Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Sexual Dysfunction With Stroke, Scott R. Ziegler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke is one of the most common traumatic diseases in the world today that can lead to death or long-term physiological or psychological disability. The level of disabling features that each person experiences following a CVA can range from barely noticeable signs to the extreme loss of functional ability. Sexual functioning in stroke survivors is an area in the rehabilitation program that has often been overlooked or neglected. Available information and research regarding sexual dysfunction in stroke survivors are also very limited.

The purpose of this study is to examine the problem of sexual …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jeremy St. Aubin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare total knee arthroplasties (TKA) to a group of control subjects to see if any balance deviations existed at 12-16 weeks post operatively. Ten normal and two TKA subjects (65-80 years of age) were evaluated with the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system The evaluation consisted of five tests that measured endsway, reaction times and weight bearing characteristics. Ten normal subjects as well as two TKA's took place in this study. The results showed that the TKA's had a decreased reaction time, increased sway and abnormal weight bearing characteristics. In conclusion we see that …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Carrie Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

Plyometrics: A Look At The Biomechanical Basis Of Its Use In The Realm Of Sports Performance Enhancement And Physical Rehabilitation, Sara C. Fetsch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plyometrics is a rather new and somewhat foreign concept that is becoming more popular in athletic training programs in the hopes of providing optimal gains in power, which is difficult to obtain by other means of exercise. With its increasing acceptance in the athletic environment, it is also being incorporated into rehabilitation programs as a means of providing strength and proprioceptive feedback.

Little is currently known about the principles that govern the use of plyometrics and the efficacy that has been demonstrated with this training method. The purpose of this independent study is to analyze the basic concepts underlying plyometrics …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Myles Haugen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjuction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

Principles Of Pediatric Burn Care: A Literature Review, J. Chris Leonard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Principles of Pediatric Burn Care: A Literature Review is meant to provide a compact and comprehensive source of information on the therapy related care of young burn victims. This literature review will be most useful for students and clinicians of physical and occupational therapy.

Recent medical advances have improved the survival rates of children who have sustained burns; this situation demands an increased knowledge and awareness of pediatric burn therapy. The information in this literature review includes a comparison and contrast of the findings of research related to the prevention, classification, pathophysiology, and treatment options of pediatric burn care from …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, Christopher Lugibihl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis, three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers were evaluated. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

Efficacy Of Dynamic Shoulder Bracing In The Management Of Anterior Shoulder Instability, Kristopher S. Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to add to the orthopaedic body of knowledge regarding the efficacy of dynamic shoulder bracing in the management of anterior shoulder instability. Two fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used for testing. One shoulder was used as the "normal" shoulder, while the other was used as the "unstable" shoulder through the creation of a simulated Bankart lesion. Arthroscopic insertion of radiographic markers allowed for assessment of anterior translation of the humerus through the use of x-rays. X-rays were taken with and without shoulder braces applied with the arm in a 90°/90° position. Descriptive statistics were used …

The Use Of Baclofen In The Management Of Spasticity In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Anne E. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is one of the leading developmental disabilities amongst children. The majority of children with cerebral palsy experience some degree of spasticity. This spasticity can be very painful and disabling to the child. It can affect their posture, movements, and their mobility.

Currently, baclofen is one of the most common medications used for the treatment of cerebral spasticity. It can be administered either orally or intrathecally through an implanted pump.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the use of oral and intrathecal baclofen in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Included is a …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Teri Parker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour (mph) and 0% grade and at 13 miles per …

Psychosocial Risk Factors In Cardiac Disease, Brenda Jill Rooney

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Acute myocardial infarction is responsible for an extraordinary number of deaths per year in the adult population. Both traditional risk factors (ex., smoking) and non-traditional risk factors (ex., hostility) have been studied for many years in regard to cardiac disease prognosis and progression. Based on past studies, the area of potential psychological cardiac risk factors includes a broad range of characteristics. Difficulties in interpreting and comparing results include a lack of consistent and objective grading criteria and standardized measurements. The problems in this area of study are confounded by difficulties in identifying the definite biological mechanisms through which psychosocial factors …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Tylan P. Schmidt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is a paucity of controlled studies concerning the off-season dryland training of hockey players. PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and hip of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill. METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 21 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used to simultaneously collect kinematic data. RESULTS: There was an overall increase in …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercise In Post Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom Balance Master® System, James D. Sillanpaa

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A case study was completed on a 51-year-old female who suffered a stroke in 1996 and exhibited left-sided hemiplegia. The case study examined the effects of a six-week balance training program on an individual at least six months post stroke using a force platform system called the NeuroCom Balance Master®. Individuals suffering a stroke often times exhibit deficits in balance due to weakness, sensory loss, impaired righting reflexes, and visuospatial distortion.

The goal of the training program was to improve the subject's balance deficits by focusing on areas of symmetrical weight bearing, weight shifting, and coordination of movement. Initial and …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, James A. Vranna

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis, three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers were evaluated. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Biana Zearley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

Hamstring Tendons As Autograft Replacements In Acl Reconstructions: A Review Of The Literature, Jason Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hamstring tendons have gained a great deal of acceptance in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in the 1990's, but some misconceptions concerning the ability of hamstring grafts to successfully replace ruptured ACLs still exist. More surgeons are using hamstring tendons to reconstruct ACL-deficient knees because their harvest does not disrupt the extensor mechanism of the knee. Enthusiasts of the hamstring graft believe that it promotes quicker return of quadriceps strength and knee range of motion without a prevalence of postoperative pateIIofemoral symptoms.

The purpose of this review is to dispute the concerns that exist concerning the initial tensile strength, …

A Review Of Periodization Of Strength And Its Clinical Implications To Physical Therapy, John Andrew

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently no literature or studies in the physical therapy profession explore the use of periodization of strength principles. Therefore, the purpose of this independent study will be to perform a literature review of periodization of strength and how these training concepts are applicable to physical therapy.

Periodization is a strengthening technique which varies the training stimulus so that continuous gains in strength are accrued. The general progression of training is from low intensity and high volume to high intensity and low volume. To achieve these changes in intensity and volume the number of sets, repetitions, and load is periodically changed. …

A Review Of Osteochondritis Dissecans In The Knee And Elbow, Kimberley Dalere

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition or injury that causes a separation on the subchondral bone and articular cartilage. I,2 The reported incidence of OCD is 30- 60 cases per 100,000 people.3 It is primarily found in the knee and elbow joints. 1,2,3 The male to female ratio has been reported as two to one in the knee joint and three to one in the elbow joint, with thirty three per cent having bilateral involvement in one occurrence. I ,4,5,6 Since OCD has a high incidence rate in men and women, the purpose of this study is to compare and …

The Effectiveness Of The Lateral Retinacular Release On Decreasing Pain And Increasing Stability In The Patellofemoral Joint, Celeste M. Hansen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The lateral retinacular release is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures used to treat patellofemoral pain and instability. The purpose of this pilot study is to provide insight into the effectiveness of the lateral retinacular release for decreasing patellofemoral pain with activity and increasing knee stability. A survey \vas sent to 21 patients who had undergone the LRR that addressed the following issues: reason for surgery, stability and pain following surgery, return to prior activities, and the presence of physical therapy before and after surgery. The results from this pilot study identified the following areas of concem: a …

Physical Therapy Outcomes In Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Tammy Reis

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A retrospective review of data gathered by the physical therapists at this facility was performed and statistically analyzed to ascertain the clinical and functional effectiveness of treatment. This outcomes analysis will assist in illumination of practice patterns and provide a measure of clinical effectiveness for The St. Alexius Institute of Sports Medicine. The results of this study will be useful as an internal measure as well as an informative tool for …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Elderly Population: A Literature Review, Angela M. Thoreson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of those 65 years old or older has increased dramatically over the past several decades and will continue to grow well into the 21 st Century. This change in U.S. demography has also led to an increased interest in geriatric medicine and the implications physical activity has on the social, medical, and economical aspects of treating this patient population.

Research has shown that people who participate regularly in aerobic activity have lower mortality and morbidity rates, even if an exercise program is started later in life. Moderate exercise has been proven to be an important part of treatment …

A Comparison Of A Traditional Training Program To The Sports Acceleration Program® In Improving An Athlete's Speed, Quickness, Agility, Strength, And Power, Brian Borchardt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare a traditional training program to the Sports Acceleration Program® (SAP) in regards to the ability to improve an athlete's speed, quickness, agility, strength and power.

Methods. Twenty-four high school football players from Fargo South High (FSH)(Fargo, ND) participated in this study. Ten subjects served as the control group and participated in the FSH summer strength and conditioning program. The remaining 14 subjects were included in the experimental group and participated in the SAP. All subjects underwent seven weeks of training in their respective programs, precluded and followed by testing on performance …

Physical Therapy Evaluation Techniques For Determination Of Psychological Factors Affecting Low Back Pain, John Brandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain continues to represent the leading musculoskeletal cause of disability in the United States and is the most frequently reported condition for which people receive outpatient physical therapy. In several of these instances, evaluation reveals no known pathological cause for a patient's symptoms. Studies have shown that psychological factors can play a role in the presentation of low back pain. In order to effect treatment, assessment tools are needed that can be utilized by physical therapists to identify the presence of these psychological factors. The purpose of this literature review is to outline methods of assessment that the …

A Comparison Study Of Strength Training Outcomes Between Progressive Resistive Training And Regressive Resistive Training, Carrie Brossart

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in strength training outcomes between the progressive resistive program and the regressive resistive program. The subjects consisted of 14 students at the University of North Dakota. They were randomly assigned to either the progressive or regressive group and performed their respective training two times per week for five weeks. Each subject was tested prior to beginning the program and after finishing the program. These pretest and posttest values were compared to determine strength gains. A paired samples t-test was used to determine that each group had significant …

An Overview Of Dupuytren's Disease, Michel Burgess

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Dupuytren's disease is defined as a pathologic change in the palmar and digital fascia which often results in a secondary, painless, fibrous, flexion contracture of the digital joints. Normally, the disease process is painless, but a severe contracture of 30° or more at the metacarpophalangeal joint and 15° or more at the proximal interphalangeal joint can interfere with the biomechanics of the hand, preventing the performance of activities of daily living. Though the use of modalities is ineffective as a conservative approach to treat the disease, a therapist can positively affect postoperative rehabilitation outcomes using manual techniques, physical modalities, and …

Availability Of Physical Therapy Treatment For Urinary Incontinence Patients In A Rural State, Jennifer Currier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy is a useful conservative treatment option for individuals portraying Urinary Incontinence (VI). Physical Therapists (PTs) are not utilizing it as often as they could. Documentation of resources available in rural states is particularly lacking. The purpose of this study is to investigate and document the availability of physical therapy services for individuals with UI in the state of Wyoming. It will also establish the geographical areas in the state where UI treatment is an option and the areas were a void is noted.

Subjects for this study included all licensed Physical Therapists in Wyoming. The PTs knowledge and …

An Overview Of Compensatory Pronation At The Subtalar Joint And Orthotic Correction, Jacy Greff

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Excessive compensatory pronation at the subtalar joint is a common foot disorder that affects a large population of people. It is a disorder that stems from a wide variety of causes including both congenital and acquired as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Excessive compensatory pronation is also the cause of many other disorders which may affect not only the foot but other joints including the knee, hip, and back. The scope of this study will focus on acquired pronation and its causes as well as the proper orthotic choice and prescription to best treat the problem.

This literature review …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Kari Jo Guttormson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A limited amount of research has been done on the hockey treadmill and on the response of hockey players to individualized exercise programs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and knee of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill.

METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 25 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used simultaneously.

RESULTS: There was …

Theoretical And Practical Considerations For Enhancing Power To Improve Athletic Performance, Douglas A. Herron

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Power is of extreme interest to coaches and athletes alike because of the crucial role it plays in athletic performance. This independent study examines the essence of power and attempts to describe its components in detail as they relate to various sporting events and explores theoretical and practical considerations for anaerobic power augmentation using mathematical arguments as a basis for the suggested changes to traditional training protocol.

Specifically, this study suggests changes to traditional resistance training protocol during the power phase of a mesocycie by decreasing the percentage of the maximal lift from 90% through 95% to 60% through 85%. …

Influences Of The Menstrual Cycle On Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Jennifer Hieb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common but many times untreated contributor to low back pain. The female population in particular is more likely than their male counterparts to injure the sacroiliac joint. A factor that may predispose the female population to injury is the fluctuating levels of hormones a female progresses through during a normal menstrual cycle. The purpose of this pilot study is to review the literature regarding sacroiliac joint anatomy, pathology and dysfunction and to determine whether enough evidence exists correlating sacroiliac joint injuries with a specific time of the menstrual cycle to warrant further investigation. Data was …