Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Subjective Outcome Measures And Floor Transfer Ability In Communitydwelling Older Adults, Brianna Helton, Marisa Doveri, Shelby Peerboom, Emily Thomson, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Tyler Whited

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The ability to get up and down off the floor is associated with functional independence and is not often clinically assessed. Previous research has shown that floor transfers (FT) are closely linked with falls and associated injuries, age, and the physical function of older adults. There is association between individuals self reported ability and actual ability to complete a FT. No research has assessed the association between self-report measures and actual ability to get up from the floor. Purpose: Determine the relationship between self-report measures and FT ability while evaluating the differences in these measures and the strategies used by …

A Simple, Low-Cost Implant For Reliable Diaphragm Emg Recordings In Awake, Behaving Rats, Taylor C. Holmes, Jesus D. Penaloza-Aponte, Alyssa R. Mickle, Rachel L. Nosacka, Erica A. Dale, Kristi A. Streeter

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Breathing is a complex neuromuscular process vital to sustain life. In preclinical animal models, the study of respiratory motor control is primarily accomplished through neurophysiologic recordings and functional measurements of respiratory output. Neurophysiologic recordings that target neural or muscular output via direct nerve recordings or respiratory muscle electromyography (EMG) are commonly collected during anesthetized conditions. While offering tight control of experimental preparations, the use of anesthesia results in respiratory depression, may impact cardiovascular control, eliminates the potential to record volitional nonventilatory behaviors, and can limit translation. Since the diaphragm is a unique muscle which is rhythmically active and difficult to …

Pain Is Modulated Differently Between Females With And Without Patellofemoral Pain: Factors Related To Sensitization, Kemery J. Sigmund, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Wendy E. Huddleston, Kyle T. Ebersole, Jennifer E. Earl-Boehm

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Context

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) has poor long-term recovery outcomes. Central sensitization describes central nervous system changes altering pain modulation, which can complicate recovery (poorer prognosis and worse function). Signs of central sensitization include amplified pain facilitation, pain hypersensitivity, and impaired pain inhibition, which can be measured with temporal summation of pain (TSP), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), and conditioned pain modulation (CPM), respectively. Sex differences exist for these test responses, but female-only PFP investigations of sensitization are uncommon. Understanding pain modulation in females with PFP could improve treatment protocols.

Objective

To determine whether females with PFP exhibit signs of central sensitization …

Beliefs Regarding The Use Of Imaging Among Patients With Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study In The Context Of A Middle-Income Country, Leandro M. Diniz, Ítalo R. Lemes, Ana P. C. F. Freire, Ana F. Guimarães, Lucas A. C. Ferreira, Marcia R. Franco, Arianne P. Verhagen, Guy Simoneau, Rafael Z. Pinto

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Patients with low back pain may play an active role in the pre-scription of excessive spine imaging.

Objective: To determine the proportion of patients with low back pain who have beliefs not aligned with current evidence regarding the use of imaging and to identify factors associated with these beliefs.

Design: Secondary analysis of baseline data of a previously published randomized clinical trial.

Setting: Outpatient physical therapy clinic in a middle-income country.

Patients: Individuals with non-specific low back pain.

Methods: Outcome variables were two statements assessing the extent of patient agreement on the need for imaging in the management of …

Accuracy Of Sagemotion Imu-Tactor With Knee Hyperextension During Gait, Peter Beach, Peter Jang, Maddy Wagar, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Haptic feedback refers to the external vibratory cue that is activated by data picked up by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that senses joint position (Figure 1). ❏ Position-driven haptic touch input can give feedback on movement in real-time (Meszaros, 2019) ❏ Original goal: to reduce knee hyperextension during gait using haptic-feedback driven by an IMU-based angle sensor (Sagemotion) ❏ Concerns arose on the validity of IMU/tactor to accurately sense joint position and past research identified a delay between IMU and joint position.

Blood Flow Restriction To Expedite Acute Concussion Recovery: A Literature Review, Eddie Dudum, Madeleine O’Hare, Madeleine O’Hare, Caleb Rauch, Ashlee Rising, Scott Burkhart

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Blood flow restriction (BFR) is increasing in popularity to help patients more efficiently recover from musculoskeletal injuries. The safety of BFR is well studied1 • There are no studies to date on the use of BFR in acute concussion recovery

Associations Between Physical Performance, Activity, And Reported Ability To Participate In Social Roles In Older Adults, Theresa Raudsepp, Christen Johnson, Isabella Mansley, Kaelynn Miller-Savoy, Karlie Stewart, Molly Shields, Jeff Houck

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

APTA recommends that all individuals visit a Physical Therapist annually to “optimize movement, and promote health, wellness, and fitness” Geriatrics SIG developed a template for these visits for older adults Template includes outcome measures for both body functions and structure, activity domains

Does Self-Soft Tissue Mobilization Of Obturator Internus Reduce Nonrelaxing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?, Tess Swake, Katherine Briggs, Darschelle Desronvil, Caryn Jagla, Camille Jouzeau

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The Obturator Internus (OI) is a muscle deep within the pelvis. This muscle is unique by being a muscle of the pelvic floor as well as a muscle of the hip. Currently, there’s limited research concerning the pelvic floor, especially regarding the rehabilitation of conditions related to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD), however, manual techniques addressing Obturator Internus tension are indicated as a treatment to reduce dysfunction with soft tissue mobilization. The goal of this research is to assess if self-soft tissue mobilization of the OI muscle is beneficial for active females with relaxing or nonrelaxing PFD or hip pain, and …

Changes In Rectus Femoris Strength And Size With Daily Single Leg Bfr Vs Daily Non-Bfr Training In Recreationally Active Individuals, Terrell Kopping, Dj Wilson, Kenzie Ward, Kaileigh Dietrich-Denton,, Bethany Nguyen, Jason Brumitt

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Blood flow restriction (BFR) utilizes a controlled form of arterial and venous occlusion during resistance exercise.

Resistance training closer to an individual’s one repetition maximum (1RM) (e.g., 70% or higher) has been found to elicit increases in muscle strength and size.1-5

BFR training at lower loads (e.g., 20-30% 1RM) can lead to increases in muscle hypertrophy and strength without the muscle damage associated with training at heavier loads.

Finger Touch And Trunk Haptics Impact Com Control During Vr Perturbations, Ally Wong, Caitlyn Ward, Robin Dorociak, Andrew Meszaros

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

CDC reports that falls in the US cost $50 billion per year. Previous research has indicated that light touch is a strategy that humans rely on to maintain upright (Baldan, et al). Assistive devices are often used for increased proprioception, but requires use of both or one upper extremity. The use of a wearable haptic sway vest allows for participation in bimanual tasks while decreasing risk of falls. This is crucial for the older population to maintain functional independence.

Influences On Peak Effort During 1 Minute Sit To Stand Test, Claire Davidson, Maggie Smith, Destinee Thomas, Taylor Wright, Rebecca Dobler, Jeff Houck

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The purpose of this study is to determine the influences of peak effort in participants with knee pain and/or knee osteoarthritis during a 1 minute sit to stand test, and new approaches in knee pain education. Many individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA) may assume that engaging in physical activity could exacerbate their condition. As a result, they may refrain from participating in activities they enjoy due to concerns about worsening symptoms or the progression of OA in their knee. It has been shown in research that if we as clinicians, and other healthcare professionals shift the impairment based talk, individuals …

A Model For Advocacy: Advancing Policy Change In Support For Patients With Medicaid, Betsy J. Becker, Jenae Pope

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

There are differences in access and utilization of care for patients with Medicaid. When patients cannot access timely therapeutic care, the resulting outcomes are often poor. Because a major limiting factor in accessing services is insurance type, investigating optimal coverage practices is an important first step in advocating for change. This abstract reports on Phase One of a larger collaboration with state professional associations for physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language pathology (SLP) to present a model that describes Medicaid authorization services for PT, OT, and SLP, serving as a guide for policy change.

We collaborated with the …

Effects Of Ischemic Conditioning On Microvascular Reactivity To Single Passive Limb Movement In Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Alicen A. Whitaker-Hilbig, Jennifer N. Nguyen, Amanda E. Wietrzny, Gabriel R. Merkow, Sergey Tarima, Emilie A. Klevenow, Luke Nelson, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Matthew J. Durand

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

Single passive limb movement (sPLM) of the lower extremity is a simple and clinically relevant measure of the microvascular vasodilatory response to movement. A promising stimulus to improve microvascular health is ischemic conditioning (IC). We examined whether a single session of IC could improve microvascular reactivity to sPLM in young adults.

Methods

This was a blinded, crossover, randomized clinical trial. Participants were seated in an isokinetic dynamometer that passively moved the knee 90° at a frequency of 1 Hz while superficial femoral artery leg blood flow (LBF) was measured. The absolute and the relative peak changes in LBF were …

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Daxibotulinumtoxina For Injection For The Treatment Of Upper Limb Spasticity In Adults After Stroke Or Traumatic Brain Injury, Atul T Patel, Michael C Munin, Ziyad Ayyoub, Gerard E Francisco, Rashid Kazerooni, Todd M Gross

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A is a first-line pharmacotherapy for adults with upper limb spasticity (ULS). However, reemergence of symptoms within 12 weeks of treatment is common and longer-lasting treatments are needed.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three doses of DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection (DAXI) for treatment of ULS in adults with stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Intervention: Intramuscular injections of placebo (N = 24), DAXI 250 U (N = 22), DAXI 375 U (N = 19), or DAXI 500 U (N = 18) to the suprahypertonic muscle (SMG) and other muscle groups.

Design: Randomized, …

Exploring Vestibular Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy In Entry-Level Physical Therapy, Colin Hulls

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Capstones

Vestibular rehabilitation, commonly performed by physical therapists, aims to improve the function and quality of life of individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or disequilibrium. Vestibular curricular variation across physical therapy programs may lead to discrepancies in the self-efficacy of entry-level physical therapists to manage this population. The purpose of this study was to examine self-efficacy in vestibular rehabilitation in entry-level physical therapy and identify facilitators and barriers to its development. An online, cross-sectional survey design was utilized for quantitative and qualitative data collection, including a modified version of the Physiotherapist Self-Efficacy (PSE) Questionnaire, from new graduates and students preparing to graduate. …

Increasing Awareness Of Burnout And Developing An Action Plan To Reduce Stress For Graduate Health Profession Students Through An Interactive Workshop, Oaklee Rogers, Zachary Baker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare students can experience stress and burnout before becoming practicing clinicians. Increasing education about your level of stress and understanding what burnout is are important factors in preventing burnout. Method: A 90 minute interactive workshop was developed and implemented for graduate health profession students to meet three objectives: 1) increase foundational knowledge about burnout and its impact on different health professionals, 2) assess student’s level of burnout and apply strategies to mitigate their stress, and 3) create and share a plan on how they would incorporate stress reduction strategies and/or reduce their level of burnout. Results: In total, 349 …

Technical Note: What Exercises Are Appropriate For Managing Back Pain In Persons With Lower Limb Amputation?, M. Jason Highsmith, Shawn Farrokhi, John M. Mayer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Individuals with lower extremity amputation (LLA) have high rates of low back pain (LBP) and related disability. The purpose of this technical note is to discuss considerations and provide initial recommendations about what exercises may be appropriate for management of LBP in persons with LLA. Five commonly prescribed motor control and strengthening exercises (cat-camel, curl-up, bird dog, side bridge, and Roman chair extensor exercise) were examined for use in the LLA population. Each exercise seemed to be safe and appropriate for use in persons with LLA yet required additional considerations for use in this population. For example, some of the …

Reliability And Validity Of Trunk Flexion-Extension Angular Velocity Measurement In Healthy Young Adults Using Ai-Enhanced Motion Capture, Joga Katayama, Kai Tennan, Sakino Harada, Aoi Hirata, Hayato Shigetoh, Junya Miyazaki

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: Openpose is a motion capture system that uses artificial intelligence. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of motion angular velocity using Openpose in trunk flexion-extension movements (TFEM) and compare Openpose with methods that use accelerometers and marker measurements. Methods: Fifty healthy young participants were included in the study. The TFEM tasks were performed. Motion analyses were performed using accelerometers, markers, and the Openpose software. To examine the reliability and validity of the angular velocity of motion, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (1,1) and ICC (1,3) for each maximum flexion and extension angular velocity. …

Fostering Future Professional Contemporary Collaboration, Rene'e M. Huth, Jordan M. Tucker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Collaborative teamwork needs to be fostered early and often to meet contemporary practice ideals. This qualitative phenomenological designed study’s purpose was to investigate student physical therapists (SPTs) and student physical therapist assistants' (SPTAs) perceptions of an intraprofessional online activity reflective of contemporary home health and telehealth settings. A convenience sample of 25 SPTs from one program and 24 SPTAs from another program met synchronously online to view a video case of an ambulatory patient with dementia, develop a plan of care, and discuss appropriate interventions reflective of practice in Virginia. Following interactions, students wrote reflections on their experiences that were …

A Quasi-Experimental Study Examining The Effects Of A Proprioceptive Rehabilitation Protocol For The Cervical Spine On Balance And Function Using A Laser Head Light In Older Community Dwelling Individuals, Vern M. Swanson Jr., M. Samuel Cheng, Leah Nof, Eric Shamus, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Falls continue to be a major health issue when considering health risks for older individuals. The multi-factorial nature of falls in older adults leads to an overwhelming number of causal factors. Cervical joint position sense and joint position error could be additional factors that could influence the fall risk of older individuals. This research examined the effects of a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol for the cervical spine using a laser head set in older community dwelling individuals. Methods: Sixty (60) subjects were purposively assigned into an experimental and a control group. Control group subjects were given a general lower extremity …

Assessment Of Physical Therapy Students’ Self-Efficacy And Accuracy Measuring Blood Pressure Using A Low-Fidelity Task Trainer, Daniel C. Dale, Deborah M. Wendland, Tiffany Haney

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if use of a task trainer in physical therapy education improves the self-efficacy and accuracy of students when assessing blood pressure measurements. Methods: Participants from consecutive cohorts of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students (38 students per cohort) participated in the first semester of their first year of study in a DPT program. The study was conducted concurrently with the course in which the measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate are typically taught. In addition to traditional classroom instruction and lab practice for both groups, the experimental group also had …

Prevalence Of Burnout Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Faculty, Liana Wooten, Kim Dao, Melissa Burgemeister, Angela Spontelli Gisselman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: Growing numbers of physical therapy (PT) educational programs (PTEPs) creates a challenge in recruiting and retaining faculty, potentially having negative ramifications for PT education. Burnout may be contributory as it has known physiological, psychological, and behavioral consequences in numerous clinical and academic populations, creating widespread negative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate burnout prevalence among PT faculty. Methods: Eligible participants, including current full and part-time PTEP faculty members in the United States with emails listed on public-facing program websites, were emailed study information and a link to the consent and survey. Consenting participants completed a Qualtrics survey consisting of …

Development And Validation Of A Home-Based Exercise Program Integrated With Patient Education Based On The Health Belief Model For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Amirah Mustapa, Alia Alghwiri, Haidzir Manaf

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a comprehensive approach that integrates an exercise routine with patient education based on the health belief model (HBM) approach to promote effective exercise in this population. Method: A 3-phase study was conducted. In Phase I, two comprehensive scoping reviews were performed to develop the program. An initial draft of the program consisted of exercise protocols and HBM-based education. In Phase II, nine experts were chosen to further develop and refine the program’s content by providing feedback and validating it using the content validity index (CVI) and the Patient Education …

Modified Shuttle Walk Test In Chronic Health Conditions: A Literature Review, Manish Prannath Shukla, Gaurav Chhabra, Ashish Shankarrao Deshmukh Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The Modified Shuttle Walk Test (MSWT) is widely utilized to assess exercise capacity across various chronic health conditions. This literature review synthesizes evidence from studies evaluating the MSWT's reliability, validity, and clinical applicability in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, obesity, hypertension, and asthma. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases for studies published between 2006 and 2022. Eligible studies were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Data extraction focused on study objectives, methods, participants, outcomes, and quality assessment. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The MSWT demonstrated …

The Effectiveness Of Verbal Instruction For Reducing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk, Kazuna Ichikawa, Hironobu Kuruma, Sian Knott

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are serious for athletes because healing can take approximately 6–12 months. Some studies have suggested that verbal instruction can help reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. Verbal instruction is divided into two categories: internal focus (IF) verbal instruction and external focus (EF) verbal instruction; however, the optimal type of ACL instruction to prevent injury is unknown. No verbal instructions explicitly focus on the pelvis or trunk, even though proximal control or ACL injury prevention are considered significant. This study aimed to determine whether IF verbal instruction focused on proximal control of the trunk and …

Age-Related Balance Control Changes In Constrained-Speed Gait During A Concurrent Cognitive Task, Raymond Chong, Victoria Moore, Hope Brown Sampson, Heather Spears, Manh-Cuong Do

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: During walking, the center of mass (CoM) oscillates up and down in the sagittal plane. In the late-stance phase, as the CoM descends, its vertical velocity decreases before foot contact, indicating active neural balance control, which we refer to as CoM braking. Young adults tend to increase braking while maintaining step length and speed when performing a cognitive task, such as subtracting numbers. In contrast, older adults maintain consistent braking by reducing step length and speed. This study examined the effects of walking at constant self-selected, slower, or faster speeds on CoM braking and cognitive performance. Methods: Healthy young …

Optimizing Long Covid Outcomes: Insights From A Survey Of U.S. Occupational Therapists, Malachy J. Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr, Robert Dekerlegand, Pt, Mpt, Phd, Ccs

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background & Purpose

• Upwards of 15% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop “Long COVID” with persistent physical, cognitive, and/or mental symptoms potentially amendable to occupational therapy.
• Variability exists in the rehabilitation approach for individuals receiving occupational therapy for this novel condition.
• Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and other evidence-based resources exist to help standardized rehabilitation; however, it is unknown if occupational therapists (OTs) are aware of these resources and applying them in the management of individuals with Long COVID.
• We surveyed OTs in the contiguous United States (U.S.) to explore their awareness and application of Long COVID CPGs along with …

Two-Year Follow-Up Of Gait And Postural Control Following Initiation Of Recombinant Human Tripeptidyl Intracerebroventricular Enzyme Replacement Therapy In Two Atypical Cln2 Patients, Rahul Soangra, Marybeth Grant-Beuttler, Harriet Chang, Raymond Y. Wang

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to premature mortality. Ambulatory CLN2 patients typically receive standard of care treatment through biweekly intracerebroventricular (ICV) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) involving recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase 1, known as cerliponase alfa (Brineura^®, Biomarin Pharmaceuticals). This study longitudinally assessed the impact of ICV cerliponase alfa ERT on gait, and postural control across a two-year span in two siblings diagnosed with atypical CLN2 disease. Both participants, ID01 (18 years and 8 months old at enrollment) and ID02 (13 years and 3 months old at enrollment), exhibited symptomatic characteristics …

The Effects Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Interventions On Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review, Christopher Farrell, Eduard Turner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Background: Vestibular rehabilitation is known to be effective in the treatment of vestibular dysfunction. While patients with Parkinson's disease have both central and peripheral vestibular dysfunction, there is little information regarding the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation for the treatment of these individuals.

Study Design: Systematic Review

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Results: The interventions identified in this study resulted in improved Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dizziness Handicap Questionnaire (DHI) scores.

Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation improves balance and subjective dizziness in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …