Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Impact Of Nurse-Led Distraction Techniques On Pain And Anxiety During Cancer Treatment In Pediatric Oncology Patients: Examining Virtual Reality And Play Therapy, Alexis Abalos

Nursing | Senior Theses

Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience pain and anxiety during cancer treatment, including chemotherapeutic invasive procedures such as frequent port access or peripheral catheterization. Nurse-led distraction techniques, including virtual reality and play therapy, have emerged as promising non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce levels of pain and anxiety in pediatric oncology patients. This thesis analyzes existing data through a close examination of primary and secondary research articles that prove the effectiveness of virtual reality and play therapy on reducing pain, anxiety, and psychosocial distress in pediatric oncology patients receiving cancer treatment. Using the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Symptom Management Theory, …

Embodied Aging: Older Adults’ Gendered Participation In Physical And Recreational Activity In Assisted Living, Gavin Anderson

Self-Designed Majors Honors Papers

This study examines how older adults interpret their experiences with physical and recreational activity in assisted living, and how these interpretations influence how they engage in their everyday social and physical contexts. In the fall of 2025, eleven older adults—nine women and two men—living in an assisted living facility in a coastal city in Southeastern Connecticut participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. The facility provides both short-term post-acute care and long-term residential care, offering structured opportunities for physical and recreational engagement.

Past research demonstrates that participation in physical and recreational activity provides substantial benefits for older adults; yet, the lived experience …

Real-World Anti-Amyloid Therapy Beyond Traditional Symptomatic Populations: A Longitudinal Case Series, Jayoung Han, Yuan Fang, Darlingtina Esiaka, Olufunmilola Abraham

Mathematics & Statistics Faculty Publications

Introduction: Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies are approved as disease-modifying therapies for early Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but real-world evidence remains limited, particularly among individuals treated during preclinical or minimally symptomatic stages. This study characterized clinical and biomarker trajectories among anti-amyloid therapy recipients across disease stages.

Method: We conducted a longitudinal retrospective case series of three biomarker-positive individuals from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative who received lecanemab or donanemab. Clinical, cognitive, cerebrospinal fluid, plasma biomarker, and amyloid PET data were examined.

Results: In all three cases, most of the observation period preceded anti-amyloid therapy initiation. Clinical trajectories varied by biomarker profile and treatment …

Validity Assessment Of Resting Heart Rate Variability From The Garmin Health Snapshot, Kayla M. Porter, Andrew Flatt

Honors College Theses

Purpose: To assess the agreement between the Garmin Forerunner 265 (a commercially available sports watch) and a single-channel electrocardiographic (ECG) chest strap for determining resting heart rate variability (HRV). Secondary aims were to assess the impact of skin tone and body position on measurement accuracy.

Methods: Young adults (n = 30, 57% women) aged 18–39 years without known cardiovascular conditions and without tattooing or scarring on the dorsal left wrist were recruited. HRV was recorded simultaneously using ECG and the Forerunner 265’s optical sensor during Garmin’s 2-minute “Health Snapshot.” Measurements were obtained in three standardized positions: supine, seated, and standing. …

Association Of Alcohol Use With Helmet Use In Cyclists: Analysis Of The National Trauma Data Bank, Daniel C Brock, Gaibo Yan, Chad T Wilson, Emanuel Narcis Husu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Helmet use significantly reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury among cyclists; however, the influence of alcohol use on helmet-wearing adherence remains understudied in large national data sets. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between alcohol use and helmet use in injured cyclists.

Methods: This study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 155 766 cyclists with traumatic injuries from the National Trauma Data Bank spanning 8 years (2017-2023). Cyclists were categorized by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as follows: not screened, sober (BAC < 0.02), impaired (BAC 0.02-0.08), intoxicated (BAC ≥0.08), and multidrug intoxicated (BAC ≥0.08 plus ≥1 positive drug screen). The primary outcome was helmet usage. Secondary outcomes included mortality, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, Injury Severity Score, and adverse events. Comorbid substance use disorders were considered as covariates.

Results: Alcohol use was associated with a dose-response decrease in helmet use. Helmet …

Multisystem Predictors Of Dynamic Gait Stability Across Fall Risk In Older Adults, Ashwini Kulkarni, Neda Moghim, Ross Gore, Soumya Banerjee, Christopher K. Rhea, Brittany Samulski

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Gait stability arises from interactions between physiological, cognitive, and psychological systems, yet these domains are often assessed in isolation. This study examined multisystem predictors of anteroposterior margin of stability during walking (MoSAP) in community-dwelling older adults. Of 340 participants, 143 were retained after data quality screening (105 females; age: 70.8 ± 7.8 years). Participants completed the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), cognitive testing using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), fear-of-falling evaluations using Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) and a biomechanical gait assessment during preferred and fast speeds. Participants were stratified into four PPA-based fall-risk groups: low, mild, moderate, and high risk. MoSAP …

Preoperative Patient Sentiment Is Associated With Postoperative Outcomes In Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery, Ross J. Gore, David Mazur-Hart, Mohan K. Sunkara, Aaqib Ali, Qizar Ali, Christopher J. Lynch

Center for Secure and Intelligent Critical Systems (CSICS) Publications

Study Design:

Prospective observational pilot study of adult spinal deformity surgery patients.

Objective:

To determine whether preoperative patient sentiment, quantified using a 21-class valence scale extending the CARP paradigm implemented through an offline Large Language Model, predicts postoperative outcomes.

Summary of Background Data:

Predicting adult spinal deformity surgery outcomes remains challenging with traditional clinical and radiographic parameters alone. Although patient psychological factors and expectations significantly influence postoperative satisfaction and quality of life, systematic approaches to capture these factors are underdeveloped. Offline Large Language Models offer scalable, privacy-preserving psychological risk stratification.

Materials and Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 18 patients undergoing adult …

The Effects Of Non-Pharmacologic Interventions On Preventing Secondary Stroke: An Integrated Research Review, Ahnnabeth Everard Millis

Covenant Nurses Week 2026

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of A Pressure Injury Prevention Bundle To Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries In The Intensive Care Unit, Xibo Lan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this quality improvement project was to utilize the SKINSAFE pressure injury prevention bundle during 12 weeks of implementation to increase evidence-based pressure injury prevention practices adherence and decrease risk of hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) in the intensive care units (ICU).

Background

ICU patients experience high risk for hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) secondary to immobility and device related pressure. Initial adherence to SKINSAFE bundle was 55-56%. There was inconsistent use of heel offloading devices, wound photography and documentation. Prevention bundles were affected by staffing fluctuations and leadership turnovers.

Methodology

The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle for this project included …

Ultrasound-Based Assessment Of Talar Cartilage In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review, Amin Mohammadi, Saeed Eshghi, Iman Mohammadi, Patrick Wilson, Ryan Mccann

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose

To systematically synthesize ultrasound (US) evidence on talar cartilage morphology and load-induced deformation in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI), and to map methodological approaches (acquisition, outcome definitions, loading paradigms, and normalization) to inform protocol standardization.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched (March 31, 2025). Eligible studies reported quantitative US-derived talar cartilage morphology (e.g., thickness, cross-sectional area [CSA]) and/or deformation following standardized loading in CAI and comparison groups. Due to heterogeneity in imaging protocols, loading tasks, and outcome definitions, findings were synthesized narratively and organized by outcome domain.

Results

Across available cohorts, load-induced deformation was the …

Relationships Between Quadriceps Neuromuscular Function And Time From Surgery Following Acl Reconstruction Are Sex-Specific, Tatiana Restrepo

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with persistent quadriceps dysfunction, including muscular weakness and altered spinal and cortical excitability. While recovery has been widely studied, most investigations focus on isolated domains and fixed postoperative time points. Emerging evidence suggests females often experience slower or less complete quadriceps recovery compared to males, yet the time-dependent nature of these sex-specific outcomes remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to examine whether relationships between time since ACLR and quadriceps neuromuscular outcomes differ by sex across muscular, spinal, and cortical domains. Adults aged 18–35 with a history of primary, unilateral ACLR were …

Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty As A Bridge Therapy In Acute Valve Syndrome: A Narrative Review Of Evidence Gaps And Future Directions, Omar Saleh, Omar Jafar, Nicholas Valle, Shirish Yasa, Saleh Mostafa, Raymond L. Benza, Deepak R. Talreja, Benjamin D. Peterson, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Acute valve syndrome (AVS) represents a high-acuity, decompensated presentation of severe aortic stenosis (AS), often manifesting as acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains the only durable therapy for severe AS in patients with prohibitive surgical risk, yet AVS patients may be too unstable for standard preprocedural planning. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has re-emerged as a bridge strategy that can provide rapid hemodynamic stabilization and permit subsequent valve replacement. Registry analyses report lower mortality in emergent TAVR compared with BAV, but these comparisons are confounded by procedural indication and unmatched AS severity. Smaller …

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease Incidentally Diagnosed During Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Report, Ching-Yun Liao, Chung-Hao Chao, Chih-Chin Hsu

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

背景

髓鞘少突膠質細胞糖蛋白抗體相關疾病（MOGAD）是一種罕見的自體免疫發炎性疾病，主要涉及中樞神經系統（CNS），其主要特徵是視神經、腦部和脊髓脫髓鞘。我們報告一例最初疑似復發性中風的病例，該病例在住院中風復健期間最終確診為MOGAD。

病例概要

49歲女性，左側大腦半球梗塞，在中風後復健期間出現多次右側肢體肌力下降伴隨失語症。這些神經功能波動偏離了典型卒中的預期復健軌跡。卒中發作兩個月後行腦部磁振造影（MRI）檢查，結果顯示右側內囊後肢、腦橋及C1脊髓出現多處新發病灶。後續血清學檢查顯示抗髓鞘少突膠質細胞糖蛋白（MOG）IgG抗體陽性，而水通道蛋白4（AQP4）抗體陰性，確診為MOGAD。患者接受了甲潑尼龍治療及充分的復健治療，追蹤期間肌力顯著改善，未見脫髓鞘病灶復發。

結論

本案例凸顯了復健科醫師在早期發現類似中風的神經發炎性疾病的關鍵作用。復健科醫師處於獨特的領先地位，能夠透過持續的功能監測識別「危險信號」；任何偏離預期復健路徑或無法解釋的神經功能波動都應促使醫生進行進一步檢查。早期識別此類非典型模式，並及時進行免疫治療和多學科康復，可以預防永久性功能衰退，並優化長期預後。

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-Based Therapies And The Intersection Of Metabolic And Skin Disease, Ana Ormaza-Vera, Clinton W. Enos

Department Dermatology Faculty Publications

[Introduction] To the Editor: The development of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/GLP-1RAs is revolutionizing the management of metabolic disease. Perhaps most impressive is that their clinical significance extends far beyond their approved indications and touches seemingly every organ system, even the skin.

Unusual Case Of Pelvic Fracture Urethral Distraction Defect, Varuni Pragya, Madhukesh Rudramurthy, Siddalinga Murthy G

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Urinary bladder ruptures are an uncommon injury, occurring in less than 1% of all blunt abdominal trauma. Extraperitoneal bladder ruptures are generally associated with pelvic fractures and usually managed nonoperatively but open surgery is required when these injuries are associated with additional trauma to structures like prostate and urethra.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report our experience with a 32-year-old male who suffered a head on collision with a four-wheeler while driving a two-wheeler in a road traffic accident. He presented to the hospital with abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty in passing urine and swelling of the scrotum. His X Ray …

Geniculate Artery Pseudoaneurysm Formation Following Debridement, Antibiotics, And Implant Retention (Dair) For Management Of A Septic Knee, Jennifer Grimm, Anand Shah

South Atlantic Division GME Research Days 2026

No abstract provided.

Healthcare Provider Perspectives On A Clinical Decision Tool To Support Individualized Exercise Prescriptions And Discussions For Breast Cancer Survivors, Jinani Jayasekera, Oliver W. A. Wilson, Kaitlyn M. Wojcik, Eleanor M. Kerr, Rachelle Brick, David Berrigan, Jennifer Yeong-Shin Sheng, Takeo Fujii, Kathleen Thomas, Henri K. Parson, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Richard L. Street Jr.

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: We evaluated healthcare providers' current knowledge, practices, and perspectives on a novel clinical decision tool (beta-version) to facilitate individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions in clinical settings.

Methods: We recruited healthcare providers who had treated or provided care to breast cancer survivors aged >= 35-years in the past 12 months. The participants were presented with a tool to provide individualized exercise recommendations considering women's individual, clinical, and contextual characteristics. Validated and reliable pre-existing instruments were used to survey providers' current knowledge, practices regarding exercise discussions, and perspectives on the beta-version (paper-draft) of the novel tool.

Results: The sample consisted of …

Prediction Of Lung Vital Capacity Value From Thoracoabdominal Expansion In Young Adults, Aung Myo Htun, Aung Aung Nwe, Chatchaya Jaimanee, Thiwaphon Chatprem, Saowanee Nakmaroeng, Chatchai Phimphasak

Journal of Health Research

Background: Vital capacity (VC) is a fundamental indicator of pulmonary health, but its routine assessment often depends on spirometry devices that may be unavailable (i.e. because of access, cost) in many clinical or community settings. In contrast, lower costal (LC) and upper abdominal (AB) expansions are simple, equipment-free methods commonly used in physiotherapy.

Method: This cross-sectional study was aimed at developing prediction equations for VC using LC or upper AB expansion alongside demographic and anthropometric variables. The study involved 116 healthy nonsmokers (53 male and 63 female individuals) aged 18–39 years. VC was measured via spirometry using a …

Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction And Repair In Nonthrowing Athletes, William L. Johns, Neel K. Patel, Benjamin Miltenberg, Ryan W. Paul, Adeeb J. Hanna, Michael C. Ciccotti, Steven B. Cohen, Michael G. Ciccotti, Christopher C. Dodson

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in nonthrowing athletes is less commonly performed, and the outcomes of that management have not been thoroughly described.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcomes of surgical management of UCL injury in nonthrowing athletes.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on all patients who underwent UCL reconstruction or repair across a 10-year period (2010-2020), with nonthrowing athletes who had >2-year follow-up being specifically identified. Demographic variables such as age, sport participation, concomitant procedures, and graft type, as well as postoperative outcomes such as complications, …

Proceedings Of The 25th International Symposium On Adapted Physical Activity, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

This volume presents the Proceedings of the 25th International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA 2025), hosted by Munster Technological University under the Patronage of UNESCO. It is intended as a permanent scholarly record of the symposium, its themes, and its contributions across research, practice, policy, culture, and inclusion in line with CoARA principles.

Pengaruh Aerobic Low Impact Exercise Terhadap Fungsi Kognitif Lansia Dengan Risiko Demensia Di Sasana Tresna Werdha Cibubur Tahun 2025, Nur Achirda, Liza Laela Abida, Kania Annisa Zahra

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: Entering old age, the elderly often face various problems, one of which is impaired cognitive function. Some factors that influence the decline in cognitive abilities in the elderly include gender, education level, occupation, nutritional status, and comorbidities that can interfere with the nervous system, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The problem of dementia in the elderly is an important concern that requires effective prevention and treatment. Dementia in the elderly can include several aspects, such as orientation, registration, attention and calculation, memory, and language. Physiotherapy has an important role in maintaining and improving body movement function, so that …

Pengaruh Deep Neck Flexor Exercise Terhadap Neck Pain Non-Specific Pada Penjahit, Salwa Maylani, Fendy Nugroho, Yoni Rustiana

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: tailors tend to bow for a long time which results in excessive activation of the postural muscles in maintaining the position of the neck which causes weakness, decreased activity, and muscle imbalance which results in pain in the neck area. In overcoming these disorders, the intervention that can be given is deep neck flexor exercise. Objective: to determine the effect of deep neck flexor exercise on non-specific neck pain in tailors. Methods: this study used an experimental one group pre and post test with control design which was carried out in May-July 2024 at PT. Iskandar Indah Printing Textile …

Kecemasan Orang Tua Yang Memiliki Anak Disabilitas Intelektual Di Slbn 4 Jakarta, Hermito Gidion, Purnama Betty Sitorus, Zahrah Nabila Humayrah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Anxiety is a common mental condition characterized by feelings of nervousness, fear, and restlessness that can interfere with daily life. Parents who have children with intellectual disabilities often experience anxiety due to various factors, including psychological pressure and high emotional burdens. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of anxiety among parents who have children with intellectual disabilities at SLBN 4 Jakarta and to identify the relationship between predisposing and precipitating factors and the level of anxiety. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 81 parents at SLBN 4 …

Hubungan Alignment Knee Joint Terhadap Kecepatan Berlari Pada Anak Usia 4-6 Tahun, Rifka Alifia Haura, Miranti Yolanda Anggita, Abdul Chalik Meidian

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Alignment Knee joint alignment is a critical component in the biomechanical analysis of the body, particularly in locomotor activities such as running. Imbalance or malalignment in the knee joint can disrupt movement patterns and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. In pediatric physiotherapy, early identification of lower limb posture is essential to support optimal gross motor development. This study aims to examine the relationship between knee joint alignment and running speed in children aged 4–6 years. A crosssectional design was used, involving 45 children who met the inclusion criteria. Measurement of knee alignment was performed using a goniometer to assess …

Pengaruh Biofeedback Terhadap Program Peningkatan Kekuatan Otot, Aditya Johan Romadhon, Fendy Nugroho, Pajar Haryatno

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: In sport the muscle fiber composition surely affect athlete performances, selective training technic and using advance technology may improve and set a new standards for athlete optimal performances, technology innovation such as computer simulator has been use to generate realistic match simulation in several sport, but the technology is not cheap that many sport clubs can afford, so biofeedback may become innovation to improve athletes performance by monitoring muscle activation to achieve selective muscle contraction in muscle strengthening programs. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether auditory feedback as biofeedback can improve muscle activation in a …

Blue Light Therapy Improves Sleep Quality And Or Sleep Disturbances In Those With Concussions: A Critically Appraised Topic, Bradlee Wells, Audrey Meche, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that cause problems such as headaches, dizziness, dazed or confusion, difficulty remembering or concentrating, but one of the most common complications that can occur from concussions are sleep disturbances/disorders. About 90% of those affected by TBI reported some type of sleep disturbance that include insomnia, frequent wakefulness after onset sleep, poor sleep quality, increased need for sleep, and/or daytime sleepiness that may possibly interfere with daily living activities. Previous evidence suggests that daily blue wavelength light therapy (BLT) may be effective at reducing fatigue and improving sleep in patients recovering …

Differences In Dieting Behavior In Athletic Trainers, Emily Madrak, Ki L. Cole, Bridget M. Miller, Jennifer L. Volberding

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) have a foundational knowledge in many facets of health, including optimization of wellness. Though ATs may be actively trying to improve their own health, societal pressure can have a large impact on behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify differences between gender and years-certified in diet patterns in ATs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 2500 National Athletic Training Association members, It included a demographics section and five-item researcher-created questions regarding diet. Chi-square tests of independence were used to determine the relationship. Results: Significance was determined for gender and question 2, “Have …

Comparing Lower Extremity Kinematics Using Trazer And Inertial Motion Capture Systems, Gabriella Juoza-Clark Spt, Joellen Carter Spt, Nikki Stam Spt, Kevin Robinson Pt, Dsc, Ocs

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: This study assessed the validity of a non-immersive body motion tracking system (TRAZER) as an alternative to using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based motion capture (MyoMotion) for lower extremity kinematic analysis. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 24.03 years (range: 20-33 years) and a mean BMI of 25.15 kg/m² (range: 18.45-32.23 kg/m²) performed double and single-leg squats. Data Analysis: Kinematic data from TRAZER and MyoMotion IMUs were compared using a mixed two-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences were observed in knee flexion data across all movements (p > 0.05) and knee abduction during the …

Parameters Of Suspension Training On Core Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sara Stiltner, Andrea Cripps

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Clinical Scenario: The core is a functional unit connecting the upper and lower extremities consisting of abdominal, back, and hip musculature. A highly functional core is essential within the kinetic chain and aids in injury prevention and rehabilitation. Traditional means of core stability training are performed on a stable surface. An emerging mode of core training is suspension training (ST), which utilizes a movement paired with instability to challenge the core stabilizers and increase motor unit recruitment.The purpose of suspension training is to increase muscle activation in core stabilizer’s, while mimicking functional movements.It was the purpose of this research to …

Using External Visual Feedback Techniques To Improve Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paxtyn Watkins, Bradlee Wells, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are among the most common musculoskeletal injury in physically active populations posing a substantial health burden. Individuals who sustain ankle sprains often have a diminished quality of life with prolonged symptoms, decreased levels of physical activity, and the propensity to develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). It is estimated that up to 40% of people who sustain an initial lateral ankle sprain will develop CAI. Many therapeutic interventions exist to help alleviate symptoms and the feeling of “giving out.” This critically appraised topic will examine multiple interventions that involve using external visual feedback methods to improve …