Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Conservative Treatment Of A Symptomatic Os Vesalianum Pedis In A Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report, Mario F. Cruz, Lori A. Bolgla, Ryan Alexander, Peter J. Symbas, Jeremy Royal, Jordan Serrano-Dennis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: Symptomatic os vesalianum pedis (OVP), a small accessory bone located adjacent to the base of the 5^th metatarsal of the foot, rarely affects individuals who participate in sports. The condition typically is treated with surgical intervention. This case report documents the examination, evaluation, and treatment approach for a professional soccer player treated conservatively with a symptomatic OVP. Methods: A nineteen-year-old professional soccer player presented with pain to the base of the left 5^th metatarsal. Physical examination and imaging resulted in a diagnosis of a symptomatic OVP. The player underwent a 5-stage criterion-based rehabilitation program. Results: The player …

Relationship Between Allied Health Student's Behavioral Style And Ideal Clinical Instructor Behaviors, Tonya Y. Miller, Robert Creath, Eva M. Frank, Lori Portzer, Jennifer Price

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this research is to understand the relationship between students' primary DISC behavioral styles (dominant, influencing, steadiness, compliance) and their perception of ideal clinical instructor behaviors. A review of the literature supports the connection between the behaviors of the clinical instructor (CI) and the success of the allied health professional student (AHPS). Additionally, a body of research supports the connection between DISC behavioral styles and student success. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AHPS primary DISC behavioral styles and their perception of the ideal CI behaviors. Methods: A total number …

Exploring Family-Centered Care From The Perspectives Of Home-Health Physical Therapists, James Mathews

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Older adults often need caregivers to help them age in place successfully while maximizing their quality of life. These caregivers have the highest rates of burnout, injury, and turnover. Family-centered care (FCC) involves collaboration between the healthcare practitioner and the patient, family members, and caregivers. There is a paucity of evidence on how FCC is applied to older adults and their caregivers. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore how a group of home health physical therapists (HHPTS) deliver FCC to care-dependent older adults.

Methods: This general qualitative study used individual, semi-structured interviews with …

Early Identification Of Barriers To Student Success In Physical Therapy Clinical Education: Utilization Of A Week One Clinical Survey Tool, Bridget Eubanks, Jennifer Bunn, Heidi L. Shearin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a week-one clinical survey tool for early identification of student perceived barriers, including personal and environmental safety, that may impact success during full-time clinical education experiences (CEE) in physical therapy. Methods: DPT students (n= 81) engaged in full-time CEE in their second and third years were required to complete an online self-designed survey tool regarding perceptions of safety, clinical instructor (CI) satisfaction, and clinical challenges. Students in their third year completed the survey for both experiences. Data were assessed to compare second versus third-year student responses overall …

Occupational Transitions Of Family Caregivers Of Loved Ones With Dementia, Katherine L. Groezinger, Cameron J. Honsa, Darcey A. Wilkinson, Emily K. Simpson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to explore how family caregivers of people with dementia experience transitions in occupations as they assume the caregiver role. Because unpaid family caregivers play a vital part in the scheme of health care, it is important to understand their supports, their perceptions of themselves as caregivers, and the impact of caregiving on relationships, identity, and physical and mental health. Many researchers have studied the effects of caregiver burden, yet minimal attention has been given to the lived experiences of caregiving on their daily roles and routines. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was …

Ethnicity Does Not Impact Physical Therapy Students’ Clinical Readiness And Performance, A United States Exploratory Study, Derrick F. Campbell, Jean-Michel Brismee, Brad Allen, Troy L. Hooper, Manuel A. Domenech, Kathleen J. Manella

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To explore the impact of ethnicity on clinical readiness and performance among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, as determined by 1) Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy (PTSE) score, 2) self-confidence treating patients, and 3) final American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) clinical reasoning and summative ratings during clinical experiences. Methods: This study is a survey-based, descriptive, and exploratory cross-sectional research design involving sample of 211 DPT students evaluated for differences across ethnic students’ groups 1) PTSE score during student clinical experiences, 2) confidence with treating initial and subsequent same-patient visits, and 3) final CPI clinical reasoning …

Reliability Of Hand-Held Dynamometry For Measuring Force Production In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Matthew Boom, Elisabeth Preston, Renee Salmon, Louise Ada, Allyson Flynn

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have impaired force production, which is associated with decreased mobility and falls risk. Reliable measurement of force production is important. Design: A repeated-measures, intra- and inter-rater reliability study was undertaken. Participants: 24 people with mild PD were measured by one or two raters. Outcome measures: Isometric force of the major upper and lower limb muscle groups was measured using hand-held dynamometry. Results: Fourteen participants were measured by the same rater on two occasions to determine intra-rater reliability. Ten participants were measured on two occasions by two different raters to determine …

Mealtime Experiences Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder From The Perspectives Of Filipino Occupational Therapists In Cebu: Implications For Practice, Blaise Audre V. Barrientos, Alyanna Freyse T. Badajos, Erika Faye M. Bucog, Rosse Velle C. Mauro, Paolo Miguel P. Bulan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Occupational therapists (OTs) handle children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and a common concern is how their sensory processing issues affect their feeding habits. There is limited information regarding interventions about this issue both locally and internationally. This study aims to know the experiences of OTs providing feeding interventions associated with sensory issues for children with ASD. It will also describe what approaches they used for these interventions. Method: Qualitative phenomenology using in-depth interviews with nine OTs in Cebu, Philippines was conducted, and data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: 1) a family that feeds together, stays …

Professional Perspectives On Bilingualism In Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study, Rosa N. Benavidez Saldivar, Jessica R. Stewart, Ruth Crutchfield, Roy K. Chen, Lily Puente

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The present study examined the perspectives of professionals regarding bilingualism and ASD. Methods: A total of 27 professionals participated in this study. Data was collected via an online survey. The survey was designed based on a literature review and consultation with a team of experts in the field of ASD. Information relating to demographic information, professional practice information, and perspectives of bilingualism and ASD was collected. Results: Professionals participating in the present study were most likely to agree with the statement, “A child with ASD from a bilingual household is able to understand both languages” and least likely to …

Occupational Therapy Students' Perceptions Of Their Own Notetaking, Marie-Christine Potvin, Monique C. Chabot, Kathleen Carr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Notetaking is a critical skill for higher-level thinking and information integration in graduate students, including occupational therapy students. Though there is a growing body of literature about notetaking modalities, strategies utilized, and self-perceptions of skills in college students, studies about occupational therapy (OT) students’ notetaking preferences have been absent from the literature. This study examines how OT students take notes and their perceptions of their notes. Method: This descriptive study of students in a Master of Occupational Therapy program (n=57) completed the Notetaking Abilities and Strategies of University Students (NASUS) questionnaire which captures the constructs of notetaking methods, reasons …

Influence Of Years Of Experience On Clinical Competence Of Novice Physical And Occupational Therapists In Japan, Hiroaki Sakurai, Soichiro Koyama, Shigeo Tanabe, Kazuya Takeda, Yoshikiyo Kanada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To increase the clinical competence of novice physical and occupational therapists, an accurate assessment of their clinical competence is necessary. However, no previous study has objectively analyzed the changes in novice therapists’ clinical competence in Japan. Hence, this study investigated and evaluated the changes in the clinical competence of such therapists using an objective analysis. Method: The study included 34 novice therapists with 1–3 years of experience in clinical practice. Participants were divided into groups according to their years of experience. The clinical competence of the novice therapists was evaluated twice using a clinical competency evaluation scale. For comparison …

Introducing A Physical Therapist-Led Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Training For Pain: A Clinical Perspective, Joseph Tatta

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mounting evidence supports the use of cognitive and behavioral techniques as part of physical therapist practice. These methods are used within a physical therapist’s multimodal treatment approach for the management of pain and to facilitate health behavior change. There is a multitude of evidence-based cognitive behavioral techniques to choose from including newer approaches based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Yet few studies have examined physical therapists’ perceptions to learning and implementing ACT into clinical practice. The purpose of this manuscript is to present a clinical perspective of physical therapists learning about and incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in clinical …

An Examination Of Emotional Resilience Among Athletic Trainers Working In The Secondary School Setting, Shaine Henert, William Pitney, Bethany Wood, Nicholas E. Grahovec, Tyler A. Wood

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Athletic training is a demanding profession that is a stressor for many practitioners. Emotional resilience allows Athletic Trainers (ATs) to persist in their roles and benefit from long and successful careers. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of emotional resilience of ATs working in secondary school settings and identify factors perceived to contribute to or mitigate one's emotional resilience. Method: A sequential explanatory mixed-method design using a cross-sectional online survey followed by in-depth interviews was used to gather information from 160 (16% response rate) secondary school NATA members - 97 (60.6%) female; 63 (39.4%) male …

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, And Validity Of The Tamil Version Of Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire In Chronic Low Back Pain, Hasini Dayalan, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Soundararajan K

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Excessive fear of movement, restricted physical activity, and cognitive distortions are frequently found with chronic low back pain (CLBP) subjects. The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) is the most well-founded and often used tool to measure fear and avoidance beliefs in CLBP subjects. In India, there is a diversity of culture, educational level, and language. So, there is a need to translate FABQ into the regional language Tamil, which will improve understanding of FABQ and reduce the language barrier of the Tamil population. Objective: To translate, cross-cultural adapt, and investigate the psychometric properties of the Tamil version of FABQ in …

The Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool For Learning From Standardized Patient Experiences: A Pilot Study, Mary A. Riopel, Sara Benham, Jennifer Landis, Stephanie Falcone, Sarah Harvey

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical reasoning (CR) is the ability to integrate the knowledge of diagnoses with the use of supporting theories to create effective, client-centered interventions. One means of teaching CR to rehabilitation students is using standardized patient (SP) experiences. The relationship between faculty and student CR ratings after SP experiences has not been researched. The purpose of the study was to determine if there would be correlations between physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) student and faculty ratings of CR skills after an SP experience. Method: The Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool (CRAT) was used by students to self-reflect on their …

Assessment Of Inter-Instrument Reliability For Dominant Handgrip Dynamometry And Spirometry, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Anne Jones, Anthony Leicht

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the inter-instrument reliability of different dynamometers and spirometers commonly used in clinical practice. Methods: The study involved 113 healthy volunteers across three facility sites. At each site, dominant handgrip strength (DHGS), and lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV₁], forced vital capacity [FVC] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]), were compared using a local and reference device. Assessments were randomized with five minutes rest between measurements. Significant differences between devices were assessed using paired t-test while relative reliability between devices was determined via intra-class correlations (ICC). Accuracy …

Assessment And Diagnostic Practices Relating To Autism Spectrum Disorder In The United States And Mexico, Maria Valdez, Jessica R. Stewart, Wan-Lin Chang, Ruth Crutchfield, Ralph Carlson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The present study examined and compared professional assessment and diagnostic practices relating to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Mexico and the United States (U.S.). This information is of great importance because there is an extremely limited amount of information pertaining the assessment and diagnostic practices for ASD in Mexico and little is known about how these practices compare to those in the U.S. Methods: Archival data from a survey investigating ASD in the U.S. and Mexico was used for this study. Participants included 29 professionals from the U.S. and 7 professionals from Mexico. Professionals were from a variety of …

Remote Job Application Simulation Using Technology In Athletic Training Students: A Preliminary Teaching Technique, Kevin M. Schroeder, Jamie Mansell, Dani Moffit

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

While athletic training students go through extensive preparations for engaging with patient populations as healthcare providers, less time is spent on preparing athletic training students on how to secure employment after graduation. Without proper employment skills development, securing employment can pose a challenge for the athletic training student trying to enter the workforce. These skills include developing cover letters and resumes, and remote interviewing skills. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the preparations, execution, and lessons learned from a simulated, remote job application and interview process for athletic training students. Methods: This educational technique was performed using …

Characteristics Needed To Transition From Exemplary Clinical Instructor To Successful Site Coordinator Of Clinical Education: A Qualitative Study, Nicki Silberman, Vicki Lafay

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: In physical therapist (PT) education, the site coordinator of clinical education (SCCE) administers and manages clinical placements for student clinical education experiences from the clinical side. Characteristics of successful site coordinators of clinical education (SCCEs) have been established; minimal evidence informs the identification of individuals with those characteristics. One cannot assume that exemplary clinical instructors (CIs) will become effective SCCEs. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate if the characteristics of exemplary CIs are consistent with the traits needed in a successful SCCE candidate by exploring these 3 aims: (1) Describe characteristics of exemplary CIs. (2) …

Comparative Effectiveness Of Jade Stone Mobilisation, Non-Abrasive Cupping, And Manual Drainage Technique In Subjects With Chronic Sinusitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Monali Gandhi, Peeyoosha Gurudut Dr.

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Sinusitis in recent times has been known as one of the major causes for reduced quality of life and work absenteeism. Chronic sinusitis being one of the health hazards affecting QOL of subjects of any age and gender requires a specific therapeutic intervention. Clinical trials that can demonstrate the effectiveness of manual therapy intervention in sinusitis cases are lacking. Hence, this study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of three manual therapy techniques in subjects with chronic sinusitis. Method: The current study is a prospective, parallel arm, randomised clinical trial performed at physiotherapy OPD, tertiary health …

The Feasibility And Efficacy Of Telespirometry For Pulmonary Monitoring Of Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review, Tessa Yap, Anne Jones

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Spirometry via telehealth (telespirometry) involves remote monitoring of lung function, which is useful to detect pulmonary changes and increase continuity of care for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Purpose: This systematic review aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of telespirometry assessments for paediatric and adult CF patients. Method: A comprehensive search of health-related databases (CINAHL, Emcare (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), PEDRo and Scopus) was conducted. For inclusion, patients had to be clinically diagnosed with CF and studies could be of any study design or level according to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) evidence hierarchy, had to …

Quality Delivered: How A Pandemic Fostered Innovation And Creative Solutions In Clinical Education, Alice M. Davis, Laura Laporta, Nancy F. Mulligan, Stacy Carmel, Shelene Thomas, Denise O'Dell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Clinical education placements for students enrolled in healthcare programs were abruptly upended in March 2020 due to COVID-19. Programs were faced with decisions of how to mitigate substantive challenges due to an unforeseen pandemic within timeframes that would align with curricular sequences and graduation dates. Schools quickly modified curriculum formats, implemented alternative teaching and learning instruction and developed safety protocols to protect students, clinical faculty, and patients. Purpose: The aim of this study explored the strategies employed by one physical therapy school’s clinical education team, which resulted in successful completion of clinical course requirements and on-time graduation. Method: Data …

Implementation Of Home Exercise Programs In A Pro-Bono Clinic: An Exploratory Study, Joseph M. Day

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Because the number of return visits in a pro-bono setting is low and distributed over a longer timeframe, home exercise programs (HEP) adherence is crucial for patient success. The purpose of this study is to describe a process for HEP delivery and to collect measures of HEP adherence on patients at a pro- bono physical therapy clinic. Methods: Thirteen participants were instructed to perform at least four exercises at home. Exercises were chosen based on best available practice. Exercise images, instructions, and daily logs were populated using PHYSIOTEC® software. A follow up phone call was conducted approximately 4 days …

A Survey Of Interventions For Cancer Survivors Provided By Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Katie M. Polo, Mary F. Baxter

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Currently, there is a lack of research exploring evidence-based occupational therapy intervention practices at the activity level in survivorship care, which is important to identify for future research and clinical needs of the profession. The purpose of this study was to describe what activity level interventions OT practitioners are using and report any practice trends that might exist. Method: A cross-section design was used with non-probability purposive sampling to recruit occupational therapy practitioners working with adults living with and beyond cancer. A three-phase process for survey development and implementation was used, as recommended by the literature, for improving content …

Extended Scope Physiotherapists Are Effective And Safe In The Emergency Department: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Brittany Souter, Anne Jones, Lorraine Sheppard, Michael Crowe

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) are an innovative approach to service delivery that have emerged in response to increasing pressures on emergency departments (EDs). While previous systematic reviews have suggested that ESPs have a positive impact on ED outcomes, clinical practice recommendations based on limited evidence highlight a pressing need for evaluation studies to truly determine their effectiveness and safety in this setting. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ESPs when delivering services in EDs. Method: Systematic literature searches were conducted using the online databases: Medline (Ovid), CINAHL …

A Qualitative Study Of The Process Undergraduate Health Professions Students Utilize While Conducting A Scoping Review, Dawn De Vries, Betsy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to inform pedagogy on the effectiveness of journaling as a tool to gauge synthesis and application of course content to a scoping review. The research question asked is “Is reflective journaling effective in helping undergraduate health profession students understand and apply course research concepts and ideas directly to an academic project?” The researchers used a reflective journaling activity to enhance student learning and to explore student application of course lectures to a scoping literature review. Method: Students were required to complete the journaling activities as a class assignment. Four journal …

Pain Education Training In New York State Physical Therapy Programs: What We Do Well, Where The Gaps Are, And What Can Be Improved, Joseph Tatta, Marcia Spoto, Joseph Lorenzetti

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Essential pain education produces graduates who are competent in contemporary pain management. Despite various educational resources, surveys demonstrate minimal pain content in entry-level physical therapist education programs. This paper examines 1) the learning content of pain education and faculty expertise teaching core pain content, 2) whether pain education content is sufficient to prepare physical therapists to meet the needs of contemporary pain management, and 3) whether standardization of pain education in entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is advantageous. Methods: A pain education survey was developed and sent to all accredited DPT program directors in New York …

Investigating Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Stress During Pandemic Related Curricular Changes, Keithann Halle, Jennifer D. Hastings

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Stress level in physical therapy students has been a focus of research due to multiple documented effects related to physical health, mental health, and ability to learn. Self-reflection has also been a focus of education research, relating it to personal learning, critical thinking, and demonstrable development of professional behaviors and skills. The aim of this study is to investigate student stress in response to programmatic changes wrought by the pandemic and whether stress impacted student self-reflection. Review of literature: Self-reflection is positively associated with growth of professional behavior and academic performance. Student level of self-reflection has been shown to …

The Effect Of Tai Chi On Dynamic Balance In Younger Adults: Implication For Physical Therapy Practice, Anthony O'Neill, Debra A. Beazley, Lori Bolgla

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi on the dynamic balance in younger, active community-based adults with no history of lower extremity injury or balance problems. Methods: Fourteen subjects (4 males / 10 females; age 23.6 + 6.2 years-old; height 166.5 ± 11.1 cm; weight 75.9 ± 19.3 kg) completed a 13-week undergraduate Tai Chi course. Dynamic balance was assessed at the beginning and the end of the course using the Y-Balance test. Results: Post-hoc testing showed significant improvements in anterior (P=0.007) and posterior lateral (P=0.003) reach distances with …

Attitudes Toward Covid-19 Vaccination Among Occupational Therapy Professionals And Students In Early 2021, Stephen A. Cage, Brandon J. Warner, Diana M. Gallegos, Heidi M. Cage, Diane P. Brown Phd, Otr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: After the widespread transmission of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the first COVID-19 vaccination received emergency use authorization in the United States in December of 2020. Current research has shown the authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and effective at preventing severe illness. At the time of this study, there appears to be no published research on the attitudes and receipt of COVID-19 vaccinations among occupational therapy professionals and students. The purpose of this study is to describe the attitudes and receipt of COVID-19 vaccinations among occupational therapy professionals and students in early 2021. Methods: A total of …