Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Personalized Nutrition Program For Microbiome Restoration: A Functional Approach To Gut Health, Digestive Function, And Weight Management, Maria Camila Trujillo

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

The gut microbiome has emerged as a fundamental influencer of digestion, metabolism, human health, and weight management. Dysbiosis and imbalance in gut microbial composition are associated with various health disorders, including obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Considering the high incidence of weight-related health concerns among dietary clients, personalized microbiome interventions offer a promising therapeutic approach. This project aimed to develop evidence-based medical nutrition therapy guidelines grounded in individualized microbiome analysis via stool testing. As a structured protocol, the RISE method (reset, identify, support, excel) was established based on the current literature review and specialized microbiome training. The methodology incorporates …

Biomarkers That Could Explain Parasite-Induced Behavioral Alterations In The Golden Shiner (Notemigonus Crysoleucas) – Posthodiplostomum System, Laura D. Nicolas

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Trophically transmitted parasites require an intermediate host to be consumed and often manipulate host phenotype (i.e., morphology, physiology, and/or behavior) to increase predation risk by definitive hosts. Posthodiplostomum is a trematode with a complex life cycle involving snails as first hosts, fish as second intermediate hosts, and piscivorous birds as definitive hosts. In fish hosts, Posthodiplostomum infection has been linked to increased predation, suggesting suppression of antipredator behaviors. However, the specific physiological pathways remained unexplored and changes in the host’s neural, endocrine, and immune systems could be involved. Thus, I examined whether Posthodiplostomum infection intensity was associated with brain serotonin …

Psychological Assessment Is Here To Stay, Irving B. Weiner

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Psychological assessment is based on the psychology of individual differences and dates back to the beginnings of scientific psychology. Clinical psychology began as a profession that provided psychological assessment, and through the 1950s assessment was what most clinical psychologists did most of the time. The value and propriety of psychological assessment was subsequently challenged on various grounds, and other activities gradually supplanted diagnostic testing as a preferred career role among clinical psychologists. Despite predictions of its demise, assessment has continued to be the second most frequent professional activity of clinical psychologists, after psychotherapy. Instead of fading away, psychological assessment has …

Wais-Iv Index And Full Scale Intelligence Quotient Score Differences Between Standard And Prorated Scoring Methods, Traci Wimberly Olivier, Charles Golden, Amarilis Acevedo, Victoria I. Sterk, Kristina M. Espinosa, Kayla M. Spengler

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Standard scoring methods for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) require that all core subtests be used to compute index scores, yet it is possible to prorate certain indices using a reduced number of subtests. The purpose of this study is to explore differences in WAIS-IV Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, and Full Scale IQ Index scores as a result of using standard versus prorated scoring methods. Participants were 149 adults, ages 18 to 84 who were previously administered the WAIS-IV. Protocols were scored using standard scoring methods and then re-scored using each alternate proration combination for Verbal Comprehension, …

The Mmpi-Arc And Mmpi-Af Scales: Psychometric Properties Of The Mmpi-2-Rf’S Restructured Clinical (Rc) And Higher Order Factor Scales When Adapted For Use With Archival Adolescent Mmpi Data., Susan L. Trumbetta, P. Kevin Bolinskey, Irving I. Gottesman

Archives of Assessment Psychology

Objective: To explore the psychometric properties of MMPI-adapted versions of the MMPI-2-RF’s RC and factor scales when applied to archival adolescent MMPI data. Method: We explored the internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent and criterion validity of newly derived MMPI-adapted RC scales and MMPI-adapted higher-order factors (MMPI-ARC and MMPI-AF) using data from the first normative adolescent MMPI samples: 3,971 ninth graders assessed in Minneapolis public schools in 1947-1948 and 11,329 ninth graders assessed statewide in 1954. Results: Most MMPI-ARC and MMPI-AF scales showed good internal reliability, which did not vary uniformly with the proportion of available items. The MMPI-ARC scales …

Programmed Cell Death, Skyler Coetzee, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Programmed cell death (PCD) is cellular death that is deliberately induced via an intracellular program. There are two main mechanisms of PCD, apoptosis and autophagic cell death. The most common form of PCD in multicellular organisms, including humans, is apoptosis.

Heredity, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Heredity is the sum of biological processes that result in the transmission of genetic traits from parents to their offspring, making each individual unique. Through the transmission of genetic traits, heredity is responsible for each individual’s genotype, as well as his or her phenotype. The genes that are passed down from generation to generation have a considerable influence on psychological characteristics including intelligence, personality, mental health, and patterns of behavior. However, when considering psychological characteristics passed down through heredity, it is vital that environmental aspects are also considered.

Metabolic Theories Of Aging, Chris Burley, Lisa K. Lashley, Charles J. Golden

Essays in Developmental Psychology

Metabolic theories of aging postulate that aging is due to energy expenditure, which ultimately results in the breakdown and eventual death of cells. Historically, within the realm of metabolic theories of aging, there have been three models: The Rate-of-Living theory, The Oxidative Damage/Free Radical theory, and the Metabolic Stability theory. All three theories maintain that aging is directly related to metabolic rate, but the theories differ in how they arrive at that conclusion.

Utilization Of Zinc As A Supplemental Treatment To Prostate Cancer, Cony Cs Chow, Vishal Ahuja, Luis Mangiafico

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Prostate cancer remains as a significant contributor to mortality among men worldwide, and despite advancements in treatment, there is still a need for adjunct therapies that could assist in mitigating the progression of this disease. Zinc is an essential trace element which plays a crucial role in the function of the prostate and has shown signs of influencing the development of prostate cancer. This prospective study will aim to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on the progression of prostate cancer through a controlled experimental design. Participants will include patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer (stages 1-3) and will …

The Impact Of Diet On Preeclampsia: An Observational Study Of Nutritional Influence, Trinity G. Moye, Alyssa Cunningham

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific condition typically diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation in women with no prior history of hypertension. Characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, increased liver enzymes, and affecting the arteries carrying blood to the placenta, preeclampsia affects the health of both the mother and the fetus. Preeclampsia is disproportionately prevalent in certain populations, specifically among Black women, with various factors contributing to the higher susceptibility including socioeconomic status, education, and health distrust. These factors have been historically structured against Black women in American society. This study aims to reveal how dietary habits can play a role …

The Impact Of The Mediterranean Diet And Low-Glycemic Diet On Fertility In Women Of Childbearing Age With Pcos, Samantha Cicardo, Kayla Le, Carly Traynor

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Endocrine disorder Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones in women, primarily treated with medications such as hormonal birth control and metformin. However, long-term use of medications can have adverse effects as it masks the symptoms of PCOS rather than treat it. Women of childbearing age who are diagnosed with PCOS often are diagnosed with infertility. This proposed research study aims to look at the holistic approach to evaluate how the Low-Glycemic Index (GI) diet and the Mediterranean diet (MD) can impact individuals with PCOS. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

The Impact Of Aspartame On Mood Regulation: Examining Neurophysiological Effects In Individuals With Anxiety, Kyra Triepke, Valentina Guzman Cortes, Mateus Ismael Ribeiro

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Despite being widely used as sugar alternatives, artificial sweeteners (AS), especially aspartame, remains debated regarding their potential effects on mental health. While some studies suggest aspartame has no discernible impact on stress, anxiety, or cognitive performance, others indicate that it may affect serotonin pathways and contribute to mood disorders. Given these contradictory findings, further research is needed to clarify aspartame’s effect on mood regulation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of aspartame on stress-related biomarkers and mood modulation, focusing on individuals with anxiety. A controlled experimental design will be used, in which participants with anxiety will be randomly assigned …

Long-Term Relief: Sustained Benefits And Strategies Of Pnf Techniques For Plantar Fasciitis With Restricted Dorsiflexion: A Kinovea – Software Based Gait Analysis, Koteeswari Arumugam, Dr. Kamalakanan M, (Professor Saveetha College Of Physiotherapy, Simats), Sundar Rajan Ms, (Saveetha College Of Physiotherapy, Simats), Hariharan J, (Tutor, Simats), Shenega K, (Saveetha College Of Physiotherapy, Simats)

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: This prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness and maintenance strategies following proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique interventions in individuals with plantar fasciitis and limited dorsiflexion which is one of the conditions affecting the community. The primary objectives included quantitatively comparing pain levels, functional mobility, and patient adherence to prescribed strategies over an extended follow-up period. Methods: A cohort of 120 participants with plantar fasciitis and limited dorsiflexion, previously treated with PNF interventions, were enrolled in the study. Follow-up assessments were conducted at three-month intervals over a one-year period. Pain levels were measured using a Visual Analog …

Physical Therapy Management Of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Using A Pacing-Forward Clinical Approach: A Case Report, Clayton D. Powers, Nicole A. Miranda, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic dysfunction that affects hemodynamic responses to position and movement, characterized by excessive tachycardia and orthostatic intolerance. Aerobic exercise historically has been recommended to improve cardiovascular function. However, some individuals living with POTS may not tolerate aerobic exercise due to post-exertional malaise (PEM). This case report describes the effect of pacing in the context of a pragmatic multimodal approach applied to a person living with POTS, vasovagal syncope, and PEM.

Case Description: A 16-year-old female diagnosed with POTS and vasovagal syncope presented to physical therapy with goals to tolerate a …

Development Of A Scale To Evaluate Key Attributes Of Academic Advisors Essential To Physical Therapy Students, Robin M. Baker, Jamie L. Greco

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Acknowledging the crucial role of academic advising in enhancing student success, professionalism, and personal growth, this paper advocates for a shift from traditional reactive methods to proactive, personalized advising strategies that have been shown to improve retention and satisfaction rates in higher education. Our study highlights the development of a comprehensive scale through rigorous validity assessments to measure key attributes of academic advisors essential to physical therapy students (PTS). This scale, refined through extensive feedback from faculty and PTS over two development phases, consists of 18 items on a 4-point Likert scale, which together map the complex landscape of effective …

Self Perception Of Leadership Styles And Behavior In Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Kelly A. Coleman, Stephanie M. Singe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Leadership has been considered an important part of advancing the profession, but investigations into leadership styles of clinically practicing athletic trainers (ATs) are scant, with none in the secondary school setting. The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership styles of secondary school ATs and to determine if differences in leadership style practices exist across demographic characteristics. Methods: We used a cross-sectional web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). Leadership style was assessed via the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)-5x where transformational, transactional, and passive/avoidant leadership behaviors were measured on a five-point Likert scale (0=not at all; 1=once in a …

Expanded Cross-Sectional Testing Of Psychometric Properties Of The Kiersma Chen Empathy Scale In Health Professions Students, David B. Gillette, Todd E. Davenport, Tracey Delnero, Deepti Vyas, Jeannene Ward-Lonergan, Rupa Balachandran

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Empathy is important in providing healthcare and should be formed and evaluated during healthcare education. The purpose of these studies was to assess reliability and validity of a no-cost empathy scale and its cognitive and affective subscales in health professions students. Method: For reliability, students in six programs received two administrations of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES). A blind researcher analyzed data, using Cronbach’s α to assess homogeneity for total and subscale scores, and Pearson correlation to assess association between subscales and total scores. Two-way intraclass correlation coefficients with random effects were used to determine total and subscale …

Assessment Of Interprofessional Education Competencies: Evaluation Of A New Tool To Assess Sensitivity To Changes Across Training, Anthony J. Goreczny Ph.D., Jodi Schreiber, Melissa L. Bednarek, Mary Dee Fisher, Susan Hawkins, Susan Sterrett, Mark Hertweck

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Interprofessional Education Collaborative introduced specific competencies for interprofessional education to meet the growing need for interprofessional care. These four competencies include teams and teamwork, communication, roles and responsibilities, and values and ethics. With this introduction, a need has emerged for the development of a tool to assess interprofessional proficiency among students in health professions training programs and to evaluate whether such a tool is sensitive to changes in competency as students participate in specific training initiatives. Method: A tool was developed (Interprofessional Education Competency Scale - IPECS) based on the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Competencies and administered to students …

Simulation-Based Assessment Of Blood Pressure By Certified Athletic Trainers, Michael W. Verde, Lindsey E. Eberman, Dawn M. Emerson, Zoë J. Foster, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood pressure (BP) assessment is a key component of pre-participation examinations and can aid athletic trainers (ATs) in diagnosing hypertension. However, the current pedagogical technique, which involves practicing BP assessment on healthy individuals, may not adequately prepare healthcare providers to recognize Korotkoff sounds at abnormal pressures during clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine AT's ability to and confidence in assessing and interpreting BP using a high-fidelity simulator.

Methods: We recruited ATs through conferences, in-services, and postprofessional athletic training programs. In total, 100 ATs from various job settings (age=31±11 years; men=37, women=63, clinical experience=8±10 years; …

Preceptors Perceptions Of Clinical Reasoning: An Investigation Of Athletic Training Practice, Gary W. Cohen, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Julie M. Cavallario, Luzita I. Vela, Bailey C. Jones

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is critical for healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and treat injury and illness. The development of this skill starts to form during a student’s clinical education where preceptors serve as the primary clinical role model. Preceptors in athletic training have expressed a desire to learn how to develop and teach clinical reasoning concepts to students. The first step in this process is to understand how preceptors clinically reason. Little investigation has gone into exploring preceptors understanding of their clinical reasoning in practice. The aim of this study was to explore athletic training preceptors' perceptions of their clinical …

A Narrative Review Of Physical Fitness And Injury Research In Equestrians, Jennifer Austin, Erin Schneider-Gaal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This narrative review aims to summarize the body of literature surrounding the topic to best understand performance demands of equestrians, to inform future training recommendations, and to identify areas of research that can optimize the health and performance of equestrians

Study Design: Narrative Systematic review

Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). No limitations were placed on the dates of the searches with the final search completed in January 2024. Keywords were equestrian, strength, training, aerobic training, posture, injury, injury rates, and performance requirements. Forward and …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Firefighter Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Prevention, Scott Richardson, Andrew Haight, Kassandra Sanchez, Madison Jepperson, Kelsey Houston, Lauren Schembs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organized firefighting began in ancient Rome in 300BC, with the first fire engines in the 17^th century. Modern firefighters face extreme personal risk, responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving public support. Cardiovascular disease events account for 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters. Cardiovascular health in firefighters is not only important for immediate job performance but also for long-term health. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention to influence firefighter knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention. Method: A literature review determined that cardiovascular health was the leading knowledge deficit among firefighters …

Exploring Clinical Instructors' Views On Effective Role Modeling In Physical Therapy Education: Insights From A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of Social Cognitive Theory, Brittney M. Gunterstockman, Kellee Harper-Hanigan, Andrew Bartlett, Ian Rheault, Karen Menard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acting as a role model is an essential competency and requirement for physical therapy clinical instructors. The social cognitive theory may explain how physical therapy students learn from clinical instructors during clinical education experiences. This theory suggests that individuals learn through observation of models who are competent, credible, enthusiastic, and similar to the observer. This study aimed to explore clinical instructors’ perceptions of effective role modeling. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study used one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors (n=7) to explore effective role modeling in physical therapy clinical education. Inductive coding was used to develop codes and themes …

An Exploration Of Student Experiences And Perceptions Of A Physiotherapy Student-Led Clinic, Donna Wynne, Elizabeth Hancock Professor, Emma Stage, Kay Cooper Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Student-Led Clinics (SLCs) offer a structured, real-life learning environment for healthcare students, where they provide services under supervision. SLCs can facilitate increased confidence with clinical reasoning, improve skill development and enhance leadership skills. Existing research has generally captured students' experiences at the end of their SLC participation, lacking a longitudinal perspective and therefore, little is known about how students’ perceptions develop over time. This study aimed to explore physiotherapy students' experiences in a neurological rehabilitation SLC, with a focus on participants’ perceptions captured after attending specific SLC sessions and over the course of multiple SLC sessions. Methods: Using interpretative …

Early Childhood Educator Preparation, Exposure, And Perspectives Of Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool Hispanic Populations, Karla C. Vidaurri, Ruth Crutchfield, Jessica R. Stewart

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose

With an increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the Hispanic population, there is a crucial demand for early identification and servicing of individuals with ASD. Early childhood educators are one profession in the position to identify and provide services to individuals with ASD at an early age. The aim of this study was to explore early educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD specific to preschool Hispanic populations.

Method

A survey methodology was implemented to explore early childhood educators’ preparation, exposure, and perspectives of ASD. The anonymous survey consisted of 23 questions and statements that explored …

Interprofessional Wellness Groups: A Model For Success, Rachel Pittmann, Lesley Smith, Kathryn Sabo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose Interprofessional learning activities foster critical-thinking and shared decision-making while promoting person-centered and team-based care. These activities promote the development of interprofessional collaboration competencies that prepare health profession students to effectively deliver care. This article describes the Interprofessional Wellness Group (IWG) model, an academically robust, sustainable, and versatile model that successfully addresses the competencies required for interprofessional collaboration in today’s demanding healthcare environment. Method The IWG model is designed using adult learning theories, is student-led, and aims to provide disease-specific wellness education to community-based participants. Results Quantitative and qualitative data from both students and participants was overwhelmingly positive: students reported …

Feasibility Of A Prescribed Walking Program In Older Adults With Dizziness: Challenges And Recommendations From A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial, Amie Jasper, Mary T. Blackinton, Joann Gallichio, Anne Galgon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Walking for endurance is a component of vestibular rehabilitation (VR); however, there is no study on increasing the physical activity of older adults with peripheral vestibular hypofunction through a prescribed walking program. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized controlled trial on a prescribed walking program in a clinical environment; specifically, to determine recruitment, data collection retention, and adherence, and to estimate the variances of treatment outcomes. Method: Seventeen patients were randomly assigned into vestibular rehabilitation with walking with pedometer (VRWP), vestibular rehabilitation with walking without pedometer (VRW), and VR only. Recruitment, data …

Canadian Adolescent And Young Athletes Knowledge Of Pain-Relieving Medications, Jackie Vandertuin, Dalya Abdulla, Stephanie Lowther

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adolescent knowledge of pain-relieving medications (PRM) and opioids is scant, particularly from a Canadian perspective. Research indicates that athletes will often resort to PRM and opioids to manage their pain, but it is unknown whether athletes are fully informed as to its use and misuse including adverse events that may occur. The purpose of this study is to understand what elite level male athletes know about use, contraindications, and recommendations of pain-relieving medications; particularly opioids to manage their pain. Methods: Using a qualitative, grounded theory approach, we interviewed male athletes to understand their level of knowledge regarding pain-relieving medications, …

Simulation Based Learning And Development Of Clinical Decision-Making Skills, As Perceived By Dpt Students, A Qualitative Analysis, Fabian Bizama, Kristy Demers, Mansoor Alameri, Derrick F. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been shown to help Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students transfer academic skills to a range of clinical settings. However, the perceived beneficial and not beneficial elements of SBL have not been fully explored. While most research has focused on acute care settings, previously published findings demonstrated that an SBL course with outpatient-based scenarios can have a significant impact on the development of clinical decision-making (CDM) skills in DPT students; however, details on perceived successful elements were not explored. The purpose of this study was to explore what factors DPT students perceive as helpful and …