Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hamstring Tendons As Autograft Replacements In Acl Reconstructions: A Review Of The Literature, Jason Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hamstring tendons have gained a great deal of acceptance in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in the 1990's, but some misconceptions concerning the ability of hamstring grafts to successfully replace ruptured ACLs still exist. More surgeons are using hamstring tendons to reconstruct ACL-deficient knees because their harvest does not disrupt the extensor mechanism of the knee. Enthusiasts of the hamstring graft believe that it promotes quicker return of quadriceps strength and knee range of motion without a prevalence of postoperative pateIIofemoral symptoms.

The purpose of this review is to dispute the concerns that exist concerning the initial tensile strength, …

A Review Of Physical Therapy Intervention In The Healing Of Wounds, Stephanie Bertsch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Treatment of chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers or arterial-insufficient ulcers, are commonly seen in health care today. Wound treatment is advancing and physical therapists are using modalities in the intervention to hasten wound healing. Electrical stimulation and ultrasound have been established through clinical studies as effective modalities for the treatment of wound healing. The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze current literature about physical therapy and wound care. This paper will discuss an overview of the anatomy of skin, physiology of wound healing, documentation of wounds, and physical therapy intervention with emphasis on electrical stimulation and …

Physical Therapy Evaluation Techniques For Determination Of Psychological Factors Affecting Low Back Pain, John Brandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain continues to represent the leading musculoskeletal cause of disability in the United States and is the most frequently reported condition for which people receive outpatient physical therapy. In several of these instances, evaluation reveals no known pathological cause for a patient's symptoms. Studies have shown that psychological factors can play a role in the presentation of low back pain. In order to effect treatment, assessment tools are needed that can be utilized by physical therapists to identify the presence of these psychological factors. The purpose of this literature review is to outline methods of assessment that the …

Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence, Megan D. Boyd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which involuntary loss of urine is a social and hygienic problem and is objectively demonstrable, affecting around 13 million adult Americans. In the past, many people suffering from incontinence never sought help. They may have been too embarrassed to speak out, and instead, ultimately restricted their lifestyle in order to accommodate their incontinence or they were unaware that there is help available in their community.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) established guidelines for the treatment of urinary incontinence in 1992 with an update in 1996. These guidelines state that, except …

A Comparison Of A Traditional Training Program To The Sports Acceleration Program® In Improving An Athlete's Speed, Quickness, Agility, Strength, And Power, Brian Borchardt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare a traditional training program to the Sports Acceleration Program® (SAP) in regards to the ability to improve an athlete's speed, quickness, agility, strength and power.

Methods. Twenty-four high school football players from Fargo South High (FSH)(Fargo, ND) participated in this study. Ten subjects served as the control group and participated in the FSH summer strength and conditioning program. The remaining 14 subjects were included in the experimental group and participated in the SAP. All subjects underwent seven weeks of training in their respective programs, precluded and followed by testing on performance …

A Comparison Study Of Strength Training Outcomes Between Progressive Resistive Training And Regressive Resistive Training, Carrie Brossart

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in strength training outcomes between the progressive resistive program and the regressive resistive program. The subjects consisted of 14 students at the University of North Dakota. They were randomly assigned to either the progressive or regressive group and performed their respective training two times per week for five weeks. Each subject was tested prior to beginning the program and after finishing the program. These pretest and posttest values were compared to determine strength gains. A paired samples t-test was used to determine that each group had significant …

A Survey: Frequency Of Spondylolysis Or Spondylolisthesis In Young Athletes, Kara D. Dewhirst

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this survey research is to survey male and female high school varsity track athletes regarding the occurrence of low back pain, and then correlating the occurrence of a spondylolysis and/or spondylolisthesis with athletic involvement in the sport of track. A questionnaire was sent to 115 high school varsity track athletes in varsity track programs in the state of North Dakota. Only those athletes who participate in high jump, pole vault, discus, shot put, javelin, and 400M sprints or shorter were asked to take part in the survey.

The survey results were unable to answer the research question …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Michelle M. Fox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A limited amount of research has been done on the hockey treadmill and on the response of hockey players to individualized exercise programs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and knee of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill.

METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 25 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used simultaneously.

RESULTS: There was …

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Minimizing Deformity And Preserving Function In The Hand, Cindy Gillespie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of the synovial joints. The hand and wrist are the most commonly involved. The disease is characterized by pain, inflammation, limited range of motion, and destruction of bone and articular structures. In the later stages of RA, the person usually exhibits deformity of the affected joints. This can result in the inability to use the hand in a functional manner.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately one percent of the population. A person with RA usually has increased medical expenses. It is likely that the person will experience a loss of productivity and income due …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Kari Jo Guttormson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A limited amount of research has been done on the hockey treadmill and on the response of hockey players to individualized exercise programs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and knee of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill.

METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 25 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used simultaneously.

RESULTS: There was …

An Electromyographic Study Of Backward Walking In Normals And In Subjects Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Matthew Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy strives to incorporate innovative and efficient protocols for rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Research supports the benefits of closed kinetic chain exercises (distal segment of extremity is fixed) over the traditional open kinetic chain exercises (distal segment not fixed). It is theorized that backward walking on inclined surfaces will recruit the knee musculature to a greater extent than forward walking, but there is little research to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to utilize electromyography during treadmill walking to analyze the muscle activity in the lower extremity of individuals were normal and who …

The Effect Of Hippotherapy On Sitting Balance In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Theresa A. Jurgens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hippotherapy programs have grown rapidly since 1969, when the first center opened in the United States. Despite the growing enthusiasm for hippotherapy in North America, research regarding the efficacy of hippotherapy is not well documented. Literature that pertains to the therapeutic benefits of hippotherapy consists primarily of descriptive articles containing subjective reports of riding instructors, riders, parents, and therapists. Hippotherapy is proposed to develop neuromuscular control, facilitate posture, elicit righting and equilibrium reactions, provide vestibular input, and improve psychological wellbeing. While these descriptive articles have identified variables to be empirically studied, few investigators have documented the therapeutic effects of hippotherapy. …

An Electromyographic Study Of Forward And Backward Walking In Normals And In Subjects Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Christopher C. Kraemer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy strives to incorporate innovative and efficient protocols for rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Research supports the benefits of closed kinetic chain exercises (distal segment of extremity is fixed) over the traditional open kinetic chain exercises (distal segment not fixed). It is theorized that backward walking on inclined surfaces will recruit the knee musculature to a greater extent than forward walking, but there is little research to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to utilize electromyography during treadmill walking to analyze the muscle activity in the lower extremity of individuals were normal and who …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Within The Field Of Physical Therapy, Dawn M. Leidholm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Musculoskeletal injuries are frequently reported in the health care industry; an increasing number of physical therapists are affected. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and job factors within the field of physical therapy. A four page questionnaire was sent to 418 randomly selected individuals who graduated from the University of North Dakota Physical Therapy Program between 1970 and 1996. The survey instrument was derived from a literature review and previously conducted studies. It consisted of three sections: general practice, occupational injury, and demographic information. The highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was …

Physical Therapy Outcomes In Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Tammy Reis

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A retrospective review of data gathered by the physical therapists at this facility was performed and statistically analyzed to ascertain the clinical and functional effectiveness of treatment. This outcomes analysis will assist in illumination of practice patterns and provide a measure of clinical effectiveness for The St. Alexius Institute of Sports Medicine. The results of this study will be useful as an internal measure as well as an informative tool for …

Exercise And Pregnancy: A Guide For Health Care Professionals, Stacy L. Ripplinger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Health and fitness has become nationwide trends resulting in people of all ages making wiser choices regarding nutrition and exercise. Pregnant women are also participating in this fitness revolution to help ease the discomforts of pregnancy, maintain fitness levels, and regain their shape after delivery. These women often turn to health care providers, including physical therapists, for guidance. The purpose of this independent study, accomplished by a review of the literature, is to provide physical therapists and general health care practitioners an overview of maternal body changes, nutritional requirements, and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, and how these factors …

Aquatic Physical Therapy Techniques For Neurologic Symptoms, Jennifer Skjefte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic physical therapy (APT) has been defined as a comprehensive therapeutic approach that benefits a person physically, emotionally, and psychologically through active participation in an individualized pool program. The purpose of this study is to review the literature regarding aquatic therapy and neurologic symptoms to provide physical therapy students and professionals with techniques and exercises that can be used to treat persons who present with neurologic disorders.

The history of hydrotherapy, the relative properties of water, the contraindications, precautions, and indications of aquatic exercise, and the definitions and treatments of specific neurologic symptoms will be addressed. The symptom specific techniques …

Personality And Practice Settings, Glen K. Teramoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The field of physical therapy has had substantial growth this decade and is considered one of the best career choices. One reason for this growth is the implementation of physical therapy in new settings. Physical therapists are no longer restricted to the traditional hospitals and rehabilitation settings as choices. Today, physical therapists can choose to practice in more dynamic settings such as the public school system, sports acceleration and rehabilitation facilities, aqua-therapy, hippotherapy, and industrial facilities. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between personality traits and the practice settings for the University of …

Evaluating The Effects Of A Stretching Routine On The Peak Torque Of The Hamstrings, Christopher Thorson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stretching has long been an accepted method of enhancing one's performance in most athletic events. However, while there has been other research performed on the subject of stretching benefits, there has been very little research found in the area of muscle performance being positively affected by stretching. In this study, 19 male subjects between the ages of 18 and 25 with no previous knee pathology volunteered to have their knee flexion torque tested on a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer. They were tested once with prior hamstring stretching and once without prior hamstring stretching. There was no significant difference found between the …

Visual Impairment And Its Affects On Gross Motor Development: A Literature Review And Implications For Physical Therapy, Jodi A. Toenjes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Visual impairment, or blindness, in the pediatric population has been shown to affect several key areas of gross motor development. Many of these areas can be positively influenced by physical therapy techniques. However, some physical therapy curriculums do not teach this topic of study because the prevalence of blindness is low. The purpose of this study is to develop a teaching manual that will provide the physical therapist with specific exercises, activities, and helpful hints that will facilitate the treatment of a patient with blindness in a pediatric setting.

The manual includes information regarding common mannerisms of the blind population …

Gynecological Factors Related To Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Women, Melissa Tuominen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Current literature has just begun to look at gynecology and obstetrics beyond the point of pregnancy and into the realm of sports medicine. Clinical research is starting to determine that female athletes may be predisposed to musculosketal injuries because of regular hormonal fluctuations. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between ACL injuries in females and a specific phase of their menstrual cycle. Survey's were mailed to 52 female patients who had undergone ACL reconstructive surgery within the past year. Twenty-five (48%) of the women completed and mailed back the survey. A majority of …

Differential Diagnosis And Conservative Treatment For Cervical And Lumbar Radiculopathies, Scott Kurtz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Back and neck pain are common afflictions affecting millions of Americans every year. The economic impact of these impairments is billions of dollars annually. Although less than 5 percent of patients with pain in the lumbar spine experience radiculopathies, patients with radiculopathies still make up a considerable number of the clients seen by physical therapists. Correct diagnosis and treatment of these disorders is vital in limiting the length of time people are disabled. In order to improve the outcomes of conservative treatment, a proper understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine is requisite along with knowledge of the …

Video Of Adapted Techniques To Overcome The Physical Deficits Of Children With Visual Impairments, Amy Skalsky

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Blindness is a disability with far reaching effects. Many of these effects are physical and can be seen clinically in children who have been blind for much, or all, of their lives. As physical therapists, we have the technical skills to assist in reducing the effects of the functional deficits that are associated with blindness. However, we are often unaware of these deficits, or have trouble adapting our treatment techniques to fit the needs of children who are blind or have visual impairments.

The purpose of this study is to provide a video that will demonstrate techniques that are specially …

The Effect Of Various Shoulder And Elbow Positions On Grip Strength, Melanie Wentz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study investigated the effect of various shoulder and elbow positions on grip strength in 42 subjects. Both dominant and non-dominant upper extremities were tested using the Jamar dynamometer. The subjects were tested in the following positions while standing: 1) 90 degrees shoulder flexion and 90 degrees elbow flexion, 2) 90 degrees shoulder flexion and full elbow extension, 3) 90 degrees shoulder abduction and 90 degrees elbow flexion, and 4) 90 degrees shoulder abduction and full elbow extension. A repeated-measures ANOVA showed that shoulder and elbow position does significantly (p<.05) affect grip strength. A significant difference between genders was found for each position and hand dominance was significant (p<.05) for position 2. Both males and females were strongest with their shoulder in 90 degrees of flexion. The findings suggest that 90 degrees of shoulder flexion may be more of a position of function than 90 degrees of abduction. When measuring grip strength, position of testing and gender are two important variables to consider when trying to help patients attain their highest grip strength score.

A Review Of Periodization Of Strength And Its Clinical Implications To Physical Therapy, John Andrew

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently no literature or studies in the physical therapy profession explore the use of periodization of strength principles. Therefore, the purpose of this independent study will be to perform a literature review of periodization of strength and how these training concepts are applicable to physical therapy.

Periodization is a strengthening technique which varies the training stimulus so that continuous gains in strength are accrued. The general progression of training is from low intensity and high volume to high intensity and low volume. To achieve these changes in intensity and volume the number of sets, repetitions, and load is periodically changed. …

An Overview Of Dupuytren's Disease, Michel Burgess

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Dupuytren's disease is defined as a pathologic change in the palmar and digital fascia which often results in a secondary, painless, fibrous, flexion contracture of the digital joints. Normally, the disease process is painless, but a severe contracture of 30° or more at the metacarpophalangeal joint and 15° or more at the proximal interphalangeal joint can interfere with the biomechanics of the hand, preventing the performance of activities of daily living. Though the use of modalities is ineffective as a conservative approach to treat the disease, a therapist can positively affect postoperative rehabilitation outcomes using manual techniques, physical modalities, and …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Shoulder Musculature During Codman's Exercises, Myndi L. Frey

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Codman's exercises are commonly used in physical therapy as a supposed passive shoulder activity to help increase range of motion without causing detrimental damage to the injured tissue or surgical graft. These mild shoulder exercises are often the first exercises used post- operatively. Some clinicians often add a weight to the hand or wrist with the assumption that the distraction will decrease the impingement between the acromion and the shoulder musculature while performing these exercises. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of muscle activity within the shoulder musculature during Codman's exercises with and without the addition …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In Wyoming, Gavin Green

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess physicians' knowledge of and referral patterns for physical therapy. A questionnaire was developed using the scientific literature base as well as input from physical therapy faculty and practicing physicians. Subjects included Wyoming physicians from five specialty areas. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the Wyoming chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Results suggest that physicians as a group are unaware of a significant number of physical therapy services. This study further demonstrated that physicians with better knowledge of …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In North Dakota, Cathy M. Mcmahan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Recent trends in healthcare reinforce the idea that interdisciplinary teams are essential for quality patient care. Optimal team function requires respect and communication among team members as well as knowledge of their roles. The purpose of this ·study is to assess physician knowledge and referral patterns of physical therapy.

Subjects in this study included 200 physicians of varying specialty areas from North Dakota. Physician knowledge and referral patterns were assessed through a questionnaire. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics, and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the North Dakota chapter of the American Physical …

A Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Michael Schielke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this review is to explore the literature regarding sacroiliac joint motion in an attempt to ascertain the extent of movement possible, to describe relevant sacroiliac joint anatomy and joint function, and to review assessment and treatment techniques used with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Sacroiliac joint motion and function have been the subject of much controversy among clinicians who treat low back pain. Because of its location, orientation, and morphology, the sacroiliac joint is a difficult joint to visualize clearly with radiographic procedures, which increases the problems in diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pathology. Although the arthrokinematics of the sacroiliac …