risk factor that is two times greater than their age-matched male counterparts. Recent literature has outlined the importance of neck muscle strength and neuromuscular characteristics in the mitigation of excessive head kinematics. Rugby is a contact sport in which tackles comprise the mechanism for concussion, which is caused by inertial impacts. Females exhibit higher measurements of acceleration and investigating potential gender differences in dynamic stabilization of the head is warranted in rugby. Methods: Twenty-three (15 female, 8 male) university-aged rugby athletes participated in kinematic analysis; and a series of …

Introducing A Physical Therapist-Led Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Training For Pain: A Clinical Perspective, Joseph Tatta

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mounting evidence supports the use of cognitive and behavioral techniques as part of physical therapist practice. These methods are used within a physical therapist’s multimodal treatment approach for the management of pain and to facilitate health behavior change. There is a multitude of evidence-based cognitive behavioral techniques to choose from including newer approaches based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Yet few studies have examined physical therapists’ perceptions to learning and implementing ACT into clinical practice. The purpose of this manuscript is to present a clinical perspective of physical therapists learning about and incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in clinical …

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, And Validity Of The Tamil Version Of Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire In Chronic Low Back Pain, Hasini Dayalan, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Soundararajan K

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Excessive fear of movement, restricted physical activity, and cognitive distortions are frequently found with chronic low back pain (CLBP) subjects. The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) is the most well-founded and often used tool to measure fear and avoidance beliefs in CLBP subjects. In India, there is a diversity of culture, educational level, and language. So, there is a need to translate FABQ into the regional language Tamil, which will improve understanding of FABQ and reduce the language barrier of the Tamil population. Objective: To translate, cross-cultural adapt, and investigate the psychometric properties of the Tamil version of FABQ in …

Assessment Of Inter-Instrument Reliability For Dominant Handgrip Dynamometry And Spirometry, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Anne Jones, Anthony Leicht

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the inter-instrument reliability of different dynamometers and spirometers commonly used in clinical practice. Methods: The study involved 113 healthy volunteers across three facility sites. At each site, dominant handgrip strength (DHGS), and lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV₁], forced vital capacity [FVC] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]), were compared using a local and reference device. Assessments were randomized with five minutes rest between measurements. Significant differences between devices were assessed using paired t-test while relative reliability between devices was determined via intra-class correlations (ICC). Accuracy …

Health Profession Student’S Readiness Towards Online Learning As A Component Of Blended Learning, Narasimman Swaminathan, Latha Ravichandran, Ramachandran Sivakumar, Steve Milanese

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify the entry-level health profession students’ perception and readiness to adopt online learning as a component of blended learning (BL). Methods: A cross sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was administered using Google forms. Entry level Health professionals’ education (HPE) graduate students of a higher education institute in India completed the survey (N= 628). The questionnaire was developed from the literature and content validated by experts. Ethics clearance was obtained from the Institutional ethics committee. Results: Out of 628 responses, 603 fully completed questionnaires were included for analysis. Of the participants, 98 …

Remote Job Application Simulation Using Technology In Athletic Training Students: A Preliminary Teaching Technique, Kevin M. Schroeder, Jamie Mansell, Dani Moffit

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

While athletic training students go through extensive preparations for engaging with patient populations as healthcare providers, less time is spent on preparing athletic training students on how to secure employment after graduation. Without proper employment skills development, securing employment can pose a challenge for the athletic training student trying to enter the workforce. These skills include developing cover letters and resumes, and remote interviewing skills. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the preparations, execution, and lessons learned from a simulated, remote job application and interview process for athletic training students. Methods: This educational technique was performed using …

Characteristics Needed To Transition From Exemplary Clinical Instructor To Successful Site Coordinator Of Clinical Education: A Qualitative Study, Nicki Silberman, Vicki Lafay

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: In physical therapist (PT) education, the site coordinator of clinical education (SCCE) administers and manages clinical placements for student clinical education experiences from the clinical side. Characteristics of successful site coordinators of clinical education (SCCEs) have been established; minimal evidence informs the identification of individuals with those characteristics. One cannot assume that exemplary clinical instructors (CIs) will become effective SCCEs. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate if the characteristics of exemplary CIs are consistent with the traits needed in a successful SCCE candidate by exploring these 3 aims: (1) Describe characteristics of exemplary CIs. (2) …

Development Of A Digital Health Capability Framework For Allied Health Practitioners: An Australian First, Nikki Littlewood, Sharon Downie, Abbey Sawyer, Kath Feely, Dhruv Govil, Brit Gordon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The value of digital health technologies and their contribution to high-quality and safe clinical care and enhanced health patient experience and outcomes is well established. Digital health technologies are increasingly being used by Victorian allied health professionals (AHPs) in routine service delivery, the uptake of which has been significantly accelerated by the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives: This case study outlines the development of a capability framework to support Victorian AHPs, health services, other employers, and university training partners to measure and expand digital health capability at individual practitioner and workforce levels. Methods: A mixed-methods approach to …

Arab Health Promoters’ Perspectives On Religious/Cultural Challenges To Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Among Arab Immigrants In Canada, Hussein Baharoon, Judy King

The Qualitative Report

Despite the importance of faith and cultural background in Arab immigrants’ lives, little is known about their role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. To understand the challenges among Arab immigrants related to acculturation and religiosity in adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours and managing stress, we conducted three face-to-face focus groups with 17 Arab health promoters who were members of the Canadian Arab Health Coalition. Averaging 80 minutes in length, the focus groups were conducted in Ottawa, Canada, in February and March 2018. Data were analyzed with an inductive thematic analysis approach; we identified four themes: “Culture first!”: dominant influence of home country …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Jade Stone Mobilisation, Non-Abrasive Cupping, And Manual Drainage Technique In Subjects With Chronic Sinusitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Monali Gandhi, Peeyoosha Gurudut Dr.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Sinusitis in recent times has been known as one of the major causes for reduced quality of life and work absenteeism. Chronic sinusitis being one of the health hazards affecting QOL of subjects of any age and gender requires a specific therapeutic intervention. Clinical trials that can demonstrate the effectiveness of manual therapy intervention in sinusitis cases are lacking. Hence, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three manual therapy techniques in subjects with chronic sinusitis. Method: The current study is a prospective, parallel arm, randomised clinical trial performed at physiotherapy OPD, tertiary health …

The Feasibility And Efficacy Of Telespirometry For Pulmonary Monitoring Of Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review, Tessa Yap, Anne Jones

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Spirometry via telehealth (telespirometry) involves remote monitoring of lung function, which is useful to detect pulmonary changes and increase continuity of care for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Purpose: This systematic review aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of telespirometry assessments for paediatric and adult CF patients. Method: A comprehensive search of health-related databases (CINAHL, Emcare (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), PEDRo and Scopus) was conducted. For inclusion, patients had to be clinically diagnosed with CF and studies could be of any study design or level according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) evidence hierarchy, had to …

Implementation Of Home Exercise Programs In A Pro-Bono Clinic: An Exploratory Study, Joseph M. Day

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Because the number of return visits in a pro-bono setting is low and distributed over a longer timeframe, home exercise programs (HEP) adherence is crucial for patient success. The purpose of this study is to describe a process for HEP delivery and to collect measures of HEP adherence on patients at a pro- bono physical therapy clinic. Methods: Thirteen participants were instructed to perform at least four exercises at home. Exercises were chosen based on best available practice. Exercise images, instructions, and daily logs were populated using PHYSIOTEC® software. A follow up phone call was conducted approximately 4 days …

Are Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice Different Between The United States And Chinese Occupational Therapy And Physical Therapy Students?, Yongyue Qi, Bobbi S. Greiner, Angela Patterson, Keli Mu, Heather Javaherian-Dysinger, Kate E. Decleene Huber

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the best evidence from research, clinician expertise, and patient preferences and values to deliver the highest quality of care to improve patient outcomes. Occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and rehabilitation students gain exposure to EBP through both didactic and experiential learning. The differences in cultural, educational systems, and student learning styles between the United States and China may lead to different students’ perceptions and attitudes towards EBP. The purpose of the study was to characterize and compare the perceptions of and attitudes towards EBP between the U.S. and Chinese OT and PT students. Methods: …

Impact Of Student Debt On Decisions Of Terminal Clinical Education Experiences In Physical Therapist Education, Jennifer W. Rodriguez, Whitney Davidson, R Joseph Palmer Iii, Mary Jane Rapport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Student debt is of growing concern in physical therapy and other health professions in the United States. This study explored the extent to which finances and other factors influenced student decision making when applying to and selecting terminal clinical education experiences. Methods: An online survey was developed and distributed to 250 recent graduates of a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (2016-19). A logistic regression model was used to determine the relationship between respondents’ reported student debt and other factors when choosing a nontraditional model (the yearlong internship model (YLI)/residency model) or the traditional 4-month model. A 5-point Likert scale …

Extended Scope Physiotherapists Are Effective And Safe In The Emergency Department: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Brittany Souter, Anne Jones, Lorraine Sheppard, Michael Crowe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) are an innovative approach to service delivery that have emerged in response to increasing pressures on emergency departments (EDs). While previous systematic reviews have suggested that ESPs have a positive impact on ED outcomes, clinical practice recommendations based on limited evidence highlight a pressing need for evaluation studies to truly determine their effectiveness and safety in this setting. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ESPs when delivering services in EDs. Method: Systematic literature searches were conducted using the online databases: Medline (Ovid), CINAHL …

Pain Education Training In New York State Physical Therapy Programs: What We Do Well, Where The Gaps Are, And What Can Be Improved, Joseph Tatta, Marcia Spoto, Joseph Lorenzetti

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Essential pain education produces graduates who are competent in contemporary pain management. Despite various educational resources, surveys demonstrate minimal pain content in entry-level physical therapist education programs. This paper examines 1) the learning content of pain education and faculty expertise teaching core pain content, 2) whether pain education content is sufficient to prepare physical therapists to meet the needs of contemporary pain management, and 3) whether standardization of pain education in entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is advantageous. Methods: A pain education survey was developed and sent to all accredited DPT program directors in New York …

Investigating Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Stress During Pandemic Related Curricular Changes, Keithann Halle, Jennifer D. Hastings

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Stress level in physical therapy students has been a focus of research due to multiple documented effects related to physical health, mental health, and ability to learn. Self-reflection has also been a focus of education research, relating it to personal learning, critical thinking, and demonstrable development of professional behaviors and skills. The aim of this study is to investigate student stress in response to programmatic changes wrought by the pandemic and whether stress impacted student self-reflection. Review of literature: Self-reflection is positively associated with growth of professional behavior and academic performance. Student level of self-reflection has been shown to …

Prevalence Of Sexual Harassment Toward And Burnout Among Allied Healthcare Professionals, Stephen A. Cage, Meredith N. Decker, Brandon J. Warner, Kendall Goldberg, Diana M. Gallegos, Julianne Goza

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Burnout is a psychological cognitive-affective syndrome that is defined by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishment. Burnout has been identified as a common issue in several allied healthcare professions, and is often contributed to by stress, workload, and social support. At the time of this study, there appears to be no published research on the relationship between levels of sexual harassment and levels of burnout. The purpose of this was to describe the prevalence of burnout and sexual harassment among allied healthcare professionals and students. A secondary purpose was to examine the potential relationship between sexual harassment and burnout …

Attitude And Barriers To Participation In Research Among Physiotherapy Interns In Nigeria, Daha G. Muhammad, Yusuff Tunde Gbonjubola, Ibrahim Ahmad Abubakar, Adekolurejo Tobi Elisha, Hassan Yusif Ahmad

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study is meant to assess the attitude and barrier towards research in physiotherapy interns of Nigeria. Method: A WhatsApp-based cross sectional online survey was conducted using an e-questionnaire (Google form). The link was sent to corresponding intern from each training institution in Nigeria. Frequency, percentages, means, standard deviation and ANOVA or t test were used to analyse the data in SPSS version 20 at alpha level 0.05. Result: The majority of the participants were male (73.2%) within the age range of 26-30 years (53.6%) and undergoing the training in northwestern part of the country (48.2%). Though the majority …

Physiotherapists’ Perspectives On The Use Of Telehealth For Service Delivery To Children With Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Focus Group Study, Claire M. Grant, Anne Jones, Helen Land

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purposes of the study are to (1) determine what barriers and facilitators physiotherapists perceive to using telehealth, (2) to determine willingness to use and (3) to determine perspectives on training in the use of telehealth. Method: This is a qualitative semi structured interview and focus group design. Participants were recruited from the first stage of the larger research process using purposive sampling. A semi structured guide was used to facilitate discussion of shared experiences and to allow themes to emerge from the discussion. Results: Thematic analysis was used to synthesise frequent and important themes. Ten participants took part …

A Feasibility Study For Utilizing A Peer-Teaching Experiential Learning Activity To Alter Student Perceptions Of Attributes Present In Effective Clinical Instructors, Susan J. Barlow, Penelope S. Elam, Stephen W. Elam, Lee Ann Eagler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many physical therapists are requested to assume the role of a clinical instructor (CI) after only one year of clinical practice. The purposes of this study are to assess the feasibility of an activity that introduces students to the responsibilities of a CI and to determine if this activity had any impact on student perceptions of attributes that are present in an effective CI. Methods: Second year DPT students enrolled in a course that utilizes case-based learning and peer-teaching activities participated in this study. Participants completed the McGill University Clinical Tutor Evaluation survey both pre- and post-learning activity. Survey …

Allied Health Student Engagement In Telehealth Clinical Placements: A Rapid Review, Kate Bridgman, Shane Erickson, Lisa Furlong, Adam Bird

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The engagement of allied health students in telehealth consultations whilst on clinical placement has rapidly increased due to the disruption caused by COVID-19. While this is understandable given the circumstances, it has occurred on the largely unfounded assumption that utilising telehealth is pedagogically appropriate to supplement or replace assessed placements. Method: This rapid review used the Cochrane rapid review methodology to synthesise the literature relating to the perspectives of allied health students whilst on clinical placements utilising telehealth. Results: A systematic search and selection process found three studies. In summary, the combined findings of the research suggest that student …

Admission Variables Predict Success In A Hybrid-Online Physical Therapist Education Program, Evan M. Pucillo, Rossniel Marinas, Christine Salmon, Vibhor Agrawal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Screening student applicants can be a valuable measure for hybrid-online Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.Institutions embrace a wide variety of measurements that drive admissions decisions. However, uncertainties exist regarding the most accurate admission predictors of academic outcomes, especially among hybrid-online DPT programs. The purpose of this study was to examine predictive relationships between applicants’ admission variables and program grade point average and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) performance in a cohort of entry-level hybrid-online DPT students. Methods: A retrospective cohort design and convenience sampling method was used across two entry-level hybrid-online DPT programs in the Southeastern US. Hybrid-online …

Relationship Between Estimated Vo2max And Handgrip Strength In Healthy Young Nigerian Adults, Oluwatobiloba Ajepe, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Udoka Okafor, Oluwatosin Ehuwa, Chukwuebuka Okeke, Oladuni Osundiya, Jeremiah Oyedemi, Chidinma Ezeugwa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between estimated oxygen consumption (VO₂max) and handgrip strength (HGS) among healthy young Nigerian adults. Methods: This was a cross sectional study, which involved 400 volunteers (171 males; 229 females) aged between 18–40years. Participants’ HGS was assessed using a CAMRY EH-101 hand dynamometer while VO₂max was estimated using a standard formula that includes measurement of resting heart rate. Demographic data was summarized using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Physical activity level of the participants was assessed using long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Independent t-test was used to compare …

Animal Assisted Therapy For Older Adults In Aged Care Facilities: A Rapid Review, Mitchell A. Franklin, Tracey Parnell, Natasha Versi, Rodney Pope

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy (AAT) for improving the mental health of older adults in residential care. The aim of this rapid review was to synthesise existing research evidence to determine the approaches that AAT should take to enhance outcomes for older adults living in residential care. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies published between 2009 and 2019 that investigated AAT and improvement in physical and/or psychosocial outcomes for adults aged over 65 years, living in residential care. Studies were critically appraised to determine methodological quality, key data were extracted, and …

Attitudes And Beliefs Of Physical Therapist And Physical Therapist Assistant Program Directors In The United States Towards Interprofessional Education, Lawrence Ramiscal, Christopher Truelove Jr., Vahe Heboyan, Gianluca De Leo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To investigate the attitudes and beliefs of physical therapy (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) program directors towards interprofessional education (IPE). We hypothesized that Communication and Ethics would be the most important competencies among program directors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on previously utilized instruments modified for the profession of PT was sent to PT and PTA program directors. One hundred sixteen responses were analyzed using frequency analysis for demographic data and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U t-test for group differences. Results: While the majority of program directors agree that IPE is important, with Communication as the most important IPE competency, …

Clinical Supervision In Singapore: Allied Health Professional Perspectives From A Two-Round Delphi Study, Brena Lim, Kate Cook, Dean Sutherland, Alexandra J. Weathersby, Gina D. Tillard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study investigated Allied Health Practitioners’ (AHPs) perspectives on and consensus of clinical supervision in an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore. Specifically, AHPs’ views on the benefits of and barriers surrounding engaging in clinical supervision, as well as strategies for enhancing clinical supervision experience. Method: A Delphi approach utilizing a two-round process via online questionnaires was employed. A total of 77 AHPs responded to the first round of the Delphi questionnaire and 55 AHPs completed the second round (71% retention rate). Open-ended responses from the first round underwent thematic analysis and resulted in sixty statements (five themes) describing engagement …

Pivoting To Be Patient-Centered: A Study On Hidden Psychological Costs Of Tele-Healthcare And The Patient-Provider Relationship, Adam Neufeld, Vishal Bhella, Clark Svrcek

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: While the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a shift toward virtual medicine, there are some potentially important limitations with this modality of healthcare. One such concern, which has not yet been elucidated, is how telephone-based versus in-person visits differentially impact patients’ perceived autonomy and the resulting patient-provider relationship. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this pilot study addresses this question by investigating the association between patients’ perceived autonomy support and relationship needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence, relatedness) in both types of visits with their family doctor and care team. Methods: Running from Sept. 2020 to Feb. 2021, data was collected via convenience …

An Appreciative Inquiry Approach To Understanding What Attracts And Retains Early-Career Therapists To Work In Community Organizations, Karina M. Dancza, Yik Ming Choi, Kaisah Amalia, Pei Shan Wong, Jia Hao Hu, Li Wen Yap

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community health organizations are expanding in many countries to meet the health and care needs associated with an aging population, an increase in recognition of children with developmental and mental health needs, and escalating healthcare costs. Singapore is no exception. Community organizations, however, are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining early-career therapists to these positions due to competition from acute services and a declining foreign talent pool. At the same time, early-career therapists encounter challenges during the transition from student to professional. Community organizations, therefore, need to identify what makes their organization attractive to early-career therapists and what makes …

Action Observation Training Reduces Freezing Of Gait Among Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Systematic Review, Ivan Iton, Morgan Phillips, Kylie Reardon, Katlyn Scarpinella, Eileen Woodcock, James M. Smith

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Recent evidence suggested action observation training (AOT) may benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing freezing of gait (FoG). The purpose of this study was to determine if AOT can effectively decrease FoG among people with PD. Method: This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered a priori with PROSPERO. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PEDro and PROSPERO were searched. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled studies, an intervention with AOT, adult subjects with PD, published in a journal, and written in English. Study quality was evaluated with the APTA Critical Appraisal Tool for …