Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Skilled Nursing Facility: A Case Study, Delany Faiman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of disability and fifth leading cause of death among adults in the Unites States. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of inpatient physical therapy following a right middle cerebral artery occlusion and the outcomes throughout the weeks of treatment.

Case Description: The patient was an 80-year-old male who received physical therapy within the hospital for six days before he was referred to a skilled nursing facility. The patient completed four total weeks of skilled physical therapy in the nursing home prior to discharge.

Intervention: The therapy provided to the …

Application Of Lsvt-Big Protocol Intervention In 74-Year-Old Female With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Report, Abigail Stroup

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting 60,000 Americans each year.1 This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy, including the LSVT-BIG protocol, for an individual with Parkinson’s.

Case Description. The patient was a 74-year-old female diagnosed with PD who received outpatient physical therapy services four times per week for four weeks.

Intervention. The therapeutic interventions provided included dynamic, large amplitude exercises per the LSVT-BIG protocol as well as gait, stair, and bed mobility training.

Outcomes. Outcome measures included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Timed “Up & Go” (TUG), Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand …

Clinical Decision-Making In A Patient With Cervical Radiculopathy And Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Double Crush Syndrome, Taylor Nord

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Double crush syndrome (DCS) is pathology involving the association between proximal and distal nerve lesions. It is often difficult to diagnose due to the variety of possible sources of tissue involvement and, therefore, is difficult to treat effectively. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy diagnosis and treatment of an older adult with DCS consisting of cervical radiculopathy (CR) and cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS).

Case Description: 74-year-old female with a diagnosis of CR was referred to physical therapy. The physical examination confirmed this diagnosis. Due to the patient not responding well …

Physical Therapy Management For A 68-Year-Old Female Following Right Breast Lumpectomy: A Case Report, Mackenzie Dumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes and evaluates the clinical decision-making process, physical therapy interventions, and clinical outcomes of a patient with upper extremity pain and functional limitations that presented following breast cancer treatment including a right breast lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Case Description. The patient was a 68-year-old female who was diagnosed with breast cancer in the right breast and received post-surgical physical therapy simultaneously with radiation therapy.

Intervention. Physical therapy interventions were developed with an emphasis on low intensity and short duration cardiovascular activity, thoracic mobility, upper extremity strengthening, scapular stabilization, scar tissue mobilization, …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hip Abductor Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Chloe Coleman, Jairica Christjohn, Ryan Keller, Carly Jo Schroer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to see if there is a difference in the electromyographic (EMG) activity in the hip abductor muscles (right gluteus medius) with regard to knee valgus in free standing vertical jump and landing. Both male and female participants were analyzed.

Methods: Six subjects (2 male, 4 female) in good physical condition with no previous knee pathologies participated in the experiment. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The EMG data for the gluteus medius muscle activity and knee valgus was recorded …

The Epidemiology Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Department In Grand Forks, Nd, Erin Larson, Kameron Mcnary

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Sports and recreation injuries are common despite efforts to make sports and recreational activities safe through rules of play and the use of safety equipment. Analyzing the injuries that result and the associated mediating factors can help to assess whether more effective preventive measures can be instituted.

Methodology: Medical records from an upper Midwest regional medical center were examined for sports and recreational injuries in youth (0-19 years of age) who reported to the emergency room during the years mid 2010 to mid 2015. Data from 2011 to 2014 was evaluated to have a complete number of years for …

Electromyographic (Emg) Activity Of The Hip Abductors During Various Hip Exercises, Heather Harrower, Natalie Murphy, Trista Saulter, Katelyn Voll

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study was to record, compare, and analyze muscle recruitment patterns during different hip abduction exercises. This was done by examining the patterns for gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fascia latae when performing the following exercises: Standing hip abduction with a blue resistance band around bilateral ankles, sidelying hip abduction utilizing constant effort to move a small, medium, or large ball up and down the wall, and basic sidelying hip abduction with no ball. All exercises were done with participants' dominant lower extremity.

Case Description: Fifteen, healthy, University of North Dakota Physical Therapy …

Physical Therapy And Music Therapy Collaboration For The Treatment Of Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Jamie Ronning, Kayla Smith

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Following a stroke, individuals may suffer from a number of severe and lasting adverse effects. Although there is current research to support the use of physical therapy (PT) and music therapy (MT) individually during stroke rehabilitation, few studies have examined collaboration of these two disciplines. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity in an adult with chronic stroke.

Case description: The client is a 51-year-old …

The Effectiveness Of A 7-Week Fall Prevention Program For Community Dwelling Older Adults, Karlee Mccloud, Kayla Sendelbach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Every year millions of adults over the age of 65 experience a fall. Falls cost healthcare and individuals financial distress, decrease self-confidence, and can cause injuries. Balance and strength deficits contribute to increasing an individual's fall risk. Studies have shown the efficiency of community-based exercise and education programs on reducing the risk of falling. The Stepping On Program utilizes a group setting to educate on falls and risks, strength and balance exercises, home safety, vision, coping after a fall, and community mobility. Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program that has been proven to reduce falls by 31 …

Traumatic Hip Dislocation In High School Athlete Case Report, Mckenzie Klocke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Traumatic hip dislocations occur when the head of the femur is forced out of the acetabulum causing disruption to the musculature, vasculature, and other tissue surrounding the hip joint. Although dislocations are not the most prevalent injury to the hip, they are a severe injury and require immediate medical attention, as well as rehabilitation post reduction. There is a lack of literature regarding physical therapy treatment of traumatic hip dislocations, especially in the adolescent population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the athletic youth population most affected by traumatic hip dislocations and to offer …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Muscle Activity Of Serratus Anterior Muscle: Pilot Study, Shelby Fruechte, Shenae Lacroix, Tyler Trumble

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to record electrical activity (electromyographic or EMG) from the serratus anterior during three different commonly applied methods to determine which method produces the most EMG activity.

Methods. Eleven male subjects voluntarily participated in the experiment. All of the subjects were healthy, active college students with no prior history of shoulder or scapular injuries. EMG was tested on right serratus anterior parallel to muscle fibers. MVC was taken in 3 different testing positions to compare EMG during a push up with a plus.

Outcomes. There were significant findings following the tests and data analysis. …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Following A Thoracic To Sacroiliac Spinal Fusion: A Case Report, Ragen Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study described the 9 week outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation process of a 75 year old female following a posterior thoracic spine (T9) to sacroiliac (S 1) spinal fusion as a result of adult degenerative scoliosis and prolonged back pain (Type 1 ). The purpose of this case report was to describe the overall outpatient physical therapy management of this post-operative fusion.

Description. The patient presented to physical therapy with decreased mobility, decreased function, decreased balance, lower extremity strength deficits, pain, and loss of independence.

Intervention. Initially, treatment occurred in a therapeutic pool and then progressed …

The Collaboration Of Music Therapy And Physical Therapy: A Case Study For Rehabilitation Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Stroke, Kaci Hemmesch, Taylor Kunz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and nearly 800,000 people suffered from a stroke last year alone. Even though two-thirds of those people had survived, many of the survivors were left with a number of activity limitations and participation restrictions. The research is extensive in the realm of physical therapy interventions and how it can help with those disabilities, but truly lacks the knowledge behind the effects of a collaboration of music therapy with physical therapy.

Case Description: This case study follows an 85-year-old woman with lasting chronic impairments from a …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Return To Neutral Phase Of Spinal Rotation, Stephen Erlandson, Nathan Hasunuma, Landon Uetz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used to perform activities of daily living and sports performance, and contributes to a large percentage of low back injuries. Performance of spinal rotation for the rehabilitation and prevention of future back injuries should be considered, as low back pain is the second most common reason for a physician visit. Muscles that are involved in rotation of the spine have been studied, but the Latissimus Dorsi (LD) has limited research on the influence of spinal rotation. The LD muscle is one of the largest back muscles and influences many movements of …

Review Of The Status Of Oncologic Physical Therapy In North Dakota: A Definitive Study, Sarah Biberstine, Arianna Larson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Physical therapy is often reported as an under-utilized resource in oncology care. When utilized, physical therapy intervention addresses multi-dimensional symptoms experienced by individuals with a cancer diagnosis. This study examines the following questions: What is the status of physical therapy in North Dakota’s oncology team? What is the working knowledge of the physical therapist on oncologic rehabilitation? Do professional programs provide adequate knowledge to evaluate and treat oncologic patients and their symptoms? The purpose of the study is to determine if the physical therapy intervention received by individuals in North Dakota with a current of previous diagnosis …

A Case Report: Factors Influencing The Care Of A Critically Ill Patient In The Icu Following Medical Management Of A Benign Parasagittal Meningioma, Lucas Keller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Primary brain tumors will affect 23,890 adults in the US in 2020. Many of these patients will require an intensive care unit (ICU) if resection is the chosen course of treatment. Early mobility has been shown to reduce negative effect of ICU stays in patient ability and long-term outcomes.

Case Description. This report describes the 4-week inpatient physical therapy management of a 69-year-old female who is 6 months post left cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and presented to the ICU with shortness of breath, severe continuous frontal headaches, and a reduction of regained strength from her CVA in …

Grit And Perceived Stressors As Predictors Of Academic Success In First And Second Year Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Abigail Thomas, Jamal Ibnelhaj

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to identify any correlations between grit scores, perceived stress levels, academic success (GPA), and demographics (age) among doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of North Dakota (UND). Grit was assessed using the 12 item Grit scale (Grit-O) from Angela Duckworth. Perceived stress was assessed using the IO item perceived stress scale (PSS).

Methods: The Grit-O and PSS scales were distributed to first year DPT students at UND by the primary investigator. 154 students consented to participate in the study, 102 first year students and 52 second year …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Tibia Fracture And Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -- A Case Report, Kevin Hansen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are a major health care concern for the older adult. Injmies related to falls in the geriatric population are not uncommon. Furthermore, individuals with brain disorders are going to be even more susceptible to falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the outpatient physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation of a patient who fell and sustained a right tibial fracture with a past medical history of a brain disorder.

Case Description: This case report describes the outpatient PT management of a patient who presented with a right tibia shaft fracture, post-operative right tibia intramedullary …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Allie Erdmann, Amber Klein

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Prior research has shown that physical and occupational therapy students have a higher prevalence of hypermobility than that which is seen within the general population. Throughout the literature, the rates of injury are greater in those with hypermobile joints. It has also been found that females have higher rates of hypermobility than males. Given this information, a secondary question arose regarding whether or not hypermobility and injury (initial or recurrence) are directly related to one another.

Purpose: The intent of conducting this study was to evaluate physical therapy and occupational therapy students for hypermobility while concurrently assessing for their …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hamstrings And Quadriceps Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Shawn Danielson, Logan Flegel, Nathan Mertens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if there was a difference in the amount of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the quadriceps (vastus medialis and vastus lateralis) compared to the amount of EMG activity in the hamstrings (biceps femoris and semitendinosus) muscles in active male and female subjects during vertical jumping and landing. In addition, we looked at the amount of knee flexion that occurred shortly after landing from a vertical jump.

Methods. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxont TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. EMG data was recorded …

The Effect Of Barefoot Running On Navicular And Pelvic Drop: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sarah Bunde, Christopher James, Kathryn West

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Gaining knowledge of the change in navicular drop of the foot and pelvic movement in response to barefoot running training may allow sports medicine professionals, coaches, athletes, and others in the healthcare field to decrease the amount of injuries that may be caused by these motions. The effects of rearfoot strike pattern (RFSP) versus a forefoot strike pattern (FFSP) in determining the impact on navicular drop and pelvic movement is lacking in literature. Due to the increased correlation of hip movement and lower extremity injuries, the purpose of this study was to determine if barefoot running with …

Effects Of Pole Walking On Adults With Parkinson's Disease Following 6 Weeks Of Training, Kathleen Dennison, Taylor Jamison

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects motor planning and motor function. Symptoms associated with this disease include bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. These symptoms are often accompanied by gait disturbances including decreased step length, arm swing, and gait velocity, as well as diminished trunk rotation and postural instability all which make functional mobility increasingly difficult. Conventional walking has been shown to be an effective physical activity to maintain mobility and improve function and overall fitness. Specifically, walking speed has been identified as a crucial predictor for fall risk which is why clinicians have …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation In A Patient With Guillain-Barre Syndrome With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report, Daniel P. Torok

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a lower motor neuron autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the myelin sheaths of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). GBS results in generalized weakness and sensory deficits of the extremities and trunk; in severe cases it may impact cranial nerves, respiratory musculature, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions used for a patient diagnosed with GBS and the results from those interventions.

Case Description. This case study describes the 9-week acute care Physical Therapy management of a 51-year-old transgender female diagnosed with …

Aging In Place: Causes And Importance Of Fall Prevention Education, Molly Banks, Danielle Halstead, Mariah Leroux

Critically Appraised Topics

Falls are a significant concern for older community-dwelling adults’ ability to age in place, specifically those who aged 60 and older. Many factors contribute to the risk of falls in older adults that need to be addressed by health care facilities, home health providers, and caretakers. Occupational therapy has a role to educate older adults, as well as health care providers on how to prevent the risk factors of older adults and falls. The purpose of this CAT is to take a deeper look at why this population has so many falls and examine the research addressing education and risk …

Therapeutic Use Of Self: Continuing Education For Occupational Therapy Practitioners And Students, Jessica Anderson, Hannah Halbakken

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Only half of occupational therapy students graduating from occupational therapy programs feel sufficiently trained in therapeutic use of self (Taylor, Lee, Kielhofner & Ketkar, 2009). There are also many healthcare trends that make forming the therapeutic relationship difficult (Moreno, Delgado, Leyva, Casanova & Montes, 2019). The purpose of this scholarly project was to enhance the knowledge and skills of occupational therapy practitioners and students regarding therapeutic use of self. A literature review was completed with information regarding therapeutic use of self, rapport, the Intentional Relationship Model (Taylor, 2008), empathy, cultural competence, healthcare barriers and trends, and current training available for …

Critically Appraised Topic: Hippotherapy Intervention For School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Jedekiah May, Delanie Vitosh, Karleen Vonkrosigk

Critically Appraised Topics

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has risen nearly 600 percent in the past two decades, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 68 children worldwide have a clinical diagnosis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Children with ASD experience resultant challenges in occupational functioning due to impairments in communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. Sensory modulation issues can cause negative impacts on physical and social functioning. Modulation allows filtering of irrelevant stimuli and maintenance of an optimal level of arousal that facilitates attention to environmental demands with longer engagement in tasks (Llambias, Magill-Evans, Smith, & Warren, 2016). …