Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Upper Extremity Return To Sport Functional Testing: A Systematic Review, Marisa Pontillo, Eric Bellm, Patrick Barber, Matthew L. Gauthier, Casey A. Unverzagt, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Upper extremity return to sport (RTS) assessments are not standardized with respect to which metrics to use, if the metrics are appropriate for all populations and levels of competition, and what constitutes good or poor test performance. Subsequently, clinicians may utilize suboptimal metrics to evaluate RTS readiness, or forgo objective criteria altogether. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties (reliability, agreement/measurement error, hypothesis testing/construct validity, criterion/predictive validity, responsiveness) of upper extremity functional tests used to assess RTS readiness.

Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, with all studies included assessed via the PEDro scale. Literature …

Differences And Changes In Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Of German And Japanese Students Before And After Short-Term Exchange Programs, Kazumasa Nakagawa, Yuko Takahashi, Melanie Zwiorek

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Since 2012, a Japanese and a German university have conducted exchange programs. This study examined the effects of a short-term exchange program in 2023, focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Nine Japanese students and nine German students completed a 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program using a 5-point Likert scale. We performed cross-tabulations and analyzed differences between countries and pre- and post-program changes using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. The results suggest that even a short-term exchange enhanced Japanese students’ confidence in intercultural interactions and encouraged German students to reflect on their own culture. However, Japanese students showed lower …

A Scarring Experience: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation As A Novel Palliative Approach In Colorectal Cancer Survivorship, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Leanne Jackson, Mary Garcia

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a discussion of the novel approach of pelvic floor rehabilitation in its utility specifically for colorectal cancer survivorship which will be additionally presented at the MD Anderson Survivorship Research Retreat conference.

The Impact Of Physical Activity And Diet On The Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 In The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review, Benjamin M. Latey, Dustin Bowers, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: Clinical Perceptions And Use In Physical Therapy Practice, Robert Dekerlegand, Malachy Clancy, Alison Bell, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is an innovative technology that is reshaping healthcare with potentials ranging from improved efficiency to advancing personalized medicine.¹
• Ensuring the appropriate use of GenAI in teaching and learning has expanded in academia to also ensure graduates can competently use and partner with this technology in their fields.^2-4
• GenAI needs to be both accepted and adopted for these initiatives to translate into professional practice.
• Use of GenAI in physical therapy (PT) is being explored5,6and though therapists appear to understand aspects of this technology, current perceptions and actual use of GenAI in practice …

Exercise Testing And Training For Individuals With Cystic Fibrosis, Najlaa Zayed Alotaibi

ETDs from 2020-2029

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disease that impacts multiple systems (e.g., respiratory system). Hence, routine cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is recommended to track the disease progression in people with CF. Besides the benefits of exercise testing, exercise training is also beneficial for long-term wellness. It is recommended that people with CF engage in at least 30–60 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 days a week. However, despite the significance of exercise testing and training for people with CF, CPET and exercise training are underutilized in international CF centers. According to the literature, the majority of international CF centers use …

Analysis Of The Effect Of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (Ndt) On Gross Motor Function In Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review, Haunan Naja Izdihar, Aditya Denny Pratama

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Effectiveness of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) in Children with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Background:
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) is commonly used in pediatric rehabilitation to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy, particularly those with spastic diplegia.

Methods:
This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Seven studies published between 2018 and 2024 were identified through electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Crossref.

Results:
The included studies reported improvements in gross motor function, posture, balance, and daily functional independence following NDT, particularly when combined with other therapeutic interventions. However, outcome measures and …

Interprofessional Collaboration In Inpatient Rehabilitation For Patient With Thiamine Deficiency-Related Sensorimotor And Cognitive Deficits – Case Report, Christina Thomas, Tahreem Hashmi, Joanne Delgado-Lebron, Rania Massad

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: We aim to describe the clinical presentation, interprofessional management, and functional outcomes of a patient with thiamine deficiency. Problem: Thiamine deficiency can result in peripheral polyneuropathy and cognitive deficits that limit function and participation. Despite deficits that warrant interprofessional neurorehabilitation, previous reports focus narrowly on medical management. Case: A 36-year-old female was admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a diagnosis of Guillain Barre. She underwent evaluation by the interprofessional team that revealed cognitive deficits inconsistent with Guillain Barre. Further medical workup identified a thiamine deficiency. Comprehensive treatment included supplementation managed by the physiatrist; promotion of motor learning and neuroplasticity to …

Fear Of Falling: A Collaborative Approach To Treatment, Alexandra Uhren, Celeste Delap, Kate Jansen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: Physical Therapy (PT) and Behavioral Health (BH) often overlap in patient care; however, collaborative treatment is always not utilized by providers. This case study details the interdisciplinary treatment of a 69-year-old female with a fear of falling; emphasizing the importance of interprofessional collaborative care in treating Fear of Falling (FOF) in individuals at risk for fall-related injury with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and PT interventions.

Problem: FOF is common among older adults and can result in physical, psychological, and social consequences (Lee & Tak, 2023; MacKay et al., 2021). Patients at risk of fall-related injury experience decreased self-confidence in …

National Survey Of Physical Therapists’ Participation As Health Educators In Physical Activity Promotion Among Older Adults, Casey Nicole Mokres

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a major national and global public health concern linked to preventable morbidity, mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to promote physical activity (PA) through health education, yet their engagement in this role is not well defined. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between clinical practice factors—years of experience, board certification status, and practice setting—and three domains of the theoretical domains framework (knowledge, skills, and behavioral regulation) related to PA promotion among older adults. The framework guided identification of behavioral and contextual factors influencing therapists’ delivery of PA promotion interventions. Data …

Enhancing Stroke Recovery: A Proposal To Implement Self-Efficacy Strategies In Rehabilitation, Ariana M. Allen, Elliott P. Mcneely

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Self-efficacy is a critical predictor of rehabilitation success in stroke survivors, influencing motivation, therapy adherence, and functional recovery. This study will investigate the current use of structured self-efficacy enhancement programs (SEEPs) by healthcare professionals in post-stroke rehabilitation settings. Guided by Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory, this proposal outlines a study that will include a comprehensive literature review and suggestions for further research. It will explore the frequency and methods of SEEP use, including goal setting, motivational feedback, and graded task planning. Data would be analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings are expected to identify usage patterns, barriers, and opportunities to …

From Fog To Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Evaluating And Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cancer – related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that interferes with cancer survivors’ occupational performance, independence, and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, CRCI remains under recognized and inconsistently addressed within oncology care. About 70% of individuals diagnosed with cancer report cognitive changes during or after treatment, yet many do not receive treatment. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to evaluate and treat functional cognition, activities of daily activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and client centered goals, positioning them as key providers in addressing CRCI. However, limited occupational therapy specific resources have hindered …

Integrating Ai-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Into A First-Semester Dpt Course: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Learner Perceptions And Palpation Self-Efficacy, Michael Morgan, Jeb Helms, John Imundi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Accurate palpation skills and three-dimensional anatomical understanding are foundational outcomes of entry-level physical therapist education; however, novice learners often struggle to translate static anatomical knowledge into applied palpation experiences. Ultrasound imaging (USI) offers real-time visualization of living anatomy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced features may further support novice learners by scaffolding anatomical orientation. The purpose of this study was to examine first-semester Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) learners’ perceptions of AI-enhanced USI integration related to anatomical understanding, palpation self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived relevance to future practice.

Method: A single-group convergent mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 first-semester DPT learners in …

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Among Children And Adolescents With And Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Xiao Liang, Raffy C.F. Chan, Justin A. Haegele, Sean Healy, Richard H. Xu, Chang Liu, Ming Chen, Minghui Li, Hui Zhang, Cindy H.P. Sit, David H.K. Shum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose

Physical inactivity is a health concern for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) as it directly increases their risk of developing various health problems. Evidence on differences in accelerometer-assessed physical activity between children and adolescents with and without NDDs is inconclusive. And age- and body mass index (BMI)-related effects on physical activity remain unclear.

Methods

The systematic literature searches were performed in 6 databases up to March 2025. Methodological quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Hedges' g was used to express the effect size index with 95 % confidence interval …

The Impact Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Self-Reported Balance And Confidence On Perceived Fall Risk: A Pilot Study, Antoney Labuschagne, Wesley Hopper, Bailey Watson, Alexis Ignatin, Ashtyn South, Whitney Dupree, Natalie Michaels

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background: Each year, thousands of people experience one or more episodes of falling, that lead to a lasting impact in function and participation in daily life. Education regarding fall prevention is often focused mainly on the older adult population, but falls can happen at any age. Fear of falling and pain-related fear exists among adults at any age. The focus of this research study was to determine if participation in an aquatic exercise program that focused on balance, core body strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance could be utilized to alleviate the fear of falling and improve performance. Methods: Eight participants completed …

Normative Data For Blazepod Lateral Shuffle Test, Dalston Duff, Hunter Fujimori, Paige Hall, Koichiro Kurosawa, Karah Smith, Jason Brumitt

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The BlazePod lateral shuffle test assess lateral agility and reaction time. Despite its growing use, no published normative value currently exist for this test. This limits the ability of clinicians to interpret performance and track progress

The Effect Of Menopausal Symptoms On Physical Activity Participation, Morgan T. Walsh, Rebecca Franklin, Meghan E. Radnoff, Amy Tremback-Ball

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Those With Visual Impairment, Mikayla Calitis, Haley Mcmenimen, Isabella Bernitsky, Amelia Gansz, Karol Bialek

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

Biomechanical Effects Of Exercise-Based Interventions In Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lara De Vecchi Machado

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and represents a complex, multifactorial, and heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by substantial interindividual variability in muscle activation patterns, lumbo-pelvic coordination, and movement strategies. Although exercise is widely recommended as a first-line intervention and its clinical benefits are well established, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying functional improvement remain fragmented in the literature and are rarely synthesized quantitatively.

This dissertation conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the biomechanical effects of exercise-based interventions in individuals with CNLBP. A total of 39 studies were included and …

The Effects Of Virtual Reality Interventions On Gait And Balance In Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Systematic Review, Meghan Darrough, Stephanie Layland, Breena Kravchick

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

Background: Chronic stroke survivors often experience long-term gait and balance impairments that impact their functional abilities and activities of daily living. Emerging interventions, such as virtual reality (VR), are being evaluated on their potential to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality interventions on gait and balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

Methods: Two literature searches were performed in September 2025 and January 2026 using the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases.

Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorized based on balance outcome measures (Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Performance-Oriented …

The Impact Of A Wellness Program Consisting Of Meditation And Dietary Education On The Symptoms Of Parkinson’S Disease: A Protocol, Kylee Cush, Maureen Romanow Pascal, Genevieve Montanye, Arden Mccoy, Jillian Mallon, Mason Hayward

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) often experience many motor and nonmotor symptoms that impact their ability to participate in their daily life. This protocol aims to address the symptoms of PD by utilizing complementary strategies to manage chronic stress and unhealthy dietary lifestyles, both of which have been identified as risk factors for PD. This eight-week mixed-design randomized controlled trial will take place at Misericordia University, Rock Steady Boxing Old Forge, and the University of Scranton, and will utilize convenience sampling through flyer outreach. Individuals will be randomized into two groups: group one will complete a whole foods diet as …

Intermittent Phrenic Afferent Activation Induces Phrenic Motor Plasticity, Nicole M. Popp, Taylor C. Holmes, Elizabeth A. Rozycki, Kristi A. Streeter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Approaches such as electrical stimulation of the phrenic neuromuscular system are currently used in humans to manage breathing impairments. We recently showed that electrical stimulation of the diaphragm muscle induces phrenic afferent-dependent plasticity. These findings highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms of afferent-mediated plasticity to guide and improve the development of novel therapies using electrical stimulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that intermittent activation of large-diameter phrenic afferents induces phrenic motor plasticity, which, like other forms of plasticity, is pattern sensitive. We delivered inspiratory-triggered electrical stimulation using a narrow pulse width (0.1 ms) to preferentially activate large-diameter afferents, …

Transitioning To Life After Sport: Empowering Former College Varsity Athletes To Live More Healthfully, Linda Piacentine, Taylor L. Wolf, Jacob J. Capin

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: 

The transition out of competitive sport comes with a range of psychosocial challenges for athletes, particularly when retirement is involuntary (e.g., due to injury). Little is known about the health of former athletes who often manage prior injuries and changing biopsychosocial factors.

Purpose: 

Identify the unique experiences of varsity athletes during college and as they transition to life after college sports and determine the facilitators, barriers, and needs of college varsity athletes to engage in a physically active and healthy lifestyle after competitive sport retirement.

Methods: 

Thirty former college varsity athletes (15F, 15M; mean age 23 ± 1 yrs; …

Biomechanical Correlations Between The Pogo Hop Test And Running In Recreational Runners, Matt Klein, Brandon Kuske, Alex Gonzalez, Kealani Ontai, Jared Miller, Taylor Beachy, Jakob Lawrence, Robin Dorociak

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The Problem

48.31 million Americans participated in running in 2023, with an injury incidence of 40.2% ± 18.8%

Objective biomechanical criteria for return to running (RTR) remain underdeveloped

Single-leg hop tests are among the most commonly used functional screens despite limited biomechanical validation for their correlation to running 2, 8, 10, 12, 14

The Biomechanical Rationale

Running propulsion depends on cyclical joint moments and positive power at the ankle, knee, and hip through rapid stretch-shortening cycles, a demand maximal discrete hop tests do not replicate ⁹

Repetitive single-leg pogo hopping shares the submaximal, rhythmic, cadence-dependent loading pattern of running 5, …

Influences Of Ankle Strength And Power On Gait Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes, And Social Measures Of Health In Healthy Older Adults, Tyson Barrington, Wesley Clawson, Carleigh Delapp, Kylie Hull, Brecken Rudy, Christen Johnson, Gabe Haberly, Ruth Holloran

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

What factors lead to satisfactory living for older adults?

Can clinicians utilize these factors to generate successful outcomes with their patients?

Clinicians often examine muscle strength, muscle power, balance, and gait speed to assess functional capacity

No current literature investigating the importance or correlation of these measures • Purpose: Explore the relationships between plantarflexion strength and power, gait speed, and social participation in healthy older adults

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Education For Spanish Speakers Assessing Empowerment Through Education: Preliminary Findings, Tess Swake, Kira Negrete, Marisela Trenado-Alba, Erika Benitez, Alessandra Peraza-Aguillón

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The Problem: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) disproportionately impacts the US Latinx population, who experience up to a 1.8x higher rate of urinary incontinence, yet they face significant language and cultural barriers in healthcare.

The Gap: Current Spanish educational materials often exceed recommended reading levels, and published research on pelvic health physical therapy tailored for primary Spanish speakers is non-existent.

The Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of accessible Spanish-language materials (text, graphics, and video) in empowering patients by improving their knowledge of pelvic anatomy, common conditions, and baseline health.

Closing The Gap: How Does Same-Day Pt Access Transform Primary Care?, Lupita Alegria, Rosario Huerta-Cardenas, Seth Kobata, Madeline Melone, Champ Robertson, Rebecca Dobler

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The evolution of physical therapy (PT) in a primary care setting represents a significant shift in musculoskeletal (MSK) management. While successfully utilized within the military and specific veteran health organizations, widespread adoption in the civililian sector is hindered by concerns regarding feasibility and sustainable reimbursement.

This study examines a novel implementation of primary-care PT at the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center in Newberg, OR. By utilizing a capitated payment model—rather than traditional fee-for-service—this research seeks to determine the operational feasibility of embedded PT services and their efficacy in optimizing patient-centered outcomes.

A special thank you to the Virginia Garcia Memorial …

Does Stance Width Influence Isoperception During Lower Extremity Loading, Emily Elwell, Cade Kooch, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Definition: Isoperceptual Manifold (IPM) is the combination of sensory inputs that covary to achieve a single perceptual goal

• → e.g. to hold a cup: perception from 3 fingers combine into a singular perceived force.

Background: IPM known to exist in upper extremities,¹ but IPM has not been examined in lower extremity (LE) loading.

Theory: IPM influenced by stance width might contribute to postural control instability^2,3

Motor Learning Of Ankle Control In People With Parkinson’S: Effects On Gait And Balance, Tessa Kitchel, Lanie Rodriguez, Riley Tishlarich, Courtney Vangiesen, Robin Dorociak, Pablo Burgos

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Ankle control is crucial for balance and gait and is often impaired in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

PD treatments, such as levodopa and deep brain stimulation, do not improve lower limb control or balance. ^{1, 2}

Individuals with PD still have the capacity for motor learning, even if motor performance is affected. ^{3, 4}

To date, no studies have investigated ankle training and balance in Parkinson’s Disease

Previous studies have shown that ankle training is beneficial for gait and balance in stroke. ⁵

The aim of the study is to evaluate the potential benefits of a single-joint training protocol …

Influences Of Lower Limb Strength And Rate Of Torque Development On Recovery From A Backwards Balance Loss, Allison Brist, Peyton Shimanek, Ly Vuthy, Chad Yanagisawa, Zachary Zaragosa, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Gabe Haberly

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Falls are a leading cause of hip fractures and accidental death

Backwards balance losses are particularly difficult to recover from and often result in injury

Lower body strength and rate of torque development (RTD) may influence stepping responses and balance recovery

This study examines how lower extremity peak torque and RTD affect recovery stepping following a backwards loss of balance