Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

A Survey: The Documentation Of Manual Therapy, Kimo Danielsen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Manual therapy, though clinically valuable, lacks published research to support efficacy. The purpose of this project was to survey therapists in the U.S. who use manual therapy · in their clinical practice. Methods: All orthopedic clinical specialists (OCS) in the United States (n=325) as recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association's 1993 Directory of Clinical Specialists were sent a survey that contained questions regarding demographics, frequency of documentation, and items included in documentation. . The information gained through the survey questions were analyzed for descriptive trends. Results: There was a 45% response rate. Majority of the respondents indicated they were …

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, Bryan L. Guthmiller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Delayed-onset muscular soreness (DOMS), the sensation of pain and stiffness in the muscles that occurs from 1-5 days following unaccustomed exercise, can adversely affect muscle performance, both from voluntary reduction of effort and from inherent loss of capacity of the muscles to produce force. This exercise-induced muscle damage causes a response that can be characterized by a cascade of metabolic events. Increased circulating neutrophils and interleukin-1 occurs within 24 hours after the exercise, with skeletal muscle levels remaining elevated for a much longer time. Several theories underlying the physiological mechanisms of DOMS have been proposed. The majority of evidence contradicts …

A Correlation Between Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Kt-1000 Values: A Prediction Of Knee Pathology, Leatha Noreen Hawbaker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between students identified with generalized joint hypermobility and their values of knee joint mobility as measured by the KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer.

Sixty healthy female high school sophomores, active in basketball, participated in this study. They were evaluated using: 1) the Beighton hypermobility criteria and 2) the KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer. The KT- 1000 variables identified were the anterior 20 lb. displacement, compliance index, and the total anterior-posterior displacement.

With an alpha level set at .05, one-tailed, the T-test for independent samples identified no significant difference in the …

An Overview Of Multidirectional Instability Of The Shoulder, Troy Ivesdal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multidirectional instability (MOl) of the shoulder is an increasingly recognized clinical entity to physical therapists, yet it remains poorly defined and not fully understood. The clinical importance of correct diagnosis is necessary for rehabilitation and surgical procedures. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of MOl and its importance in the field of physical therapy.

General anatomy will be presented with attention given to biomechanics which may lead to this pathology. Etiological factors will be discussed including symptoms and proper diagnostic procedures for instability. Finally, treatment of multidirectional instability will be reviewed with a focus on proprioceptive …

A Review Of Spinal Rom Measurement Tools, Dawn Kamihara

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists rely on measurements to communicate with one another, establish patient status, predict treatment response, document treatment efficacy, and claim scientific credibility for the profession. Therefore, the quality of measurements should be of great concern to physical therapists and, hence, therapists should be able to examine the quality of measurement tools they are using critically. A variety of measurement tools are being utilized in physical therapy to quantify spinal mobility; however, there is no clarity as to which of the tools are optimal. In particular, the spinal range of motion measurement tools will be examined because of the high …

Ergogenic Aids For Athletes, Eric Kamimura

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The use of ergogenic aids is widespread, with users ranging from recreational to professional athletes. Perhaps the Olympics has received more publicity regarding the use of ergogenic aids than any other athletic event.

It is widely understood that anabolic steroids and other drugs can be very dangerous. As a result, more and more athletes are seeking safer alternative methods in order to enhance athletic performance. With this attitude, a number of athletes are purchasing protein, multi vitamin/mineral, and carbohydrate supplements as well as other ergogenic aids in the belief that these supplements will improve their athletic performance. However, some of …

Analysis Of Normal Human Postural Response During Stance, Christy M. Kramer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature that examines normal standing postural responses including sensory input and motor response. This literature review also reviews changes in the use of sensory input and motor response which occur throughout the human lifespan. In addition, this literature review questions whether physical therapy can assist patients whose postural responses are not within ranges considered normal.

The information in this literature review should assist people within the field of physical therapy to increase their awareness of normal postural responses during stance. It should also increase the awareness among practitioners of how normal …

The Effects Of Repeat Testing On Performance Scores Utilizing The Isostation B-200, Stephanie D. Kyes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this experimental study was twofold: 1) to determine if there was a significant increase in performance, or learning effect, between the first and second test sessions on the Isostation B-200 for normal subjects, and 2) if so, was there a specific percentage of increase that can be attributed as a learning effect for each age, gender, or activity level.

Twenty-two subjects (8 men, 14 women) with no prior history or treatment for low back pain were utilized in this study. All subjects were tested in two positions. First, in an upright standing position and second, in twenty …

Outcome Based Survey On The University Of North Dakota Physical Therapy Curriculum, Elizabeth L. Malae

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

According to the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) current Standards for Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education Programs, "Criterion A for Standard VI states: The Comprehensive curriculum plan includes an organized and sequential series of integrated student-oriented learning experiences designed to enhance attainment of terminal competencies." How can we be sure that these educational goals and objectives of achieving technical clinical competency and meeting the needs of society and the profession are being met? One method is to get feedback from the students involved in the physical therapy program by means of a survey. This study will examine the content and …

The Role Of Foot Biomechanics In Lower Extremity Pathologies, Don Martin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Lower extremity pathologies caused by abnormal biomechanics of the subtalar joint are commonly seen in the health care setting. Certain foot types will predispose an individual to excessive amounts of subtalar joint pronation or supination during gait. Subtalar joint movement is transmitted proximally to the lower extremity during gait and excessive amounts of pronation or supination can lead to altered biomechanics in the lower extremity with development of various lower extremity injuries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the biomechanical events of the subtalar joint of the foot during gait in order to show how abnormalities in these …

A Historical Perspective Of Medical Care Coverage In The United States, Rhonda Noyes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Reimbursement of medical services by third-party payers is becoming more contingent upon the effectiveness of services at an affordable cost. The push for cost containment brings about the need for the health care professional to have a sound understanding of medical care coverage to provide quality services at an affordable price.

The present coverage of medical care in the united States is largely dependent upon medical benefits offered by employers. In order to understand current trends in medical care coverage and the reliance on employer based coverage, this independent study explores the origins and development of the current medical care …

A Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint With Emphasis On Evaluation And Treatment, Rachele Reber

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain is a common reason for referral to physical therapy. Although the role of the sacroiliac joint in low back pain remains controversial, many physical therapists frequently evaluate and treat biomechanical lesions of the sacroiliac joint. It is important to have keen evaluation skills to pinpoint the type of sacroiliac joint lesion present. Having a good knowledge and understanding of the anatomy, movement, and function of the joint will aid the therapist to correlate the findings of the evaluation with the proper treatment regimen. The purpose of this independent study is to describe current evaluation techniques, pathological conditions, …

The History And Evolution Of Stretching, Jennifer Roberts

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Virtually every athlete engages in some form of stretching before beginning a training routine or competitive event. Stretching is an integral component of endless physical therapy treatment programs for muscle strains, ligament sprains, fibromyalgia protocols, and joint replacements to name a few. However, the physiological effect of stretching and the best method for producing the desired outcome is often questioned by coaches, athletes, and therapists.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of static stretching and ballistic stretching individually and in conjunction with modalities. Muscle physiology, the benefits of flexibility, and the psychological and physiological effects of …

Debridement Teaching Aid, Katharine E. Ward

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists treat patients with wounds. Debridement is one area of wound care which physical therapists frequently perform. Debridement is a particularly difficult skill to learn in the classroom due to the inability to simulate authentic conditions.

This study is intended to be a debridement teaching aid in the physical therapy classroom and/or the professional setting. Written text discusses the classification, healing, assessment, debridement, and dressing of wounds. Photographs of wounds and wound care clarify the written text.

The purpose of this teaching module is to help students and professional staff feel more comfortable with wound care and debridement upon …

Survey Of Pharmacology Education In Entry-Level Physical Therapy Programs, Daniel C. Weaver

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this survey research is to document the current status of education in pharmacology in the curriculum of entry-level physical therapy programs. A questionnaire was sent to the 135 entry-level physical therapy programs located in the United States and accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. The director or faculty member responsible for pharmacology instruction in 96 (71.1 %) of the entry-level physical therapy programs participated in the five-part survey.

The questionnaire results indicate that nearly all of the program respondents (98.9%) incorporate pharmacology content into existing required courses and/or have in his or her curriculum a required …

Rehabilitation In The State Sector: Do Job Descriptions Accurately Reflect Expected Duties?, Douglas Edward Allen

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Medical Disease And Low Back Pain: The Physical Therapy Evaluation, Heather Lynn Alderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The heightened level of autonomy currently experienced by the profession of physical therapy demands that, in addition to identifying and managing movement dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists be knowledgeable of signs and symptoms which may indicate medical disease. Individuals who present with low back pain (LBP) are commonly seen in the physical therapy clinic. While most often the source of a patient's LBP is of mechanical musculoskeletal origin, a great number of differential diagnoses classified as medical diseases also exist that are capable of precipitating low back pain. The purpose of this independent study is to: (a) outline …

The Effect Of Backward Treadmill Walking On Lower Extremity Kinetics, Scott Billing

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many physical therapy diagnoses require minimal anterior loading of the knee in their rehabilitation protocols. These include, but are not limited to, tibial plateau fractures, patellofemoral pain, patellar fractures, quadriceps tendinitis, and status post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In the clinical setting, backward walking (BW), or "retro-walking," is often used during the rehabilitation of such diagnoses. We propose backward walking will initiate greater hamstring recruitment due to the kinematics and kinetics of this gait pattern and thereby result in less anterior knee stress. It is the purpose of this research project to determine if hamstring recruitment can increase in a …

An Investigation Of Differential Diagnosis Of Patellofemoral Pain Syndromes, Shannon Marie Buckmier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Dysfunction of the patellofemoral joint has long been a topic of discussion and debate for caregivers of patients with this syndrome. Various diagnosis related to the patellofemoral joint of the knee have been reported. Patellofemoral pain refers to the clinical presentation of pain in the anterior region of the knee. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in children, adolescents, and adults. It is a major source of pain and dysfunction in both genders, but is more common in females.

The purpose of this literature review is to help distinguish between several differential diagnosis included as part of …

The Continuum Of Care For The Traumatic Brain Injured, Maile M.K. Collado

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists play an important role in the rehabilitation and management of the traumatic brain injured (TBI) patient. Physical therapy is accomplished through therapeutic strategies, intervention techniques, and recommendations for placement and discharge. Many times P.T. services are discontinued for various reasons, two of which are loss of reimbursement or the perception that the patient no longer requires P.T. services. Many times, however, services are discontinued due to a lack of awareness of available services.

There is limited research available that follows the TBI patient along the continuum of care towards reintegration into society .. Thus, the purpose of this …

Guidelines And Benefits For Exercising The Elderly, Nita Farbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of elderly individuals is continually growing due to advancements in medicine and technology. Several physiological and psychological changes occur throughout the aging process. Regular physical activity is an effective therapy for slowing the aging process and preventing many of the conditions that occur with aging, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, the active individual is more independent and functional in his or her activities of daily living compared to the person who remains sedentary. Older individuals who maintain functional levels of flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance are rarely candidates for nursing …

Management Of Spasticity: A Review Of Two Methods Of Medical Intervention, Andrea Grock

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spasticity is an entity with which physical therapists are quite frequently faced. It is a common phenomenon among individuals who have sustained central nervous system damage. Spasticity is "associated with a wide variety of neurological diagnoses and may have benefits as well as negative qualities. The negative effects can lead to multiple complications which interfere with functions of every day living. Management of spasticity becomes necessary when it ~causes complications or interferes with function. There are several modes of intervention, including conservative physical therapy approaches and/or medical approaches.

The purpose of this independent study is to review two medical methods …

The Effects Of Family Dynamics On Pediatric Intervention, Michelle L. Jung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The family unit in America is becoming extremely diverse in its composition, perceptions, and capabilities. It is this diversity which challenges professionals to perceive and interact with each family as an unique entity. Most importantly, though, is the influence of family dynamics on the outcomes of therapeutic interventions for children with disabilities. Since the passage of Public Law 99-457, the focus of intervention has moved from treatment of the individual child to services involving the family as a single functioning unit. . Services are then provided to the child and family, as the family needs influence the child's growth and …

Total Quality Management In Physical Therapy: A Primer For Physical Therapists In Search Of Quality, Brian C. Kittelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Total quality management (TQM), a management system first successfully utilized in the manufacturing industry, has gained much popularity in the healthcare industry over the past few years. Books, articles, conferences, workshops, and video tapes that teach health care executives how to utilize TQM in their organizations abound. Unfortunately, resources which specifically apply the TQM philosophy and tools to the practice of physical therapy are few. The purpose of this project is to provide a resource that introduces the philosophy, methods, and tools of TQM with applications to the physical therapy setting.

Chapter one briefly discusses the general history of TQM …

Parkinson's Disease: An Exercise Approach To Treatment, Kara Lynn Klosterman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Parkinson's Disease (PO) is a common neurological disorder affecting elderly people. Patients suffering from PO typically display three cardinal signs: tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. As the disease progresses, secondary symptoms develop. These cardinal signs and secondary symptoms decrease the patient's abilities to function during normal daily activity.

Physical therapists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of persons with movement disorders such as PD. Research demonstrates success in the treatment of PO when physical therapy services are utilized. Physical therapists educate patients and their families about PD. Via exercise, physical therapists prevent the onset of complications and improve the …

Patient Compliance With Medical Regimens, Stacie R. Lund

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Patient compliance is defined as the patients' following a request, wish, or demand that a health care provider has decided is necessary and beneficial for the improvement of the health of the patient. Oftentimes, though suggestions by providers are in the patient's best interest, patients will instead either disregard what has been told to them or actively go against the suggestions. Certainly, the patient is the manager of his/her own health care program, however, noncompliance is a very common problem. There are several reasons for noncompliance, including the psychological make-up of the patient, the patient's social environment, the nature of …

Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis And Management, Janet Mckinnon Rasmusson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Fibromyalgia is a nonarticular rheumatic disease of unknown origin. It is diagnosed by the presence of widespread pain of more than three months duration and tenderness at 11 or more of 18 tender point sites. Typical symptoms of this syndrome are generalized pain, stiffness, and chronic fatigue due to sleep disturbances. Other uncommon symptoms include headaches, anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and numbness. These symptoms become worse with the presence of modulating factors such as weather, stress, fatigue, overexertion, or inactivity.

The purposes of this independent study are to examine the prevalence and demographics of this disorder, discuss the etiology …

A Review Of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability, Marcy K. Narum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle injuries constitute one of the most common and most frequent injuries affecting the lower extremities, with lateral ligament sprains comprising the majority of the ankle injuries. The development of chronic lateral ankle instability is a relatively common occurrence following an acute ankle sprain. Previously the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability has been primary surgical intervention, but more recently the initial treatment is shifting toward a conservative approach emphasizing functional rehabilitation of the unstable ankle. Frequently the treatment of recurrent sprains and chronic instability addresses only the symptoms; however, a treatment program addressing the underlying causes of instability needs …

Hippotherapy: A Survey Of Therapists Nationwide, Yvette J. Normandin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to survey physical therapists nationwide who are involved with North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) certified centers to obtain their perspectives regarding the need for more empirical research and outcome studies, benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding, and methods of objective evaluation utilized when determining patient improvement. Of the 261 surveys mailed, 125 (48.8%) were returned with 110 utilized for data interpretation.

Respondents indicated a large need for more empirical research to support therapeutic horseback riding as a treatment method and to facilitate increased acceptance by the medical field in general. Only a …

Overview Of The Flaccid Hemiplegic Shoulder Following A Stroke, Tricia R. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stroke may cause long-term disability and impairment in the hemiplegic shoulder. Problems may develop early in the flaccid phase of recovery and complicate the entire rehabilitation process. The etiology and treatment of shoulder complications remains uncertain. Contributing factors include inappropriate handling and positioning, abnormal muscle tone, impaired sensation, and musculoskeletal pathology.

Prevention and treatment of shoulder dysfunction begins with positioning, early range of motion, and education. Physical therapists play an important role in stroke management by administering therapeutic positioning programs, teaching appropriate exercise regimens, and instructing in proper handling techniques.

The purpose of this paper is to review methods being …