Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Does One Session Of Pre-Operative Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Aid In Improving Urinary Incontinence Immediately Following Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy? A Retrospective And Pilot Study, Francine Noel-Ford

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Despite advancements in surgical techniques through the use of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, urinary incontinence remains the most common side effect following surgery affecting men’s quality of life.

Objective: To explore the role of a single pre-operative pelvic floor muscle training session. To determine if men who receive the training session have a decrease incidence of incontinence post-op, whether pelvic floor muscle strength pre-operatively is an independent predictor of urinary incontinence, and the impact of incontinence on quality of life in men following a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in the early stages post-operatively.

Design: A two part study with a …

Neck Muscle Composition In Persistent Whiplash Associated Disorder: A Relationship With Disability, Bradford G. Callan

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose/hypothesis: Neck pain and related symptoms following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) can significantly influence the quality of life for some people. While the MVC related mechanics of the head and neck gives rise to the term whiplash, the signs and symptoms of neck related disability are often complex and are clinically referred to as whiplash associated disorder(WAD). Muscle fatty infiltrate (MFI) has been associated with persistent WAD, but its influence on the generation and maintenance of WAD is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MFI and baseline demographic variables related to persistent …

Stakeholder Perceptions On Transitioned Foster Youth Work Outcomes: A Mixed Methods Study In San Antonio, Bonnie Inkel

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: This examination of stakeholder perceptions on transitioned foster youth work outcomes is a crucial step to identify service strengths and barriers, characteristics of successful/unsuccessful outcomes, and opportunities for occupational therapy collaboration in San Antonio, Texas.

Method: A mixed-methods approach identified perceptions from two groups of stakeholders. Group I included transitionedfoster youth ages 18–24, and group II involved public/private agency professionals working with youth. Small sample sizes prevented traditional statistical analysis, but the Excel VARA (variance) statistical function analyzed numerical spread combinations from collected data, thus providing quantitative analysis.

Results: Participants confirmed they had not completed a similar survey on …

Occupational Therapy’S Needs Assessment For Service Navigation For Children With Autism, Kristina Lauren Paula

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. This capstone project brings to our attention the importance of occupational therapy’s role in meeting the continued needs of children with autism. As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) continues to increase, so does the disparity in the accessibility of services for children and their families. Therefore, it is imperative to facilitate a diagnostic process and identify the child’s specific needs, to implement early intervention strategies. The medical model of disability, an internationally recognized approach in diagnosing children withautism, views autism as a problem that individually belongs to the child. Although the current medical model is preferred by …

Effect Of Animal-Assisted Intervention On Graduate Students’ Perceptions Of Well-Being: Insights From Occupational Therapy, Christine Kivlen

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Problem Statement: There is a growing concern regarding college student well-being that requires a need for implementation of cost-effective interventions addressing the increasing number of students experiencing negative mental health symptoms. Studies from medical and educational settings suggested positive mental health benefits from animal assisted intervention (AAI). Researchers studying college students exposed to animals during periods of high academic stress demonstrated successful reductions in stress and anxiety; however, researchers have not examined a specific area of dosage, including the influence of recurring AAI (more than one session) in the graduatestudent population. Furthermore, researchers have failed to include each element of …

Sin Papeles: The Experiences Of Undocumented Central American Immigrants In The United States, Elizabeth Jarquin

Department of Family Therapy Dissertations and Applied Clinical Projects

In the United States, the topic of immigration represents a source of intense debate, which has escalated in recent years. Research indicates that Latinx immigrants are negatively impacted by current immigration policies— they are feeling afraid, angry, exhausted, defeated, overwhelmed, and concerned about themselves and their family (Castrellón, Rivarola, & López, 2017; Wray-Lake et al., 2018). This research, however, has largely neglected the Central American subgroup and the experiences of undocumented immigrants. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of undocumented Central American immigrants and their families within the current sociopolitical context. I utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis …

Exploring The Professional Development Of Mft Students Enrolled In Equine Assisted Family Therapy Coursework: An Experiential Learning Modality, Natalie Rothman

Department of Family Therapy Dissertations and Applied Clinical Projects

Equine assisted activities have been utilized in various manners with multiple populations in therapeutic and educational environments. A graduate level marriage and family therapy program in South Florida is currently offering Equine Assisted Relational Learning (EARL) activities focused on teaching a specific sub-model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), known as Equine Assisted Family Therapy (EAFT). The experiential nature of EAP and EARL transforms abstract concepts such as thoughts and mannerisms into tangible experiences, as well as highlights behavioral patterns. The unique and innovative theoretical foundation of EAFT is being taught, demonstrated, and utilized to assist graduate level therapists with professional …

The Impact Of Grief Work On Hospice Mental Health Providers Through A Bowen Family Systems Lens, Joshua Hernandez

Department of Family Therapy Dissertations and Applied Clinical Projects

Marriage and family therapists and other mental health professionals and clients can be thought of as their own, divine emotional unit, generating and distributing the anxiety of one to the other. In fact, Kerr and Bowen (1988) described anxiety as a driving force exchanged by every living organism, and the energy surrounded by every human relationship. Within a hospice setting, anxiety can be heightened due to catering to end-of-life care, which can potentially affect the emotional response and reactivity of the mental health professional, changing the course of treatment for the patient and their family. Emerging research within healthcare has …

Can The Forward-Step-Down Test Be Used Reliably In The Clinical Setting To Assess Movement Changes Resulting From Maximal Exertion? A Pilot Study, Erin Mccallister, Daniel W. Flowers

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Visual assessment of lower extremity mechanics is used frequently in clinical practice, and objective scoring of the visual assessment is beneficial to improve objectivity of patient evaluation. In addition, lower extremity mechanics change with fatigue and these changes may increase the risk of lower extremity injury. The Forward-Step-Down Test (FSDT) is one such objective tool, but its ability to detect changes in movement quality in response to exertion are not known. Methods: This study utilized a repeated-measures design, where the participants were scored on the FSDT before performing the Bruce protocol for an exertion stimulus. The participants were re-scored …

What Is The Evidence For The Effectiveness Of Scapulothoracic Strengthening Exercises In Individuals With Neck Pain: A Systematic Review, Anna-Maria Zacharakis, Lauren Mia Zanelli, Holly Rose Watkins, Lea Victoria O'Brien, Evan James Wolfendale, George Harry White, Matt Ransom

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Neck pain is a highly prevalent issue, ranked as the fourth greatest issue worldwide in terms of overall disease burden, and consequently, places a substantial impact upon the healthcare system. Scapulothoracic exercises appear as a promising avenue for the treatment of neck pain amongst the various treatment options currently available. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness and clinical application of this approach. Purpose: The aim of this review was to establish the evidence surrounding the clinical application and effectiveness of scapulothoracic strengthening exercises to reduce neck pain. Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases, including Ovid Medline, Scopus, …

An Exploration Of Quality Of Life Contributors For Stroke Survivors: Potential Implications For Service Delivery Within The Community Rehabilitation Context, Gaylea Fritsch, Sarah Patterson, Anita Blight, Renaye Daniells

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community rehabilitation services typically assist stroke survivors with function, participation, and quality of life. Many factors have been found to influence the overall quality of life including self-identity, control, social supports, personality, and participation in valued activities. This review explored the possible contributing quality of life factors for stroke survivors within a community rehabilitation context to assist with further development of service delivery within this clinical area. Method: A purposive sample of clients with stroke (n=20) was selected based on their overall quality of life change during their rehabilitation program as measured on the World Health Organisation Quality of …

Student Experiences With Engagement In A Nursing And Physical Therapy Interprofessional Education Simulation, Sarah Koplow, Melissa Morris, Shari Rone-Adams, Heather Hettrick, Bini Litwin, Lisa B. Soontupe, Archana Vatwani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional Education (IPE) incorporated into healthcare discipline instruction has been shown to be successful in improving the understanding perceptions of complimentary professions. The purpose of this mixed method study was to measure differences in perceptions of early Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with participation in a immersive interprofessional education experience. Method: Students completed a pre and posttest survey consisting of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and several short answer qualitative questions. Cohorts of BSN and DPT students participated in a computerized mannequin simulation experience or a hybrid simulation. Results: Students …

Empathy And Regard: Perspectives Held By Graduate Students Of Rehabilitation Sciences, Alexia E. Metz, Allison Christoff, Otd, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Empathy and regard are understood to be critical to high-quality health care. The purposes of this study were: 1) to increase the representation of the rehabilitation sciences within the literature, 2) to refine the distinctions between empathy and regard, and 3) to examine the relation between empathy and regard within the context of two medical conditions with disparate amounts of associated stigma (cerebrovascular accident [CVA] and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV/AIDS]). Method: Utilizing the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Professions Student version and the Medical Condition Regard Scale, levels of empathy and regard were assessed twice in …

Educational Impact On Therapists’ Knowledge, Beliefs, And Actions: A Pilot Study, Elena Wong Espiritu, Natalie N. Michaels, Steven Busby

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Collaborative goal setting has been shown to be an effective way to promote client engagement leading to improved outcomes; however, healthcare professionals face challenges when implementing collaborative goal setting into their clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational workshops to 1) increase a therapist’s knowledge of motivational interviewing and action planning, 2) promote collaboration between therapists and their patients/clients, 3) promote collaboration between therapists and their interdisciplinary team and 4) increase the ease of implementation of motivational interviewing and action planning skills into a therapist’s clinical practice. Method: A mixed-methods design …

Interprofessional Peer Teaching: Assistive Device Training And Medications Impacting Safe Ambulation, Niamh M. Tunney, Melissa Chesson, Gina J. Ryan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: An interprofessional peer teaching activity was designed and implemented to provide students with an opportunity to practice interprofessional education collaborative (IPEC) competencies while improving student knowledge of assistive devices for gait and medications impacting safe ambulation. Method: During the activity, second year physical therapy students instructed third year pharmacy students in the accurate fit and counseling for use of canes, crutches, and walkers. Pharmacy students then demonstrated these skills and were checked off on their ability to accurately fit and instruct consumers on basic gait patterns. The pharmacy students in turn educated the physical therapy students about medications …

The Prevalence And Characteristics Of Physical Therapy Pro Bono Services Involving Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Catherine E. Crandell, Jill D. Black, Robin L. Dole, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The offering of pro bono services has been a historical practice in a number of professions including law and medicine. Medical literature suggests pro bono services provide a vital safety net for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. Medical students commonly participate in pro bono services, however, little is known about doctor of physical therapy (DPT) student involvement. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of physical therapy (PT) programs accredited or in candidacy in the United States to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pro bono services involving DPT students. Method: A 30-item electronic survey …

Development Of A Survey Instrument To Explore The Characteristics Of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions, Jack A. Seaton, Anne Jones, Catherine L. Johnston, Karen Francis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey …

Perceptions Of The Impact Of Non-Contact Boxing On Social And Community Engagement For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Qualitative Study, Casey E. Humphrey, Dana M. Howell, Melba Custer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To explore the perceptions of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) on their experiences within a community based, non-contact boxing program. Specifically, this study considered how these individuals perceived non-contact boxing to influence their social and community engagement and factors influencing ongoing participation in this program. Method: This was a phenomenological case study that utilized qualitative methods for data collection including semi-structured interviews and observation. Colaizzi’s method was used for data analysis. A convenience sample obtained from a boxing club that offered PD specific boxing classes was used. The sample included 10 participants (3 female, 7 male) ranging in age …

An Interprofessional Clinical Placement In A Primary Healthcare Setting: A Pilot Study, Christina Aggar, Beth Mozolic-Staunton, Renee Joyce Lovi, Maggie Scorey, Melissa Kemp, Tara Walker, Sian Lewis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Internationally, and in Australia, interprofessional education (IPE) is becoming typical in primary healthcare delivery and is core to delivering patient-centred care. It is essential that primary healthcare education develop interprofessional capacity in order to produce a skilled workforce. An IPE clinical placement for undergraduate health students was developed and piloted in primary healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the IPE clinical placement in a primary healthcare setting on students’ perceptions of interprofessional education. Method: A pre-post placement validated questionnaire (n=19) indicated overall perceptions of IPE significantly increased over the course of …

Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Junior Faculty Member Preparation: Perceptions Of Doctoral Programs And Clinical Practice, Jessica L. Barrett, Stephanie M. Singe, Aynsley Diamond

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Institutions of higher education suffer from a shortage of appropriately prepared faculty members in athletic training and physical therapy programs. Both professional programs have recently undergone curricular reform and degree change. We sought gain an understanding of the preparation mechanisms experienced by athletic training and physical therapy practitioners for their junior faculty positions. Method: Twenty-six athletic trainers and physical therapists participated in this phenomenological study. Data from one-on-one phone interviews were analyzed following the inductive process of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Content experts, pilot interviews, multiple analysts and member checking ensured trustworthiness. Results: Findings indicate two primary mechanisms prepared the …

Educational Perspectives: Integrating A Student Post-Stroke Clinic Within A First-Year Occupational Therapy Kinesiology Course, Mark Blanchard, Barbara M. Doucet

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT
Purpose: In many occupational therapy graduate programs, student experiences with actual patient evaluation and intervention typically occur following several semesters of didactic instruction. We explored the impact of an early immersive and reflective hands-on patient experience on student learning and clinical skill development. Method: Following participation in five task-specific occupational therapy clinical sessions that were embedded into an applied kinesiology course, students performed reflections on the experience. These reflections included thoughts on kinesiology course content and clinical skill development through patient sessions over the semester. Results: A qualitative thematic analysis of student reflections was conducted. Findings reflected …

Transforming Through Reflection: Use Of Student-Led Reflections In The Development Of Intercultural Competence During A Short-Term International Immersion Experience, Diane Ceo-Difrancesco, Leah S. Dunn, Nathalie Solorio

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Curricular integration designed to include cultural competence standards for health care professionals is paramount to preparing students to meet the needs of a growing diverse population in the U.S. The purpose of this research is to examine the cultural competency development of occupational therapy students, and to report on their reflections and perspectives during a two-week immersive and service-learning experience in Guatemala. Methods: As intercultural competence is a highly personal trait, the study used a descriptive qualitative research design gaining participants’ perspectives of the short-term international immersion experience through student-led reflective focus groups, using an open discussion format, …

The Effect Of Extraversion On Practical Examination Scores In Students Of Physical Therapy, Scott Richardson, Zachary Zemanek, Travis Downen, Chantsen Rich, Nate Weltzin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a physical therapy student’s level of extraversion positively correlates to practical exam scores. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample recruited from the classes of 2018 and 2019 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona. Subjects completed the Goldberg’s Big-Five Factor Marker questionnaire as a measure of introversion/extraversion. These scores were compared with participants’ practical exam scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 60 participants (31 males, 29 females) with mean extraversion score (32.97+/-7.90, p=.27) and …

Plyometric Training For Young Male Field Hockey Players, Vijaya Krishnan, Twincy Rajawadha

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Field hockey is a team sport requiring a combination of skill set to enhance a player’s performance. Power, Fitness and Agility are few such basic parameters. Newer training protocols are constantly explored to achieve the desired effect and plyometrics is one such method. It is also important to know how long lasting the effects of training are. Methodology: Fifty (50) male field hockey players at interschool and zonal level participated in the study. These sports specific parameters - lower limb power, fitness level and agility - were tested using the vertical jump test, 40-metre sprint test, and shuttle cross …

Investigating The Influence That Service In A Pro Bono Clinic Has On A First Full-Time Clinical Education Experience From The Perspective Of Students And Their Clinical Instructors, Ellen Erdman, Jill D. Black, Sandra Campbell, Tim Golder, Stephen Grazioli, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Academic physical therapy programs strive to foster student readiness for full-time clinical education experiences in a variety of ways. This research looks at one program who has students participate in a student-run pro bono clinic for at least 60 hours prior to the first full-time clinic experience. The purpose of the study is to explore the influence that participation in this pro bono clinic has on a first full-time clinical education experience from the perspective of both the student and the clinical instructor (CI). Methods: Qualitative methodology was employed to gain the perspectives of 29 students and their respective …

Using Kinetic Energy With Potential Energy When Determining Power During The Stair Climbing Test, James R. Roush, John D. Heick, Joseph Genovese, Kyle Kurashima, Dallin Yarrington

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Stair climbing is an important functional task that indicates independence, and generating power to climb stairs is a vital component of this task. Power during stair climbing is traditionally calculated using potential energy (PE), but it may be important to determine power expended using kinetic energy (KE).

Purpose: The current study assessed power output for stair climbing with and without the inclusion of KE.

Methods: Sixty participants (21-35 years) climbed a 12-step stairway with a 2-meter acceleration phase before the first step and a 2-meter deceleration phase after the last step. Participants completed 3 trials, and average time was …

An Exploratory Study Of The Perceptions Of Footwear For Individuals Who Use Lower Limb Orthotics, Margaret E. Gegen, Teresa Plummer, Nancy Darr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this study was to explore individual’s perceptions of orthotics and footwear. A survey was created by the authors with the expert opinions of physical and occupational therapists and was distributed to two therapy clinics in Tennessee that provide both occupational therapy and physical therapy as well as on several online support groups. Seventy-nine (79) caregivers completed surveys. Thematic analysis was performed using Nvivo 10 (QSR International) and descriptive statistics were generated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM International). Ninety percent (90%) of participants report that orthotics affect what type of shoes the user …

Grit And Academic Performance In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Scott Richardson, Michael Scotto, Mayanne Belcina, Richa Patel, Kevin Wiener

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a physical therapy student’s level of grit positively correlates to graduate school grade point average. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample recruited from the class of 2021 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona. Subjects completed the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S) as a measure of grit. These scores were compared with participants’ graduate school grade point average using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 27 participants (15 males, 12 females) with mean grit score of 3.76 …

Qualitative Analysis Of Student Physical Therapist Reflective Writing: Does An Interprofessional Discharge Planning Simulation Increase Their Understanding Of The Role They Play In Discharge Planning?, Leslie M. Smith, Benjamin Sachs, Karen Berg, Megan Keiser, Laura J. Smith, Carman Turkelson, Amy Yorke

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Core Competencies for Entry-Level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy provides an expectation of entry-level practice in acute care for physical therapists including discharge planning (DP). Physical therapists (PT), despite having appropriate clinical reasoning and unique skills for determining the functional abilities of patients, are less often a part of the DP process. The purpose of this study was to determine, by use of qualitative analysis of reflective writing, if an interprofessional discharge planning simulation will increase students’ understanding of the role of physical therapy in DP. Methods: Students from physical therapy (n=57), undergraduate nursing (n=36), graduate …

Make Changes Early! High Stress Levels Predict Lower Academic Performance In First-Year Physical Therapy Students: A Pilot Study, Daniel W. Flowers, Amanda Bernard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Evidence exists in the literature that allows admissions committees to predict which students will be most successful in entry-level physical therapy educational programs. Evidence linking modifiable predictors of academic performance to currently enrolled students allowing enhancement of their performance during enrollment is lacking. Previous healthcare education literature indicates that stress has a negative predictive relationship with academic performance, and that stress is the highest in the beginning of an academic program. Research studies with medical students report exercise assists in minimizing stress and improving academic performance, while the role of leisure time has also been investigated. No study has …