Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Report, Joseph R. Perry

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is plausible and can be treated through skilled physical therapy. The purpose of this case study is to educate and inform on the treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The patient was an 81 year old female, who was direct access and presented to physical therapy with complaints of left buttock and hamstring pain that was exacerbated with prolonged sitting. Upon physical examination it was determined the patient presented with SIJD which demonstrated a left on left sacral rotation, left ups lip, and bilateral anterior rotation of either pelvis intermittently. Official diagnosis was sprain of the sacroiliac …

Meniscectomy Of A College Athlete, Aaron Bakker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to describe the case of an athlete who sustained a meniscus injury and his subsequent course of physical therapy.

Case Description: The patient in the study is a 20 year old college football player seen by physical therapy following a left knee arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy. He injured his knee while cutting to change direction during football practice.

Intervention: Initial treatment for the patient started off as basic body weight resistance along with modalities and ice to reduce inflammation. Each week he progressed from bodyweight to weighted resistance activities and …

Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Case Report, Abby R. Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background & Purpose Total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are the most commonly performed elective surgery in the United States. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common diagnosis treated with a TKA, which aims to restore an individual's functional ability by improving joint biomechanics and decreasing pain. The purpose of this case report is to describe the progression of physical therapy rehabilitation for a patient status post total knee arthroplasty.

Case Description The patient was a 64 year old male who underwent a TKA surgery to resolve the complications from severe osteoarthritis (OA) of his left knee. He presented to physical therapy with …

The Effectiveness Of "Stepping On" In Reducing Fall Risk In The Elderly Using The 30-Second Chair Stand Test, Brianna Albrecht

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: One-third of all adults over the age of 65 years of age falls each year. Falls cost patients financially, physically, and emotionally. Balance and strength deficits contribute to increasing an individual's fall risk. Studies have shown the efficiency of community-based exercise and education programs on reducing the risk of falling.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether participants in Stepping On experienced an improvement in balance and confidence following completion of the program. The study also evaluated the correlation between self-perceived risk of falling on the CDC Fall Risk Survey and their actual risk …

Conservative Treatment Of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report, Benjamin A. Lofgren

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: This case study provides a description of the outpatient physical therapy management of a 55-year-old female with low back pain and sciatica.

Case Description: Initially, the patient was diagnosed with illiotibial band syndrome (ITB) syndrome. During physical therapy examination, the patient demonstrated signs and symptoms consistent with a lumbar disc pathology. Interventions were designed to address the lumbar disc pathology and included mechanical traction, therapeutic exercises, and patient education for posture, positioning and proper body mechanics.

Outcome: Following 4 weeks of conservative physical therapy treatment, the patient was referred to her primary care physician with a …

Barefoot Versus Shod Training: Effects On Navicular Drop And Foot Pressure Analysis, Evan Condry, Daniel Himmerick, Tiffany Vanhaaften

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Running is a popular form of exercise around the world. The running population generally runs in a rear-foot strike pattern (RFSP), yet there is questioning on the possible benefits of running in a forefoot strike pattern (FFSP). The main goal of FFSP is the possible reduction of running related injuries by reducing the stress on the medial longitudinal arch. The purpose of this research study is to determine if a barefoot running retraining program will have an effect on navicular drop height, plantar pressure area, and peak plantar pressure of the medial aspect of the foot.

Material/Methods …

Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Study Of An Atypical Rehabilitation Progression Due To Unmodifiable Circumstances, Brianna Gustafson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are very prevalent throughout the US. They are often caused by a head injury leading to alterations in brain functioning and often result in lifelong disabilities. Current literature is limited on the aspects of rehabilitation following a TBI because of the many factors that differ within each case. This study will explore an atypical pathway for rehabilitation following a TBI.

Case Description The patient was a 32-year-old male who sustained a TBI following a motor vehicle accident (MVA). The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Rancho Los Amigo Scale (RLAS) were assessed initially and …

The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale And Its Use In The Stepping On Program To Determine The Relationship Between Balance Confidence And Fall Risk, Erin Yankovec

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Due to the high incidence of falls in the elderly population, there is a continued need to develop intervention strategies and prevention programs to help reduce the risk of fall related injuries. Stepping On is a 7 week program designed to reduce falls and build confidence in older adults. Participants are educated on balance and strengthening exercises along with information on home hazards, community mobility, safe footwear and equipment, coping, and many other topics to help reduce falls.

Purpose: To determine if group education and exercise classes, like Stepping On, improve balance confidence levels, if balance confidence …

Effectiveness Of The Stepping On Program In Fall Prevention Measured By The Four Stage Balance Test (Fsbt), Jenna Goecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. Stepping On is one of many fall prevention programs in which individuals who have a fear of falling can participate. Stepping On is a 7 week multifactorial fall prevention program for community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. The program implements an exercise program and addresses education on mobility safety in the community and home. The program addresses how different fall risk factors impact function including diet, medication, vision, balance, and strength.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure pre- and post-program fall risk with the …

A Case Study: Adhesive Capsulitis After Breast Cancer Surgery, Kelsey Kratzke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to outline the physical therapy interventions and factors affecting rehabilitation of a patient with adhesive capsulitis following breast cancer surgery.

Case Description: A 65 year-old female, with limited range of motion in the right shoulder and right anterior chest pain, was seen at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Past medical history included unilateral right mastectomy, right lymph node dissection, and chemotherapy. The physical therapy examination and patient history led to the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder and fibrosis of the anterior chest wall musculature.

Plan of Care …

Physical Therapy Treatment Of Upper Back, Neck, And Shoulder Pain: A Case Report, Lauren A. Graham

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain may be caused by a number of different pathologies and can decrease a patient's functional ability and participation in their daily life. The purpose of this case study is to describe the use of strengthening, stretching, manual therapy, and neuroscience of pain education for decreasing pain in a patient with chronic neck, thoracic, and shoulder pain.

Case Description. The patient was a 69 year old female who had been experiencing neck, shoulder, and upper back pain for 8 months with an insidious onset. She was functionally limited and experienced …

Evaluation Of Program Satisfaction, Quality Of Life, Strength, And Fall Risk Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Participating In A Community Exercise Program: Part 2, Marissa Adolphson, Roy Nelson, Jenna Wyffels

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Bone Builders is an exercise program that incorporates both lower and upper extremities and is specifically designed for the older adult population. It was originally created for those that wanted to reduce their risk of osteoporosis, but currently there is no evidence that demonstrates these effects. However, exercises that are completed in the class are those that target causes of fall risk such as strengthening of hip abductors and balance activities. Participants have also reported that benefits of the class include improved balance, increased energy and mobility, and social support. Our study consisted of testing the …

Conservative Treatment Following Acl Rupture In An Older Individual, Wes Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. It is thought that reconstructive surgery of the ruptured ACL is the best way to return to functional activities, but not every patient wishes to have this surgery with the lengthy recovery. The purpose of this case report is to investigate the outcomes of conservative physical therapy treatment for an ACL rupture over the traditional reconstructive surgery.

Case Description. The patient fell off her bike on a gravel road and suffered a primary diagnosis of a ruptured ACL. She …

Pulmonary Recovery Positions Increase Emg Activity In Accessory Respiratory Muscles, Shelby Carlson, William Hunt, Joshua Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide between 2020 and 2030. Smoking continues to be the primary cause of this disease, which is associated with about 80% of all COPD deaths. Signs and symptoms of COPD can be debilitating; however pulmonary recovery positions may be taught to improve breathing capabilities in impaired individuals. Literature suggests techniques for pulmonary recovery may involve supporting the upper extremities, supporting the head, and leaning forward. The purpose of the current study was to …

Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation: Case Report, Allen Kennedy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a common problem in the world population and total knee replacement has become the gold standard for repair when the OA becomes severe enough. Total knee replacement, however, is not the complete answer to knee OA. Without rehabilitation these patients may struggle to be fully functional. The purpose of this case study was to describe the rehabilitation of a geriatric patient who underwent TKA and benefited from the use of hydrotherapy in his recovery.

Case Description: This report will look at the rehabilitation of one 73-year-old male patient and interventions …

Conservative Treatment Of 'Flail Chest' Following Non-Union Fractures Of The Thoracic Rib Cage With Secondary Shoulder Pathology: A Case Report, Chase Kerber

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose - Fractures of the thoracic ribs are common injuries with a high incidence of secondary co-morbidities which may require a slower rehabilitation progression and result in a delayed return to full function. Patients with these diagnoses often seek physical therapy intervention in order to regain their prior level of function.

Case Description - A 51 year-old male sustained multiple rib fractures, pneumothorax, and a left shoulder injury as a result of falling backwards off a 6 foot platform. He presented to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment with the goal of returning to his occupation as a …

Physical Therapist Professional Appearance: From The Patients' Perspective, Brock Clements, Kelsey Decamp

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy Interventions Following Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: Early Mobility In The Acute Care Setting, Ashley Hickox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Approximately 2.5 million individuals suffered from a TBI in the year of 2010. Many individuals who suffer a TBI are hospitalized for extended periods of time. Studies have shown that extended intensive care can result in deleterious and long-lasting side effects. Early mobility has been utilized to combat effects and has been shown to be safe and effective.

Purpose: To examine early mobility use as applied with respect to this case, a patient with a severe, acute TBI.

Case Description: The patient was a 26 year old male who sustained a TBI following a boat accident. …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Case Report, Melanie Fuller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects 40 to 60% of the US population and is primarily prevalent in 35 to 45 year old females. It involves a multitude of anatomical structures including bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and numerous muscles affecting the TMJ. Examination and treatment of TMD generally requires a whole person approach due to the complexity of involved structures. The purpose of this case study was to educate physical therapists in TMD and pro vide intervention options.

Case Description: The patient was a 36-year-old female referred to physical therapy by her oral surgeon. She presented …

Extension-Based Exercises In Conjunction With Manual Therapy And Strengtheing For Acute Low Back Pain With Associated Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Marcé Schultz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case in which extension-based exercises derived from the method of mechanical diagnosis and treatment (MDT) in correlation with manual therapy and strengthening were applied to a patient with acute low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy.

Case Description: I present the case of a female patient who worked as a certified nursing assistant and injured her back while attempting to transfer a patient. Workmen's compensation was filed and the patient was referred to physical therapy. Through an extensive historical intake and examination procedure, we determined that …

Physical Therapy After Anterior Cervical Fusion Of C6-7, Jedrick B. Mazion

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to report one patient's progress while attending physical therapy. This patient had undergone anterior surgical fusion of vertebrae C6-7 two months prior to physical therapy.

Case Description: This case is the story of a 46-year-old right-handed, English-speaking white male who had undergone a cervical fusion of C6-7 after a whiplash type injury. He had symptoms of hand numbness, cramping, and radiating pain with cervical movements. These symptoms caused difficulty for him to work, participate in recreational activities, and interact with his family.

Intervention: The patient was treated …

Effectiveness Of The Timed Up And Go (Tug) Test In Assessing Fall Risk In Community-Dwelling Elders Participating In The Stepping On Program, Megan Shanahan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is intended to predict fall risk through assessment of balance, functional mobility, and gait in community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. The Stepping On program aims toward fall prevention through education, exercise, and shared experiences among participants. Previous evidence has displayed positive, significant results for Stepping On and the TUG, indicating use of the assessment to track participants' progress in the program.

Objective: The purpose of this study was: 1) to determine if the Stepping On program decreases fall risk in community-dwelling elderly individuals as measured by the TUG test, 2) …

Low Back Pain And Mechanical Diagnosis Treatment: A Case Report, Alicia Bullinger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Acute low back pain is one of the most common and expensive reasons for adults to see a family physician and is commonly treated by physical therapists. Although most patients recover quickly with minimal treatment, patient education and exercises directed by a physical therapist may decrease recurrent pain and need for health care services. The purpose of this case study is to determine if the McKenzie Method is effective treatment for acute low back pain in the medical workforce using evidence based practice.

Case Description: Patient was a 37-year-old Caucasian female who worked as a registered nurse …

Evaluation Of Fall Risk, Functional Mobility, And Quality Of Life Changes Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease Participating In A Community Exercise Program: Part Ii, Lauren Trudel, Courtney Mcdonald, Brittany Bleichner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: As a person ages, the risk of a fall increases. Parkinson Disease (PD) is most commonly seen in the elderly population, which presents with symptoms such as bradykinesia, decreased balance, tremors, postural instability, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are associated with an increase in falls; therefore, a person with PD is more susceptible to falls than the average elderly individual. Exercise has been shown to combat those symptoms affecting people with PD. This study is an extension of a previous study, which examined the effect of a community based exercise program, for people with PD, on quality of …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hamstrings And Quadriceps Muscles During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Joseph Burckhard, Tyler Kemnitz, Mikaela Dick, Alexandria Sweeney

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study was to find if there was a difference in the activation and firing time of the quadriceps (vastus medialis and vastus lateralis) compared to activation times of the hamstrings (biceps femoris and semitendinosus) in active males and females.

Methods. Subjects consisted of two male and two female athletes in good physical condition with no previous knee pathologies. During each of the trials, the muscle activity of each muscle was recorded. The EMG activity recorded using a Noraxon TeleMy02400 G2 telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz which …

Emg Of Serratus Anterior, Upper, Middle, And Lower Trapezius During Glenohumeral Abduction In A Patient With Scapular Dyskinesia: A Case Study, Tyler Bentrup, Byron Flett, Joshua Sorvig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this case study was to examine the differences in muscle activation between the right and left sided upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior in a participant with scapular dyskinesis.

Methods. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo2400 G2 telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz on the aforementioned muscles.

Results. In comparing UE ratios of EMG activity, it appears that the left lower trapezius exerts a significant amount more of energy than the right lower trapezius.

Conclusion. This study may demonstrate the importance of bilateral lower …