Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

A Comprehensive Aquatics Program For Spinal Cord Injuries, Michelle T. Fugere

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Water provides a new challenge in the rehabilitation of those with spinal cord injuries. An aquatics program specific to the individual can give invaluable physical, psychological, and therapeutic effects. The inherent properties of water, such as its buoyancy, turbulence, and resistance, give the spinal cord injured person a new freedom of movement and an ideal environment for increasing confidence and learning skills which can be carried over to daily activities.

Spinal cord injury aquatics programs in the past have proved successful in several aspects. Goals which are attainable through an aquatics program include increasing respiratory function, range of motion, and …

Electrical Stimulation As An Adjunct To Healing, Mary J. Lee

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this overview is to offer a possible avenue for advancing wound or ulcer healing when working with a population who experience complications of skin healing. In respect to their normal functional activities, these persons will experience limitations, and will also require more utilization of medical resources to assist in their progress. Dermal ulcers may predispose them to even further complications. There are many factors which influence the healing rate. Low voltage current and, more recently, the use of high voltage pulsed current, has been researched to serve as an additional treatment possibility for improved skin status.

The Motor Control Theory And How It Is Being Incorporated Into Present Physical Therapy Curricula, Laurie Toulouse Jung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Motor Control Model or Theory is a conglomeration of recent studies by professionals and scientists from a wide variety of fields. This theory on motor control consists of concepts and ideas that can be used by therapists to treat neurologically impaired patients. Its theories are different from the traditional Facilitation Model theories which are based on Rood, Brunnstrom, PNF, and NOT. Because the Motor Control Theory is a new and valuable tool for physical therapists to use in the clinic, it is important that it be introduced to present and future physical therapists.

The purpose of this study was …

The Effectiveness Of Back School, Suzanne R. Sandsmark

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Four of five people suffer from low-back pain sometime during their lifetime. The nuaber of people with disabling back pain in the United States has increased by 168\ from 1971 to 1981. The purpose of this independent study report is to determine whether back school is as effective means of educating patients about proper back care; and whether back school helps prevent further back injury.

Back school clients at the Broadway Health Centre from July 15. 1992 to October 1. 1992 were invited to participate in this study. In addition. patients with back injuries referred to the Broadway Health Centre …

Progression Of Vascular Disease In The Diabetic Lower Extremity, Kathleen Reinecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Diabetes mellitus is a major health care issue affecting thousands of people each year. As medical research strives for a better understanding of diabetes, the life expectancy of diabetics is increasing, and the complications associated with this disease process become more evident. Vascular disease has specific clinical manifestations as related to diabetes. It is the progression of arterial insufficiency in the vascular disease of diabetics that will be discussed in this study. The risk factors identified in diabetic vascular disease are presented as is their overall effect in the disease process. Current concepts of noninvasive vascular testing in the diabetic …

The Intervertebral Disc And Low Back Pain, Bruce H. Wessman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain has an enormous socioeconomic impact in this country. Even with advancement in diagnostic technology, the incidence and severity of low back pain continues to increase. The intervertebral disc plays an important causative role in the production of low back pain. The intervertebral disc may cause direct discogenic pain by mechanical and/or chemical irritation of the nociceptor receptors found within the outer one-third of the annulus fibrosis, or cause back pain by an indirect method. The incidence of low back pain is first reported around the age of 25 and is most prevalent from ages 35-60. It is …

Development, Validation, And Reliability Evaluation Of A Functional Classification System, Christine S. Eixenberger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to accountability, cost/benefit, and third party payers, it was necessary to develop an objective measurement of functional abilities of rehab patients. In Part I of the research, "Development of a Functional Classification System for a Rehabilitation Unit at St. Alexius Medical Center," a Functional Classification System (FCS) was developed and edited; however, the validity and reliability of the new FCS had to be justified.

Forty-seven patients admitted onto the St. Alexius Rehabilitation Unit between November 1992 and January 1993 were evaluated using version three of the FCS and objectively scored. Validity was tested between admit, discharge, and goal scores …

Anatomical Study Of Vastus Medialis Obliquus Orientation In Relation To The Superior Pole Of The Patella, Wade A. Burd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal electrode site of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) from a predetermined landmark on the patella.

Subjects. Twelve cadavers (6 male, 6 female), aged 30 to 86 years (x = 66.3), from Anatomy: PT 322 lab were utilized for data collection.

Methods. The following three measurements were taken on the lower extremities of the cadavers using a transparent double axis grid: 1) distance from the superior patellar pole to the adductor magnus tendon 2) distance from the superior patellar pole to the center point of the VMO and 3) the …

Job Sharing In Physical Therapy, Terri L. Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The profession of physical therapy continues to experience staff shortages in several areas. As these shortages continue, employees and employers will seek to identify alternative work schedules to attempt to meet this demand. Job sharing is one type of alternative where two people share the duties and responsibilities of one full-time position.

The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the prevalence of job sharing in physical therapy departments in acute care hospitals and rehab facilities, 2) review the types of schedules utilized by job sharing partners, 3) identify the job title of the shared position, and 4) discuss …

A Comprehensive Back Education Program In Industry, Julie L. Hamalainen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic low back pain is not a new phenomenon plaguing the medical community. Eighty percent of the adult population will at some time be affected by low back pain. Back pain is the leading cause of compensable injury in industries nationwide, with related cost projections ranging from 16-30 billion dollars per year being spent on health care, workers' compensation, and lost work time.

The industrial community has been responding to these facts with various programs. Literature supports programs with a comprehensive approach versus those with a limited or more narrow focus. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the …

Passive Range Of Motion For The Rigid Knee, Margaret B. Ingold

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether daily passive range of motion treatment will knee range of motion in the rigid patient. with moderate to severe rigidity due to prevent loss of Eleven subjects Alzheimer's or dementia were selected. Medical records were reviewed and knee ROM measurements from 3 consecutive years were recorded and analyzed. Federal regulations pertaining to treatment are discussed. The numbers of people affected and the costs of caring for them are described. The urgent need for clinical research to identify the most appropriate treatment is addressed. A literature review of studies relating to rigidity …

The Association Between Preoperative Instruction On Length Of Hospital Stay In Total Knee Replacements, Beth Darlene Ihry

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Preoperative instruction has been a critical aspect of surgical procedure since the 1970s when hospitals started formal programs. With the recent push for health care reform, all aspects of the medical profession are looking toward cost reduction. This independent study proposal was designed to assess the comparison of length of hospitalization in total knee replacement patients who have preoperative instruction versus those who do not receive preoperative instruction. Problem with the prior research involving preoperative teaching included the following: a wide variety of surgical diagnoses, the number of different physicians performing the surgeries, the small sample sizes, and outdated literature. …

Vertebral Subluxation Complex, Debbie L. Horn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

At one time or another most adults have back pain. Despite the fact that back pain is as prevalent as the common cold, it has been as puzzling as the Bermuda Triangle. The primary problem is that in many patients it is not possible to identify the cause of symptoms, particularly if the symptoms are relatively minor. A review of literature reveals a wide variety of single causative lesions which would adequately encompass the various symptoms encountered. However, they are complex conditions which are highly oversimplified. This problem was recognized by Renaissance International who presented the concept of the Vertebral …

Quality Assurance In The Physical Therapy Department: Current Practices In North Dakota Acute Care Hospitals, Wade D. Burgess

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report presents a literature review on the development and transformation of the field of quality assurance. Topic areas covered in the review include the role and contributions played by key individuals, government, the Joint Commission, total quality management/continuous quality improvement (TOM/Cal) theory and methods, and the American Physical Therapy Association.

The study also reports the results of a survey performed to ascertain what physical therapy departments in North Dakota hospitals are currently doing in regard to fulfilling quality assurance requirements. A relative lack of emphasis on the monitoring and assessment of treatment goals and patient outcomes, therapist …

Applied Anatomy And Biomechanics Of The Scapula, Garrett T.K. Kennedy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The scapula is the first link in the upper extremity kinetic chain. Analysis of the applied anatomy and biomechanics of the scapular link allows the physical therapist to develop pathomechanical models for shoulder injuries. The current health care trend of developing rehabilitation protocols based on sound anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles necessitates a strong background in the structure and function of the shoulder.

The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide a compilation of information regarding scapular anatomy and function. The paper is organized into four chapters. Chapter one discusses the phylogenetic and embryological development of the …

Muscleworks: A Computer-Assisted Study Tool For Muscle Function And Anatomy, Neil H. Otto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report reviews the advantages and disadvantages of computer assisted instruction (CAl), the criteria for justifying CAl development and examples of CAl in anatomy. Basic information regarding representative software packages is provided. A detailed description of MuscleWorks, the author's Appleworks-based data base of the muscular system is given, which includes justification, applications, and step-by-step instructions for most effective use. Sample questions and answers are provided. Printouts of each screen display utilized in the given examples are also furnished.

The author concludes that no other software package closely resembling MuscieWorks is currently being marketed, and that use of the …

An Analysis And Prediction Of A Patient-Focused Health Care Delivery System On The Practice Of Physical Therapy, Stephen M. Rood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to look at physical therapy's role within a new health care delivery system called patient-focused care (FCC). It supplies information on the status of our current health care industry and offers overwhelming support on requests for change. There is a comprehensive, comparative analysis of the current health care delivery system and that of the new experimental patient-focused health care delivery system. It offers a comparison of six major components in each model, such as physical structure, reporting structure, and process and procedures in job description, plans of care, scheduling, and cross training. Finally, …

A Comparison Of Concentric And Eccentric Resistance Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Mark A. Romanick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was undertaken to determine whether concentric or eccentric muscle action was more likely to induce muscle hypertrophy when exposed to a prolonged heavy resistance exercise program. Fifteen males and 14 females who were not currently or recently involved in a heavy resistance training program for the lower extremities were selected for the study. One group (n = 10) exercised in a concentric fashion, another group (n = 9) exercised in an eccentric fashion, and a third group (n = 10) served as a control group, performing no resistive exercise. The exercising subjects performed three sets of 10 repetitions …

Fantasy Proneness And Psychological Coping, Kenneth D. Huff

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, objective measures of self-esteem, satisfaction with life, trait anxiety, and schizotypal psychopathology were administered to 493 subjects representing the full range of fantasy proneness as determined by their scores on the Inventory of Childhood Memories and Imaginings (ICMI); in addition, subjects selected for high, medium, and low levels of fantasy proneness were administered measures of state anxiety and coping skills during a stressful laboratory condition. This was done in order to contribute to the construct validity of fantasy proneness and to provide empirical inquiry into the nature of fantasy proneness as a psychological coping strategy.

In replication …

The Effects Of Chronic Migraine And Tension Headache On Neuropsychological Functioning, Kerri J. Lamberty

Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to examine possible neuropsychological deficits in migraine and tension headache subjects. Past research has been inconclusive, with some studies indicating that chronic migraine headache sufferers do exhibit some neuropsychological deficits such as short-term memory difficulties, gross motor slowing, and verbal memory deficits, while other studies have indicated that no deficits are seen in this group Also examined were headache precipitant and headache-related behaviors that these groups partake in when experiencing headache pain. Past research has suggested that migraine headache sufferers tend to deal with their headache pain differently than tension headache sufferers.

Ninety undergraduate psychology …

Literature Review And Critique Of Shoulder Training Programs For Increasing Throwing Velocity Of The Baseball Pitcher, Ronald K. Mimaki

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is a literature review of the principles of training and a critique of the shoulder strength training programs for increasing the throwing velocity of the baseball pitcher. In addition, a sport specific movement analysis, based on biomechanics, physiology and kinesiology of the baseball overhand pitch will be examined. The critique will be based on the principles of training reviewed earlier and a sport specific movement analysis. Finally, a proposal of a potential training program and possible topics for research will be discussed.

Security And Involvement In The Parent-Adolescent Relationship, Susan J. Thompson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was the investigation of the dynamics which occur in relationships between parents and their adolescent children. Two hundred and eighty-four adolescents from local high schools were surveyed using the Acquaintance Description Form for Adolescents. They were also asked to take home the Parental Response Questionnaire for their parents to complete. Of these, responses were received from one hundred and seven parents.

Previous research has suggested that differences exist between relationships maintained by adolescent children and their mothers and fathers, particularly on the variables of security and involvement. Fathers have traditionally been described as less secure …

Affect, Cognition And Attention In The Chronic Alcohol Abuser: A Hemispheric Laterality Perspective, Edward P. Kehrwald

Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigated the performance of chronic alcohol abusers and controls on attention, memory, cognition, and emotion from a hemispheric laterality perspective. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between these variables and their role in processing of experiences. Measures which are believed to be predominantly a function of the right hemisphere were explored in some depth.

The subjects in the experimental group were chronic alcohol abusers recently admitted to an inpatient addiction facility. The subjects in the control group were volunteers from the community who d1d not have any significant alcohol problem. Only right-handed males …

Adult Age Differences In Recall And Reading Times For Prose, Dee Rene Ramsel

Theses and Dissertations

One strategy used by good college-age readers is to spend additional time viewing or reading information which is relevant to their goals or purpose in reading. Additional viewing time of goal-relevant information then presumably leads to superior retention of this information, at the expense of information which is irrelevant to the reader's goals. One way to detect different strategies used by younger and older readers is to measure how much viewing time readers allot to goal-relevant information and how much of this information is recalled. Relevant information can be designated as that material which contains answers to previously-memorized questions or …

Preferences For Male Or Female Counselors As Related To Student-Counselee Sex, Grade Level, Type Of Presenting Concern And Self-Esteem, Mary Jane Sullivan

Theses and Dissertations

Problem: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the selected variables of student-counselee -- sex, grade level, and self-esteem -- and the preference for a male or a female counselor by types of presenting concerns.

Procedure: The subjects of this study consisted of 375 students, 189 males and 186 females, enrolled in a junior-senior high school in a rural community in north central Minnesota The subjects were all adolescents in grades seven through twelve, inclusive. The sample size for each grade level ranged from a minimum of sixty to a maximum of sixty-nine.

The instruments used …