Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Physical Therapy After Amputation In Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Quantitative And Qualitative Interview Study, Amanda Ferraro, Jennifer Gorton, Lindsey Horn, Michaela Kubo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate participation in physical therapy in older adults after lower extremity limb loss. The secondary objective was to examine the associations between physical therapy attendance, fear of falling avoidance behavior, self-perceived prosthetic mobility, and mental well-being. Number of Subjects: 64 Materials and Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with amputation were recruited and individually interviewed. The data collection consisted of four surveys (Physical Therapy after Amputation Patient Perception Survey, Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36v2], Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire [PEQ, mobility group], and Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire [FFABQ]). Participants' demographic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participant comments were qualitatively categorized. …

Fall Prevention Service-Learning Project, Alexis Mansoor, Kendra Morrison, Jeremy Nordfelt, Cheng Yang Tu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this service-learning project was to: 1) reduce falls in the Las Vegas, Nevada community by implementing the Stepping On fall prevention program and 2) to investigate the effect of planning and implementing a service learning project (SLP) on physical therapy (PT) students’ education and professional development. Description: Under the supervision of our advisor, we planned and organized this SLP, became certified leaders of Stepping On, recruited and screened older adults using the STEADI fall risk screening tool, and facilitated the program at a local community hospital. We facilitated group discussion and instructed the exercises outlined in …

Patient, Student, And Faculty Perceptions Of A Student Led Pro-Bono Education And Treatment Based Back School For Uninsured Nevadans, James Tingey, Daniel Tiano, Rebecca Templeton, Meagan Duncan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Importance: To determine feasibility and benefits of student led back school in an underserved population. Perceptions were positive support benefits for all participants. Objective: To evaluate perceived benefits for uninsured participants, students, and faculty with implementation of an evidence based, student led back school. Design: Eight DPT students created curriculum delivered over two days of two-hour classes, one week apart including screening and abbreviated evaluation of LBP, group education, specific exercise selection, and home exercise program assignment. Following first session, analysis performed to improve subsequent sessions. Setting: Cooperative effort between the pro bono clinic, Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, …

Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Gait And Balance Post-Stroke, Leonard Ubalde, Jordon Jacklin, Peyton Hobson, Sara Wright-Avila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation is effective in combination with traditional physical therapy to facilitate motor performance in patients who recently survived a stroke. Current literature has focused on transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation efficacy for improving the completion of fine motor tasks in the upper extremities. However, there is a lack of current evidence regarding the efficacy of this therapy in the lower extremities. Objective: To measure the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on lower extremity clinical outcomes in patients who had a stroke including gait speed, functional reach, and balance. Methods: Randomized control trial in …

The Effectiveness Of Implementing A Collegiate Dance Clinic At The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, Quinn Williams, Kristin Allman, Matthew Mcarthur, Ryan Yim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Screenings are commonly employed in athletics to identify deficits in performance with the goal of providing interventions to decrease injury risk; however, their utilization is uncommon in collegiate dance programs. Therefore, the purpose of this service learning project was to address the needs of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) dance program through implementation of an injury screening and prevention clinic for collegiate-level dancers. Four second year Doctor of Physical Therapy students (SPTs) supervised by a clinical faculty member with dance medicine expertise researched, developed, and provided screenings to identify increased risk for dance-specific injuries, and education to decrease …

Brain Volumes And Dual-Task Performance Correlates Among Individuals With Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis, Jon Basterrechea, Daniel Krist, Caitlin Moreland, Morgan Wise

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition characterized by loss of brain volume and changes in cognition, motor function, and dual-tasking ability. Objective: To examine associations between brain volumes, dual task performance, and gait and balance in those with CI to elucidate the mechanisms underlying loss of function. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with CI and compared brain volumes, dual task performance, and measures of gait and balance. Results: Greater cognitive function and combined dual task effect (DTE) is associated with smaller brain volumes. In contrast, greater motor DTE is associated with larger …

Comparisons Of Patellar Bone Mineral Density Between Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Chris Khuu, Allina Cummins, Steven Shepherd

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Although bone stress injuries have been reported in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP), especially within the lateral patella, it remains unclear whether persons with PFP exhibit altered patellar regional bone mineral density (BMD). The primary purpose of this study was to compare BMD of the patella (lateral, medial, and total regions) between individuals with and without PFP using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The secondary aim was to examine the associations between patellar regional BMD and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) alignment. Methods: Ten individuals with retropatellar pain and 10 sex, age, weight, height, and activity matched pain-free controls underwent a QCT …

Patient And Facility Perceptions On The Feasibility Of A Student-Run Pro-Bono Back-School For Uninsured Patients With Low Back Pain, Javier Ascanio-Pellon, Sofia Cruz, Lauren Liebert, Trevor Pacuk

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A. Background of Knowledge: Nevada ranks 8th highest in uninsured population in the United States. People who are uninsured may be more affected by low back pain (LBP) than their insured counterparts. Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), a non-profit organization, serves uninsured people in Nevada. VMSN partnered with UNLV Physical Therapy (UNLVPT) to provide a back-school for patients. UNLVPT proposed a service-learning model to provide both education and treatment for VMSN patients with LBP. B. Purpose: The purpose of this community-based research project is to create and implement a student-run pro-bono back-school for uninsured individuals with LBP in …

A Mobile App Specifically Designed To Facilitate Exercise In Parkinson Disease: Single-Cohort Pilot Study On Feasibility, Safety, And Signal Of Efficacy, Merrill R. Landers, Terry D. Ellis

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

Background: Many people with Parkinson disease do not have access to exercise programs that are specifically tailored to their needs and capabilities. This mobile app allows people with Parkinson disease to access Parkinson disease–specific exercises that are individually tailored using in-app demographic questions and performance tests which are fed into an algorithm which in turn produces a video-guided exercise program. Objective: To test the feasibility, safety, and signal of efficacy of a mobile app that facilitates exercise for people with Parkinson disease. Methods: A prospective, single-cohort design of people with Parkinson disease who had downloaded the 9zest app for exercise …

From Zero To One Hundred: Assessing Discomfort In Different Cuff Widths Following Use Of Blood Flow Restriction, Raksha Chatakondi

Honors Theses

Purpose: To examine the impact of cuff width, pressure, and sex on the perceptual response to blood flow restriction through a series of six experiments. Methods: Experiment One (n=50), Experiment Two (n=105), and Experiment Three (n=105) took place in the upper body, and Experiment Four (n=100), Experiment Five (n=100), and Experiment Six (n=100) took place in the lower body. Perceptual discomfort was measured following each condition. Results: Results are expressed as mean (+ SD). In Experiment One, there were no differences in discomfort. In Experiment Two, the wide cuff resulted in more discomfort [43 (20) AU] compared to the narrow …

The Association Between Y-Balance And The Delos Postural Proprioceptive System In Professional Basketball Players, Philip A. Anloague, Shawn Windle, Grady Garno, Mike Lewandowski, Caleb Norton, Ryan Smerke, Sierra Speck, Jenna Stoner, Aaron Strausbaugh

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Lower extremity injury is common in professional basketball. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) and the Delos Postural Proprioceptive System (DPPS) have been purported to assess dynamic postural control and balance, which has been associated with injury in elite athletics. It has been reported that performance on balance assessments is influenced by many factors that include mobility, strength, and proprioception. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the relationship between DPPS and YBT performance in professional basketball players.

Methods: 13 professional basketball players (age=25.5 yrs +/- 3.9, height = 2.00 m +/- .079 weight = 99.89 kg +/- 12.38, …

Reliability Of The Arch Height Index Tool As A Foot Measure In Children Ages 1-7 Years, Jessica White, Anna Rushing, Katie Durisek

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: An objective and reliable measure is needed to track longitudinal changes in the young child’s foot. The Arch Height Index (AHI) tool measures the arch height of a foot. There is one study investigating the reliability of the AHI tool in children ages 6-12 years. Currently, no studies have determined the reliability of the AHI tool in children younger than 6 years. The purpose of this study was to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the AHI tool in daycare, preschool and early school-aged children as an objective foot measure.

Methods: Thirty-two children (13 males, 19 females), ages …

Arm Function In Women Treated For Breast Cancer, Mary Insana Fisher, Anne Fleischer, Taylor Bergin, Christine Delong

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Women with breast cancer (WBC) report decreased function following cancer treatment, yet objective measures of function typically return within the first year after surgery. Kinesiophobia, or fear of physical activity (PA), has been documented following other musculoskeletal pathologies. This study explored the relationships between fear of PA and self-reported arm function, QOL, perceived stress, and objective measures of range of motion (ROM), strength, and muscular endurance in WBC.

Methods: Women (n=30) diagnosed with stage 0-3 breast cancer 6-60 months prior to enrollment participated; WBC were excluded with metastatic disease, shoulder pathology, or history of shoulder/neck surgery. Self-reported function was …

Predicting Falls In Community-Dwelling Older Adults Using The Repetitive Step Test, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Jamie Wynk, Megan Gordon, Kathryn Quinn, Sarah Welsh

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: The Repetitive Step Test (RST) is a newly developed dynamic balance test that requires stepping in multiple directions. It has previously demonstrated excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability, along with ability to retrospectively classify individuals who had fallen more than once in 12 months though its ability to predict falls has not been evaluated. This study aimed to determine the capability of the RST to identify individuals likely to fall prospectively over 12 months.

Methods: 63 community-dwelling adults >65 years old were tested using the following balance and mobility measures: RST, 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale …

Frontal And Sagittal Plane Lower Extremity Mechanics During Single-Limb Squatting In Chronic Ankle Instability, David M. Werner, Kati Brubakken, Claire Grace, Mike Lawless, Aaron Lewis, Marc Mccuen, Dennis Mirosh, Joaquin Alberto Barrios

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Chronic ankle instability is a common sequelae to the lateral ankle sprain. Individuals with CAI have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis and reporting lower quality of life scores. Biomechanical variations have been observed in individuals with CAI during ambulation and landing. To the authors’ knowledge there are no studies investigating the biomechanical profile of the SLS in individuals with CAI. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of the SLS in individuals with unilateral CAI. We hypothesized that inter-limb biomechanical differences would be observed in individuals with unilateral CAI.

Methods: Participants were recruited from a …

The Relationship Between Knee Valgus And Clinical Measures In Professional Basketball: A Cart Analysis, Philip A. Anloague, Donald S. Strack, Carl Eaton, Joshua David Corbeil, Steven Michael Short, Paul John Insana, Stephanie Lynn Nazario

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Lower extremity injuries occur at an amplified rate in professional basketball. Evidence suggests that knee frontal plane valgus may be associated with risk of injury. The Landing Error Scoring System includes the assessment of maximum knee valgus during a countermovement jump. The investigation of interactions among linear and non-linear factors may help the understanding of the interdependence of various measures and poor performance on the knee valgus displacement (KVD) component of the LESS in professional basketball players. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of knee valgus displacement on the LESS. We hypothesize that a positive finding …

Effect Of Ankle-Foot Orthosis On Reactive Stepping In Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Kyra Twohy, Hunter Andrews, Ryan Christopher, Aaron Scott, Katie Valentine, Kurt Jackson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Ankle-Foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used in individuals with neurologic disorders such as MS and stroke. However, a rigid style of AFO may impact an individual's ability to complete dynamic balance tasks especially reactive stepping movements in the instance of losing balance. The impact a rigid AFO has on reactive stepping has not been investigated. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the impact rigid AFOs have on reactive stepping preference in healthy young adults, thus providing preliminary data on healthy individuals’ stepping strategies that could be used for further research with more neurologically-involved populations.

Methods: Twenty …

Effects Of Extracurricular Physical Activity On Strength, Balance, Endurance And Quality Of Life On Children With Disabilities, Christy Lee, Alana Mathews, Kayla Ayers, Madison Weisbarth, Melissa Spurbeck

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extracurricular physical activity on strength, balance, endurance and quality of life on children with disabilities.

Methods: Eighteen children (10 males, 8 females) ranging in age from 11-18 years participated in a local inclusive kickball program. All children and their parents were aware that participation was voluntary and signed consent or assent forms. Diagnoses of the children included Down Syndrome, Asbergers, Expressive Language Delay and Developmental Delay. The children participated in 60 minute kickball sessions led by a program director, 1 time per week for 6 weeks. The Pediatric …

Scapular Acceleration During Upper Extremity Elevation In Healthy Individuals With And Without Scapular Dyskinesis, Joseph M. Day, Taylor Hunter, Kayla Eiben, Yitz Berger

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Individuals with upper extremity pathology often present with altered scapular motion and muscle performance. There are few clinical tools that are capable of collecting specific and efficient data on alterations in scapular motion and even fewer studies have looked at variations in scapular acceleration. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of wireless accelerometers for detecting changes in acceleration in individuals with and without scapular dyskinesis.

Methods: Twenty-seven subjects, mean age 24 (SD1.49). Healthy subjects were visually screened for scapular dyskinesis. Subjects were positioned in a standardized standing posture and anatomical references were marked on …

A Literature Review And Clinical Commentary On The Development Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome In Runners, Derek Charles, Clay Rodgers

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background and Purpose:

Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is the second leading cause of pain in runners and there are a number of theories related to its etiology. Multiple theories exist for the etiology of ITBS related symptoms including anterior-posterior friction of the IT band on the lateral femoral condyle during knee flexion and extension activities, compression of a layer of fat near the IT band distal attachment, and inflammation of the IT band bursa. The purpose of this literature review and clinical commentary was to explore the potential factors that contribute to ITBS development in runners.

Description of Topic with …

A Capacitive Sensing Gym Mat For Exercise Classification & Tracking, Adam Goertz

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Effective monitoring of adherence to at-home exercise programs as prescribed by physiotherapy protocols is essential to promoting effective rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions. Currently physical therapists and other health professionals have no reliable means of tracking patients' progress in or adherence to a prescribed regimen. This project aims to develop a low-cost, privacy-conserving means of monitoring at-home exercise activity using a gym mat equipped with an array of capacitive sensors. The ability of the mat to classify different types of exercises was evaluated using several machine learning models trained on an existing dataset of physiotherapy exercises.

Grit And Perceived Stressors As Predictors Of Academic Success In First And Second Year Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Abigail Thomas, Jamal Ibnelhaj

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to identify any correlations between grit scores, perceived stress levels, academic success (GPA), and demographics (age) among doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of North Dakota (UND). Grit was assessed using the 12 item Grit scale (Grit-O) from Angela Duckworth. Perceived stress was assessed using the IO item perceived stress scale (PSS).

Methods: The Grit-O and PSS scales were distributed to first year DPT students at UND by the primary investigator. 154 students consented to participate in the study, 102 first year students and 52 second year …

Physical Therapy And Music Therapy Collaboration For The Treatment Of Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Jamie Ronning, Kayla Smith

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Following a stroke, individuals may suffer from a number of severe and lasting adverse effects. Although there is current research to support the use of physical therapy (PT) and music therapy (MT) individually during stroke rehabilitation, few studies have examined collaboration of these two disciplines. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity in an adult with chronic stroke.

Case description: The client is a 51-year-old …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hip Abductor Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Chloe Coleman, Jairica Christjohn, Ryan Keller, Carly Jo Schroer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to see if there is a difference in the electromyographic (EMG) activity in the hip abductor muscles (right gluteus medius) with regard to knee valgus in free standing vertical jump and landing. Both male and female participants were analyzed.

Methods: Six subjects (2 male, 4 female) in good physical condition with no previous knee pathologies participated in the experiment. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The EMG data for the gluteus medius muscle activity and knee valgus was recorded …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Muscle Activity Of Serratus Anterior Muscle: Pilot Study, Shelby Fruechte, Shenae Lacroix, Tyler Trumble

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to record electrical activity (electromyographic or EMG) from the serratus anterior during three different commonly applied methods to determine which method produces the most EMG activity.

Methods. Eleven male subjects voluntarily participated in the experiment. All of the subjects were healthy, active college students with no prior history of shoulder or scapular injuries. EMG was tested on right serratus anterior parallel to muscle fibers. MVC was taken in 3 different testing positions to compare EMG during a push up with a plus.

Outcomes. There were significant findings following the tests and data analysis. …

Parent Perception Of Effectiveness Of Educational Materials, Rachel Conti, Youstina Gerges, Amy Gladis, Amanda Off, Lauren Paxton, Jerret Schunk, Susan Ronan

Annual SHSP Student Research and Scholarship Day

No abstract provided.

Hospital To Home: Fall Prevention Interventions For The Discharging Patient, Joy Bridewell

Nursing Masters Papers

Falls is a major public health problem globally, with an estimated 646,000 fatal falls per year. This makes falls the second leading cause of unintentional injury death. Falls are very costly with non-fatal fall injuries costing about $50 billion per year and fatal falls with an estimated $754 million. Many risk factors contribute to a person’s risk of falling. Risk factors include age, gender, muscle strength, underlying medical or disabling conditions, and unsafe environments. Patients who have been hospitalized are also among those at risk. Most hospitalized patients are assessed frequently to determine their risk of falling so that care …

El Baloncesto Es Vida: A Look Into Strength And Conditioning, Physical Therapy, And Coaching During My Internship Abroad, Jessica Doublesin

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction: An experience abroad can help a person grow in confidence and knowledge and allow them to immerse themselves in a new culture. During my time in Valencia, Spain, I was able to work at a youth basketball club, CB L’Horta Godella, alongside the club’s strength and conditioning coaches and the physical therapist and be a coach for the young athletes. The fact that I lived with a Spanish family and had an open mindset towards making friends and exploring new things allowed me to grow closer to the culture in Spain. By using my knowledge and passion for sports …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Tibia Fracture And Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -- A Case Report, Kevin Hansen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are a major health care concern for the older adult. Injmies related to falls in the geriatric population are not uncommon. Furthermore, individuals with brain disorders are going to be even more susceptible to falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the outpatient physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation of a patient who fell and sustained a right tibial fracture with a past medical history of a brain disorder.

Case Description: This case report describes the outpatient PT management of a patient who presented with a right tibia shaft fracture, post-operative right tibia intramedullary …

Traumatic Hip Dislocation In High School Athlete Case Report, Mckenzie Klocke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Traumatic hip dislocations occur when the head of the femur is forced out of the acetabulum causing disruption to the musculature, vasculature, and other tissue surrounding the hip joint. Although dislocations are not the most prevalent injury to the hip, they are a severe injury and require immediate medical attention, as well as rehabilitation post reduction. There is a lack of literature regarding physical therapy treatment of traumatic hip dislocations, especially in the adolescent population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the athletic youth population most affected by traumatic hip dislocations and to offer …