Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance For Patients Following A Cva: A Case Study Approach, Michele Jackson, Kimberly Lindemann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebral vascular accident (CV A) is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 75% of people who have a stroke survive, many of whom live with some level of impairments that impact their activities of daily living and quality of life. One of the results of these impairments can be decreased balance. Limitations in balance may impact an individual's risk of falls, ability to ambulate, and performance of functional activities. Exercises emphasizing balance training playa significant role in improving postural control. …

The Relationship Between Work Related Injury And Participation In Exercise And Recreational Activities, Stephen Kaiser, Chris Kuhn, Jay Steckler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The cost of health care is on the rise for both employers and employees. Research has shown that exercise in any capacity will improve overall health and fitness levels. Limited research has shown that proper exercise can lead to a decrease in musculoskeletal injuries. With the number of musculoskeletal injuries occurring in the workplace at high levels, establishing a connection between injury reduction and exercise is imperative. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between participation in exercise and recreational activities and injury in the workplace.

Methods: A random stratified sample of 396 …

The Effect Of Direct Access With Direct Reimbursement On Physical Therapy Practice, Heather Lafreniere, Katie Sauvageau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In 2002, North Dakota passed legislation that allowed physical therapists to be directly reimbursed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota for physical therapy services. The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of direct access with direct reimbursement on physical therapy practice. The survey was sent to 400 licensed physical therapists within Arizona, Maryland, and Minnesota. These states were chosen for their experience in utilizing direct access with direct reimbursement and the geographic location.

The survey consisted of 7 categories addressing demographics, clientele changes, marketing strategies, physical therapist/physician relationship, insurance changes, direct effects on patient care …

Electromyographic Analysis Of An Isometric Vastus Medialis Oblique Contraction With Incorporated Adductor Component, Dan Thielen, James Turner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pathology is a common clinical complaint that may result in diminished function of the affected lower extremity, ultimately leading to atrophy of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. The VMO contributes a great deal to the medial tracking mechanism of the patella which is crucial for normal biomechanical function of the knee joint. Effective strengthening of the VMO is a challenging task in physical therapy clinics. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to enhance the muscle activity of the VMO with the addition of an adductor contraction.

Thirty-one subjects between the ages of …

Needs Assessment For Families With Children Currently Eligible For Services Provided Under Idea Part C/, Lindsay Anderson, Emily Hassenstab, Jamie Schroeder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

While other studies have researched the level of satisfaction of parents whose children are receiving early intervention services, no current studies have been done directly relating to services provided in North Dakota. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current need for information regarding rights and regulations that families with children eligible for early intervention services in North Dakota may have. In addition, the level of satisfaction of eligible families regarding the support given to them by Infant Development, along with their current and preferred methods of receiving pertinent information, was researched.

This study was done using a …

Barriers To Preventive Health Screenings For Benefitted University Of North Dakota Employees, Laurie Betting

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine perception of the utilization of preventive health screenings as compared to actual utilization for benefitted University of North Dakota employees. The research was designed to determine the perception of compliance and barriers to receiving recommended health screenings for benefitted employees. The significance was that the University of North Dakota has created a Well ness Center and has begun the creation of a worksite well ness program for its employees. While there are a variety of worksite well ness program designs, very little has been done to ascertain utilization or …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During The Traditional Muscle Testing Position And A Modified Position, Keri M. Doyle, Molly E. Mcdonald, Heather M. Partlow, Eric R. Paur

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many people use repeated overhead movements in their occupations or recreational activities. Literature has shown that this repeated overhead activity greatly contributes to the incidence of shoulder pathologies such as impingement syndrome. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the lower trapezius was more successfully recruited in the traditional muscle testing position of 145° of shoulder abduction or a modified position consisting of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion.

Forty-one subjects between the ages of 21 and 45 voluntarily participated in this study. One subject was excluded due to exceeding …

The Effect Of Ionized Bracelets On Pain And Function In Individuals With Arthritis, Jamie Gullickson, Josh Hamilton, Amy Hebl, Rachel Hoffman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Arthritis is a prevalent condition found throughout the entire population. Manifestations of this disease can lead to increased pain in multiple joints leading to decreased functional mobility and limitations in activities of daily living. Ionized bracelets have become an increasingly popular non-traditional, conservative treatment for decreasing pain and improving well-being in persons with multiple diagnoses and body system involvement. Very little research has been conducted on the effects of ionized bracelets; therefore, additional research needs to be conducted to validate these theories.

The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of ionized bracelets on pain and function in …

A Comparison Of Isokinetic Ankle Plantarflexion Force Generation In Knee Flexed And Knee Extended Positions, Reyn Hata, Delbert Peralta, Daniel Uyeunten

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The triceps surae, composed of the soleus and the two heads of the gastrocnemius, is a very active muscle in all activities involving the lower extremities. This study compared the maximal force generated by these ankle plantarflexors in a knee extended and knee flexed position to determine relative contribution to plantarflexion force in varying positions. Eighteen male and female college students were tested for maximal concentric plantarflexor force generation isokinetically at 3D/sec in both positions. Means of maximal force in knee extension and flexion, 242.56 Ibs. and 227.22 Ibs., respectively, were found to be statistically significantly different. The mean of …

Validity And Comparisons Of Tibiofemoral Angles And Translations Using A New Femoral Tracking Device (Ftd) During Walking, Jeff Houck, H. John Yack, Tyler Cuddeford

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

First, this study compares tibiofemoral motion during walking using a new femoral tracking device (FTD) and bone mounted markers in a single subject (n=1). The results suggest errors ofn=13). The results suggest similar tibiofemoral angles in the sagittal and frontal planes using the two methods (average root mean square (RMS) differencesP

Muscle Fatigue And The Mechanisms For Task Failure, Sandra K. Hunter, Jacques Duchateau, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

An alternative approach in the study of muscle fatigue is to address the question, “What causes task failure during a fatiguing contraction?” This approach is described by considering how variation in the type of load supported and contraction intensity influence both the time to task failure and the centrally mediated adjustments in reflex activity and motor unit behavior

Fatigability Of The Elbow Flexor Muscles For A Sustained Submaximal Contraction Is Similar In Men And Women Matched For Strength, 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 submaximal fatiguing contraction sustained with the elbow flexor muscles by men and women who were matched for strength (n = 20, 18-35 yr). The maximal torque exerted at the wrist was similar for the men and women [64.5 ± 8.7 (SD) vs. 64.5 ± 8.3 N·m; P > 0.05], which meant that the average torque exerted during the fatiguing contraction [20% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC)] was similar for the two sexes. The time to task failure was similar for these strength-matched men and women …

Does Exercise And Placement Technique Affect Triceps Surae Thermocouple Position As Measured By Magnetic Resonance Imaging?, Breanne A. Piatt

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Intramuscular temperatures are commonly recorded with the use of implantable thermocouples. Currently, there are 2 techniques of inserting intramuscular thermocouples, a traditional technique, which inserts the thermocouple with a sterile hypodermic needle, then retracts the needle, and a catheter-assisted technique, which uses a spring-loaded catheter to insert the catheter then a thermocouple is fed through the catheter to target position. Objective: The purpose of this study was first to investigate whether or not target position is obtained with either insertion method. A second purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of movement that occurs after exercise. Lastly, …

Effect Of Computer Keyboard Slope On Wrist Position And Forearm Electromyography Of Typists Without Musculoskeletal Disorders, Guy G. Simoneau, Richard W. Marklin, Joseph E. Berman

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Positioning a computer keyboard with a downward slope reduces wrist extension needed to use the keyboard and has been shown to decrease pressure in the carpal tunnel. However, whether a downward slope of the keyboard reduces electromyographic (EMG) activity of the forearm muscles, in particular the wrist extensors, is not known. Subjects and Methods. Sixteen experienced typists participated in this study and typed on a conventional keyboard that was placed on slopes. Electromyographic activity of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscles was measured with surface electrodes, while the extension and ulnar …

The Role Of Health Promotion In Physical Therapy, Brenda L. Rea

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate physical therapy practice patterns in four focus areas of Healthy People 2010 (focus area #6, disability and secondary conditions by looking at psychological well-being; focus area #19, nutrition and overweight; focus area #22, physical fitness and activity; focus area #27, tobacco use) and identify self-efficacy and outcome expectations related to those practice patterns across California, New York and Tennessee using Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory as a framework. It was hypothesized that physical therapists’ self-efficacy and outcome expectations in the four focus areas of Healthy People 2010 would be significantly associated with …

Predicting Sacroiliac Syndrome: The Association Between Noninvasive Sacroiliac Joint Tests And Sacroiliac Joint Injections, Lorraine D. Webb

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Study Design. A prospective single sample observational design was performed. Sacroiliac tests that predicted ≥ 75% pain relief after sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injection were considered valid diagnostic tests for SIJ syndrome.

Objectives. To identify valid noninvasive sacroiliac tests that can be used to diagnose SIJ syndrome.

Summary of Background Data. The criterion standard for diagnosing SIJ syndrome is with SIJ intraarticular injections under fluoroscopy. This procedure is costly, invasive, and impractical for routine use. Clinicians need practical ways to diagnose SIJ syndrome; however, few studies have been performed to validate existing sacroiliac tests against SIJ Injections.

Methods. Nineteen subjects …

Treatment And Prevention Of Overuse Hand Injuries Related To Rock Climbing In Chattanooga And Its Surrounding Areas, Johnathan Gannaway

Honors Theses

In any physical exercise, the risk of injury is always present and cannot be eliminated. Specifically, rock climbing subjects climbers to the dangers of cuts, abrasions, strains, and fractures in the least serious of injuries. Although rock climbers must be conscious of more serious injuries, such as death, they tend to ignore less minor injuries like overuse hand injuries. During rock climbing, the upper extremities are required to support unnatural weight loads for extended periods of time; therefore, they are the primary area for overuse injuries. The hands and fingers in particular are stressed and contorted more forcefully than any …

Diagnosis And Management Of The Painful Ankle/Foot. Part 2: Examination, Interpretation, And Management, P. Sizer, V. Phelps, G. S. Dedrick, R. James, O. Mattijs

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Preliminary Validation Of A Mobility Obstacle Course For Persons With Mobility Impairment, Stephen F. Figoni, Christian Thompson, A. Katherine Froehlich, Dot E. Nary, Janet Marquis, Glen W. White

Kinesiology (Formerly Exercise and Sport Science)

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a mobility obstacle course for women with mobility impairments. Participants included 72 adult women with permanent physical disabilities including arthritis, orthopedic conditions, paraplegia, and others. The 60-m course consisted of carpeted runways and turns, ramps, a doorway, a transfer, and object manipulation. Participants completed two trials, walking or wheeling through the course as quickly as possible, safely and without running. Total course time and peak heart rate data were correlated with SF-36 health survey subscales. Overall, peak heart rate was significantly (p < .05) correlated with physical functioning (r = -.328), limitations due to physical functioning (r = .261), and pain (r = .296). Total course time was significantly correlated with physical functioning. These findings indicate very high reliability and preliminary evidence of validity.

Emg And Motion Analysis Of Swiss Ball Abdominal Exercises And Pilates Multi-Chair Exercises, Kelly L. Almquist, Ember M. Bopp, Chet R. Yoder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

As the second most common reason for visits to primary care doctors, and a symptom that affects 80% of the general United States population, low back pain and its' treatment is a burdening cost on the American economy every year. Various spinal stabilization exercises have emerged as a means to treat low back pain. One of the most recent fonns of these stabilization exercises used in the physical therapy arena is Pilates, a fonn of dynamic spinal stabilization. Although numerous electromyographic (EMG) studies have been completed on abdominal exercises for spinal stabilization, minimal scientific research can be found on the …

Emg Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Wall Slides With Varying Foot Positions, Jon Beach, Neil Feist, Mike Hiscock, Ryan Stromme

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen in a physical therapy clinic. Nearly all rehabilitation programs following a knee injury involve quadriceps muscle strengthening. One popular and safe method of quadriceps strengthening often used is the wall slide. There is, however, debate and little research indicating whether or not changing the foot position used during wall slides alters the muscle activity during this exercise.

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the muscle activity during wall slides with feet in various positions so that more accurate rehabilitation protocols may be developed in the …

The Effects A Total Knee Arthroplasty Has On Static And Dynamic Balance, Connie Christensen, Nicole Riddle, Nicole Sukut, Cara Uyema

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the United States today, the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. A generous amount of information exists regarding joint proprioception after a joint replacement, however no studies have been done testing postural control after a TKA. With the increasing popularity of the TKA procedure, a need appears for research evaluating static stability and functional mobility of TKAs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects a TKA, 6 months postoperative or beyond, has on static and dynamic balance. The balance of 8 female volunteers and 4 …

The Effects Of Partial Body Weight Support For Gait For Patients With Neurological Dysfunction: A Case Study Approach, Larae Haas, Beth Millage, Becky Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of partial body weight support during gait for individuals with neurological dysfunction. Body weight support (BWS) training provides a safe environment in which the individual can perform and practice mechanics of normal gait at a variety of speeds with or without body weight support, depending on the level of function. The subjects who participated in this study were community ambulators older than 20 years of age with a neurological diagnosis. Each subject was tested initially and at the conclusion of the study to compare data using a battery of balance …

An Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of Forward And Backward Walking, Sarah Dekrey, Lori Guderian, Kerry Hendricksen, Glenda Scott

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking is a common intervention in the rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries. Despite its popularity, there is limited research available on the EMG activity during backward walking at an incline when compared to forward walking. In this study, we recorded EMG activity in four muscles of the lower extremity and utilized motion analysis to evaluate the knee range of motion when walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0 and 15 percent grade inclines.

Overall, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during backward walking than forward walking. Walking backward at a 15 percent grade incline …

The Effects Of Partial Body Weight Support For Gait In Patients With Neurological Dysfunction: A Case Study Approach, Sarah Hammers, Alecia Herring, Amanda Olson, Mandy Runyan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebrovascular accident (CV A) is the primary cause of disability in the United States. l It is estimated that 75% of those who have a CVA survive and function with multiple degrees of impairments. These impairments impact their activities of daily living in a variety of ways. One of the goals of rehabilitation is to minimize the negative effects a CVA has on the functioning of an individual and allow each person to reach his or her maximum potential. Limited research has been conducted exploring the positive outcomes of partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT) in those who have …

An Electromyographic Analysis Of The Abdominal Musculature In The Production Of Vocalization Intensity During Singing, Chris Huravitch, Nyle Relay, Kristine Schulte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between electromyographical (EMG) activity in the abdominal muscles and the intensity of sound production. Currently, no consensus existsin the music profession regarding the appropriate use of the abdominal muscles during singing, even though it is known that the abdominal muscles playa significant role in sound production. As musicians strive to improve performance and therapists work to rehabilitate musicians and others who suffer from vocal deficits, understanding the basic muscular requirements of this activity/profession is essential to affect positive outcomes.

Eleven subjects with choral experience were recruited from the …

University Of North Dakota Physical Therapy Alumni Preferences For A Transitional Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Degree, Nolan Lubarski, Jessica Mcdougall, Steven Panos, Heidi Sites

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purposes of this study are to assess whether University of North Dakota Physical Therapy (UND-PT) graduates desire a transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) degree and to determine their preferences regarding this proposed educational program.

The survey was sent to 1136 alumni of the UND-PT program spanning from its first graduating class in 1970 to the class of 2002. It consisted of 8 demographic questions and 12 questions regarding areas such as curriculum content, program implementation, and personal views about the Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Frequencies for all responses were determined. The respondent data were also analyzed for …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Lower Extremity Muscle Recruitment Comparing A Maximal Voluntary Contraction To The Plyo Press And Agaton Max Series Leg Press, Lee Nagle, Thayne Bosh, Tonya Kunze, Kelly Jorschumb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Numerous studies have been done on the Plyo Press, with focus on the concentric phase of the exercise. However, for athletes eccentric training has always been a topic of interest. Most leg press machines have a concentric and an eccentric phase involved with the exercise. However, during the eccentric phase of the leg press the muscles are underloaded because of the force-velocity relationship of the human skeletal muscle and the fact that eccentric contractions require fewer motor units for the same force and workload. This means that the leg press exercise is limited by the concentric phase. A new machine …

Associations Of Knee Angles, Moments And Function Among Subjects That Are Healthy And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficient (Acld) During Straight Ahead And Crossover Cutting Activities, Jeff Houck, H. John Yack

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The objective of this study was to compare knee angles and moments of healthy subjects (n/20) and subjects that were anterior cruciate ligament deficient (ACLD) (n/16) during stepping and crossover cutting activities. Subjects that were ACLD were separated into high (n/7) and low (n/9) functioning groups based on knee functioning ratings. Knee angles and moments were estimated using three dimensional motion tracking and force plate data. The results suggest that knee angle and moment data were associated with level of functioning of ACLD subjects. Primarily knee frontal and transverse plane moments distinguished the stepping and crossover cut activities. Only some …

Self-Reported Giving-Way Episode During A Stepping-Down Task: Case Report Of A Subject With An Acl-Deficient Knee, Jeff Houck, Amy Lerner, David Gushue, H. John Yack

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Study Design: Case report.

Objective: To describe the knee kinematics and moments of a giving-way trial of a subject with an anterior-cruciate-ligament– (ACL) deficient knee relative to his non–giving-way trials and to healthy subjects during a step-down task.

Background: Episodes of giving way are believed to damage joint structures, therefore treatments aim to prevent giving-way episodes, yet few studies document giving-way events.

Methods: The giving-way trial experienced by a 32-year-old male subject with ACL deficiency during a step-down task was compared to his non–giving-way trials (n = 5) and data from healthy subjects (n = 20). Position data collected at …