Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Plyometric And Treadmill Training On Balance And Reaction Time In High School Aged Athletes, Jay R. Armstrong

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

High school athletes ' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and …

The Effect Of TʻAi Chi Chih On Balance And Blood Pressure, Jennifer Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine if rai Chi Chih could be beneficial in a therapeutic setting. More specifically, if balance and blood pressure could be improved in healthy young adults ages 20-39 after a six week rai Chi Chih program. rai Chi Chih is a shorter form of the ancient martial art rai Chi Chuan.

Two research groups were formed consisting of a rai Chi Chih group (n=11) and a walking group (n=7). Each group participated in one hour of either walking or rai Chi Chih three times a week for six weeks. Participants were tested before …

Effects Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Using The Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Jayme M. Bays

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

When individuals have an insult to the vestibular system they often experience symptoms including vertigo, decreased static and dynamic balance, and a decreased ability to participate in activities of daily living. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a "dizzy-specific" questionnaire that was developed in 1990 to measure how dizziness and imbalance affect an individual's quality of life. It is an assessment tool, made up of physical, emotional, and functional sub-scales, that has reliability and is easy to administer and score. The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of a vestibular rehabilitation program, using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, …

Analysis Of Wrist And Elbow Muscle Activity In Compound Versus Traditional Bows With Experienced Archers, Jesse Fuhrer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Archery is becoming more popular as a recreational sport, so it is likely that physical therapists will be seeing more archery-related injuries and will need to know how to treat these athletes. Few studies available specify which muscles are used when shooting compound or traditional bows. The purpose of this study is to identify the muscles around the wrist and elbow that are recruited from draw to release, the specific timing of this recruitment, and the differences in recruitment and muscle activity when using a compound bow compared to a traditional bow.

Six males between the ages of 37 and …

Analysis Of Wrist And Elbow Muscle Activity In Compound Versus Traditional Bows With Experienced Archers, Stacey Fuhrer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Archery is becoming more popular as a recreational sport, so it is likely that physical therapists will be seeing more archery-related injuries and will need to know how to treat these athletes. Few studies available specify which muscles are used when shooting compound or traditional bows. The purpose ofthis study is to identify the muscles around the wrist and elbow that are recruited from draw to release, the specific timing ofthis recruitment, and the differences in recruitment and muscle activity when using a compound bow compared to a traditional bow.

Six males between the ages of 37 and 51 were …

A Comparison Of Ultimate Pullout Strength Of Four Bioabsorbable Tacks, Leslie Haugen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pullout strength, both parallel and perpendicular to that tack shaft, of four different bioabsorbable tacks: Suretac A, Suretac B, Bionx A and Bionx B. These tacks were fixated into a foam block and tension was placed on each tack until point of failure between the tack-foam interface. Results were analyzed via the one-way ANOYA and Scheffe's test was used for post hoc analysis. Results indicated that the Bionx B tack withstood the greatest mean ultimate parallel pullout strength with a mean of 292.04 N and failed at a force significantly higher …

Thermal Capsulorrhaphy Of The Shoulder: Literature Review And Clinical Outcome For One Collegiate Tennis Player, Kelsey J. Kean

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Glenohumeral joint instability is a clinical problem in both the athletic and general populations. When 3 months of conservative physical therapy treatments fail to stabilize the lax shoulder joint, surgery is indicated. Recently thermal capsulorrhaphy, an arthroscopic procedure that uses a heat probe to shrink redundant capsular tissue, has been offered as one alternative to tighten the lax glenohumeral joint capsule. There are numerous published reports describing the effects of thermal energy on joint capsular tissue, but only a few clinical outcome studies have been published regarding thermal capsulorrhaphy of the shoulder. Some initial reports of this surgical technique seem …

Considering The Use Of Maggots In The Debridement Of Wounds: A Case Study, Leslie Mayer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Maggot debridement therapy is the application of fly larvae to a necrotic wound. Once popular in the 1930s and1940s, its use declined with the introduction of antibiotics, improvement of aseptic wound care, more aggressive surgical debridement techniques, and its unacceptability by the public. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of maggot therapy, its clinical implications, and to review a medical chart of a Wyoming patient who received this treatment. The material is presented in one concise resource and the protocol included can be evaluated by other clinics using maggot therapy.

A medical chart review was …

Determining The Need For Program Development For Women In Their Childbearing Years, Tami Kae Parker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The childbearing year for a woman is a time of physical change and adaptation that can potentially result in a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Acting as a clinician, educator, or consultant, physical therapists can offer a variety of services that would benefit women in their childbearing years. Despite the skilled services physical therapists have to offer, this population continues to display prevalent problems. As a result of these existing problems, a survey was constructed to provide direction for program development to promote the health and wellness of women in their childbearing years. The purpose of this study was to develop …

The Effects Of Elevated Shoe Heights On Static And Dynamic Balance In Healthy Younger Women, Rhett L. Randall

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of elevated shoe heights on static and dynamic balance in healthy young women. The balance of 30 female volunteer subjects with ages ranging from 20 to 26 years (mean age = 22.3 years) was tested. Dynamic balance was tested using the limits of stability (LOS) test on the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM®), version 6.1 as well as the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Each subject's static balance was tested using the bilateral stance test on the NBM®. Subjects participated in a one time testing session which consisted of the performance of …

A Review Of The Process Of Accessing Services For Children With Special Health Care Needs In North Dakota, Jana Schmidt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It has been a concern of the Family Advisory Council of Children's Special Health Services, Bismarck, North Dakota, that many families experienced difficulties when trying to access information for medical, financial, educational, and family services for their children with special health care needs. The family members on this advisory board found the process of accessing services confusing and time consuming, and indicated that families were also unclear as to where to begin the process. An abundance of information provided at the time of their child's diagnosis made it difficult for families to make informed decisions about the most important and …

An Electromyographic Analysis Study Of Forward And Backward Walking, Heidi Schwartz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking, a closed kinetic chain exercise, has become an increasingly popular intervention following lower extremity injuries secondary to suggested increases in muscle activity. Despite its use, there is limited research available relative to walking at inclines, forwards or backwards above 24 and 15 percent respectively. For this study we recorded EMG activity in six muscles while walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0, 25, and 35 percent inclinations.

In general, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during BW than FW. BW at 35 percent inclination elicited the greatest EMG increase within the rectus femoris …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Shannon Lee Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …

The Effects Of Line Dancing On Balance And Coordination In The Elderly, Christa M. Stelmachuk

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week line dancing program has a significant effect on balance and coordination in a geriatric population. A total of 12 volunteer subjects participated in this study. They were separated into two groups, a control group (n = 6, 4 females and 2 males) and a dance group (n = 6, all female) according to participants' preference. Subjects were in good health, were high functioning, and were found to be at low risk for falls. Age of subjects ranged from 72 to 94 years, with a mean age of 85.67.

The …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Kendra Marie Van Valkenburg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal, healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal, healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …

An Electromyographic Analysis Study Of Forward And Backward Walking, Carrie M. Voeller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking, a closed kinetic chain exercise, has become an increasingly popular intervention following lower extremity injuries secondary to suggested increases in muscle activity. Despite its use, there is limited research available relative to walking at inclines, forward or backward, above 24 and 15 percent respectively. For this study we recorded EMG activity in six muscles while walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0,25, and 35 percent inclinations.

In general, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during BW than FW. BW at 35 percent inclination elicited the greatest EMG increase within the rectus femoris (47%), …

The Effects Of Line Dancing On Balance And Coordination In The Elderly, Sara Welder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week line dancing program has a significant effect on balance and coordination in a geriatric population. If proven effective, line dancing can be added to the options available to physical therapists for balance and coordination training.

A total of 12 volunteer subjects participated in this study. They were separated into two groups, a control group (n = 6, 4 females and 2 males), and a dance group (n = 6, all female) according to participant's preference. Subjects were in good health, were high functioning , and were found to be …

Reliability And Validity Of Angular Joint Velocity Using Peak Motus 2000 Motion Analysis And Kin-Com Isokinetic Dynamometer, Meaghan Kuklok

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Use of motion analysis systems for the study of human motion in research settings and clinical settings are becoming more prevalent. In a traditional sense, motion analysis systems are used for gait analysis; most recently, they are being utilized to analyze spinal motion, foot motion, and components of motion during sporting activities. Questions about the accuracy of these computerized motion analysis systems and the precision and reliability of the digitizing process remains. The purpose of this study is to determine the validity of the Peak Motus 2000 motion analysis system® (Peak Performance) in calculating dynamic velocities and …

A Motion-Analysis And Electromyographic Study Of The Upper Trapeziues And Forearm Musculature While Typing At Different Heights On A Laptop Computer, Scott Kolar

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Laptop computers have become a common feature in both the workplace and the home. Computer technology has brought about vast benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency; however, the benefits have not come without repercussions. The wide use of laptop computers has without a doubt created an environment in which the user is susceptible to upper extremity cumulative trauma disorder (UECTD), also referred to as repetitive trauma disorder or overuse syndrome. The cost of UECTD to the individual and potentially his/her employer is enormous costing the United States alone an estimated $42 billion per year. Through ergonomic considerations, an optimal …

The Effects Of Elevated Shoe Heights On Static And Dynamic Balance In Healthy Younger Women, Kip S. Ouchi

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of elevated shoe heights on static and dynamic balance in healthy young women. The balance of 30 female volunteer subjects with ages ranging from 20 to 26 years (mean age = 22.3 years) was tested. Dynamic balance was tested using the limits of stability (LOS) test on the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM®), version 6.1 as well as the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Each subject's static balance was tested using the bilateral stance test on the NBM®. Subjects participated in a one time testing session which consisted of the performance of …

The Effects Of Plyometric And Treadmill Training On Balance And Reaction Time In High School Aged Athletes, Andrea E. Richter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

High school athletes' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and treadmill …

An Outcome Comparison On The Use Of Mckenzie Technique With And Without Mulligan Mobilizations On The Treatment Of Low Back Derangement, Jason J. Vila

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Effective research and outcome studies are currently lacking evidence to support the use and reimbursement of manual therapy interventions such as McKenzie techniques and Mulligan mobilizations. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes of McKenzie techniques and McKenzie techniques with Mulligan mobilization on the treatment of patients with low back derangement through performing a chart review. Twenty-two subjects with a diagnosis of low back derangement were included in this study with sixteen subjects in the McKenzie group and six subjects in the McKenzie with Mulligan mobilizations group. An independent sample T -test showed no …

Pediatric Physical Therapy Assessment Tool Utilization By Therapists In Minnesota And North Dakota, Laura Torkildson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are important members of multifaceted teams of professionals who work with children with disabilities. Much of the physical therapist's role involves assessment of a child's development. Assessment is an ongoing process of gathering and evaluating information about the child so that effective treatment can be implemented and eligibility for appropriate services determined. Therefore, it is imperative that physical therapists have current knowledge about various assessment instruments and the appropriate usage of each.

The intention of this study was to identify and describe the pediatric assessment instruments utilized by physical therapists in Minnesota and North Dakota. The results of …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Katie M. Rood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …

A Comparison Of Ultimate Pullout Strength Of Four Bioabsorbable Tacks, Benjamin Bleess

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pullout strength, both parallel and perpendicular to that tack shaft, of four different bioabsorbable tacks: Suretac A, Suretac B, Bionx A, and Bionx B. These tacks were fixated into a foam block and tension was placed on each tack until point of failure between the tack-foam interface. Results indicated that the Bionx B tack withstood the greatest mean ultimate parallel pullout strength at 292.04 Nand failed at a force significantly higher than all other tack types (p=.OOO). The Bionx A failed at 150.25 N, Suretac B at 147.64 N, and Suretac …

Physical Therapy Alumni Survey, Laurie Holte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This alumni survey on which this independent study is based was developed and distributed by the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT) as an outcomes assessment tool for program evaluation. The results will be used by the faculty to determine the answer to these three research questions: who are the UND-PT alumni as related to their practice patterns, what is the future of physical therapy as a profession, and how effective is the UND-PT program in educating proficient entry-level therapists. With this information, the department will be able to make curriculum modifications and be better prepared to …

The Association Of Generalized Joint Hyperlaxity And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury, Jocelyn Hagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Generalized joint hyperlaxity is characterized by excess range of motion in most joints, which surpasses accepted normal range of motion values for the population. Hyperlaxity is present in 4-7% of the general population. Literature is inconclusive regarding the significance of joint laxity as a predisposing factor to injury in non-athletic populations.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant correlation between joint laxity and previous musculoskeletal injuries. In addition, the data was evaluated to compare laxity rates by gender, choice of collegiate major, type of injuries, and weekly activity level.

Two hundred thirty-nine students, age …

A Study Of Patient Satisfaction At Big Horn Basin Orthopedic Clinic, P. C. Therapy Center In Powell, Wyoming, Jason Kamm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to design and distribute a patient satisfaction survey that identifies the needs of the patients of Big Horn Basin Orthopedic Clinic, P.C. Therapy Center in Powell, Wyoming (Clinic). The survey gathered information in 4 areas related to patient satisfaction: overall satisfaction, patient-therapist interactions, clinic operations, and billing procedures. During the summer of 2000, 150 surveys were sent out to discharged patients of the Clinic and 75 were returned. The mean scores for all of the questions on the survey scored near the high end of the scale. The questions related to clinic operations had …

The Association Of Generalized Joint Hyperlaxity And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury, Beth Klancher

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Generalized joint hyperlaxity is characterized by excess range of motion in most joints, which surpasses accepted normal range of motion values for the population. Hyperlaxity is present in 4-7% of the general population. Literature is inconclusive regarding the significance of joint laxity as a predisposing factor to injury in non-athletic populations.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant correlation between joint laxity and previous musculoskeletal injuries. In addition, the data was evaluated to compare laxity rates by gender, choice of collegiate major, type of injuries, and weekly activity level.

Two-hundred and thirty-nine students, age …

Potential Dysfunctions Occurring In The Postpartum Years, Rebecca Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There are several dysfunctions that may affect a woman after childbirth. Women · often accept the physical changes that occur after delivering a baby and are unaware that treatment is available. The purpose of this literature review is to educate women in the postpartum period on the dysfunctions that may occur, and possible treatment options. An educational pamphlet describing these dysfunctions and treatments was designed to be given to these women before they leave the hospital.

First, the anatomy and physiology of the female pelvic floor is reviewed. This is followed by a description of several physical dysfunctions occurring in …