Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Investigating The Influence Of Pre-Theoretical Assumptions On Clinical Reasoning, Barbara R. Hooper

Masters Theses

This study explored what internal beliefs a therapist holds about the nature of reality and how those beliefs influence how he/she delivers occupational therapy. A single-case study design was utilized. Data were collected from three in-depth interviews and observation of multiple treatment sessions.

The results suggest that this therapist's view of the world could be categorized into four areas: (1) What she believed about ultimate reality; (2) What she believed about life, death and eternity; (3) What she believed about human nature; and (4) What she believed about the nature of knowing. The study also suggests that this core world-view …

The Effects Of Muscle Tone On Shoulder Pain In The Post-Cva Population, Jane Ubben, Kim Moyle

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were to determine whether post-CVA hemiplegic shoulder pain is related to hypertonicity, whether muscle tone of the shoulder differed between patients with pain and those without, and to determine whether a relationship exists between hypotonicity or hypertonicity and amount of range of motion (ROM), glenohumeral subluxation, or sensory disturbances, in those who experience pain. Data was analyzed for significance using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks Test, Mann-Whitney U-Test, Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests ({dollar}\alpha{dollar} = 05). Review of l09 charts revealed a significant relationship between ROM limitations and pain. ROM limitations were significantly related to …

The Effect Of Immobilization On Grip Strength And Pinch Strength In Normal Subjects, Bonni L. Kinne

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a one-week period of immobilization resulted in a significant decrease in the grip strength and/or pinch strength of normal subjects.; The participants in this investigation were right-handed females between the ages of 21 and 45. Throughout the one-week period between the pre-test and post-test, each subject assigned to the experimental group had her left hand immobilized in a cast. During the pre-test and post-test, all of the subjects had their left hands tested for grip strength and pinch strength. A separate unpaired t-test was then calculated for grip strength measured with …

Administration Of The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency To Healthy 25 To 30 Year Old Males, M. Michelle Butler, Vanessa L. Koschtial

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the standards of performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-S) of healthy males from 25 to 30 years of age. Although the BOT-S was developed and standardized on children, this test is used by physical therapists to assess adult patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The BOT-S evaluates both gross and fine motor control. Reliability and validity of the BOT-S have been established on children 4.5 to 14.5 years of age. This study estimated standard scores for 25 to 30 year old males on the BOT-S.; This study was …

Physical Therapists' Views Of Certified Athletic Trainers In The Clinical Setting, Leah Parizon, Andrew Snyder

Masters Theses

Since certified athletic trainers began working in the clinical setting alongside physical therapists, there has been controversy between the two professions concerning the utilization of the ATCs. Although views of ATCs from the PTs' perspective have been speculated, there has been no conclusive research on this topic. The purpose of this study was to find out how physical therapists in the state of Michigan view ATCs in the clinical setting. The Health Team Stereotype Scale, which was developed by Dr. Harry Parker, was used to determine the PTs' attitudes toward the ATCs. There was a return rate of 47.4% (N …

A Survey Of Clinical Applications And Outcome Assessment Procedures For Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization Exercise Training, Brenda Engels, Carrie Patterson, Mary Beth Sawinski

Masters Theses

The San Francisco Spine Institute (SFSI) Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization (DLMS) Program is a comprehensive, non-operative treatment approach to lumbar spine dysfunction. This program is implemented in physical therapy clinics nationwide.; The purpose of this study was to compare DLMS treatment concepts and methods used by Michigan rehabilitation professionals with the SFSI protocol. Forty-nine clinicians were interviewed using a questionnaire developed by the investigators. The areas surveyed included: clinicians' rationale for use and implementation of DLMS training, and clinicians' assessment of patient functional outcomes.; The survey responses suggest that clinicians focus on orthopedic evaluation parameters and low back pain management …

Differences In Job Satisfaction Between Contract And Directly Employed Physical Therapists, Valerie Stonehouse, Nicole Vanderberg

Masters Theses

This research study explores the possible differences in general job satisfaction between contracted physical therapists and directly employed physical therapists. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was sent to contract and directly employed therapists who fulfilled the following criteria: working in an acute care setting, working at that particular job for at least six months but no more than two years, and working in the profession for at least six months. A total of 200 surveys were mailed to therapists in the state of Michigan with 17 surveys being returned by contracted therapists and 34 from directly employed therapists, for a 25.5% …

Efficacy Of Implementing An Ergonomics Program In An Industrial Setting Regarding Cumulative Trauma Disorders To The Upper Extremity, Christa Abraham, Lisa Evans, Patrick Hoban

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of an industrial ergonomics program would decrease the number of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders, lost days of work, and insurance costs. Data was collected from company records and OSHA logs including type of injury, lost days of work, restricted days of work, and insurance costs. This data was then analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.; The results of this study supported the concept that ergonomic programs may decrease the number of lost days of work. In this study, a number of limitations and weak correlations were found between …

Professional Inter-Rater & Client Self Report Reliability Of The Environmental Section Of The Functional Assessment Of The Elderly, Stacie J. Bronkema, Amy M. Haan, Julie L. Johnston

Masters Theses

Health care needs of the growing elderly population place a great demand on the health care system. Information regarding a client's function is essential in geriatric care. Therefore, continuing research to develop reliable functional evaluation tools is imperative. One functional evaluation tool available to health care professionals is Functional Assessment of the Elderly (FAE). The purpose of this study is to examine the professional inter-rater and client self report reliability of the environmental section of FAE.; A random sample of 18 subjects was obtained. Subjects were required to be age 60 and older, and clients of the West Michigan area …

Comparisons Of Performance On The Short Form Of The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency Between 14-Year-Old Children And 18 To 24-Year-Old Adults, Jenny Eshleman, Elizabeth Michmershuizen, Jennifer Zackrison

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the need for normative data for adults on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). This was determined by finding differences in performance between the 18 to 24-year-old adults from this study and the 14-year-olds from the original study.; A sample of 33 females and 30 males were administered the Short Form (SF) of the BOTMP. Mean scores and standard deviations were computed from the raw scores of the subjects. These values were compared by t-test among the subjects of this study, and to the original sample of 14-year old children. The …

Postural Sway In Elderly Females During The Six Sensory Conditions Of The Clinical Test For Sensory Interaction In Balance, Selena Horner, Gregory Vidro, Deborah Wildenhaus

Masters Theses

This study was designed to quantify postural sway in healthy elderly females during the Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance. Sixteen females who ranged in age from 65 to 83 participated. Each individual performed three trials of the test on the Balance Master{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar}, which recorded percent postural sway area. Sway values from the third trial were used in data analysis.; Using a repeated measures ANOVA (F(5,75) = 33.38, p {dollar}<{dollar}.01), statistical significance was found between conditions. The post hoc Tukey's determined increased postural sway in conditions 5 and 6 (M = 1.8175 and 1.7425 respectively, p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). Results indicated postural sway increased with intersensory conflict (altered somatosensation and altered or eliminated vision) leading to the conclusion that healthy elderly females relied heavily on somatosensory and visual input for maintenance of standing balance.

The Delineation Of Factors Influencing Physical Therapists To Accept A Position At A Rural Hospital In Michigan, Jon A. Cummings, Matthew E. Flynn, E. J. Miller

Masters Theses

This descriptive study seeks to identify the primary factors influencing physical therapists to accept a position as a physical therapist (P.T.) at a rural hospital in the state of Michigan and is designed to enhance the body of knowledge regarding rural hospital recruitment of physical therapists. Of the 63 rural hospitals in Michigan, (rural as defined by the Michigan Hospital Association), 55 agreed to participate in this study. One hundred and twenty-three questionnaires were distributed. Eighty-three were completed and returned to obtain a 67% response rate. Frequency distribution, cluster and factor analysis, coefficient alpha, multivariate analysis of variance and the …

Symptoms And Self-Concept Alterations With And Without Cognitive Rehabilitation 2 - 5 Years After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Rebecca H. Veltman

Masters Theses

This study examined adaptation in physical symptoms, role functioning, and self concept 2-5 years after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). The effects of outpatient cognitive rehabilitation were also analyzed. Roy's Adaptation Model provided a framework for this study. Subjects (n = 164) were surveyed about role function, physical post-concussion symptoms, and self concept. Sixty-six subjects returned the completed survey. Subjects reported problems with memory (33%), tiredness (29%), depression (27%), and concentration (26%). The number of new symptoms and the social score were inversely related (r = {dollar}-{dollar}.5854, p =.001). Self Concept as measured on the Tennessee Self Concept Scale (TSCS) …

Physical Therapists' Perceived Risk For Contracting The Hepatitis B Virus, Patricia Rohrs, Jill Slagal

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine whether physical therapists' perceived risks for contracting hepatitis B had a significant effect on the acceptance or rejection of the hepatitis B vaccine. Knowledge and compliance with Universal Precautions was also explored.; The sample consisted of 122 physical therapists employed by general hospitals in Michigan which were greater than 200 beds with five or more therapists on staff. The participants completed a 26 item questionnaire.; The results indicated that 100% of the respondents were aware of the hospital's Universal Precautions policies. Only 22.5% did not always carry them out in cases where they should. …

Physical Therapy Students' Views Of Preparation To Practice Under Direct Access, Kristina Scheuneman, Lana Tubman

Masters Theses

Education must keep pace with the trend toward nationwide direct access to physical therapy. This study surveyed students in their final year of an entry-level master's degree program to determine if they feel prepared to practice under direct access upon graduation. Only 34-38% of the students felt prepared to practice under direct access.; The main factor that influenced their low perceptions of preparation was the amount of clinical affiliation experience remaining. Other factors, such as direct access status of the state in which the students were educated and most skills and knowledge related to direct access, did not correspond with …

Entry-Level Master's Vs Bachelor's Degree In Physical Therapy: Employers' Perspectives On Hiring And Promoting, Michele Elisa Klukos, Tracy Errol Mobley, Melissa Ann Monken

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a perceived advantage among employers in holding a particular entry-level degree in physical therapy when seeking employment or when being considered for promotion to an administrative/supervisory position. The investigators tested two separate hypotheses: (1) There is no perceived advantage among employers in holding an entry-level master's degree when seeking employment as a staff physical therapist, and (2) There is a perceived advantage among employers in holding an entry-level master's degree when being considered for promotion to an administrative/supervisory position. The investigators sent a questionnaire to the director/supervisor of rehabilitation …

Minority Student Recruitment And Retention Efforts By Physical Therapy Schools In The United States, Julie Deboer, Brooke Nyssen

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine whether schools that attempt to recruit and retain minority students have greater numbers of minority applicants, enrollees, or graduates when compared to schools that make no efforts. We surveyed 125 physical therapy programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in the United States. We determined what efforts were used most often. Athletic screening and using alumni were associated with a higher number of minority applicants. No efforts were associated with greater minority enrollment. Tutoring was associated with higher numbers of minority graduates. However, we found no …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Risk Factors Among Hand Therapists, Suzanne Makielski

Masters Theses

The following study examined the presence of risk factors among hand therapists for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. A review of the literature indicated a significant relationship between the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome and manual workers whose occupational tasks involve repetitive wrist and hand movements. Hand therapists were characterized as manual workers while possessing specialized knowledge and skill in the evaluation and treatment of hand and wrist disorders. Biomechanical analysis of various "hands on" techniques revealed repetitive wrist and hand movements including the use of force and increased risk for injury associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. In order to determine …

The Effect Of Computer-Assisted Instruction On The Development Of Diagnostic Reasoning Skills Among Occupational Therapy Students, Judith Lynn Freeman

Masters Theses

Diagnostic reasoning is an essential feature of the occupational therapy treatment process. Acquisition of diagnostic reasoning skills is difficult for students, however, because of paradoxical developmental limitations faced during transition from classroom to clinical learning environments. Educators in pre-professional occupational therapy curriculums are searching for educational methods to prepare students for diagnostic reasoning tasks inherent in practice.

This experimental study compared a computer-simulated diagnostic reasoning activity with a more traditional case study reviewing activity in terms of effect on accuracy of problem identification among occupational therapy students. Results found no significant difference between the effect of computer-assisted instruction and case …

The Use Of Activity Analysis By Occupational Therapists In Treatment Decisions, Hiromi Yoshikawa

Masters Theses

The use of activity analysis in occupational therapy daily practice was examined by survey. One hundred occupational therapists who serve as fieldwork educations received survey forms with thirty seven usable questionnaires being returned. The study found that all therapists were doing activity analysis as a mental process; however, only 2 therapists were using a written activity analysis form in their daily practice. Most subjects indicated that activity analysis is important to occupational therapy but that formal activity analysis is too time consuming. Several therapists recognized the benefits of completing formal activity analysis. The respondents identified selecting activities for treatment which …

Attitudes Of Occupational Therapy Students Toward The Mentally Disabled, Patricia Mccarthy

Masters Theses

Thirty-nine undergraduate occupational therapy and fifty-seven entry-level graduate occupational therapy students from eight randomly selected academic programs were surveyed using the Opinions About Mental Illness Scales ([OMI], Cohen and Struening, 1959) and the Mental Health Information Questionnaire ([MHIQ], Nunnally, 1961). Results revealed that both student groups’ knowledge toward the mentally disabled was more similar to the general public’s knowledge. Using a one-tailed t-test to compare the MHIQ factors revealed there was no statistically significant difference between the occupational therapy student groups.

Both student groups’ OMI factor scores were similar to an expert group for Factors A B, and D; however, …

Isokinetic Measurement Of Sagittal Plane Trunk Strength In Older Adults, Ralph L. Bidwell, Jill E. Thauvette, Patrick A. Townshend

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to collect normal flexion and extension trunk strength values for a population of individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 years of age. Twelve female and eight male volunteers in generally good health were tested in a seated position using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Each performed five reciprocal maximal efforts of concentric flexion-extension cycles at the three isokinetic speeds of 60, 120 and 180{dollar}\sp\circ{dollar}/s. Raw and body weight adjusted data for peak torque and total work were analyzed. Results suggest strength decreases with age and that extension strength is greater than flexion strength. …

Functional Outcomes Of Workman's Compensation Patients With Sub-Acute Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Descriptive Retrospective Study With Post-Treatment Follow-Up, Dan Peterson, Kirk Randall, Rex Holden

Masters Theses

This study used functional outcomes of workman's compensation (WC) patients with low back pain (LBP) to examine the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) treatments within a Functional Restoration Program (FRP). Of the 46 possible participants, 16 patients (10 males and 6 females) with mean ages of 43.2 and 39 years respectively, returned the questionnaire with information pertaining to current working status, patient preferred treatments, management of pain, psychosocial issues, work simulation, home exercise program compliance and back care education among others. Due to the pausity of subjects, the data is not clinically applicable. However, the results of this study appear …

Lounge Chair Criteria For The Elderly, Edna M. I. Bosco

Masters Theses

This study investigated relationships between lounge chair design, functional positioning and comfort for the elderly. Thirty-five elderly residents from two local congregate living residences were assessed utilizing lounge chairs located at the residence. Measurements of the chairs were taken, coded and compared to specific norms established by Harris and Mayfield (1983b). Measurements consisted of armrest dimensions, seat depth and height, seat slope, and backrest dimensions. Each chair was scored based on the number of recommended standards for comfort met in the Harris and Mayfield research (1983b).

Frequency counts were taken and descriptive data collected and analyzed to determine relationships between …

Training Of Elementary Education Teachers In Physical Management Of Students With Physical Disabilities, Laura L. Gregory, Marnie S. Wittenbach

Masters Theses

This study was designed to examine what training regular elementary teachers receive and need in the physical management of students with physical disabilities who have been mainstreamed into their classrooms. This study also attempted to determine when this training should be provided. A questionnaire was sent to 57 teachers within two counties and forty-one were returned and utilized. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the following areas: (a) demographics, (b) competency in physical management, (c) knowledge of diagnoses, (d) knowledge of medications, and (e) need and support for training in physical management. The data was analyzed using the …

Effects Of Ankle Foot Orthosis Application On Standing Balance In The Elderly, Jeralyn J. Gray, Tammy L. Krueger, Denise K. Krynicki

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in balance as measured by the Balance Master{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar}as a result of ankle foot orthoses (AFO) application to a sample population. Data from trials with AFO and without AFO were obtained from six men and twelve women ages 65-79. Paired T-tests were used to analyze data for areas of significance. Significant areas included rhythmic weight shifting (right/left), limits of stability (LOS) forward direction, LOS right forward direction, and LOS backward direction with p values ranging from p = 0.0048 to p = 0.0451. AFO application may have altered the range of motion …

Physical Therapists' Knowledge And Perceptions Of Patient Care Team Meeting Styles In The Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Neisha Dickman, Christine Ritsema, Brenda Warner

Masters Theses

This study was designed to analyze what types of team meetings are being utilized for patient care in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. It was also designed to look at physical therapists' knowledge of the criteria that differentiates the interdisciplinary team approach from the multidisciplinary team approach. A perceptual questionnaire was sent to physical therapists involved in the inpatient rehabilitation setting in the State of Michigan. Only 1.7% of the physical therapists are involved in a true interdisciplinary team. The other respondents reported that their teams have some characteristics of both the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team approach. However, when asked what …

Information Obtained Regarding Pre-Employment Contracts By Physical Therapists In Michigan, Cindy Clapp, Teri Culver, Pamela Thelen

Masters Theses

Pre-employment contracts, which offer financial assistance to students in exchange for a work commitment after graduation, are becoming a popular means of recruitment in physical therapy. Concerns about contracts include limited student knowledge and preparation prior to signing a contract. The purpose of this study was to examine physical therapy students' preparation prior to committing to a pre-employment contract. Questionnaires were mailed to 225 randomly selected Michigan healthcare facilities, surveying graduates of 1988 through 1992 about pre-employment contracts. Sixty questionnaires were analyzed representing 31 identified facilities. Thirty-three percent signed a contract. Prior to signing a contract most respondents did not …

Utilization Of Community Based Health Care Services By The Well Elderly, Rachelle Hesselberg, Kristen Wagner, Yolanda Zimmerman

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if the elderly used community based health care services, to which they had been referred, following discharge from an acute hospital stay. The sample consisted of twenty elderly recruited from various senior centers in the West Michigan area. Of the respondents surveyed, 18 out of 20 were Caucasian. The average age of respondents was 73 years old. Of the services surveyed, all were under utilized by our sample except those in the clinic. An 18-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to the participants. Results from the data implied that it was more …

The Psychological Types Of Physical Therapy Administrators, Heather Despres, Kelly Myers, Sue Woods

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution of psychological types among physical therapy administrators. Our random sample was taken from the membership roster of the Section on Administration of the American Physical Therapy Association. We used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to assess psychological types and a demographic questionnaire to collect data on the administrators.; The most common psychological types among the participants (n = 45) were found to be ISFJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, INTJ, and ENTJ, respectively. Although no explicitly predominant type was found, a clear preference toward judging (J) was noted.