Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Cognition Is Associated With Daily-Life Mobility In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mobility is also impaired in people with PD and functional mobility often requires cognitive dual-tasking to navigate complex environments in daily life. We hypothesized that visuospatial and executive cognitive dysfunction in people with PD will be associated with digital measures of mobility in daily life. Since freezing of gait (FoG) is associated with both cognitive dysfunction and mobility impairments, we also examined the influence of FoG on the cognitionmobility relationship. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the association between cognition and dailylife mobility in PD and the influence …

Responsiveness Of Promis Measures For Hip, Knee, And Shoulder Arthroplasty, Ryan Jacobson

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Objectives: In hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty, there is evidence that using a broader set of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures beyond Physical Function and Pain Interference might improve assessment of patient outcomes. However, the utility and responsiveness of PROMIS domains measuring anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and social participation have been minimally investigated in arthroplasty. This retrospective study aimed to determine the 1) responsiveness of seven PROMIS domains and 2) association between change scores for all seven domains and MCID improvement in Physical Function and/or Pain Interference.

Methods: PROMIS domains of Physical Function, Pain Interference, Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Sleep …

The Use Of Virtual Reality To Improve Gait And Balance In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register …

Personalized Versus Fixed Tactile Cueing In Parkinson’S Disease: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial On Gait Automaticity, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background

Gait automaticity, the ability of the brain to control locomotion with minimal use of executive-attentional resources, is altered in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, we showed that step-synchronized tactile cueing improved gait regularity and freezing of gait in PD; however, it is not known if this cueing mode also improves gait automaticity. Thus, this study investigates the effects of step-synchronized tactile cueing (versus fixed cueing) on gait automaticity in the laboratory and during daily life.

Methods

This is a pilot, randomized, double-blinded study where sixty participants with PD will be randomized into one of two, cueing interventions: 1) …

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and members …

Weight Stigma In Physical And Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Weight stigma describes the negative attitudes held toward people with obesity. Weight bias stereotypes have been previously reported in physicians, physician assistants, nurses, registered dieticians, psychologists, and students enrolled in healthcare professional education programs. Physical and occupational therapists (PTs and OTs) are healthcare providers who evaluate and treat individuals across their lifespan. A PT or an OT who harbors weight bias may create an environment where the patient may fail to optimize their rehabilitation recovery. The first purpose of this scoping review was to identify the prevalence of weight bias in PT and OT clinicians and students. The second …

Eccentric-Emphasis Exercise Program For Supraspinatus Partial Tear In Retired Police Officer An Intervention Case Report, German Eduardo Isea Fernandezx

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Eccentric exercise has been shown to reduce pain in patients with multiple comorbidities, orthopedic surgeries, and neurologic conditions, while providing safety for greater loading during resistance training. The purpose of this case report is to describe changes in function and pain of a patient with a partial rotator cuff tear, following rehabilitation exercises focusing on eccentric action.

Case Description: A 65 y/o retired police male officer who presented right shoulder pain secondary to a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon. The case reported mild to severe pain under the visual analog scale (VAS) of 75mm that …

Functional Recovery Of A Patient In Her Home Environment Following A Stroke Using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Task-Specific Training: A Case Report, Andrea L. Crawford-Perry

Capstone Showcase

Abstract Background and Purpose: Stroke is a growingly common disability that affects an individual’s bodily function, activity and participation levels and thus impacts the whole livelihood of that individual. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Task-specific Training have been shown to improve the overall functional recovery of a patient and affect neuroplasticity. Most studies tend to compare the individual effect of these techniques; hence the purpose of this case report is to describe how both PNF and task-specific training are used to improve the functional recovery of a patient in her home environment following an acute stroke. Case Description: The patient …

Effects Of Tecar Therapy With Conventional Physical Therapy In Patient With Knee Osteoarthritis (Oa): A Case Report, Mitzi Joy O. Fernandez

Capstone Showcase

Background and Purpose: Transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy is a relatively new form of technology used as an adjunct for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Several studies have found its beneficial effects in reducing pain and improving quality of life in numerous orthopedic conditions. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of global disability and pain, with accompanying complaints of morning stiffness, limitation of motion, knee buckling, swelling and inflammation, muscle weakness, functional limitations, and bony enlargement that affects the activities of daily living, occupation, and leisure activities. The purpose of this case report is …

Understanding The Impact Of Admissions Variables On Admissions Diversity: A Single Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Review, Michael Bourassa, Allison Bourassa, Saurabh Mehta

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The U.S. physical therapy workforce lacks diversity, largely influenced by healthcare program admission procedures that affect student diversity and, in turn, the profession itself. This study aimed to characterize applicants' demographic and educational profiles applying to a single accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program and examine factors associated with admission outcomes when considering race.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from 1,409 applicants to the U.S. Doctor of Physical Therapy program from 2017 to 2022. Data from pre-admission applications encompassed demographic details, overall grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, average professional reference scores, …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Baseball Pitchers: There’S More To Assess Than The Arm, Matthew L. Gauthier, Casey A. Unverzagt, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Injuries are commonplace in the overhead athlete, with many occurring to the shoulder and elbow. The increasing prevalence of injuries to the shoulder and elbow has been discussed at length in recent years, with increased research focus being placed on arm care for rehabilitation and prevention strategies. Even though the pitching motion is well-established as a whole-body kinetic chain movement, most attention in rehabilitation and prevention efforts is often placed on the upper extremity. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to highlight the impact the lower extremity and trunk have on the upper extremity during the throwing motion, better …

Effects Of Exercise On Cognitive Performance, Autumn Bailey

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research project “Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance” will be conducted with the purpose of determining the relationship between exercise and cognitive performance. The relationship between injury and cognitive performance will also be investigated. In order to investigate these relationships 60 participants who are current students at the University of Akron will be asked to complete three cognitive assessments, one while at rest, one while riding an exercise bike, and one following the completion of exercise. The results of these three assessments will be compared to determine the relationship between cognitive performance in all three states. Participants will include …

Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Post Stroke Patients: Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jeslin Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Individuals who suffer from post-stroke effect face loss of function in mobility and quality of life. Mobility issues lead to changes in walking patterns, strength ability, daily independence, and more. Resistance training is an effective rehabilitation method used to test improve recovery by enhancing well-being, reducing spasticity, and increasing control. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of resistance exercise on post-stroke patient's recovery and return to activities of daily living. A systemic literature review using databases, key terms, and various strategies. Databases used consisted of UCF Libraries, PubMed, Google Scholar, SagePub, Medline, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. These …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Progressive Mobility Protocol Among Adult Icu Patients, Clayton Chroust

DNP Projects

Background: Many intensive care unit (ICU) patients are critically ill and require ventilator support, and they often do not receive any progressive mobility interventions until after they are liberated from the ventilator or receive transfer orders out of the ICU. Current literature suggests that patients in the ICU face deconditioning, increased ventilator days, development of deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolism, muscular atrophy, and increased days in the ICU which can be attributed to a lack of mobility. Current evidence-based research identifies that utilization of a progressive mobility protocol is one way to improve patient outcomes and reduce …

Correlations Of Gait Kinematics And Cognitive Skills In Parkinson Disease, Joshua J. Lander, Matthew F. Moran, Hannah Alexanian

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Cognitive impairments and gait disturbances are often concurrent in Parkinson disease (PD), but the extent to which specific cognitive deficits relate to gait abnormalities remains unclear, especially in early-stage PD. To address this gap, we conducted an observational correlational study to determine if cognitive performance in distinct domains is associated with gait kinematics in PD. This study included a cohort of 19 individuals with early-stage PD who underwent gait analysis with a three-dimensional marker-less motion capture system (Theia Markerless Inc., Kingston, ON, CA) during three conditions: single-task walking, cognitive dual-task walking, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Cognitive …

Effect Of Trauma Type And Trauma Burden On Self-Efficacy For Physical Exercise In Military Veterans, Kaley E. Davis, Meghan M. Bennett, Cecilia J. Hillard, Jeffrey Whittle, Zeno Franco, Rachel E. Bollaert, Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

United States (U.S.) military veterans experience significant physical health problems. Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing daily physical activity, are often considered the first course of action in treatment for the general public. However, veterans report low levels of physical activity, often due to perceived barriers to engaging in exercise. Trauma exposure type and cumulative trauma burden may be differentially associated with exercise attitudes and behaviors.

Methods

We surveyed U.S. military veterans on perceived self-efficacy to overcome barriers to engaging in exercise and physical activity levels. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the type of traumatic event exposure and cumulative …

Physiotherapy Experiences Of Injured Immigrant Workers In Quebec: An Intersectional Perspective, Victoria Gómez, Debbie Ehrmann Fieldman, Daniel Côté, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Amelia León, Maxi Miciak, Maud Morin, Sara Saunders, Tatiana Orozco, Anne Hudon

Études primaires

Purpose: Immigrant workers are more likely to suffer work-related injuries compared to native-bornCanadians. Their physical rehabilitation usually involves physiotherapy. This study sought to betterunderstand the experiences of injured immigrant workers receiving compensation and physiotherapytreatments.Materials and methods: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive descriptivemethodology. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 compensated immigrant workersabout the physiotherapy services they received. Transcripts were analyzed thematically and with anintersectional lens.Results: Two major themes were identified: 1) complex pathways to physiotherapy, and 2) key pillarsof physiotherapy experiences. The first theme demonstrates that a lack of familiarity with the healthand compensation systems, delayed access to …

Floor-To-Stand Transfers In Older Adults: Insights Into Strategies And Lower Extremity Demands, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Tyler Whited

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background/Objectives: Getting up from the floor is an important functional skill for independence in older adults but is not often assessed clinically. The purpose of this study was to investigate how floor-to-stand transfer (FTS) ability is related to self-report measures and five-time sit-to-stand (5XSTS) performance, as well as compare peak joint angles during common FTS strategies and lower extremity demands between the 5XSTS and a commonly instructed FTS strategy. Methods: Thirty-four community-dwelling older adults completed self-report measures and performed the 5XSTS, a FTS in a self-selected manner, and an instructed FTS strategy. Biomechanical analysis of the lower extremities was used …

Predicting Student Success In Entry-Level Doctor Of Physical Therapy Courses, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Tess Swake

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Early identification of students at risk for academic challenges in a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program may allow for timely intervention and support. Little is known about the ability of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) to predict academic success in firstyear courses in a DPT program. Participants were 33 firstyear DPT students from a single cohort. Student demographics, previous academic performance, and responses to the MSLQ for Anatomy and Biomechanics courses were collected early in each semester. Spearman correlations determined associations between undergraduate grade point average (GPA) or MSLQ responses and grades for Fall and Spring semesters. …

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And The Effects Of A Ketogenic Diet: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background/Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy experienced by females. Diagnosis of PCOS is established when at least two of the following are present: hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation, and/or polycystic ovaries. Conservative treatment for PCOS includes dietary modifications and physical activity. The purpose of this scoping review was to evaluate the efficacy of a ketogenic diet in improving biochemical measures and reducing the severity of PCOS symptoms. Methods: CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched to find research published in peer-reviewed journals between 2019 and 2025. An article was included in this scoping review if the study assessed …

Running Biomechanical And Isokinetic Strength Differences In Masters Runners With And Without Achilles Tendinopathy, Matthew Klein, Christopher Patterson, Annette Karim, Tyler Cuddeford

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Masters runners are an increasing proportion of the running com-munity. The most significant musculoskeletal changes in runners occur after the age of 50 in addition to changes in injury rates and types, the most common being Achilles tendinopathy (AT). Previous evidence has suggested similarities between risk factors for AT and age-related changes that are focused at the hip and the ankle during the propulsive stage of running. The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical and peak torque association to AT in masters runners. Thirty-two masters runners over age 50 with AT(60.31 ± 8.37, n = 16) and without …

Understanding And The Perceived Value Of Contemporary Pain Neuroscience Education Among Occupational Therapy Students, Sue E. Curfman, Elicia Dunn Cruz, Diana A. Harrison, Will J. Best, Kathryn Schmidt

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Chronic pain is a leading cause of global disability, yet occupational therapy education often lacks sufficient coverage of multidisciplinary pain management approaches. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the level of understanding of contemporary pain neuroscience in occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of instructional techniques to improve their knowledge of contemporary pain neuroscience; and 3) explore their perceptions of pain neuroscience and its implications for their future roles. This pre-post test within-subject experimental design study, involving 39 OTD students, assessed the impact and perceptions of a two-hour pain education module. The revised Neurophysiology …

Development Of A Personalized Conversational Health Agent To Enhance Physical Activity For Blind And Low-Vision Individuals, Soyoung Choi, Jooyoung Seo, Ashwath Krishnan, Sanchita Kamath, Justin Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: With the advancements in mobile health (mHealth) technologies, sighted individuals can benefit from mobile apps and wearable devices to more easily manage their physical activity (PA) and wellness data through intuitive touch gestures and effective data visualizations. However, for blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals, these conventional interaction methods are often challenging, not only limiting their ability to use these technologies but also potentially diminishing their motivation to adopt them to support health-promoting behaviors. We aimed to develop a health monitoring application called Personalized and Conversational Health Agent (PCHA) that supports BLV individuals with self-monitoring and management of their PA …

The Interplay Between Pulse Width And Activation Depth In Tens: A Computational Study, Alexander Guillen, Dennis Q Truong, Yusuf O Cakmak, Sheng Li, Abhishek Datta

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been a commonly used modality to relieve aches and pain for over 40 years. Commercially available devices provide multiple therapy modes involving a different combination of frequency and pulse width with intensity. While frequency sets sensation, intensity helps determine tolerability, longer pulse width is reported to induce a feeling of deeper stimulation. In fact, longer pulse width has been empirically shown to deliver current into deeper tissues, but in context of other electrical stimulation modalities. The goal of this study was to unpack the relationship between pulse width and activation depth in TENS. …

Building Community-Engaged Capacity To Advance Telerehabilitation Services For Patients With Chronic Disease And/Or Disability, Ka-Chun Siu, Brad Dexter, Andrew Lindemeier, Karen Hux, Dipika Aggarwal

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose:

This report was developed to capture insights from clinicians, patients, and families who have experienced or delivered telehealth services over the past four years. The rapid rise of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities, but as the initial surge subsided, its continued application in physical therapy has become less clear. This report explores what has worked well in telerehabilitation, identifies ongoing challenges, and provides actionable recommendations to bridge gaps in service delivery. By reflecting on these experiences, this work aims to inform the development of sustainable models that will advance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, …

Contemporary Normative Values For Five Common Static Standing Tasks On Firm And Compliant Floor Surfaces In Children Two To Thirteen Years, Nancy Darr

Funded Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Static upright tasks, including standing unsupported (SU), eyes closed (SEC), feet together (SFT), tandem (TS), and single limb (SLS), are routinely examined in children and are included in many norm-referenced measures. Existing normative values for these standing tasks may not apply to contemporary children and have not been established across wide age ranges. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate developmental trajectories of and relationships between four static standing positions (SPs [SU, SFT, TS, SLS]) in children aged 2 through 13 years who are developing typically. The effects of altered sensory input, including floor surface (firm and …

Influence Of Virtual Reality On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics During Overground Walking, Hunter Derby, Nathan Conner, Adam C. Knight, Harish Chander

Funded Scholarship

The inability to regain balance following a trip-induced event is one of the leading causes of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to expose individuals to realistic environments with minimal injury risk compared to real-world exposures. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity joint kinematics during overground walking when exposed to real and virtually generated trip obstacles. A total of 14 healthy participants [7 male, 7 female; age: 23.46 ± 3.31 years; height: 173.85 ± 8.46 cm; mass: 82.19 ± 11.41 kg; shoe size (men’s): 9.03 ± 2.71 s] were …

Athletic Trainers' Perspectives On Resources And Preparation Needed For Successful Salary Negotiation, Kimberly R. Detwiler, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Indigo B. White, Leanne E. Jones, Julie M. Cavallario

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Many athletic trainers (ATs) work under high stress, long hours, and low pay. These conditions often lead ATs and athletic training students to leave the profession. Previous studies show that over half of ATs do not negotiate salary, often because they feel the offer is fair or fear losing the job. Additional support is needed to help ATs prepare for negotiations, as current resources are limited.

Objective

This study explored ATs’ views on the resources need to prepare for salary negotiations during the hiring process.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual video interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-eight participants …

Prediction Of Snatch And Clean And Jerk Performance From Physical Performance Measures In Elite Male Weightlifters, Ingo Sandau, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study aimed to build a valid model to predict maximal weightlifting competition performance using ordinary least squares linear regression (OLR) and penalized (Ridge) linear regression (penLR) in 29 elite male weightlifters. One repetition maximum (1RM) or 3RM test results of assistant exercises were used as predictors. Maximal performance data of competition and assistant exercises were collected during a macrocycle in preparation for a competition. One repetition maximum snatch pull, 3RM back squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM snatch; and 1RM clean pull, 3RM front squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were …

Computational Approaches For Diagnosing Neurological Impairments And Restoring Functional Movement, Serhii Bahdasariants

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Movement is the primary means by which the nervous system converts intention into interaction with the environment. Voluntary limb motion enables standing, walking, reaching, and grasping—actions that underpin self‑care, communication, and economic participation. When diseases or injuries disrupt the pathways that couple neural commands to muscle forces—whether through cortical stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral nerve damage—mechanical outcomes such as weakness, loss of coordination, and ultimately reduced mobility emerge. These impairments cascade into secondary complications, increased dependence on caregivers, and diminished quality of life. Quantifying how the lesion alters the mechanics of movement is therefore essential for designing targeted interventions …