Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Barefoot Running: Effects On Emg Activity Of Gluteus Medius And Tensor Fascia Latae In Habitually Shod Runners, Bailey Neubauer, Zach Drevlow, Alexandra Gerlach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Running has been a common practice in humans since the species’ dawn. Due to its relative ease and low cost, running continues to be one of the most popular forms of exercise today. Although running provides many benefits such as disease prevention, injury prevalence in running is high. The trend of minimalist shoes and barefoot training has gained popularity over the decade as a return to a more natural form of running. Some researchers hypothesize that barefoot running can reduce injury rate by changing the biomechanics of the runner. In this study we propose a different hypothesis: barefoot running …

Emg Analysis Of Lassimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Katie Holzheimer, Ross Swartz, Keely Hutchens, Joshua Still

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Spinal rotation is a very common movement that occurs multiple times each day during normal daily activities or even during certain sport performances. Since this motion is a contributing factor to back injuries, it will be important for physical therapists to consider this concept with rehabilitation programs for current back injuries as well as prevention of future injuries. The LD has attachments to many areas of the body, including the spine, humerus, scapula, and pelvis, which explains why this muscle also contributes to multiple actions at the trunk and upper extremity. Due to the attachment sites and the …

Occupational Therapy In Primary Care: Progressive Neurological Disorder, Amanda Callahan, Danielle Chartier

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide occupational therapists with a quick reference guide describing the unique role of occupational therapy to provide treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis within a primary care setting.

A substantial literature review was completed to gather knowledge on multiple sclerosis, occupational therapy, primary care, and the intertwining of these three concepts. The findings from the literature review assisted to guide the development of the product.

A collaborative client and therapist guide was developed to guide treatment for individuals with multiple sclerosis within a primary care setting. Occupational therapists bring a holistic perspective …

Engaging Caregivers In Family-Centered Pediatric Occupation Therapy, Sidney Carlson, Sarah Schwartz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose Family-centered care is considered the gold standard when working with children and their families (Darrah, Wiart, Magill-Evans, Ray, & Andersen, 2010). Despite there being a strong push toward family-centered care, there remains a disconnect in outpatient pediatric settings when working with children ages 3-18. The purpose of this scholarly project is to raise awareness of the need for caregiver engagement in pediatric, outpatient occupational therapy and identify best practice principles for caregiver engagement.

Methods An extensive literature review was conducted in order to understand caregiver engagement in pediatric occupational therapy. The information obtained from the literature review was analyzed …

Occupational Therapy At Stable Days: Supporting A Christian Worldview, Liz Nerhus, Jordan Mooney

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to provide a framework for use by an occupational therapist providing integrated services from a Christian worldview perspective within a faith-based setting.

Methodology: An extensive literature review was completed on the topics of occupational therapy in integrated faith-based settings, with an emphasis on spirituality, experience of practitioners, current tools of the profession, and the basic tenants of the Christian faith. The search databases used included: CINAHL, OTSEARCH, Pubmed, SocIndex, and PsycINFO. The literature review revealed that nearly 80% of Americans identify spirituality as an important part of their life (Williams-Reade, Lobo and Gutierrez, …

Enabling Occupational Competence Through Stress Reduction For Parents In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Jenna Nelson, Rachel Trieff

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Each year, thousands of infants are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Research has shown evidence that parents, of babies who are admitted to the NICU, experience increased stress levels and are at an increased risk for mental health issues after discharge from the hospital. The objective of this scholarly project was to develop an occupation-based group protocol that focuses on enabling an occupational adaptive response for parents in the NICU, through the use of evidenced-based stress reduction techniques. An extensive literature review was conducted to identify research to be used to support the development of this product. …

Grit Of First- And Second-Year Physical Therapy Students: A Pilot Study, Brianne Halbur, Alison Kopp

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare year-one and yeartwo student physical therapists grit scores using Angela Duckworth's 12 question Grit survey to investigate if there were correlations between the Grit score, GPA, age, or gender. The results of this pilot study will help shape further research on using Grit score as an indicator for academic success and hardship for students in strenuous programs.

Methods: The Grit-0 scale was distributed to both second and first year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at the University of North Dakota by the primary investigator. There were 105 …

A Case Report: Adhesive Capsulitis And Physical Therapy Intervention, Haley Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy interventions for a patient with adhesive capsulitis.

Case Description The patient was a 68-year-old right-handed male who presented with left shoulder pain and limited range of motion (ROM) following a fall 7 months prior. The patient had a past medical history of type II diabetes mellitus. The diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis was determined following radiographs, mechanism of injury, past medical history, and physical therapy examination and evaluation.

Intervention The patient was seen for a total of 8 physical therapy sessions over the span of 6 …

The Epidemiology Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Department In Grand Forks, Nd, Erin Arndt, Sterling Hubbard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: Sports and recreational injuries among youth is constantly being reviewed, and ways to prevent or decrease their incidence is an ongoing goal. The purpose of this study was to examine and provide information regarding the epidemiology of sports and recreation-related injuries in the pediatric population (ages 0-19) in the Grand Forks, ND area. This study is a continuation of a previous 10-year study; adding data retrieved within this current study would combine for 15 years of epidemiological data of those that presented to the Altru Emergency Department in Grand Forks, ND.

METHODS: This retrospective study involved examining Altru Department …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Alyssa Wagner, Brandon Forister, Zachary Huot

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used to complete daily activities and participate in sports. As a contributing factor to back injuries, the performance of spinal rotation is an important consideration for the rehabilitation of current and prevention of future back injuries. Muscles involved in spinal rotation have been researched, though limited findings exist for one of the largest back muscles, the Latissimus Dorsi (LD). The LD muscle contributes to many movements of the trunk and limbs given its multiple attachment sites including the pelvis, ribs, scapula, and humerus. Influence of the LD on spinal rotation has …

Collaborative Physical And Music Therapy Interventions For Impairments Of Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Jake Leverington, Kelsey Bell

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

[Background and Purpose] In the United States, the annual prevalence of stroke is estimated to be 800,000. 1 Following a stroke, physical therapy (PT) interventions aim to help individuals recover from impairments such as muscle weakness and overall functional limitation. Current research supports both physical and music therapy (MT) interventions on an individual basis. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity for person following stroke.

[Case Description] The patient is a 50- year-old caucasian female post right cerebral vascular accident (CVA) with left …

Physical Therapy Rehabiliation For Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Rebecca Lynch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Lumbar radiculopathy is one of the most common orthopedic conditions. This occurs when there is damage to a nerve root in the area that it exits the spinal cord. This can be caused from a disc herniation bone spurs, trauma, or a mechanical stretching event. There is not consistent evidence in current literature regarding rehabilitation interventions for this condition.

Case Description. This case report describes a 62-year-old female presenting to physical therapy with lumbar radiculopathy symptoms. She had multiple comorbidities as well as a scheduled total knee replacement surgery. Physical therapy interventions for this patient included manual …

Case Study: Acute And Subacute Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Multiple Orthopedic Injuries And A Mild Brain Injury Resulting From Motorcycle Collision, Leah Jensen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the 3.5-week inpatient physical therapy management of an 18-year-old female involved in a motorcycle accident resulting in multiple orthopedic injuries, a mild brain injury, and multiple skin abrasions. She was non-weight bearing (NWB) with her bilateral upper extremities, toe-touch weight bearing (TTWB) on her right lower extremity, and weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) on her left lower extremity throughout the course of her treatment. The purpose of this case report is to describe the various physical therapy (PT) interventions utilized for this patient and the patient's status after completion of them.

Case Description. …

Collaboration Between Physical Therapy And Music Therapy: A Case Study Of The Interventions And Their Effects On Parkinson's Disease, Mercedes Stein, Kristyn Bergh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Parkinson's Disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that causes motor dysfunction leading to dyskinesia, bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, resting tremors, postural impairments, and gait impairments. These impairments can have a tremendous negative impact on a person's everyday life. This case study demonstrates the collaboration of physical therapy and music therapy interventions and its effects on a female with Parkinson's Disease.

Case Description: The patient is a 72-year old female diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease around 2010. Her primary reason for seeking treatment is due to an increase in freezing of gait and overall decrease in mobility that …

The Treatment Of Shoulder Dysfunction By The Correction Of Shouler Girdle Muscle Imbalances: A Case Study, Zachary Peterson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Shoulder dysfunction is a broad expression that encompasses the shoulder girdle not being able to perform fluently, without pain, or within normal ranges of motion. Current literature elaborates on potential causes of dysfunction such as: osteoarthritis, impingement syndrome, and cervical myelopathy. From a clinical standpoint, it is crucial to differentiate between possible diagnoses to ensure the proper treatment is utilized.

Case Description: The patient was a 66‐year‐old female who was referred with the initial diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis. She presented with headache pain that was debilitating and followed a pattern consistent with muscle guarding, limited L shoulder …

Physical Therapy Treatment For A Patient With A Hip Fracture And Cognitive Impairments: A Case Report, Tracie Boehmlehner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: As the population shifts to include higher numbers of people in the elderly population, diseases and pathologies associated with geriatric populations will also increase. Two of these conditions are cognitive impairment and hip fractures. Hip fractures can be costly and life altering injuries. Treating patients with both of these conditions can pose a unique challenge to healthcare workers.

Case Description: The patient in this case study is a 78 year-old female who suffered a hip fracture secondary to a fall with a hip herniarthroplasty completed. She had many co-morbidities that are typical of an aging person such …

Life Skills Program For Youth Who Have Experienced Homelessness, Michael Black, Ariel Campbell

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: According to the United States Department of Education (2017), for the 2016-2017 school year, there was an estimated 1,924 students enrolled in public schools in Wyoming experiencing homelessness, with an estimated 295 of these students unaccompanied by a family member or guardian. Homeless youth comprise one of the most vulnerable and medically underserved populations in the United States (Ammerman et al., 2004) and are also substantially more likely to have mental health concerns as a result of their past traumatic experiences (Davies & Allen, 2017). Homeless youth typically develop identities and habits that enable them to negotiate and survive …

The Level Of Knowledge Of Evidenced Based Practice (Ebp) By Ot Managers, Madelin Buscho, Samantha Scheel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Occupational therapy (OT) managers are stakeholders in the expectations of occupational therapists, and hold great influence over evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation (Clark, Park & Burke, 2013). There are no research articles pertaining to the knowledge, attitudes or practices related to EBP among OT managers. The purpose of this research was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers to EBP implementation held by OT managers. Managers who oversee occupational therapists will be referred to as OT managers in this study no matter their professional background.

Methodology: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University …

A Website Designed To Equip Occupational Therapists With Information And Strategies For Holistically Addressing Sexual Activity With The Geriatric Population, Amber Fernandez, Ashleigh Mora

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As individuals age, they are likely to experience occupational deprivation. Occupational deprivation occurs in many forms. Many older adults experience occupational deprivation relating to the activity of daily living, sexual activity. Older adults experience many age-related changes, which impacts their ability to engage in sexual activity. Health care professionals have a responsibility to ensure older adults are able to engage in safe sexual practices. Yet, healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, are not addressing this need with their clients in a routine manner. A literature review was conducted in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of all the barriers older adults …

Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Knowledge And Perception Of The Value Of Environmental Adaptations For Nursing Home Residents With Neurocognitive Disorders, Hannah Fiser

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this independent study was to evaluate occupational therapy practitioners’ perceptions of the efficacy of certain environment-based intervention types when utilized with nursing home residents who present with neurocognitive disorders. A non-experimental research design in an online survey format was utilized. An invitation to take the online survey was submitted to 56 occupational therapy (OT) practitioners working in skilled nursing facilities. The online survey was comprised of questions addressing awareness/use and perception of efficacy of environment-based intervention methods. Seventeen responses were received. The majority of respondents reported awareness and use of the 20 environment-based intervention methods. Overall, respondents …

From Here To There: An Occupational Screening Tool For Transitioning Soldiers, Bailey Fruit, Hannah Williams

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Time has shown that it can be difficult for military personnel to resume their typical life roles within civilian life. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were the longest wars in United States history and involved some of the most intense ground engagements since Vietnam (Cogan, 2014). This left many soldiers to deal with the traumatic experiences they went through. This study aimed at developing a screening tool to address the difficulties experienced by veterans during their transition into civilian life.

The researchers began with a thorough review of literature to identify the occupational challenges the project would address. Following …

Access To Occupational Therapy Practice: A Review Of Current Licensing Processes In The United States, Melissa Groth, Martha Scoby

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose This study was conducted to gain insight on the 50 United States and Washington D.C. occupational therapy (OT) licensure application process. This study sought to examine the accessibility of the OT licensure websites as well as the compliance each OT state licensure application has with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The researchers predicted that, while the profession of OT seeks inclusion for all individuals, there is discrimination prominent in the OT state licensure process for individuals living with disabilities.

Methodology A two-fold process was used to collect information regarding accessibility and accommodation within licensing processes for OT licensure …

Wellness Programming For Men In Long-Term Care, Katie Hautman, Ashley Heinze

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this project was to develop a wellness guide for staff to implement in long-term care (LTC), to increase participation of meaningful activities and well-being for male residents of all abilities, both physically and psychosocially.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted to understand the need for activities of male residents in LTC. Sources included: online databases, textbooks, and government websites. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement (CMOPE) was selected to direct the development of the program guide. The CMOP-E promotes engagement in occupations and enablement of occupational performance, both of which are important for male …

Using Leisure As A Therapeutic Activity To Enhance Health, Well-Being, And Quality Of Life Among Long Term Care Residents, Olivia Mayasich, Alexis Tyce

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose The purpose of this scholarly project is to address health, well-being, and quality of life with the use of leisure activities as modalities with residents in long term care (LTC) facilities.

Methodology The results of a thorough literature review supported the need for a program to address leisure participation in residents in LTC facilities. An abundance of literature supporting participation in leisure to enhance health, well-being, and quality of life emerged from the literature review, revealing an obvious gap between literature and practice. The information gathered in the literature review helped guide the development of a program manual to …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Post Cva Education, Sadie Larson, Brooke Westrich

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The average literacy rate for healthcare client education materials is currently 11th-16th grade (Dignan & Hunter, 2015). Due to cognitive impairments, difficulty understanding healthcare education materials increases after experiencing a stroke (Danzl et al., 2016). Poor health education results in lower adherence to treatment and limited participation in everyday activities at home (DeMarco, Nystrom, & Salvatore, 2011). Clients and caregivers specifically reported a lack of understanding of post-stroke impairments (O'Connell, Baker, & Prosser, 2003).

A literature review was conducted on topics related to health literacy, post-stroke residual deficits, client education, and occupational therapy’s role in client education. There was an …

A Case Report: Factors Influencing The Physical Therapy Care Following Medical Treatment Of An Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma, Connor Camrud

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical decision-making processes of the physical therapy (PT) care for a patient who was diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma and subsequently had surgical decompression and resection, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Background Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas account for 3% to 20% of all brain tumors. The incidence of this tumor is 40% greater in males than females. Average onset occurs between 35 and 44 years of age. Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas commonly occur in the frontal lobes and are supratentorial. Patients will often present with headaches, new weakness, vision changes, and a decline in cognitive …

Outpatient Pt Management Of Patient With Bilateral Knee Pain S/P Stem Cell Cartilage Replacement Therapy Of Both Knees, Justin Hett

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes the 6-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 65-year-old male who c/o bilateral knee pain s/p stem cell cartilage replacement therapy. The patient presented with decreased ROM in both knees R>L, difficulty ambulating moderate distances, knee pain, and decreased LE strength bilaterally. The purpose of this article is to describe the treatments used for this patient and the results from these treatments.

Description: The treatment of this patient involved range of motion, strengthening, patient education, and stretching.

Outcomes: Following PT intervention, the patient had increased ROM in both knees L>R, normal strength, …

Standard And Cognitive Four Square Step Test (Fsst), Renee Hoffman, Hannah Bucholz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The Four Square Step Test (FSST) measures dynamic standing balance and agility and was developed to identify older adults at risk for falls. It has a cognitive component for remembering the stepping sequence but has never been tested with an additional cognitive task. The purpose of this study was to collect normative data for the FSST and Cognitive FSST in community dwelling adults for various age groups.

Materials/Methods: Eighty-seven community-dwelling adults (55 females, 32 males) between the age 21 and 86 (48.22 years) were included in the study. Participants completed a fall risk checklist and a cognitive screen prior …

Electromyographic (Emg) Activity Of The Gluteus Medius During Various Hip Exercises, Kalie Maiden, Mitchell Karbo, Taylor Doeden, Analise Richtsmeier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of the study was to record and analyze muscle recruitment patterns of the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles when performing a side lying abduction exercise requiring consistent force to roll a ball up and down the wall using the dominant lower extremity. Comparisons were made between the use of either a small, medium or large ball. The subjects performed a standing abduction exercises with theraband around both ankles as well.

Case Description. Fifteen subjects were recruited from the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy to perform the four different types of exercises. …

Acute Rehabilitation Management Of A Patient With Bilateral Transtibial Amputation: Case Study, Ashlee Wiebe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case report describes the 14-day acute rehabilitation physical therapy management of a 43-year-old male who underwent bilateral transtibial amputations. The purpose of this report is to describe the interventions utilized and the change in the patient's status following their application and also to add to the limited amount of research in this area.

Case Description: The patient had a very complicated medical history. His primary goal was to return home with his wife and children. The treatment of this patient involved transfer training, wheelchair mobility, seated balance activities, strengthening exercises, stretching, endurance activities, and extensive patient …