Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Discharge Outcomes : An Evaluation Of A Functional Index Of Physical Assistance, Jan R. Snell

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between a functional score given to the patient on the day of discharge from an acute setting and the setting to which the patient is discharged. There were 102 subjects (58 female, 44 male) included in the study and their ages ranged from 20 to 91 years (mean age=61.6 years). The following data were collected on all subjects: age, gender, diagnosis, past medical history, duration of hospital stay, duration of physical therapy, reason for discharge, family support, type of insurance, and Physical Assistance Key (PAK) score on …

Reference Serum Chemistry And Hematological Values For Spinal Cord Injured Patients, Michael S. Laymon, Antone L. Davis Ii

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Serum chemistry and hematological values from 220 traumatic spinal cord injured patients (157 male and 63 female between the ages of 15-47, with greater than six months from injury) were compiled via chart review. Traumatic spinal cord injured patient’s reference ranges were determined and compared with the general population reference ranges. Reference ranges within the spinal cord population were compared by age, gender, level of injury and chronicity of injury. The reference ranges determined for all groups within this spinal cord population fall within the reference ranges of the general population. This supports recent research which suggests that a decrease …

Changes In Ankle Joint Proprioception Resulting From Strips Of Athletic Tape Applied Over The Skin, Guy G. Simoneau, Rebecca M. Degner, Cindi A. Kramper, Kent H. Kittleson

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals stress the importance of proprioceptive reeducation during the rehabilitation process following an injury." 2 It is believed that an injury such as an inversion ankle sprain, for example, results in a reduction of proprioceptive function that may lead to future reinjuries. 3 One suggested palliative method to supplement a deficit in proprioceptive function at the ankle is the use of external support such as taping and braces.47 The tape or brace is believed to provide increased mechanical support as well as increased proprioception.

Reliability Of The Saunders Electronic Inclinometer For The Assessment Of Lumbar Rom, Melanie C. Maneval

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The American Medical Association (AMA) advocates using the inclinometer for the measurement of spinal motion. Clinicians however, have not yet adopted this method in practice. Much controversy exists within the health care community with regard to which measurement method is the most reliable. The purpose of this study was: (1) to clarify the work that has been performed to date and (2) to examine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the Saunders Electronic Inclinometer for the assessment of lumbar flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation. The authors concluded that the SEI demonstrated moderate to good reliability for the assessment of …

The Effect Of Three Positions Of Shoulder Flexion On Grip Strength, John David Canyock

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effect of shoulder position on grip strength in 30 female students from Florida International University. A Jamar dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength in three testing positions (0,90 and 135 degrees of shoulder flexion with full elbow extension). The highest mean grip strength measurement was found at 135 degrees of shoulder flexion, followed by 0 degrees and then 90 degrees. An ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference between at least two of the three positions. A Fisher's LSD post hoc test indicated that mean grip strength at 135 degrees of flexion was …

The Relationship Of Hamstring Length And Chronic Low Back Pain, Aaron Deline, David Doubblestein

Masters Theses

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most complex dysfunctions facing physical therapists today. There has been some research on the correlation between decreased hamstring length and LBP, but the results have been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a direct correlation between decreased hamstring length and chronic LBP among males and females aged 20 - 60 years who are non-manual laborers.

Based on responses to a questionnaire thirty-nine volunteer subjects were placed into either the no LBP group or the chronic LBP group. The subjects were then tested bilaterally for hamstring muscle …

1997 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1997 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Low Back Unit, Joel Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Fitness Plus, Inc. has developed a series of exercise machines for strengthening of the trunk musculature. Their Low Back Unit is claimed to target the rectus abdominus (RA), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles, but there is no research to solidify these claims. The purpose of this study was to describe the electromyographic (EMG) activity during the use of the Fitness Plus, Inc. Low Back Unit.

Methods: Fifteen healthy, males (ages 20-30) volunteered to participate in this study. Surface EMG was used to assess the muscle activity in four trunk and hip muscles. The …

A Review Of Anterior Instability Of The Shoulder, Ross M. Argent

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder dislocations are increasingly being recognized among physical therapists as a common disabling condition in the health care setting. Surgeons are constantly attempting to improve and develop new surgical techniques to help patients who present with anterior instability. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of anterior instability and its clinical importance to physical therapy.

The shoulder complex demonstrates an important balance between stability and mobility. As the name implies, it is an extremely complicated joint with various components contributing to its strength. The shoulder joint is dislocated more often than any other major joint in the …

An Educational Tool For Spinal Manual Therapy, Jennifer Brandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spinal manual therapy is a broad term used in physical therapy. Its applications include evaluation, pain relief, relaxation, and restoration of normal joint motion. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scientific research supporting the therapeutic effects of spinal manual therapy. Despite its questionable effectiveness, spinal manual therapy has become a widely used and integral practice for physical therapists. To a physical therapist, spinal manual therapy can include a vast array of procedures including: soft tissue mobilization, passive muscle stretching, muscle energy techniques, and joint manipulation. The purpose of this project is to provide the student with a brief summary on …

Auricular Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation: A Review, Greg R. Burton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Pain has oppressed man for centuries and is the most common symptom for which patients seek medical treatment. The goal of medical research has been to discover the simplest method of pain relief with the least detrimental or undesirable side effects. If pain is not treated successfully, it can lead to a chronic condition with crippling effects that can profoundly affect the individual's quality of life. Pain can also prevent the successful treatment of other disorders.

Auricular transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ATENS) is on~ of the most recent methods of pain management to arise from research. It combines both acupuncture and …

Environmental Illumination In Relation To Balance Performance In Healthy Community-Dwelling Elders, Laura Habermann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects low levels of lighting have on balance in healthy, community dwelling elders. The balance of 14 volunteer subjects (13 females and 1 male) who are older than 65, who live in · the community and who are generally healthy was tested. Each subject's balance was tested in both optimal and poor lighting conditions using the functional reach balance assessment tool. Subjects were given two practice trials and were then instructed to reach three times in each condition while the researcher measured the amount of light in the room and the …

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: A Clinical Literature Review, Michele Heinrich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common chronic disabling conditions of children occurring in 1.5 to 2.5 per 1000 live births with a similar prevalence rate into adolescence and adulthood. The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by increased muscle tone, decreased range of motion, and altered motor coordination resulting in an impairment in function. Spasticity contributes to muscle contractures and creates abnormal movement patterns.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that is used to reduce a child's spasticity. It has been proven to reduce the spasticity, but is …

An Electromyographic Study Of Back And Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During A Traditional Squat And The Plyo Press Leg Press, Heidi C. Ivesdal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strength training is a primary factor in athletics and rehabilitation. Lower extremity strength training has traditionally consisted of free weights, biomechanically designed weight machines, or plyometrics. The Plyo Press is a new machine that is currently being utilized in the Frappier Acceleration Program for athletes. It is specifically designed for lower extremity strength training in combination with plyometrics. The principle behind its design is to build strength in the most effective way to enhance speed and dynamic activity without the stress to the low back or legs that is present with the use of free weights.

Because the Plyo Press …

The Use Of Functional Electrical Stimulation (Fes) To Produce Functional Movement In Individuals With Paraplegia, Melissa Jendro

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 7600 to 11000 people per year, and alters every aspect of the individuals' lives. SCI primarily affects young Caucasian adults. The majority are between 16 to 30 years old, with the average age being 19. Motor vehicle accidents account for 35% to 40% of SCI cases reported, with violence in close second at 25%. Currently, the highest neurological category is of complete paraplegia followed by incomplete quadriplegia. SCIs often cause many complications due to decreased physical activity and changes in bodily functions.

Among treatment options, functional electrical stimulation (FES) is used to restore a …

Acupuncture And Pain: A Critical Analysis Of Current Research, Ryan K. Kuwahara

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Acupuncture as a treatment for pain relief has recently gained popularity in the United States despite the lack of substantial clinical proof of its analgesic effect. In the recent past there have been several reviews of the clinical studies on acupuncture's analgesic efficacy, all of which have demanded that future studies have more appropriate outcome measures, better design, and have proper credibility assessment. The present study critically analyzed the published literature over the past decade to see if the latest acupuncture studies provide a more definitive answer regarding acupuncture's efficacy. Analysis revealed that recent studies do not provide any more …

An Emg And Video Analysis Of The Wrist Flexors During A Sidearm Baseball Delivery, Cordell J. Mack

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

By understanding proper pitching mechanics, therapists can develop better preventative and rehabilitation programs for pitchers. The purpose of this study was to explain the joint motions and muscle activity that occur at the elbow during both an overhand and sidearm baseball pitching delivery. Three healthy adult pitchers with recreational sidearm pitching experience were examined with synchronized high-speed video digitization and surface electromyography (EMG). It was proposed that the increased valgus moment during the acceleration phase due to the sidearm delivery would subsequently show an increase in EMG activity by the wrist flexor-pronator group to provide additional varus torque in minimizing …

An Electromyographic And Video Analysis Study Of The Shoulder Girdle Musculature Activity During Exercise With The Multi Sport Cord, Melanie Michaels

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The Multi Sport Cord is a resistive device used to strengthen the shoulder girdle musculature. The purpose of this study is to determine which shoulder girdle muscles are active, as well as when they are active throughout the range of motion of selected therapeutic exercises with the Multi Sport Cord.

Methods: Five healthy male subjects (ages 23-28) without shoulder pathology were recruited for this study. The subjects performed five exercises two times each: once with the Multi Sport Cord and once with a free weight. The selected exercises were the following: sidelying external rotation, prone external rotation, standing external …

The Effects Of A Dorsiflexor Strengthening And Plantarflexor Stretching Program On Balance In The Elderly: A Pilot Study, Danielle R. Mongeon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Today, falls have become the most common life-threatening hazard in seniors. Falls have been associated with a number of disabilities including the muscular weakness and decreased flexibility that accompany aging. These factors may be involved in the poor balance that has also been idetified as a risk factor for falling. It was the purpose of this research project to: (1) determine if the exercises prescribed to increase strength and flexibility of the ankle were effective in a control group of ten college students, and (2) to test the effects of a plantarflexor stretching and dorsiflexor strengthening program on balance in …

Video Education And Mechanical Traction, Tiffany A. Orth

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

I began this endeavor with several goals to accomplish. The main goal is to provide an educational video that may be used as a supplementary tool to PT 319: Techniques ll. Theory and Technique of Thermo-Photo-Hydrotherapy. This video will demonstrate mechanical lumbar traction in the supine and prone positions as well as cervical traction in the seated and supine positions. The use of video in education enhances the transfer of information from instructor to student by providing consistent information, repetition, easy use, and realism. Included with the video is a study guide that contains detailed listings of traction information that …

Outcome Based Study Of 1994 Physical Therapy Graduates, Tracey A. Pudenz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Evaluation in physical therapy programs is necessary for reassessing and updating curricula to meet the changing needs of the profession and Accreditation Standards. This study addresses program evaluation within the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT).

Questionnaires were developed and mailed to the 1994 UND-PT graduates, and their employers and patients in November, 1995. This study formalizes the data collected from these questionnaires and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the UND-PT program as it relates to curriculum.

Twenty-four of the graduate questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 52%. The returned employer questionnaires represented 27 …

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Rotary Torso Unit, Melanie F. Rystedt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strengthening of trunk musculature is an important part of prevention and treatment for low back pain. Various machines have been developed to target the trunk muscles. The Rotary Torso Unit is being marketed by Fitness Plus Inc, however, no research has been conducted to validate the claims made by the manufacturer. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure and describe the muscle activity elicited while exercising on the Fitness Plus Rotary Torso Unit. For this study we used 14 healthy male subjects between the ages of22 and 40 and with no prior history of back pathology.

The results …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Clinical Application, Amy Schneider

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes irritation or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist. CTS is caused by factors including bony abnormalities, neuropathic conditions, inflammatory conditions, and most commonly, cumulative trauma. The trauma involves excessive repetition, force, bending, vibration, and impact activities performed at home or at work. As a result, the median nerve becomes irritated and intermittent sensory deficits occur initially leading to motor dysfunction with advanced disease. Once CTS is diagnosed, the first line of defense is conservative treatment which may result in operative care if unsuccessful. Modified activity and early postoperative hand …

Lower Extremity Strength Training To Decrease Falls In The Elderly, Kelly L. Spadolini

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

p>As the elderly population grows, the health care needs of people over the age of sixty-five will dominate the medical profession. Methods of prevention of health problems are key to providing the optimal medical care. Falling has been reported as the most prevalent means of injury in older people. One third of all seniors living in the community and one half of those residing in nursing homes fall each year. Research indicates that elderly people who fall have weaker lower extremity strength than elderly people who do not fall. As a result, some clinicians have incorporated strengthening regiments into …

Eating Disorders And Their Relevance To The Health Professional, Tammy L. Surdez

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have become more prevalent among young people in our society. This rising pursuit of thinness can be attributed, in part, to our society's idealistic view of beauty and appeal, in addition to several other causal factors. Adolescents and young adults struggle to meet the unrealistic demands of society, often resorting to potentially fatal behaviors such as starvation, binging, and purging. These disorders often present with identifiable signs and symptoms. As health professionals, we must be prepared to identify these characteristic signs and symptoms in order to identify patients who are at …

A Literature Review Of The Fundamentals Of Hippotherapy, Laura Weisberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

For centuries, horses have been used to help rehabilitate people with neuromuscular disorders. However, not until recently has it been recognized as a treatment modality utilized in the practice of physical therapy. Hippotherapy is implemented by a licensed therapist who uses the multifaceted movement of the horse as a treatment modality to address a broad range of special needs in individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, there is limited information provided on this subject.

In a review of the literature, I will discuss the history, the different theories, the treatment techniques, and the research that has been done on hippotherapy. The purpose …

A Visual Teaching Aid For A Pediatric Aquatic Physical Therapy Program, Saundi Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic therapy is quickly becoming a popular form of treatment in pediatric physical therapy. The unique properties of water allow children with disabilities to exercise and experience movement that they are often unable to experience on land. Despite the numerous benefits of aquatic therapy, few resources are available which visually demonstrate suggestions for the use of this form of treatment. A visual teaching aid would provide students and professionals in physical therapy with exposure to aquatic therapy treatment techniques with a pediatric population.

The purpose of this study will be to research and review the literature regarding aquatic therapy and …

The Effect Of Interset Rest Period Length On Quadriceps Muscle Recovery In Strength Training, Jesse J. Wosick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Lower extremity strength training is one of the skills performed by physical therapists. The purpose of this experiment was to measure the percent of recovery of the quadriceps muscles after specified interset rest period lengths to obtain the optimal interset rest period length between sets in strength training.

Twelve male and twelve female healthy subjects were divided into three equal groups of eight (four males, four females). The subjects performed two sets of six repetitions of unilateral isokinetic knee extension with their dominant lower extremity on the Chattanooga KIN-COM Dynamometer. One, two, or three minute interset rest period lengths were …

The Effects Of Training On Cervical Range Of Motion Between Unilateral Breathers And Bilateral Breathers In Collegiate Swimmers During Freestyle Swimming, Anjanette Wong

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to establish data on active cervical range of motion for collegiate freestyle swimmers, to determine if training has an effect on cervical range of motion, and to investigate if breathing style influences cervical rotation to the right and left after training. The sample consisted of 29 varsity swim team members from the University of North Dakota (12 females and 17 males) who had participated in experiment IRB-9504-257. This past study was performed at the start of the competitive swim season, and its measurements used as pre-season data. The same CROM device was used to …

A Physical Therapy Perspective On Rotator Cuff Disease, Tiffany R. Wirz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rotator Cuff disease is one of the most common shoulder problems seen in the medical setting today. It spans all ages ranging from the young athlete who suffers from overuse syndrome to the older individual who experiences decreased function due to degenerative changes within the shoulder joint.

The chief causes of rotator cuff tears are traumatic il1iury and degenerative changes. Tears resulting from trauma usually occur from a lateral blow to the shoulder. Degenerative changes in the rotator cuff result from many factors. These factors include: decreased vascularity, age, shape of the acromion, repetitive trauma, scapular instability, and muscular weakness. …