Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Knowledge Of Pre-Physical Therapy Students Regarding Admission Criteria At Grand Valley State University, Kerry Randolph, Beth Wieber

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine how informed pre-P.T. students at G.V.S.U. are about the admission criteria for the P.T. program. A qualitative design was used.

Twenty pre-P.T. students from G.V.S.U. participated in the survey portion of this study. Eight of these students participated in follow-up interviews.

The survey was used to collect information regarding knowledge of admission requirements and sources of information. A personal interview was used to further probe and clarify survey responses. Data was analyzed to identify common themes.

Results indicate that academic advisors for pre-P.T. students at G.V.S.U. are not used as a major …

A Preliminary Study Of Trunk Kinematics During Walking In Normal Subjects, Lisa R. Elders, Heather L. Greenwald, Celeste A. Sartor

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to systematically describe the three-dimensional trunk kinematics in normal subjects, to establish a baseline for comparison to future research in gait analysis and aid in the identification of pathological gait. Seventeen volunteers between the ages of twenty and fifty, who met criteria for normal subjects, participated in this study. Trunk kinematic data were collected using an optoelectronic technique. An ensemble average of trunk kinematic data in each of the cardinal planes was plotted in degrees of motion versus percentage of gait cycle. A distinct pattern of trunk kinematics during gait was found in this …

Strength And Neuromuscular Characteristics Of Female And Male High School Basketball Players, Diane M. Beach, Barbara J. Hoogenboom, Lisa M. Rose

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to identify possible differences in strength ratios and neuromuscular performance between high school female and male basketball players, as tested by concentric isokinetic testing using the Blodex® isokinetic system . We recruited high school basketball players, females (N=26) and males (N=27). All participants underwent isokinetic concentric testing of bilateral hamstrings and quadriceps at five speeds (60, 180, 240, 300, 450 degrees per second). Female subjects demonstrated lower hamstrlng/quadriceps ratios than males at 60 and 240 degrees per second. Compared with male subjects, the female subjects took significantly longer to generate maximum hamstring muscle torque …

Efficacy Of Neurodevelopmental Treatment With Primary Focus On Dynamic Postural Control In A Chronic Stroke Individual, Renee E. Baer, Mary Kathryn Koeninger, Neha S. Shah

Masters Theses

This study examined the efficacy of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) with primary focus on seated dynamic postural control (DPC) in a chronic stroke individual. Secondarily, the relationship between postural control and upper extremity function was examined. An 11 week ABAB single subject design was utilized. DPC was measured using the Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) and DPC Checklists (DPCCs). The MFRT had high interrater reliability (> 0.97) for the four reach directions and therefore could be clinically useful. Data was graphically analyzed using the two standard deviation band width method. During treatment phase 1, significant upward trends were noted in anterior …

Nursing Students' Perceptions Of Clinical Instructor Behaviors That Affect The Development Of Self-Confidence, Debra E. Veltkamp

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine clinical instructor behaviors that students perceive as important in promoting or hindering their development of self-confidence. One hundred fifty-eight associate degree and baccalaureate nursing students rated 21 clinical teaching behaviors on the degree each helped or hindered their self-confidence as nurses and responded to two open-ended questions by identifying additional behaviors. Factor analysis of these behaviors revealed six dimensions of clinical teaching that characterized the instructor as: encourager, evaluator, discourager, enabler, benevolent presence, and resource. All behaviors contributing to the dimensions of clinical instructor were rated by students as helpful in their …

The Relationship Of Hamstring Length And Chronic Low Back Pain, Aaron Deline, David Doubblestein

Masters Theses

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most complex dysfunctions facing physical therapists today. There has been some research on the correlation between decreased hamstring length and LBP, but the results have been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a direct correlation between decreased hamstring length and chronic LBP among males and females aged 20 - 60 years who are non-manual laborers.

Based on responses to a questionnaire thirty-nine volunteer subjects were placed into either the no LBP group or the chronic LBP group. The subjects were then tested bilaterally for hamstring muscle …

Addressing Spirituality In Occupational Therapy Treatment, Barbara R. Howe

Masters Theses

Literature review identified confusion in the definitions of spirituality with religion. However, there have been attempts to separate the two definitions by professionals who consider holism an important concept of clinical practice. This · study was designed to identify occupational therapists' definitions of spirituality in clinical practice. Also under investigation was the therapist's assessment and use of spirituality for treatment purposes.

A survey was sent to a random sample of occupational therapists in order to gather data about their spiritual activities, their personal definitions of spirituality and their use of spirituality in evaluation and treatment of clients.

Occupational therapists who …

An Inquiry: The Concept And Application Of Empowerment, Pamela Kay Wheelock

Masters Theses

While empowerment is a dominant concern in mental health care, services often reflect the inadequate use of an empowerment-based frame of reference. This study seeks to enlarge the understanding of empowerment so that more effective services can be established.

Using naturalistic inquiry methodology, this study explores the lived experience of empowerment through direct dialogue with both mental health consumer advocates and mental health occupational therapists. Data were collected and evaluated using a hermeneutic dialectic process. A series of three interviews were done with six respondents.

Analysis of the interviews revealed striking contrasts between the therapists' and advocates' perspectives in relation …

Pre- And Post-Operative Comparison Of Kinematic Data In Ambulatory Patients With Cerebral Palsy, Douglas A. Miller, Matthew J. Vanderkooi

Masters Theses

Computerized three-dimensional gait analysis effectively supplements clinical examination by objectively assessing dynamic gait abnormalities and surgical outcomes. The purpose of this research was to assess the ambulatory outcomes of corrective surgery performed on children with spastic cerebral palsy by comparing pre- and post-operative kinematic data. It was hypothesized that post-operative data would be significantly improved compared to pre-operative values. Clinical examination and computerized gait analysis were performed pre-operatively and six to eighteen months following corrective surgery. Gait analysis included video taping of gait and recording of three-dimensional joint motion, synchronized force plate, and dynamic EMG data. The three patients (average …

Nurses' Perceptions Of The Profession Of Physical Therapy In The Inpatient Setting, Sharon Vanmullekom, Joanne Childs

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interprofessional relationship that exists between nurses (RNs) and physical therapists (PTs) as perceived by RNs in the inpatient setting. A questionnaire, the Interprofessional Perception Scale, (Ducanis & Golin 1978) was modified and sent to 230 day shift nurses who have contact with PTs at four West Michigan hospitals. Forty-five percent of the surveys were returned. RNs responded to the following questions regarding the nursing and physical therapy professions: how would you answer; how would PTs answer, and how would PTs say that you answered, for 15 interprofessional issues. Differences between how …

The Effects Of A Downhill Skiing Program On Standing Balance In Adults And Children With Various Disabilities, Colleen Kavanaugh, Tara Mcnabb, Tami Revett

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess possible improvements in balance following a downhill ski program at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The 15 subjects' ages ranged from 7-67 and were obtained by a convenience sample of participants in the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association. Diagnoses of the participants included cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, cerebral vascular accident, hearing impaired, visually impaired, and developmentally disabled.; A pre-test, post-test design was used to assess the participants balance using the functional reach test--yardstick method. Data was analyzed by computer using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Using the t-test for paired comparisons, …

Geriatric Knowledge, Attitudes And Interests Of Physical Therapy Alumni Of Grand Valley State University, Elizabeth Johnson

Masters Theses

Gerontologic knowledge, attitudes and interest in working with the elderly were investigated and potential relationships explored. Six years of Grand Valley State University alumni (3 years Bachelor's {dollar}\{lcub} \rm N=63\{rcub}{dollar} and 3 years Master's {dollar}\{lcub} \rm N=84\{rcub} ){dollar} were surveyed. Questionnaires consisted of: a Personal History Questionnaire, to collect demographic data; the Palmore's Facts on Aging Questionnaire Part 2 with a "don't know" option added; and a modified Semantic Differential by Rosencrantz and McNevin. P-values were set at {dollar}\le{dollar}.05 to determine statistical significance. Correlations were also run on the data. Results indicate a fairly high correlation between people who believe …

The Effects Of Contralateral Limb Strength Training On Muscle Atrophy In An Immobilized Upper Extremity, Robin R. Hlavacek

Masters Theses

Four case studies were used to evaluate the effects of three weeks of isokinetic strength training on retarding muscle atrophy in the contralateral casted limb. The non-dominant arm of each subject was immobilized in a long-arm plaster cast. Two subjects participated in an isokinetic strength training program three times per week for three weeks and two subjects were untrained. Each subject was measured for limb circumference and strength before and after casting. Pre- and post-immobilization values were compared within each subject. The results suggest a possible cross transfer effect of strength from the trained limb to the casted limb in …

The Validity Of The Physiological Cost Index At Short Distances, Devin Deboer, John Heyerman, Robert Stout

Masters Theses

Background and purpose. The Physiological Cost Index (PCI) was developed as a tool using heart rate and walking speed to measure energy expenditure during walking. This tool was developed using long distances, therefore, its validity at short distances is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of the PCI at short distances.; Subjects. Forty-six subjects aged 20-30 years old were tested. Methods. Subjects walked 600 meters around a 40 meter oval track. Heart rate and walking speed were monitored at various intervals. Results. No strong correlation between short and long distances was found until 80 meters …

Exercise Walking For Obesity Management In Older Adult White Women, Mary I. Dallas

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a program of exercise walking would lead to any changes in the level of physical fitness for obese white women, aged fifty and over. Twenty-two women were recruited from three sites located in Holland, Michigan. The ten week program consisted of exercise walking three times a week for forty-five minutes at 60% to 70% maximum heart rate capacity. Subjects' weight, mean percentage of body fat, waist to hip ratio, body mass index, and the step test were found to decrease significantly between the pre- and post-test measures. As a result of …

The Effects Of An Eleven-Week Therapeutic Riding Program On Motor Skills As Measured By The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency, Angela M. Cripe, Angela A. Schmid

Masters Theses

The purpose of this single-case experimental design study was to determine whether or not therapeutic horseback riding was effective in improving motor skills. The subject was a 7-year-old girl with diplegic cerebral palsy. She participated in a therapeutic riding program for 11 weeks. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-SF) was administered a total of seven times (two pretests, three tests during the riding program, and two posttests). Due to the limited number of testing sessions and only having 1 subject, the results of the study are considered inconclusive. However, based on visual analyses of graphs, some improvements in …

Electromyographic Comparison Of Internal And External Obliques Using A Modified Version Of Kendall's Strength Test Positions For Upper And Lower Abdominals, Rebecca A. Currier, Margie L. Johnson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of the internal obliques (upper abdominals) versus the external obliques (lower abdominals) during a modified version of Kendall's upper and lower abdominal strength tests using surface electromyography on adults. The study was not correlated to Kendall's theory due to the necessity to have the internal oblique electrode placed on the anterior abdomen. Twenty-four women and sixteen men participated in the study. All subjects were taught two positions ("easy" and "hard") for both abdominal tests and performed eight trials. A normalized ratio was generated by dividing one "hard" trial by the …

Relationships Among Isokinetic Knee Flexion And Extension Parameters, Three Functional Tests, And Subjective Knee Scores In Acl Reconstructed Patients, Laura Call, Sheryl Chandler

Masters Theses

The purposes of this study were: (1) to investigate the relationships between isokinetically tested quadriceps femoris and hamstring strength, the subjects' self-assessment of knee function, and three functional tests, and (2) to determine the strength and functional differences between the surgical and non-surgical limbs. Subjects included 18 males and 27 females aged 18 to 45 years who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee strength was measured at 180, 300, and 450{dollar}\sp\circ{dollar}/second and normalized to body weight, while functional hop data were normalized to height. Significant differences existed between limbs for the single, triple, and cross-over hops, and all, but …

Effects Of A Feldenkrais-Based Mobility Program On Function Of A Healthy, Elderly Sample, Barbara Brown, Susan Finney, Carolyn Sarantakis

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a program of mobility exercises, based on the Feldenkrais Method, would result in an increase in range of motion and function, as measured by the Functional Reach (FR), modified Functional Reach (modified FR), and Timed "Up and Go" tests. Twenty-eight healthy elderly volunteers participated in the study. The experimental group participated in the program three times a week for six weeks. Measurements were taken before and after the six week program. The Timed "Up and Go" test improved significantly (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05) in the experimental group when age was accounted for. Right ankle dorsiflexion also increased significantly (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). The FR and modified FR measurements did not demonstrate a significant change. As measured by the Timed "Up and Go" test, a Feldenkrais based program may improve function in healthy elderly individuals. Further research, with healthy and disabled subjects, is needed to understand the benefits of the Feldenkrais Method.

Effect Of Thirty Second Static Stretch On Hamstring Muscle Flexibility In Subjects Over Age 65, Erin Bloomquist

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a thirty second static stretch on hamstring muscle length in a sample of healthy people over age sixty-five. Twelve individuals between the ages of 65 and 89 were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group which performed one repetition of a thirty second static stretch of the hamstrings, one time per day for four weeks, and a control group which did not perform a hamstring stretch. ANCOVA results were calculated as p =.046, implying a significant treatment effect. Overall power was calculated as.541. The results suggest that in …

A Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Two Modalities In The Treatment Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Kenneth Newland

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of massage and light exercise in alleviating the signs and symptoms of DOMS. Fifteen male and female subjects were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups. To obtain a DOMS response, each group performed eccentric exercise on a Biodex Isokinetic Dynamometer to both arms. As treatment, one group (N = 7) received massage to one arm and light exercise in the form of upper body ergometry to the other arm. The other group (N = 8) received massage to one arm and light exercise in the form of supine …

The Effect Of Anterior Tibial Translation On Quadriceps Recruitment During An Isometric Squat, Natalie K. Howard, Penny P. Tussing

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine how closed chain anterior tibial translation (ATT) affected quadriceps femoris recruitment as evidenced by electromyography.; Forty-three healthy subjects performed a unilateral squat under two conditions: anterior tibial force (ATF) and no tibial force (NTF). Two adjustable-height pulleys produced ATF by each pulling with ten percent of body weight in opposite directions on the proximal tibia and distal femur. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis was monitored using surface electrodes. Percentage change in EMG area between the two squat conditions was averaged across all subjects and muscles. …

The Physical Therapist's Role In Sexual Education Of People With Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation, Karen Ellexson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical therapist's role in sexual education of spinal cord injured patients during inpatient rehabilitation. Descriptive data were collected by questionnaire from 72 licensed physical therapists working in CARF accredited inpatient spinal cord injury units. The results indicated that although therapists rated sexual education as an important and appropriate topic in physical therapy, they addressed sexual issues only 46% of the time and initiated these discussions only 30% of the time. Significant correlation was present between the frequency of addressing and initiating discussions of sexuality and the therapists' preparedness and comfort level …

The Effect Of Verbal Commands On Muscle Performance, Lisa M. Marichal, Molly K. Veen

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between voice command intensity and maximum torque production of an isometric muscle contraction. Thirty nine healthy subjects ranging in age from 18-30 participated in this study. The maximum torque production of triceps brachii was measured using a Cybex II+ isokinetic dynamometer in response to varied, tape recorded voice commands. Data was analyzed by a series of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for an unbalanced incomplete-block crossover trial design. No significance was found between voice intensity and peak torque. Gender was found to impact torque …

Use Of Gum Chewing And Electromyography In The Conservative Treatment Of Unilateral Masseter Muscle Hyperactivity, Marc F. Maday, Ben Rentfrow, Nathan T. Tear

Masters Theses

It is estimated that up to 10% of the American public has some form of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD), of whom perhaps 5% may seek or need treatment. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that chewing gum for 5 minutes on the involved side at levels less than maximal contraction will decrease resting muscle tone in the masseter muscle as demonstrated through surface electromyography.; This study examined 40 normal subjects as well as 6 people diagnosed with TMD. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in masseter output after the intervention as measured by EMG in …

Use Of Alternative Approaches By Physical Therapists In Michigan, Karen E. Huber, Brian W. Scherff

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to determine the prevalence of use of alternative treatments by physical therapists in Michigan, what approaches are used most often and if use of alternative techniques is associated with practice characteristics. A questionnaire listing 20 treatment techniques which met the operational definition of alternative was mailed to a random sample of 300 licensed physical therapists in Michigan. Number of modalities used, frequency of use for each alternative treatment, average caseload treated, and relationships between modality use and characteristic of practitioners were determined. Results showed 83% of respondents use one or more alternative modalities; 39% …

Knowledge, Utilization, And Favorability Of Commonly Referring Michigan Physicians Regarding Physical Therapy, Jill M. Cabanilla, Sandra J. Frantz

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to assess commonly referring Michigan physicians' knowledge of physical therapy, and its impact on favorability toward, and utilization of, its services. Three hundred questionnaires were sent to physicians of orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and general practice. The usable return rate was 22 percent. Technical, professional, and overall knowledge scores, as well as utilization patterns were compared across medical specialty, practice location, and years of experience. The mean overall knowledge score was 63% with orthopedic physicians scoring the highest at 77 percent. Physicians demonstrated higher knowledge of "professional" PT procedures over "technical" …

Comparison Of The Effects Of Aerobic Dance To Water Aerobic Training On Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Terri L. Bedford, Tamara A. Dusterwinkle, Darcy J. Hoppman

Masters Theses

Water aerobics is one mode of exercise that is gaining popularity. Water aerobics allows adults who participate in an exercise program to improve their cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine if water aerobic training is as effective as land dance aerobic training in improving cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary healthy adults. Eighteen subjects participated in this study; nine in dance aerobics and nine in water aerobics. Before and after eight weeks of training, subjects performed a graded maximal exercise test on a Schwinn Air-Dyne while maximal oxygen uptake was measured via a Beckman Metabolic Cart. ANCOVA was …

Social Support And Adaptation To Disability, Deborah J. Russell

Masters Theses

Based on Roy's Model of Adaptation, this study examined the relationship between social support and functional independence following hip fracture. A descriptive correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 29 women age 65 and older. The Personal Resource Questionnaire was used to measure social support and the Functional Independence Measure was used to measure locomotion as an aspect of physical function.; Data indicated that women who had higher levels of functional independence one week following hip fracture had higher levels of social support. However, this difference was not statistically significant. The hypothesized relationship between social support and functional …

The Effects Of Exercise Training On Functional Balance In A Community-Dwelling Elderly Population, Kathryn E. Smith

Masters Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of aerobic exercise training to improve balance in healthy adults over age 65. Twenty-five habitual exercisers (mean age 75.3 yrs.) and 25 control subjects (mean age 72.8 yrs.) were recruited from a senior day center. Balance was measured by the functional reach test. A two-sample t-test revealed no significantly higher difference in the mean balance score of the exercise group compared to the control group. Regression analysis indicated that none of the other variables collected (age, group, or level of fitness) were significant predictors of the functional reach scores. There …