Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Plantar Fasciitis: Etiology And Treatment, Scott Ackman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of inferior heel pain in athletes and non-athletes. The diagnosis for plantar fasciitis is relatively simple due to the distinct nature of the subjective findings. Despite the simplicity of the diagnosis, a thorough history and objective evaluation are essential in order to identify possible etiological factors. The etiology of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial with no one factor present in all cases. Many treatment methods for plantar fasciitis are currently practiced. It is important to note no one treatment method was found to be successful in all cases of plantar fasciitis. In general, research supported …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercises In Post-Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom® Balance Master System, Kelly Adams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case study involved a 61-year-old male post-stroke subject who underwent six weeks of balance training using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NCBM) system.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a six-week training program on a post-stroke individual (> 6 months). Pre- and post-test assessments were conducted utilizing the NCBM protocols and the Berg Balance Scale.

Results: The subject showed improvement in four of five NCBM test conditions-rhythmic weight shifting, sit-to- stand test, walk test, and modified clinical test for sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB) test. Regression was shown in the components of three test …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, Torin Berge

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis we evaluated three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

Etiology And Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Injuries In Baseball Pitchers, Jeff Breyen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rotator cuff injury is one of the most common shoulder problems seen in the baseball pitchers today. The rotator cuff is the primary dynamic stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint and is placed under significant stress during each pitch the player delivers to the plate. Rotator cuff injury and dysfunction in the baseball pitcher may be classified based on etiology as primary impingement, primary tensile overload, instability, and macrotrauma.

The shoulder is a complex joint and proper treatment relies on the physical therapist's knowledge of the anatomy and function of all of the involved structures about the shoulder. The therapist must …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Becky Coy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Shawn Dockter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production between morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) hours. Thirty healthy male subjects between the ages of 21 and 43 were tested during an AM and PM session on the Kin-Com dynamometer. Six concentric isokinetic contractions of the right quadriceps were tested at a speed of 60° Is. The maximal peak torque measurements were compared between the AM and PM sessions to establish the validity of results taken at differing times of day. No significant difference in strength assessment due to time of day was found. The data collected in …

The Effect Of Peripheral Neuropathy On Balance Performance In Community-Dwelling Adults With Type I Diabetes Mellitus, Laura Eckel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Balance is affected by visual, somatosensory, proprioceptive, and vestibular input. Anything that alters one of these elements could potentially cause a decrease in postural stability. One disease which reduces the somatosensory input from the foot and ankles is diabetic neuropathy. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between Type I DM and balance performance, thereby adding to the current knowledge of postural control and the impact, if any, DM has on balance.

Methods: Twenty-five volunteer subjects with Type I DM and 25 age-matched control subjects participated in the study. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used to determine plantar …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Samantha Gould

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study, Darrin Goyn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stroke is the largest single cause of neurologic crippling in the United States, with approximately 550 000 Americans having a new or recurrent stroke each year. The costs associated with strokes are estimated at $30 billion annually. Due to the continuing decline of the health care dollar, stroke rehabilitation units must be designed to reduce functional limitations and disabilities in both a timely and cost effective manner.

The goals of stroke rehabilitation are to reduce functional limitations, prevent complications, educate the patient and family, and improve the patient's quality of life. A proper rehabilitation setting and active participation by the …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Anna Hillig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

The Native American Patient Population: A Guide For Physical Therapists, Carrie Luiken

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

For a physical therapist in the state of North Dakota, it is important to be knowledgeable about the Native American cultures in order to provide the best possible health care. A knowledge of the patient's culture is essential to enhance communication which will help the therapist identify the patient's needs and form a plan of care. Enhanced communication also establishes the physical therapist's credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of the patient.

The purpose of this paper is to orient the physical therapist to some shared aspects of Native American cultures and to provide information to facilitate effective communication between …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Shawn Mccoul

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production in early morning hours to afternoon hours. Thirty male subjects volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to an AM or PM testing session. At least one week after the first test, the subjects completed a similar test in the opposite time slot. Each subject was positioned on the Kin-Com (Chattecx Corp., Chattanooga, 'IN) dynamometer and performed six maximal concentric isokinetic repetitions of knee extension at 600/s between the ROM of 10° and 80° of knee flexion. The AM/PM ratios indicated no significant difference between …

Efficacy Of Dynamic Shoulder Bracing In The Management Of Anterior Shoulder Instability, Kristopher S. Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to add to the orthopaedic body of knowledge regarding the efficacy of dynamic shoulder bracing in the management of anterior shoulder instability. Two fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used for testing. One shoulder was used as the "normal" shoulder, while the other was used as the "unstable" shoulder through the creation of a simulated Bankart lesion. Arthroscopic insertion of radiographic markers allowed for assessment of anterior translation of the humerus through the use of x-rays. X-rays were taken with and without shoulder braces applied with the arm in a 90°/90° position. Descriptive statistics were used …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Michelle Overbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a critical part of daily activities and essential for independent function. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a balance difference between subjects at twelve to sixteen weeks following unilateral knee arthroplasty and normal community dwelling controls. This study measures balance ability using five functional tests from the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system. Twelve subjects between the ages of 65 and 80 were tested. The two case study subjects with total knee replacements were between 12 and 16 weeks post-operatively. The control group consisted often healthy community dwelling adults. Results showed noticeable differences between …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Heather Phillips

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjuction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

Low Back Pain: An Orthopedic Review Of Sacroiliac Joint Etiologic Theories, Key Diagnostic Criteria, And Effective Manual Therapy Treatment, Michael J. Ressler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists commonly evaluate and treat patients with referral of low back pain. There still remains great controversy whether sacroiliac joint dysfunction produces significant pathological problems. It is imperative that the therapist providing the care posses skillful knowledge in the areas of anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, and treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. These characteristics are required in order to effectively treat patients with low back pain possibly resulting from sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

The purpose of this independent study is to review existing literature with primary focus on the anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, and efficacious manual therapy treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Primary …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Cathy Siegfried

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this case study was to evaluate balance of individuals following total knee arthroplasty between 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively using the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system. Two unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) subjects and ten age-matched control subjects participated in the study. All subjects completed a series of five assessments including weight bearing, limits of stability, walk test, step up and over, and sit to stand on the NeuroCom Balance Master® system. Results showed differences in the sit to stand and weight bearing tests with TKA subjects bearing more weight on nonsurgical leg. TKA subjects also differed …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Jill Steinmetz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, James A. Vranna

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis, three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers were evaluated. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Denise Willardsen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production in morning hours (AM) to maximal quadriceps torque production in afternoon hours (PM). Thirty healthy male subjects between the ages of 19 and 45 were tested during an AM and a PM session on the Kin-Com dynamometer. A trial of six concentric isokinetic contractions of the right quadriceps were tested at a speed of 60° Is. The maximal peak torque measurements were compared between the AM and the PM sessions to establish the accuracy of results taken at differing times of the day. No significant difference in strength …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Biana Zearley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

Sexual Dysfunction With Stroke, Scott R. Ziegler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke is one of the most common traumatic diseases in the world today that can lead to death or long-term physiological or psychological disability. The level of disabling features that each person experiences following a CVA can range from barely noticeable signs to the extreme loss of functional ability. Sexual functioning in stroke survivors is an area in the rehabilitation program that has often been overlooked or neglected. Available information and research regarding sexual dysfunction in stroke survivors are also very limited.

The purpose of this study is to examine the problem of sexual …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Carrie Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Teri Parker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour (mph) and 0% grade and at 13 miles per …

An Electromyographic Study Of Associated Musculature While Computer Keyboarding At Different Positions, David E. Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to monitor the level of muscle activity in upper trapezius and forearm musculature of subjects while typing at different keyboarding positions through the use of surface electromyography (EMG).

Methods: Thirteen female and fourteen males took part in this study ranging from 22 to 43 years of age. Subjects were asked to type at four different keyboarding positions (90 degree, 110 degree, Powerboard 1, Powerboard 2). A device called a Powerboard was used for two of the positions tested. Repeated-measures Analysis of Varience statistics were calculated with significance established at p< .05.

Conclusion: The Powerboard …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercise In Post Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom Balance Master® System, James D. Sillanpaa

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A case study was completed on a 51-year-old female who suffered a stroke in 1996 and exhibited left-sided hemiplegia. The case study examined the effects of a six-week balance training program on an individual at least six months post stroke using a force platform system called the NeuroCom Balance Master®. Individuals suffering a stroke often times exhibit deficits in balance due to weakness, sensory loss, impaired righting reflexes, and visuospatial distortion.

The goal of the training program was to improve the subject's balance deficits by focusing on areas of symmetrical weight bearing, weight shifting, and coordination of movement. Initial and …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Tylan P. Schmidt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is a paucity of controlled studies concerning the off-season dryland training of hockey players. PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and hip of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill. METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 21 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 to simultaneously collect kinematic data. RESULTS: There was an overall increase in …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jeremy St. Aubin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare total knee arthroplasties (TKA) to a group of control subjects to see if any balance deviations existed at 12-16 weeks post operatively. Ten normal and two TKA subjects (65-80 years of age) were evaluated with the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system The evaluation consisted of five tests that measured endsway, reaction times and weight bearing characteristics. Ten normal subjects as well as two TKA's took place in this study. The results showed that the TKA's had a decreased reaction time, increased sway and abnormal weight bearing characteristics. In conclusion we see that …

Diet And Exercise-Induced Menstrual Dysfunction In The Female Athlete, Roberta Welp

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In recent years there has been an overwhelming increase in the number of females participating in athletic activities. As members of the sports medicine team, physical therapists must be able to recognize afflictions unique to the female athlete. A cluster of increasingly common disorders has been titled the "female athlete triad." By definition, it is the inter-relatedness of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Clinically, it may include other factors such as excessive exercise, various degrees and forms of menstrual dysfunction, and additional issues such as fractures, scoliosis, and general musculoskeletal injury.

The purpose of this study is to provide information …

North Dakota Needs And Feasibility Assessment For A Statewide Family-To-Family Network, Laurie Betting

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the need and feasibility of a family-to-family network within the state of North Dakota. The model for this family support network would include a process of matching experienced or "veteran" parents or a family member who has a child with a disability with parents or other family members who are just beginning to meet the challenge of a disability within the family.

The research was designed to determine priorities of families with children with disabilities as well as effective methods of recruitment, referral, and training. Furthermore, the research identified agencies and programs …