Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Evaluation Of Swallowing Related Measures In Different Head And Neck Postures In Healthy Young And Older Adults, Mabell Vargas

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated swallowing related measures (oral transit time and number of swallows, tongue force and lip force) and different head and neck postures in a group of healthy young adults and older adults. Participants consisted of 19 healthy young and 17 healthy old. They were asked to ingest 2 different liquid consistency to measure the time they take to swallow and the number of swallows. The maximum tongue and lip force was measured with the IOPI device for 3 seconds and repeated 3 times.

The results of the study showed that the number of swallows is not significant regardless …

A Comprehensive Analysis Of Balance, Symmetry, And Center Of Mass In The Gait Cycle Of Transfemoral Amputees, Kayla T. Etienne

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to create a framework that assists in the transfemoral prosthesis fitting process by calculating balance and symmetry to quantify patient comfort with an understanding of bipedal locomotion and human anatomy. Three different software applications were used to compare (1) the body position during gait cycle, (2) the natural and amputee anatomies, (3) the natural and prosthetic legs, and (4) the equilibrium and torque movements of the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Models were created in Maya for analysis in Solidworks and MEL code evaluation with MatLab. The MatLab code tested combinations of joint degrees …

Correlates Of Vitamin D Status In Healthy Older Adults Living In Miami-Dade And Its Association With Non-Skeletal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study, Johanna Lopez

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Examining factors that affect vitamin D status in the fast-growing elderly population of Miami-Dade, Florida, is needed. Vitamin D deficiency in older adults has been linked to correlates of disability, including falls and fractures, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of vitamin D insufficient individuals and their relationship with vitamin D insufficiency in older adults (n=97) living in Miami-Dade. We evaluated the association between vitamin D status and 1) dual task physical performance to understand the link between vitamin D and cognition in the context of mobility; and 2) cardiometabolic risk, measured by …

R Ates And Factors Associated With Falls In Older European Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, African-Americans, And Hispanics, Edgar Ramos Vieira, Ruth Tappen, Gabriella Engstrom, Bruno R. Da Costa

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose: To evaluate rates and factors associated with older adult falls in different ethnic groups. Participants and methods: Information on demographics, medical and falls history, and pain and physical activity levels was collected from 550 community-dwelling older adults (75±9 years old, 222 European Americans, 109 Afro-Caribbeans, 106 African-Americans, and 113 Hispanics). Results: Taking medications for anxiety (risk ratio [RR] =1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.1–2.0), having incontinence (RR =1.4, 95% CI =1.1–1.8, P=0.013), back pain (RR =1.4, 95% CI =1.0–1.8), feet swelling (RR =1.3, 95% CI =1.1–1.7), and age $75 years (RR =1.3, 95% CI =1.0–1.6) were associated with falls. …

Kinesio Taping Effects On Knee Extension Force Among Soccer Players, Maysa V.G.B. Serra, Edgar Vieira, Denis Brunt, Marcio F. Goethel, Mauro Goncalves, Paulo R.V. Quemelo

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background :

Kinesio Taping (KT) is widely used, however the effects of KT on muscle activation and force are contradictory.

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of KT on knee extension force in soccer players.

Method:

This is a clinical trial study design. Thirty-four subjects performed two maximal isometric voluntary contractions of the lower limbs pre, immediately post, and 24 hours after tape application on the lower limbs. Both lower limbs were taped, using K-Tape and 3M Micropore tape randomly on the right and left thighs of the participants. Isometric knee extension force was measured for dominant side using a strain …

Neuromuscular Changes In Older Adults During The Lateral Step Task, Tatiana Bejarano

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Older adults may have trouble when performing activities of daily living due to decrease in physical strength and degradation of neuromotor and musculoskeletal function. Motor activation patterns during Lateral Step Down and Step Up from 4-inch and 8-inch step heights was assessed in younger (n=8, 24.4 years) and older adults (n=8, 58.9 years) using joint angle kinematics and electromyography of lower extremity muscles. Ground reaction forces were used to ascertain the loading, stabilization and unloading phases of the tasks. Older adults had an altered muscle activation sequence and significantly longer muscle bursts during loading for the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, vastus …

The Influence Of Accuracy Constraints On Emg And Kinetic Variables During Gait Initiation, Hyeong-Dong Kim, Denis Brunt, Hyung Dong Je

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of accuracy constraints (targets) placed on the steppinglimb heel-strike (HS) on the electromyogram (EMG) and ground reaction forces (GRFs) during gait initiation. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy subjects (29.2 ± 2.9 years) were asked to begin walking or stepping over a 10-cm-high obstacle at a fast speed. A 3-cm-diameter target was placed on the ground to dictate the position and accuracy of the stepping-limb HS. [Results] The results showed that the initiation velocity increase in the no-target conditions was due to modulation of the stance- and stepping-limb GRFs and a corresponding increase in the …

Jaw Dysfunction Is Associated With Neck Disability And Muscle Tenderness In Subjects With And Without Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders, A. Silveira, Inae Caroline Gadotti, S. Armijo-Olivo, D. A. Biasotto-Gonzalez, D. Magee

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose. Tender points in the neck are common in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, the correlation among neck disability, jaw dysfunction, and muscle tenderness in subjects with TMD still needs further investigation. This study investigated the correlation among neck disability, jaw dysfunction, and muscle tenderness in subjects with and without chronic TMD. Participants. Forty females between 19 and 49 years old were included in this study.There were 20 healthy controls and 20 subjects who had chronic TMD and neck disability. Methods. Subjects completed the neck disability index and the limitations of daily functions in TMD questionnaires. Tenderness of the …

Poor Reliability Between Cochrane Reviewers And Blinded External Reviewers When Applying The Cochrane Risk Of Bias Tool In Physical Therapy Trials, Susan Armijo-Olivo, Maria Ospina, Bruno R. Da Costa, Matthias Egger, Humam Saltaji, Jorge Fuentes, Christine Ha, Great G. Cummings

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objectives: To test the inter-rater reliability of the RoB tool applied to Physical Therapy (PT) trials by comparing ratings from Cochrane review authors with those of blinded external reviewers. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PT were identified by searching the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for meta-analysis of PT interventions. RoB assessments were conducted independently by 2 reviewers blinded to the RoB ratings reported in the Cochrane reviews. Data on RoB assessments from Cochrane reviews and other characteristics of reviews and trials were extracted. Consensus assessments between the two reviewers were then compared with the RoB ratings from the …

Effect Of Mandibular Mobilization On Electromyographic Signals In Muscles Of Mastication And Static Balance In Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorder: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Tria, Yasmin El Hage, Fabiano Politti, Dowglas F. Magalhaes De Soura, Carolina Marciela Herpich, Igor Phillip Dos Santos Gloria, Cid Andre Fidelis De Paula Gomes, Ana Paula Amaral, Nivea Cristina De Melo, Thais Correa Da Silva, Edgar Edmur Camargo Arruda, Cesar Ferreira Amorim, Inae Caroline Gadotti, Tabajara Oliveira Gonzalez, Fausto Berzin, Sandra Kalil Bussadori, Marilia Barbosa Santos Garcia, Bruno Roberto Borges Barbosa, Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background

The stomatognathic system and dysfunction in this system may be related to postural control. The proposal of the present study is to assess the effect of mandibular mobilization in individuals with temporomandibular disorder using surface electromyography of the muscles of mastication and stabilometric variables.

Methods/Design

A randomized, controlled, blind, clinical trial will be carried out, with the participants divided into three groups: 1) facial massage therapy (control group), 2) nonspecific mandibular mobilization and 3) specific mandibular mobilization. All groups will be assessed before and after treatment using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, surface electromyography of the masseter …

Work Disability Benefits Due To Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Brazilian Private Sector Workers, Edgar Vieira, P. R. Albuquerque-Oliveira, A. Barbosa-Branco

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of disability benefits due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) granted to Brazilian private sector workers. Methods: This was a population-based epidemiological study of MSD-related benefits among registered private sector workers (n¼32 959 329). The prevalence (benefits/10 000 workers/year) of work disability benefits was calculated by gender, age, state, Human Development Index (HDI), economic activity, MSD type and work-relatedness. Results: The prevalence of MSD-related benefits in Brazil among registered private sector workers in 2008 was 93.6/10 000 workers. The prevalence increased with age, and was higher for women (112.2) than for men (88.1), although the …

The Evocative Power Of Projective Techniques For The Elicitation Of Meaning, Caroline Porr, Maria Mayan, Guendalina Graffigna, Sarah Wall, Edgar Vieira

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

A unique project was undertaken by doctoral and postdoctoral students, and their mentor, from diverse backgrounds in health and social sciences to explore their past experiences as participants in a qualitative research training initiative called EQUIPP (Enhancing Qualitative Understanding of Illness Processes and Prevention). The purpose of the project was to create a symbolic representation of the EQUIPP program through the use of projective techniques. The authors examined the meaning of engaging in qualitative research training through images and conceptual metaphors that were subsequently consolidated thematically and then portrayed in the form of a newly constructed logo that was developed …

The Benefits Of A Regular Exercise Group Program In Community Dwelling Elders With Chronic Stroke, Dessislava Dakova

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether community dwelling elders with chronic stroke who participate in a regular exercise group program demonstrate decreased fear of falls, decreased depression and improved quality of life/health status perception as compared to community dwelling elders with chronic stroke who don’t participate in such an exercise program.

Two groups of 13 English speaking community dwelling elders with chronic stroke, were selected. The first group consisted of individuals who were currently participating in the Adult Fitness Group at South Miami Hospital (SMH) and the second group consisted of former SMH patients who had not …

Interprofessional Perceptions Between Occupational Therapists And Physical Therapists: Barriers To Effective Interdisciplinary Team Functioning, Jennifer L. Gober

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

OT and PT practitioners are expected to function as members of an interdisciplinary team effectively. It is important to be aware of the barriers that may create conflict between them. The purpose of this study was to examine interprofessional perceptions regarding interprofessional and practice issues that might serve as barriers to effective interdisciplinary team functioning. A random sample of 400 therapists (200 OTs and 200 PTs) was mailed questionnaires. A total of 182 questionnaires were used for data analysis. Research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, t-tests, and chi-squares.

This study finds that OTs and PTs have differences …

Clinician Perceptions Of Factors That Enhance Patient Compliance In Physical Therapy, Victoria R. Benea

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine physical therapists utilization of methods to increase compliance with home exercise programs, and to determine their perceptions of barriers patients have to completing exercise programs. The secondary purpose of this study was to describe the association, if any, between therapists' age, participation in exercise and/or lifestyle changes and the utilization of methods to increase exercise compliance. A sample of 73 physical therapists attending the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting were surveyed for this study. This study found that barriers listed by patients were similar to those found in the literature. …

Occupational Therapists' Interests And Attitudes Toward Animal Assisted Therapy As A Treatment Modality, Lori Susan Buckley

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One hundred seventy-nine occupational therapists (OTs) responded to a survey regarding their interests and attitudes toward animal assisted therapy as a treatment modality. It was found that most of the practitioners would be interested in learning more about animal assisted therapy and most felt it is a valid treatment modality to be used by occupational therapists. Furthermore, the most common answer to the question "why would you not be interested in participating in an AAT program," was "I feel I don't know enough about it". It was also found that therapists' most commonly selected patient goals for AAT were in …

The Relationship Between Acculturation And The Effects Of Caregiving Of The Elderly Among Cuban-Americans, Georgia De Las Pozas

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to establish the perceived caregiving effects among thirty Cuban-born individuals caring for elderly relatives and the relationship of these effects with acculturation.

Most common difficulties were lack of private time, or social life, and decreased emotional and physical health. Satisfactions were mostly derived from fostering the elders' welfare. A strong positive relationship was found between caregivers' difficulties and stability of the caregiving dyad (r= - 0.642, p< .001). Caregivers involved in more unstable caregiver-care receiver dyads had more stress associated with caregiving difficulties. The acculturation factors of language, electronic media, and social relations, and the stability of the caregiving dyad accounted for 54 percent of the variation in caregivers' difficulties (p< .001) but only 21 percent of the variation of caregivers' satisfaction (p<.221).

These findings provided preliminary data of caregiving characteristics among Cuban-Americans and the importance of including acculturation in studies involving minorities.

The Effects Of Participation In An Arthritis Foundation Sponsored Aquacize Program On Health Status, Rose Ann Ruggiero Curboy

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study assessed the effects of participation in an Arthritis Foundation sponsored water exercise program on self-reported functioning and health status. Nine older community living women with various forms of arthritis took part in this pre to post-test design study, along with a comparison group of eleven older women also regularly engaged in differing forms of exercise. Both groups completed a standardized questionnaire, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2, twice over an eight week period. Twelve scales and additional questions measured physical, social, and psychological aspects of daily functioning. Aquacize participants reported significant improvements in the Physical Component area …

Age-Related Differences In Self-Reported Health And Functional Abilities In The Elderly, Cynthia Garner Condon

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare age-related differences in self-reported health and self-reported functional abilities from 1971 individuals surveyed in the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey of Elders 60 years and Older in Dade County. The responses were divided into four age groups: (a) 60 to 64 years, (b) 65 to 74 years, (c) 75 to 84 years, and (d) 85 years and older and results compared.

The study found that self-reported health ratings were significantly different across the four age groups and exhibited a gradual decrease in favorable health ratings with age. For all ages, at least 60% …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Ultrasound On Open Wounds, Martha Henao Bloyer

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound (US) therapy in the treatment of open wounds as an adjunct to the usual and customary treatment provided by physical therapists. An exhaustive search of all published studies on the effects of therapeutic ultrasound on open wounds was performed. Every article, which met certain criteria, was reviewed in detail. Criteria included the use of human subjects, animal subjects, or human cells in vitro, publication in referred journals indexed by MEDLINE, CINAHL and availability of full text in the English language. Fourteen studies met the …

Occupational Therapists' Assessment Of The Caregivers Of Their Elderly Patients, Ernest Vincent Corradetti

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the methods and extent to which occupational therapists who are practicing in aging are assessing the caregivers of their elderly patients. A random sample of 500 therapists who subscribe to a special interest group publication of a professional organization were surveyed by mail and 204 responses were received.

Respondents were asked to indicate all of the activities related to caregiver assessments in which they engage. Methods of assessment included: (a) professional caregiving activities, (b) informal assessment methods, and (c) formal assessment methods. There were more than 90% of respondents who indicated that …

The Effect Of Self-Operated Prompts On Leisure Participation By Persons With Mental Retardation, Tanya Michele Camper

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of permanent prompts for individuals with severe disabilities has been shown to be effective in acquiring new skills, improving the accuracy and maintenance of existing skills, and in eliminating the need for trainer prompts. However, this technology has not been evaluated for its potential impact in promoting leisure participation. In this study, two men with mental retardation were administered auditory and/or visual prompts to investigate their effect on increasing participation in a leisure activity. In addition, their performance was evaluated to establish whether continuous versus intermittent schedules of the prompts would influence participation. The data were collected using …

Icelandic Occupational Therapists' Attitudes Toward Educational And Professional Issues, Elín Ebba Ásmundsdóttir

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The entire population of Icelandic occupational therapists were surveyed concerning characteristics and attitudes toward professionalism and educational goals. There were 87 questionnaires sent out and 80 (92%) were returned and used for analysis. This data will have a positive impact upon the development of the first Icelandic occupational therapy curriculum. Icelandic occupational therapists, in general, value academic skills over technical skills, are active in their association, willing to take on duties for the advancement of the profession and are interested in conducting research. The attitudes of the Icelandic occupational therapists were generally quite uniform. T- tests and one-way ANOVAs (p < .05) revealed some significant differences in a number of attitudes by education level, length of professional experience and country of education. The results show the importance of providing Icelandic occupational therapy practitioners with the opportunity to take part in research. This study will serve as a foundation for future studies on Icelandic occupational therapists and provide reference data for later comparison.

Occupational Therapy In Iceland Attitude, Knowledge And Cooperation, Gunnhildur Gisladottir

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to discover attitudes and knowledge of four healthcare student groups toward occupational therapy in Iceland.

A fact-sheet identifying philosophy, theoretical background, skills roles and occupational therapy working areas was developed. Pre-test and post-test questionnaires were used to measure any attitude and knowledge changes which might have occurred after reading the fact-sheet.

The results demonstrated that the four student groups had obtained knowledge about occupational therapy during their university experiences; either from in class information or from field trips to occupational therapy departments. The questionnaire results indicated that students' attitudes toward cooperation with occupational therapists …

Beliefs Of Icelandic Elderly Living In The Greater Reykjavik Area Toward Autonomy And Paternalism In Caregiving Of The Elderly, Ingibjorg Svava Asgeirsdottir

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the aging population and the increase in health care costs, issues of independence and autonomy will have a greater impact on formal and informal health care. Changes in occupational functioning that accompany increased age has raised the demand
for family assistance to the elderly. It is important for occupational therapists to understand the elderly's perceptions toward autonomy and paternalism in caregiving of the elderly because it is assumed that attitudes and beliefs affect how people interact and care for the elderly.

A convenience sample of 57 Icelandic elderly were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward autonomy and paternalism in caregiving …

Valued Occupational Roles And Life Satisfaction Among South Florida Hiv-Infected And Non-Infected Homosexual Males : An Exploratory Study, Kenneth Morton Byers

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted in order to describe and understand the occupational role behavior of gay men with particular interest on understanding the impact of an HIV diagnosis on their roles and life satisfaction. A 137- item questionnaire was developed for this study and distributed through various gay community groups in south Florida. The process resulted in ranked description of 24 valued occupational roles of gay men (n = 80) along with a general understanding of potential shifts that may occur in those roles as a result of becoming infected with HIV. The study concludes that a diagnosis of HIV …

The Effect Of Three Positions Of Shoulder Flexion On Grip Strength, John David Canyock

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effect of shoulder position on grip strength in 30 female students from Florida International University. A Jamar dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength in three testing positions (0,90 and 135 degrees of shoulder flexion with full elbow extension). The highest mean grip strength measurement was found at 135 degrees of shoulder flexion, followed by 0 degrees and then 90 degrees. An ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference between at least two of the three positions. A Fisher's LSD post hoc test indicated that mean grip strength at 135 degrees of flexion was …

The Relationship Between Common Language And Length Of Treatment In Occupational Therapy, Nivia Liz Binett

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The diversity of ethnic and cultural groups and the effects of language in the therapeutic relationship are timely professional issues of concern to occupational therapy practitioners. The tri-ethnic, tri-cultural South Florida area offers a natural environment where one can study how patient-therapist interactions are influenced by language barriers in a diverse society. This study examines the effects of language on the adequacy of occupational therapy services, specifically how language affects the length of the treatment program. The nature of diagnosis therapists' ethnicity, and how they impact treatment outcomes are also addressed. A sample was drawn from the occupational therapy outpatient …

Physical Therapy Recruitment And Retention Strategies Of Hospitals In The Us, Laura Burgos

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hospitals are seeing a reduction of physical therapy (PT) staff due to increased opportunities and competition. Planning effective recruitment and retention strategies for PTs in hospital settings may play an important role in reducing the problem. The primary purpose of this descriptive research was to compile information on recruitment and retention strategies used for physical therapists working in hospital settings. Four hundred surveys were mailed nationwide to hospital-based physical therapy managers. Strategies most commonly used were: attractive benefit package, interdisciplinary teams, competitive salaries, and student employment. The least used strategies used were: sign-on bonus, incentive pay programs, recruitment and retention …

Occupational Therapists As Consultants In Florida Schools : A Survey, Leigh Ann Agee

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Little research has been done on how well prepared occupational therapists feel to perform the role of consultant. This study investigated the perceptions of occupational therapists acting as consultants in Florida schools, how much education/training they have received and how they perceive their consultation skills. Participants in the study were sent a questionnaire and measures of central tendency were calculated on each item. Crosstabulations using Fisher's exact test were completed to investigate any relationship between type of consultation model used and relationships with educators. A one way ANOVA was conducted to investigate any relationship between self-perceived consultant skills and age, …