Equipment and Supplies Commons^™

Comparative Investigation Of Bacterial Adhesion On Medical Device Thermoplastics, Dev V. Mehta

Honors Theses

This project will focus on determining if differences in bacterial cell wall composition influences adhesiveness to thermoplastic materials used to construct patient orthotic splints. Bacteria with decreased adhesion are unable to remain bonded to orthotic splints, increasing its ability to transfer to a patient’s wound, leading to an infection. Antibiotic resistant bacteria used in this investigation included gram-positive cocci vancomycin-resistant (VRE) Enterococcus faecalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and gram-negative rods extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Each test bacterium is a major pathogen causing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Saline, artificial perspiration, and ascites fluids were used to determine the …

The Science Of Sound: Studying The Cognitive, Emotional, And Physiological Effects Of Frequency, Genre, And Music, Jett Yarborough

Senior Honors Theses

Music influences emotion, physiology, and cognition, yet little is known about how the frequency it is tuned to affects these influences. Prior research has shown that music tuned to 432 Hz can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. My colleagues and I conducted two studies to investigate this. Our research found that music tuned to 432 Hz promotes a significant increase in memory retention and induces a state of focus and relaxation. These results suggest that shifting from the standard tuning frequency of 440 Hz to 432 Hz could have a profoundly positive impact on our daily lives. …

Protocol For Development And Validation Of An Early Intervention Device And Its Influence Using Structured Early Physiotherapy (Preemiestep) Intervention On Neuromotor Development In Preterm Infants, Indira D. B. Naidu Boddapati, Sivakumar Gopalakrishnan, Sonia Khurana, Jayashree Purkayastha, Bhaskar Bhatt, Bhamini Krishna Rao

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Early physiotherapy interventions for Moderate to Late Preterm (MLP) infants often lack continuity of care from hospital to home settings. This research aims to develop an Early Intervention (EI) device for home program and determine its influence using STructured Early Physiotherapy (Preemie STEP) intervention in MLP infants. For phase I, qualitative interviews will be conducted with healthcare professionals and parents, to understand user needs on developed prototype. Based on identified needs, an EI device will be developed using a human-centered design approach and iterative design process. In phase II, usability and validity of EI device will be …

Comparing Functional Outcomes Between 3d Printed Acetabular Cups And Traditional Prosthetic Implants In Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis, Ryan St. John, Seth Spicer, Mo Hadaya, Hanna Brancaccio, Seungkyu Park, Sean Mcmillan

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

OBJECTIVE: The primary research aim was to determine if the use of traditional or 3D printed prosthesis resulted in better functional outcome scores in hip arthroplasty.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, WebOfScience, and Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) were searched yielding 1117 article titles and abstracts. Rayyan.ai was used to detect duplicates (n = 246) and for manual screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included were controlled studies of any publication time that assessed Harris Hip Score (HHS) at baseline and twelve months. Six papers were sought for …

Clinical Utility Of Opencap Motion Analysis In Lower Limb Prosthesis Users, Sarahi Fernandez Leon

Honors Program Theses and Research Projects

The use of prosthetics has gradually increased due to various diseases, and it is estimated that 35-40 million people are prosthetic/orthotic users, with the number estimated to increase to two billion by 2050. Mobility has been determined to be a strong predictor of quality of life. There are various ways to measure mobility and predict outcomes in lower-limb amputees (LLA), such as self-report and performance-based measures. However, these come with many limitations, showcasing the need for quantitative measures of gait parameters to allow for better development of prosthetic components. Motion analysis tools are expensive and time consuming, but an inexpensive, …

Understanding The Perceptions Of Technology In Homes For Aging In Place, Jinelle Abugan, Amy Lyons-Brown Ms, Otd, Otr/L, Molly Wuebker Otd, Otr/L, Actcp

Fall 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this study is to understand the thoughts and experiences of technology in homes and the use of technology-based home modifications to help individuals with participation and performance in daily activities. The education of perceptions of culture in homes will be supported by faculty, OTs, professional designers, about the need to explore culture in technology for home modifications aging in place.

Parents' Perceptions Of Eye-Gaze Technology Use By Children With Complex Communication Needs, Sandra Masayko, Joy Mcgowan, Namrata Grampurohit

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Some preschool students with complex communication needs explore eye-gaze computer technology (EGCT) and adopt computer-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). The objective of this study was to follow preschool explorers of EGCT who are now school aged to describe the children's use of technology and parents' perceptions of its utility for communication, participation, or leisure.

METHOD: Ten parents completed survey questions by Internet and phone and reported their perceptions of nine children's effectiveness in the use and acceptance of AAC and the support they received in implementing technology. The results are reported as a descriptive study.

RESULTS: All children …

A Guidebook For The Utility Of Msk Ultrasound In Occupational Therapy Practice: An Educational Guidebook Series, Alanna Arceneaux, Mary Ann Smith, Bert Lindsey

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is expanding to non-physician rehabilitation providers, and occupational therapy has a clear role in using and facilitating MSK ultrasound that will drastically shape treatment plans and client satisfaction. With increased knowledge of impeding factors, occupational therapists can enforce their role by teaching new skills and techniques to enhance functional mobility and simultaneously assist in completing activities of daily living (ADLs). This capstone aims to understand, develop, and enhance the role of occupational therapy in MSK ultrasound to increase early detection of orthopedic conditions impacting ADLs, which will decrease hospital readmission rates. MSK ultrasound is a safe imaging …

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy: A Review Of Physiology, Clinical Application, And Guidelines For Implementation, Nathan Schuliger

Senior Honors Theses

Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is an emerging clinical modality utilizing the metabolic stress of a hypoxic state to induce hypertrophic and strength adaptations in a manner allowing for reduced external loading. BFR has a variety of applications in rehabilitation settings, showing great potential for patients seeking the benefits of high intensity training without the associated degrees of mechanical stress. This literature review details the proposed mechanisms of BFR, along with various clinical applications of BFR including active and aerobic BFR. Concerns and contraindications for BFR usage are discussed regarding certain clinical populations, with risk stratification recommendations provided. Current BFR …

Correlation Enhanced Distribution Adaptation For Prediction Of Fall Risk, Ziqi Guo, Teresa Wu, Thurmon Lockhart, Rahul Soangra, Hyunsoo Yoon

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

With technological advancements in diagnostic imaging, smart sensing, and wearables, a multitude of heterogeneous sources or modalities are available to proactively monitor the health of the elderly. Due to the increasing risks of falls among older adults, an early diagnosis tool is crucial to prevent future falls. However, during the early stage of diagnosis, there is often limited or no labeled data (expert-confirmed diagnostic information) available in the target domain (new cohort) to determine the proper treatment for older adults. Instead, there are multiple related but non-identical domain data with labels from the existing cohort or different institutions. Integrating different …

Instrumental Assessment Of Aero-Resistive Expiratory Muscle Strength Rehabilitation Devices, Angela M. Dietsch, Rahul Krishnamurthy, Kelsey Young, Steven M. Barlow

Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders: Faculty Publications

Purpose

Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is increasingly being used to treat voice, cough, and swallowing deficits in a wide range of conditions. However, a multitude of aero-resistive EMST models are commercially available, and the absence of side-by-side comparative data interferes with clinicians’ ability to assess which model is best suited to a particular client’s needs. The primary aim of this research was to test and compare the pressure and flow parameters of six currently available EMST models to help inform clinical decision making.

Method

We identified and tested five devices of each of six different EMST models to generate …

Air-Jet Bioprinting Of Stem Cell-Encapsulated Alginate Micro-Droplets For Organoid Biomanufacturing, Mirabella B. Stump

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biomanufactured 3D-organoids show promise for modeling and treating various conditions, particularly insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type-1 diabetes). Pancreatic islet organoids serve as sustainable sources of insulin-producing β-cells, potentially restoring insulin regulation in patients and providing a long-term solution for diabetes. Hydrogel droplet printing is an emerging technique in regenerative medicine due to its advantageous tunability and biocompatibility; however, challenges of consistency, quality control, and scalability persist. To address these issues, we developed a novel air-jetting based droplet bioprinting system for the generation of monodispersed alginate micro-droplets. The objective of this project was to incorporate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into …

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Cold-Water Immersion On Arterial Compliance, Rita M. Grigorian

Biomedical Engineering: Graduate Reports and Projects

As the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases continues to exponentially grow in populations across the globe, the necessity of determining underlying factors, effective methods of diagnoses, and universally available preventive measures also grows. Early detection of endothelial dysfunction, a proven precursor of cardiovascular diseases, can be extremely impactful in encouraging preventative measures and early intervention before medical conditions become chronic. In recent years, ice plunging, a form of cryotherapy involving full body immersion in cold water, has gained popularity within circles of fitness and health practitioners, gaining the interest of people of all backgrounds. Certain parallels observed between the human physiological …

A Portable And Reliable Tool For On-Site Physical Reaction Time (Rt) Measurement, Brent Harper, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

The drop-stick test system (DTS) invention has the capability to measure reaction accurately for sideline mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) assessment. The reaction time (RT) measurements showed moderate to good inter-instrument reliability with an overall ICC of 0.82 (95 % CI 0.78–0.85). RT is a useful biomarker of mTBI or concussion, but existing technologies in controlled laboratory environments are not feasible for assessments in the field. With wearable technologies and wireless connection with smartphones, it is now easier to conduct RT assessments on the field. The purpose was to develop a portable DTS involving wearable inertial sensors translatable from the …

Telerehabilitation: An Updated View Of Practices, Cost Analysis, And Client Perceptions, Gokcen Akyurek, Selen Aydoner

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Telerehabilitation is an alternative and complementary rehabilitation method in which information and communication technologies are used to remove the distance between healthcare professionals and clients. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid adoption of telerehabilitation services, limiting the in-person rehabilitation services available all over the world. The restrictions that started with the COVID-19 pandemic also negatively affected rehabilitation services, clients, and healthcare professionals, and it was considered essential to provide services using telerehabilitation technology. Therefore, this review aimed to examine and inform health professionals' telerehabilitation practices such as remote assessment, evaluation, intervention, monitoring, supervision, education, and follow-up during the …

Three-Dimensional Motion Analysis For Occupational Therapy Upper Extremity Assessment And Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review, Stephen W. Hill, Samantha Mong, Quyen Vo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) human motion analysis provides objective, quantitative, and reliable kinematic data that are valuable in rehabilitation. Clinicians, including occupational therapists and other specialists, can apply this technology to quantify patients’ upper extremity (UE) motion during functional tasks. A better comprehension of altered body mechanics serves to guide clinical reasoning, develop evidence-based interventions, and monitor patients’ progress through follow-up. However, the scientific literature has yet to emphasize the practicality of using 3D motion analysis as a clinical measurement tool.

Method: This scoping review appraised 20 articles that used 3D motion analysis to quantify UE movements for individuals …

Mobile Phone Sensors Can Discern Medication-Related Gait Quality Changes In Parkinson's Patients In The Home Environment, Albert Pierce, Niklas König Ignasiak, Wilford K. Eiteman-Pang, Cyril Rakovski, Vincent Berardi

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience daytime symptom fluctuations, which result in small amplitude, slow and unstable walking during times when medication attenuates. The ability to identify dysfunctional gait patterns throughout the day from raw mobile phone acceleration and gyroscope signals would allow the development of applications to provide real-time interventions to facilitate walking performance by, for example, providing external rhythmic cues. Patients (n = 20, mean Hoehn and Yahr: 2.25) had their ambulatory data recorded and were directly observed twice during one day: once after medication abstention, (OFF) and once approximately 30 min after intake of their medication …

Smartphone-Based Prediction Model For Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Outcomes Using Preoperative Gait And Posture Measures, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Gait speed assessment increases the predictive value of mortality and morbidity following older adults’ cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to improve clinical assessment and prediction of mortality and morbidity among older patients undergoing cardiac surgery through the identification of the relationships between preoperative gait and postural stability characteristics utilizing a noninvasive-wearable mobile phone device and postoperative cardiac surgical outcomes. This research was a prospective study of ambulatory patients aged over 70 years undergoing non-emergent cardiac surgery. Sixteen older adults with cardiovascular disease (Age 76.1 ± 3.6 years) scheduled for cardiac surgery within the next 24 h were …

Intermittent Catheter Reimbursement In The United States: The Experience Of Nine Stakeholders Through The Lens Of Actor-Network Theory, Manon M. Schladen, Amanda K. Rounds, Terrence Mcmanus, Alexandra Bennewith, Henry Claypool, Suzanne L. Groah

The Qualitative Report

A narrow interpretation of “medical necessity” can result in poorer health as well as a more restricted life for people with disabilities. We examined the impact of US policy on reimbursement of intermittent catheters (ICs) on the lives of people with neurogenic bladder (NB) who require catheters to urinate. We conducted in-depth, longitudinal interviews with nine stakeholders. Actor-Network Theory was used to describe interactions among human agents, IC products, and policies in the reimbursement arena. Restrictions on the type and quantities of ICs reimbursed emerged as the most potent inhibitor to health and wellbeing among consumers with NB. IC suppliers, …

The Partial Immersion Aquatic Approach Using Adjustable Weight Bearing To Improve Posture And Sitting Balance Adaptation For Children With Severe Cerebral Palsy, Niv Shelef

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The innovative ‟Partial Immersion” Aquatic Therapy Approach was developed to enhance balance and posture during sitting adaptation for children with severe cerebral palsy who exhibit deficiency in those skills on land. Stable balance during sitting posture is one of the preconditions for hands function in activities of daily living. Aquatic skills learned during aquatic therapy were then transferred to a land environment. Therapy included the use of a treatment chair that enabled adjustable weight bearing in a series of 30 mm steps. A mixed-methods design employing a multiple case study approach (n=5) including quantitative and qualitative methods investigated the effectiveness …

Wavelet-Based Analysis Of Physical Activity And Sleep Movement Data From Wearable Sensors Among Obese Adults, Rahul Soangra, Vennila Krishnan

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Decreased physical activity in obese individuals is associated with a prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Physicians usually recommend that obese individuals change their lifestyle, specifically changes in diet, exercise, and other physical activities for obesity management. Therefore, understanding physical activity and sleep behavior is an essential aspect of obesity management. With innovations in mobile and electronic health care technologies, wearable inertial sensors have been used extensively over the past decade for monitoring human activities. Despite significant progress with the wearable inertial sensing technology, there is a knowledge gap among researchers regarding how to analyze longitudinal multi-day inertial sensor data …

The Wilbarger Protocol, Brittany Hatlestad

Biology: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is ever-increasing in children with and without disabilities. The prevalence of such a diagnosis has given rise to many different therapeutic practices. The most prescriptive, the Wilbarger protocol, will be the topic of this technique and literature review with discussions of what sensory problems are, the Wilbarger protocol, the deep pressure and proprioceptive portion of the protocol, oral tactile techniques, mechanisms of the protocol, the limitations, other options for treatment, and will conclude by looking to future research.

Hand Issues On Scleroderma Patients, Ana Font Hernandez

Publications and Research

Based on the design of a 3D-printed spoon prototype, we surveyed scleroderma patients about the device's value. 75% of patients mentioned having problems on their hands due to scleroderma. 85% of patients said their hand form changed because of the disease. Answers to the frequency or speed of the changes provide inconclusive results. The 3D printing technology has the potential to solve specific issues scleroderma patients face in their daily lives. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand how hands shape change over time.

Assistive Utensil: A Spork For Hand Tremors And Spatial Awareness, Ana Font Hernandez, Jacob Kabariti, Troy Taylor

Publications and Research

In this poster, we present a 3D printed solution for hand tremors and special awareness. Our spork is an assistive device designed and 3D printed for patients suffering from scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, drug withdrawal, etc. The scale-based handle will act as a counterweight to offset the contents on the other end and reduce shakiness. The larger grip allows an easy and comfortable hold. The product will be 3D printed for a customizable fit and at an affordable price. Lastly, the product will include a haptic feedback sensor to assist the visually impaired in locating food contents on …

In-Home Delivery Of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Via Virtual Reality Gaming, Alexandra L. Borstad, Roger Crawfis, Kala Phillips, Linda Pax Lowes, David Maung, Ryan Mcpherson, Amelia Siles, Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, Lynne V. Gauthier

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: People with chronic hemiparesis are frequently dissatisfied with the recovery of their hand and arm, yet many lack access to effective treatments. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy) effectively increases arm function and spontaneous use in persons with chronic hemiparesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and measure safety and outcomes of an in-home model of delivering CI therapy using a custom, avatar-based virtual reality game.

Methods: Seventeen individuals with chronic hemiparesis participated in this pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design study. The 10-day intervention had three components: 1) high-repetition motor practice using virtual reality gaming; 2) constraint of …

Assessment Of Falls On A Medical-Telemetry Unit, Andie Reed

Master's Projects and Capstones

The purpose of this quality improvement project aimed at reducing falls on a medical-telemetry unit in a large metropolitan Magnet hospital. It was important for the MSN/CNL students to focus on falls because it is not just a concern for this institution, it is a national dilemma that needs to be addressed. Due to the complexities and intricate details of the IRB process, the MSN/CNL students were unable to collect data or further advance their project into the microsystem. Instead, information was attained from the University of San Francisco database to allow the MSN/CNL students to continue with the steps …

The Motor Cortical Representation Of A Muscle Is Not Homogeneous In Brain Connectivity, Jo Armour Smith, Alaa Albishi, Sarine Babikian, Skulpan Asavasopon, Beth E. Fisher, Jason Kutch

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Functional connectivity patterns of the motor cortical representational area of single muscles have not been extensively mapped in humans, particularly for the axial musculature. Functional connectivity may provide a neural substrate for adaptation of muscle activity in axial muscles that have both voluntary and postural functions. The purpose of this study was to combine brain stimulation and neuroimaging to both map the cortical representation of the external oblique (EO) in primary motor cortex (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA), and to establish the resting-state functional connectivity associated with this representation. Motor evoked potentials were elicited from the EO muscle in …

Letter To The Editor Regarding “Clinical Effectiveness And Safety Of Powered Exoskeleton-Assisted Walking In Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis”, Marcel P. Dijkers, Katherine G. Akers, Sujay S. Galen, Diane E. Patzer, Phuong T. Vu

Library Scholarly Publications

No abstract provided.

Reliability Of Clinical Evaluators Of Spasticity In Patients With Stroke, Tiffany Alvino, Shiney David, Chelsea Gendvil

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Spasticity is characterized by hyperexcitable stretch reflexes with amplitude increases in response to velocity dependent passive movement and resistance. Spasticity is the result of abnormal function of segmental and suprasegmental neuronal circuits. The objective of this study was to determine any positive correlation between three clinical evaluators of spasticity (i.e., the pendulum test, the patellar tendon tap test (PTT), and the Modified Ashworth scale) in their reliability to assess spasticity in people post-stroke. It was hypothesized that the use of force movement sensors along with surface electromyography increases the reliability of the standardized clinical tests. The results show that all …

Low-Cost Strider For Guatemala, Nicole Catherine Cooper, Gonzalo Hernandez, Jared W. Tower

Mechanical Engineering

The purpose of this project was to create a strider, a type of standing rehabilitation device, for children in developing countries who have trouble walking and supporting their full body weight. The project was initially brought to us by Cal Poly professor Brian Self, who had visited a clinic in San Marcos and determined that there were children there who had difficulties with walking and were a need for a rehabilitation device. The team discussed the problem with Dr. Self, Matt Robinson (a local San Luis Obispo prosthetist), and Cal Poly physics professor Pete Schwartz, all of whom had visited …