Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Muscle Activation In Individuals Who Are Status-Post A Stroke During Over Ground, Treadmill, And Body Weight Supported Gait: A Comparative Study, Rhonda L. Breitbach, Kelly L. Malmin, Beth M. Nordmark, Jennifer A. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate individuals who are status post stroke during ambulation over ground, on a treadmill without support, and on a treadmill with partial body weight support (PBWS) to determine if there are any differences in muscle activation of major muscle groups in the lower extremity.

Subjects: Two subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects were included if they were over the age of 50 years, could fulfill a two-hour time commitment, and walk independently with or without the use of an assistive device. Subjects were excluded if they have had surgery or an …

An Electromyographic Study Of Upper Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, And Serratus Anterior Muscle Activity During Traditional And Modified Muscle Testing Positions, Jace Everett, Mike Fowler, Jason Haak, Robby Luck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the muscle activity of the shoulder joint force couple induced by the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior to determine if they are more effectively recruited during the traditional exercise position of forward shoulder elevation in 145° of shoulder abduction versus a modified position of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion

Methods: Nine participants took part in this randomized study in which EMG data was collected during 4 exercise trials of 10 repetitions each on the right shoulder. EMG activity was monitored …

Balance Comparison Of Open- And Closed-Back Shoes, Tiffany Hemberger, Sara Henderson, Eric Loiland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A growing number of healthcare professionals have been choosing to wear an open-back shoe rather than a traditional closed-back shoe in the workplace. Healthcare professionals incorporate dynamic balance and quick reactions during direct patient interaction. The purpose of the study was to determine if dynamic balance would be affected in healthcare professionals when wearing open-back shoes versus closed-back shoes.

Thirty-two healthcare professionals or students of healthcare professions (28 females and 4 males) were recruited for this study. Subjects ranged in age from 20 to 62 years (mean age 28.2 years), with the majority being physical therapists or physical therapy students. …

Role Of Z-Coilª Shoes On Plantar Pressure Forces During Short Distance Walking, Tyler Volle, Michael Rider, Brett Jenks, Benjamin Deubner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The Z-CoiL ® company has marketed a shoe that is advertised to decrease pressure and attenuation of forces on the foot, ankle, and other lower extremity joints. Evidence based studies, however, are lacking in support of this claim. The purpose of this study was to compare the peak pressure distributed onto the bottom of the foot from heel strike to midstance when walking bare foot, using a personal athletic shoe, and using a Z-CoiL ® shoe.

Subjects: Thirty subjects without any current history of orthopedic pathologies were examined in this study. Fourteen subjects were excluded from final data analysis, …

Electromyographic (Emg) Analysis Of Trunk Muscles At The Point Of Puck Contact During Slap And Wrist Shots Of Female Ice Hockey Athletes, Lon Donald, Kristi Kjellgren, Jodi Young, Michael Young

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The number of female hockey players has increased significantly in the last decade. The first recorded female hockey game was in Ottawa in 1889. Since that time, hockey has spread into the United States .. Today, USA Hockey, Inc. reports 40,000 registered females and the Canadian Hockey Association has 55,000 female hockey players. Despite the rising popularity of the sport among females, there is little research specifically related to female hockey players.

Golf, tennis, and hockey swings utilize similar rotational components about the trunk. Trunk rotation is controlled and produced by the erector spinae, external oblique and rectus abdominus muscles. …

A Comparison Of The Effects On Throwing Velocity Of Straight Plane Versus Diagonal Plane Shoulder Exercises On 18-30 Year Old Non-Athletes, Jason Allred, Kevin O'Brien, Peter Tran

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in throwing velocity exhibited by subjects placed in a straight-line resistance-training group, a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) resistance-training group, and a control group in order to compare benefits between training programs. Subjects were comprised of 42 college students between the ages of 18 and 30. The subjects were placed in one of the three experimental groups (straight-line resistance-training, PNF resistance training, and control) using Theraband™ elastic tubing. Each subject's overhand throwing velocity was measured on two separate occasions separated by 8-weeks of training. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to …

Survey Of The Use Of Pedometers And Knowledge Of Caloric Intake And Expenditure, Tera Bahl, Holly Freudenberg, Tara Hynek, Lynae Jost

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, medical professionals are searching for ways to combat this epidemic. One of the first steps is to assess the activity levels and eating habits of those who are obese and look for ways to modify these two areas in order to assist the obese individual in achieving a desirable and healthy weight. The purpose of this study is to determine if pedometer use, gender, or body mass influence one's knowledge of caloric consumption and expenditure.

Subjects and Methods. 253 questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected faculty and staff …

Effects Of Ankle Taping On Postural Stability, Jessica Brown, Andrea Foley, Michelle Hager, Andrea Kresel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle taping is a common practice used to support the ankle joint after injury when engaging in activities. Balance is a crucial component of athletic performance that relies on input from the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. Proprioception plays a role in the somatosensory portion of balance and postural control. Ankle taping, which is used to improve performance, may alter a person's proprioception, balance, and postural control.

The purpose of this study is to determine if ankle taping has an effect on postural control in an individual free of chronic or acute ankle dysfunction. Thirty-two subjects were tested on a …

Factors That Influence The Utilization Of Fitness/Recreation Facilities By Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Brenda Finley, Kristen Lindstrom, Jennifer Lorengo, Brandi Muir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This research project was designed to provide well ness/fitness facilities, particularly the upcoming Wellness Center at the University of North Dakota (UND), with useful information to make facilities more accommodating to all individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence participation in physical activity among people with physical disabilities and to investigate the types of accommodations and modifications that fitness facilities have in place.

Six individuals with physical disabilities participated in the focused interview portion of this study. Participants suggested modifications concerning physical activity for staffing, additional equipment, and other specific adaptations. The majority of …

An Evaluation Of The Ability Of Physical Therapy Students At The University Of North Dakota To Make Ethical Decisions, Russell B. Fox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are faced with many ethical dilemmas in the work place. Therefore, it is important for a physical therapy student to have the ability to make sound ethical decisions. However, there are no classes required by the physical therapy department in ethics at the University of North Dakota. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of physical therapy students and the faculty at the University of North Dakota to make ethical decisions.

During the summer of 2004, the Defining Issues Test II (DIT-2) was administered at the University of North Dakota. The DIT-2 is a structured …

The Effectiveness Of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training On Muscle Activation And Gait With Normal Subjects, Malanie A. Hanson, Cherron M. Kingzett, Amanda M. Klempel, Jenny M. Silbernagel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate gait kinematics of individuals without pathological impairments. Through the use of electromyography (EMG), the firing of muscles was analyzed during ambulation using the partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT). Video motion analysis (VMA) was also used to look at the movements of the lower extremities and the pelvis. Using both of these tools, it was determined if there was a significant change in muscle firing and movements in normal individuals during ambulation with weight support compared to normal weight-bearing.

Methods: Four subjects (3 female, 1 male) were recruited …

An Electromyography (Emg) Study Of Two Dynamic Surfaces: Hippotherapy And Swiss Ball, Melissa J. Metcalf, Roslyn J. Muller, Tanya L. Schimek, Erica H. Wheeler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The use of horseback riding as a therapeutic intervention has been used since the fifth century, B.C.1 It has been proposed that the physical benefits of horseback riding include: improved posture, balance, muscle strength, decreased spasticity, improved gait patterns, and coordination. Unfortunately, at the current time, hippotherapy, the use of horses in physical therapy intervention, has been poorly documented due to little objective research. The purpose of this study was to provide an objective measure of children's postural muscle activity through the use of electromyography (EMG) and electrogoniometry on two dynamic surfaces. Data was analyzed for differences in postural muscle …

Overcoming Barriers In Fitness Equipment For Persons With Physical Disabilities, Collin Wiggins, Thomas Carson, Aaron Sorvig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Americans today are generally inactive, and the incidence of physical inactivity is even higher among those with disabilities. Many advances have been made in recreational sports facilities; however, insufficient information regarding equipment selection or equipment design remains, and thus may limit the active participation of the physically disabled at most colleges/universities. The purpose of this study was to determine guidelines for identifying types of equipment, accommodations, and funding sources available to provide those with physical disabilities an adequate and equal means of improving their fitness level.

Facilities chosen to participate in this study are registered college/university recreation centers with the …

The Effectiveness Of Semi-Rigid Custom Made Foot Orthotics In Correcting Abnormal Foot Positions, Kimberly Austin, Chris Gietzen, Bonnie Nostdahl, John Sayler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Researchers have been trying to understand the complexity of foot biomechanics for over 100 years, and this has lead to an increase in more sensitive technology. Abnormal foot biomechanics are commonly corrected using orthotics. Pressure mapping systems, such as the Force Sensitive Application (FSA) and Teckscan, are becoming more prevalent in both clinical settings and in research to assist clinicians in making proper fitting orthotics. FSA allows clinicians the ability to measure the amount of pressure on patients' feet with and without orthotics. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of semi-rigid custom foot orthotics in correcting …

The Effect Of Participation In Organized Soccer On Fitnessgram Scores In 11-12 Year Old Girls, Gale G. Dockstader, Kristin R. Naplin, Keli N. Waterworth, Lyndsey M.R. Ziemer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the United States and has been associated with multiple health complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Due to these increasing rates and health effects, there is a need to determine effective methods to measure physical activity as well as promote physical activity. One form of determining a child's level of fitness is through the Fitnessgram. This study was designed to determine if formally testing fitness levels with the Fitnessgram in 11-12 year old girls participating in organized soccer is correlated with changes in fitness levels from pre-season to post-season, …

The Effects Of Hypermobility On Static And Dynamic Balance In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Laura Elbert, Teresa Tostenrud

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A significant percentage of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students have been found to exhibit signs of systemic hypermobility. Hypermobility can be defined as joints displaying excessive range of movement. Balance is an integral aspect of the job tasks of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists and involves collaboration of muscles, joints, ligaments, and the proprioceptive input they collectively provide. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of hyper mobility on static and dynamic balance in a population of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students at the University of North Dakota.

Seventy nine physical therapy and occupational therapy …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Quadriceps And Hamstrings Recruitment During Two Closed Kinetic Chain Activities, Linda K. Hanson, Shauna T. Salz, Suzanne L. Steffes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pain and injury are a commonly seen diagnosis in physical therapy practice. Closed kinetic chain activities are frequently used to treat these diagnoses, because of their safety and functional properties. However isolation of specific muscles is difficult with closed kinetic chain exercises. The researchers chose to further study closed kinetic chain exercises in order to compare traditional closed kinetic chain exercises with a recently developed closed kinetic chain device. The purpose of this study is to assess EMG activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings during two different closed kinetic chain activities of the knee, one a traditional method and …

Examination Of Balance And Weightbearing In Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Utilizing The Weight Bearing And Step Up/Over Tests On The Neurocom Balance Master, Kim Broadway, Carrie Grise, Nicky Yamamoto, Franz Yuen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently in the United States, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. Although sports activities commonly cause injury to the ACL, non-athletic individuals are affected as well. With the increasing prevalence of the ACLR procedure, a need appears for researching the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects an ACLR has on balance and weight bearing using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM), version 8.02, Weight Bearing Squat (WBS) and Step Up/Over (SUO) tests with individuals who were …

A Study Of Benefits/Barriers To Physical Exercise Among College Students At The University Of North Dakota, Eric Leopold, Shawn Petrie, Mike Svekcar

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With the current emphasis on prevention and wellness in the area of public health, there is a need for insight regarding exercise behavior. Since college students are at the age when activity levels begin to decline,1 this may prove to be a crucial intervention point to promote positive exercise behaviors which may carry over into the adult years.

The purpose of this study is to examine personal and facility-related factors influencing exercise behavior among college students at the University of North Dakota. A randomized sample selected from the student population of the University of North Dakota (n = 900) was …

Sitting Pressure-Mapping Of The Buttocks Region Of Elderly People Who Use Wheelchairs For Locomotion, Brian A. Rud, Wheelchairs

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Elderly people who spend multiple hours in a wheelchair are prone to skin breakdown of the buttock and leg regions. Pressure relief of these areas can help prevent skin breakdown and can be achieved through the use of a wheelchair cushion, weight shifting, and positioning. Strategies for effective pressure relief can be found for individuals by utilizing pressure-mapping technology.

The purpose of this study was to identify if elderly wheelchair-dependent nursing home residents (n = 6) had adequate pressure relief of the buttock and leg regions. Pressures at the buttock and leg regions were measured with the FSA Pressure-Mapping device …

The Effects Of Torque Production Using A Stationary Hand-Held Dynamometer On Different Points Of The Forearm When Manual Muscle Testing Elbow Flexors, Justin Allred, Ross Homstad, Eugene Monette

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Muscle testing using a stationary dynamometer has given therapists a more objective method of assessing a patient's strength. However, few studies have been performed as to the effects that dynamometer placement has on force production.

The purpose of this randomized, repeated measure study was to determine whether there was a significant difference in reliability between torque measurements with dynamometer placement at two well-defined points on the forearm. The differences in torque values from the two points of application (distal wrist crease and the midpoint of the forearm) were also compared to assess for differences between these values.

Thirty-two healthy subjects …

A Survey Of Educators' Needs When Accommodating Students With Physical Disabilities In Regular Education Classrooms, Heather Fisher, Lynn Mckay, Barbara Roise, Katrina Sem

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Students with physical disabilities have been included in regular education classrooms, under IDEA, since the 1970's. Research has shown that many teachers do not feel adequately prepared for adapting their classrooms for a student with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived needs of regular educators in North Dakota and determine what ways physical therapists can offer assistance to educators when accommodating for a student with physical disabilities.

Subjects and Methods. Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected, North Dakota teachers via the mail (325) and email (325). …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Plyo Press Jump And A Vertical Jump, Leigh James Griffith, Kristen Michelle Olson, Daniel Kenneth Sinness, Steven Peter Thomas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many training programs have been developed to aid in training the athlete with their goal of maximizing strength and performance. The Plyo Press machine was developed for training athletes enrolled in the Frappier Sports Acceleration Program. This machine was designed to couple strength training with plyometrics to enhance dynamic muscle activity and speed.

There has been limited research on the Plyo Press machine to support these claims. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to compare muscle recruitment during a vertical floor jump versus a plyojump in the Ply Press leg machine. EMG analysis of selected lower extremity muscles was …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance For Patients Following A Cva: A Case Study Approach, Michele Jackson, Kimberly Lindemann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebral vascular accident (CV A) is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 75% of people who have a stroke survive, many of whom live with some level of impairments that impact their activities of daily living and quality of life. One of the results of these impairments can be decreased balance. Limitations in balance may impact an individual's risk of falls, ability to ambulate, and performance of functional activities. Exercises emphasizing balance training playa significant role in improving postural control. …

The Relationship Between Work Related Injury And Participation In Exercise And Recreational Activities, Stephen Kaiser, Chris Kuhn, Jay Steckler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The cost of health care is on the rise for both employers and employees. Research has shown that exercise in any capacity will improve overall health and fitness levels. Limited research has shown that proper exercise can lead to a decrease in musculoskeletal injuries. With the number of musculoskeletal injuries occurring in the workplace at high levels, establishing a connection between injury reduction and exercise is imperative. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between participation in exercise and recreational activities and injury in the workplace.

Methods: A random stratified sample of 396 …

The Effect Of Direct Access With Direct Reimbursement On Physical Therapy Practice, Heather Lafreniere, Katie Sauvageau

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In 2002, North Dakota passed legislation that allowed physical therapists to be directly reimbursed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota for physical therapy services. The purpose of the study is to determine the effects of direct access with direct reimbursement on physical therapy practice. The survey was sent to 400 licensed physical therapists within Arizona, Maryland, and Minnesota. These states were chosen for their experience in utilizing direct access with direct reimbursement and the geographic location.

The survey consisted of 7 categories addressing demographics, clientele changes, marketing strategies, physical therapist/physician relationship, insurance changes, direct effects on patient care …

Electromyographic Analysis Of An Isometric Vastus Medialis Oblique Contraction With Incorporated Adductor Component, Dan Thielen, James Turner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pathology is a common clinical complaint that may result in diminished function of the affected lower extremity, ultimately leading to atrophy of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscle. The VMO contributes a great deal to the medial tracking mechanism of the patella which is crucial for normal biomechanical function of the knee joint. Effective strengthening of the VMO is a challenging task in physical therapy clinics. The purpose of this study was to determine if it is possible to enhance the muscle activity of the VMO with the addition of an adductor contraction.

Thirty-one subjects between the ages of …

Needs Assessment For Families With Children Currently Eligible For Services Provided Under Idea Part C/, Lindsay Anderson, Emily Hassenstab, Jamie Schroeder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

While other studies have researched the level of satisfaction of parents whose children are receiving early intervention services, no current studies have been done directly relating to services provided in North Dakota. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current need for information regarding rights and regulations that families with children eligible for early intervention services in North Dakota may have. In addition, the level of satisfaction of eligible families regarding the support given to them by Infant Development, along with their current and preferred methods of receiving pertinent information, was researched.

This study was done using a …

Barriers To Preventive Health Screenings For Benefitted University Of North Dakota Employees, Laurie Betting

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine perception of the utilization of preventive health screenings as compared to actual utilization for benefitted University of North Dakota employees. The research was designed to determine the perception of compliance and barriers to receiving recommended health screenings for benefitted employees. The significance was that the University of North Dakota has created a Well ness Center and has begun the creation of a worksite well ness program for its employees. While there are a variety of worksite well ness program designs, very little has been done to ascertain utilization or …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During The Traditional Muscle Testing Position And A Modified Position, Keri M. Doyle, Molly E. Mcdonald, Heather M. Partlow, Eric R. Paur

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many people use repeated overhead movements in their occupations or recreational activities. Literature has shown that this repeated overhead activity greatly contributes to the incidence of shoulder pathologies such as impingement syndrome. The purpose of this study was to establish whether the lower trapezius was more successfully recruited in the traditional muscle testing position of 145° of shoulder abduction or a modified position consisting of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion.

Forty-one subjects between the ages of 21 and 45 voluntarily participated in this study. One subject was excluded due to exceeding …