Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Parkinson’S Report Cards For Rural Communities: Bridging Access To Care For Behavior Change And Fall Risk Reduction, Jamie Haines, Emily Schubbe, Brooke Alexander, Lachane Ballard, Chin-I Cheng

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) in rural communities face delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care, and lower self-efficacy for disease management. A physical therapist designed the Parkinson’s Report Card Program (PRCP) to provide improved access to symptom monitoring, feedback, education, and follow-up support every six months for one year, aiming to enhance disease management when access to specialized care is challenging. This study evaluated the impact of the Report Card Program on non-motor symptoms, physical function, care-seeking behaviors, and self-efficacy in three rural communities in Michigan. Methods: Twenty-eight participants completed assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 1 …

Exploring Burnout Impacting Graduate-Level Faculty And Leadership Within Health Profession Education In The United States: A Systematic Scoping Review, Megan Donaldson, Neeti Pathare, Garry Gilbert, Joshua Cleland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Phenomenon: Full-time academic clinicians who hold faculty appointments in graduate‑level health professions education are expected to fulfill multiple, often competing role demands, including teaching, scholarship, service, clinical practice, and, for some, administrative leadership. These cumulative expectations can place faculty and educational leaders at elevated risk of burnout, particularly emotional exhaustion, with implications for career longevity, institutional stability, and educational quality. Approach: The objective of this systematic scoping review was to map how burnout has been conceptualized, measured, and associated with organizational and role-related factors among full-time graduate-level faculty and educational leaders in health and medical education (health professions) programs. Eligible …

Impact Of Educational Strategies To Develop Professional Reasoning In Occupational Therapy Students And Therapists: A Systematic Review, Soledad Sánchez-Zamorano, María-Paz Ossandón-Pérez, Samanta Rolack-Jaramillo, Pedro Moruno-Miralles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Propósito: El razonamiento profesional (RP) en terapia ocupacional (TO) es un tema central en las profesiones de la salud. Comprender cómo se enseña y qué estrategias demuestran un impacto medible es fundamental para fortalecer la formación profesional. Esta revisión sistemática tuvo como objetivo evaluar la evidencia científica sobre el impacto reportado de diferentes estrategias educativas para fomentar el desarrollo del RP en estudiantes y profesionales de TO. Métodos: La revisión se realizó de acuerdo con las directrices PRISMA y se registró en PROSPERO. Se realizaron búsquedas en bases de datos y revistas, incluyendo estudios publicados entre 2014 y 2024. Los …

Unmet Needs In Hospital Birth: Perspectives From Birthing Individuals And Opportunities For Occupational Therapy, Susan L. Iliff, Emily Bryant Schreiber

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to explore the services mothers receive during hospital‑based labor and delivery and to identify perceived gaps in inpatient perinatal care. A secondary aim was to examine how these unmet needs may represent opportunities for occupational therapy involvement within hospital maternity settings. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used with an anonymous electronic survey. Participants were eligible if they were 18 years or older and had given birth in a hospital within the past five years. Eighty‑one participants completed the survey, which included demographic questions, satisfaction ratings related to standard‑of‑care …

The Role Of Resilience Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel And Its Relationship With Their Adaptive Performance In Riyadh-Saudi Arabia., Abdullah Alabdali, Majed Althagafi, Malak Alharbi, Amera Almutere, Alanoud Almawzan, Nourh Aljaber, Reem Muafa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare workers, particularly Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, are frequently exposed to traumatic physical and psychological events. EMS personnel regularly encounter critical incidents that challenge their resilience, adaptive performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the factors that support resilience is essential to maintaining workforce well-being and performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 EMS personnel employed by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2020 and October 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing resilience, adaptive performance, coping mechanisms, and demographic variables. Results: EMS personnel demonstrated higher resilience levels …

The Investigation Of Ground Reaction Forces To Validate Progression Of Plyometric Exercise: A Pilot Study, Bradley Bechard, Brett Walker, Peter Leno

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Current approaches lack research toward rehabilitation of the lower extremity following injury regarding progression and the effects of ground reaction forces (GRFs) along the kinematic chain. A typical physical therapy protocol demonstrated the patients initially performing non-weight bearing, or open chain exercises followed by walking and running activities. This initial pilot study entertained the need for a more “seamless” progression of exercises to bridge the gap of GRFs when rehabilitating a weight bearing joint from walking-to-running in healthy individuals. Methods. 10 plyometric exercises were chosen for the study following careful review of evidence-based literature and researched protocols for strength …

Reimagining Clinical Education: Interprofessional Simulation And Clinical Skill Readiness In Nursing And Occupational Therapy Curricula, Gretchen Johnson, Linda Barnett, Lori Aaron-Brija, Emily Berkowitz

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As the healthcare landscape evolves, education for health professionals must prepare future practitioners to meet emerging challenges and navigate diverse care settings. Integrating interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities within healthcare curricula supports the development of essential clinical skill competencies and collaboration across multiple disciplines. The Clinical Skill Readiness interprofessional model prepares students for successful clinical rotations by integrating assessment and skill development. Students develop vital interprofessional skills, with specific emphasis on communication, professionalism, and role clarity, all of which are essential for effective practice in a collaborative clinical setting. Methods: Nursing and occupational therapy students participated in timed treatment sessions …

A Comparison Of Three Cryocompression Therapies On Patient Satisfaction, Skin Temperature, And Intramuscular Temperature, Valerie W. Herzog, Aaron Petersen, Nancy Weston, Justin Valdez, Kyle Lindley, Samantha Rollins, Zachary Simmons, Baylee Blanchard, Hannah Dickinson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many cryotherapy modalities are available with varying prices. This study compared the effectiveness of the Game Ready 2.1 Pro, the NICE1 System, and a frozen elastic bandage with a non-stick coating layer in lowering intramuscular temperature in recreationally-active individuals. Method:  Twenty-four participants who exercised three times per week and had a posterior lower-leg skinfold thickness of no more than 1.5 cm volunteered to participate in this crossover study with repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the counterbalanced treatment orders and received all three treatments at least 72 hours apart. Skin temperature and intramuscular temperature (measured 1 …

The Impact Of A Board Preparatory Platform On First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates, Shuying Lin, Melanie Lauderdale, Alyssa Bradford, Michael Brown, Kimberly Holt, Madelaine Palen, April Coward, Evan Warnick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, …

The Long-Term Effects Of Covid-19 On Pulmonary Function, Emily Russell, Chris Russian, Kevin Collins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of hospitalizations and significant long-term health consequences. While acute COVID-19 symptoms are well-documented, the long-term pulmonary effects remain incompletely understood, particularly in patients with mild or asymptomatic infections. This review examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 on pulmonary function, including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity, and related outcomes such as exercise capacity and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CINAHL Ultimate, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases, yielding 10 articles for review (6 cohort studies, 3 review articles, and 1 systematic review and meta-analysis). Studies were assessed for …

Systematic Review Of Sports Safety Best Practice Implementation In Non-Scholastic Youth Sport Organizations, Katie Sniffen, Hayley J. Root, Richelle M. Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Non-scholastic youth sports organizations offer competitive and recreational activities to millions of children each year but lack centralized oversight for health and safety policy. Despite the benefits of sport participation, there are inherent risks, including cardiac-, concussion-, heat-, and musculoskeletal-related conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand how youth sports safety policies are implemented in non-scholastic youth sport organizations. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the implementation of youth sports safety policies in non-scholastic youth sport organizations in the United States. Methods: A computerized search of Cochrane, CINHAL, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus …

Relationship Between Children’S Screen Exposure And Stress Among Parents Of Primary School Children, Malathi S, Koteeswari Arumugam, Sugasini R, Senthil Selvam, Manju B. Manoharan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The increasing use of digital devices among children has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on child well-being and family functioning. Prolonged screen exposure has been linked to behavioural issues, sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and psychosocial difficulties, which may contribute to increased parenting-related stress. However, limited research has explored the relationship between children’s screen exposure and parental stress. This study aimed to examine the association between children’s screen exposure and parental stress among parents of primary school children. Method: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 45 parents of primary school children aged 6–12 years enrolled at Vels …

Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration Through Occupational Therapy-Led Stress Reduction Intervention During Post Mass Casualty Simulation Debriefing Process, Benjamin Gross, Katherine Jones, Jennifer Radziak, Ralph C. Bay, Sue Dahl-Popolizio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether an occupational therapist (OT) led stress reduction intervention, implemented as part of an interprofessional education initiative, could be integrated into a mass casualty simulation and whether it was effective in reducing self-reported stress among healthcare students. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used following an interdisciplinary mass casualty simulation involving first-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Physician Assistant (PA) students (N=190). After a standard educational debriefing, participants engaged in a 25-minute OT-led stress reduction session consisting of structured, activity-based strategies. A retrospective pretest survey administered …

Balancing The Clinic And The Classroom: Perspectives Of Health Sciences Faculty On Clinical Practice Engagement, Derek B. Charles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of faculty within a College of Health Sciences at a public university who engage in clinical practice. Specifically, it examined the perceived benefits, barriers, and institutional factors that influence faculty participation in clinical care alongside their academic responsibilities. Methods: An online survey was distributed via Qualtrics to full- and part-time faculty members across multiple departments in the College of Health Sciences. Data included Likert-scale responses evaluating perceptions of clinical engagement, as well as open-ended questions eliciting qualitative feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data. Participants’ comments …

Use Of Simulation In Interprofessional Education In U.S. Physical Therapist Programs: A Multiple Case Study, Sarah Ross

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) is a cornerstone of healthcare professional education, facilitating professions learning about and with each other. Simulation-based learning (SBL) is teaching and learning modality that is frequently used to incorporate IPE into curricula. Current research shows that physical therapist (PT) education programs are increasingly using SBL for IPE purposes. However, there is little research outlining how programs are using simulation.

Method: The data in this study were pulled from a larger qualitative study looking at how US PT programs use simulation because of the heavy emphasis on IPE. Three programs were selected from a pool of volunteers …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

State-Level Implementation Of Health And Safety Policies In Mississippi Secondary Schools, Heather L. Shirley, Valerie J. Moody

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: State-level investigations of health and safety policy implementation in secondary school athletics highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring student-athlete safety that aligns with evidence-based best practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine current state-level implementation of health and safety policies in Mississippi secondary schools from the perspective of athletics/activities directors, athletic trainers, and other school administrators. Methods: In May 2025, a 26-item web-based questionnaire was distributed to 226 athletic directors and 114 athletic trainers across Mississippi secondary schools. The survey assessed participant demographics, access to healthcare resources, emergency action planning (EAP), required coaches’ health and safety training, …

Females With Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability, Jean L. Mccrory, Corrie Mancinelli, Kate Harrison, Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, Krystal L. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and …

Current Status And Future Needs Of Audiology Services In Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study, Ahmad A. Alanazi, Alhanouf N. Alhathal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Audiology services in Saudi Arabia are expanding; however, workforce shortages, limited postgraduate training programs, and variability in specialized services may affect equitable access to care. This study aimed to examine the current status of audiology services in Saudi Arabia and identify future needs related to service availability, workforce capacity, and specialized clinical provision to support the development of equitable, standardized, and high-quality audiological care nationwide. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted among practicing audiologists across healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. Because a comprehensive national registry of audiology clinics is unavailable, a purposive convenience sampling strategy was used to …

Beyond The Classroom: Impact Of An Interprofessional Exertional Heat Stroke Simulation On Knowledge And Confidence, Hannah L. Stedge, Amanda Hawkes, Melani Kelly, Behle Burns, Sara Beaudry

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of a high-fidelity exertional heat stroke (EHS) live broadcasted simulation on the knowledge and confidence of a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals attending an interprofessional continuing education conference. Methods: Participants were eligible for this study if they were a credentialed athletic trainer, physician, or emergency medical services professional. Participants attended an interprofessional symposium on EHS which included didactic training sessions followed by a live broadcasted EHS simulation and group debrief. Participants completed the 29-item survey instrument modeled after the Emergency Medical Services Knowledge of Exertional Heat Stroke Questionnaire …

Predictors Of Clinical Performance On The Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0, Derrick F. Campbell, Nancy G. Hellman, Felicity Macahilig-Rice, Sean E. Witkin, Mansoor Alameri

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 12 performance criteria from the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (PT CPI 3.0) on predicting Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student clinical performance outcomes during clinical education experiences. The PT CPI 3.0 was revised in 2023 to measure DPT student clinical performance. Identifying predictors for clinical performance may help flag students who struggle to meet or fall below performance expectations.

Method: A convenience sample of 693 DPT students from a large U.S. multi-campus program during Fall 2023 clinical education experiences participated. Using an …

Coinfections In Infectious Keratitis: A Case Involving Herpes Simplex Virus (Hsv) Type 1 Infection, Saeed S Alqahtani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Infectious keratitis remains a major cause of corneal morbidity and vision loss. While bacterial keratitis is commonly encountered, coexisting viral infections may complicate diagnosis and delay effective treatment. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing polymicrobial keratitis in patients with atypical or non-resolving clinical courses. Method: We describe the clinical course, diagnostic evaluation, and management of a 40-year-old female contact lens wearer who presented with a severe corneal ulcer initially presumed to be bacterial in origin. The patient was treated with intensive fortified topical antibiotics based on clinical suspicion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection related to prolonged contact …

A Survey Of Medical Coverage In The Marching Arts, Stephanie Maszera, Luis Torres, Fredrick A. Gardin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

PURPOSE: This research aimed to identify how the marching arts’ access to medical coverage affects an individual’s success in the activity. Medical coverage in the marching arts varies greatly between the levels that exist within the activity. Marching bands’ physical demands rival traditional sports, with a longer season and fewer resources. Despite the lack of coverage, the incidence of injury remains a challenge for competing groups. METHODS: A survey was conducted to ask individuals about their experiences with their band’s medical staff and any injuries or conditions they may have dealt with. Participants were at least 18 years old and …

The Perceived Benefit Of A Degree Requirement In Emergency Medical Services Education And Success, Joseph H. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: This study sought to assess how graduates of Wallace Community College's paramedic program impacted their readiness for the NREMT Paramedic examination and entering the workforce, specifically comparing those who completed an associate degree to those who completed the certificate program. Methods: This qualitative study analyzed the perspectives of graduates from the paramedic program using a phenomenological approach. Using a purposive sampling technique, nine graduates were chosen for one-on-one interviews, and six were selected for a focus group. Results: Analysis of participant responses revealed three main themes: the perceived value of a degree, student preparedness for the NREMT exam and …

Examining The Influence Of Cognitive Load And Self-Efficacy On The Development Of Clinical Reasoning In The First Clinical Education Experience Of First Year Physical Therapy Students, Andrew S. Bartlett, Brittney Gunterstockman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is critical for effective decision-making and patient outcomes in physical therapy. Although self-efficacy, cognitive load, and clinical reasoning have been studied individually, limited research has examined these constructs holistically. This study explored the influence of cognitive load and self-efficacy on the development of clinical reasoning during the first clinical education experience of first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy students using a think-aloud protocol. Methods: All participants completed measures of self-efficacy (New General Self-Efficacy [NGSE], Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy [PTSE]) and cognitive load (intrinsic, extraneous, germane) before and after their first clinical education experience. Think-aloud protocols were conducted at …

Development And Initial Validation Of The Observation-Mimicking-Participation-Independent (Ompi) Workplace-Based Assessment Model For Occupational Therapy Fieldwork, Keiko Takeuchi, Hirotaka Onishi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Workplace-based assessment (WBA) is essential for evaluating clinical competence in occupational therapy and allied health education; however, many existing assessment approaches lack an explicit developmental structure aligned with progressive learning during fieldwork. Competency-based education frameworks emphasize staged skill acquisition, yet operationalized developmental assessment models remain limited. To address this gap, this project aimed to develop the Observation–Mimicking–Participation–Independent (OMPI) model as a theoretically grounded developmental WBA framework and to conduct an initial evaluation of its reliability and educational utility in occupational therapy fieldwork education. Methods: The OMPI model was constructed to reflect staged progression in clinical learning, moving from structured …

Comparative Analysis Of Knowledge, Usage, Perceptions, And Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students And Faculty Over Two Years, Qing Zhang, Heather David, Brandy Schwarz, Kristen Johnson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: AI chatbots (AIC) are increasingly integrated into healthcare education, yet research on DPT faculty and student perceptions remains limited. This study compared knowledge, usage, perceptions, and attitudes (KUPA) toward AIC between DPT faculty and students and examined how these changed from 2023 to 2024. Method: A repeated cross-sectional survey was administered to two consecutive first-year DPT student cohorts and core and associate faculty at one DPT program. A 20-item survey was used, incorporating items adapted from validated instruments and researcher-developed questions, using a five-point Likert scale. Results: Participation rates were 41.5% (n=62) in Year 1 and 39.1% (n=69) in …

Compression Therapy In A Patient With Lymphedema Bilateral Lower Extremities And Heart Failure: A Case Report, René Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Patients with heart failure may develop secondary lower extremity lymphedema, yet evidence to guide compression therapy in this population is limited. This case highlights clinical decision-making in applying compression within a medically complex scenario.

Case Presentation: A 75-year-old female with chronic heart failure and multiple comorbidities presented with severe bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and reduced mobility. Interventions included compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care education, delivered by a physical therapist with advanced cardiopulmonary and lymphedema training. Edema reduction was achieved; however, therapy was discontinued due to signs of cardiac decompensation requiring medical management.

Conclusion:This …

Beyond Walking: Exploring Functional Use Of Exoskeletons In The Home Environment, Sue D. Dahl-Popolizio, Adam M. Story, Thomas Hartman, Lacee Andrews, Jennifer Radziak, Angela Zhu, Joelly Lobato De Faria Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study was completed to determine whether individuals with paraplegia can perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in their homes using a personal exoskeleton. The physiological effects of using an exoskeleton for these tasks were investigated as well. Methods: In this mixed-methods observational study, participants with paraplegia were observed using an exoskeleton to complete ADLs and IADLs in their homes. Performance and satisfaction with performance were measured before and after home exoskeleton use with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The level of importance of completing ADLs and IADLs to the …

Beyond Tuition: Understanding The Financial Impact Of Full-Time Clinical Education On Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Michelle L. Donahue

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The physical therapy literature has explored the cost and affordability of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education; however, academic and clinical educators may lack a nuanced understanding of the costs students incur to complete their full-time Clinical Education (CE) experiences. This study explored expenses beyond course credits during a full-time CE experience. As this was the first exploratory study on this topic, the aim was to gather information from a diverse sample of participants about the costs associated with a CE experience and the perceived financial burden. Method: A survey was developed and administered to collect quantitative and …