Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs Report Teaching Telehealth With Large Discrepancies: A United States Survey, Jason Ashby, Jean-Michel Brismée, Derrick F. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which telehealth is taught in entry level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States, and to describe where it is taught in the curriculum. Method: A survey was sent during spring 2023 to 254 United States DPT program directors using email addresses from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) list of accredited DPT programs, with questions regarding telehealth education within the didactic and clinical portions of the programs. Results: Twenty-nine responses (11.4%) were received. Two participants did not complete the survey and …

Development Of A Scale To Evaluate Key Attributes Of Academic Advisors Essential To Physical Therapy Students, Robin M. Baker, Jamie L. Greco

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Acknowledging the crucial role of academic advising in enhancing student success, professionalism, and personal growth, this paper advocates for a shift from traditional reactive methods to proactive, personalized advising strategies that have been shown to improve retention and satisfaction rates in higher education. Our study highlights the development of a comprehensive scale through rigorous validity assessments to measure key attributes of academic advisors essential to physical therapy students (PTS). This scale, refined through extensive feedback from faculty and PTS over two development phases, consists of 18 items on a 4-point Likert scale, which together map the complex landscape of effective …

Effects Of An Educational Intervention On Firefighter Knowledge Of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors And Prevention, Scott Richardson, Andrew Haight, Kassandra Sanchez, Madison Jepperson, Kelsey Houston, Lauren Schembs

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organized firefighting began in ancient Rome in 300BC, with the first fire engines in the 17^th century. Modern firefighters face extreme personal risk, responding to emergency situations and providing life-saving public support. Cardiovascular disease events account for 45% of on-duty fatalities among firefighters. Cardiovascular health in firefighters is not only important for immediate job performance but also for long-term health. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an educational intervention to influence firefighter knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors and prevention. Method: A literature review determined that cardiovascular health was the leading knowledge deficit among firefighters …

Exploring Clinical Instructors' Views On Effective Role Modeling In Physical Therapy Education: Insights From A Qualitative Study Through The Lens Of Social Cognitive Theory, Brittney M. Gunterstockman, Kellee Harper-Hanigan, Andrew Bartlett, Ian Rheault, Karen Menard

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Acting as a role model is an essential competency and requirement for physical therapy clinical instructors. The social cognitive theory may explain how physical therapy students learn from clinical instructors during clinical education experiences. This theory suggests that individuals learn through observation of models who are competent, credible, enthusiastic, and similar to the observer. This study aimed to explore clinical instructors’ perceptions of effective role modeling. Methods: This phenomenological qualitative study used one-on-one virtual semi-structured interviews with clinical instructors (n=7) to explore effective role modeling in physical therapy clinical education. Inductive coding was used to develop codes and themes …

An Exploration Of Student Experiences And Perceptions Of A Physiotherapy Student-Led Clinic, Donna Wynne, Elizabeth Hancock Professor, Emma Stage, Kay Cooper Professor

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Student-Led Clinics (SLCs) offer a structured, real-life learning environment for healthcare students, where they provide services under supervision. SLCs can facilitate increased confidence with clinical reasoning, improve skill development and enhance leadership skills. Existing research has generally captured students' experiences at the end of their SLC participation, lacking a longitudinal perspective and therefore, little is known about how students’ perceptions develop over time. This study aimed to explore physiotherapy students' experiences in a neurological rehabilitation SLC, with a focus on participants’ perceptions captured after attending specific SLC sessions and over the course of multiple SLC sessions. Methods: Using interpretative …

Feasibility Of A Prescribed Walking Program In Older Adults With Dizziness: Challenges And Recommendations From A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial, Amie Jasper, Mary T. Blackinton, Joann Gallichio, Anne Galgon

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Walking for endurance is a component of vestibular rehabilitation (VR); however, there is no study on increasing the physical activity of older adults with peripheral vestibular hypofunction through a prescribed walking program. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a pragmatic randomized controlled trial on a prescribed walking program in a clinical environment; specifically, to determine recruitment, data collection retention, and adherence, and to estimate the variances of treatment outcomes. Method: Seventeen patients were randomly assigned into vestibular rehabilitation with walking with pedometer (VRWP), vestibular rehabilitation with walking without pedometer (VRW), and VR only. Recruitment, data …

Simulation Based Learning And Development Of Clinical Decision-Making Skills, As Perceived By Dpt Students, A Qualitative Analysis, Fabian Bizama, Kristy Demers, Mansoor Alameri, Derrick F. Campbell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been shown to help Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students transfer academic skills to a range of clinical settings. However, the perceived beneficial and not beneficial elements of SBL have not been fully explored. While most research has focused on acute care settings, previously published findings demonstrated that an SBL course with outpatient-based scenarios can have a significant impact on the development of clinical decision-making (CDM) skills in DPT students; however, details on perceived successful elements were not explored. The purpose of this study was to explore what factors DPT students perceive as helpful and …

Quantifying Afo Use, Fit, And Function Via Outcome Measures By Physical Therapists, Jennifaye V. Brown, Julie Suhr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: For individuals with cerebrovascular accident (IwCVA), there is no outcome measure considered as the gold standard to justify ankle foot orthosis (AFO) use, fit, and function and that takes into consideration inherent properties of the AFO. Data is lacking indicating AFO effectiveness, which can be used to justify insurance reimbursement for the cost of more efficient mechanisms to produce person-centered AFOs using scanning and 3D printing technology, as is commonly done for individuals with lower extremity amputation requiring a prosthesis. Methods: This study surveyed physical therapists (PTs) via electronic medium to inquire about their knowledge and use of AFO-specific …

Dysphagia And Covid-19 In Adults: A Prospective Clinical Trial With Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing, Gökhan Can Törpü, Müberra Tanrıverdi, Nahide Öztoprak, Ömer Faruk Çalım, Orhan Özturan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is distinguished by its impact on various tissues and organs across the body. It is known that COVID-19-related conditions are associated with swallowing function. This prospective study aimed to investigate the correlation between COVID-19 and dysphagia in adults. Methods: Adults who applied to the swallowing disorders outpatient clinic participated in this study. According to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, participants were divided into two groups: COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 group. Swallowing disorders were evaluated using fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and scored with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). PAS score > 1 was considered as dysphagia. Oral …

Biopsychosocial-Based Exercise Model For Rheumatic Diseases Via Telerehabilitation: A Case Series With A One Year Follow Up, Nazlı Elif Nacar, Nur Banu Karaca, Zeynep Irem Bulut, Erkin Oguz Sarı, Senem Bulut, Yavuz Yakut, Sevim Oksüz, Sedat Kiraz, Edibe Unal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aims to examine the sustainability of the biopsychosocial exercise performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with rheumatic disease, with and without supervision, and investigate the effect of the biopsychosocial-based exercise model on biopsychosocial status, general health status, and anxiety-depression levels of individuals. Method: Twenty patients with rheumatic diseases performed a biopsychosocial-based exercise model Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach via telerehabilitation with physiotherapist-supervised and unsupervised exercises who continued for three sessions per week for 12 months. Outcome measures were Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach -Biopsychosocial Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3rd, …

Therapeutic Alliance: Exploring The Patient-Clinician Relationship Through The Experiences Of Collegiate Student-Athletes With Athletic Trainers, Paulina Torres, Sean M. Stoeppel, Justin Young, John Kiesel, Lindsey E. Eberman, Matthew J. Rivera

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between patient and provider, consisting of bonds, goals, and tasks. A positive therapeutic alliance enhances care and leads to improved outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of college student-athletes relating to the development of the therapeutic alliance with athletic trainers. Methods: Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) with semi-structured interviews. We used a semi-structured interview to explore the therapeutic alliance and lived experiences of participants. Participants included twelve college student-athletes who were currently under the care of an athletic trainer. Participants completed a semi-structured interview. We …

Exploring Clinician Understanding Of Therapeutic Alliance, Melissa Cole, Robert Welsh, Susan Shore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background. Therapeutic alliance is being discussed more readily in allied health literature regarding its potential to improve functional outcomes and patient satisfaction with care. The construct was imported from psychotherapy literature, and the degree and depth of familiarity among practicing physical therapists have not been fully explored. Purpose. This study aims to gain insight into the general level of familiarity and perceptions of therapeutic alliance among practicing clinicians. Methods. A survey was designed to capture a broad professional point of view and distributed using an anonymous link. Results. 73 surveys were completed. 43.3% of respondents reported they were not familiar …

Increasing Awareness Of Burnout And Developing An Action Plan To Reduce Stress For Graduate Health Profession Students Through An Interactive Workshop, Oaklee Rogers, Zachary Baker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare students can experience stress and burnout before becoming practicing clinicians. Increasing education about your level of stress and understanding what burnout is are important factors in preventing burnout. Method: A 90 minute interactive workshop was developed and implemented for graduate health profession students to meet three objectives: 1) increase foundational knowledge about burnout and its impact on different health professionals, 2) assess student’s level of burnout and apply strategies to mitigate their stress, and 3) create and share a plan on how they would incorporate stress reduction strategies and/or reduce their level of burnout. Results: In total, 349 …

Mantra Meditation For Chronically Impaired Attention After Stroke: A Trial Using Single-Case Experimental Design, Cheryl Carrico, Dana Howell, John A. Patterson, Richard D. Andreatta, Camille Skubik-Peplaski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Impaired attention after stroke is a common problem for which rehabilitation would potentially be indicated. Systematic review evidence has revealed a lack of high-quality research that supports the effectiveness of standard-of-care cognitive rehabilitation for sustained attention, alertness, and functional impact on daily life after stroke. Standard-of-care cognitive rehabilitation does not include meditation. Meditation has been defined in contemporary scientific literature as a regime entailing voluntary self-regulation of attention. As such, meditation could potentially improve attention in keeping with tenets of neuroplasticity. The present study investigated whether mantra meditation would benefit attention for adults with chronically impaired attention after right-hemisphere …

Physiotherapists' Knowledge Of Ageing And Its Associated Factors, Unyime Jasper, Olayinka Akinrolie, Cornelius Mahdi Ishaku, Nnamdi Mgbemena

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To evaluate knowledge of ageing and its associated factors among Nigerian physiotherapists (PTs).

Methods: We used a three-part questionnaire. Knowledge of ageing was evaluated with Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ). Certain questions in the FAQ were modified to reflect the local setting. We conducted a validity and reliability check on the questionnaire using test-retest with 10 PTs. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression.

Resullts: Out of 204 PTs invited, 186 agreed to participate. Test-retest of the FAQ revealed a Cronbach alpha of 0.78. The age of participants ranged from …

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 …