Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Walking Speed: The Functional Vital Sign, Addie Middletown, Stacy Fritz, Michelle M. Lusardi

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Walking speed (WS) is a valid, reliable, and sensitive measure appropriate for assessing and monitoring functional status and overall health in a wide range of populations. These capabilities have led to its designation as the “sixth vital sign”. By synthesizing the available evidence on WS, this scholarly review article provides clinicians with a reference tool regarding this robust measure. Recommendations on testing procedures for assessing WS, including optimal distance, inclusion of acceleration and deceleration phases, instructions, and instrumentation are given. After assessing an individual's WS, clinicians need to know what this value represents. Therefore, WS cut-off values and the corresponding …

Decision Making About Rural Physiotherapy Service Provision Varies With Sector, Size And Rurality, Robyn Adams, Anne Jones, Sophie Lefmann, Lorraine Sheppard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Decisions about physiotherapy service provision occur within the context of organisations, locations, and settings. The uniqueness of rural communities means it is important to consider contextual factors when making decisions about rural health services. As literature describing decision making about rural physiotherapy services is limited, this study sought perspectives on service level decision making (SLDM) from a range of stakeholders. The research approach needed to support consideration of both location and the broader health system. Method: A sequential mixed methods approach within a systems theory-case study heuristic provided the framework to explore rural physiotherapy SLDM. The investigation site, a …

A Study Examining Practice Style Traits Of Physical Therapists: Do They Explain Practice Behaviors And Knowledge Translation?, Kristen M. Johnson

Student Dissertations

Background: The advancement of evidence-based practice (EBP) has generated a flurry of outcome measures (OMs) and continuing education courses to assist in the creation and tailoring of this knowledge to the clinical environment. Despite the development of these resources, little is known about the attributes and behaviors of the physical therapist for knowledge translation (KT) into clinical practice.

Purpose: To determine the practice style traits of physical therapists who attended an evidence-based continuing education course on Oms and to determine their perceived barriers, facilitators, attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and prerequisites for KT.

Methods: Seventy-nine physical therapists completed two standardized, validated surveys …

The Use Of Pbl In An Interprofessional Education Course For Health Care Professional Students, Kristine M. L'Ecuyer, David Pole, Sheila A. Leander

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

A problem-based learning (PBL) framework was utilized in a series of six interprofessional team seminars (IPTS) for postbaccalaureate students from seven health professions. The goal of IPTS was to develop a collaborative practice-ready workforce prepared to respond to patient care needs through use of concrete examples, skills development, critical thinking, and problem solving in safe, faculty-facilitated small groups. The collaborative nature of PBL closely correlates with teaching methodologies of the IPTS series. This study analyzed critical reflection assignments of nursing students in accelerated programs to determine the effectiveness of IPTS at preparing students for interprofessional collaborative practice. Findings indicated that …

Blockade Of Neurokinin-1 Receptors In The Ventral Respiratory Column Does Not Affect Breathing But Alters Neurochemical Release, Clarissa Muere, Suzanne Neumueller, Samantha Olesiak, Justin Miller, Matthew Hodges, Lawrence Pan, Hubert Forster

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Substance P (SP) and its receptor, neurokinin-1 (NK1R), have been shown to be excitatory modulators of respiratory frequency and to stabilize breathing regularity. Studies in anesthetized mice suggest that tonic activation of NK1Rs is particularly important when other excitatory inputs to the pre-Bötzinger complex in the ventral respiratory column (VRC) are attenuated. Consistent with these findings, muscarinic receptor blockade in the VRC of intact goats elicits an increase in breathing frequency associated with increases in SP and serotonin concentrations, suggesting an involvement of these substances in neuromodulator compensation. To gain insight on the contribution to breathing of endogenous SP and …

Differential Effects Of Cardiovascular And Resistance Exercise On Functional Mobility In Individuals With Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial, Amy J. Litterini, Vickie Fieler, James T. Cavanaugh, Jeannette Lee

Physical Therapy Faculty Posters

Objective: To compare the effects of resistance and cardiovascular exercise on functional mobility in individuals with advanced cancer.
Design: Prospective, 2-group pretest-posttest pilot study with randomization to either resistance or cardiovascular exercise mode.
Setting: Comprehensive community cancer center and a hospital-based fitness facility.
Demographics: Volunteer sample of individuals with advanced cancer recruited through the cancer center, palliative care service, rehabilitation department, and a local hospice.
Outcome Measures: Functional mobility was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); self-reported pain and fatigue were assessed secondarily using visual analog scales. Data were analyzed using a split plot 2x2 analysis of variance …

Effect Of Tai Chi Exercise Combined With Mental Imagery In Improving Balance, Abdulrahman Alsubiheen

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: One of the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM), peripheral neuropathy, affects feet sensation and can increase the chance of falling. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of Tai Chi (TC) training combined with mental imagery (MI) on improving balance in people with diabetes and an age matched control group. Methods: Seventeen healthy subjects and 12 diabetic sedentary subjects ranging from 50-80 years of age were recruited. All subjects in both groups attended a Yang style of TC class, two sessions per week for 8 weeks. Each session was one hour long. Measures …

Muscle Dynamics As The Result Of Whole Body Vibration And Plyometrics, Richard Jeremy Hubbard

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND: Whole body (WBV) vibration and plyometrics are common training techniques which increase strength, blood flow, force and power. The effects these techniques have on sedentary population is unknown. It is our aim to assess the effectiveness of WBV and plyometrics on sedentary population. SUBJECTS: Three groups of nine sedentary subjects were assigned to either the control group (C), jumping only group (J), or jumping with vibration group (JV). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Measurements included: jump height (Myotest or Vertec), velocity, force, blood lactates, gastrocnemius and quadriceps strength, and exertion (RPE). Subjects were measured at the first, seventh, and eighteenth visits. …

A Teaching Tool To Visually Illustrate How Manipulating The Physiology Of The Ventilatory Muscle Pump Alters Functional Performance, Dennis Sobush

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

This clinical perspective article describes an inexpensive pedagogical tool intended for use in a laboratory setting as part of a cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy course. It uses a dual balance scale schematic/model. As a teaching resource, physical therapy students can use it to visually reinforce their understanding of the complex cause-and-effect interplay between physiological factors that affect ventilatory muscle pump (VMP) performance for sustained breathing or contribute to VMP fatigue/failure.

Stroke-Related Effects On Maximal Dynamic Hip Flexor Fatigability And Functional Implications, Henry Kuhnen, Megan M. Rybar, Tanya Onushko, Ryan E. Doyel, Sandra K. Hunter, Brian D. Schmit, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Stroke-related changes in maximal dynamic hip flexor muscle fatigability may be more relevant functionally than isometric hip flexor fatigability. Methods: Ten chronic stroke survivors performed 5 sets of 30 hip flexion maximal dynamic voluntary contractions (MDVC). A maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was performed before and after completion of the dynamic contractions. Both the paretic and nonparetic legs were tested. Results: Reduction in hip flexion MDVC torque in the paretic leg (44.7%) was larger than the nonparetic leg (31.7%). The paretic leg had a larger reduction in rectus femoris EMG (28.9%) between the first and last …

The Effect Of Muscle Energy Technique On Forward Shoulder Posture, Pectoralis Minor Length, And Upper Extremity Blood Flow In Collegiate Female Swimmers, Elizabeth Gross

Theses and Dissertations

Context: Overhead sports are at an increased risk of shoulder injury, particularly when scapular posture is restricted. Pectoralis minor length has been linked to scapular malpositioning and forward shoulder posture. Upper extremity blood flow has also been linked to shortened pectoralis minor length, which could lead to thoracic neurovascular occlusion. Swimmers specifically may be at an increased risk for shoulder injury if the pectoralis minor is shortened. Stretching of the pectoralis minor has been suggested as a treatment to correct shortening of the muscle, however research examining muscle energy technique (MET) applied to the pectoralis minor is limited. Objective: To …

Health Related Quality Of Life In Persons With Type 2 Diabetes In A Rural Community Served By A Critical Access Hospital, Betsy J. Becker, Terry F. Nelson, Robin High, Pat Hauer

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes poses significant health concerns and severe complications can result. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is greater in rural than urban areas with rural populations exhibiting higher blood glucose (A1C). The purpose of this study was to determine whether health related quality of life (QOL) varies by gender and diabetes control (A1C) in rural persons with type 2 diabetes.

Subjects

We surveyed 615 persons with type 2 diabetes who receive care at a critical access hospital that serves a seven county rural area in a Midwestern state.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional mail survey including …

Short-Term Cortical Plasticity Associated With Feedback-Error Learning After Locomotor Training In A Patient With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, Amanda E. Chisholm, Sue Peters, Michael R. Borich, Lara A. Boyd, Tania Lam

Physical Therapy Publications

Background and purpose: For rehabilitation strategies to be effective, training should be based on principles of motor learning, such as feedback-error learning, that facilitate adaptive processes in the nervous system by inducing errors and recalibration of sensory and motor systems. This case report suggests that locomotor resistance training can enhance somatosensory and corticospinal excitability and modulate resting-state brain functional connectivity in a patient with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

Case description: The short-term cortical plasticity of a 31-year-old man who had sustained an incomplete SCI 9.5 years previously was explored in response to body-weight-supported treadmill training with velocity-dependent resistance applied …

Utility Of Ultrasound For Imaging Osteophytes In Patients With Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy, Ruth L. Chimenti, Peter C. Chimenti, Mark R. Buckley, Jeff R. Houck, A. Samuel Fleminster

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Objectives: To examine (1) the validity of ultrasound imaging to measure osteophytes and (2) the association between osteophytes and insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT).

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Participants: Persons with chronic unilateral IAT (n=20; mean age, 58.7±8.3y; 10 [50%] women) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=20; mean age, 57.4±9.8y; 10 [50%] women) participated in this case-control study (N=40).

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Symptom severity was assessed using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure, the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire, and the numerical rating scale. Length of osteophytes was measured bilaterally in both groups using …

The Current State Of Physical Therapy Pain Curricula In The United States: A Faculty Survey, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Kathleen A. Sluka

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Insufficient pain education is problematic across the health care spectrum. Recent educational advancements have been made to combat the deficits in pain education to ensure that health care professionals are proficient in assessing and managing pain. The purpose of this survey was to determine the extent of pain education in current Doctorate of Physical Therapy schools in the United States, including how pain is incorporated into the curriculum, the amount of time spent teaching about pain, and the resources used to teach about pain. The survey consisted of 10 questions in the following subject areas: basic science mechanisms and concepts …

Innovative Evaluation Of Dexterity In Pediatrics, Susan V. Duff, Dorit H. Aaron, Gloria R. Gogola, Francisco J. Valero-Cuevas

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Hand dexterity is multifaceted and essential to the performance of daily tasks. Timed performance and precision demands are the most common features of quantitative dexterity testing. Measurement concepts such as rate of completion, in-hand manipulation and dynamic force control of instabilities are being integrated into assessment tools for the pediatric population.

Purpose

To review measurement concepts inherent in pediatric dexterity testing and introduce concepts that are infrequently measured or novel as exemplified with two assessment tools.

Methods

Measurement concepts included in common assessment tools are introduced first. We then describe seldom measured and novel concepts embedded in two instruments; …

Clinical Assessment Of The Infant And Child Following Perinatal Brachial Plexus Injury, Susan V. Duff, Carol Dematteo

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

After perinatal brachial plexus injury (PBPI), clinicians play an important role in injury classification as well as the assessment of recovery and secondary conditions. Early assessment guides the initial plan of care and influences follow-up and long-term outcome.

Purpose

To review methods used to assess, classify and monitor the extent and influence of PBPI with an emphasis on guidelines for clinicians.

Methods

We use The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model to provide a guide to assessment after PBPI for rehabilitation clinicians.

Discussion

With information gained from targeted assessments, clinicians can design interventions to increase the …

Risk Of Disordered Eating Among Division I Female College Athletes, E. Wells, A. Chin, J. Tacke, J. Bunn

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Peripheral Artery Disease And Activity-Induced Shifts In Quadriceps Median Frequency During Treadmill Walking: A Preliminary Study, D. Powell, M. Walker, P. Reneau, M Ryan, R. Reed-Jones, J. Bunn

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Ankle Taping And Bracing On Ankle Biomechanics During Landing In Functional Ankle Instability, M. H. Ulm, B. A. Windsor, G. S. Dedrick, D. W. Powell

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Male And Female Runners Demonstrate Different Sagittal Plane Mechanics As A Function Of Static Hamstring Flexibility, D. S. Blaise Williams Iii, Lee M. Welch

Physical Therapy Publications

Background:

Injuries to runners are common. However, there are many potential contributing factors to injury. While lack of flexibility alone is commonly related to injury, there are clear differences in hamstring flexibility between males and females.

Objective:

To compare the effect of static hamstring length on sagittal plane mechanics between male and female runners.

Method:

Forty subjects (30.0±6.4 years) participated and were placed in one of 4 groups: flexible males (n=10), inflexible males (n=10), flexible females (n=10), and inflexible females (n=10). All subjects were free of injury at the time of data collection. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were collected while …

Achieving Competence: Clinical Instructors' Perspective, Kimberly W. Coleman-Ferreira

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The profession of physical therapy uses physical therapist clinical instructors to educate students in the clinical education portion of the curriculum. The requirements to become a clinical instructor are minimal and non- specific regarding formal training and development. A variety of educational opportunities is available to clinical instructors, but the evidence in the physical therapy literature is conflicting regarding the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, no previous research regarding the meaning of competence, nor the pathway to achieving competence as a clinical instructor was found. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the experience of achieving competence …

Physiological And Self-Report Instruments To Measure Fatigue In Older Adults, Christopher Sundberg

Maria Dittman Library Research Competition: Student Award Winners

No abstract provided.

A Pathway To Insight: Infusing Generalized Empirical Method (Gem) Into Service Learning To Guide Professional Development., Irene Demasi, Cathy Maher

Praxis Presentations

No abstract provided.

A Cochrane Systematic Review Of Physiotherapy For Pain And Disability In Adults With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Crps), Keith M. Smart, Benedict Wand, Neil E. O'Connell

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

A Case-Based Reasoning (Cbr) Model For The Integration Of Insurance Policy And Regulations In Professional Physical Therapist Education, Rhea Cohn, Kenneth Harwood, Heather Richards, Karen Schlumpf

Physical Therapy and Health Care Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

College Of Health Care Sciences-Physical Therapy Entering Class 2015, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Psychometric Properties Of The Hindi Version Of The Disabilities Of Arm, Shoulder, And Hand: A Pilot Study, Saurabh Mehta, Ramesh Tiruttani, Manraj N. Kaur, Joy Macdermid, Rania Karim

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Objectives. To culturally adapt and translate the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire into Hindi (DASH-H) and assess its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in adult patients with shoulder tendonitis.

Study Design. Descriptive methodological research, using longitudinal design.

Setting. Outpatient clinic. Participants. 30 adult patients aged 53.3 ± 6.9 y with shoulder tendonitis.

Data Analyses. DASH-H, visual analogue scales for pain (VAS-P) and disability (VAS-D), and shoulder active range of motion (AROM) were assessed at baseline, 2-3 days later, and 4-5 weeks after baseline. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed test-retest reliability of these scales and responsiveness …

Promoting Professional Development For Physical Therapists In Early Intervention, Tricia A. Catalino, Lisa A. Chiarello, Toby Long, Priscilla Weaver

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

Early intervention (EI) service providers are expected to form cohesive teams to build the capacity of a family to promote their child’s development. Given the differences in personnel preparation across disciplines of service providers, the Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC) is creating integrated and comprehensive professional development models for those who provide services for young children with disabilities and their families. To help guide this process it is important to identify inter-disciplinary competencies as well as the unique knowledge and skills that each discipline contributes to the development and implementation of effective intervention plans. This paper describes personnel preparation of …

Effect Of Heat, Cold, And Pressure On The Transverse Carpal Ligament And Median Nerve: A Pilot Study, Michael S. Laymon, Jerrold S. Petrofsky, James M. Mckivigan, Haneul Lee, Jongeun Yim

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

Background: This study quantified the effects of heat, cold, and pressure on the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament in subjects without carpal tunnel syndrome.

Material/Methods: Subjects were individuals ages 20–50 who had no symptoms of carpal tunnel disease. Imaging ultrasound was used to measure the clearance around the median nerve, transverse ligament elasticity, nerve conduction velocity, thickness of the carpal ligament, and area of the median nerve. Pressure was applied to the carpal ligament to assess the effects of increasing pressure on these structures. On 3 separate days, 10 subjects had ThermaCare heat or cold packs applied, …