Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Fostering Future Professional Contemporary Collaboration, Rene'e M. Huth, Jordan M. Tucker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Collaborative teamwork needs to be fostered early and often to meet contemporary practice ideals. This qualitative phenomenological designed study’s purpose was to investigate student physical therapists (SPTs) and student physical therapist assistants' (SPTAs) perceptions of an intraprofessional online activity reflective of contemporary home health and telehealth settings. A convenience sample of 25 SPTs from one program and 24 SPTAs from another program met synchronously online to view a video case of an ambulatory patient with dementia, develop a plan of care, and discuss appropriate interventions reflective of practice in Virginia. Following interactions, students wrote reflections on their experiences that were …

Patient Adherence And Outcomes In Home Exercise Programs For Obese Osteoarthritic Patients: A Meta-Analysis, Areeba Khan, Kiran Yameen

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Globally, knee osteoarthritis affects millions of individuals, reflecting a 113% increase in the disease prevalence. This investigation delves into the intricate dynamics among excess weight, joint degeneration, and patient adherence to home exercise regimens with and without digital supervision. Methods: The study protocol follows PRISMA guidelines for review articles. A thorough search was conducted by two researchers who examined six databases for article selection using the keywords, “exercise," "rehabilitation," "obesity,", “knee osteoarthritis,” and "pain". Only those articles that were conducted between 2019 to 2023, published in the English language, and that examined the effects of home exercise program …

A Quasi-Experimental Study Examining The Effects Of A Proprioceptive Rehabilitation Protocol For The Cervical Spine On Balance And Function Using A Laser Head Light In Older Community Dwelling Individuals, Vern M. Swanson Jr., M. Samuel Cheng, Leah Nof, Eric Shamus, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Falls continue to be a major health issue when considering health risks for older individuals. The multi-factorial nature of falls in older adults leads to an overwhelming number of causal factors. Cervical joint position sense and joint position error could be additional factors that could influence the fall risk of older individuals. This research examined the effects of a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol for the cervical spine using a laser head set in older community dwelling individuals. Methods: Sixty (60) subjects were purposively assigned into an experimental and a control group. Control group subjects were given a general lower extremity …

Assessment Of Physical Therapy Students’ Self-Efficacy And Accuracy Measuring Blood Pressure Using A Low-Fidelity Task Trainer, Daniel C. Dale, Deborah M. Wendland, Tiffany Haney

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if use of a task trainer in physical therapy education improves the self-efficacy and accuracy of students when assessing blood pressure measurements. Methods: Participants from consecutive cohorts of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students (38 students per cohort) participated in the first semester of their first year of study in a DPT program. The study was conducted concurrently with the course in which the measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate are typically taught. In addition to traditional classroom instruction and lab practice for both groups, the experimental group also had …

Prevalence Of Burnout Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Faculty, Liana Wooten, Kim Dao, Melissa Burgemeister, Angela Spontelli Gisselman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: Growing numbers of physical therapy (PT) educational programs (PTEPs) creates a challenge in recruiting and retaining faculty, potentially having negative ramifications for PT education. Burnout may be contributory as it has known physiological, psychological, and behavioral consequences in numerous clinical and academic populations, creating widespread negative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate burnout prevalence among PT faculty. Methods: Eligible participants, including current full and part-time PTEP faculty members in the United States with emails listed on public-facing program websites, were emailed study information and a link to the consent and survey. Consenting participants completed a Qualtrics survey consisting of …

Development And Validation Of A Home-Based Exercise Program Integrated With Patient Education Based On The Health Belief Model For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Amirah Mustapa, Alia Alghwiri, Haidzir Manaf

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a comprehensive approach that integrates an exercise routine with patient education based on the health belief model (HBM) approach to promote effective exercise in this population. Method: A 3-phase study was conducted. In Phase I, two comprehensive scoping reviews were performed to develop the program. An initial draft of the program consisted of exercise protocols and HBM-based education. In Phase II, nine experts were chosen to further develop and refine the program’s content by providing feedback and validating it using the content validity index (CVI) and the Patient Education …

Modified Shuttle Walk Test In Chronic Health Conditions: A Literature Review, Manish Prannath Shukla, Gaurav Chhabra, Ashish Shankarrao Deshmukh Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The Modified Shuttle Walk Test (MSWT) is widely utilized to assess exercise capacity across various chronic health conditions. This literature review synthesizes evidence from studies evaluating the MSWT's reliability, validity, and clinical applicability in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, obesity, hypertension, and asthma. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases for studies published between 2006 and 2022. Eligible studies were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Data extraction focused on study objectives, methods, participants, outcomes, and quality assessment. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The MSWT demonstrated …

Strategies For Health Literacy Assessment And Patient Education In Athletic Training Practice: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Stephanie R. Toubman, Justin Young, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Health literacy plays a vital role in patients’ health and dictates their ability to locate, process, and understand basic health information to make informed decisions. Athletic trainers in the secondary school (SSATs) setting work with patients with varying health literacy levels. The purpose of this study was to explore SSATs' knowledge of health literacy and integration of best practice behaviors for patient education. Methods: A cross-sectional design, web-based survey including demographic, patient education practice behaviors, and health literacy knowledge assessment questions. Practice behavior questions identified techniques, strategies, and educational materials used during patient education. Health literacy knowledge assessment …

Re-Envisioning Throwing Programs For Baseball Pitchers: A Case Report And Literature Review, S. Andrew Cage, Alexander P. Jacobsen, Clayton Hodges, Cassandra Rasmussen, Jon-Michael Cline, Brandon J. Warner, Lynzi K. Warner, Laurel Trail, Ryan Johnson, Matt Schimpf, Pauline Skowron, Robert French, Derek Lege, Nathan Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

This case report follows the injury presentation and return to pitching of two NCAA Division II baseball pitchers. A literature review is provided to detail the current prevalence and epidemiology related to injuries to the throwing arm of pitchers. The review also outlines current procedures for returning a baseball pitcher to pitching from the mound. The authors discuss key concepts related to progressing previously injured pitchers back to pitching from the mound, while using the two cases presented as exemplars for using the objective, goal oriented, and adaptable interval throwing program developed at the pitchers’ university.

Holistic Review In Health Professions Education Program Admissions: A Concept Analysis, Andrea N. Bowens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Health professions education programs often use holistic reviews to promote a more diverse student body, leading to a more diverse healthcare workforce. Although many organizations and educational institutions advocate for holistic reviews of applicants, there are inconsistencies in the literature as to what this practice entails. Thus, the purpose of this concept analysis was to identify the defining attributes of holistic reviews and provide an operational definition. Methods: Walker and Avant’s description of a concept analysis served as a guide for this review. This systematic process included an analysis of current literature, legal proceedings, and organizational documents; identification of …

Sleep Disturbances Effect On The Development Of Disability Following A Motor Vehicle Collision: A Cohort Study, Bradford Callan, Morey J. Kolber, Joshua Cleland, James M. Elliott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sleep disturbance and calculate its effect on long-term outcomes for people with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) following a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Methods: A secondary analysis of data for 97 people (females = 72) diagnosed with WAD was collected at 10%. Logistic regression was used to calculate significance and odds ratios (OR) for the variables of age, body mass index (BMI), sex, and sleep disturbance. Results: With logistic regression age and BMI were non-significant factors, however, sex (ꭕ² = 9.37, p = 0.025; OR = 4.3) and …

Effectiveness Of Low-Level Laser Therapy On Pain And Function In Individuals With Musculoskeletal-Related Disorders, A Pilot Study, Daniel Curtis, Alexis Gillett, Alex Habegger, Lavona Traywick, Reed Handlery, Antonio Varela, Teressa Brown, Dawn James

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on pain and function in individuals presenting with pain associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction. A secondary purpose is to examine the effects of age on observed outcomes associated with using LLLT. Methods: The study protocol included 12 sessions of LLLT using a class 3-B laser device. Treatment dosage for the LLLT was determined according to recommendations published by the World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT). Physical therapists determined treatment locations for LLLT application during a pre-intervention evaluation. Following completion of the intervention protocol, participants …

Professional Identity Formation Through A Peer Learning, Integrated Clinical Experience, T.R. Goins, Michelle Green, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of first-year DPT students related to professional behaviors and professional identity formation after an integrated clinical experience facilitated by peers. Methods: Forty-one first-year DPT students from an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program participated in a class assignment designed to collect qualitative data regarding their experiences with professional behaviors and professional identity formation after completing an integrated clinical experience. Incident coding processes analyzed responses to open-ended assignment prompts. Results: The most frequent professional behaviors students felt they could demonstrate during the integrated clinical experience were “communication” and …

How Allied Health Programs Can Integrate Pharmacists Into Didactic Education Medication Curriculum: Benefits, Challenges, And Implementation, Dawn M. Battise, Susan M. Smith

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Many allied health professionals are required to receive medication-related education. As the “medication experts,” pharmacists are uniquely qualified to provide such training. Although pharmacy involvement in interprofessional education is frequently described, there is limited data about the pharmacist's role in the allied health didactic setting. This paper describes how two allied health programs leveraged the medication knowledge of pharmacy educators to enhance delivery of medication related content. Strategies are provided for pharmacy and allied health educators who are considering implementing a similar interprofessional model.

Effect Of Segmental Expansion Exercises On Pulmonary Function In Patients With Upper Abdominal Surgery- A Randomized Controlled Trial, Pranali R. Gaikwad, Manish P. Shukla

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Following upper abdominal surgeries, restricted pulmonary function and limited chest expansion often occur due to incisions near the diaphragm. This study aimed to assess the influence of segmental expansion exercises on pulmonary function among individuals recovering from upper abdominal surgery. Method: The study involved 88 patients who underwent elective upper abdominal surgery, randomized into two groups. Over a five-day postoperative period, Group A received standard physiotherapy, including diaphragmatic exercises, splinted huffing/coughing, and ambulation. In contrast, Group B received routine physiotherapy along with segmental expansion exercises. The study evaluated pulmonary function through measurements of forced vital capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume …

Making Reflection Assignments Meaningful And Enjoyable For Health Professions Students And Faculty, Karen A. Gibbs, Megan L. Trad, Shannon R. Herrin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Recognizing the professional and personal benefits of self-reflection, health professions programs routinely incorporate reflection activities into their curricula. However, designing, administering, and grading engaging, meaningful reflection activities that can be utilized for in-person or online teaching can be challenging for faculty and less than enjoyable for students. This study explored student perceptions of a shared activity using photovoice to stimulate individual and group reflection and discussion of learning during clinical experiences. Methods: Second year, doctor of physical therapy students were asked to reflect on their clinical experiences. During the semester-long assignment, each student completed a photovoice slide …

Gynecological Cancers And Quality Of Life, Shaina E. Ettinger

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Background: Every five minutes a woman in the United States receives a gynecological cancer diagnosis. On average, 88,128 women in the United States are diagnosed with gynecological cancer yearly and 12,158 of those women, or 7% require hospital readmission. Although patient readmission rate is relatively low for this population, a better understanding of how patients frame quality of life (QoL) may decrease readmission stemming from QoL complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the QoL issues that contributed to hospital readmission following surgical intervention in women newly diagnosed with gynecological cancer. Method: The study used a …

Primary Prevention And Motivational Interviewing: Patterns In Athletic Training, Mark C. West, Justin P. Young, Matthew J. Rivera, Kenneth E. Games

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The BOC practice analysis defines the first domain as Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy including, “Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication.” There is limited evidence on primary prevention measures athletic trainers (ATs) use to address health-related behaviors. Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based patient-centered style of communication used to help patients modify detrimental health behaviors to improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge and practice patterns of primary prevention and motivational interviewing in athletic training. Methods: We used a cross-sectional, web-based survey (Qualtrics, Provo, UT). The survey contained demographic questions, …

Obstacles To Physical Therapy Clinical Instruction: A Qualitative Study Of Clinical Instructors, Alicia K. Rabena-Amen, Bhavana Raja, Todd E. Davenport

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical instructors (CIs) are essential contributors to clinical education. Limited literature exists describing CI perceptions of supervising students. The purpose of this research was to identify CI challenges and possible solutions when supervising student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants. Methods: A convenience sample of 99 CIs in the Northern California Clinical Education Consortium participated in this study. A phenomenological approach obtained CI perceptions of the barriers to supervising students. Researchers employed a web-based survey to obtain demographic information and pose two open-ended questions that allowed for up to three responses. Thematic analysis using a coding framework was …

How Have Occupational Therapy Services Been Delivered During The Covid-19 Pandemic?, Hulya Yucel, Selen Aydoner

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The provision of traditional healthcare services has encountered obstacles due to the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The inability of healthcare professionals and clients to survive the pandemic and the inadequacy of personal protective equipment have created uncertainties regarding the appropriate practices for addressing individuals' health conditions. Furthermore, the field of rehabilitation, including occupational therapy, has experienced changes in the delivery of traditional practices. Therefore, this review aimed to examine occupational therapy services delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the literature review, the most commonly provided services by occupational therapists during COVID-19 were discussed and a total of …

Scoping Out Leadership Opportunities And Motivational Factors Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Laura Stephens, Ronald Childress

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to open investigation into the scope of leadership opportunities available to students at a physical therapy educational program and to identify factors that motivated students to pursue leadership development opportunities during their pre-professional education. Methods: This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews to investigate the experiences and perspectives of current and former student leaders. Participants were queried regarding what leadership opportunities were available to them and what motivated them to pursue those specific roles. Results: Findings revealed the scope of leadership development opportunities included experiences within and external to the Doctor of Physical Therapy …

Physical Therapy Management Of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Study, Erin Hung, Gwendolyn Juha, Todd E. Davenport, Joy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that involves dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction, and commonly involves fluctuating muscle weakness and central fatigue. Current literature lacks consensus on the benefit of exercise in addressing central fatigue in this population. This case report explores the role of physical therapy in an individual with MG for whom fatigue is a primary concern. Methods: This case study describes the physical therapy management of a 62-year-old Caucasian male recently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Physical therapy intervention focused on strength and balance training as well as patient education on energy conservation and activity pacing. …

Physical Therapy Management For An Individual With Stiff Person Syndrome In The Acute Care Setting: A Case Report, Paul Kim, Christina Berdoulay, Todd E. Davenport, Joy Williams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disease which is characterized by progressive rigidity and painful spasms of axial and limb muscles. We report here on the physical therapy management as well as medical complications which impacted the physical therapy plan of care for a patient with paraneoplastic SPS in the acute care setting. Method: This case report describes rehabilitation management of a 71-year-old woman who presented in the acute care setting for complaints of progressively worsening stiffness in the bilateral lower extremities leading to multiple falls as well as dysphagia. Primary interventions for this patient included passive …

Clinical Instructor And Student Reports Of Affective Behavior Issues During A Clinical Experience, Bruce N. Elliott, Jon J. Rizzo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical Instructors (CIs) have optimal opportunity to support non-cognitive attributes while observing and assessing student interactions with staff and patients because of the time spent with their students. There is a dearth of literature related to how items in the professional practice section of the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) are truly addressed during a clinical affiliation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to record the occasions when lapses occur with respect to a student’s accountability, communication, or professional behavior, as well as assessing student and CI interpretations of how these instances were addressed, and subsequently corrected within …

Using Real Patients In Physical Therapy Didactic Education: A Mixed-Methods Investigation, Stacia Hall Thompson, Mary Shotwell, Hina Garg, Michelle Webb

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Physical therapy educators use various strategies to promote student learning. One such way is to use real patients (RP) in the classroom to learn course material during simulation-based learning experiences (SLE). This study aimed to identify student physical therapist (SPT) perceptions regarding value, satisfaction, and confidence with SLE using RP, explore SPT perceptions and lived experiences regarding RP use in SLE during didactic physical therapy education, and determine differences in value, satisfaction, and confidence in cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains based on demographic variables. Methods: The study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design to simultaneously gather quantitative (survey) …

Director Of Clinical Education Training In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Michele (Shelly) Lewis, Eric Folkins

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Directors of clinical education (DCEs) need knowledge and skills in many areas to succeed in their roles.Not only does the DCE need to master the traditional faculty roles of scholarship, service, and teaching, but the DCE also needs to become competent in administrative duties. Lack of training, especially in research, can negatively affect the DCEs’ ability to perform their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. In this study, we aimed to examine how DCEs learn their numerous roles and how training and experience influence self-perceived competence. Method: In this quantitative, non-experimental study, we used an online survey to obtain information from …

The Cognitive And Affective Empathy Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Vs. Specialty Choice, Bruce W. Newton, Michelle Green, Zachary Vaskalis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This modified cross-sectional study was performed to determine which specialties DPT students desire to enter, and how affective and cognitive empathy is related to the specialty choice. There are two types of empathy: affective and cognitive. Affective empathy from an emotionally charged situation enters the CNS of a person first and is followed by a cognitive empathic response. Methods: Affective empathy was measured using the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) and cognitive empathy was measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professions Student (JSE-HPS) version. Each student was asked to indicate which specialty they desired to enter: cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, …

Stakeholder Involvement And Systematic Review Of Elements That Determine A Successful Return To Work For Injured Workers: A Scoping Review, Sundip Kaur Khosa, Wilma Jelley Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: A healthy and sustainable return to work (RTW) for a worker after injury or illness has benefits for the worker, their family, the employer, and society.¹ For this research we used the following definition of RTW success; return to positive and meaningful work in a position or occupation not necessarily including all the aspects of the worker’s pre-injury or pre-illness functions or tasks. Purpose: The question behind this survey-based research was, What elements are perceived as essential, to ensure return to employment of injured or ill workers, by stakeholders with experience in the RTW process? Methods: A 32 …

Rethinking Disability Simulations For Occupational And Physical Therapy Students: Integrating The Social Model Of Disability, Sara Kate Frye, Monique C. Chabot

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Disability simulations traditionally have been used in many healthcare profession educational programs with the intent to foster empathy and positive viewpoints towards people with disabilities. However, research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of these activities. The appropriateness of these activities has also been called into question when considering disability as a form of diversity and social justice, with recommendations to utilize the Social Model of Disability to frame activities. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the efficacy of a temporary orthopedic injury simulation assignment on first-year occupational and physical therapy students’ viewpoints regarding working with people with …

Occupational Therapists In Disaster Management: A Survey Study, Rebecca I. Estes, Gina M. Delgado, Nicole J. Bing, Megan E. Byrne, Jessica S. Eady, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Alyssa B. Kopp

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs …