Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effect Of Ionized Bracelets On Pain And Function In Individuals With Arthritis, Jamie Gullickson, Josh Hamilton, Amy Hebl, Rachel Hoffman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Arthritis is a prevalent condition found throughout the entire population. Manifestations of this disease can lead to increased pain in multiple joints leading to decreased functional mobility and limitations in activities of daily living. Ionized bracelets have become an increasingly popular non-traditional, conservative treatment for decreasing pain and improving well-being in persons with multiple diagnoses and body system involvement. Very little research has been conducted on the effects of ionized bracelets; therefore, additional research needs to be conducted to validate these theories.

The purpose of our study is to determine the effect of ionized bracelets on pain and function in …

A Comparison Of Isokinetic Ankle Plantarflexion Force Generation In Knee Flexed And Knee Extended Positions, Reyn Hata, Delbert Peralta, Daniel Uyeunten

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The triceps surae, composed of the soleus and the two heads of the gastrocnemius, is a very active muscle in all activities involving the lower extremities. This study compared the maximal force generated by these ankle plantarflexors in a knee extended and knee flexed position to determine relative contribution to plantarflexion force in varying positions. Eighteen male and female college students were tested for maximal concentric plantarflexor force generation isokinetically at 3D/sec in both positions. Means of maximal force in knee extension and flexion, 242.56 Ibs. and 227.22 Ibs., respectively, were found to be statistically significantly different. The mean of …

Emg And Motion Analysis Of Swiss Ball Abdominal Exercises And Pilates Multi-Chair Exercises, Kelly L. Almquist, Ember M. Bopp, Chet R. Yoder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

As the second most common reason for visits to primary care doctors, and a symptom that affects 80% of the general United States population, low back pain and its' treatment is a burdening cost on the American economy every year. Various spinal stabilization exercises have emerged as a means to treat low back pain. One of the most recent fonns of these stabilization exercises used in the physical therapy arena is Pilates, a fonn of dynamic spinal stabilization. Although numerous electromyographic (EMG) studies have been completed on abdominal exercises for spinal stabilization, minimal scientific research can be found on the …

Emg Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Wall Slides With Varying Foot Positions, Jon Beach, Neil Feist, Mike Hiscock, Ryan Stromme

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen in a physical therapy clinic. Nearly all rehabilitation programs following a knee injury involve quadriceps muscle strengthening. One popular and safe method of quadriceps strengthening often used is the wall slide. There is, however, debate and little research indicating whether or not changing the foot position used during wall slides alters the muscle activity during this exercise.

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the muscle activity during wall slides with feet in various positions so that more accurate rehabilitation protocols may be developed in the …

The Effects A Total Knee Arthroplasty Has On Static And Dynamic Balance, Connie Christensen, Nicole Riddle, Nicole Sukut, Cara Uyema

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the United States today, the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. A generous amount of information exists regarding joint proprioception after a joint replacement, however no studies have been done testing postural control after a TKA. With the increasing popularity of the TKA procedure, a need appears for research evaluating static stability and functional mobility of TKAs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects a TKA, 6 months postoperative or beyond, has on static and dynamic balance. The balance of 8 female volunteers and 4 …

The Effects Of Partial Body Weight Support For Gait For Patients With Neurological Dysfunction: A Case Study Approach, Larae Haas, Beth Millage, Becky Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of partial body weight support during gait for individuals with neurological dysfunction. Body weight support (BWS) training provides a safe environment in which the individual can perform and practice mechanics of normal gait at a variety of speeds with or without body weight support, depending on the level of function. The subjects who participated in this study were community ambulators older than 20 years of age with a neurological diagnosis. Each subject was tested initially and at the conclusion of the study to compare data using a battery of balance …

An Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of Forward And Backward Walking, Sarah Dekrey, Lori Guderian, Kerry Hendricksen, Glenda Scott

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking is a common intervention in the rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries. Despite its popularity, there is limited research available on the EMG activity during backward walking at an incline when compared to forward walking. In this study, we recorded EMG activity in four muscles of the lower extremity and utilized motion analysis to evaluate the knee range of motion when walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0 and 15 percent grade inclines.

Overall, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during backward walking than forward walking. Walking backward at a 15 percent grade incline …

The Effects Of Partial Body Weight Support For Gait In Patients With Neurological Dysfunction: A Case Study Approach, Sarah Hammers, Alecia Herring, Amanda Olson, Mandy Runyan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebrovascular accident (CV A) is the primary cause of disability in the United States. l It is estimated that 75% of those who have a CVA survive and function with multiple degrees of impairments. These impairments impact their activities of daily living in a variety of ways. One of the goals of rehabilitation is to minimize the negative effects a CVA has on the functioning of an individual and allow each person to reach his or her maximum potential. Limited research has been conducted exploring the positive outcomes of partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT) in those who have …

An Electromyographic Analysis Of The Abdominal Musculature In The Production Of Vocalization Intensity During Singing, Chris Huravitch, Nyle Relay, Kristine Schulte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between electromyographical (EMG) activity in the abdominal muscles and the intensity of sound production. Currently, no consensus existsin the music profession regarding the appropriate use of the abdominal muscles during singing, even though it is known that the abdominal muscles playa significant role in sound production. As musicians strive to improve performance and therapists work to rehabilitate musicians and others who suffer from vocal deficits, understanding the basic muscular requirements of this activity/profession is essential to affect positive outcomes.

Eleven subjects with choral experience were recruited from the …

University Of North Dakota Physical Therapy Alumni Preferences For A Transitional Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Degree, Nolan Lubarski, Jessica Mcdougall, Steven Panos, Heidi Sites

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purposes of this study are to assess whether University of North Dakota Physical Therapy (UND-PT) graduates desire a transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) degree and to determine their preferences regarding this proposed educational program.

The survey was sent to 1136 alumni of the UND-PT program spanning from its first graduating class in 1970 to the class of 2002. It consisted of 8 demographic questions and 12 questions regarding areas such as curriculum content, program implementation, and personal views about the Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Frequencies for all responses were determined. The respondent data were also analyzed for …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Lower Extremity Muscle Recruitment Comparing A Maximal Voluntary Contraction To The Plyo Press And Agaton Max Series Leg Press, Lee Nagle, Thayne Bosh, Tonya Kunze, Kelly Jorschumb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Numerous studies have been done on the Plyo Press, with focus on the concentric phase of the exercise. However, for athletes eccentric training has always been a topic of interest. Most leg press machines have a concentric and an eccentric phase involved with the exercise. However, during the eccentric phase of the leg press the muscles are underloaded because of the force-velocity relationship of the human skeletal muscle and the fact that eccentric contractions require fewer motor units for the same force and workload. This means that the leg press exercise is limited by the concentric phase. A new machine …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance, Heather Bethard, Trish Magee, Susie Mcgarry, Sarah Mcguire

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the six-week "Get Off Your Rocker" balance exercise class, promoted by HealthSouth®, had a significant effect on balance in the geriatric population. If proven to be effective, this class could be an additional tool for physical therapists to utilize to aid in improving a patient's balance.

A total of 22 subjects volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=1 0, 8 females and 2 males) and an exercise group (n=12, 8 females and 4 males). All subjects were high functioning and were …

The Effect Of Hip Taping On Hip And Knee Muscle Activity, Kyle Barker, Greg Charlton, Grant Goven, Daren Martin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: It has been hypothesized that patellofemoral pain may be precipitated by weak hip abductor musculature that does not pull the pelvis and femurs into correct alignment during gait activities. The misalignment at the pelvis leads to misalignment down the kinetic chain, eventually affecting the knees. It is theorized that hip taping may aid in supporting the pelvis, thus reducing the EMG activity of the hip abductors and normalizing the alignment of the knees. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion during a step-down test in subjects with and without the hip …

The Effects Of Magnetic Insoles On Lumbar Flexion, Kari Braaflat, Becky Cox, Angela Delacruz, Heather Skarsgard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Magnets have been used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. Today, magnetic devices and other alternative therapies are more popular than ever among the general public. The effect of these magnetic devices is dependent on several variables including strength, depth of penetration, placement, time exposed to the magnetic field, and polarity. There are many proposed theories on how magnets affect the body, but there is little research to support them. One of the theories proposed is that magnets alter connective tissue elasticity and allow greater range of motion (ROM). Additional research needs to be conducted to validate or negate …

Reliability Of Shoulder Goniometric Measurements In Persons Who Are Elderly, Karina Koch, Lauri Paulsen, Heather White, Richard Williamson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of the United States is rapidly aging; this is exemplified by the cohort of "Baby-Boomers" who make up a large part of the population. This becomes relevant to physical therapists, as our clients will reflect this "graying" of America. There is a lack of research regarding normative values for shoulder range of motion (ROM) in the elderly population. Due to many different factors in the aging process, there may be a decline in ROM in elderly persons. Current normative values may not be applicable to this population.

Two pilot studies were conducted measuring active and passive shoulder ROM …

Examination Of Tester Reliability Utilizing The Limits Of Stability Test On The Neurocom Balance Master For Assessing Balance In Healthy Individuals, Casey Bartolo, Katie Miller, Rachael Seals, Christal Stotesbery

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is critical for optimal function in completion of everyday tasks. Physical therapists frequently work with people that have balance disturbances in order to help return them to optimal function. One tool used in the assessment and treatment of balance disorders is the NeuroCom® Balance Master 7.06 (NBM), a computerized forceplate system that provides objective measurements of balance performance. In order to obtain accurate measurements on the NBM, it is necessary that the tester have adequate training. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of training necessary for a therapist to obtain reliable results using the NBM. …

A Survey Of College Students With And Without Low Back Pain: A Comparison Of Risk Factors, Carrie Bristow, Erika Buckhouse, Jessica Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many people suffer from low back pain. The lifetime incidence of low back pain has been widely studied in the general population. Previous research has found risk factors that have been correlated with an increase in low back pain. Individuals with low back pain seek different sources of treatment; outcomes of treatments vary. This survey targeted younger adults, specifically college students of ages 18 to 26. The results of this survey attempt to answer these three research questions: 1) What is the lifetime incidence of LBP in young adults ages 18 to 26? 2) In college students, is there a …

A Survey Of Perception And Awareness Of Physical Therapy Services In North Dakota, Dustin Carter, Nathanyal Jacklitch, Chris Nephew

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists treat patients with a wide array of medical conditions, diseases, and dysfunctions in a variety of settings across the state of North Dakota. Few studies have been conducted to determine the level of public awareness of physical therapy and/or the existing perceptions toward physical therapy. The purpose of this study is 1) to determine the level of public awareness concerning physical therapy services that exist in North Dakota and 2) to determine the public perceptions of North Dakota residents towards physical therapy. The results of this survey were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared …

Intra And Inter-Tester Reliability For Lumbar Flexion And Extension Using The Dualer Digital Inclinometer, Amber M. Flatland, Jennifer Johnson, Tracy Stommes, Kimberly Weeda

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-tester reliability of the DualerTM Digital Inclinometer when measuring lumbar flexion and extension. Past studies examining reliability of inclinometers have reported variable results. Few studies in the literature have sought to determine the reliability of the Dualer™ Digital Inclinometer for measuring lumbar flexion and extension.

Methods: The subjects who participated in this study were university students between 20 and 41 years of age without a significant history of back pain (n=22). Two testers measured each subject's lumbar flexion and extension, hip flexion and extension, and straight leg raise …

Determining The Level Of Knowledge Of Und College Women In Their Childbearing Years Regarding Exercise During Pregnancy, Tricia Flohr, Sara Hoerner, Kari J. Melby

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With an increase in the number of pregnant women exercising, there is an increased need for patient education and the distribution of updated guidelines to promote appropriate exercise activities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge in English-speaking, college women in their childbearing years attending the University of North Dakota regarding the risks, precautionary measures and recommended modes of exercise during pregnancy.

SUBJECTS & METHODS: Eighty-four women between the ages of 18 and 40 enrolled in the summer school session completed a thirty-one question survey. The survey was used to gather information about the …

An Emg & Motion Analysis Study Of The Elliptical Trainer, Chris Hansen, Jaime Horner, Filip Johnson, Emily Wolkomir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe lower extremity muscle activity and joint range of motion while moving both forward and backward on an elliptical trainer at minimum and maximum inclines.

Subjects

Ten healthy subjects (7 female and 3 male) gave informed consent to voluntarily participate in this study.

Methods

A single group experimental design was used. A maximum contraction was performed for comparison measure and electromyographic (EMG) data was collected while the subjects performed the stride at the specified variables.

Results

The vastus lateralis was the most active of all the muscles throughout the entire …

The Effects Of Boron On The Range Of Motion Of Dexterity Related Joints: A Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nicole Herda, Jessica Woehl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, destructive and chronic, inflammatory disease of the joint synovium. Signs and symptoms include pain, limited range of motion, swelling, and tenderness, which may progress to deformity. These manifestations may limit dexterity, independent living, and the overall well being of an individual. Living with daily restrictions proves to be a psychologically distressing experience.

An increase in the dietary boron level of laboratory rats has shown to have a positive effect on the range of motion in their involved joints. This concept was tested on a human subject at the United States Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition …

A Comparison Of Abdominal Muscle Activity During The Crunch, Crunch On Ball, And Abslide Exercises, Jessica M. Norton, Lesley Splonskowski, Hayley Strauss, Sabrina Wagner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People have developed an obsession with flattening their stomachs and slimming down their waistlines. The so called "ab machines" have become the most popularly purchased home exercise tools. Although numerous electromyographic (EMG) analysis studies have been done on various forms of equipment-free abdominal exercise, little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of equipment-aided exercise. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate any differences in EMG activity between three abdominal exercises: the traditional crunch, the crunch on a ball, and utilization of a prone rolling machine (AbSlide®).

Thirty, healthy subjects between the ages of 19 and …

A Survey Of The Use Of Physical Agents And Therapeutic Modalities In Physical Therapy, Kyle B. Seto, Eric D. Walberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. It is desirable that physical therapy programs update their curricula according to the clinical application patterns of physical agents and therapeutic modalities in physical therapy. The purpose of this study is to 1) determine the frequency of use of physical agents and therapeutic modalities, 2) determine the factors in deciding which physical agent or therapeutic modality to use, 3) determine the educational coverage of each physical agent or therapeutic modality and identify strengths and weaknesses of the respondents training, and 4) compare the frequency of use with the current training in physical agents and therapeutic modalities at …

Effects Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Using The Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Nicholl Jurgens-Dinius

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Vertigo, which may be caused by a variety of problems, is a significant symptom in patients with vestibular disorders. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory is a disease-specific questionnaire used to measure how vertigo affects an individual's quality-of-life. This study assessed patient outcomes following vestibular rehabilitation, using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Forty-nine former patients of a vestibular rehabilitation program participated in a phone survey following vestibular rehabilitation. Subjects answered the Dizziness Handicap Inventory based on how they . felt before and after they had received physical therapy intervention. Patient outcomes were assessed by comparing Dizziness Handicap Inventory total and sub-scores before and …

Potential Dysfunctions Occurring In The Postpartum Years, Kara Kukuchka

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There are several dysfunctions that may affect a woman after childbirth. Women · often accept the physical changes that occur after delivering a baby and are unaware that treatment is available. The purpose of this literature review is to educate women in their postpartum years on the dysfunctions that may occur, and possible treatment options. An educational pamphlet describing these dysfunctions and treatments was designed to be given to women before they leave the hospital.

First, the anatomy and physiology of the female pelvic floor is reviewed. This is followed by a description of several physical dysfunctions occurring in the …

Considering The Use Of Maggots In The Debridement Of Wounds: A Case Study, Leslie Mayer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Maggot debridement therapy is the application of fly larvae to a necrotic wound. Once popular in the 1930s and1940s, its use declined with the introduction of antibiotics, improvement of aseptic wound care, more aggressive surgical debridement techniques, and its unacceptability by the public. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of maggot therapy, its clinical implications, and to review a medical chart of a Wyoming patient who received this treatment. The material is presented in one concise resource and the protocol included can be evaluated by other clinics using maggot therapy.

A medical chart review was …

The Association Of Generalized Joint Hyperlaxity And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury, Beth Klancher

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Generalized joint hyperlaxity is characterized by excess range of motion in most joints, which surpasses accepted normal range of motion values for the population. Hyperlaxity is present in 4-7% of the general population. Literature is inconclusive regarding the significance of joint laxity as a predisposing factor to injury in non-athletic populations.

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant correlation between joint laxity and previous musculoskeletal injuries. In addition, the data was evaluated to compare laxity rates by gender, choice of collegiate major, type of injuries, and weekly activity level.

Two-hundred and thirty-nine students, age …

The Effects Of Elevated Shoe Heights On Static And Dynamic Balance In Healthy Younger Women, Kip S. Ouchi

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of elevated shoe heights on static and dynamic balance in healthy young women. The balance of 30 female volunteer subjects with ages ranging from 20 to 26 years (mean age = 22.3 years) was tested. Dynamic balance was tested using the limits of stability (LOS) test on the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NBM®), version 6.1 as well as the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Each subject's static balance was tested using the bilateral stance test on the NBM®. Subjects participated in a one time testing session which consisted of the performance of …

Potential Dysfunctions Occurring In The Postpartum Years, Rebecca Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There are several dysfunctions that may affect a woman after childbirth. Women · often accept the physical changes that occur after delivering a baby and are unaware that treatment is available. The purpose of this literature review is to educate women in the postpartum period on the dysfunctions that may occur, and possible treatment options. An educational pamphlet describing these dysfunctions and treatments was designed to be given to these women before they leave the hospital.

First, the anatomy and physiology of the female pelvic floor is reviewed. This is followed by a description of several physical dysfunctions occurring in …