Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Freezing Of Gait: Mechanisms, Mechanics, And Management, Peter S. Myers

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with multiple motor and non-motor symptoms, including postural instability, gait impairments, and cognitive deficits. More than 50% of individuals with PD experience a symptom called freezing of gait (FOG), described as a transient inability to take another step forward. Individuals with PD who experience FOG (freezers) have further postural, gait, and cognitive impairments compared to individuals with PD without FOG (non-freezers). While degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is accepted as the primary etiology of the disease, research shows that the disease has a global impact on the brain, accounting …

The Moderation Effect Of Bdnf Genotype And Self-Reported Habitual Physical Activity Levels On Age Of Onset, Disease Progression, And Postural Instability In Parkinson's, Kyle Johnson, Danielle Salgo, Jessica Zorn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels have been reported to play an important role in driving neuroprotection in people with neurologic disorders, and levels of BDNF are known to increase in response to physical activity. Moreover, the level of BDNF produced is also affected by BDNF genotype. It is not known, however, whether one’s BDNF genotype interacts with physical activity throughout life to affect a neuroprotective response in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if BDNF genotype interacts with lifetime self-reported physical activity levels to affect disease severity and progression …

Investigation Of The Cardiovascular Endurance Of Dance Majors, Arnold Huang, Ali Ross, Kelsey Taelour, Geneva Winters

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: College dancers have demonstrated low levels of cardiovascular endurance compared to other athletes, which could be one of the factors that leads to more fatigue and injuries during performance. The effects of an education session on cardiovascular endurance and on college dancers’ attitudes towards cardiovascular exercise outside of dance class have not been previously studied. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use the accelerated three-minute step test to compare lower level and upper level college dancers’ cardiovascular endurance before and 2 months after an education session emphasizing fitness and exercise. Additionally, assessed were the dancers’ attitudes towards …

A 6-Week Hip Muscle Strengthening And Lumbopelvic-Hip Core Stabilization Program To Improve Pain, Function, And Quality Of Life In Persons With Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: A Feasibility Pilot Study., Lisa T. Hoglund, Laura Pontiggia, John D. Kelly

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: Patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent in middle-aged and older adults. Despite this, there are minimal studies which have examined conservative interventions for PFJ OA. Weakness of proximal lower extremity muscles is associated with PFJ OA. It is unknown if a hip muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic-hip core stabilization program will improve symptoms and function in persons with PFJ OA. This study examined the feasibility and impact of a 6-week hip muscle strengthening and core stabilization program on pain, symptoms, physical performance, peak muscle torques, and quality of life in persons with PFJ OA.

Methods: Ten females with PFJ …

The Impact Of Blood Pressure Dipping Status On Cognition, Mobility And Cardiovascular Health In Older Adults Following An Exercise Program, Narlon Cassio Boa Sorte Silva, Michael A. Greagory, Dawn P. Gill, Cheri L. Mcgowan, Robert Petrella

Lifestyle Research Team

Objectives: To determine whether a dual-task gait and aerobic exercise intervention differentially impacted older adults with normal blood pressure (BP) dipping status (dippers) compared to those with nondipping status (nondippers).

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis involving participants (mean age = 70.3 years, 61% women) who attended a laboratory-based exercise intervention over a 6-month period (40 min/day and 3 days/week). Participants were assessed in measures of cognition, mobility, and cardiovascular health at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months (after a 6-month no-contact follow-up).

Results: We observed improvements in cognition in both groups at 6 and 12 months, although no …

Facilitating Emotional Regulation In Adults With Developmental Disabilities Through Person-Centered Play Therapy, Otis Kemutambah

Honors Theses

Adults with developmental disabilities may employ maladaptive behaviors that stem from limited opportunities to interact with their community and non-nurturing interactions within their environment. This literature review explores the effects of play on maladaptive behaviors and provides a rationale that supports the use of PCPT to improve this population’s emotional regulation skills. More specifically, the sources indicate that activities containing exercise and games, improves the emotional regulation skills of this population. Based on the presented information, created cost effective activities will potentially improve these skills amongst adults with developmental disabilities. These activities that adhere to PCPT are basketball, water basketball, …

Systemic Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Following Isometric Exercise Reduces Conditioned Pain Modulation, Ali Alsouhibani, Henrik Bjarke Vaegter, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Physically active individuals show greater conditioned pain modulation (CPM) compared with less active individuals. Understanding the effects of acute exercise on CPM may allow for a more targeted use of exercise in the management of pain. This study investigated the effects of acute isometric exercise on CPM. In addition, the between-session and within-session reliability of CPM was investigated.

Design

Experimental, randomized crossover study.

Setting

Laboratory at Marquette University.

Subjects

Thirty healthy adults (19.3±1.5 years, 15 males).

Methods

Subjects underwent CPM testing before and after isometric exercise (knee extension, 30% maximum voluntary contraction for three minutes) and quiet rest in …

Feasibility And Preliminary Outcomes Of A Standardized Exercise Program In Adults With Down Syndrome: A Pilot Study, Megan Flores, Kristen Barta, Martha Sneary, Germaine Ferreira, Elizabeth Ardolino

Physical Therapy Collection

Purpose/ Hypothesis: Youth with Down Syndrome (DS) have limited participation in physical activity. When compared to their typically developing peers, adults with DS display decreased functional mobility and strength. Exercise has shown to improve the physical fitness, overall health, and quality of life in people with DS. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT® BIG) is an effective treatment approach designed for patients with Parkinson’s disease. The core components of LSVT® BIG include large amplitude movements, sensory calibration, high intensity, and maximum effort while performing the daily exercises. Due to hypotonicity associated with DS, these individuals typically display kyphotic posture, shortened …

Lived Experience And Process Of Engagement In Physical Exercise For Older Adults With Chronic Back Pain, Melissa E. Hay

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

For older adults, physical exercise is especially important in maintaining functional independence, extending quality of life, and optimizing personal health resources. For patients with chronic pain conditions, exercise participation can significantly improve patient-reported symptoms. Older adults are the most sedentary age group with the majority not meeting the recommended duration and intensity of weekly exercise. Although nonadherence with exercise guidelines may result for a variety of reasons, adverse health conditions including chronic pain are likely of particular concern for older adults. The aim of this research, consisting of two studies employing interpretive phenomenology and constructivist grounded theory, was to understand …

Impact Of An Exercise Program On Stress, Fatigue, And Quality Of Life For Individuals Living With Primary Immunodeficiency Disease, Kerri Sowers

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: There are over 300 Primary Immunodeficiency diseases (PID) that are a result of a genetic or idiopathic dysfunction of any aspect of the immune system. These conditions result in a higher frequency of infections, autoimmune conditions, or malignancies. Moderate intensity exercise is thought to help the immune system, while high intensity exercise may have a negative impact on immune function. The impact of exercise on individuals with an impaired immune system due to PID is not yet understood. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a low to moderate intensity exercise program would have an effect …

Can Foot Exercises And Going Barefoot Improve Function, Muscle Size, Foot Pressure During Walking And Qualitative Reports Of Function In People With Flat Foot?, Marcey Keefer Hutchison, Robin Dorociak, Alison Modafferi, Shanna Howland, Angela Foster, Jean Jarbath, Brenden Thompson, Tyler Whited, Jeff Houck

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Introduction/Purpose: Specific exercises to train foot muscles for barefoot running (i.e. doming seated[DS] and standing[DSt]) and post foot and ankle injury (i.e. seated plantar flexion and inversion[SPFI]) are common. Exercise programs specifically for the foot claim improvement in foot posture (foot posture index [FPI]) and foot strength. However, rigorous assessment of foot function as a result of exercise is lacking (i.e. foot posture, strength, and plantar pressure). Further, no studies specifically address patients with flat foot. The purpose of this case series study was to assess the immediate effects of an 8-week foot exercise and barefoot weight bearing program on …

Patient Experiences Of A Physiotherapy-Led Multidisciplinary Rehabilitative Intervention After Successful Treatment For Oesophago-Gastric Cancer, Annemarie Bennett, L. O'Neill, D. Connolly, E. M. Guinan, L. Boland, Suzanne Doyle, J. O'Sullivan, J. V. Reynolds, J. Hussey

Articles

Purpose To qualitatively explore the perceived impact of a 12-week rehabilitative intervention for oesophago-gastric cancer survivors on their physical, mental and social wellbeing. Methods Of the 21 participants who completed the intervention, 19 took part in a semi-structured focus group interview. Four audio-taped focus groups were held, ranging in size from two to eight participants. Focus groups were transcribed and analysed using a descriptive qualitative approach. Results At recruitment, participants were 23.5 ± 15.2 months post-surgery and all had suboptimal fitness levels. Participants reported improvements in their physical capacity and ability to carry out activities of daily living during the …

Overwhelming Research And Clinical Evidence Of Exercise Medicine Efficacy In Cancer Management—Translation Into Practice Is The Challenge Before Us, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The paper “Connecting people with cancer to physical activity and exercise programs: a pathway to create accessibility and engagement”1 is very timely. As the authors have convincingly demonstrated, rigorous clinical and research evidence support something of which most medical and allied health professionals are cognizant: the benefit of physical activity and exercise for people with cancer.

What Maximum Ankle Torque Is Appropriate For Training Patients With Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy?, Tyler Cuddeford, Jeff Houck, Derek Palmer, Jason Beilstein, Jordan Visser

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background and Purpose: The capacity of the Achilles tendon during a 1-repetition eccentric maximum contraction is largely unknown. This study examined the maximum ankle torque during a concentric/ eccentric heel raise/lowering task and while running in healthy individuals and participants with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. These findings were applied to a 10-week training program for a patient with chronic Achilles tendinopathy.

Methods: A total of 13 subjects (9 healthy and 4 with Achilles tendinopathy) participated in this study. Subjects were asked to perform a maximum eccentric contraction wearing a weighted vest while collecting 3-dimensional biomechanical variables. Subjects also ran along an …

Youth Leisure-Time Physical Activity From The Perspectives Of Young Adults With Visual Impairments, Justin A. Haegele

Human Movement Sciences & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning that young adults with visual impairments ascribe to their youth leisure-time physical activity experiences. This study adopted an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research approach. Ten participants (aged 21-34 years; eight women, two men) with visual impairments were included in this study. Semi-structured, audio-taped telephone interviews acted as the primary source of data for this study. Data were analyzed thematically using a four-step process informed by IPA and three interrelated themes were constructed: (a) "I just always felt normal when I was doing them": Preferences for unstructured activities, (b) "They didn't …