Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Aquatic Therapy With Persons Who Have Experienced A Cerebral Vascular Accident, Heather L. Tweedie

Masters Theses

This study examined the effectiveness of using aquatic therapy (AT) as a technique in the treatment of cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). The unique properties of the aquatic environment were manipulated to determine change in range of motion, muscle tone, balance, functional ambulation, and psychological functioning particularly social relationship and positive and negative feelings.

A single subject design was conducted using two subjects that participated in a twelve week aquatic therapy program. Aquatic therapy showed to be effective in treating common symptoms of a CVA. More research needs to be completed to ensure the effectiveness of aquatic therapy in congruency with …

Caregivers’ Perceptions Of Accessibility And Quality Of Services In The Community For Children With Mental Health Diagnoses: A Pilot Survey, Karin E. Brems

Masters Theses

This pilot study was intended to explore caregivers' perceptions of the mental health services available in the community for children with mental health diagnoses. A study-specific survey was developed to look at demographic characteristics, service accessibility, and service quality. This survey was distributed to caregivers through Michigan support groups. Returned surveys were analyzed for themes that could assist in the development of further research to improve community services for children with mental health diagnoses.

This pilot study yielded rich qualitative data. Upon review and analysis, five themes emerged: (1) bureaucratic hassles and getting the runaround, (2) closed doors, (3) support …

Phonological Process Use In The Speech Of Children Fitted With Cochlear Implants, Rhonda Gale Parker

Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of both developmental and non-developmental phonological processes in a group of young children using cochlear implants.

Participants: 6 preschool children with severe to profound binaural hearing loss with cochlear implants

Method: 15-25 minute conversational speech samples from six children were collected at three-month intervals over a period of 12-21 months for a prior study. These samples were then transcribed and analyzed using Natural Phonological Analysis (NPA) and a data collection form created solely for the purpose of this study.

Data Analysis: Pearson correlations were used to determine relationships among …

Isokinetic Knee Strength In Females With Fibromyalgia, Flora F. Shafiee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: To compare knee flexors and extensors muscle strength, total work, and power between females with fibromyalgia (FM) and matched healthy controls.

Methods: This is the first study to measure knee muscle power and total work in females with FM. Thirty-one females with FM and thirty-one healthy females completed isokinetic testing of knee flexors and extensors of their dominant leg using a Cybex Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer. Two knee muscle groups (flexors and extensors) at two angular velocities (607sec and 1807sec) were tested for both groups. Both muscle groups were assessed continuously using five reciprocal concentric-concentric cycles, followed by five eccentric-eccentric …

The Effects Of Brain Gym® Activities On Second-Grade Students' Academic Performance And Handwriting Skills, Kristen Keinath

Masters Theses

Objective: The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effects of Brain Gym® activities on second-grand students' academic performance and handwriting skills.

Method: Results were obtained by administering the Test of Handwriting Skills (THS) to two classrooms in a Northern Michigan Elementary School and having both teachers complete a self-developed Academic Performance Form on each student participating in the study. The data from was analyzed using a t-test for the THS and mean scores for the self-developed Academic Performance Form.

Results: Findings suggest a significant difference (p < .05) in the number of letters produced in 20 seconds and spacing of letters. Non-standardized testing showed a decrease in attention to task scores between pre- and post-testing.

Conclusion: Brain Gym® activities were shown to positively effect handwriting …

The Effect Of Electrical Stimulation On Blood Flow In Chronic Wounds In Patients With And Without Diabetes, Daryl J. Lawson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Only 3% of the U S population is afflicted by diabetes, yet one of the most common chronic wounds is the diabetic ulcer. Decrease in blood flow may be one reason why only 31% of neuropathic diabetic ulcers heal in 20-weeks. The purpose of this investigation was to compare healing rates and blood flow of chronic stage III and IV wounds in people with diabetes and those without diabetes over four weeks of treatment. Blood flow was measured before, during, and after stimulation using one of two different electrical stimulation waveforms in a 32°C room.

Subjects …

The Effect Of Posterior Versus Anterior Glide Joint Mobilization On External Rotation Range Of Motion Of Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis, Andrea J. Johnson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Study Design: Repeated measures, randomized comparison of two treatment groups.

Objective: To compare effectiveness of two manual therapy procedures, posterior and anterior glide joint mobilization, for improving external rotation in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Background: Joint mobilization procedures are often used by physical therapists to treat the accessory motion impairments associated with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. However opinions differ regarding the value of posterior versus anterior glide mobilization. especially for improving external rotation.

Methods and Measures: Subjects with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis exhibiting a specific external rotation range deficit, were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. For …

Difference In Transverse Plane Scapular Position Of Professional Baseball Players Relative To Baseball Field Position, James M. Syms

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this study was to identify the variation of the scaption angle of professional baseball players among field position played. Subjects consisted of 109 minor league professional baseball players reporting for the 2002 spring training season, who were under contract with the Anaheim Angels professional baseball organization. Subjects reported to a sports medicine/physical therapy clinic for their 2002 spring training pre-participation physical examination. The scaption measurements were taken as a component of the examination.

Goniometric measurements were taken with the players in a relaxed standing position. Players were instructed to remain looking forward, roll their shoulders forward three …

The Effect Of Positioning On Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity As Evaluated With Surface Electromyography In Normals, Karen R. Whitter-Brandon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physical therapists who treat patients with urinary incontinence commonly utilize sEMG biofeedback. Practitioners compare resting tone, maximal contraction, and muscle endurance measures before and after pelvic floor exercise instruction to determine intervention and demonstrate progress. There is little research that supports the use of biofeedback in positions other than supine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of positioning on pelvic floor muscle activity as measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) in supine, sitting, and standing. Subjects were healthy nulliparous and multiparous women, 23-74 years old, with no symptoms, history, diagnosis, or treatment of incontinence. Subjects were randomized …

Survey Of Current Occupational Therapist Practice In The Emerging Field Of Home Modification And Barrier Free Design, Christian Michael Petrovich

Masters Theses

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a national survey of occupational therapists to ascertain what current trends are taking place in the field of home modification and barrier-free design and to examine how occupational therapists view their role in the practice of home modification and barrier free design.

METHODS

A 16-question survey was developed and included two hundred and fifty US licensed and or registered occupational therapists randomly selected from the AOTA membership listing.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of occupational therapy in the emerging practice of home modification and barrier -free design is regarded as important by occupational therapists in the United States. Many …

Cultural Competence And Curricula In Physical Therapist Professional Education, Beth Ernst Jamali

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this research was to examine the methods and degree to which content related to cultural competence is incorporated into current entry-level physical therapist education. Face-to-face interviews were performed with 10 program directors from various physical therapist education programs across the country to obtain in-depth information regarding cultural competence in the physical therapy curricula. A questionnaire was sent to all of the 193 accredited physical therapist education programs in the United States as a second means to collect information regarding the methods and extent to which cultural competence is included in the physical therapy curricula. Data were collected …

Integrating Technology Into The Chemical Dependency Curriculum At The St. Croix Camp Schools, Cory D. Knudtson

Theses and Graduate Projects

The Amherst H. Wilder St. Croix Camps are located 25 miles east of Hinckley, Minnesota. The camps provide rehabilitative programming for both male and female juveniles referred by either social services or probation. One of the programming pieces consists of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug curriculum. During this project, the integration of technology and chemical dependency curriculum was explored. The computer program Alcohol 101 for Hish School provided students attending the on-site public school a new way of learning and exploring alcohol use and consequences. Along with providing students a new learning opportunity, teachers and other staff learned about the …

Wellness Program For Pre And Newly Retired Individuals Living In Rural Communities, Nicole R. Miller

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Establishing An Occupational Therapy Practice In A Rural Community, Jessica Reep

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Occupation-Based Hand Therapy: A Practice Guide For Entry-Level Therapists, David Braski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Parent's Guide To Infant Massage, Rana Gish

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Program Development For Occupational Therapists In The Schools: Assessments And Interventions For Children In Grades 1-6 With Social Dysfunction, Rose Kirby, Christina Knott

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Strategies For Healthcare Professionals In Dealing With Adolescents With Self-Harming Behaviors, Tera L. Remund, Andrea Keever

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Protocol To Enhance Quality Of Life In Nursing Home Residents Through Implementation Of The Eden Alternative Concepts, Amy Slominski, Megan Briese

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Home Program Guide For Parents And Their Child With Sensory Defensiveness, Chelsea Takuski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Survey Of The Use Of Pedometers And Knowledge Of Caloric Intake And Expenditure, Tera Bahl, Holly Freudenberg, Tara Hynek, Lynae Jost

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, medical professionals are searching for ways to combat this epidemic. One of the first steps is to assess the activity levels and eating habits of those who are obese and look for ways to modify these two areas in order to assist the obese individual in achieving a desirable and healthy weight. The purpose of this study is to determine if pedometer use, gender, or body mass influence one's knowledge of caloric consumption and expenditure.

Subjects and Methods. 253 questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected faculty and staff …

Factors That Influence The Utilization Of Fitness/Recreation Facilities By Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Brenda Finley, Kristen Lindstrom, Jennifer Lorengo, Brandi Muir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This research project was designed to provide well ness/fitness facilities, particularly the upcoming Wellness Center at the University of North Dakota (UND), with useful information to make facilities more accommodating to all individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence participation in physical activity among people with physical disabilities and to investigate the types of accommodations and modifications that fitness facilities have in place.

Six individuals with physical disabilities participated in the focused interview portion of this study. Participants suggested modifications concerning physical activity for staffing, additional equipment, and other specific adaptations. The majority of …

An Evaluation Of The Ability Of Physical Therapy Students At The University Of North Dakota To Make Ethical Decisions, Russell B. Fox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are faced with many ethical dilemmas in the work place. Therefore, it is important for a physical therapy student to have the ability to make sound ethical decisions. However, there are no classes required by the physical therapy department in ethics at the University of North Dakota. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of physical therapy students and the faculty at the University of North Dakota to make ethical decisions.

During the summer of 2004, the Defining Issues Test II (DIT-2) was administered at the University of North Dakota. The DIT-2 is a structured …

The Effectiveness Of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training On Muscle Activation And Gait With Normal Subjects, Malanie A. Hanson, Cherron M. Kingzett, Amanda M. Klempel, Jenny M. Silbernagel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate gait kinematics of individuals without pathological impairments. Through the use of electromyography (EMG), the firing of muscles was analyzed during ambulation using the partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT). Video motion analysis (VMA) was also used to look at the movements of the lower extremities and the pelvis. Using both of these tools, it was determined if there was a significant change in muscle firing and movements in normal individuals during ambulation with weight support compared to normal weight-bearing.

Methods: Four subjects (3 female, 1 male) were recruited …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Quadriceps And Hamstrings Recruitment During Two Closed Kinetic Chain Activities, Linda K. Hanson, Shauna T. Salz, Suzanne L. Steffes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pain and injury are a commonly seen diagnosis in physical therapy practice. Closed kinetic chain activities are frequently used to treat these diagnoses, because of their safety and functional properties. However isolation of specific muscles is difficult with closed kinetic chain exercises. The researchers chose to further study closed kinetic chain exercises in order to compare traditional closed kinetic chain exercises with a recently developed closed kinetic chain device. The purpose of this study is to assess EMG activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings during two different closed kinetic chain activities of the knee, one a traditional method and …

An Electromyography (Emg) Study Of Two Dynamic Surfaces: Hippotherapy And Swiss Ball, Melissa J. Metcalf, Roslyn J. Muller, Tanya L. Schimek, Erica H. Wheeler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The use of horseback riding as a therapeutic intervention has been used since the fifth century, B.C.1 It has been proposed that the physical benefits of horseback riding include: improved posture, balance, muscle strength, decreased spasticity, improved gait patterns, and coordination. Unfortunately, at the current time, hippotherapy, the use of horses in physical therapy intervention, has been poorly documented due to little objective research. The purpose of this study was to provide an objective measure of children's postural muscle activity through the use of electromyography (EMG) and electrogoniometry on two dynamic surfaces. Data was analyzed for differences in postural muscle …

Overcoming Barriers In Fitness Equipment For Persons With Physical Disabilities, Collin Wiggins, Thomas Carson, Aaron Sorvig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Americans today are generally inactive, and the incidence of physical inactivity is even higher among those with disabilities. Many advances have been made in recreational sports facilities; however, insufficient information regarding equipment selection or equipment design remains, and thus may limit the active participation of the physically disabled at most colleges/universities. The purpose of this study was to determine guidelines for identifying types of equipment, accommodations, and funding sources available to provide those with physical disabilities an adequate and equal means of improving their fitness level.

Facilities chosen to participate in this study are registered college/university recreation centers with the …

The Effectiveness Of Memory Training Programs In Improving The Subjective Memory Characteristics Of Healthy Older Adults With Memory Complaints : A Meta-Analysis, Kimilee Y. Wilson

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The focus of this study was to examine the effectiveness of memory training programs in improving the metamemory (i.e., subjective memory characteristics) of healthy older adults by integrating recent research findings in a meta-analysis. In particular, the following research questions were proposed: (a) How effective are memory training programs in improving the subjective memory characteristics of healthy older adults with memory complaints? (b) Which components of the memory training programs increase the effectiveness of memory training (in terms of metamemory characteristics)? (c) How do the results of this meta-analysis compare to those reported by Floyd and Scogin (1997)? Studies that …

An Occupational Therapy Based Education Course For Caregivers Of Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Krystal Cook

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.

Stress-Related Injury Prevention Business Plan, Jose Lucio

Occupational Therapy Capstones

No abstract provided.