Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Self Determination Theory And Health Behavior Interventions, Anna T. Simpson

The Cardinal Edge

Physical and mental health contribute to a person’s overall sense of well-being. People generally want to live happy and healthy lives, so they make decisions that will increase their well-being. Many factors contribute to our health, but health behavior is something we can modify. Health behavior interventions aim to promote healthy choices and a sense of well-being in patients. Interventions have a theoretical basis that influences the design of the intervention. Public health interventions have used self-determination theory (SDT) and its components to guide interventions that promote health behavior change in various populations. This paper will seek to understand the …

From Awareness To Action: Understanding And Addressing Health Disparities, Aamira Shah

The Cardinal Edge

In the United States, marginalized groups consistently face barriers to healthcare services necessary for maintaining quality of life and achieving positive health outcomes. Health disparities can be defined as “preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by populations that have been disadvantaged by their social or economic status, geographic location, or environment” (CDC, 2008). With input from insightful interviews, this article seeks to investigate specific challenges faced by marginalized groups in the healthcare setting and provide potential solutions to reduce health disparities.

Effect Of Action Observation Therapy On Pain, Kinesiophobia, Function, And Quality Of Life In Adhesive Capsulitis Patients, Prachita Walankar, Dhruvi Shah

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Adhesive capsulitis is a common musculoskeletal health problem. Cortical changes along with maladaptive pain behavior has been reported in literature. There is a need to implement biopsychosocial rehabilitation approaches to achieve successful outcomes. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effect of action observation therapy (AOT) on pain, kinesiophobia, function and quality of life in adhesive capsulitis patients. Methods: This single-center, prospective study was conducted in a group of 30 persons diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis patients (19 males, 11 females). Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. Patients in one group were given AOT along with conventional exercises, while …

Student Perceptions Of Reading Preparation And Textbook Use In Professional Allied Health Programs, Laura Stimler, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Melba G. Custer, Shirley P. O'Brien

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In professional allied health education, textbooks are central to developing course content, student learning and certification exams, but little is known about the graduate student’s perspective. This study was intended to describe current trends in graduate students’ point of view, habits and opinions related to buying and using textbooks and other resources in allied health education. Methods: This was a multi-site collaborative research project. An electronic survey was developed to gather data on student habits and perspectives regarding textbook preferences including digital texts, academic reading, exam preparation, and obtaining course materials. The survey was distributed across four academic institutions. …

Intraprofessional Education In Allied Health And Nursing Curricula, Kayla Galvan, Dianna Lunsford

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: Throughout all healthcare systems, healthcare workers collaborate interprofessionally and intraprofessionally. Studies show that successful teamwork within a healthcare team leads to an increase in patient satisfaction and outcomes. The purpose of this scoping review is to explore and examine the literature on allied health and nursing intraprofessional education and determine best approaches for educators to successfully implement intraprofessional education in allied health and nursing curriculums. Method: A literature search was conducted between July 7, 2022 through July 9, 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA- ScR) was used for this …

Preparing Students For The National Physical Therapist Examination (Npte): One Program’S Experience With Using The Practice Exam And Assessment Tool (Peat) As A Graduation Requirement, Sandra Campbell, Kripa Dholakia, Lynne Sturgill, Robert Wellmon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Factors related to National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE) performance have been widely reported in the literature, yet no strong predictors emerge offering faculty guidance on how to determine student readiness for the NPTE .The Practice Exam and Assessment Tool (PEAT) as a graduation requirement may give insight into readiness for the NPTE. Widener University transitioned from a faculty generated comprehensive examination (FGCE) to the PEAT using Lewin’s Planned Change Model. The purposes of this study were to (1) describe one program’s transition away from a FGCE to the PEAT, (2) present findings of a data driven process to assess …

The Use Of Dynamic 3d Printed Cervical Spine Models In A Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Course, Cassandra I. Ciorciari, Dallas A. Rynda, Christina L. Fojas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: While mass-produced anatomical models are commercially available, many models are inflexible and static, and may not meet the needs of health professions students. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have demonstrated tremendous potential for enhancing student learning. This study uses 3D printed cervical spine models to explore whether use of dynamic, flexible models improve student learning in a cohort of physical therapy students. Methods: 3D printed models of the cervical spine and occiput were printed using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer and polylactic acid filament, and augmented with hook and loop fasteners, foam sheets, and cords to simulate structures …

The Impact Of Experiential Learning In A Pro Bono Ot Clinic On Clinical Reasoning Development, Julie Sandvig, Debra Hanson, Paula Kitzenberg

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Fieldwork educators have expressed concerns about the readiness of occupational therapy students for clinical reasoning in the practice setting. Experiential learning involving face-to-face personal interactions with clients facilitates the application of theoretical knowledge, and the development of professional skills, competence, and self-confidence. Having the opportunity for extensive hands-on time working with clients, such as is offered in a pro bono clinic structure, may positively impact student clinical reasoning development of occupational therapy students.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of participation in a student-run occupational therapy pro bono clinic on student perceptions of clinical …

The Effectiveness Of Serotonin And Tricyclic Antidepressants In Tinnitus Management: A Rapid Review, Dr. Emilie Vos, Dr. Nannette Nicholson, Melinda Johnson, Dr. Karah Gottschalk

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Tinnitus can be defined as a health condition characterized by the perception of sound, either in the head and/or ears, in the absence of any external acoustic stimulus. Perception is often quantified by self-report, or the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). The purpose of this rapid review was to evaluate the level and quality of evidence regarding the use of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and tricyclic antidepressants as measured by tinnitus patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and/or Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Methods: The Cochrane Rapid Review guidelines were followed. The PICO …

Effect Of Posterior Leaf Spring And Carbon Composite Ankle Foot Orthosis On Gait And Functional Mobility Of Stroke Survivors With Hemiplegia: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Zidikheri B. Msechu, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Tim Drew

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The study was carried out as a randomized clinical trial to assess the effect of posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis (PLS-AFO) and carbon composite ankle foot orthosis (C-AFO) on functional mobility, walking speed and satisfaction among stroke survivors with hemiplegia. Methods: Twenty-seven ambulatory stroke survivors with hemiplegia who had completed a rehabilitation program and were already using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) were included in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned either PLS-AFO or C-AFO and assessment was done with and without their AFOs. Functional mobility, walking speed, and satisfaction were assessed using the Timed Up and …

Allied Health Professions In Research: The Forgotten Workforce, Sarah Baker, Lisa Ballantine

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To understand the experience, involvement, and perceived importance of research among allied health professions and identify how robust research culture might be established in secondary care. Method: Analyses were carried out on quantitative and qualitative data using an online questionnaire disseminated to allied health professionals working in a national health service trust in the north of England. Logistic regression was used to ascertain whether Agenda for Change banding and profession significantly influenced research qualifications, experience, and interest. Qualitative data was analysed within a theoretical framework that focused on, career development, job satisfaction and clinical practice. Results: Educational attainment, research …

Occurrence Of Temporomandibular Disorder In Subjects With Low Back Pain And Spinal Postural Deformities: An Observational Study, Vijay Kage, Aarti Welling, Richa Desai

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Back pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) are two predominant illnesses that affect the human motor system. Literature has stated significant associations between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and TMD. Global postural deviations cause body adaptation and realignment, which may interfere with the function of TMJ. However, the possibility of TMD in subjects with CLBP associated with spinal postural deformities has yet to be completely explored. Method: This was an observational study carried out among 65 people having CLBP with co-presence of any spinal deformities. Forward head posture (FHP) was assessed using the On-Protractor application and thoracic kyphosis and lumbar …

Gross Motor Assessment Tools For Children 0-12 Years Of Age Using Telehealth: A Scoping Review, Claire M. Grant, Anne Jones, Michael Crowe, Helen Land

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: The objective of this review was to understand the scope of evidence relating to the use of telehealth for gross motor assessment tools in children 0-12 years of age.

Background: Telehealth has been widely used by physiotherapists since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, however little is known about the validity and reliability of using gross motor assessment tools via telehealth. Gross motor assessment tools are used by physiotherapists to understand motor function, support diagnoses of motor disorders, plan and evaluate interventions. Qualitative research identifies a lack of confidence by physiotherapists in undertaking physical assessment via telehealth.

Method: A …

Influence Of Apathy And Grit On Exercise Adherence For Persons With Parkinson’S Disease: A Cohort Study, Erica J. Kiernan, Evan M. Pucillo, Christopher M. Wiedman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. A preponderance of evidence supports exercise and physical activity as an effective intervention to slow the progression of motor symptoms in persons with PD. However, less study has been given to the influence of non-motor symptoms of PD, such as apathy and grit, on adherence to therapeutic exercise programs. The primary aim of this study was to characterize levels of apathy and grit in individuals with PD and explore any relationship to adherence in a community exercise program. Due to the importance of caregiver interaction, …

Training And Instruction Of Learning And Study Strategies Improve Academic Performance In Rehabilitation Students, Evan M. Pucillo, Gabriela Perez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Prior study has demonstrated that certain learning strategies can be improved with training and instruction. As a result, downstream academic success may be potentiated. However, it is unclear if instructional intervention can influence academic outcomes among rehabilitation students. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in grade point average (GPA) after exposure to a set of standardized self-paced training modules on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Physical therapy (PT) and Occupational therapy (OT) students. Methods: A causal-comparative design was used, and a multi-center convenience sample collected N=75 entry-level PT and OT students [PT: 41(55%); …

Athletic Training Students’ Perceived Self-Confidence Performing Rectal Thermometry Following Simulated Encounters: A Mixed Methods Study, Hannah L. Stedge, Valerie Herzog, Beth Kinslow, Malissa Martin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Rectal thermometry has been the best practice for recognizing exertional heat stroke (EHS) since 2015, but many certified athletic trainers fail to utilize this technique. Recent studies identified a barrier to implementation is a lack of self-confidence due to not having hands-on practice opportunities. To improve the adoption of rectal thermometry, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) began requiring athletic training programs to train students in rectal thermometry in 2020. Providing authentic practice opportunities for low-incidence conditions such as EHS poses a challenge to some athletic training programs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was two-fold: …

Improving Hand Recovery In Tetraplegia Through The Use Of Meaningful Occupations: A Qualitative Case Series, Amanda C. Glueck, Casey E. Humphrey, Elizabeth Salmon Powell, Cassandra Catherine Ginn, Melba G. Custer, Camille L. Skubik-Peplaski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This qualitative descriptive study explored participants’, with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), experiences with meaningful intensive task specific training (ITST). Methods: Three participants completed 24-ITST upper extremity motor therapy intervention sessions. Qualitative interviews were completed at three time points for a case series: baseline, within 7 days of the completion of the final ITST intervention session, and within one month of the final ITST intervention session for a total of 9 interviews. Results: Three themes were identified including: Quality of Movement Enhances Normal Use of Hands, Empowering Through Education and Motivation to Participate and Enhance Quality of Life. Through …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Doctor Of Physical Therapy (Dpt) Students Through Computer-Based Simulation, Denise Romano, Alyson Pasquale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is a critical skill required to be an effective clinician in today’s dynamic and complex healthcare environment. Reflective ability is considered foundational for building clinical reasoning skills. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the clinical reasoning strategies used by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during a computer-based simulation and the relationship between the quality of reflection and clinical reasoning strategies used. Methods: Forty-five first (n=15), second (n=23), and third (n=7) year DPT students enrolled in six professional DPT programs in the United States participated in an asynchronous computer-based simulation designed to …

Factors Affecting The Use Of Vestibular/Balance Screening Measures In Audiologists And Physical Therapists In Patients Reporting Dizziness, Alexandria W. Greene, Ashley G. Flagge, Nicholas S. Stanley

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Vestibular/balance screeners can improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process. Despite prior literature illustrating the importance of screeners, research suggests that many professionals do not utilize screening protocols. Methods: Thirty-two audiologists and thirty-four physical therapists completed an electronic survey with questions regarding the use of screeners and the referral process. The survey examined variables surrounding the use of vestibular/balance screeners among audiologists and physical therapists, including frequency of use, commonly used screeners, and factors affecting the use or non-use of screeners. Results: Physical therapists utilized vestibular/balance screeners statistically more often and used a larger variety of screeners compared to …

The Ventilatory Management Of Paediatric Central Sleep Apnoea: A Systematic Review, Kane A. Hodge, Anne Jones

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Paediatric central sleep apnoea (CSA) occurs more frequently in the presence of another medical condition. This systematic review aimed to determine the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for children with CSA and additional underlying comorbidities. Method: A search was undertaken of CINAHL Complete, Emcare, Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed with forward and backward citations for studies published between database inception and the 5th of May 2022. Articles of any study design or quality were included, excluding systematic reviews, letters, or study protocols. Articles had to involve only paediatric patients with a diagnosis of CSA with …

Prevalence And Risk Factors For Anxiety In Medical And Allied Health Students In The United States And Canada, Samantha A. Scott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the current known prevalence and risk factors for anxiety in medical and allied health profession students. The framing question for this systematic review was, “What is the prevalence of and mitigation of risk factors for anxiety among medical and allied health profession students?” Method CINAHL, Medline, PsychInfo, and SportDiscus were searched for peer-reviewed English-language articles published between January 2000 to October 2020 reporting primary data on anxiety in U.S. and Canadian medical and allied health students. Searches used combinations of Medical Subject Heading terms students, allied health, nursing, medical, athletic training, …

Trends In Length Of Stay: Experience From A Tertiary Care Pediatric Rehabilitation Unit In Saudi Arabia., Sami Ullah, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Waqas Sami, Amara Ilyas, Sherif Samir Abdelmaksoud Tantawy, Sarah Samir Abdulakarim Alqatari, Hasan Shacfe, Colleen Ann Wunderlich

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pediatric rehabilitation units offer unique challenges due to complex rehabilitation needs of children based on their age group and diagnosis. Length of stay (LOS) is an indirect measure of hospital cost and efficiency of a clinical service and it is important to determine the factors affecting LOS in hospitalized children undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Methods: Record of 350 children (males: 222, female: 128) who underwent inpatient pediatric rehabilitation program at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Saudi Arabia during 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. Diagnoses were categorized into cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, non-traumatic brain injury and others. …

See One, Do One, Teach One: Resident As Teacher Workshop For Communicating Challenging News, Rebecca Shafer, Gabrielle R. Goldberg, Stephanie Izard, Sindee Weiss-Domis, Lauren Block

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Communicating challenging news to patients is a core skill for all physicians, yet internal medicine residents have variable preparation and comfort level in this area. Lack of well-trained faculty and faculty time pressures limit resident education in communication skills. The use of near peer teachers can be used to expand the capacity of instructors for this vital skill-set. Method: Internal medicine residents participated in a communication skills workshop (Workshop A) based on the SPIKES framework facilitated by palliative-care faculty. In a follow-up session (Workshop B), eight months later, 3^rd year residents acted as near peer teachers for 1 …

Effects Of A Multi-Modal Gait Training Program In An Individual With Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Anne Boddy, Lindsay A. Perry, Chitralakshmi K. Balasubramanian

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Multi-modal gait training (MMGT) may improve impairments and functional limitations in individuals’ post-stroke. The purpose of this case study was to investigate effects of MMGT on gait and balance outcomes immediately post-intervention, 30-day short term (ST) and 1-year long term follow-up periods. Method: A 63-year-old patient, eight years post-stroke, participated in a MMGT program that included evidence-based gait interventions: unilateral treadmill training, inclined treadmill training at 8%, and over-ground fast walking. The eight sessions lasted 45-minutes each and consisted of the three interventions lasting 10-minutes each with rest breaks. Results: Self-selected (SS) and fastest comfortable gait speed revealed meaningful …

Low-Rate Tens As An Effective Treatment For Pelvic Pain - A Retrospective Case Report, Michelle Allyn, Ryan Kamieneski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects 27% of the world’s female population. The purpose of this case report was to investigate the use of low-rate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in a woman with CPP. Few studies have investigated the effects of low-rate TENS on gynecological-related pelvic pain. Methods: A 21-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of pelvic pain and decreased quality of life. Persistent pain led the patient to seek physical therapy treatment. Single-channel low-rate TENS (five hertz frequency, 250 microseconds phase duration) was provided for 30 minutes daily at the maximum tolerated intensity, for …

Risk Factors Of Hypertension And Association With Familial Factors Among Patients Attending A State Hospital In South-Western Nigeria, Ismaheel A. Azeez, Banke I. Yusuf, Magbagbeola D. Dairo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the determinants of hypertension and its association with familiar factors among patients attending a specialist hospital in Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 350 patients recruited from the general outpatient clinic of the hospital with computer-generated simple random sampling techniques. Data were analysed by SPSS version 23. Correlation analysis and chi-square tests were used to determine the association of relevant variables. Poisson regression was used to assess the predictors of the number of days of physical activities per week. Linear regression and logistic regressions were done to determine the determinants of hypertension. …

Healthcare Experience Impact On First-Year Physician Assistant Students’ Communication Self-Efficacy, Joseph Tocco, Sara Maher, Sara Lolar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare experience (HCE) is required by most physician assistant (PA) programs for application, but it is not known what role HCE might play in the success of PA students. Communication skills are an important trait for a successful clinician, and previous HCE might lead to an improved ability to communicate with patients. This study examined the relationship between PA students’ healthcare experience (HCE) and their communication self-efficacy (SE). Methods: First-year PA students from Michigan PA programs were eligible to participate in an anonymous electronic survey. A previously validated survey to assess communication SE was used. HCE was assigned into …

The Role Of Emotional States And Mental Techniques In Dancesport: A Systematic Review, Sara Aliberti, Gaetano Raiola, Domenico Cherubini

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Psychological states during competition seem to be an important factor to determine successful performance. Therefore, the analysis of emotions is essential to understand how emotions can support sports performance. This systematic review aimed to summarize the studies examining the influence of emotional states on dancesport (DS) performance and the use of mental techniques to improve psychological preparation to face the competition. Material and methods. Web of Science, Scholar, Scopus and Pubmed databases were used to search studies. The screening process was summarized within the PRISMA 2020 flowchart. Results. Only 9 articles met our inclusion criteria. The results demonstrated that …

Medical School Watercooler Newsletter - September 21, 2023, Lindsey Lyle

Watercooler Newsletter

This is the September 21, 2023 edition of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine's newsletter - Watercooler.

Contents Include:

• Distinguished scientists seminar returns Sept. 28
• Meet a Med Student: Caroline Howell
• Newly created endowment recognizes Omar for dedication, generosity, Scholarship

Coronavirus Update—What To Do If You Feel Sick 9-21-23, The Coronavirus Planning Team

University Briefings & Virtual Events

As we head into cold and flu season and as COVID cases continue to rise both on campus and around the country, we want to remind you that COVID is currently considered an endemic—like the flu—rather than the pandemic we experienced three years ago.