Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Delineation Of Factors Influencing Physical Therapists To Accept A Position At A Rural Hospital In Michigan, Jon A. Cummings, Matthew E. Flynn, E. J. Miller

Masters Theses

This descriptive study seeks to identify the primary factors influencing physical therapists to accept a position as a physical therapist (P.T.) at a rural hospital in the state of Michigan and is designed to enhance the body of knowledge regarding rural hospital recruitment of physical therapists. Of the 63 rural hospitals in Michigan, (rural as defined by the Michigan Hospital Association), 55 agreed to participate in this study. One hundred and twenty-three questionnaires were distributed. Eighty-three were completed and returned to obtain a 67% response rate. Frequency distribution, cluster and factor analysis, coefficient alpha, multivariate analysis of variance and the …

Safe At The Shoulder, Daniel Cipriani

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

The key to preventing shoulder injuries is understanding the anatomy of the shoulder complex and how the body's other muscles affect the throwing motion

Comparisons Of Performance On The Short Form Of The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency Between 14-Year-Old Children And 18 To 24-Year-Old Adults, Jenny Eshleman, Elizabeth Michmershuizen, Jennifer Zackrison

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the need for normative data for adults on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). This was determined by finding differences in performance between the 18 to 24-year-old adults from this study and the 14-year-olds from the original study.; A sample of 33 females and 30 males were administered the Short Form (SF) of the BOTMP. Mean scores and standard deviations were computed from the raw scores of the subjects. These values were compared by t-test among the subjects of this study, and to the original sample of 14-year old children. The …

Efficacy Of Implementing An Ergonomics Program In An Industrial Setting Regarding Cumulative Trauma Disorders To The Upper Extremity, Christa Abraham, Lisa Evans, Patrick Hoban

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of an industrial ergonomics program would decrease the number of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders, lost days of work, and insurance costs. Data was collected from company records and OSHA logs including type of injury, lost days of work, restricted days of work, and insurance costs. This data was then analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.; The results of this study supported the concept that ergonomic programs may decrease the number of lost days of work. In this study, a number of limitations and weak correlations were found between …

Physical Therapists' Perceived Risk For Contracting The Hepatitis B Virus, Patricia Rohrs, Jill Slagal

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine whether physical therapists' perceived risks for contracting hepatitis B had a significant effect on the acceptance or rejection of the hepatitis B vaccine. Knowledge and compliance with Universal Precautions was also explored.; The sample consisted of 122 physical therapists employed by general hospitals in Michigan which were greater than 200 beds with five or more therapists on staff. The participants completed a 26 item questionnaire.; The results indicated that 100% of the respondents were aware of the hospital's Universal Precautions policies. Only 22.5% did not always carry them out in cases where they should. …

Minority Student Recruitment And Retention Efforts By Physical Therapy Schools In The United States, Julie Deboer, Brooke Nyssen

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine whether schools that attempt to recruit and retain minority students have greater numbers of minority applicants, enrollees, or graduates when compared to schools that make no efforts. We surveyed 125 physical therapy programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education in the United States. We determined what efforts were used most often. Athletic screening and using alumni were associated with a higher number of minority applicants. No efforts were associated with greater minority enrollment. Tutoring was associated with higher numbers of minority graduates. However, we found no …

Physical Therapists' Views Of Certified Athletic Trainers In The Clinical Setting, Leah Parizon, Andrew Snyder

Masters Theses

Since certified athletic trainers began working in the clinical setting alongside physical therapists, there has been controversy between the two professions concerning the utilization of the ATCs. Although views of ATCs from the PTs' perspective have been speculated, there has been no conclusive research on this topic. The purpose of this study was to find out how physical therapists in the state of Michigan view ATCs in the clinical setting. The Health Team Stereotype Scale, which was developed by Dr. Harry Parker, was used to determine the PTs' attitudes toward the ATCs. There was a return rate of 47.4% (N …

A Survey Of Clinical Applications And Outcome Assessment Procedures For Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization Exercise Training, Brenda Engels, Carrie Patterson, Mary Beth Sawinski

Masters Theses

The San Francisco Spine Institute (SFSI) Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization (DLMS) Program is a comprehensive, non-operative treatment approach to lumbar spine dysfunction. This program is implemented in physical therapy clinics nationwide.; The purpose of this study was to compare DLMS treatment concepts and methods used by Michigan rehabilitation professionals with the SFSI protocol. Forty-nine clinicians were interviewed using a questionnaire developed by the investigators. The areas surveyed included: clinicians' rationale for use and implementation of DLMS training, and clinicians' assessment of patient functional outcomes.; The survey responses suggest that clinicians focus on orthopedic evaluation parameters and low back pain management …

Postural Sway In Elderly Females During The Six Sensory Conditions Of The Clinical Test For Sensory Interaction In Balance, Selena Horner, Gregory Vidro, Deborah Wildenhaus

Masters Theses

This study was designed to quantify postural sway in healthy elderly females during the Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance. Sixteen females who ranged in age from 65 to 83 participated. Each individual performed three trials of the test on the Balance Master{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar}, which recorded percent postural sway area. Sway values from the third trial were used in data analysis.; Using a repeated measures ANOVA (F(5,75) = 33.38, p {dollar}<{dollar}.01), statistical significance was found between conditions. The post hoc Tukey's determined increased postural sway in conditions 5 and 6 (M = 1.8175 and 1.7425 respectively, p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). Results indicated postural sway increased with intersensory conflict (altered somatosensation and altered or eliminated vision) leading to the conclusion that healthy elderly females relied heavily on somatosensory and visual input for maintenance of standing balance.

Entry-Level Master's Vs Bachelor's Degree In Physical Therapy: Employers' Perspectives On Hiring And Promoting, Michele Elisa Klukos, Tracy Errol Mobley, Melissa Ann Monken

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a perceived advantage among employers in holding a particular entry-level degree in physical therapy when seeking employment or when being considered for promotion to an administrative/supervisory position. The investigators tested two separate hypotheses: (1) There is no perceived advantage among employers in holding an entry-level master's degree when seeking employment as a staff physical therapist, and (2) There is a perceived advantage among employers in holding an entry-level master's degree when being considered for promotion to an administrative/supervisory position. The investigators sent a questionnaire to the director/supervisor of rehabilitation …

Differences In Job Satisfaction Between Contract And Directly Employed Physical Therapists, Valerie Stonehouse, Nicole Vanderberg

Masters Theses

This research study explores the possible differences in general job satisfaction between contracted physical therapists and directly employed physical therapists. The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire was sent to contract and directly employed therapists who fulfilled the following criteria: working in an acute care setting, working at that particular job for at least six months but no more than two years, and working in the profession for at least six months. A total of 200 surveys were mailed to therapists in the state of Michigan with 17 surveys being returned by contracted therapists and 34 from directly employed therapists, for a 25.5% …

The Effect Of Immobilization On Grip Strength And Pinch Strength In Normal Subjects, Bonni L. Kinne

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a one-week period of immobilization resulted in a significant decrease in the grip strength and/or pinch strength of normal subjects.; The participants in this investigation were right-handed females between the ages of 21 and 45. Throughout the one-week period between the pre-test and post-test, each subject assigned to the experimental group had her left hand immobilized in a cast. During the pre-test and post-test, all of the subjects had their left hands tested for grip strength and pinch strength. A separate unpaired t-test was then calculated for grip strength measured with …

Administration Of The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency To Healthy 25 To 30 Year Old Males, M. Michelle Butler, Vanessa L. Koschtial

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the standards of performance on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-S) of healthy males from 25 to 30 years of age. Although the BOT-S was developed and standardized on children, this test is used by physical therapists to assess adult patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The BOT-S evaluates both gross and fine motor control. Reliability and validity of the BOT-S have been established on children 4.5 to 14.5 years of age. This study estimated standard scores for 25 to 30 year old males on the BOT-S.; This study was …

Physical Therapy Students' Views Of Preparation To Practice Under Direct Access, Kristina Scheuneman, Lana Tubman

Masters Theses

Education must keep pace with the trend toward nationwide direct access to physical therapy. This study surveyed students in their final year of an entry-level master's degree program to determine if they feel prepared to practice under direct access upon graduation. Only 34-38% of the students felt prepared to practice under direct access.; The main factor that influenced their low perceptions of preparation was the amount of clinical affiliation experience remaining. Other factors, such as direct access status of the state in which the students were educated and most skills and knowledge related to direct access, did not correspond with …

The Effects Of Muscle Tone On Shoulder Pain In The Post-Cva Population, Jane Ubben, Kim Moyle

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were to determine whether post-CVA hemiplegic shoulder pain is related to hypertonicity, whether muscle tone of the shoulder differed between patients with pain and those without, and to determine whether a relationship exists between hypotonicity or hypertonicity and amount of range of motion (ROM), glenohumeral subluxation, or sensory disturbances, in those who experience pain. Data was analyzed for significance using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed Ranks Test, Mann-Whitney U-Test, Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Tests ({dollar}\alpha{dollar} = 05). Review of l09 charts revealed a significant relationship between ROM limitations and pain. ROM limitations were significantly related to …

Functional Outcomes Of Workman's Compensation Patients With Sub-Acute Mechanical Low Back Pain: A Descriptive Retrospective Study With Post-Treatment Follow-Up, Dan Peterson, Kirk Randall, Rex Holden

Masters Theses

This study used functional outcomes of workman's compensation (WC) patients with low back pain (LBP) to examine the efficacy of physical therapy (PT) treatments within a Functional Restoration Program (FRP). Of the 46 possible participants, 16 patients (10 males and 6 females) with mean ages of 43.2 and 39 years respectively, returned the questionnaire with information pertaining to current working status, patient preferred treatments, management of pain, psychosocial issues, work simulation, home exercise program compliance and back care education among others. Due to the pausity of subjects, the data is not clinically applicable. However, the results of this study appear …

Isokinetic Measurement Of Sagittal Plane Trunk Strength In Older Adults, Ralph L. Bidwell, Jill E. Thauvette, Patrick A. Townshend

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to collect normal flexion and extension trunk strength values for a population of individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 years of age. Twelve female and eight male volunteers in generally good health were tested in a seated position using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Each performed five reciprocal maximal efforts of concentric flexion-extension cycles at the three isokinetic speeds of 60, 120 and 180{dollar}\sp\circ{dollar}/s. Raw and body weight adjusted data for peak torque and total work were analyzed. Results suggest strength decreases with age and that extension strength is greater than flexion strength. …

1993 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1993 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

Providing Physical Therapy Services In The Least Restrictive Educational Environment, Judy E. Bahe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Federal legislation has mandated free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. Physical therapy is included as one of the related services which must be provided, if needed, to assist students with disabilities to benefit from the educational programs. This creates unique challenges for the physical therapist, who traditionally has provided services in a medical model rather than an educational model. The American Physical Therapy Association has published policies and guidelines for providing physical therapy services in the educational environment; however, each state is encouraged to adapt the guidelines to meet individual needs.

This paper provides a general review …

Determination Of Eligibility For Physical Therapy In The Public School Setting, Margaret Ann Borkowski

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1991 (IDEA) includes physical therapy as one of the related services which may be necessary for a student with disabilities to benefit from special education. The determination of eligibility is therefore an important part of the provision of physical therapy in a public school setting. This study investigates how this determination is made across the United States and makes recommendations for physical therapists in the state of North Dakota.

This study consists of a literature review (including medical and educational journals) and two surveys. The requirements for special education and related services under …

Anatomical Study Of Vastus Medialis Obliquus Orientation In Relation To The Superior Pole Of The Patella, Wade A. Burd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal electrode site of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) from a predetermined landmark on the patella.

Subjects. Twelve cadavers (6 male, 6 female), aged 30 to 86 years (x = 66.3), from Anatomy: PT 322 lab were utilized for data collection.

Methods. The following three measurements were taken on the lower extremities of the cadavers using a transparent double axis grid: 1) distance from the superior patellar pole to the adductor magnus tendon 2) distance from the superior patellar pole to the center point of the VMO and 3) the …

Electromyographic Biofeedback Training For Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Literature Review, Kayla K. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the clinical effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome, and to evaluate the symptoms and etiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The literature review will also identify the advantages of closed chain knee exercise in comparison to open chan knee exercise specifically in relation to the patellofemoral joint. A treatment hierarchy of closed chain knee exercise used in combination with electromyographic biofeedback is presented within the research proposal. The research proposal compares open chain biofeedback assisted exercise to …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome In The Absence Of Rotator Cuff Tear, Pat R. Carter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder impingement syndrome is believed to be the most common cause of shoulder pain in adults, and the major shoulder problem in sports medicine. It develops in a progressive manner to bind the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa beneath the coracoacromial arch superiorly and the upper humerus inferiorly. If left untreated, rotator cuff degeneration and eventual partial or complete tears of the tendons may result.

This report focuses on stage 1 and 2 of impingement syndrome, excluding calcific tendinitis and known rotator cuff or biceps tears. Through a search of the literature, normal and pathologic anatomy and biomechanics will be …

Cigarette Smoking And Low Back Pain, Cindy G. Broden

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to define presently existing theories linking cigarette smoking and low back pain. It also provides a detailed description of nicotine and its physiological and psychological effects.

There are four theories outlined in this study which could serve as explanations for the correlation of cigarette smoking and low back pain. The first is the chronic cough associated with smoking. This cough increases mechanical stress including higher disc pressures and poor union and healing following spinal fusion surgery. The second theory deals with the vascular changes caused by nicotine which decreases vertebral blood flow and …

Plyometrics, Cynthia K. Flom

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plyometrics are a form of exercises in which an isometric-type overload, using the myotatic (stretch) reflex, is produced by means of an eccentric (lengthening) contraction, with the muscle being fully stretched immediately preceding the concentric (shortening) contraction. How fast the muscle switches from an eccentric to a concentric contraction will determine the athlete's power. The goal behind plyometric exercise is to train the nervous system to react with maximum speed to the lengthening of muscle and to develop the muscle's ability to shorten rapidly with maximal force. Plyometrics are first found in the literature in 1966 containing the work done …

Factors Affecting The Course Of Ambulation In Lumbar Myelomeningocele, Jennifer L. Fell

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Depending on the area of the spinal cord affected and the resultant degree of muscle paralysis, frequently ambulation is affected in the individual with myelodysplasia. While the ambulatory outcome of individuals with thoracic region myelomeningocele is unfavorable, those with sacral myelomeningocele hold excellent prognosis for functional ambulation. The walking potential of individuals with lumbar myelomeningocele, however, is less clear. Experts agree that, in addition to neurosegmental lesion level, several other factors can influence the ambulatory status of lumbar myelodysplastics. However, experts disagree on the relative significance of the individual factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze various factors …

A Critical Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Lori Hefta

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to provide information regarding the anatomy, function, and evaluation of the sacroiliac joint. Primary emphasis was given to the relevance of anatomy and function of this complex and unique joint. Arthrokinematics of the jOint were discussed relevant to functional movements. Evaluation of the sacroiliac joint continues to be questioned regarding reliability of clinical models, and future research in this area is encouraged.

Exercise In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Christy R. Hokanson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Before 1980, the effects of exercise on people with rheumatoid arthritis was considered negative, even though no research substantiated this belief. Medical professionals prescribed rest and passive exercise as the activity level for people with rheumatoid arthritis. So, the patients rested and developed many of the problems associated with inactivity. This resulted in more disability and less people with rheumatoid arthritis in the work force.

This paper is a literature search which examines current research on exercise in rheumatoid arthritis. It attempts to answer many of the questions asked about exercising with rheumatoid arthritis. Discussed are the topics of deconditioning, …

A Review Of Functional Assessment Instruments, Kristen N. Weich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Formalized functional assessment, in the form of data that is uniform and complete, is desirable for objective and explicit documentation of functional improvement. A variety of functional assessment instruments are currently being utilized in the field of medical rehabilitation. However, there is not professional clarity as to which functional assessment instrument is optimal.

The concept of functional assessment is described. An overview of existing functional assessment instruments is presented. Criteria for evaluating the adequacy of functional assessment instruments is discussed.

There is no one best approach to assessing physical function. No instrument is perfect for all patients or all situations. …

The Effect Of A Specific Training Program On The Athletic Performance Of Ice Hockey Players, Grey M. Rudolph

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Hockey Acceleration Program is an athletic training program designed by John Frappier, M.S., of Fargo, ND, to increase the speed, strength and explosiveness of hockey players. The program involves resistance training, plyometrics and skate training on a skating treadmill. The purpose of this preliminary study was to analyze the effectiveness of the Acceleration Program by comparing the performance of athletes in a variety of areas before and after taking part in the Acceleration Program. The areas compared were strength, skating form, trunk musculature performance and flexibility. All data compared was taken from the records of Acceleration Products, Inc., the …