Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Rehabilitation Pre And Post Mpfl Reconstruction Secondary To Mpfl Tear, Kayla Skersick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary soft tissue structure that withstands forces throughout range of motion (ROM) to prevent the patella from sliding over the lateral femoral condyle and dislocating from the patellar groove. Impaired stabilization and line of pull of the patella can directly affect the patella and the entire kinematic chain during movement. MPFL reconstruction has become the most popular surgical treatment to correct this anomaly when conservative strengthening and biomechanical correcting treatments have failed. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy treatment pre-operative and postoperative MPFL reconstruction, and discusses the …

The Effectiveness Of The "Stepping On" Program For Reducing The Incidence Of Falls In The Elderly, Lisa Yonker, Jacqueline Maddock, Kathleen Breuer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: One in three adults greater than 65 years of age have had an accidental fall in their lifetime. In 2012, accidental falls cost the U.S. healthcare system $30.1 billion dollars. Strength, balance, and coordination deficits contribute to an individual experiencing a fall. Studies have shown that community based-exercise programs for older adults can improve strength, balance, and coordination and reduce the risk of falls.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover whether participant balance and confidence improved following the completion of the Stepping On program. Also, the study evaluated the effectiveness of Stepping On in …

Multiple Fracture Following Non-Occupational Fall: A Case Report, Brittany Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are prevalent in adults over the age of sixty-five due to lack of balance and decreased lower extremity strength. Non-occupational falls are reported to have an increasing prevalence with age and one-fifth of these types of falls results in hospitalization. The hospitalization of patients who sustain injuries following falls most often results in skeletal fractures. The cost to treat these patients is projected to reach $54.9 billion by the year 2020. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the outcomes of a patient who sustained multiple fractures following a nonoccupational fall.

Case Description …

Mobility Device For Injured Us Army Corp Engineer, Jessica Jones, Robert Whittaker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Low back pain affects 70-85% of American adults at some point in their life. Back pain can have a negative impact on a person's quality of life. A group of three engineering students and two physical therapy students collaborated on designing a mobility device for a US Army veteran to aid him in transfers and pain management. The purpose of this research proposal would be to assess how our client would respond to an individualized mobility device.

Case Description: Our client suffered lumbar disc injuries as a result of lifting and twisting a heavy object resulting in …

The Effectiveness Of Traction In A Patient With Recurring Neck Pain: A Case Report, Kassandra Kertz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: According to Hoya et aI, neck pain is a common problem throughout the world, affecting 10.4-21.3% of the population each year. 50-85% of people with a new episode of neck pain will have a recurrence of neck pain 1-5 years later. Mechanical traction is an intervention commonly used to treat neck disorders; however, there is little current research supporting or refuting the effectiveness of the use of mechanical traction for neck pain. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the effectiveness of using mechanical traction in one patient with a recurring incidence of neck, shoulder, …

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (Bppv): A Case Report, Kylie J. Palmiscno

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vestibular disorder. Of the vestibular disorders diagnosed in the general population, BPPV accounts for one third and may be successfully diagnosed and treated by a physical therapist in as little as one visit.

METHODS/CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a single case report of a 36-year-old female who was 5 months pregnant and diagnosed by her physician with vertigo. She was referred to physical therapy for further evaluation and treatment.

FINDINGS/INTERVENTION: With use of the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver the patient's diagnosis was confirmed and specified to be BPPV of the right …

A Case Report: Diabetic Amputee, Kip H. Thorstenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to present the reader with a detailed description of the physical therapy provided for a diabetic lower extremity amputee. As the number of amputations across America steadily increase, there is an elevated importance of understanding the prevalence, causes, and reasons for amputations and which interventions are most effective in increasing a patient's quality of life.

Case Description: The patient is a 77 year old male with significant past medical history of type I diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. This patient has significant gross muscle weakness in both his …

Distal Femoral Osteotomy With Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A Multifaceted Therapeutic Approach, Mark Laraway

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The surgical procedure known as a distal femoral osteotomy has been shown to be effective in treating valgus deformities of the knee with osteoarthritis in younger, active patients. But with any procedure, unsuspected complications such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can make rehabilitation for the patients and their therapists challenging. This study focuses on taking a multifaceted approach to treating all of the underlying impairments of a patient with recurring knee pathologies and an underlying secondary diagnosis of CRPS.

Case Description: The patient is a 38-year-old female who has had multiple surgeries on her …

Pilot Data: Are Vertical And Lateral Hop Tests Appropriate For Patients Post-Ankle Fracture?, Jeff Houck, R. Spaulding, T. Weiss, T. Dewilde

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Ankle fractures effect 5 out of 10,000 individuals (van Staa, 2001). A recent study shows rapid functional gains over the first 6 months after an ankle fracture, but there are little or no gains 18-24 months into the recovery cycle (Beckenkamp, 2014). Similarly, other studies have shown that ankle fracture patients are categorized as having good recovery outcomes on popular measures such as the modified Olerud Molander scale (Egol, 2006), yet are unable to return to previous level of sport (Hong, 2013), indicating there may be persisting higher level performance deficits. This brings up the issue of whether there are …

Promoting Professional Behavior In Physical Therapist Students : Use Of Standardized Patient Feedback, Mary Anne Riopel

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Entry-level physical therapist (PT) students receive feedback on professional behavior performance from academic and clinical faculty members. Literature is lacking on the impact that verbal feedback from standardized patients (SPs) may have on student learning of professional behavior in PT students. Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to examine the use of SP feedback as a strategy for professional behavior development. A secondary purpose was to describe the perspectives of PT students on the influence of SP feedback on clinical interactions and professional behavior during a full-time clinical experience. Participants: A sample of convenience identified 13 PT …

Effect Of Monophasic Pulsed Current On Heel Pain And Functional Activities Caused By Plantar Fasciitis, Abdullah K. Alotaibi, Jerrold S. Petrofsky, Noha S. Daher, Everett Lohman, Michael S. Laymon, Hasan M. Syed

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

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a soft tissue disorder considered to be one of the most common causes of inferior heel pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of monophasic pulsed current (MPC) and MPC coupled with plantar fascia-specific stretching exercises (SE) on the treatment of PF.

Material and Methods: Forty-four participants (22 women and 22 men, with a mean age of 49 years) diagnosed with PF were randomly assigned to receive MPC (n=22) or MPC coupled with plantar fascia-specific SE (n=22). Prior to and after 4 weeks of treatment, participants underwent baseline evaluation; …

The Manual Ability Classification System: A Scoping Review, Deepa Jeevanantham, Emily Dyszuk, Doreen Bartlett

Physical Therapy Publications

PURPOSE: To examine the use of the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) and to identify gaps in the literature by conducting a thorough search of existing publications from 2006 to March 2013.

METHODS: An extensive literature search included 15 databases, using the search terms "Manual Ability Classification System" or "MACS" to retrieve relevant abstracts.

RESULTS: A total of 161 articles were identified for final inclusion. The review identified literature that supports the reliability, validity, and stability of the MACS.

CONCLUSIONS: The MACS could be considered as a standard classification for children with cerebral palsy on the basis of manual abilities. …

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) For Neuropathic Pain In Adults (Protocol), William Gibson, Benedict Wand, Neil E. O'Connell

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows:

To determine the analgesic effectiveness of TENS versus placebo (sham) TENS, TENS versus usual care, TENS versus no treatment and TENS in addition to usual care versus usual care alone in the management of neuropathic pain in adults.

Eccentric Loading Of Triceps Surae Modulates Stretch Shortening Cycle Behaviour - A Possible Therapeutic Mechanism, J Debenham, W Gibson, M Travers, A Campbell, G Allison

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Context: Eccentric exercises are increasingly being used to treat lower limb musculoskeletal conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy. Despite widespread clinical application and documented efficacy, mechanisms underpinning clinical benefit remain unclear. Positive adaptations in motor performance are one potential mechanism.

Objective: To investigate how an eccentric loading intervention influences measures of stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) behaviour during a hopping task.

Design: Within subjects repeated measures observational study.

Setting: University motion analysis laboratory.

Participants: Healthy adults. Interventions: A single intervention of 5 sets of 10 eccentric plantarflexion contractions at 6 RM using a commercial seated calf raise machine.

Main outcome measures: Lower limb …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae And Middle Trapezius Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Jamie Flint, Toni Linneman, Rachel Pederson, Megan Storstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine, a complex movement that has yet to be fully understood, occurs regularly in activities of daily living (ADLs) and sport performance. Rotation (twisting) of the spine is a contributing factor in low back pain pathology and, by reports, has been associated with up to 60% of all back injuries. One of the largest muscles of the back, the latissimus dorsi (LD), is the only muscle to attach to the spine, pelvis, ribs, scapula, and humerus, and has the potential to impact the spine during many different activities. To date, there is limited research on …

Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Josh Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy and affects both motor and sensory nerves. Clinical presentation is similar among all types and results in distal muscle atrophy and weakness, diminished sensation and proprioception, and balance and gait disturbances. Pes cavus is a prominent feature. Although gene therapy and neurotrophic growth factors show promise as treatment, physical therapy remains the most viable option at this time. The purpose of this case report is to determine the effect that physical therapy may have on both physical and psychological outcomes related to CMT.

Case Description: Patient was a …

Transfemoral Amputation Of A Male With Type Ii Diabetes: A Case Study, Daniel Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study is focused on the treatment of an individual with a residual limb after a transfemoral amputation. The main goal is to help provide a greater understanding of how to treat the residual limb after a transfemoral amputation has been performed.

Case Description. This case study focuses on an older gentleman who recently underwent a transfemoral amputation of the right lower extremity because of dysvacularity. The patient was obese and had diabetes which is not uncommon for patients with an amputation. Physical therapy provided care in many ways including but not limited to …

Osteochondritis Dissecans (Ocd): A Case Report, Brady Meyer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Osteochondritis Diseccans, (OCD) is the separation of articular cartilage and its adjacent underlying subchondral bone from the articular surface of a joint. Multiple hypotheses have been put forward regarding the cause of OCD including inflammation, ossification abnormalities, ischemia, and repetitive microtrauma. At this time, there is no single cause regarding the etiology of OCD. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions performed on a college athlete for non-operative treatment of OCD. To also look at the non-operative treatment that the patient underwent, and determine if treatment could delay or stop …

Effectiveness Of The Graston Technique For Soft Tissue Injuries Such As Bicipital Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Brian Storhaug

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Abstract: This case report discusses a unique approach to the treatment of a soft tissue injury, such as bicipital tendonitis, through the approach called the Graston Technique.

Case Description: A 61 year old Caucasian male received treatment after a diagnosis of bicipital tendonitis. His job was working at a mail office which required repetitive manual labor consisting of moving boxes of varying weight and height in a position of protracted shoulders, extended elbows and supinated wrists. Treatment consisted of stretching the biceps brachii and upper trapezius, Graston, cross friction massage, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise.

Background and purpose: …

Maximizing Functional Outcomes In A Patient With A Complete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury, Samantha Braegelmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal cord injury is damage sustained to any nervous tissue in the spinal cord that results in loss or decreased motor function or sensation. Every year in the United States there is about 12,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries with young Caucasian males' most prevalent. The purpose of this scholarly article is to analyze various factors to maximize functional outcomes and determine the proper course of treatment following a spinal cord injury.

Case Description: Patient was a right handed Caucasian female who was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident and sustained a C7-Tl …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Sit To Stand Dependent Transfers With And Without Education On Lifting Technique, Jordan Braun, Samantha Stegman, Alex Wohl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess if there was a change in electromyography (EMG) activity in the back or leg muscles when performing a dependent sit-to-stand lift before and after a brief proper lifting intervention.

SUBJECT: The subjects in this study included 10 female third-year doctoral physical therapy students from the University of North Dakota that were all in good health with no significant pathology of either their backs or lower extremities.

INSTRUMENTATION: The EMG activity was recorded by the Noraxon ™ TeleMyo 2400R G2 transmitter and a TeleMyo 2400 SG150 unit. Knee flexion …

Orthotic Satisfaction Survey, Jamie Bowman, Sarah Erickson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The foot is made up of many bones, joints, and ligaments that help support the foot and body. When these structures are not properly aligned the appropriate biomechanics of the foot become compromised. Foot orthotics act as a conservative method of treatment to address some of the painful symptoms associated with these conditions. Common problems that have previously been addressed include plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, shin splints, flat feet, hallux valgus, and patellofemoral, heel and back pain.

In this study, we hope to indicate when and where orthotic use is indicated and what diagnoses benefit most when using orthotics as …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Report, Angela Kumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common injury among young female athletes. It is difficult to determine the primary factor that contributes to its development due to the fact that there are multiple causes. Factors influencing the development of PFPS are increased quadriceps (Q) angle, patella alta, abnormal or excessive foot pronation, quadriceps muscle weakness, diminished flexibility of the hamstrings and rectus femoris muscles, malalignment of the femur, weakness of the hips, static and dynamic skeletal malalignment, and altered neuromuscular recruitment strategies.

Case Description. The patient was a young female collegiate track and cross country …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Study, Alexandra Jares

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common lower extremity disorders reported, with a higher prevalence among females and in active individuals. While quadriceps strengthening has generally been the chosen treatment approach, some studies have pointed to the importance and influence of the hip musculature. Patients with PFPS commonly present with decreased posterolateral strength, specifically in the hip abductors, hip extensors, and hip external rotators.

Case Description: The patient was a 13-year-old thin-framed female who was referred to physical therapy after dislocating her right patella during a twisting motion in dance class.

Interventions …

Pilot Study To Investigate The Influence Of The Timing Of Student Clinical Experiences And Student Characteristics In The Hiring Of New Graduates, Kjersten Skjold, Allison Vosgerau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Clinical experiences provide the student with the opportunity to practice technical skills as well as soft skills. This opportunity may benefit the student in future employment at the clinical facility. As the clinical experiences are at various time periods throughout the coursework, many students feel that the later sessions of clinical experiences may be more beneficial in employment opportunities upon graduation. Students also feel that grade point average plays an important role in potential employment opportunities.

Methods: A survey was developed to identify the influence clinical experience session times and student characteristics that support future employment …

An Interdisciplinary Analysis Of Core Competencies In Pain Management For Prelicensure Education: Curriculum Application For Physical And Music Therapy, Schaun Seaburg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Core competencies in pain management were recently established for prelicensure health professional education and assessed for ways that they could be integrated into professional physical therapy practice. The competencies present the expected minimal capabilities for graduating health care students for the subject of pain management. The pain competencies include 4 domains: multidimensional nature of pain, pain assessment and measurement, management of pain, and context of pain. The proposed competencies are recommended for educational programs and could be implemented for other health professions. The purpose of this study is to assess the implementation of the pain competencies in physical therapy and …

The Use Of Physical Therapy Evaluation And Treatment To Manage A Patient Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Study, Scott Holm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The knee is a significant structure within the musculoskeletal system, which is used for dynamic and static movement in the environment. Obesity has been found to have significant health implications within all of the body's systems. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the functional outcomes of an obese patient following a total knee arthroplasty and gain understanding of the impact that obesity has on functional improvement during postoperative physical therapy care of a total knee replacement.

Case Description: The patient is a 43 year old female, who has undergone a total knee …

Eccentric Loading Increases Peak Torque Angle Of The Ankle Plantar Flexors In Healthy Volunteers, Matthew Willisch, Peter Hamer, Luke Hopper, Max Bulsara, James R. Debenham

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Eccentric loading of the ankle plantar Flexor’s (PF) has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the conservative treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, however, its mechanism of therapeutic benefit remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of PF eccentric loading on PF angle to peak torque (AtPT), peak torque (PT) and lower limb vertical stiffness. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomised to an eccentric (n=15) or concentric (n=13) exercise group. A 10-week loading programme of the ankle plantar flexors was completed. AtPT, PT and vertical stiffness were compared within and between groups before and after the interventions. AtPT increased in …

Top 10 Research Questions To Promote Physical Activity Research In People With Binge Eating Disorder, Davy Vancampfort, Simon Rosenbaum, Michel Probst, Joanne Connaughton, Christy Du Plessis, Taisei Yamamoto, Jolien Diedens, Brendon Stubbs

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Despite emerging evidence illustrating the benefits of physical activity for people with binge eating disorder, engaging this population in physical activity is challenging. The International Organization of Physical Therapists in Mental Health (IOPTMH) set out to summarize, appraise and strengthen the direction of physical activity endeavors. This process led to the identification of 10 important research questions which are discussed. Addressing these 10 research questions is critical for developing evidence-based approaches for promoting and sustaining an active lifestyle in people with binge eating disorder.

Employment Patterns Of Notre Dame Graduate Physiotherapists 2006–12: Targeting Areas Of Workforce Need, Eleni Bacopanos, Susan Edgar

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background: The Australian physiotherapy workforce is changing both in demographics and service needs. Physiotherapy curriculum and clinical education focus is ideally based on up-to-date knowledge of this changing workforce.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the employment patterns of Physiotherapy graduates from The University of Notre Dame Australia (Notre Dame).

Method: An online survey was conducted of Notre Dame Physiotherapy graduates (2006-2012) with a 50% response rate (n=157).

Results: Survey results established the employment location, employment status, healthcare sector, area of practice, salary and employment history of Notre Dame graduates. The results highlighted links between curriculum, clinical …