Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Female Athlete With A Left Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction And Left Medial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Kyle Brown

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The anterior cruciate ligament is a vital structure of the knee, especially for athletes involved in agility driven sports. Currently, the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries is on the rise in young female athletes. Females in general are more susceptible to these injuries because of their anatomical structure, possibly hormone balances, and other factors. The purpose of this Case Report is to provide a comprehensive account of the physical therapy treatment provided to a young female athlete status post left anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Case Description: The patient is an eighteen year old female athlete who …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient After A Subacromial Decompression With Acromioplasty And Bursectomy: A Case Report, Brianne Landholt

Case Report Papers

Background: Subacromial impingement results from repetitive trauma to structures underneath the subacromial arch leading to a decrease in the subacromial space, impingement of soft tissue, and ultimately a decrease in functional abilities. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteriod injections. If improvements are not observed, there is a surgical option of a subacromial decompression (SAD). Conclusive evidence supporting surgery over conservative measures does not exist1. Literature is lacking regarding SAD without rotator cuff (RTC) repair and performing SAD with both an acromioplasty and bursectomy. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to investigate the functional outcomes …

The Test-Retest Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change In The Modified Fresno Test In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Erin Pike, Lisa Gerhardt

Research Report Papers

Background: The American Physical Therapy Association identified the need for training in evidence based practice (EBP) and set forth guidelines for doctor of physical therapy (DPT) curricula to educate practitioners who are efficient and critical users of best evidence. Since DPT programs are teaching EBP, educators need an assessment tool to evaluate the competence of students. The Modified Fresno Test (MFT) of EBP was validated for physical therapists and the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) has been found for first year DPT students.

Objective: The purpose is to determine the test-retest reliability and MDC of the MFT in …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Manual Laborer With Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Samuel Lasher

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is a chronic tendon injury that can have significant impact on an individual’s occupation, recreation and personal life. Currently there is a paucity of information detailing physical therapy (PT) interventions for individuals with RCT, who must continue working. The purpose of this case report was to report a clinical experience detailing the PT management of a patient with RCT, who secondary to occupational obligations must continue to participate in activities harmful to her condition. Case Description: The patient was a 44 year-old, female, who worked as a manual laborer. She was diagnosed with …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Stroke Utilizing Muscular Facilitation Techniques In A Skilled Nursing Facility: A Case Report, Erin Bayne

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in the United States. Hemiparesis is an impairment following stroke, however trunk musculature asymmetry is also common and is often overlooked when assessing a patient’s muscular control. Trunk musculature is an essential link between the upper and lower extremities during activities of daily living and impairments in trunk musculature can result in decreased safety and balance. The purpose of this case report is to provide the framework for treatment and an overview of the care plan for a patient following stroke, with special attention to trunk musculature facilitation. …

The Role Of An International Cross Cultural Interprofessional Healthcare Immersion Program In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Education: An Educational Case Report, Jayme Keith

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Today’s healthcare team requires providers to be culturally sensitive and competent interprofessional collaborators. Interprofessional Education (IPE) helps to provide a collaborative foundation for healthcare providers. Cross-cultural immersion (CCI) educational programs foster cultural awareness. Service-learning (SL) programs create opportunities for students to have interprofessional and cross cultural experiences. The purpose of this educational case report is to describe an interprofessional international cross-cultural immersion healthcare program and to discuss the role of this program in the development of (DPT) students’ cultural competence, interprofessionalism, and social responsibility. Case Description: The Ghana Cross Cultural Healthcare Immersion (GCCHI) is a University based …

Improving Independent Functional Mobility Following A Left Basal Ganglia Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Case Report, John Covilli

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to compile and summarize the physical therapy management for improving independent functional mobility following a left basal ganglia hemorrhagic stroke in the outpatient setting. Additionally, this report will provide a brief overview of the presentation and medical management of a left basal ganglia hemorrhagic stroke. Case Description: The patient, JD, had a stroke on 2012 and was left with multiple impairments ranging from his cognition to his strength and active range of motion. This case covers his physical therapy management over a 12 week period with hour long appointments twice …

Postoperative Management And Core Stabilization Interventions For A Semi-Pro Football Athlete Following Lumbar Discectomy: A Case Report, Isaiah Iaea

Case Report Papers

Although there is evidence to support a high success rate to return to work in the general population and to sports play in athletes following discectomy, less is known regarding the interventions that played a role in their return. The following case describes the interventions and management of a recreational football player following discectomy. Case description: The patient was a self-described highly active 24-year-old male post discectomy. The patient had pain, poor body mechanics, gait abnormalities, range of motion deficits, and strength deficits of his low back and lower extremities. Physical therapy interventions included soft tissue mobilization, stretching, exercise, and …

The Effects Of Robot-Assisted Gait Training And Task-Specific Training On Adl Function And Mobility For A Patient After A Stroke: A Case Report, Maegen Johnson

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Robot-assisted gait devices have become increasingly popular as they have been shown to increase the likeliness of independent ambulation in patients who have had a stroke, while also decreasing the physical burden on the physical therapist. However, there has been minimal research investigating the impact of these devices on activities of daily living (ADL) function. Therefore, the purpose of this case report is to describe the impact of robot-assisted gait training with task specific training on the ADL function and functional mobility of an individual who experienced a stroke. Case Description: The patient was a 71-year-old male …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Three Months Following Left Shoulder Arthroscopic Repair Of A Type-Ii Slap Lesion: A Case Report, Charles Dowd

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Research demonstrates a drastic increase in the prevalence of type-II superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion repairs, and its surgical correction has become the favored method of treatment, because of its ability to effectively improve quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this case report is to document the examination, evaluation, and plan of care (POC) concerning a patient who was referred to physical therapy (PT) three months following the surgical correction of a type-II SLAP lesion. Case Description: The patient was a middle-aged male who was referred to PT for evaluation and treatment following an arthroscopic repair …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Following Surgical Debridement Of Osteochondritis Dissecans Of The Talar Dome: A Case Report, Angela Serrani

Case Report Papers

Background: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is an alteration of subchondral bone with possible disruption of the surrounding articular cartilage. Hypothesized causes of the chondral defect include repeated trauma or vascular disruption within the joint. Surgical treatment may be used to relieve symptoms of OCD and improve function. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe physical therapy treatment and outcomes for a patient following surgical debridement of OCD of the talar dome. Case Description: The patient was a 27 year old female with a history of frequent ankle sprains. She reported a specific incident earlier this year that led to …

Progressive Strengthening And Postural Training In A Patient With Leg Length Discrepancy And Anterior Pelvic Tilt In A Physical Therapy Outpatient Setting: A Case Report, Oana Butnarasu

Case Report Papers

Background & Purpose: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a frequent orthopedic problem that presents as either shortening or lengthening of one of the lower limbs. Patients with LLD often present with gait compensation pattern, scoliosis, back and/or lower extremity pain. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy management of a patient with LLD who experienced pain in the left lower extremity and a left anterior pelvic tilt. Case Description: MT was a 15 year old male who presented to outpatient PT clinic accompanied by his mother with the chief complaint of pain in his left …

Inpatient Physical Therapy For A Patient With Dementia After Right Above Knee Amputation: A Case Report, Benjamin Blanchette

Case Report Papers

Background and Purposes: A sarcoma is a cancer found in certain tissues such as muscle, fat, cartilage or bone. Some sarcomas require amputation in order to avoid further growth or metastasis. There is limited research on dementia involving motor planning impairments. Physical therapy exercises and activities are more difficult for a patient with poor motor planning compared with a healthy individual. The purpose of this case report is to describe the inpatient physical therapy management of a patient with motor planning deficits and a right above knee amputation. Case Description: The patient was a pleasant 82 year old female status …

Balance And Functional Skill Training For A Patient With Cognitive Dysfunction And Impaired Safety Awareness: A Case Report, Cameron Mccombs

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: With advances in medicine, there are increasing numbers of people living after stroke. One of the major factors that can limit improvement in ability to complete functional tasks is cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive rehabilitation in conjunction with large amounts of repetition during physical therapy can result in lasting neuronal changes and help improve the safety of patients. The purpose of this case study is to describe the decision making process for physical therapy examination and intervention for a patient who had a stroke with accompanying cognitive dysfunction and decreased safety awareness. Case Description: The patient was a male …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Female Adolescent Softball Pitcher With Chronic Low Back And Hip Pain: A Case Report, Paige Friend

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is an epidemiological problem, particularly in Westernized countries, and is common among adolescents who participate in competitive sports. There are few comprehensive clinical trials addressing the prevalence of LBP in adolescent athletes and those in existence typically focus on only a few select sports. Physical therapy (PT) is shown to improve function and manage symptoms for adolescent athletes with muscle imbalance, hypermobility, and core weakness in outpatient rehabilitation, however there is a shortage of literature on young female pitchers with LBP. The purpose of this case report is to describe the PT management …

The Use Of Electrical Stimulation And Cryotherapy In Pain Reduction For A Patient Following An Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Miranda Carlson

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: A partial meniscectomy consists of removing some meniscus from the knee. Pain management is utilized which may include Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and cryotherapy. TENS has been shown to be more effective than pain medication and aid in faster regains of strength and range. Cryotherapy has been shown to have a significant effect on the level of pain and amount of pain medication consumption. The purpose of this case report is to describe the patient management and outcomes of a patient status-post partial medial meniscectomy treated with TENS and cryotherapy for pain management. Case Description: The …

Closed-Chain Quadriceps Strengthening And Hamstring Stretching In The Conservative Treatment Of Medial Plica Syndrome: A Case Report, Michael Gamache

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Medial Plica Syndrome (MPS) is characterized by pain on the anteriomedial aspect of the knee. The pain results from irritation caused by repetitive use or direct impact. Closed-chain exercises and hamstring stretching have shown to decrease compressive forces on the anterior aspect of the knee. This case report will look at using these exercises in the conservative management of MPS. Case Description: The patient is a 13-year-old female who sustained a direct blow to the anteriomedial aspect of her left knee. After a diagnosis of Chondromalacia Patella, she was treated with non-specific exercises. Pain continued and no …

The Relationship Between Pain Sensitivity And Motor Adaptations, Irina Fedulow, Katherine S. Rudolph

Research Report Papers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between measures of central sensitization and CPM and how they impact motor adaptations in individuals without chronic pain conditions. To conduct this research, we decided to incorporate the “broken escalator phenomenon,” which is the unusual feeling that occurs when an individual steps onto an escalator or moving walkway that is broken and therefore not moving. The body responds with an anticipatory response that includes increased trunk sway and increased forward speed. The body adapts to the stationary walkway by reducing trunk sway and speed. Following that period of adaptation, if …

The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Adverse Mechanical Tension Including The Use Of Neural Gliders And Tensioners: A Case Report, Brent Manley

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Adverse mechanical tension on one’s nervous system can impair a nerves ability to mobilize in relation to its interfacing tissues and lead to sensations of pain, paresthesia and numbness. The impairment is typically treated by managing the interfacing tissues in addition to mobilizing the nerve through the use of gliders and tensioners. The purposes of this case report were to (1) provide overview of adverse mechanical tension and (2) to report a case describing specific physical therapy management approaches and outcomes during outpatient rehabilitation for a patient with adverse mechanical tension. Case Description: The patient was a …

Pre-Operative Outpatient Physical Therapy Of A Torn Rotator Cuff And Suspected Nerve Injury Caused By Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Case Report, Taylor Lacouture

Case Report Papers

Background and purpose: Rotator cuff repair surgeries are very common and there are many different post-operative rehabilitation protocols available, but there is little to no literature on pre-operative therapy. The purpose of this case report is to investigate the effectiveness of pre-operative passive range of motion (ROM), joint mobilization and exercises for a patient with both a torn rotator cuff and a suspected neuropraxic peripheral nerve injury. Case Description: The patient was a healthy 47-year-old male with no prior medical or surgical history. He was referred to outpatient physical therapy for pre-operative joint mobilization and exercise for his left shoulder, …

Pt Management Of A Patient With A Cva Focusing On Functional Training With Neurodevelopmental Treatment-Based Interventions In The Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Setting: A Case Report, Jessica Takatsuki

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Patients whom have experienced a cerbrovascascular accident (CVA) commonly have difficulties with functional mobility. Rehabilitation is a common route taken by individuals who have experienced a CVA in order to regain function and independence. Neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), a rehabilitation technique, emphasizes the integration of postural control and task performance, control of selective movement for the production of coordinated sequences of movement, and the contribution of sensory inputs to motor control and motor learning. The purpose of this case report is to describe functional training in conjunction with NDT-based interventions for a patient with a CVA during a …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Following Surgical Repair Of A Left Patellar Tendon Rupture: A Case Report, Michael Kilgas

Case Report Papers

Background/Purpose: Patellar tendon tears often occur in patients less than 40 years old during physical activity with forced flexion of the knee. Surgical repair of the tendon is often the treatment following a tear; additionally, performing surgery to repair the tendon in a timely fashion is an important prognostic factor. The purpose of this case report is to outline the deficits following surgical repair of a left patellar tendon rupture, describe specific physical therapy interventions used during 12 weeks of outpatient rehabilitation, and report the outcomes of physical therapy. Case Description: Patient DH presented to physical therapy with restricted range …

The Usefulness Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation For The Management Of Chronic Low Back Pain, Nicholas Lasarso

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made on a systematic review by Khadilkar et al, which compared the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) against a placebo in the management of chronic low back pain in healthy adults. When comparing TENS versus the placebo, outcome measurements included: pain, functional status, general health status, disability, patient satisfaction and side effects. Per the Visual Analog Scale, two of the three studies were found to have clinically insignificant and clinically unimportant benefits with the use of TENS. Using both the Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, two studies revealed no statistically significant or clinical …

The Effect Of Anterior Versus Posterior Glide Joint Mobilization On External Rotation Range Of Motion In Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis, Erika Derks

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

No abstract provided.

Graston Soft Tissue Mobilization And Dynamic Balance Training Effects On Pain And Dynamic Postural Control Of Young Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability, Brandie Schmierer

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

A review of a randomized single-blind controlled trial by Schaefer and Sandrey was done to determine the effects of Graston soft tissue mobilization (GISTM) and dynamic balance training (DBT) on dynamic postural control of young athletes with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Three intervention groups were utilized in this study. The first group interventions consisted of dynamic balance training and Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (DBT/GISTM). The second group interventions consisted of dynamic balance training and Graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization sham (DBT/GISTM-S). The third group intervention was dynamic balance training as a control group (DBT/C). Based on the following outcome measures: Foot …

Is The Berg Balance Assessment A Reliable Predictor Of Fall Risk In Older Adults?, Paige Blasco

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

Bogle Thorbahn and Newton performed a prospective cohort study to determine if the Berg Balance Assessment was a reliable measure at predicting an elderly patient’s fall risk. According to the evidence, the Berg Balance Assessment had low sensitivity for identifying those who would fall, but was highly specific at correctly identifying individuals without a history of falls. In addition, the Berg Balance Assessment proved useful at predicting a person’s use of an assistive device with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 94%. The authors concluded that falls are multi-factorial and individuals should be assessed in the environment in which …

Cancer Survivorship Care: An Emphasis On Rehabilitation Needs In Maine, Miranda Carlson, Nicole Christine, Charles Dowd, Cassandra Dawley, Irina Fedulow, Lisa Gerhardt, Erin Pike, Kaitlin Powers, Angela Serrani

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Papers

The first section of this report addresses the evidence of causation concerning impairments developed as a result of a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The second section investigates the evidence regarding rehabilitation and physical activity as an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of impairments from cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The third section discusses the underlying behavioral change theory for incorporation of our Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation Algorithm (Appendix 1), which details our proposed use of rehabilitation and wellness services in the continuum of cancer care and includes an outline for a survivorship care plan. This section also discusses …

Critical Appraisal Of The Efficacy Of Various Assessment Tools In Determining Fall Risk In The Elderly Individual With Parkinson Disease, Gabriella Goshtigian

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

No abstract provided.

Using The 6-Minute Walk Test As A Way To Measure Endurance Improvements In Older Individuals, Cory Marcoux

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

An appraisal was made on a randomized controlled trial by Rikli, R & Jones, C to determine if the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a valid outcome measure to determine physical endurance in generally health, older individuals. The participants’ 6MWT results were compared to measures previously proven to be valid and reliable (treadmill testing, composite physical function scale, and self-reported physical activity levels. All data gathered fell within the 95% confidence intervals. The 6MWT was able to distinguish differences between age and fitness level groups, and was comparable to the Balke graded exercise treadmill test. This test has good test-retest …

The Responsiveness Of The Quick Dash Versus The Full Dash In Patients With Hand Pathologies, Erika Derks

Critically Appraised Topics (CAT)

No abstract provided.