Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Survey Of Pharmacology Education In Entry-Level Physical Therapy Programs, Daniel C. Weaver

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this survey research is to document the current status of education in pharmacology in the curriculum of entry-level physical therapy programs. A questionnaire was sent to the 135 entry-level physical therapy programs located in the United States and accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. The director or faculty member responsible for pharmacology instruction in 96 (71.1 %) of the entry-level physical therapy programs participated in the five-part survey.

The questionnaire results indicate that nearly all of the program respondents (98.9%) incorporate pharmacology content into existing required courses and/or have in his or her curriculum a required …

A Literature Review On Wheelchair Products And Fitting, Lee M. Werchau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are often involved in wheelchair prescription. An important factor when recommending or prescribing a wheelchair is proper fit. Proper wheelchair fitting is critical when attempting to get maximum independence, normalize tone in spastic or low tone clients, as well as decreasing bony deformities and pressure ulcers. Crucial measurements for wheelchair fitting include backrest height and seat width, depth, and height. To assure ultimate independence an individuals mental competence, ROM in upper extremities, cardiopulmonary health, and coordination must be evaluated prior to prescribing a wheelchair. Options to consider are the type of seat cushion, wheelchair frame, peripherals, and safety. …

Assessment Of Physical Therapy Needs At Third Street Clinic, Susan Wheeldon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Health care is being provided free of charge at the Third Street Clinic in Grand Forks, North Dakota, for those people who are uninsured or who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Physical Therapy is not presently offered as a service at the Clinic.

Physical Therapy is part of comprehensive health care. Therapists provide caring and expertise in the areas of neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic/musculoskeletal problems, pediatrics, and work hardening. As volunteers, therapists are involved in providing care at free clinics across the nation.

The Third Street Clinic agreed to have a needs assessment performed to identify those clients who …

Debridement Teaching Aid, Katharine E. Ward

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists treat patients with wounds. Debridement is one area of wound care which physical therapists frequently perform. Debridement is a particularly difficult skill to learn in the classroom due to the inability to simulate authentic conditions.

This study is intended to be a debridement teaching aid in the physical therapy classroom and/or the professional setting. Written text discusses the classification, healing, assessment, debridement, and dressing of wounds. Photographs of wounds and wound care clarify the written text.

The purpose of this teaching module is to help students and professional staff feel more comfortable with wound care and debridement upon …

Medical Disease And Low Back Pain: The Physical Therapy Evaluation, Heather Lynn Alderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The heightened level of autonomy currently experienced by the profession of physical therapy demands that, in addition to identifying and managing movement dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists be knowledgeable of signs and symptoms which may indicate medical disease. Individuals who present with low back pain (LBP) are commonly seen in the physical therapy clinic. While most often the source of a patient's LBP is of mechanical musculoskeletal origin, a great number of differential diagnoses classified as medical diseases also exist that are capable of precipitating low back pain. The purpose of this independent study is to: (a) outline …

An Investigation Of Differential Diagnosis Of Patellofemoral Pain Syndromes, Shannon Marie Buckmier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Dysfunction of the patellofemoral joint has long been a topic of discussion and debate for caregivers of patients with this syndrome. Various diagnosis related to the patellofemoral joint of the knee have been reported. Patellofemoral pain refers to the clinical presentation of pain in the anterior region of the knee. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in children, adolescents, and adults. It is a major source of pain and dysfunction in both genders, but is more common in females.

The purpose of this literature review is to help distinguish between several differential diagnosis included as part of …

The Continuum Of Care For The Traumatic Brain Injured, Maile M.K. Collado

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists play an important role in the rehabilitation and management of the traumatic brain injured (TBI) patient. Physical therapy is accomplished through therapeutic strategies, intervention techniques, and recommendations for placement and discharge. Many times P.T. services are discontinued for various reasons, two of which are loss of reimbursement or the perception that the patient no longer requires P.T. services. Many times, however, services are discontinued due to a lack of awareness of available services.

There is limited research available that follows the TBI patient along the continuum of care towards reintegration into society .. Thus, the purpose of this …

A Literature Review Of The Results Of Traditional Versus Accelerated Anterior Cruciate Ligament (Acl) Rehabilitation In Treatment Following Acl Reconstruction, Cara L. Conway

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In recent years, the rehabilitation of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has undergone changes in its protocol. The changes in ACL rehabilitation protocol are due to clinical observations and trends in ACL rehabilitation across the country. The traditional and presently used accelerated ACL rehabilitation programs are not much different in the activities performed as in the time frames when each activity is permitted.

The main purpose of this literature review is to provide material for clinicians to have accurate and recent knowledge of ACL rehabilitation. This knowledge will allow the clinician to provide the best and most beneficial treatment to …

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Bryan L. Guthmiller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Delayed-onset muscular soreness (DOMS), the sensation of pain and stiffness in the muscles that occurs from 1-5 days following unaccustomed exercise, can adversely affect muscle performance, both from voluntary reduction of effort and from inherent loss of capacity of the muscles to produce force. This exercise-induced muscle damage causes a response that can be characterized by a cascade of metabolic events. Increased circulating neutrophils and interleukin-1 occurs within 24 hours after the exercise, with skeletal muscle levels remaining elevated for a much longer time. Several theories underlying the physiological mechanisms of DOMS have been proposed. The majority of evidence contradicts …

A Survey: The Documentation Of Manual Therapy, Kimo Danielsen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Manual therapy, though clinically valuable, lacks published research to support efficacy. The purpose of this project was to survey therapists in the U.S. who use manual therapy · in their clinical practice. Methods: All orthopedic clinical specialists (OCS) in the United States (n=325) as recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association's 1993 Directory of Clinical Specialists were sent a survey that contained questions regarding demographics, frequency of documentation, and items included in documentation. . The information gained through the survey questions were analyzed for descriptive trends. Results: There was a 45% response rate. Majority of the respondents indicated they were …

Comparison Of Pediatric Physical Therapy Service In The Educational Versus Medical Setting With Special Focus On Iep Development, Nicki Christopherson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The passage of Public Law 94-142, the Education for all Handicapped Children Act, in 1975, has created an increased demand for physical therapists to work with children in the educational setting. The intent of the law is that all individuals have the right to a free, appropriate public education. In order for an individual with a disability to receive an appropriate education, related services, including physical therapy, are provided.

Physical therapy has traditionally been a medical service. In accordance with the law, the services delivered by a physical therapist in the school setting must be educationally related. Service provisions including …

Guidelines And Benefits For Exercising The Elderly, Nita Farbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of elderly individuals is continually growing due to advancements in medicine and technology. Several physiological and psychological changes occur throughout the aging process. Regular physical activity is an effective therapy for slowing the aging process and preventing many of the conditions that occur with aging, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, the active individual is more independent and functional in his or her activities of daily living compared to the person who remains sedentary. Older individuals who maintain functional levels of flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance are rarely candidates for nursing …

A Correlation Between Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Kt-1000 Values: A Prediction Of Knee Pathology, Leatha Noreen Hawbaker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between students identified with generalized joint hypermobility and their values of knee joint mobility as measured by the KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer.

Sixty healthy female high school sophomores, active in basketball, participated in this study. They were evaluated using: 1) the Beighton hypermobility criteria and 2) the KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer. The KT- 1000 variables identified were the anterior 20 lb. displacement, compliance index, and the total anterior-posterior displacement.

With an alpha level set at .05, one-tailed, the T-test for independent samples identified no significant difference in the …

A Review Of The Utilization Of Emg Biofeedback, Jeanine Lee Forsgren

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback is gaining popularity as a treatment modality in physical therapy. It is used in the areas of neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation as well as injury prevention and performance improvement. The use of this modality can aid in the rehabilitation process by identifying weak muscles which need to be strengthened. Physical therapy also utilizes EMG biofeedback to identify and change movement patterns which may contribute to injury through the overuse or incorrect use of various muscles. EMG biofeedback is used to assist the patient in learning how to control muscular movement to correct the problems which are identified. …

The Effects Of Family Dynamics On Pediatric Intervention, Michelle L. Jung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The family unit in America is becoming extremely diverse in its composition, perceptions, and capabilities. It is this diversity which challenges professionals to perceive and interact with each family as an unique entity. Most importantly, though, is the influence of family dynamics on the outcomes of therapeutic interventions for children with disabilities. Since the passage of Public Law 99-457, the focus of intervention has moved from treatment of the individual child to services involving the family as a single functioning unit. . Services are then provided to the child and family, as the family needs influence the child's growth and …