Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Factors That Influence The Utilization Of Fitness/Recreation Facilities By Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Brenda Finley, Kristen Lindstrom, Jennifer Lorengo, Brandi Muir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This research project was designed to provide well ness/fitness facilities, particularly the upcoming Wellness Center at the University of North Dakota (UND), with useful information to make facilities more accommodating to all individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence participation in physical activity among people with physical disabilities and to investigate the types of accommodations and modifications that fitness facilities have in place.

Six individuals with physical disabilities participated in the focused interview portion of this study. Participants suggested modifications concerning physical activity for staffing, additional equipment, and other specific adaptations. The majority of …

An Evaluation Of The Ability Of Physical Therapy Students At The University Of North Dakota To Make Ethical Decisions, Russell B. Fox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are faced with many ethical dilemmas in the work place. Therefore, it is important for a physical therapy student to have the ability to make sound ethical decisions. However, there are no classes required by the physical therapy department in ethics at the University of North Dakota. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of physical therapy students and the faculty at the University of North Dakota to make ethical decisions.

During the summer of 2004, the Defining Issues Test II (DIT-2) was administered at the University of North Dakota. The DIT-2 is a structured …

The Effectiveness Of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training On Muscle Activation And Gait With Normal Subjects, Malanie A. Hanson, Cherron M. Kingzett, Amanda M. Klempel, Jenny M. Silbernagel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate gait kinematics of individuals without pathological impairments. Through the use of electromyography (EMG), the firing of muscles was analyzed during ambulation using the partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT). Video motion analysis (VMA) was also used to look at the movements of the lower extremities and the pelvis. Using both of these tools, it was determined if there was a significant change in muscle firing and movements in normal individuals during ambulation with weight support compared to normal weight-bearing.

Methods: Four subjects (3 female, 1 male) were recruited …

An Electromyography (Emg) Study Of Two Dynamic Surfaces: Hippotherapy And Swiss Ball, Melissa J. Metcalf, Roslyn J. Muller, Tanya L. Schimek, Erica H. Wheeler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The use of horseback riding as a therapeutic intervention has been used since the fifth century, B.C.1 It has been proposed that the physical benefits of horseback riding include: improved posture, balance, muscle strength, decreased spasticity, improved gait patterns, and coordination. Unfortunately, at the current time, hippotherapy, the use of horses in physical therapy intervention, has been poorly documented due to little objective research. The purpose of this study was to provide an objective measure of children's postural muscle activity through the use of electromyography (EMG) and electrogoniometry on two dynamic surfaces. Data was analyzed for differences in postural muscle …

Overcoming Barriers In Fitness Equipment For Persons With Physical Disabilities, Collin Wiggins, Thomas Carson, Aaron Sorvig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Americans today are generally inactive, and the incidence of physical inactivity is even higher among those with disabilities. Many advances have been made in recreational sports facilities; however, insufficient information regarding equipment selection or equipment design remains, and thus may limit the active participation of the physically disabled at most colleges/universities. The purpose of this study was to determine guidelines for identifying types of equipment, accommodations, and funding sources available to provide those with physical disabilities an adequate and equal means of improving their fitness level.

Facilities chosen to participate in this study are registered college/university recreation centers with the …

The Effectiveness Of Semi-Rigid Custom Made Foot Orthotics In Correcting Abnormal Foot Positions, Kimberly Austin, Chris Gietzen, Bonnie Nostdahl, John Sayler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Researchers have been trying to understand the complexity of foot biomechanics for over 100 years, and this has lead to an increase in more sensitive technology. Abnormal foot biomechanics are commonly corrected using orthotics. Pressure mapping systems, such as the Force Sensitive Application (FSA) and Teckscan, are becoming more prevalent in both clinical settings and in research to assist clinicians in making proper fitting orthotics. FSA allows clinicians the ability to measure the amount of pressure on patients' feet with and without orthotics. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of semi-rigid custom foot orthotics in correcting …

The Effect Of Participation In Organized Soccer On Fitnessgram Scores In 11-12 Year Old Girls, Gale G. Dockstader, Kristin R. Naplin, Keli N. Waterworth, Lyndsey M.R. Ziemer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the United States and has been associated with multiple health complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Due to these increasing rates and health effects, there is a need to determine effective methods to measure physical activity as well as promote physical activity. One form of determining a child's level of fitness is through the Fitnessgram. This study was designed to determine if formally testing fitness levels with the Fitnessgram in 11-12 year old girls participating in organized soccer is correlated with changes in fitness levels from pre-season to post-season, …

The Effects Of Hypermobility On Static And Dynamic Balance In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Laura Elbert, Teresa Tostenrud

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A significant percentage of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students have been found to exhibit signs of systemic hypermobility. Hypermobility can be defined as joints displaying excessive range of movement. Balance is an integral aspect of the job tasks of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists and involves collaboration of muscles, joints, ligaments, and the proprioceptive input they collectively provide. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of hyper mobility on static and dynamic balance in a population of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students at the University of North Dakota.

Seventy nine physical therapy and occupational therapy …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Quadriceps And Hamstrings Recruitment During Two Closed Kinetic Chain Activities, Linda K. Hanson, Shauna T. Salz, Suzanne L. Steffes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pain and injury are a commonly seen diagnosis in physical therapy practice. Closed kinetic chain activities are frequently used to treat these diagnoses, because of their safety and functional properties. However isolation of specific muscles is difficult with closed kinetic chain exercises. The researchers chose to further study closed kinetic chain exercises in order to compare traditional closed kinetic chain exercises with a recently developed closed kinetic chain device. The purpose of this study is to assess EMG activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings during two different closed kinetic chain activities of the knee, one a traditional method and …

Perceptions Of Physical Therapy Faculty On The Inclusion Of Spirituality In Physical Therapy Education, Janice C. Pitts

Dissertations

Problem

The physical therapy profession currently does not require the integration of spirituality in patient care in the physical therapy curriculum, and it is unclear how physical therapy faculty and practitioners view its inclusion. There is limited research literature on the integration of spirituality in the field of physical therapy or within its academic environment.

Method

The study utilized standard survey research methodology to gather data relating to spirituality and its inclusion in a physical therapy curriculum. Five participants from each of 101 sampled programs received a survey instrument along with instructions and consent form disseminated through electronic mailing. Data …

Relationship Of Urinary Incontinence To Hysterectomy And Episiotomy, Elizabeth Oakley, Debra Buchtel, Rachel Atanosian, A. Lynn Millar

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a problem that affects women of all ages. Research has identified many risk factors for the development of UI but is inconclusive regarding the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and the development of UI symptoms. Physical therapists are emerging as primary care providers which increases the importance of attention to and knowledge of risk factors facilitate timely screening and care for women at risk or who have UI signs and symptoms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and incidence of urinary incontinence. SUBJECTS: The subjects included …

Influence Of Aging On Sex Differences In Muscle Fatigability, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare time to task failure for a sustained isometric contraction performed at a submaximal intensity with elbow flexor muscles by young and old men and women. Twenty-seven young (14 men and 13 women, 18–35 yr) and 18 old (10 men and 8 women, 65–80 yr) adults sustained an isometric contraction at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction torque until target torque could no longer be achieved for ≥5 s. Young adults were stronger than old adults (66.8 ± 17.9 vs. 47.7 ± 18.1 N·m, P < 0.05), and men were stronger than women (69.8 ± 17.9 vs. 47.1 ± 15.3 N·m, P < 0.05), with no interaction between age and sex (P > 0.05). Time to task failure was longer …

Orthopedic Treatment Outcomes And Physical Therapists' Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Status, Karin Granberg

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification has been available since 1989, however, no prospective studies exist demonstrating better patient outcomes with OCS certification. The purpose of this study was to prospectively explore if there are differences in effectiveness as measured by health, work status and patient satisfaction; efficiency, as measured by visits, treatment duration, number of treatment codes and cost; value (unit of functional improvement per dollar charged), and utilization (unit of functional improvement per visit) depending on OCS status of PTs working in orthopedic outpatient settings.

Subjects. Six PTs with OCS certification and 11 PTs without …

The Effectiveness Of A Physical Therapy Intervention For Children With Hypotonia And Flatfeet, Charmayne G. Ross

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy using Cascade orthotics and an exercise program for children with hypotonia and flatfeet. Subjects: Thirty-seven children, aged 18 months to 5 years, who demonstrated developmental delays and hypotonia with flatfoot dysfunction, participated in this study. Methods: Three groups (control, orthotic, and orthotic-exercise) were studied. The orthotic- exercise group practiced bilateral heel lifts besides wearing the orthoses. An arch index was used to assess the width of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) pre/post interventions. Gait parameters (velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence) were assessed four times in …

Men Are More Fatigable Than Strength-Matched Women When Performing Intermittent Submaximal Contractions, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, In-Sik Shin, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare the time to task failure for a series of intermittent submaximal contractions performed with the elbow flexor muscles by men and women who were matched for strength (n = 20, 18–34 yr). The fatigue task comprised isometric contractions at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque (6-s contraction, 4-s rest). The MVC torque was similar for the men and women [64.8 ± 9.2 (SD) vs. 62.2 ± 7.9 N·m; P > 0.05]. However, the time to task failure was longer for the women (1,408 ± 1,133 vs. 513 ± 194 s; P …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Temporal And Spatial Gait Characteristics Measured With An Instrumented Walkway System (Gaitrite®), Cornelius J.T. Van Uden, Marcus P. Besser

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of temporal and spatial gait measurements over a one-week period as measured using an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite®).

Methods
Subjects were tested on two occasions one week apart. Measurements were made at preferred and fast walking speeds using the GAITRite® system. Measurements tested included walking speed, step length, stride length, base of support, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single and double support times, and toe in-toe out angle.

Results
Twenty-one healthy subjects participated in this study. The group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Temporal And Spatial Gait Characteristics Measured With An Instrumented Walkway System (Gaitrite)., Cornelis J T Van Uden, Marcus P Besser

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of temporal and spatial gait measurements over a one-week period as measured using an instrumented walkway system (GAITRite). METHODS: Subjects were tested on two occasions one week apart. Measurements were made at preferred and fast walking speeds using the GAITRite system. Measurements tested included walking speed, step length, stride length, base of support, step time, stride time, swing time, stance time, single and double support times, and toe in-toe out angle. RESULTS: Twenty-one healthy subjects participated in this study. The group consisted of 12 men and 9 women, …

Comparison Of Selected Orthotic Devices On Ground Reaction Forces Produced During A Drop Landing, Betsy Faye Halwes

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: The effect of different types of athletic shoes, foot orthoses, and other arch support materials on lower extremity kinetics and ground reaction forces during walking and running gait has been documented; however, the potential effects of such devices on ground reaction forces during drop landings has not been extensively studied. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if over-the-counter orthotics, made of the same material, affect vertical and mediolateral ground reaction forces during a drop landing. Design and Setting: A lx3 repeated measures design guided this study where the independent variable, orthotic, has 3 levels (no orthotic-control, …

A Comparison Of Hip Versus Ankle Exercises In Elders And The Influence On Balance And Gait, Laura Z. Gras, Pamela Levangie, Mary (Tina) Goodwin-Segal, Deborah A. Lawrence

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Purpose: Reductions in hip and ankle strength and range of motion (ROM) in elderly subjects have been associated with decreased functional mobility and risk of falls. The purpose of this research was to determine if short duration hip or ankle interventions designed to increase ROM and strength could improve ROM and strength of those joints, as well as improve balance and gait outcomes. Methods: Well elderly volunteers recruited from retirement communities and a senior citizen center were randomly assigned to a hip or ankle intervention group. Both groups performed a home exercise program (HEP) of stretching 5 days a week …

Qtc Is Associated With Obesity And Physical Activity Level For African American Females, C. Jayne Brahler

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular or ischemic disease mortality. Obesity as a cause for acquired LQTS in otherwise healthy individuals is rapidly gaining the attention of the scientific community. African American people have a higher incidence of obesity compared to Caucasians, yet race-specific information is not available for their prevalence of LQTS. Chronic physical activity can help reduce the incidence of obesity, yet little is known about the effects of chronic physical activity on acquired LQTS. Subjects in this study were a volunteer sample of African American mothers (21-53 yr, n = 44) and …

Impact Of Service Learning On Physical Therapist Students' Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Older Adults And On Their Critical Thinking Ability, Janna Beling

Service Learning, General

As the number and proportion of elderly people rapidly increase in the next few decades, there will be increased demands for physical therapists to work with older clients. Although the availability of physical therapists to work with elderly people will be determined, in part, by their personal preferences,¹ most physical therapists will be routinely required to work with elderly clients and clients' aging family members.² In order to provide effective services, it is imperative that physical therapist students possess adequate knowledge about the aging process and recognize the individuality of older clients, as well as their capacity for …

Management Of Postsurgical Hyperhidrosis With Direct Current And Tap Water, Bernadette T. Gillick, Luther C. Kloth, Andrew John Starsky, Laura Cincinelli-Walker

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background and Purpose. Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, involves the eccrine sweat glands of the axillae, soles, palms, and/or forehead. The use of iontophoresis to reduce or eliminate excessive sweating has been described since 1952. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of tap water galvanism (TWG) using direct current (DC) with a patient who had postsurgical hyperhidrosis. Case Description. The patient was a 36-year-old male electrician with traumatic phalangeal amputation and postsurgical development of hyperhidrosis. Tap water galvanism was administered using a DC generator, 2 to 3 times per week for 10 treatments. The patient's …

A Comparison Of Four Electrical Stimulation Types On Staphylococcus Aureus Growth In Vitro, Harold L. Merriman, Chris A. Hegyi, Cheryl R. Albright-Overton, John Carlos Jr., Robert W. Putnam, Janet A. Mulcare

Faculty Publications

We evaluated the efficacy of common electrical stimulation (ES) types on bacterial growth in vitro using clinically relevant conditions. Four types of ES-continuous micro-amperage direct current (μADC), high-voltage pulsed current (HVPC), low-voltage monophasic milliamperage pulsed current (LVMmAPC), and low-voltage biphasic milliamperage pulsed current (LVBmAPC)-were each applied to a separate set of culture plates containing Staphylococcus aureus for 1 h at 37°C on 3 consecutive days. After ES treatment, the zone of inhibition surrounding each electrode was measured. Zone of inhibition measurements showed a significant inhibitory effect for continuous μADC and HVPC (p < 0.05), but not for LVM-mAPC and LVBmAPC. Differences in bacterial growth inhibition were not found for polarity and time. These data suggest that for infected wounds, HVPC and continuous μADC treatments may have an initial bacterial inhibitory effect, which does not significantly change with subsequent treatments.

Examination Of Balance And Weightbearing In Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing The Weight Bearing And Step Up/Over Tests On The Neurocom Balance Master, Kim Broadway, Carrie Grise, Nicky Yamamoto, Franz Yuen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently in the United States, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. Although sports activities commonly cause injury to the ACL, non-athletic individuals are affected as well. With the increasing prevalence of the ACLR procedure, a need appears for researching the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM), version 8.02, Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) and Step Up/Over (SUO) tests with individuals who were …

A Study Of Benefits/Barriers To Physical Exercise Among College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Eric Leopold, Shawn Petrie, Mike Svekcar

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With the current emphasis on prevention and wellness in the area of public health, there is a need for insight regarding exercise behavior. Since college students are at the age when activity levels begin to decline,1 this may prove to be a crucial intervention point to promote positive exercise behaviors which may carry over into the adult years.

The purpose of this study is to examine personal and facility-related factors influencing exercise behavior among college students at the University of North Dakota. A randomized sample selected from the student population of the University of North Dakota (n = 900) was …

Sitting Pressure-Mapping Of The Buttocks Region Of Elderly People Who Use Wheelchairs For Locomotion, Brian A. Rud, Wheelchairs

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Elderly people who spend multiple hours in a wheelchair are prone to skin breakdown of the buttock and leg regions. Pressure relief of these areas can help prevent skin breakdown and can be achieved through the use of a wheelchair cushion, weight shifting, and positioning. Strategies for effective pressure relief can be found for individuals by utilizing pressure-mapping technology.

The purpose of this study was to identify if elderly wheelchair-dependent nursing home residents (n = 6) had adequate pressure relief of the buttock and leg regions. Pressures at the buttock and leg regions were measured with the FSA Pressure-Mapping device …

Physical Therapy 2004, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Torque Production Using A Stationary Hand-Held Dynamometer On Different Points Of The Forearm When Manual Muscle Testing Elbow Flexors, Justin Allred, Ross Homstad, Eugene Monette

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Muscle testing using a stationary dynamometer has given therapists a more objective method of assessing a patient's strength. However, few studies have been performed as to the effects that dynamometer placement has on force production.

The purpose of this randomized, repeated measure study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in reliability between torque measurements with dynamometer placement at two well-defined points on the forearm. The differences in torque values from the two points of application (distal wrist crease and the midpoint of the forearm) were also compared to assess for differences between these values.

Thirty-two healthy subjects …

A Survey Of Educators' Needs When Accommodating Students With Physical Disabilities In Regular Education Classrooms, Heather Fisher, Lynn Mckay, Barbara Roise, Katrina Sem

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Students with physical disabilities have been included in regular education classrooms, under IDEA, since the 1970's. Research has shown that many teachers do not feel adequately prepared for adapting their classrooms for a student with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived needs of regular educators in North Dakota and determine what ways physical therapists can offer assistance to educators when accommodating for a student with physical disabilities.

Subjects and Methods. Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected, North Dakota teachers via the mail (325) and email (325). …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Plyo Press Jump And A Vertical Jump, Leigh James Griffith, Kristen Michelle Olson, Daniel Kenneth Sinness, Steven Peter Thomas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many training programs have been developed to aid in training the athlete with their goal of maximizing strength and performance. The Plyo Press machine was developed for training athletes enrolled in the Frappier Sports Acceleration Program. This machine was designed to couple strength training with plyometrics to enhance dynamic muscle activity and speed.

There has been limited research on the Plyo Press machine to support these claims. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to compare muscle recruitment during a vertical floor jump versus a plyojump in the Ply Press leg machine. EMG analysis of selected lower extremity muscles was …