Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Does The Congestive Heart Failure Program Improve Patient's Functional Health Status?, Lily Lu

Master's Projects

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a significant health problem in the U.S. There are over 2 million Americans diagnosed with CHF, with 200,000 CHF related deaths every year. A CHF Comprehensive Care Program in a Northern California medical center began in August, 1997 to case manage and educate CHF patients and their family members. The program educated CHF patients to self-manage the chronic condition by daily weight, low sodium diet, medication adherence, activity and rest balance, and daily exercise. This study used a one group. Pre and post test study design to evaluate the effectiveness of the CHF program. The …

The Effectiveness Of A Strength Training Program On Extremity Strength, Flexibility, And Balance Of Elderly Women, Patricia L. Murphy

Master's Projects

This quasi-experimental study, partially replicating that of Nelson and Wernick (1997), compares balance, flexibility, and extremity strength before and after an 8-week weight-bearing exercise class. Six women, aged 69 to 85, used 1-5 pound wrist weights and ankle weights up to 1 o pounds. Pre-and post-exercise measurements of biceps curls, seated leg lifts with weights, one leg stand, and seated stretches were gathered. Results showed improvement in every category, with the greatest improvement (41.6%) in balance and the least (8.3%) in trunk flexibility. Nursing is uniquely positioned to assist this population by promoting, developing, and implementing such exercise programs.

Market And Organizational Factors Associated With Teaching Hospital Participation In Strategic Hospital Alliances, James D. Bramble

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated market and organizational factors that influence the strategic decisions of teaching hospitals to participate in strategic hospital alliances (SHAs). It described the characteristics of both teaching hospitals and the health care environment in which they operate. This research also examines the association of these factors with the strategic position of teaching hospitals in terms of their dominance in the market or within their organizations.

The theoretical model used two concepts from institutional theory--coercive and normative pressures. It was argued that coercive pressures in the market facilitated the decision to participate in SHAs and gain market and Organizational …

Nurse Executives' Use Of A Labor Computer Decision Support System: Differences In Nursing Labor Cost Per Patient Day., Melondie Reeves Carter

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Factors Which Influence Women's Decisions For Choice Of Primary Surgery For Stage I And Stage Ii Breast Cancer, Barbara Mastaglia

Theses : Honours

A descriptive correlational study was conducted to describe the factors that Western Australian women with either Stage I or Stage II Breast Cancer, perceived to be important considerations when deciding upon either Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) or Breast Conserving Treatment (BCT) for surgical treatment. The Conflict Theory of Decision Making (Janis & Mann, 1977) was used as the theoretical framework to guide this study. Ward, Heidrich and Wolberg's (1989) Factor List, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale (Wallston, Wallston & De Vellis, 1978) and a demographic questionnaire were used to measure variables. Questionnaires were mailed to a consecutive …

The Efficacy Of A T’Ai Chi Intervention On Functional Balance And Walking Speed In The Elderly, Melanie Mckimmy, Sarah Teubert

Masters Theses

This study assessed the efficacy of a T’ai Chi exercise intervention on functional balance and walking speed. Twenty-two volunteer subjects over the age of 65 were included and categorized as near-frail or well elderly, based on their functional status. Subjects randomly selected for the intervention group participated in a 45 minute T’ai Chi group exercise class, bi-weekly for six weeks. Pre- and post-intervention data was on the Berg Balance Scale, and on self-selected and maximum walking speed. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed no statistical significant differences between the intervention group and the control group. Likewise, there was no statistical significant …

The Effect Of Eccentric Fatigue Of The Hamstrings On Knee Joint Proprioception, Kenneth M. Arends, Scott T. Miller, John T. Vandermaas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of eccentric hamstring fatigue on the ability to accurately reproduce different knee joint angles. Thirty-one males and 29 females, 18-40 years old, were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Using the Biodex®, proprioceptive pre-test and post-test measurements were taken having the blindfolded participant replicate predetermined angles of 25°, 45°, and 65°. The control group underwent a passive movement protocol and the treatment underwent a fatigue protocol. Data Analysis was performed using 2-tailed t-test comparing the means of pre-test and post-test angle accuracy measurements for the control and treatment groups. …

Knee Flexion Angle And Its Influence On Vmo:Vl Ratios During Isometric Quadriceps Contraction, Jeffrey P. Hendra, William D. Allan

Masters Theses

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is a major cause of knee pain and is caused by lateral patellar tracking. Treatment consists of strengthening the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO). While many exercises strengthen the VMO, simultaneous vastus lateralis (VL) strengthening often occurs and patellar malalignment remains. The VMO must, therefore, be strengthened independently or to a greater extent than the VL. Thus, the VMO:VL ratio of activity must be considered rather than VMO activity alone. This study compared isometric knee extension electromyographically at 0, 20, 60, and 90 degree angles to determine which angle produced the greatest VMO:VL ratio of activity. Results …

Relationship Between Sensibility Loss And Performance On The Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test In Non-Surgical Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients, Bethany J. Navarre, Elizabeth A. Ware

Masters Theses

The assumed correlation between sensibility loss in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and hand function has not been supported by research. The purpose of this study is to examine this relationship. Thirteen subjects with CTS, no previous hand surgeries, hypothyroidism, or diabetes participated. The Weinstein Enhanced Sensory Test was used to assess sensibility and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test was used to assess hand function. No correlations were found between sensibility loss and hand function. Despite a small sample, lack of correlation between sensibility loss in CTS and hand function is significant. It suggests that further research is needed.

Real And Perceived Barriers To Evaluation And Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence In Nulliparous Women, Roxanne R. Kudwa, Kelli J. Thompson

Masters Theses

The incidence of urinary incontinence (UI) in women has been estimated to be as high as 50%, and ranges from 17-52% in nulliparous women (women who have never been pregnant). The purpose of this study was to describe real and perceived barriers for UI affected women to seeking evaluation and treatment. Seventeen women were interviewed. 410 surveys were sent to women living in Southern Michigan to identify participants. Twenty-one met the inclusion criteria and seventeen were purposively interviewed regarding their experiences with UI. Themes were identified and generated to increase awareness of attitudes toward UI.

Effects Of Eccentric Strengthening On Force Output Of The Erector Spinae As Measured By Surface Electromyography (Emg), Audi Chenoweth, Chris Moore

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in force output of the erector spinae using the mean amplitude of surface electromyography (EMG) before and after an eccentric exercise program. Eight healthy subjects, two men and six women, between the ages of 30-45 were individually dosed and evaluated for baseline recordings of their EMG activity during three isometric and six eccentric contractions of their lumbar erector spinae. The exercise program consisted of a single eccentric lowering exercise of six repetitions for three sets, two times a week, for four weeks. EMG recordings were taken in post-test measurements during …

Crosstalk: Surface Versus Intramuscular Electrodes For The Peroneus Brevis And Peroneus Longus, Tanya Cardillo, Susan Dresden, Jacquelyn Solem

Masters Theses

The purpose of this descriptive study was to measure crosstalk when using surface electrodes over the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles. EMG was recorded from the right lower extremity of 14 normal subjects, taken from a sample of convenience. Surface electrodes were applied over the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles; fine wire electrodes were inserted into the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, anterior tibialis and extensor digitorum longus muscles of each subject. During manual muscle tests for the peroneals, anterior tibialis, and extensor digitorum longus, data were recorded from all electrodes simultaneously over 5 trials of each. Pearson product-moment …

A Comparative Electromyographic Study Of The Effect Of Four Selected Closed Chain Squat Exercises On Vastus Medialis Oblique And Vastus Lateralis, Barbara D. Campbell, Michelle Kosiara, Heidi Tolloff

Masters Theses

Patellofemoral dysfunction (PFD) usually involves patellar maltracking. Vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) are two key muscles that help maintain patellar alignment. Open kinetic chain (OKC) studies suggested that the optimum ratio of VMO:VL is about 1:1. With PFD the VMO becomes much weaker. Purpose: To determine which of four partial squat exercises, often used in rehabilitation, best favors VMO firing: partial squat, partial squat squeezing a ball between knees, partial squat with pulley resistance and partial squat with 45° oblique pulley resistance. Analysis of EMG for 31 normal subjects randomly performing all four exercises using repeated ANOVA …

The Efficacy Of A Six-Week T'Ai Chi Intervention Compared To A "Sit And Be Fit" Class On Actual And Perceived Balance In The Community-Dwelling Elderly, Janine Bonner, Jennifer Laudenslager, Todd Sanders

Masters Theses

Recent evidence supports the use of T’ai chi to decrease fall risk and improve self-efficacy (Wolf et al., 1996). The purpose of this study was to compare T’ai chi to a “Sit and Be Fit” intervention in a sample of the community-dwelling elderly. Classes met twice weekly for six weeks. Authors investigated the effects of each intervention on perceived and actual balance using timed one-legged stance, Tinetti Balance Subscale and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale. Pre- and post-testing were performed within one week of intervention. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine statistical differences between the two groups. The Wilcoxon …

The Effects Of An Articulated Ankle-Foot Orthosis On Dynamic Balance In Elderly Subjects With Hemiplegia, Cathi Logan, Traci Roon

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine If a difference exists in dynamic balance of elderly subjects with hemiplegia when the affected lower extremity Is braced with an articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) versus unbraced. Participants were volunteers with a history of a cerebral vascular accident resulting In hemiplegia who required the use of an articulated AFO for ambulation. Balance data was obtained from the random limits of stability test on the Balance Master* version 3.4. Path length and limits of stability were analyzed using a multifactorial ANOVA. The AFO did not have a statistically significant effect on path length …

The Relationship Of Eccentric Hamstrings Time To Peak Torque And Anterior Knee Joint Displacement, Julie Ann Clark, Maureen B. Godfrey, Noreen R. Laborde

Masters Theses

Research suggests that females are more likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury when compared to males and that the ACL and hamstring muscles work together to preserve joint stability. Information is limited regarding any relationship between anterior knee joint laxity, in the absence of injury, and eccentric hamstring time to peak torque. This study compared anterior knee joint displacement and eccentric hamstrings time to peak torque in 30 female athletes and 30 female non-athletes ages 14-18 years. The passive anterior drawer was measured on both lower extremities using the KT-1000® arthrometer before and after eccentric hamstrings time …

Music And The Effect It Has On The Motor Learning Of A Serial Task In Children, Ages Seven And Eight, Karen L. Kurncz, Tara K. Nielsen

Masters Theses

Purpose: To study the hypothesis that music will improve the motor learning of a serial task in seven and eight year old children.

Design: Acquisition - Retention Design

Intervention: The twenty-one subjects were randomly divided into two conditional groups, those who received musical intervention and those who did not. Each subject performed the serial task eleven times during the acquisition session. During the acquisition session, the only difference between the groups was the addition of music to the verbal cues in the experimental group. Approximately twenty-four hours later, each subject returned for a retention session to assess the motor learning …

A Comparison Of The Effects Of An Aquatic Therapy Program Versus A Combined Aquatic/Land Program On Functional Reach Measurements In The Elderly, Caroline S. Kuether, Michelle M. Smith

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an aquatic exercise program with a combination land/aquatic program on functional reach measurements in the elderly. Twenty volunteers, aged 65 and older, were selected and assigned to either an aquatic or a combination exercise group. Subjects participated in 4 weeks (12 classes) of exercise. Functional reach (FR) measurements were taken prior to exercise and weekly thereafter. To determine significant differences in overall and weekly FR measurements, a t-test for independent samples, the Mann-Whitney U-Wilcoxon Rank Sum W Test, and a t-test for paired samples were used. Both groups demonstrated …

Modification Of The Functional Reach Test: Validity & Reliability, Jessica Chesser, Jennifer Werley, Mary Yeager

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of a modified version of the Functional Reach (PR) to more accurately predict falls in elderly women. This modified version, the Lateral Functional Reach (LFR) incorporates dynamic balance testing in the scapular plane.

Fifty female volunteers were recruited from a Senior Center in Holland, Michigan. Each subject completed the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the FR, and the LFR tests. Prior to testing, each subject was screened for depression, cognition and gross medical history.

Validity and reliability of the LFR was determined through correlational and test-retest analysis. The correlation …

Assessing Selected Shoulder Muscle Activity During Performance Of Exercise On The Cuff Link Exercise Unit, Kathleen Johnstone, Kathleen Wagner

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate muscle activity of pectoralis major, serratus anterior, teres major, and latissimus dorsi during an exercise performed on the Cufif Link utilizing normal subjects. Forty-four subjects performed a rotation exercise in a clockwise direction at a speed of 58 beats per minute. Three trials were completed using the push-up handles and the large-diameter hemisphere. Surface electromyography recorded the activity of the four muscles. Recorded EMG values were normalized as a percentage of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVTC). A two-way ANOVA was used to compare mean normalized muscle activity for each muscle and …

The Effects Of A Five-Day Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program On The Standing And/Or Sitting Balance Of Children Ages 8-18 With A Wide Variety Of Disabling Diagnoses As Measured By The Functional Reach Test And The Modified Functional Reach Test, Richard A. Chaperon, Pamela A. Staszewski, Heather L. Vavrina

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect that a five-day horseback riding program had on the standing and/or sitting balance of children ages eight to eighteen afflicted with a variety of disabling diagnoses. The stated hypothesis is that after participating in a five-day session of therapeutic riding, subjects will show significant improvement in standing and/or sitting balance as measured by the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT). The 15 subjects tested using FRT and the 17 subjects tested using the MFRT were all participants of the Cheff Center riding program. Subjects were …

Diagnosing Depression In Adolescents, Heather M. Villien

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Nurse, Nurse Administrator, And Nurse Educator Perceptions Of Patient Expectations Of Nursing Service Quality In Southern Thailand., Wallapa Chaibourkeaw Kochapakdee

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Outcomes Of Comfort Touch In Institutionalized Elderly Female Residents., Mary Jane Butts

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Clinical Indicators Of Transpyloric Feeding Tube Placement In Critically Ill Children., Mary Frances Drake Pate

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Gentle Human Touch On The Vagal Tone Of Premature Infants: A Pilot Study., A Kay Williams

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Kinetic And Thermodynamic Properties Of Platinum, Palladium And Rhodium Metallacrown Ethers., Dale Clark Smith

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Choice On Off Task Behavior In A Child With Autism, Stacia Gibson

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Teacher Involvement In Classroom-Based Intervention For Vocabulary Acquisition And Classroom Communication Skills, Alexis A. Paramboukas

Masters Theses

The present study investigated curricular vocabulary acquisition in children enrolled in grades kindergarten through third. A collaborative classroom-based treatment approach was compared with a classroom-based "SLP-teach" method of intervention. Children at the collaborative school received a curricular language lesson in the classroom which was team taught by the classroom teacher and speech-language pathologist. The speech-language pathologist and classroom teacher met weekly to determine curricular vocabulary words and materials for the lessons. Children at the SLP-teach school received the same curricular language lessons, however, the classroom teachers were not present during the lessons and collaborative planning did not occur between the …

A Comparison Of F2 Transitions In The Disfluent Speech Of Persistent And Recovered Preschool Children Who Stutter, Jennifer K. Niemann

Masters Theses

This study investigated second formant transition extent and direction in disfluent speech samples recorded close to stuttering onset in preschool age children. Comparisons were made among subgroups of children known to persist in stuttering, those who recovered from stuttering, and normally fluent control subjects. Twenty-eight subjects, eight persistent stutterers, eight recovered subjects, and twelve normally fluent subjects participated. These children were enrolled in the longitudinal Stuttering Research Project at the University of Illinois at Urbana. The initial consonant to vowel transition in the second formant of the repeated portion of the part-word repetition was compared to the transition in the …