Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Changes In Spinal Height Supine And Walking In Subjects With And Without Lower Back Pain, Dave Gregory

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a device that could be used in clinical situations to measure spinal height in subjects with lower back pain.

Introduction: Spinal height measurement provides information on the impact of spinal loading on the intervertebral disc. The stadiometer is presently the most accurate device for this purpose but users of the device must be trained to be measured. This excludes untrainable subjects such as those with lower back pain. For this study, a new ins1rument was developed combining aspects of the stadiometer and other devices to produce a simpler method …

Changes In Ankle Joint Proprioception Resulting From Strips Of Athletic Tape Applied Over The Skin, Guy G. Simoneau, Rebecca M. Degner, Cindi A. Kramper, Kent H. Kittleson

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Athletic trainers, physical therapists, and other rehabilitation professionals stress the importance of proprioceptive reeducation during the rehabilitation process following an injury." 2 It is believed that an injury such as an inversion ankle sprain, for example, results in a reduction of proprioceptive function that may lead to future reinjuries. 3 One suggested palliative method to supplement a deficit in proprioceptive function at the ankle is the use of external support such as taping and braces.47 The tape or brace is believed to provide increased mechanical support as well as increased proprioception.

Prenatal Cocaine Exposure And Mother–Infant Interaction: Implications For Occupational Therapy Intervention, Heather Miller-Kuhaneck

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

The literature from multiple disciplines on in utero cocaine exposure and mother–infant interaction and attachment was examined for possible relationships and implications for occupational therapists. Maternal cocaine use and neurobehavioral deficits in neonates prenatally exposed to cocaine may result in interactional difficulties between mother and infant. Knowledge of child development, sensory regulation, and infant cues will enable therapists to assist the mother in creating positive interactive experiences between herself and her child.

Rebuilding Little Lives : Using Play Therapy With Traumatized Children, Denise E. Maas

Graduate Research Papers

In this paper, the author will attempt to assist therapists with their work with traumatized children using play therapy. The discussion includes signs and symptoms that a traumatized child may exhibit. In addition, the paper will contain selected therapeutic powers of play and how they can aid in the treatment of traumatized children. The case examples provided throughout this paper are actual experiences taken from the author's clinical practice in a hospice setting.

Antagonist Muscle Inhibition During Voluntary And Automatic Movements: Implications For Clinical Intervention, Charles Leonard, Charles Leonard, T. Matsumoto, P. M. Diedrich, J. A. Mcmillan

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Faculty Publications

Various rehabilitation techniques encourage eliciting automatic reactions in the hope that muscle activations elicited in this way will influence voluntary movement. Unlike voluntary movements that consist of willed initiation and involvement of descending corticofugal and and basal ganglia pathways, automatic postural reactions resulting from external perturbations primarily involve peripheral receptors arising from the vestibular apparatus, muscles, joints, and eyes. We were interested to determine whether voluntary and automatic movements, which are initiated very differently, involved similar temporal activation of muscles and the same pattern of reciprocal inhibition between agonist and antagonist motor neuron pools.

1997 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1997 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

An Emg And Video Analysis Of The Wrist Flexors During A Sidearm Baseball Delivery, Cordell J. Mack

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

By understanding proper pitching mechanics, therapists can develop better preventative and rehabilitation programs for pitchers. The purpose of this study was to explain the joint motions and muscle activity that occur at the elbow during both an overhand and sidearm baseball pitching delivery. Three healthy adult pitchers with recreational sidearm pitching experience were examined with synchronized high-speed video digitization and surface electromyography (EMG). It was proposed that the increased valgus moment during the acceleration phase due to the sidearm delivery would subsequently show an increase in EMG activity by the wrist flexor-pronator group to provide additional varus torque in minimizing …

Exercise During Pregnancy, Sue Merkel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical fitness and sports participation has increased in popularity over the years. This raises concerns as to whether exercising while pregnant is beneficial or harmful to the mother and her unborn child. Research has determined the maternal and fetal responses during various forms of exercise. This research has been used to help establish guidelines and recommendations for pregnant women. However, there continues to be controversy as to the exercise guidelines pregnant females need to follow. Women experience physical changes throughout their pregnancy which can lead to low back pain, abdominal or pelvic floor dysfunctions. These complications can be prevented or …

Family Issues And Rehabilitation: Do Job Descriptions Incorporate Family Involvement In Rehabilitation Services?, Corina Miki Joseph

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Sexuality And Related Social Skills Training: Meeting The Challenge For Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Caroline Mary Adkison

Theses Digitization Project

Historically, people with developmental disabilities were denied the right to live in and integrate with the society of individuals without disabilities. Landmark legislation and a societal shift over the past two decades, however, have made it possible for people with developmental disabilities to live and work in the communities in which they live.

Joint Mobilization For The Lower Extremity, Michelle C. Robert

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the field of physical therapy there are a number of therapeutic techniques used for evaluation and treatment of dysfunction. There is one technique that is seen especially jn the orthopedic setting and has been around since ancient Egyptian times. 1,2 This technique is joint mobilization and even though there are limited studies on its usefulness, it can not be ignored as a treatment technique. Due to the complexity of the techniques, students often need additional resource materials to assist in the learning process.

Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to introduce theoretical background, terminology, and an explanation of …

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Rotary Torso Unit, Melanie F. Rystedt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strengthening of trunk musculature is an important part of prevention and treatment for low back pain. Various machines have been developed to target the trunk muscles. The Rotary Torso Unit is being marketed by Fitness Plus Inc, however, no research has been conducted to validate the claims made by the manufacturer. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure and describe the muscle activity elicited while exercising on the Fitness Plus Rotary Torso Unit. For this study we used 14 healthy male subjects between the ages of22 and 40 and with no prior history of back pathology.

The results …

Headache Intervention: A Nonpharmacologic Approach To The Treatment Of Tension-Type Headaches, Marty D. Mohr

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Headaches have long been a problem for many people with hundreds of thousands seeking medical attention for their head pain each year. Migraine and tension-type are by far the most common forms of headaches, but from a physical therapy standpoint, the literature indicates that tension-type headaches respond better from the services provided by a therapist. The objective of this literature review will be to examine the different nonpharmacologic physical therapy approaches to the treatment of tension-type headaches. The techniques to be examined will include spinal manipulation, traditional physical therapy, electro acupuncture, and biofeedback and relaxation training. Examination of the literature …

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Clinical Application, Amy Schneider

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes irritation or compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel at the wrist. CTS is caused by factors including bony abnormalities, neuropathic conditions, inflammatory conditions, and most commonly, cumulative trauma. The trauma involves excessive repetition, force, bending, vibration, and impact activities performed at home or at work. As a result, the median nerve becomes irritated and intermittent sensory deficits occur initially leading to motor dysfunction with advanced disease. Once CTS is diagnosed, the first line of defense is conservative treatment which may result in operative care if unsuccessful. Modified activity and early postoperative hand …

The Effects Of Training On Cervical Range Of Motion Between Unilateral Breathers And Bilateral Breathers In Collegiate Swimmers During Freestyle Swimming, Anjanette Wong

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to establish data on active cervical range of motion for collegiate freestyle swimmers, to determine if training has an effect on cervical range of motion, and to investigate if breathing style influences cervical rotation to the right and left after training. The sample consisted of 29 varsity swim team members from the University of North Dakota (12 females and 17 males) who had participated in experiment IRB-9504-257. This past study was performed at the start of the competitive swim season, and its measurements used as pre-season data. The same CROM device was used to …

The Recovery Of Matthew, A Success Story, Kathryn M. Loukas

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

In the fall of 1994, 11-year-old Matthew experienced a traumatic brain injury. Two years later, he is a consistent honor roll student. This is the story of how occupational therapy helped Matt heal and move on to life as a regular kid.

The Performance Of Children With Down Syndrome On The Bruininks Oseretsky Test Of Motor Proficiency, Erin Docter, Kristine Tyler, Victoria Van Horn

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to begin collection of nonnative data on how children with Down syndrome, that are educable and trainable mentally impaired, perform on the Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - Short Form (BOTMPSF). The researchers collected data on children with Down syndrome between the ages of 4.11 and 13.7. Twenty subjects including 15 males and 5 females volunteered for the study. All participants were from schools and support groups throughout Holland, Grand Rapids, and Muskegon, Michigan. Each child was tested using the BOTMP-SF. Results indicated that children with Down syndrome perform significantly lower than children …

The Interdisciplinary Treatment Of Temporomandibular Disorder, Wendy Conlon, Amy Jones, Brenda Mitus

Masters Theses

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a chronic complex disorder that is treated by many health care professionals including dentists and physical therapists. The purpose of the study was to investigate the extent an interdisciplinary relationship exists between the dental and physical therapy professions in the treatment of TMD. This was accomplished by sending a survey questionnaire to 300 dentists in three midwestem metropolitan areas. The questionnaire identified treatment strategies and referral patterns used by dentists treating TMD. It is believed that the results of this study will bring attention to the advantages of using an interdisciplinary approach in the treatment of …

Occupation As Spiritual Activity, Brenda S. Howard, Jay R. Howard

Scholarship and Professional Work - LAS

Although spirituality is rarely explicitly mentioned in the occupational therapy literature, it is implied as an interwoven part of the human system. This article explores the meaning of occupation in the context of sociological and Judeo-Christian theological frameworks and the meaning of spirituality in the occupational therapy clinic. A case is made for acknowledging spirituality in clinical reasoning as a centralizing component of the patients' motivation and assignment of meaning to life.

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Low Back Unit, Joel Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Fitness Plus, Inc. has developed a series of exercise machines for strengthening of the trunk musculature. Their Low Back Unit is claimed to target the rectus abdominus (RA), gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF), and erector spinae (ES) muscles, but there is no research to solidify these claims. The purpose of this study was to describe the electromyographic (EMG) activity during the use of the Fitness Plus, Inc. Low Back Unit.

Methods: Fifteen healthy, males (ages 20-30) volunteered to participate in this study. Surface EMG was used to assess the muscle activity in four trunk and hip muscles. The …

Correlation Between Isokinetic Plantarflexion Versus Vertical Height Jump Power Index, Eric H. Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Twenty-five male subjects between the ages of 20 and 41 were tested on the KinCom isokinetic dynamometer to obtain peak torque values for the bilateral ankle plantarflexor muscle groups at 60 degrees/second. The subjects were also tested for vertical height jump (VHJ) and body composition to determine correlation between isokinetic plantarflexion peak torque and vertical height jump capacity.. VHJ was multiplied by the participant's body weight to obtain the vertical height jump power index (VHJPI). The results indicate that there was no significant correlation between VHJPI and peak torque of bilateral plantarflexion using the parameter of isokinetic peak torque.

A Review Of Anterior Instability Of The Shoulder, Ross M. Argent

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder dislocations are increasingly being recognized among physical therapists as a common disabling condition in the health care setting. Surgeons are constantly attempting to improve and develop new surgical techniques to help patients who present with anterior instability. The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of anterior instability and its clinical importance to physical therapy.

The shoulder complex demonstrates an important balance between stability and mobility. As the name implies, it is an extremely complicated joint with various components contributing to its strength. The shoulder joint is dislocated more often than any other major joint in the …

Upper Extremity Joint Mobilization, Carolyn Brown

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most costly nonfatal pathologies in the United States. Eighty to 90% of persons afflicted with musculoskeletal dysfunctions will require a treatment other than surgery. Manual therapy is a system of techniques which may be used to ease the pain and dysfunction with which these patients present. The purpose of this paper and the accompanying video tape, is to provide the physical therapy student with a source to aid their study of upper extremity joint mobilization. The paper presents a brief history of manual therapy, beginning in ancient Thailand and Egypt and ending with the …

Auricular Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation: A Review, Greg R. Burton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Pain has oppressed man for centuries and is the most common symptom for which patients seek medical treatment. The goal of medical research has been to discover the simplest method of pain relief with the least detrimental or undesirable side effects. If pain is not treated successfully, it can lead to a chronic condition with crippling effects that can profoundly affect the individual's quality of life. Pain can also prevent the successful treatment of other disorders.

Auricular transcutaneous electrical stimulation (ATENS) is on~ of the most recent methods of pain management to arise from research. It combines both acupuncture and …

Correlation Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Knee Mobility With Knee Injury Prevalence And The Role Of Lower Extremity Dominance, Darin Didier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of generalized joint hypermobility and knee mobility with knee injury prevalence among female high school basketball players. The role of lower extremity dominance with knee injury prevalence was also examined.

Sixty female subjects evaluated for generalized joint hypermobility and knee mobility using the Beighton hypermobility criteria and KT-1000 knee ligament arthrometer, respectively, were followed-up for this study. Subjects were previously evaluated as sophomore high school basketball players. Fifty eight of the sixty eligible subjects participated in this study as high school juniors by: 1) completing a survey indicating their level …

Participation Of The Lower Extremity Amputee In Sports And Recreation, Pamela A. Helfrich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to the increasing emphasis on fitness in our society, there has appeared a significant population of young and/or active lower extremity amputees who have a desire to participate in sports and recreational activities. The physical benefits of participation in sports and recreational activities may be obvious; however, there are many psychological and psycho-social benefits as well. In order to achieve a successful rehabilitation outcome it is imperative for the health care team to be well informed regarding sports and recreational options available for lower extremity amputees. Along with being knowledgeable in these areas, the health care professional also must …

Acupuncture And Pain: A Critical Analysis Of Current Research, Ryan K. Kuwahara

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Acupuncture as a treatment for pain relief has recently gained popularity in the United States despite the lack of substantial clinical proof of its analgesic effect. In the recent past there have been several reviews of the clinical studies on acupuncture's analgesic efficacy, all of which have demanded that future studies have more appropriate outcome measures, better design, and have proper credibility assessment. The present study critically analyzed the published literature over the past decade to see if the latest acupuncture studies provide a more definitive answer regarding acupuncture's efficacy. Analysis revealed that recent studies do not provide any more …

Behavior Management In Children With Autism And Related Disorders, Lisa J. Miller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Children with autism and related disorders commonly suffer from developmental delays and physical impairments. These often require services such as physical and occupational therapy. The behavioral symptoms these children display can pose an additional challenge to therapy sessions, requiring therapists to spend time dealing with the behaviors rather than focusing on the treatment.

The purpose of the study is to review the literature on autism and related disorders and to provide effective means of behavior management to achieve more effective therapy sessions. This paper will discuss physical therapy interventions such as sensory integration and deep touch proprioception, and how these …

An Analysis Of Pathological Gait, Michael N. Nakamoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Magnetic Therapy: An Alternative Approach To Treatment, Becky S. Rohr

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Magnetic therapy has been a treatment of choice for hundreds of years in many European countries as well as in several areas of the Orient, but has only recently been gaining popularity in the United States and Canada. It is believed that applying static magnets to a painful body structure will bring relief to the patient. It is also proposed that a general feeling of well ness and increased energy will be gained from magnetic therapy. These benefits are theorized to be attained through the placement of a static magnet on the surface of the body, which blocks the transmission …