Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effect Of An Accelerated Protocol On Patients Receiving Rotator Cuff Repair: An Outcome Study, Jerret Hopstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to establish the outcome of rotator cuff repair and rehabilitation for St. Alexius Medical/Bone and Joint Center, Bismarck ND, using standardized measurement which both third-party payers and providers can utilize. Thirty-seven rotator cuff repairs (36 patients) performed between September 1995 and December 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. One subject was excluded because therapy was completed outside of St. Alexius Physical Therapy. There were 22 males (61 percent of cases) and 13 females (14 shoulders) included in the study. The average age patient was 62.06 years, ranging from 38-80 years, with a median age of60.5. The …

The Effect Of Hippotherapy On Sitting Balance In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Theresa A. Jurgens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hippotherapy programs have grown rapidly since 1969, when the first center opened in the United States. Despite the growing enthusiasm for hippotherapy in North America, research regarding the efficacy of hippotherapy is not well documented. Literature that pertains to the therapeutic benefits of hippotherapy consists primarily of descriptive articles containing subjective reports of riding instructors, riders, parents, and therapists. Hippotherapy is proposed to develop neuromuscular control, facilitate posture, elicit righting and equilibrium reactions, provide vestibular input, and improve psychological wellbeing. While these descriptive articles have identified variables to be empirically studied, few investigators have documented the therapeutic effects of hippotherapy. …

An Electromyographic Study Of Forward And Backward Walking In Normals And In Subjects Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Christopher C. Kraemer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy strives to incorporate innovative and efficient protocols for rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Research supports the benefits of closed kinetic chain exercises (distal segment of extremity is fixed) over the traditional open kinetic chain exercises (distal segment not fixed). It is theorized that backward walking on inclined surfaces will recruit the knee musculature to a greater extent than forward walking, but there is little research to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to utilize electromyography during treadmill walking to analyze the muscle activity in the lower extremity of individuals were normal and who …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In North Dakota, Cathy M. Mcmahan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Recent trends in healthcare reinforce the idea that interdisciplinary teams are essential for quality patient care. Optimal team function requires respect and communication among team members as well as knowledge of their roles. The purpose of this ·study is to assess physician knowledge and referral patterns of physical therapy.

Subjects in this study included 200 physicians of varying specialty areas from North Dakota. Physician knowledge and referral patterns were assessed through a questionnaire. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics, and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the North Dakota chapter of the American Physical …

Exercise And Pregnancy: A Guide For Health Care Professionals, Stacy L. Ripplinger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Health and fitness has become nationwide trends resulting in people of all ages making wiser choices regarding nutrition and exercise. Pregnant women are also participating in this fitness revolution to help ease the discomforts of pregnancy, maintain fitness levels, and regain their shape after delivery. These women often turn to health care providers, including physical therapists, for guidance. The purpose of this independent study, accomplished by a review of the literature, is to provide physical therapists and general health care practitioners an overview of maternal body changes, nutritional requirements, and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, and how these factors …

A Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Michael Schielke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this review is to explore the literature regarding sacroiliac joint motion in an attempt to ascertain the extent of movement possible, to describe relevant sacroiliac joint anatomy and joint function, and to review assessment and treatment techniques used with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Sacroiliac joint motion and function have been the subject of much controversy among clinicians who treat low back pain. Because of its location, orientation, and morphology, the sacroiliac joint is a difficult joint to visualize clearly with radiographic procedures, which increases the problems in diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pathology. Although the arthrokinematics of the sacroiliac …

Video Of Adapted Techniques To Overcome The Physical Deficits Of Children With Visual Impairments, Amy Skalsky

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Blindness is a disability with far reaching effects. Many of these effects are physical and can be seen clinically in children who have been blind for much, or all, of their lives. As physical therapists, we have the technical skills to assist in reducing the effects of the functional deficits that are associated with blindness. However, we are often unaware of these deficits, or have trouble adapting our treatment techniques to fit the needs of children who are blind or have visual impairments.

The purpose of this study is to provide a video that will demonstrate techniques that are specially …

An Outcomes Comparison Of Treatment Of Cervical Dysfunction By Strain/Counterstrain Or Mckenzie's Exercises, Heather Sorum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Manual therapy techniques such as Strain/Counterstrain and McKenzie's exercises must be formally studied and scientifically proven in order to receive reimbursement from third party payers. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and outcomes of SCS and McKenzie protocol on cervical somatic dysfunction by performing a chart review. Twenty-six adult subjects who were previously diagnosed with cervical somatic dysfunction were included (McKenzie group n=10, SCS n=16). Subjects were not significantly different in age, sex, or cause of dysfunction. Results: paired sample t tests showed a significant reduction in pain for the SCS group (p<.05). The SCS group had a shorter treatment duration, fewer treatments, and lower cost although ANOV A showed that they were not statistically less than the McKenzie group. Paired samples t test showed a significant improvement in all cervical motions except extension for the SCS group (p<.05). Based on the results of this chart review, the SCS protocol is as effective as the McKenzie protocol in treating cervical somatic dysfunction, and SCS is effective in treating pain and increasing cervical ROM for patients with cervical dysfunction.

The Physiological And Biomechanical Causes Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness And Subsequent Methods Of Intervention, Jonathan Stevens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common problem affecting many people with active lifestyles - from teenagers all the way to ,the elderly. DOMS is soreness arising from strenuous activity, and peaking in intensity 24-48 hours after the cessation of the activity. DOMS is commonly seen in the clinic and can often hinder a patient's progress in therapy.

, It is well documented in the literature that eccentric exercises promote an increase in the frequency and intensity of DOMS, however, research regarding the metabolic and structural changes of the affected muscles and subsequent effective preventative and treatment strategies are …

Personality And Practice Settings, Glen K. Teramoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The field of physical therapy has had substantial growth this decade and is considered one of the best career choices. One reason for this growth is the implementation of physical therapy in new settings. Physical therapists are no longer restricted to the traditional hospitals and rehabilitation settings as choices. Today, physical therapists can choose to practice in more dynamic settings such as the public school system, sports acceleration and rehabilitation facilities, aqua-therapy, hippotherapy, and industrial facilities. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between personality traits and the practice settings for the University of …

A Survey: Frequency Of Spondylolysis Or Spondylolisthesis In Young Athletes, Kara D. Dewhirst

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this survey research is to survey male and female high school varsity track athletes regarding the occurrence of low back pain, and then correlating the occurrence of a spondylolysis and/or spondylolisthesis with athletic involvement in the sport of track. A questionnaire was sent to 115 high school varsity track athletes in varsity track programs in the state of North Dakota. Only those athletes who participate in high jump, pole vault, discus, shot put, javelin, and 400M sprints or shorter were asked to take part in the survey.

The survey results were unable to answer the research question …

A Review Of Physical Therapy Intervention In The Healing Of Wounds, Stephanie Bertsch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Treatment of chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers or arterial-insufficient ulcers, are commonly seen in health care today. Wound treatment is advancing and physical therapists are using modalities in the intervention to hasten wound healing. Electrical stimulation and ultrasound have been established through clinical studies as effective modalities for the treatment of wound healing. The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze current literature about physical therapy and wound care. This paper will discuss an overview of the anatomy of skin, physiology of wound healing, documentation of wounds, and physical therapy intervention with emphasis on electrical stimulation and …

Identification And Intervention Associated With Infants Exposed To Cocaine In Utero, Tracy Boehm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The recent epidemic of cocaine in all its various forms, including crack, has resulted in large numbers of infants being born after in utero exposure to cocaine. Since most substance abusing pregnant women choose not to receive prenatal care, the diagnosis is often missed or made late during labor because that is when the mother is first examined by medical professionals.

A well-defined "fetal cocaine syndrome" does not exist. However, attempts to characterize the fetal effects of cocaine exposure during pregnancy when attempting to define this syndrome have revealed a wide variety of fetal effects.

The purpose of this study …

Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence, Megan D. Boyd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which involuntary loss of urine is a social and hygienic problem and is objectively demonstrable, affecting around 13 million adult Americans. In the past, many people suffering from incontinence never sought help. They may have been too embarrassed to speak out, and instead, ultimately restricted their lifestyle in order to accommodate their incontinence or they were unaware that there is help available in their community.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) established guidelines for the treatment of urinary incontinence in 1992 with an update in 1996. These guidelines state that, except …

Differences Between Ultrasound And Electrical Stimulation In Wound Healing, Josette Bryngelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

When a patient enters a physical therapy clinic for wound therapy, a physical therapist must decide the best way to provide care. The therapy that is decided upon depends on the client, the therapist, and the goals that are trying to be achieved.

Through a literature review, I will compare two methods of wound care treatment: therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulation. This paper will look at the way these two treatments work and how these treatments are beneficial in wound healing.

The benefit of this literature review will be to provide a source of information in choosing an effective or …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Michelle M. Fox

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 …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Erica Fretland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is twofold 1) to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines and 2) to examine whether or not running on a treadmill at high speeds and on an inline causes particular muscles to work harder or the sprinter to change their running technique to accommodate the increased workload.

Subjects and Methods: EMG and motion analysis data was collected from six subjects while they were running on a treadmill, first at twenty miles per hour at zero percent grade and then at thirteen miles …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Shoulder Musculature During Codman's Exercises, Myndi L. Frey

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Codman's exercises are commonly used in physical therapy as a supposed passive shoulder activity to help increase range of motion without causing detrimental damage to the injured tissue or surgical graft. These mild shoulder exercises are often the first exercises used post- operatively. Some clinicians often add a weight to the hand or wrist with the assumption that the distraction will decrease the impingement between the acromion and the shoulder musculature while performing these exercises. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of muscle activity within the shoulder musculature during Codman's exercises with and without the addition …

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Minimizing Deformity And Preserving Function In The Hand, Cindy Gillespie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of the synovial joints. The hand and wrist are the most commonly involved. The disease is characterized by pain, inflammation, limited range of motion, and destruction of bone and articular structures. In the later stages of RA, the person usually exhibits deformity of the affected joints. This can result in the inability to use the hand in a functional manner.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately one percent of the population. A person with RA usually has increased medical expenses. It is likely that the person will experience a loss of productivity and income due …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In Wyoming, Gavin Green

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess physicians' knowledge of and referral patterns for physical therapy. A questionnaire was developed using the scientific literature base as well as input from physical therapy faculty and practicing physicians. Subjects included Wyoming physicians from five specialty areas. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the Wyoming chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Results suggest that physicians as a group are unaware of a significant number of physical therapy services. This study further demonstrated that physicians with better knowledge of …

An Analysis Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Knee Pathology, Jan L. Gustafson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a relationship exists between generalized joint syndrome and knee pathology. Both of these have been found to be of increased prevalence in females. Sixty female high school seniors from eight northwestern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota high schools were selected to participate in this study. Selection criteria consisted of prior testing for ligament laxity with a KT-IOOO and for generalized joint hypermoblity syndrome. Guidelines were established and a participation survey was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of North Dakota. The survey form required the completion of open-ended …

An Electromyographic Study Of Backward Walking In Normals And In Subjects Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Matthew Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy strives to incorporate innovative and efficient protocols for rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Research supports the benefits of closed kinetic chain exercises (distal segment of extremity is fixed) over the traditional open kinetic chain exercises (distal segment not fixed). It is theorized that backward walking on inclined surfaces will recruit the knee musculature to a greater extent than forward walking, but there is little research to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to utilize electromyography during treadmill walking to analyze the muscle activity in the lower extremity of individuals were normal and who …

Differential Diagnosis And Conservative Treatment For Cervical And Lumbar Radiculopathies, Scott Kurtz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Back and neck pain are common afflictions affecting millions of Americans every year. The economic impact of these impairments is billions of dollars annually. Although less than 5 percent of patients with pain in the lumbar spine experience radiculopathies, patients with radiculopathies still make up a considerable number of the clients seen by physical therapists. Correct diagnosis and treatment of these disorders is vital in limiting the length of time people are disabled. In order to improve the outcomes of conservative treatment, a proper understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine is requisite along with knowledge of the …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Within The Field Of Physical Therapy, Dawn M. Leidholm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Musculoskeletal injuries are frequently reported in the health care industry; an increasing number of physical therapists are affected. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and job factors within the field of physical therapy. A four page questionnaire was sent to 418 randomly selected individuals who graduated from the University of North Dakota Physical Therapy Program between 1970 and 1996. The survey instrument was derived from a literature review and previously conducted studies. It consisted of three sections: general practice, occupational injury, and demographic information. The highest prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was …

The Effect Of Hippotherapy On Lower Extremity Range Of Motion In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Jim Pitman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It has been postulated that hippotherapy will help increase range of motion (ROM), pulmonary function, balance, and muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy and, therefore, may be used as a physical therapy modality. The purpose of this independent study is to objectively measure lower extremity range of motion in children with cerebral palsy after an eight-week hippotherapy program.

Six children diagnosed with cerebral palsy initially participated in the experiment using a repeated measure design. Only two subjects completed the study. No control group was used for this study. A consent form was signed prior to measuring LE ROM.

It …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Forearm And Upper Trapezius Musculature While Typing At Different Keyboard Heights, Karianne M. Sekiya

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Ergonomics involves adapting the job and work environment to fit the worker and maximize safety and efficiency in the workplace. To mimimize the stresses on the musculoskeletal system, ergonomic guidelines have been established for visual display terminal workstations. The 90 degree angle position of the elbow is considered an industry standard, however available literature has not adequately established that this angle represents the optimal elbow position. The purpose of this study is to add to the current knowledge of ergonomics and reduce the risk of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace by determining the optimal elbow position …

Aquatic Physical Therapy Techniques For Neurologic Symptoms, Jennifer Skjefte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic physical therapy (APT) has been defined as a comprehensive therapeutic approach that benefits a person physically, emotionally, and psychologically through active participation in an individualized pool program. The purpose of this study is to review the literature regarding aquatic therapy and neurologic symptoms to provide physical therapy students and professionals with techniques and exercises that can be used to treat persons who present with neurologic disorders.

The history of hydrotherapy, the relative properties of water, the contraindications, precautions, and indications of aquatic exercise, and the definitions and treatments of specific neurologic symptoms will be addressed. The symptom specific techniques …

Tensile Properties Of The Autogenous Quadruple-Stranded Semitendinosus-Gracilis Graft Used For Reconstruction Of The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, James E. Swanton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to further enhance the knowledge of autogenous tissues around the knee which are used for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens were used to conduct this experiment. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons, as well as the bone-patellar tendon-bone complex, were excised and prepared for testing. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were doubled and fashioned into a quadruple-stranded graft. The tissue units were then individually fixated in a tensile testing apparatus and tested to failure. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and compare our data with similar studies to …

Evaluating The Effects Of A Stretching Routine On The Peak Torque Of The Hamstrings, Christopher Thorson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stretching has long been an accepted method of enhancing one's performance in most athletic events. However, while there has been other research performed on the subject of stretching benefits, there has been very little research found in the area of muscle performance being positively affected by stretching. In this study, 19 male subjects between the ages of 18 and 25 with no previous knee pathology volunteered to have their knee flexion torque tested on a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer. They were tested once with prior hamstring stretching and once without prior hamstring stretching. There was no significant difference found between the …

Visual Impairment And Its Affects On Gross Motor Development: A Literature Review And Implications For Physical Therapy, Jodi A. Toenjes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Visual impairment, or blindness, in the pediatric population has been shown to affect several key areas of gross motor development. Many of these areas can be positively influenced by physical therapy techniques. However, some physical therapy curriculums do not teach this topic of study because the prevalence of blindness is low. The purpose of this study is to develop a teaching manual that will provide the physical therapist with specific exercises, activities, and helpful hints that will facilitate the treatment of a patient with blindness in a pediatric setting.

The manual includes information regarding common mannerisms of the blind population …