Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Strategies To Manage And Prevent Lower Back Pain In College Students, Onique Bryson

Honors Capstones

Many young adults who are in college often struggle with maintaining their physical well-being and thus encounter severe-moderate lower back pain (LBP). In this project, a research development plan was created that will test the effectiveness of utilizing physical therapy (PT) to treat and or prevent LBP. The scope includes using standard PT techniques to evaluate students who may be struggling with LBP and teach them different measures to help themselves. The limit of the project is that the hypothesis will only be tested on Northern Illinois University (NIU) students, so results may vary for larger populations. A survey will …

International Strategies For Addressing The Needs Of Children With Disabilities: Comparing Pediatric Therapy Services In Italy And The United States, Cassidy Hearn, Lillian Hsiao, Lavinia Fanelli, Regina Harbourne

Physical Therapy Projects

This paper introduces and compares the professions of Neuro and Psychomotor Therapist of Developmental Age and pediatric physical therapy. Although pediatric physical therapy practice is prevalent in the United States, Italy utilizes another profession which encompasses many features of physical therapy, but also incorporates neuropsychological factors, specifically for children.

Effect Of Motivational Music On Peak Knee Torque, Perceived Exertion, And Enjoyment In College-Aged Individuals, Arianna Cole

Undergraduate Honors Theses

There is a general consensus in previous and current literature that the incorporation of music in exercise has the potential to benefit performance (Karageorghis 2020; Terry et al. 2019). Research on the potential benefits of music in rehabilitative exercise has become more prevalent but has mainly focused on music and the rehabilitation of neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or stroke (Craig et al. 2015; De Bartolo et al. 2020; Grau-Sánchez et al. 2022; Katlen da Silva et al. 2021; Särkämö 2018). Research in a more general rehabilitative setting has not been explored as widely and this is the aim …

Creating A University-Based Performing Arts Clinic: Challenges And Lessons, Carissa Limtiaco, Alan Savanapridi

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Fine artists performing at the collegiate level are at a high risk for developing performance related musculoskeletal injuries due to the unique physical demands and repetitive nature of their movements. Previous research has reported incidence rates as high as 81% and 62% for student dancers and musicians respectively. Despite the high injury rates, research has shown that student performers underreport injuries and are reluctant to seek medical management from health professionals due to unhealthy beliefs and attitudes often held by this population as well as the lack of specialized healthcare. The goal of the UNLV College of Fine Arts (CFA) …

Effects Of Postural Load Perturbations On The Stroke-Impaired Spinal Circuitry, Jose Galvez, Linh Thi My Nguyen, Brandon Yee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective Transitioning from supported sitting position to standing activities requires coordinated interactions among postural muscles with appropriate reflexive responses to adapt to an increase in postural loading. Previous studies have found the failure to accommodate the challenge of increased postural loads in the stroke-impaired nervous system. In this study, we examined the H-reflex in response to different magnitudes of loads under static postural conditions, and compared the responses directly between individuals with a stroke-impaired nervous system and those with a non-neurologically impaired nervous system. We tested the hypothesis that the reflex amplitude would increase with increased load during standing in …

Developing A Physical Therapy Initial Evaluation Screening Tool For A Multidisciplinary Clinic For Adults With Down Syndrome, Isabella Russell, Alvin Lacap, Francis Lacap

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: Down syndrome (Ds) is a chromosomal condition that can result in intellectual disability, as well as structural or functional disorders impacting the nervous, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. As individuals with Ds age, they can have an increased number of comorbidities that impact their health. Physical therapy can play an important role in managing many of the comorbidities adults with Ds have. Therefore, there is an increased need for physical therapists to efficiently screen, evaluate and treat adults with Ds. The purpose of this work is to create an Initial Evaluation Screening Tool and Patient Intake Form for physical therapists …

Analyzing Equity Within The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas Physical Therapy Program Admissions Process, Rebecca Altman, Savanna Cathey, Michelle Dedmon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyze the admissions process of the University of Nevada Las Vegas Physical Therapy (UNLVPT) program through the lens of racial equity. Methods A retrospective cohort of UNLVPT applicants between 2014-2019 was obtained from the physical therapy centralized admissions system and the UNLVPT admissions office. Applicant and application characteristics were compared by racial group. Results: Our sample included 2937 total applicants with 212 (7.2%) that were admitted and matriculated into the program. Applicants identified as 49% White, 24% Asian, 13% multiracial, 6% Hispanic, 2% Black, 0.2% American Indian, and 6% did not report …

The Psychometric Properties Of The Modified Fear Of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire In Parkinson’S Disease And Older Adults, Billy La, Arturo Aldaco, Ashley Haller

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background/purpose: The Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire (FFABQ), developed in 2011 to measure fear of falling avoidance behavior, has good evidence for reliability and validity. However, a recently modified version (mFFABQ) is theorized to be easier to understand for those completing the questionnaire because the Likert responses are more logical in completing the item stem. The purpose of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the mFFABQ in adults with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and older adults aged 60-90 years. Methods: Thirty-nine participants (age 72.21 ± 9.5; 29 men, 10 women) diagnosed with PD (diagnosis …

Effects Of A 12-Week Remote Exercise Program On Balance In Adults With Down Syndrome, Kayla Kotake, Sherwin Cadiao, Nicole Kaes, Jayston Prudencio

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis Individuals with Down syndrome (Ds) tend to have deficits in balance and postural control, which negatively affects their ability to perform physical activities safely and independently. Previous research has shown that exercise can improve balance in people with Ds, however, most studies looked at balance in children with Ds. As the average life expectancy for people with Ds has increased, there is a need for research investigating balance in adults with Ds. Also, there is a need to increase exercise opportunities (eg, remote exercise programs) for adults with Ds, as physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are prevalent among individuals …

Utilization And Perception Of Peer-Support After Lower Limb Loss In The United States: Potential Benefits On Mobility Outcomes, Moriah Maluotoga, Roopkiran Thind

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Limb loss is a life-changing event that significantly impacts patients’ functioning as well as psychosocial well-being. Psychosocial support in the form of amputee peer-support is widely recognized as beneficial to individuals after lower limb loss (LLL). However, there is currently a lack of research on the utilization of peer-support after LLL and its perceived benefits to function. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine and quantify participants’ experiences with peer-support after LLL, and how peer-support experience is associated with mobility outcomes. We hypothesized that participants with LLL would express generally positive experiences with peer-support and that it …

Association Between Rural Background And Physical Therapist Practice Location, Caitlin Parker, Jace-Anne Sharp

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis To examine the association between physical therapists’ rural background and their decision to practice in a rural setting. We hypothesized that years of rural upbringing and size of hometown would be related to rural practice. Number of Subjects 257 physical therapists who graduated from one of two physical therapy programs in the Western United States between 2000 and 2020. Materials and Methods A survey was emailed to 19 physical therapy schools consisting of questions regarding participants’ background, demographics, and job history. We collected total number of years of practice and total years of rural practice. Length of practice varied, …

The Effects Of Exercise Training On Gait In Adults With Down Syndrome, Anna Lois Aquino, Sandra Daugherty, Alex Palko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Down syndrome (Ds) is a genetic disorder in which the individual carries an extra copy of chromosome 21 resulting in mental and physical disabilities and risk of major health conditions. A high prevalence of gait pattern dysfunction occurs in adults with Ds due to muscle hypotonia, ligamentous laxity, joint hypermobility, and altered development of musculoskeletal structure, which often lead to increased falls and fear of falling. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters between adults with Ds and age-matched controls, as well as studying the effects of a 12-week Ds-specific …

Implementation Of 2d Running Gait Analysis In Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinics, Justin Rasavage, Tristan Trumbull, Melissa Goo-Tam, Micah Wilson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Despite 2D motion analysis being deemed valid and reliable in assessing gait deviations in runners, current use of video-based motion analysis among orthopedic physical therapists is not prevalent. Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate clinician-perceived effectiveness, adherence, and barriers of using a 2D running gait analysis protocol for patients with running-related injuries. Study Design: Survey Methods: Thirty outpatient physical therapy clinics were contacted to assess interest in participation. The participating therapists were trained on 2D running gait analysis protocol and given a running gait checklist. We used Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to assess the implementation process by collecting …

Anatomy Academy Service-Learning Project: Attacking The Epidemic Of Childhood Obesity, Kelsey Kjer, Rosedaveia Howell, Brennan Kitchen, Francesca Schutte

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The World Health Organization has classified childhood obesity as one of the most serious public health concerns in the world. Obesity is known to have detrimental health consequences and be a risk for comorbidities. On top of the consequences of obesity already seen in young children at school, a lack of health education interventions in many elementary schools remains a significant health disparity. Anatomy Academy (AA) is a seven-week curriculum designed to educate children about their bodies and the importance of gaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of this service-learning project was to educate elementary school students in …

Lumbopelvic Biomechanics And Muscle Performance In Individuals With Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation: Implications For Lower Back Pain, Jason Ciccotelli

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many people with lower extremity amputation (LEA) experience lower back pain (LBP). The amount of pain they experienced can be debilitating and severely interferes with activities of daily living. Previous studies have explored LBP in populations without LEA, and the evidence is also growing within the limb loss population. However, the mechanism for the high prevalence of LBP after LEA remains unclear. The lower back muscles, specifically the multifidi muscles, play an important role in stabilization of the spine during motion, and LBP has been associated with decreased mobility in patient populations, but the degree of dysfunction in the spinal …

Development Of A Multifactorial Virtual Fall Prevention Tool For Community Dwelling Older Women, Eduardo Gutierrez, Jacob James Nogra, Carol Sparks, Bradley Voels

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Falls are the leading causes of injury-related death in adults over the age of 65, with women sustaining more than twice the rate of fall-related fractures as men. Reduced access to in-person falls prevention programs during the COVID-19 pandemic created a need for a user-friendly guide to existing online fall prevention resources targeted at this vulnerable population. The first aim of this study was to create and make widely available a website with evidence-based resources that address a range of modifiable fall risk factors, and the second was to test its feasibility in a convenience sample of older women. The …

Stepping On - Virtual Fall Prevention For Older Adults, Sean Conners, Tyler Greener, Kaitlyn Johnson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Three student learners in a doctoral physical therapy program completed a service-based learning project dedicated to reducing falls in the elderly. The program, called Stepping On, is a fall prevention initiative supported by the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) whose goal is to identify risk factors for falls in the older population and provide exercises and recommendations to reduce falls. The eleven volunteer participants in this student learners’ Stepping On program completed online fall prevention classes and provided feedback at the completion of the program. Participants reported being more conscientious while walking and noted improved balance and flexibility.

The Effect Of High Fraction Of Inspired Oxygen On Human Motor Learning Processes, Zheng Wang

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Human motor learning processes are fundamental for our daily activities and can be adversely affected by neurologic conditions. Motor learning largely depends on successfully integrating cognitive and motor-related sensory information. A simple, easily accessible treatment that could enhance these learning processes would be exciting and clinically impactful. In this dissertation, we explore the effect of normobaric 100% oxygen treatment (NbOxTr) during different motor learning tasks and investigate the brain oxygenation changes during the process. In the visuomotor adaptation task (VMA), when participants adapted to a visual distortion between visual feedback and hand movements, participants with NbOxTr exhibited better movement planning …

Depression As A Prognostic Factor For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Outcomes, Ariel M. Morales

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a degenerative disease common in older adults and is associated with significantly reduced health-related quality of life and increased disability. Depression has been found to be associated with poorer health-related outcomes in patients with spinal conditions. A systematic review was conducted to examine the literature regarding the prognostic value of depression for LSS outcomes. Findings suggest small to moderate prognostic value of depressive symptoms for postoperative outcomes in patients with LSS, with strong evidence for disability. Next, a secondary analysis of a cohort study was conducted to investigate two objectives. The first objective was to …

Treatment Of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: A Case Study, Baylee Ann Reiser

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive and debilitating disease that can lead to bony involvement or deformity. Common symptoms of PTTD include medial ankle and foot pain and acquired flat foot deformity. The purpose of this case study is to examine physical therapy interventions in a patient with chronic PTTD.

Case Description. This case study describes the 15-week physical therapy management in an outpatient clinic for a 34-year-old female with unstaged PTTD presenting with pain, decreased range of motion, strength deficits and muscle imbalance, impaired balance, and impaired gait. The patient lived a …

Physical Therapy Management Of Lower Exteremity Weakness And Balance Dysfunction Due To Sarcopenia And Frailty: A Case Report, Carla J. Maurstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: The aging population is on the rise and is expected to increase from 8.5% to 16.5% for those aged sixty-five years and older by 2050. With the expected rise comes the increased prevalence of frailty that leads to a decline in physiological function placing individuals at risk for sarcopenia, disability, falls, hospitalization, and death. The purpose of this case study is on lower extremity muscle weakness (sarcopenia) and frailty and the effectiveness of physical therapy to improve muscle strength, balance, proprioception, and functional mobility to decrease the risk of falls, improve performance with daily activities, and improve …

The Effects Of Physical Therapy For Acute Knee Pain With Meniscuc Involvement: A Case Report, Courtney R. Hornung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Cartilage tears and osteoarthritis are upon the most common sources of knee pain. The peak incidence for degenerative meniscal tears in women are from ages 61-70. The meniscus acts as a cushion within the knee and if this becomes damaged or degenerates over time, osteoarthritis is likely to become a factor as well. The purpose of this study is to find whether or not physical therapy is an appropriate treatment option for a patient with knee pain with indications of osteoarthritis and a meniscal involvement.

Case Description: The patient is an 82 year old female who came …

Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor's Viewpoints On Entry-Level Performance Of Physical Therapy Students And New Graduates, Elhana Selimovie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gain perspective on how physical therapy clinical instructors (CI) define entry-level in relation to the field of physical therapy. The research question asked CIs was whether or not there was a difference in how CIs defined entry-level physical therapists. Entry level is defined as “a student who is capable of functioning without guidance or supervision while managing simple or complex conditions, with proficiency in skilled examinations, interventions, and clinical reasoning, and is able to maintain 100% of a full-time therapist’s caseload in a cost-effective manner.”

Methods: A survey was sent …

Conservative Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Atraumatic Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Subluxation: A Case Report, Fallon N. Hill

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Atraumatic Anterior Subluxations of the Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) are a rare upper extremity injury that may cause range of motion (ROM) and strength deficits to the shoulder joint due to pain and feelings of instability. There are a variety of approaches for management as with SCJ subluxations, but atraumatic anterior displacements respond mostly to conservative management or masterly neglect.

Case Description: The patient was a 63-year-old female with an atraumatic anterior subluxation of her right side. The patient did not qualify for surgical or physician intervention and was referred to physical therapy for conservative treatment and pain …

A Golf Fitness Program To Develop Clinical Skills In Student Physical Therapists: A Program Proposal, Development And Recommendations For Implementation., Derek Ferebee

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: Golf is a fast-growing sport that is played by people all around the world of all ages and skill levels. The complexity of the golf swing and varying skill levels of participants leads to increased risk for injury. Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries can occur to the lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. The injuries are common among amateur, intermediate, and professional golfers. Studies show that the overall rate of injury in golfers is 15-20%. This is a surprisingly high amount of injuries for a low-impact sport. Physical therapists are an important healthcare provider for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. …

Case Report Of A 42-Year-Old Male Affected By Plantar Fasciitis, Jenna Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia that causes increased pain and inflammation of the area. Plantar fasciitis affects nearly 1 in 10 people in their lifetime with a high likelihood of reoccurrence. There can be multiple causes but physical therapy (PT) can be crucial for the reduction of pain and return of function. Due to high likelihood of reoccurrence, it is the goal to give patients the tools that they need to self-treat when they experience another bout of plantar fasciitis.

Case Description: The patient was a 42-year-old male who had pain in …

A Case Report Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Jonathan Tyre

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a medical condition with no known cause. Incidence of this condition is 1 to 2 per 100 000 people in the United States. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the person’s nervous system and demyelinates nerves in a person’s body.

Case Description: The patient is a 64-year-old male who received physical therapy services following a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The condition came on with insidious onset and the patient had no signs or symptoms prior to his diagnosis. The patient was evaluated and treated by my clinical …

Periacetabular Osteotomy With Tibial Derotation And Fai Repairs As A Treatment For Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia In An Athlete: A Case Study, Marlie M. Maanum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case study details a 16-year-old patient following periacetabular osteotomy surgery with labral repair and tibial derotation. In reading this case, you will learn about interventions performed and ideas to consider for any patient hoping to return to sports following orthopedic procedures.

Case Description: Throughout the rehabilitation there was a large focus on the patient returning to sports, specifically basketball. The physical therapy prescription focused on mobility and strengthening of the entire lower extremity due to this surgery’s aggressive nature at the ankle and hip joint. It is accepted throughout the orthopedic world that there …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Presenting With Double Crush Syndrome: A Case Study., Nicholas G. Hatfield

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in the treatment of a patient presenting with a potential Double Crush Syndrome.

Case Description. This patient was a 59-year-old male with reports of right shoulder pain and right upper extremity paresthesia, numbness, and tingling affecting his ability to perform daily tasks at work and at home.

Interventions. The physical therapy interventions given were all based on findings from the initial evaluation and included a mixture of manual therapy techniques such as shoulder mobilizations, therapeutic exercises/activities such as stretching, resistance training, and carries, and …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Treatment Of Patient With Spondylosis: A Case Study, Paige B. Kropuenske

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: In the United States low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes for individuals to reach out to health care professionals. LBP is often associated with a diagnosis of spondylosis. Spondylosis is present in about 80% of peoples in the United States. The prevalence of spondylosis continues to increase without a definite cure or form of treatment. Overall, exercise and intervention have proven to decrease symptoms of pain of those with spondylosis. However, success of treatment may see large variables in success. Further research into specific treatment interventions may be warranted to decrease chronic …