Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Effect Of Exercise On Posture, Neck Proprioception And Balance In Older Adults, Mohammad Khaleghifar

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background:

Falls are one of the most frequent and serious problems facing older adults. Approximately 30-40% of people over 65 years of age fall each year. The frequency of falls increases with each decade beyond this threshold and approximately 20-30% of older adult fallers require hospitalization, assuming an increased risk of mortality. Postural balance and stability involve cooperation between visual, proprioceptive and vestibular sensory systems to achieve a motor response. Disturbance in any of these systems can result in abnormal postural orientation and lead to instability or dizziness. Among these systems, proprioception provides sensory input from the peripheries to …

The Association Of Acute Stress And Single Leg Balance, Theodore W. Gehrig Iii

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic low back pain is a widespread and expensive societal burden that is routinely near the top of the list of reasons people live with a disability. There is an undeniable connection between low back pain and psychological stress, and it has long been accepted that stress comes as a consequence of the burden of pain. Our group sought to determine if the inverse of this paradigm might be true: that stress may actually play a role in the etiology of low back pain through its influence on neuromuscular control and strategies for balance stability. In this dissertation, we include …

Effects Of Electrotherapy On Pain And Mobility, Pablo Mleziva

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Introduction: Neck chronic pain is one of the most common problems in people today. However, people do not always seek medical treatment for their pain. Subclinical or mild pain generally does not prompt people to seek medical treatment. Consequences of this type of pain can be anxiety, disability and proprioception problems. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an intervention to treat neck pain with mobility deficits. TENS for the treatment of pain has been used for many years; however, there is still an “efficacy-impasse” for the use of TENS despite half a …

Effect Of Home Exercise Program On Visual Reliance For Balance In Older Adults, Madeha Jaber

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Older adults tend to rely excessively on visual inputs to maintain their balance. This overreliance on visual inputs can increase the risk of falls, particularly when visual inputs are reduced or eliminated. This study aimed to determine the effects of a home exercise program (HEP) on visual reliance for balance and cervical active range of motion (AROM) among older adults.

Patients/Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 19 older adults, aged 65-79 years old. Outcome measures included static balance, balance confidence, and cervical AROM. Participants were instructed to follow an 8-week HEP and were provided with …

High-Intensity Interval Training And Biological Age, Trevor Lohman

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The emergence of valid predictors of biological age has enabled researchers to test the effects of various interventions on biological aging processes. The established virtues of exercise and its effects on health and longevity make it a suitable candidate for investigation. This dissertation reviews the current state of biological age prediction models and presents a trial in which a specific exercise protocol’s ability to modulate biological age is tested. The specific protocol used is a 10X1 high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol, 10X1 referring to the quantity and duration of high intensity exercise intervals in each exercise session. The specific biological …

Self-Perceived Social Communication Perspectives Of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Aieshea L. Banks

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social communication differences in autistic individuals have historically been viewed as disordered due to a comparison to the social behavior of the predominate nonautistic neurotype. Such comparison has led to a variety of social communication challenges that result in a variety of cognitive and affective reflections in autistic adults. The study aimed to explore two specific concepts: 1) the self-perceived challenges related to social communication and interaction of autistic young adults and 2) the cognitive and affective impact of their social communication challenges. This study explores the perspectives of 15 autistic young adults who are conversation-level verbal communicators. Individual semi-structured …

The Impact Of Clinical Education And Other Factors On The Slp’S Productivity In Medical Settings, Jennifer St. Clair

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND- The US is experiencing a shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) which is expected to continue and even increase in the next 10 years. In order to address this, possible causes and solutions were investigated. One possible cause is the assumed productivity drop of medical setting SLPs who are providing clinical education to a student. This study compared productivity percentages before and during the provision of clinical education to quantify the specific impact on productivity. In addition, clinical educator and facility factors were investigated to determine their potential effect on productivity during this time.

METHODS- Ninety-five participants completed …

The Effects Of Fear On Biomechanics In Healthy And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals, Robert I. Dudley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a prevalent and debilitating injury arising from aberrant biomechanics during landing or deceleration tasks. While the mechanism of injury is known, rates of ACL injury and reconstruction remain high. A potential explanatory factor for the high rate of injury is kinesiophobia, which has been associated with poor outcomes and deleterious biomechanics during dual-limb tasks in ACL reconstructed (ACLr) females. Unfortunately, findings have been limited to dual-limb tasks and correlational analyses. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia and movement during dual- and single-limb tasks, and to …

The Impact Of Intraneural Facilitation Therapy On Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Kyan Zhra-Sahba Alnajafi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Intraneural facilitation (INF) has shown clinical success, and significant improvements have been found in a recent pilot study. This study aims to investigate further these effects on DMT2 subjects suffering from DPN. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of INF on subjects suffering from DPN impacting blood flow, sensation, balance, gait, pain, and quality of life.

Methods: Twenty-eight subjects between 50-75 years old with T2DM and below ankle moderate-severe DPN, were randomly assigned into two groups (N=17 INF, N=11 sham). All blinded subjects went through 9 therapy visits, and blinded assessing …

The Influence Of Strength And Mobility On Lumbar Biomechanics During Lifting, Christopher S. Patterson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Weakness of the lumbar and hip extensors muscles as well as limited hip flexion mobility have been proposed to contribute to greater lumbar spine loading and greater lumbar flexion during functional tasks. The purpose of the current study was to examine the associations among hip and lumbar spine extension strength, hip flexion mobility and lumbar spine biomechanics during a squat lifting task. Fifty healthy adults participated in the study. Strength of the lumbar extensors and hip extensors was measured using a motor driven dynamometer. Hip range of motion was assessed using a 3D motion capture system. Participants lifted boxes of …

Spine Kinematics And Muscle Activities In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain Subgroups In Sitting, Mansoor Ahmed Alameri

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Although, non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) has been associated with motor control impairments, little is known about the possible driving mechanisms of pain development overtime during prolonged sitting period. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences in lumbosacral postures and muscle activities in adults with and without NSCLBP, and their role on pain development during a 1-hour of prolonged sitting task.

Methods: Twenty NSCLBP subjects with motor control impairment (MCI) [10 classified as having flexion pattern (FP) disorder, and 10 with active extension pattern (AEP) disorder], and 10 healthy controls participated in …

Effect Of Pediatric Ear Infections On Postural Stability, Ohud A. Sabir

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ear infections in children often cause abnormal postural stability during the acute phase of the ear infection. However, the long-term effects of recurrent ear infections on postural stability have not been investigated. Postural stability is the foundation of many motor skills in early child development. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and treat postural instability problems in early childhood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of multiple ear infections on pediatric postural stability and visual over-reliance and to determine if computerized and non-computerized measurement tools could identify lasting postural instability in children with multiple ear infections …

Biomechanics And Postural Control Characteristics In Low Back Pain Subgroups During Dynamic Task, Amjad Shallan

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dynamic balance impairments are commonly observed in people with low back pain (LBP). People with LBP have reduced lumbopelvic stability and may exhibit spinal biomechanical and postural control changes during dynamic balance. A limited number of studies are available about the spinal kinematic and postural control changes during dynamic balance in people with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) subgroups. Therefore, the aim of this dissertation was to compare spinal kinematics and postural control between NSCLBP subgroups and healthy individuals during dynamic balance using a modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT). Eighteen NSCLBP subjects [9 active extension pattern (AEP), 9 …

Relationship Between Balance And Physical Activity In Subjects With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain, Muhsen B. Alsufiany

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Most research on sedentary lifestyle has focused on pain and disability outcomes, while neuromuscular outcomes (postural control and strength) have received less attention. The objective of the present study was to determine whether low level of physical activity is negatively associated with measures of lower body muscular strength and postural control in subjects with and without non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). Twenty-four subjects with NSCLBP (28.8±5.9 years) and 24 age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI) matched healthy controls participated in the study. Subjects were sub-classified into four subgroups based on their level of physical activity using the International …

Does Self-Evaluation And Education In Students Change Attitudes And Beliefs Towards Weight Stigma?, Henry A. Garcia

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The current state of global ensures physical therapists will encounter patients that are overweight/obese in all clinical settings, which makes them exceptionally positioned to promote lifestyle modifications to their patients. Unfortunately, weight stigma is highly prevalent among health care providers. Weight stigma has been shown to have adverse effects on patients. The purpose of this study is to measure weight bias in the doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students. Elicit change in obesity stigma in DPT students by way of self-evaluation while enrolled in a course Aspects of Health Promotion (AHP). Methods: Sixty students enrolled in AHP course participated in …

Effects Of Head Motion On Balance In Middle-Aged And Young Adults With Chronic Motion Sensitivity, Ammar E. Hafiz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) often leads to a variety of symptoms including postural instability. There is limited research describing the effects of active head motion on standing postural stability in adults with motion sensitivity. Previous research has described the negative effects of chronic motion sensitivity on postural stability during active head motion. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of slow and fast head motions, in multiple planes, on postural stability in healthy middle-aged adults with and without CMS. Secondary objective was to compare the effects of head motion on postural stability between young and middle-aged adults, …

Efficacy Of The Dorsal Application Of Kinesio Tape For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Donnamarie Carter Krause

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) affect worldwide working populations. CTS symptoms are problematic especially when signs and symptoms are not substantial enough to require surgical intervention. Conservative treatments have mixed effectiveness, and there is yet to be a best option for chronic low-grade CTS. Kinesio tape is an emerging modality, the dorsal application may provide biomechanical support while allowing functional movement. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if the dorsal application of Kinesio tape applied to the wrist extensors for individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome makes a difference in occupational performance …

Effect Of Adding Stretching Techniques To Standardized Intervention On Nonspecific Mechanical Neck Pain, Saad S. Alfawaz

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Mechanical neck pain is becoming one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal disorders in the general adult population. Mobilization intervention is considered one of the most effective therapeutic techniques to treat non-specific neck pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefit of adding stretching exercises as part of a rehabilitation program for patients with non-specific mechanical neck pain. Methods: Thirty-eight subjects with non-specific neck pain for at least 2 weeks with mean± SD age 30.9±8.1 years and body mass index (BMI) 26.8±6.7 kg/m2 participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the combined intervention (passive …

Effect Of High Antioxidant Cacao Consumption On Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Amy Sadek

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND- Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate a physiological imbalance between free radicals, resulting from oxidative stress, and antioxidants. Oxidative stress is linked to the pathogenesis of this neurocognitive disorder. The objectives of this pilot feasibility study: 1) to examine the effect of consumption of high concentration antioxidant cacao on behavior of children as perceived by the child’s teacher and 2) as perceived by the child’s parent. METHODS- This clinical trial was a prospective experimental study. Participants consumed 8 squares (or 16 grams) per day of the dark chocolate which had a concentration of 70% cacao and 30% organic …

The Relationship Between Plantar Fascia Thickness, Metatarsophalangeal Joint Position And Gender, Michael J. Granado

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool for patients with plantar fasciitis. It provides an inexpensive and noninvasive method for quantifying the plantar fascia with accuracy levels comparable to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, some researchers have criticized the lack of standardization in the ultrasound measurement process for plantar fascia thickness as it calls into question the validity of the final measures. One critical component lacking any standardization during the procedure is metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint position as ultrasound examiners often extend the toe position during the process. This variation has made it difficult to understand the etiology of plantar fasciitis …

Effect Of Bacillus Coagulans And Galactomannans On Obese Patients Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy, Fay Kazzi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background/Purpose: Obesity is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic. Bariatric Surgery (BS) is an effective treatment to decrease obesity and the risk of associated diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of probiotics and prebiotics (LactoWise®) on weight loss, clinical lab values, and quality of life in morbidly obese patients undergoing LSG.

Methods: Sixty patients undergoing LSG were recruited to participate in the study and randomized into either a LactoWise® or placebo group. The LactoWise® group received 4.5 billion live cells of bacillus coagulans and galactomannans (300 mg); the placebo group received 600 mg of calcium citrate …

A Comparison Of Neuromuscular Control Between Subjects With And Without Chronic Ankle Instability, Hatem Jaber

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ankle sprains are common and potentially disabling musculoskeletal injuries occur among physically active individuals. A subsequent problem that is commonly encountered by clinicians due to ankle sprains is the development of ongoing instability. The presence of ankle instability has been linked to impairments in postural and neuromuscular control; however, inconsistent findings have been reported. These discrepancies deem the need to further investigate and provide additional knowledge regarding postural and neuromuscular control strategies utilized by this population. This may enhance the current understanding of chronic ankle instability (CAI) and help to understand how rehabilitation can be customized to specifically target and …

The Effects Of Frequent Smartphone Use On Children’S Upper Posture And Pulmonary Function, Asma Alonazi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Children are experiencing an increase in sedentary lifestyle as a result of the rising utilization of technology, i.e. smartphones. With the prolonged use of smartphones, increased concerns have been raised regarding constant neck flexion, neck movements limitation, and decreases in pulmonary function due to potential changes in spinal posture. Therefore, the purpose of this research thesis was to evaluate changes in craniovertebral angles (CVA), cervical range of motion (ROM), and pulmonary function among boys and girls 8 to 13 years of age who use smartphones. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 50 participants (24 boys and 26 …

The Effects Of Wearing Headscarves On Cervical Spine Proprioception And Range Of Motion, Samiah Alqabbani

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Wearing the headscarf is a part of an essential religious practice by females in Islamic cultures. Regular wear of the headscarf might have an influence on cervical proprioception and range of motion (ROM). The cervical spine is unique in providing multidirectional movement as well as providing the sense of awareness of movement of the head and neck in space. Impairments in cervical mobility and proprioception have been reported in subjects with whiplash-associated disorder as well as subjects having neck pain. Objectives: 1) To determine the effects of wearing the headscarf on cervical spine ROM and joint position error …

Effects Of Head Motion On Postural Stability In Participants With Chronic Motion Sensitivity, Abdulaziz A. Albalwi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Motion sensitivity, or motion sickness, is common among individuals in modern vehicular and visually stimulating environments; notably, people with normal vestibular function are susceptible to this condition. Motion-provoked dizziness often causes postural instability. Purposes: This study aimed to compare the effects of head motion on postural stability in healthy adults with and without chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) and to determine the effects of head motion direction (horizontal versus vertical) on postural stability. Methods: Sixty healthy adult males and females aged 20 to 40 years old were assigned to two groups, 30 participants with CMS and 30 participants without CMS. …

Activity Monitor Accuracy For Lower-Limb Amputees Living In Colombia And Texas, Gary Guerra Briseno

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Maintaining physical activity for lower limb prosthesis wearers is important in order to reduce comorbidities and decrease physical function. Activity monitors can provide motivation for the wearer and outcome measurements for the health care professional. Two cohorts of lower extremity amputees participated in two separate studies examining the accuracy of activity monitors. Each participant completed a 200m walking trial while activity monitors were fitted to them and step counts were compared with actual counts. For participants walking on even ground in a developing setting no significant differences between pedometer and actual counts were found, nor were there significant differences with …

Relationship Between Vestibular System, Vision, Anxiety, And Chronic Motion Sensitivity, Ahmad A. Alharbi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND: Chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) has been defined as a feeling of un-wellness elicited by either actual or perceived motion. CMS is a common condition and is more prevalent in females than in males. In addition to a variety of symptoms, young adults with CMS have less postural stability than those without CMS. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether vestibular system integrity, dependence on visual cues for postural stability, and the anxiety level are different between young adults with and without CMS, and whether it differs by gender within each group. METHODS: Sixty young adults (30 females and 30 males) were assigned …

Effect Of Heavy Lifting With A Head Strap On The Pelvic Floor Across The Menstrual Cycle, Yvonne Biswokarma

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs in 10% of women in Nepal, even 6% of nulliparous women have symptomatic POP.1 This may be linked to the heavy lifting tasks performed by women using a head strap.2 This study explored the impact of hormonal changes on the pelvic floor when performing these tasks during each phase of the menstrual cycle. Methods: The study included 22 female Nepali participants with a mean age of 27.4(3.6) years; all were from rural villages and frequently carried with a head strap. Using intravaginal pressure transducers (IVT), the mean change in intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was found …

Neuropsychological Effects Of Pomegranate Supplementation Following Ischemic Stroke, John A. Bellone

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Polyphenols are compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mounting evidence suggests that dietary polyphenol intake can reduce the detrimental effects of various disease processes, and pomegranates have frequently been examined because of their particularly high polyphenol content. Since stroke induces both oxidative stress and inflammation and is currently the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., we sought to determine whether dietary supplementation with polyphenols could enhance cognitive recovery in individuals who had suffered an ischemic stroke. We administered polyphenols via 2 POMx pills containing polyphenols derived from pomegranates equivalent to the content …

Clinical Assessment Of Pragmatics (Caps): A Validation Study, Adriana Lavi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was bi-fold: to develop and analyze the validity and reliability of a comprehensive pragmatic language diagnostic tool, the Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics as well as comparatively examine and analyze pragmatic language profiles of three groups of adolescents. These included students with Language Impairment (LI), High-Functioning Autism (HFA) and typically developing students. During the validation phase of the study, thirty participants, ages 14 to 16 years old, were administered 3 pragmatic judgment and 3 pragmatic performance subtests comprised of 10 items each for a total of 60 test items. A series of validity and reliability measures …