Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Preliminary Study Of The Gait Characteristics Of Children With Unilateral Transtibial Amputation, Matthew Weston

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the gait characteristics of children with unilateral transtibial amputation. Four subjects with a unilateral transtibial amputation, ranging in age from twelve to sixteen years, were recruited through Mary Free Bed’s Center for Limb Deficiency. Testing was performed at the Mary Free Bed Motion Analysis Center under an established protocol for collecting and processing kinetic, kinematic, and temporal-spatial parameters using the Vicon® 512 motion analysis system. EMG data were processed using custom Matlab® (version 5.13) programs. The gait of each subject was individually evaluated for key gait events. Some important findings include decreased …

Research Utilization In Hand Therapy Practice Using A World Wide Web Survey Design, Amy D. Heathfield

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate how frequently occupational therapists, certified hand therapists (OT, CHTs) read, integrate, and contribute to occupational therapy research; identify barriers and solutions to research utilization; and identify the effectiveness of World Wide Web (WWW) survey research with OT, CHTs. Of the 306 questionnaires sent, 154 were used (50% response rate). Most OT, CHTs reported reading some OT research, but integrated little into practice. One-half reported participating in research since graduation and 82% of those who did not participate reported interest in future research participation. Barriers to research were lack of time, research was …

The Relationship Of Female Reproductive Hormones To Lumbopelvic Pain And Musculoskeletal Injuries In The Female Athlete, Christina M. Aksamit

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The increased participation by females in athletics over the past decade, both competitively and leisurely, has brought attention to the number and severity of acquired injuries. Females tend to suffer a greater number of injuries than their male counterparts, and low back pain is also more prevalent in this population. Research is just beginning to focus on female athletes as their own separate entity. The female reproductive hormones have been targeted as a possible cause of many injuries secondary to the chemical and physical changes that occur with their fluctuations.

The purpose of this literature review is to identify the …

Rehabilitation And The Meaning Of Color, Hazel Ganther

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Physical Therapy Student Learning Styles And Their Preference For Teaching Methods And Instructional Activities, Valerie Gwen Olson

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Strain-Counterstrain: Rationale, Methodology, And Utilization Within The Practice Of Physical Therapy, Jacquelyn Knodle

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to take a closer look at the technique of strain-counterstrain in order to provide the reader with information regarding the history, scientific rationale, methodology, and utilization of this technique within in the realm of physical therapy. Strain-counterstrain was developed and refined by Lawrence Jones. Jones' technique is largely based on Irvin Korr's model, which sites the muscle spindle as the primary cause of somatic dysfunctions. The principles of strain-counterstrain as set forth by Jones have been well established throughout literature. However, several variations of the technique do exist. Within literature strain-counterstrain has been …

Outcome Of Physical Therapy Treatment For Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Based On Percent Resolution And Pelvic Floor Strength, Mary E. Lundy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of physical therapy treatment for the pelvic floor dysfunction of urinary incontinence based on percent resolution and pelvic floor strength. Percent resolution is based on the number of leakage episodes and amount, and the number and type of pads used. Pelvic floor strength is based on the length of the endurance hold, the number of repetitions, and functional use. It was found that 60% of patients had 100% resolution and 93% of patients regained functional strength following treatment. Of the remaining 40% of patients who did not have 100% resolution, …

Quadriceps And Hamstring Strength In Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty, Brooke J. Powers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently, there are over 120,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed yearly in the United States with total hospital and physician expenses for each procedure ranging from $25,000 to $30,000. Majority of individuals who undergo a TKA continue to exhibit lower extremity strength deficits specifically quadriceps and hamstring weakness. Clinicians and physical therapists question if these individuals receive the level of rehabilitation necessary for the return of quadriceps and hamstring strength.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the logistics of setting up a study to determine if there was a significant difference between the strength of the involved …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Marc Sondreal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

The Computer Interface Device: Effects Of Audio And Visual Biofeedback In Rehabilitation, Cassie Wulfekuhle

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to see if a computer interface device was effective in improving quality of elbow joint motion in children by increasing motivation and attention span through the use of audio and visual biofeedback. Seventeen subjects between the ages of five and twelve were asked to participate in this study. The children were asked to complete ten repetitions of elbow flexion and extension while the tester manipulated the type of biofeedback given (1. audio and visual on, 2. audio on and visual off, 3. audio off and visual on, and 4. audio and visual off). These …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Christine W. Thorne

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Because the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of positions currently available in this program, the admissions committee at the University of North Dakota (UND) is obligated to select students who possess the greatest ability to succeed in the program and later in the profession. The purpose of this retrospective study was twofold: (1) to determine which variables, academic and nonacademic, contribute the most to student academic and clinical success in the University of North Dakota's Physical Therapy (UND-PT) program and (2) to review the current admission process while looking for new predictors of academic and clinical success. …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Jeremy Zimney

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

Emg Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Michelle L. Ballan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the fatigue component in trunk musculature following a simulated 9 hole round of golf by analyzing the EMG output of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and abdominal obliques during the golf swing.

Four males, ages 22-26 performed 5 EMG monitored golf swings with a driver prior to and following a simulated 9 hole round of golf. The data was subjected to analysis by the Fast Fourier Transformation to determine median frequency.

The results show that a significant shift in median frequency occurred, signifying muscle fatigue, in 2 of the 4 subjects when …

The Effect Of TʻAi Chi Chih On Balance In The Elderly, Justin Berry

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Loss of balance and falls among the elderly is a large health care problem, annually causing thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in health care costs. This study investigates whether T'ai Chi Chih can influence balance in the elderly. T' ai Chi Chih is a gentle form of exercise that originated as a martial art.

Fifteen subjects (T'ai Chi Chih, n = 9; control, n = 6) initially underwent two standard functional balance measures (Berg and Tinetti measures), were tested for eyes open single leg stance, and had their blood pressure taken. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a …

Emg Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Nicole Garrett

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Four male subjects were tested using EMG spectral analysis to determine if muscle fatigue occurs in the trunk musculature after a simulated nine hole round of golf. The mean frequency of the gluteus maximus, abdominal obliques, and the erector spinae were studied. A significant difference in mean frequency change was noted, therefore supporting the idea that the muscles tested may indeed fatigue during a round of golf. The author supports the use of golf exercise programs for the prevention of injury. Strengthening and endurance exercises should include these trunk muscles since they appear to fatigue after a simulated nine hole …

Subjective Quality Of Life In Total Knee Replacement Secondary To Osteoarthritis, James J. Cenova

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteoarthritis is the most common referring diagnosis for total knee replacement surgery. It is estimated that one-third of community-living persons between the ages of 63 and 94 have osteoarthritis of the knee. It is further estimated that fully 40% of these people experience pain. Many of these people look for relief in total knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgeries are a costly procedure commonly performed. There were approximately 210,000 primary knee replacements performed in 1994. This resulted in an estimated cost of $5 billion.

The purpose of this paper is to examine quality of life and its association with …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During Exercise In Traditional And Modified Positions, Erika Engelstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder rehabilitation commonly overlooks the influence of scapular muscles in providing the stability necessary for the shoulder to function properly. When considering muscles acting on the scapulothoracic articulation, literature suggests that the lower trapezius is a key stabilizer of this articulation. Traditionally, the lower trapezius is exercised while the patient is in a prone position with the humerus abducted 1450 while performing forward elevation. Unfortunately, repeated overhead activity has been proven to increase the incidence of shoulder impingement. In an effort to avoid exercising the lower trapezius in a position that would compromise the shoulder complex, a modified position of …

Outcome Based Study On The 1999 Und-Pt Curriculum, Jenny Keil

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess one component of the educational outcomes of the UND-PT curriculum. It is necessary to develop outcome assessment for many reasons. First, schools need to meet the needs of accreditation, such as the Committee on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education. Second, students need to meet the needs of employers and patients to provide quality care. Finally, physical therapy programs must meet the needs of the graduates, who are entitled to a quality education and must be competent in practicing physical therapy.

Questionnaires were mailed out to the 50 graduate physical therapy students in …

A Motion Analysis Study Describing The Kinematics Of The Curling Delivery, Sam Harms

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: In 1998, curling was awarded medal status in Olympic competition, and since then, the popularity of the sport has dramatically increased. This has led to increased skill level and competition among curlers. However, there is currently limited research analyzing the curling delivery. The purpose of this study is to provide scientific information explaining delivery characteristics of curlers while executing draw and take-out shots. This study concentrated on the force generators within the delivery and the mechanisms used to control and determine weight.

Methods: Three healthy subjects participated in this motion analysis study. Subjects were video taped completing …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Chantel J. Helling

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate variables/criteria available for the admissions process and identify which prove to be the strongest predictors of academic and clinical success in the University of North Dakota Professional Physical Therapy Program. It is also intended to review the current admission processes being utilized and look for new indicators of success that may be beneficial to this curriculum.

The subjects utilized in this study are physical therapy students (excluding the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education enrolled students) admitted from the years of 1991 - 1995. Data were first extracted from student files by …

Cervicogenic Headache: A Manual Therapy Approach, Mollie Pharris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The cervical spine was first suggested as an origin for headache almost 200 years ago. Since then, the etiology of headaches arising from the cervical spine has remained controversial and confusing. Cervicogenic headache is often confused as tension or common migraine headache, therefore presenting a great diagnostic .and therapeutic challenge for the physical therapist. The clinical physical therapist must have a strong background in anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine in order to assess and determine the involvement of the cervical spine as a primary or secondary factor in the individual's complaint of headache. This knowledge is also necessary …

Breast Cancer: Implications For Physical Therapy, Kori F. Riggin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

More effective treatment options and techniques for eliminating breast cancer are steadily decreasing the mortality rate of breast cancer patients. However, primary treatment techniques, including various surgical techniques, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, can give rise to physical and functional disabilities for the ·individual recovering from breast cancer. These disabilities warrant the same consideration given to disabilities arising from other causes. Rehabilitation, with a trained physical therapist, maximizes the physical and functional needs of the individual recovering from breast cancer.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss in detail physical therapy intervention for the breast cancer patient …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Regranex (Becaplermin) Gel 0.01% On The Treatment Of Wounds, Melissa Wood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

REGRANEX (becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB]) Gel 0.01% is a topical gel used for the treatment of chronic lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers (8 weeks or longer). It contains growth factors to aid in healing by promoting the formation of granulation tissue. Becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB] is the only growth factor to show clinical efficacy and to be approved by the FDA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this topical gel to speed the closing of wounds and/or production of healthy granulation tissue.

To accomplish this evaluation, a chart review was done at Altru Health Systems. A list of names of patients …

Cardiovascular Disease Within Native American Populations, Leslie J. Harris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Native American populations have been experiencing a rise in chronic illnesses and social pathologies. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary provider of health care to a majority of Native Americans. Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death among Native American men and women in a majority of tribes. Despite efforts by the IHS this once uncommon disease rapidly increasing in native American groups. Many believe that the acculturation of western lifestyles and changes in diet are contributing factors to the increase in heart disease. They contend that the cause lies in the prevalence of associated risk factors …

The Effects Of Balance Training In Normal Young Adults As Assessed By The Neurocom Balance Master, Steve Dingmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a skill that is essential for most activities of daily living (ADL) including participation in any athletic activity, whether competitive or recreational. When assessing balance, it is very important to have normal balance baselines in order to serve as a guideline for comparison, especially when returning an athlete to competition. Additionally, given the importance of balance in athletics, it would seem important to determine if people with normal balance can improve their balance in order to enhance performance and decrease the risk of injury during sports.

The purpose of this study was to establish balance baselines on the …

Challenges To Native American Health, Suzanne Grant

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is: to describe the historical context of Native American health, identify current challenges to Native American health and propose strategies to deal with the adverse effects of one of these challenges.

The historical context of Native American health discussed includes a history of Indian Health service and it's role as provider of American Indian health care since 1830. Challenges to the Indian Health Service population outlined include diabetes, cardiovascular disease and alcoholism. Strategies to deal with the adverse effects of diabetes and the high rate of lower extremity amputation, as it relates to Native …

The Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy And Exercise On Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Females, Sara L. Glas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteoporosis is a debilitating and life-threatening disease affecting millions of people in the United States yearly, but most notably menopausal females. The lowered estrogen levels associated with menopause increase the chances of developing osteoporosis. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been found to be one of the most beneficial therapies for slowing the progression of the disease. While some women are not candidates for this care and others take HRT solely for the relief of postmenopausal symptoms, studies have proven HRT has a long-term advantage against osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise has established efficacy through research proving its positive effect on bone formation …

Three-Dimensional Kinematics Of The Overarm Throwing Motion In Children Ages 2 To 7, Katherine A. Hagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Throwing is a meaningful play activity that encourages social interaction, develops the sequencing of motor skills, and signals the onset of toddlerhood. Little published data clearly documents the three-dimensional kinematics of the progression of the overarm throwing motion in children. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) To explore the biomechanical differences in the overarm throwing techniques of children between the ages of two and seven, and 2) To compare the kinematics of dominant versus non-dominant arm throws in children between the ages of two and seven.

Methods: 1) Nine children, 6 males and 3 females, …

The Association Of Generalized Joint Hyperlaxity And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury, Betty Hestekin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Joint hyperlaxity is a condition characterized by excessive range of motion in joints. Generalized joint hyperlaxity has been associated with musculoskeletal pain. In addition, hyperlaxity has been linked to greater incidences of injury in the high level athlete. However, there is no published data available to assess if hyperlaxity places the general population at a greater risk of incurring musculoskeletal injury.

This study researched the association of generalized joint hyperlaxity and occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in the non-athlete. Subjects were 55 volunteers from a pool of physical therapy students. The subjects completed a survey indicating activity level and injury history. …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During Exercise In Traditional And Modified Positions, Rebecca Lee. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder rehabilitation commonly overlooks the influence of scapular muscles in providing the stability necessary for the shoulder to function properly. When considering muscles acting on the scapulothoracic articulation, literature suggests that the lower trapezius is a key stabilizer of this articulation. Traditionally, the lower trapezius is exercised while the patient is in a prone position with the humerus abducted 1450 while performing forward elevation. Unfortunately, repeated overhead activity has been proven to increase the incidence of shoulder impingement. In an effort to avoid exercising the lower trapezius in a position that would compromise the shoulder complex, a modified position of …