Medical Physiology Commons^™

Impact Of Shift Length On Burnout And Job Or Life Satisfaction Among Allied Healthcare Professionals, Tareq F. Alotaibi, Abdulmohsen Altayyar, Muteb Al Muflih, Nawaf Alqahtani, Naif Alhawiti, Badi A. Alotaibi, Sami Al Ossaimi, Hassan Y. Aljohani, Mobarak Alqahtani, Taha Ismaeil, Mohammed Al Qahtani, Saleh Al Garni

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Healthcare professionals are critical to community well-being, but the 12-versus 8-hour shifts on their stress and burnout are unclear. This study examines the effects of work patterns on the quality of life, job satisfaction, and burnout among allied healthcare professionals. Method: a validated questionnaire was used. A descriptive analysis, independent samples t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used, and the significance level was p < 0.05. Results: Among the 340 participants, the mean age was 28 years, and most were women (63.5%), single (58%), and worked 8-hour shifts (54.4%). Most (78%) of the participants reported their job satisfaction …

Longitudinal Changes In Aerodigestive Responses To Varying Nipple Properties In Infant Pigs, François D H Gould, Christopher Mayerl, Khaled Adjerid, Jessica Reibel, Nichole Charles, Chloe Edmonds, Rebecca Z German

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Coordination of respiration and swallowing is critical for survival in infant mammals and changes throughout infant maturation. Infants show sensorimotor feeding responses to changes in physical properties of nipples. Commercial nipples are promoted as improving aerodigestive coordination. However, it is unknown how nipple properties influence coordination of respiration and swallowing. Furthermore, how infant-nipple interactions change throughout maturation is not well understood. We designed and manufactured four silicone nipples of the same shape that varied in two parameters: nipple opening diameter and nipple stiffness. We used our validated infant pig model to test the impact of nipple parameters on aerodigestive coordination …

Heart Failure In Black Populations: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, And Treatment Disparities, Kazi N. Islam, Rahib K. Islam, Ivan Nguyen, Yasmeen Magherahabed, Humza Pirzadah, M. Bazlur Rashid

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Heart failure (HF) remains a significant health challenge globally, placing a heavy burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. The prevalence of HF continues to rise, posing substantial public health concerns. This burden is particularly pronounced among the Black Population, who face higher prevalence, earlier onset, and greater severity of HF compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This review explores the multifaceted landscape of HF in Black individuals by examining epidemiological patterns, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentations, treatment disparities, and clinical outcomes. Black individuals exhibit distinct pathophysiological characteristics, such as genetic variations contributing to heightened susceptibility and severity of HF. …

Effect Of Vitamin K Supplementation On Insulin Resistance: A Review, Samantha Mccord, Rebecca Willier, Kaitlyn Kirby, Kaylin Mahoney, Lance Dillon, Rileigh Rahrig, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Emily Eddy

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Insulin resistance is one of the pathological hallmarks that leads to the development of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Around 40% of people aged 18 to 44 living in the United States have insulin resistance. Recent research, coupled with a better understanding of how vitamin K functions in the body, suggests that this vitamin could potentially help reduce insulin resistance. Vitamin K is not included in the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for the treatment of insulin resistance, but it has been shown to have some benefits in patients with T2DM. It may also serve as a treatment option for …

Optimizing Decision-Making In A Cerebral Palsy Model Using Reinforcement Learning, Richard Ampah

Pitzer Senior Theses

This study presents an original interdisciplinary investigation into how reinforcement learning (RL) can model motor and cognitive defects and potentially improve motor and cognitive functions in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), a non-progressive neurological disorder that impairs movement and adaptability. Integrating computational neuroscience and machine learning, the research applies policy gradient methods and Markov Decision Processes (MDPs) to simulate adaptive learning in agents with and without CP-related constraints.

The central aim is to compare the cumulative rewards of optimal policies, derived from value iteration, and human-like learning policies using the REINFORCE algorithm, both with and without the Bellman baseline. The …

Investigating The Impact Of Phthalate Exposures From Personal Care Products On Uterine Fibroid Incidence And Prevalence In Us-Born Black Women, Ella Brissett

CMC Senior Theses

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue that develop within or on the walls of the uterus. Despite being non-cancerous, they can severely affect quality of life by causing heavy bleeding, chronic pain, and reproductive complications. Fibroids are typically found in women of reproductive age, but they disproportionately affect Black women, who experience higher incidence and severity. The underlying causes of this disparity is poorly understood; however, an emerging body of research is highlighting the role of phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many personal care products, in exacerbating fibroid development. Through a critical analysis …

A 40-Week Phase 2b Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating The Safety And Efficacy Of Memantine In Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Salman Bhai, Todd Levine, Dan Moore, Robert Bowser, Andrew J. Heim, Maureen Walsh, Aziz Shibani, Zachary Simmons, James Grogan, Namita A. Goyal, Raghav Govindarajan, Yessar Hussain, Tania Papsdorf, Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, Nick Olney, Kim Goslin, Michael Pulley, Edward J. Kasarskis, Michael Weiss, Susan W. Katz, Suzan Moser, Duaa Jabari, Omar Jawdat, Jeffrey Statland, Mazen M. Dimachkie, Richard Barohn, Neuromuscular Study Group And Western Als Consortium Memantine Als Study Group

Neurology Faculty Publications

Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure, limited treatment options with minimal benefits, and significant unmet need for disease modifying therapies.

Aims: This study investigated memantine's impact on ALS progression, with an additional focus on the effects of memantine on cognitive and behavioral changes associated with the disease.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from December 2018 to September 2020. ALS patients were enrolled in-person and remotely across 13 sites in the United States. Participants were randomized to memantine (20 mg twice daily) or placebo in a 2:1 ratio …

Eeg Spectral Analysis Of Nighttime Sleep And Daytime Mslts And Neurocognitive Evaluations In Subjects With Co-Morbid Insomnia And Osa, Yuan Shi, Yuru Nie, Fengyi Hao, Xujun Feng, Ye Zhang, Larry D. Sanford, Rong Ren, Xiangdong Tang

Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences Faculty Publications

Background

Chronic insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea commonly co-occur. Few studies have explored the neurophysiological and neurocognitive characteristics of COMISA, which could help guide improving treatment diagnostic tools and determining novel therapeutic targets. This study aims to explore the neurophysiological and neurocognitive characteristics of COMISA using electroencephalographic (EEG) spectral analysis and subjective and objective neurocognitive measurements.

Methods

Participants were from our community recruited OSA-insomnia-COMISA cohort with 206 included for our current analysis including 74 chronic insomniacs (CIs), 55 OSA patients and 77 COMISA patients. Standard polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency tests (MSLTs) were recorded and used to obtain relative …

Extracellular Vesicles Released By All Patients Contain Hne-Adducted Proteins: Implications Of Collateral Damage, Jenni Ho, Suriyan Sukati, Tamara Taylor, Sherry Carter, Brittany Fuller, Amy Marmo, Caryn Sorge, John A. D'Orazio, D. Allan Butterfield, Subbarao Bondada, Heidi Weiss, Daret K. St. Clair, Luksana Chaiswing

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Off-target neuronal injury is a serious side-effect observed in cancer survivors. It has previously been shown that pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors have a decline in neurocognition compared to healthy age-matched counterparts. Elevated oxidative stress has been documented to be a mediator in off- target tissue damage in cancer survivors. Early detection of oxidative stress markers may provide an opportunity to prevent off-target tissue damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have surfaced as a potential diagnostic tool due to molecular cargo they contain. We investigated the potential for EVs to be a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress and off-target tissue damage …

Reassessing Hourly Neurological Assessments: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Haley Lynne Johnson

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Reassessing Hourly Neurological Assessments: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Haley Lynne Johnson, BSN, RN

Background: Stroke and brain injuries remain among the leading causes of mortality in the United States, accounting for 162,890 deaths in 2021 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Although frequent neurological assessments are essential for monitoring patient status, limited evidence supports the prolonged use of hourly neuro-checks (LaBuzetta et al., 2022). Excessive neuro-check frequency has been linked to sleep deprivation, an increased risk of delirium, and inefficient resource utilization (Kishore et al., 2021).

Purpose: This project aimed to assess the impact of …

The Use Of Primal Reflex Release Technique To Address Pain And Stress: An Exploratory Case Series, Nathan R. Reep, Sydney N. Leverett, Rebecca M. Heywood, Zachary Johnson, Alan Nasypany, James May, Scott W. Cheatham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The majority of the world population is experiencing more stress after the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in an outpatient healthcare setting it can be expected that patients will present with stress in combination with other perceptions of pain related to injury. Stress alone may be the cause of pain perception especially in patients who present with no specific mechanism of injury. There is a need for a quick full-body approach to assessment and treatment while considering the stress response to injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) Primals on …

Concussions In Women’S Rugby: A Timely Review Of Available Data, Shannon M. Wright

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Rugby is a growing full-contact sport across the world for both men and women; as a full-contact sport with no protective equipment, it has a reputation for high injury rates, including concussions. Organized men’s rugby has been established for over a century, whereas organized women’s rugby has struggled to achieve the same success over the years. With a much shorter amount of time to track injuries, women’s rugby lacks data to assess when, where, and what kinds of injuries are most common. The guiding study attempts to examine epidemiological trends for concussion in women’s rugby union and league. After pooling …

Effective Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Programming In Young Female Athletes: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Janay Ward, Kina M. Ingram, Jackson Biffle, Emily E. Hildebrand, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in adolescents, in particular females participating in sports requiring frequent jumping, pivoting, and rapid acceleration. Consequently, the prevention of ACL injury is a principal concern of athletic trainers and other sports medicine professionals. Neuromuscular training (NMT) programs have been effective in reducing ACL injury risk in athletic populations, though additional clarity on programmatic factors, such as exercise selection, timing, and training dosage is warranted. Therefore, the primary purpose of this evidence-to-practice review was to present which components of NMT programs have been found to be most effective in reducing ACL injury incidence in …

Treating Type Ii Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome With Primal Reflex Release Technique: A Novel Approach, Shelli Green, Jenna Morogiello, Kurrel Fabian, James May, Alan Nasypany

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Five NCAA Division I cheerleaders (age 20 ± 1.4; 3 males, 2 females) presented with Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). Following an evaluation, all patients diagnosed with MTSS were treated using Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT). Immediate improvements in reported pain were demonstrated after one treatment. Improvements in perceived dysfunction were demonstrated after 4.2 (± 0.84) treatments over 15.4 (± 5.86) days with no time lost. All improvements were maintained at two-week follow-up. Type II MTSS patients treated with PRRT may experience an immediate, lasting reduction in pain, improvement in function, and shorter time to overall resolution.

A Descriptive Examination Of Perceived Stress And Coping Among Athletic Trainers Employed In The National Collegiate Athletic Association, Stephanie M. Singe, Elisabeth M. Mckenna, Alexandrya Cairns, Christianne Eason

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Time and work demands are high for the collegiatea athletic trainer, which can increase work stress and burnout may result. High perceived levels of stress and burnout can impact an athletic trainer’s mental health and wellness. Data were collected via an online descriptive, cross-sectional survey (Qualtrics) examining the perceived stress and coping strategies used among athletic trainers employed in the collegiate setting. Respondents completed the pereceived stress scale (ɑ=.90), and a series of close-ended questions related to their self-reported strategy of coping. Data was collected during September of 2022. We had 987 (men 371, women 607, did not disclose 9) …

Driving After A Concussion In Adolescents And Young Adults, What Is The Current Research And Consensus?, Melanie Kwok, Tamara Valovich Mccleod

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

Comparison Of Patellar Taping And Strapping For Treating Patellofemoral Pain, Kaison Ames, Eric G. Post

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Among collegiate athletes, patellofemoral pain (PFP) represents nearly one-third of all sport-related injuries. There have been multiple studies using a patellar tendon strap as an intervention to treat PFP that showed an improvement in knee pain, as well as studies showing improvement in knee pain when using patellar taping for PFP. However, there is very limited research written that compares the effectiveness of a patellar tendon strap versus a patellar tendon taping technique for patients with PFP. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of patellar taping versus patellar strapping to reduce PFP in collegiate athletes. …

Thoracic Mobility And The Effects It Has On The Human Body: An Evidence To Practice Review, Megan Kurzec, Barton E. Anderson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Decreased thoracic mobility, stability, and strength are prevalent issues in athletes, contributing to various musculoskeletal problems. This Evidence to Practice Review synthesizes findings from a guiding systematic review that identified exercises targeting the thoracic spine in athletes. The review included a comprehensive search across six databases, five journals, and five social media platforms, yielding 38 exercises designed to improve thoracic mobility, motor control, work capacity, and strength. Despite the low level of evidence (Level D), these exercises are widely used in clinical practice. This review provides a framework for exercise prescription, offering athletic trainers a range of exercise options to …

Psychological Effects Of Number Of Knee Surgeries In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Jun Yamada, Eric G. Post

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Psychological readiness is an important factor for returning to sport successfully following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. To date, no studies have determined the effect of the number of knee surgery to psychological readiness. The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the number of knee surgeries impacts psychological readiness. The secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between the number of surgeries and knee function. Data was collected from participants on the women’s soccer teams at a local division Ⅰ, Ⅲ, and NAIA college. Inclusion criteria were 1) currently fully participating in activities without any limitations, and …

Treating Chronic Low Back Pain And Plantar Fasciitis With Myokinesthetic System: A Case Study, Sadie Buboltz-Dubs, Russell Baker

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The purpose of this case study was to report the effects of the MyoKinesthetic (MYK) System on the pain and function of a collegiate softball player previously diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain and foot pain. The patient had been experiencing bilateral foot pain since childhood and conservative treatment options had failed to resolve her pain long term. Additionally, the patient had been experiencing persistent back tightness and soreness. Upon arrival at the university, the patient was evaluated using the MYK postural analysis to identify if a primary nerve root dysfunction could be the cause of her pain. The …

Supporting Mental Wellness In Transgender Athletes, Abaigeal C. Fields, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

A Review Of Automated External Defibrillator Considerations In Athletic Training, Bryana M. Mammana, Susan W. Yeargin, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

Correlation Between Pre-Season Single-Leg Hop Testing Data And Lower Extremity Injuries In Collegiate Soccer Players, Ashley Kuchenbuch, Justin M. Stanek

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Lower extremity injuries are very common in collegiate soccer athletes and often lead to long-term rehabilitation programs and a decline in the athlete’s overall quality of life. Using single leg hop tests to identify “at-risk” athletes before the competitive season begins could allow medical staff to implement injury prevention programs that could help reduce the incidence of lower extremity injuries throughout the season. The purpose of this study was to determine if data taken from single leg hop (SLH) testing could help predict lower extremity injuries in female collegiate soccer players. A convenience sample of twenty-one participants were chosen to …

College Student-Athlete Perceptions Of Characterizations And Interpersonal Trust In Their Athletic Trainer: A Point-Of-Care Research Study, Ryan N. Moran, Deidre Leaver-Dunn, Jeff Allen, Jessica Wallace

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Patient-centered care is essential in athletic training with limited research examining the relationship between patient and clinician. Previous theory has identified constructs of quality athletic trainers (ATs); however, it remains unknown how current athletes perceive these theorized constructs in the ATs providing them medical care. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of characterizations of a quality athletic trainer and interpersonal trust between the student-athlete and AT in the collegiate setting and establish reliability of these surveys. A second aim was to explore differences between sex, previous exposure to an AT, and having had access to an …

The Impact Of Video-Assisted Education On Knowledge And Retention Compared To Paper Education Material, Keiona M. Nance, Matthew J. Drescher, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

When educating patients, clinicians must be effective to assure patients understand their treatment plan and abide by such to achieve optimal outcomes. Teaching methods that stimulate numerous senses more positively impact learning outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare paper and video-assisted education at the point-of-care with the aim of changing patient education and local practice in a system for individuals undergoing total hip arthroplasties (THAs). We used a randomized cohort design to explore patient knowledge and retention and educational method at the point-of-care. We compared the current education method (paper) to video-assisted materials using pre and post-education …

Exploratory Clinical Assessment And Treatment Of Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation Post Concussion: A Case Study, Megan Coker, James May

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The physiological alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) function due to concussion are suggested to play a role in persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Currently, there are few objective and clinically feasible measurements to assess ANS vitality in patients experiencing PPCS. The following case study details an assessment and treatment protocol targeted towards regulating the ANS in an adolescent female suffering from PPCS one month after injury. Pre-intervention, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess perceived pain, anxiety, stress, and breathing function were administered as well as a physical assessment performed for breath function and vagus nerve integrity. The patient was …

Comparing Mental Health Between Ncaa Division Iii Student-Athletes Competing In Team- And Individual-Sports, Autumn Presley, Tiffany Franklin, Jeffrey Williams

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Mental health is a topic that has gained attention in recent years, but few studies have examined NCAA Division III student-athletes. Division III student-athletes are known to experience high levels of distress, and previous literature indicates there may be a significant psychological difference between student-athletes who compete in individual-sports compared to those who participate in team-sports. The purpose of this study was to explore mental health challenges (levels of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms) among Division III student-athletes, particularly between those participating in team- and individual-sports. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The independent variable was group (team-sport athletes and …

Medical Disqualification As A Barrier To Healthcare In Military Service Members, Kaitlyn A. Jones, Joshua R. Jaime, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

N/a

Implementation Of Patient Care Documentation Standard For Athletic Training Staff In Intercolle, Lucas Bianco, Maria Popek, Bri Durics, Christian Miles

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Documentation is a professional standard for all health care professions. As part of a relatively young profession, athletic trainers have had to adjust to the expectations around documentation to stay at the same level as other health care providers. Documentation is often a highly discussed topic with more and more education sessions and resources being provided by NATA, BOC and NATA Research Education Foundation. The need for Continuous Quality Improvement projects and subsequent studies has continued to grow. Projects with a focus on documentation can be completed then disseminated to determine the most effective ways to improve documentation across our …

Point Of Care Ultrasound For Gastric Residual: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination, Brandon Quinn, Kaitlyn Gray

Doctoral Projects

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become an invaluable tool in modern medical practice offering real-time diagnostic and procedural guidance for anesthesia providers. POCUS is a non-invasive assessment tool that gives anesthesia insight into a quantitative assessment of gastric residuals. Furthermore, POCUS assessments are useful in preventing anesthetic complications that can cause major morbidity and mortality such as aspiration pneumonia. Despite the growing relevance, formalized training on POCUS for assessing gastric residuals remains limited in many nurse anesthesia programs. The University of Southern Mississippi currently lacks a standardized curriculum for teaching student registered nurse anesthetists how to utilize gastric ultrasound …