Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Global Perspective Of Postural-Related Shoulder Pain (Prsp), Zoe Geiger, Kiley Pinder, Kasey Cottrill, Holly Roberts

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: During a physical therapy service trip to Zacapa, Guatemala, in March 2019, ten of 106 patients were treated for symptoms of PRSP. Their pain was often exacerbated by repetitive work-related tasks performed with poor posture such as doing laundry by hand, carrying loads overhead, manual labor, and childcare.

Methods: A brief review of the literature was performed to determine global differences in PRSP and effective treatment interventions. PubMed, Collins Memorial Library, and Google Scholar were searched using search terms including “postural-related”, “work-related”, “shoulder pain”, and “global”.

Results: Nine full-text articles were retrieved and reviewed. PRSP was reported in Ethiopian …

Autonomic Nervous System Changes In Individuals With Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Dr. Karin Steere, Jason Steere Dpt, Kasey Cottrill, Zoe Geiger

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

PURPOSE: The aim of this review was to investigate the relationship between heart rate (HR) or blood pressure (BP) and chronic pain conditions.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic pain has placed enormous economic burden on the healthcare system. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation is correlated to chronic pain. One measure of ANS dysregulation is heart rate variability (HRV), and decreased HRV can predict adverse future prognosis in a variety of conditions. While HRV validly measures ANS dysregulation, inexpensive and quicker measurements of HR and BP have been less investigated.

METHODS: Searches in PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, and CINAHL were performed using …

Common Experiences And Beliefs Among Highly Active, Older Adults, Alex Knapp Spt, Dominick Post Spt, Danny Mcmillian Pt Dsc

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background: Research on correlates and determinants of physical activity has shown that age and motivation are associated with physical activity. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) provides a well-researched framework for understanding motivation, and proposes that the satisfaction of three primary psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, fuels motivation for physical activity and promotes wellness.

Purpose: Use SDT to identify experiences and beliefs that affect motivation for physical activity in older adults and provide a narrative approach to share their “movement stories.”

Methods: Participants were recruited using nominated sampling and a public advertising campaign. Participants were at least 55-years old with International Physical …

Demographics And Treatment Strategies Utilized During A Service-Learning Trip To A Medically Underserved Region: Guatemala 2019, Anna Chang, Alex Knapp, Holly Roberts

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Demographics and Treatment Strategies Utilized During a Service-Learning Trip to a Medically Underserved Region: Guatemala 2019

By Anna Chang, SPT, Alex Knapp, SPT, and Holly Roberts, PT, DPT, GCS, NCS

BACKGROUND: Students in the Global Health Perspectives in Physical Therapy elective at the University of Puget Sound participated in a five-day service-learning trip. They partnered with a host organization to provide physical therapy services in Zacapa, Guatemala.

PURPOSE: Synthesize demographic information and intervention plans to educate physical therapists and students to effectively evaluate and treat medically underserved populations abroad.

METHODS: Age, gender, physical therapy diagnosis, and type of intervention were …

Latent Effects Of Stress On Delayed Modulation Of Chronic Low Back Pain: Case Series, Roger Allen Phd, Pt, Anna Chang Spt, Catherine Mooney-Myers Spt, Lauren Gallison

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the temporal relationship between psychogenic stress and perceived intensity of chronic low back pain (LBP). LBP was chosen as a pilot condition prefacing a larger research effort to determine which variants of chronic pain may manifest latent psychogenic modulation based on previous studies of neuropathic pain conditions.

Methods: The study consisted of five subjects, one male and four females, ranging from 19-32 years old and chronicity of pain ranging from 5 months to 6+ years since diagnosis. Over 12-15 weeks, participants completed daily visual analog pain, stress, and pain-related function scales. …

Physical Therapy Student Perceptions Of A Global Health Service Learning Experience: A Qualitative Synthesis, Marissa Ginnett Spt, Meagan Patrick Spt, Cassandra St. Martin Spt, Holly Roberts

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background and Purpose: In March 2019, eight physical therapy students (SPTs) from University of Puget Sound traveled to Zacapa, Guatemala to work with Hearts In Motion to deliver rehabilitation services and education for five days as part of a global health service learning experience (SLE). Throughout the SLE, students responded to journal prompts reflecting on their experiences. This analysis explores the impact of student experiences by identifying recurring themes in journal entries.

Methods: Eight students provided written consent for analysis of personal journal entries. Three student reviewers completed a qualitative evaluation of journals using a constant comparative method. Reviewers used …

Motor Competency And Physical Activity In Elementary School Aged Children Who Participate In Nontraditional Sports, Courtney Norman, Wesley Geer, Julia Looper

All Faculty Scholarship

One after school program, Youth Ambassadors of Physical Education (YA), is designed to promote physical activity in school age children to help combat the growing levels of childhood inactivity. However, this program utilizes skills that are vastly different from the locomotor and object control skills assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development. Purpose: The purpose of this study it to determine whether the TGMD-2 can identify the children in YA as competent in their motor skills. This study also examines if there is a link between the overall physical activity level of the children in YA and their motor …

Errors: Friend Or Foe? The Use Of Errorless Or Trial And Error Learning Strategies In Occupational Therapy Practice When Re-Learning Daily Activities, Jasmine Evans, Alison Guajardo, April Millar

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

We examined literature, within a 20-year period, regarding whether errorless learning strategies or trial and error strategies are more effective for adult patients, with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or cognitive deficit, when learning instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and activities of daily living (ADL). We conducted this in collaboration with Hannah Baldwin, a local practitioner working in an acute care setting, at Swedish Medical Center, in Seattle. The results did not reveal overwhelming evidence to support either strategy, however, we were able to make recommendations within specific situations and for specific diagnoses. Generally, there are a greater …

Assistive Technology Options For Individuals With Quadriplegia, Bri Brown Ots, Natalie Geisler Ots, Hannah Terranova Ots

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

This project was undertaken in collaboration with Sonia Nurkse, MOT, OTR/L and Bridget Tanner, MSOT, OTR/L, two occupational therapists working on the inpatient rehabilitation unit at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to answer the question, “What are the most effective, up-to-date, and user-friendly assistive technology options to support individuals with quadriplegia in functional tasks?” Five databases were searched and through screening and careful review, 19 articles were selected for critical appraisal. Due to the wide variety of devices, some commercially available and other prototypes, we were unable to compare them …

Occupational Therapy Handwriting Interventions On A Systems-Level, Megan Buckingham, Shelby Goodfellow, Catherine Hannan

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Julie Anderson, DrOT, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist in the Puyallup School District who works with elementary aged students. For this project, Dr. Anderson worked as the primary collaborator with occupational therapy students to answer the question: What is the evidence that occupational therapy interventions at a systems-level improve student's academic performance and skill development outcomes, such as handwriting, in elementary age students with and without disabilities? The results of this descriptive study indicate strong evidence that systems-level interventions, involving an occupational therapist, in a school setting improve at least one area of a student’s skill development. Additionally, any consistent …

Challenges Facing Young Adults With Complex Communication Needs Entering The Adult Health Care System, Molly Stark, Christabelle Francis

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Barbara Abbott, PhD, OTR/L is a school-based occupational therapist currently working with students grades K-12 in four schools in Kent, WA. The purpose of our project was to identify the most effective service delivery models and/or components of interventions for young adults with complex communication needs to understand their health information. We conducted a systematic review to critically appraise literature published between the years of 1990-2018 to address our research question. Our research yielded a total of seven qualitative and 12 quantitative studies to address our research question. Qualitative data found that individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) experience significant …

Using The Copm With Veterans Who Have Sustained A Stroke, Jolene Fujita, Kimberly Low, Keili Maldonado, Mikayla Wrolstad

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

The authors collaborated with Mary Matthews-Brownell, OTR/L at the American Lake Veterans Affairs (VA). Our research question was, “What evidence is there to support best practices for veteran re-engagement in meaningful activities to promote overall quality of life for veterans who have sustained a stroke?” In response to Mary’s specific interest in the research supporting the use of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and her desire to have concrete data to support her intervention outcomes, we chose to host an in-service on the use of the COPM for the occupational therapists at the VA.

To monitor the impact of …

Effect Of Occupation-Based Curriculum On Self-Determination For Young Adults With Disabilities, Nicole Gotelli, Spencer Perry

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Dr. Barbara Abbott, an occupational therapist who managed The Outreach Program (TOP) for the Kent, WA, school district, requested University of Puget Sound occupational therapy graduate students to research the following question: “What is the effectiveness of occupation-based interventions in comparison to traditional instruction for increasing self-determination in young adults with various disabilities?” A literature review was conducted using seven databases to find the available evidence regarding use of occupation-based curricula to impact self-determination of post-secondary adults with disabilities. Due to the emerging nature of the topic, limited evidence was found. However, the findings revealed that both occupation-based and direct …

Outcomes Of Service Delivery Models In School-Based Therapies, Nicholas Kasovac, Daniel Krupicka, Katherine Woodworth, Maryann Zmuda

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Kristin Brubaker, a licensed occupational therapist in the University Place School District, proposed the following question to a student research team: “What are the student, therapist, and teacher outcomes of different school-based service delivery models?” Following a review of 22 articles with qualitative and quantitative methods, studies were grouped into three categories of school-based service delivery models: collaborative-consultative, mixed, and direct. Research demonstrated that collaborative-consultative service delivery models provide positive outcomes such as stronger relationships between therapists and teachers, opportunities for therapists to implement and adapt intervention techniques within the classroom, increased effectiveness in teaching strategies, and improved academic skills …

Efficacy Of Evidence-Based Exercise As A Treatment For Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema, Eric Kartevold, Katrina Maañao Perez, Malcolm Reed

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) of the upper extremity is a frequent sequela following axillary node dissection (AND). A recent meta-analysis by Gillespie et al. (2018), suggested a 21.4% incidence of chronic arm edema post breast cancer intervention. Gillespie et al. (2018) explained that because of a lack of diagnostic criteria for BCRL, incidence reports varied widely from less than 5% to over 50%.

The purpose of this review was to determine the efficacy of exercise in the self-management of BCRL, including the types and frequency of exercise. Protocols from 24 articles on the self-management of BCRL, including exercise as …

Biopsychosocial Factors That Hinders And/Or Facilitate Successful Return To Work: A Review Of Literature And Knowledge Of Translation, Natacha Chimenti, Lianna Wong

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

Two community practitioners collaborated with the University of Puget Sound Occupational Therapy program and submitted the following clinical question: “What bio/psycho/social factors have been identified to hinder and/or facilitate successful return to work in addition to traditional work hardening/conditioning intervention for adults?” A literature review discovered 47 articles ranging from systematic reviews, descriptive, qualitative, outcome, and experimental studies. Evidence was synthesized by two reviewers into a critically appraised topic (CAT). Numerous facilitating (job satisfaction, employment accommodation, social support, multidisciplinary approach) and hindering factors (social isolation, depression, pain, self-perceived disability) were identified affecting one’s ability to return to work after various …

Pip/Dip Joint Capsule Stiffness: Current Evidence For Effective Interventions, Chloe Mcnutt Ots, Nicole Nguyen Ots, Ciara Caldwell Ots

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

This research aimed to identify and analyze intervention approaches to remediate Proximal and Distal Interphalangeal (PIP/DIP) joint capsule stiffness and was performed to inform practice of hand therapists in an outpatient occupational therapy (OT) clinic. The treatment protocols were analyzed according to practicality for the practice and overall efficacy. Ten databases were searched to collect appropriate data based on a specific predetermined list of search terms. Articles were examined against specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and sixteen were eventually selected for analysis. Six different intervention strategies emerged from the research including occupation-based practice, electromagnetotherapy, technology-assisted therapy, orthoses, and preparatory methods/modalities. …

Social Emotional Learning Strategies For Students In Self-Contained Classrooms: A Systematic Review And Quick Reference Guide For Evidence-Informed Curricula Selection, Amelia Jones, Paige Kensil, Jared Peltzman, Erica Petru

School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021)

This research project was conducted in collaboration with Heather Austin, OTR/L and the Puyallup School District. Through discussion with Heather, we determined that there is a need to study the efficacy of social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula for children with severe disabilities who often do not receive the same comprehensive SEL instruction as their peers in general education classrooms. A mixed-methods systematic review of the literature was conducted on strategies and interventions for SEL for students ages 3-12 years old in classrooms that serve students with severe disabilities. We analyzed 19 articles published in peer-reviewed journals by reviewing each for statistically …

The Role Of The Igf-1/Akt/Mtor Pathway On Tibialis Anterior Muscle Hypertrophy During Regeneration In Cardiotoxin-Induced Injury In Adult Mice, Cambria Kasten, Jung A. Kim Phd

Summer Research

The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of genes in the IGF-1-mediated pathway involved in protein synthesis and degradation on muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced injury, which may be causing muscle hypertrophy. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and western blots were used to quantify expression of degradation and synthesis markers respectively. Absolute and relative tibialis anterior (TA) muscle weights were significantly greater than the respective control after 2-, 3-, and 4-weeks CTX. There were no significant differences in gene expression of atrogin-1, MuRF-1, or myostatin between the CTX-injured and the Control TA muscle at the 2-, …

Current Trends In Pediatric Physical Therapy Practice For Children With Down Syndrome, Beka Johnson, Julia Looper, Alyssa Fiss

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Background. There is limited practical consensus among physical therapists (PTs) about which characteristics of DS are ‘PT related problems,’ and insufficient research evidence regarding what a PT intervention should entail. Purpose. Understand current PT practice for children with DS.

Methods. A survey was designed and distributed via mail to 1000 randomly selected members of the Academy of Pediatric PT. It included seven demographic questions and two open-ended questions regarding common impairments and interventions for children with DS. PTs who had not treated a patient with DS within the last year were not included in this study. Data Analysis. Responses were …

Head-Shake Sensory Organization Test Performance In Concussed Military Service Members., Brandon Roadman, Daniel Trapp, Dr. Holly Roberts Pt, Dpt, Gcs, Ncs

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Title: Head-Shake Sensory Organization Test Performance in Concussed Military Service Members.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to describe performance on the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Head-Shake SOT (HS-SOT) in military service members with concussions.

Subjects: Seventeen military service members (16 men, mean 32.47 +/-8.01 years) who sustained a concussion within the past 24 months.

Methods: Participants completed the SOT and HS-SOT, Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Separate analyses were performed with subjects divided into groups based on concussion history(>3), and DHI score (>13).

Results: Participants had a mean DHI score …