Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Eating Disorders And Their Relevance To The Health Professional, Tammy L. Surdez

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have become more prevalent among young people in our society. This rising pursuit of thinness can be attributed, in part, to our society's idealistic view of beauty and appeal, in addition to several other causal factors. Adolescents and young adults struggle to meet the unrealistic demands of society, often resorting to potentially fatal behaviors such as starvation, binging, and purging. These disorders often present with identifiable signs and symptoms. As health professionals, we must be prepared to identify these characteristic signs and symptoms in order to identify patients who are at …

The Effect Of Interset Rest Period Length On Quadriceps Muscle Recovery In Strength Training, Jesse J. Wosick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Lower extremity strength training is one of the skills performed by physical therapists. The purpose of this experiment was to measure the percent of recovery of the quadriceps muscles after specified interset rest period lengths to obtain the optimal interset rest period length between sets in strength training.

Twelve male and twelve female healthy subjects were divided into three equal groups of eight (four males, four females). The subjects performed two sets of six repetitions of unilateral isokinetic knee extension with their dominant lower extremity on the Chattanooga KIN-COM Dynamometer. One, two, or three minute interset rest period lengths were …

A Literature Review And Introductory Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Manual, Dena Wright

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic therapy continues to grow as an acceptable and often times preferable means of achieving therapeutic goals across a variety of patient populations: pediatric to geriatric, orthopedic to neurologic. The unique properties of water allow people to exercise and to recover in a safe and relaxing environment that promotes similar goals to those on land. However, land exercises can not simply be performed in water due to the water's unique properties. Similarly, exercises for adults do not work as effectively for children. Many physical therapy programs across the nation provide only minimal instruction on aquatic or pediatric therapy as a …

The Relationship Between Vertical Leap And Eccentric Ground Force Time In Competitive University Men And Women Basketball Players, Cory Alan Ash

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study evaluated the relationship between vertical leap and eccentric ground force time as measured by the Cybex Fastex TM. Ten male and ten female competitive university basketball players volunteered to perform three maximum vertical jumps on the Fastex TM force platform. Pearson correlation coefficients were not significant between eccentric ground force time and vertical leap when all subjects on all jumps were assessed. When differences in gender were examined, pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant positive relationship between eccentric ground force time and vertical leap for men, but no such relationship was found for women. These results show that …

An Electromyographic Study Of Trunk Muscle Activity During Exercise On The Fitness Plus Abdominal Unit, Michelle M. Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strengthening of trunk musculature is an important part of prevention and treatment for low back pain. Various exercise machines have been developed to strengthen the trunk muscles. One such machine, the Abdominal Unit, has been marketed by a company in North Dakota, Fitness Plus, Inc. However, there is currently no research to validate the manufacturer's claims as to muscles exercised through the use of their machine.

The purpose of this study was to measure and describe the muscle activity elicited while exercising on the Fitness Plus Abdominal Unit. Telemetried electromyography was used to study muscle activity in the rectus abdominis, …

A Review Of Tbi And Return To Work, Anne Berg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Approximately two million traumatic brain injuries occur every year and of those 70,000 to 90,000 individuals develop disabilities which prevent a normal independent lifestyle. The typical individual afflicted is a 20 year old male with a normal life expectancy who is likely to face a lifetime of unemployment and dependency on public assistance if post-acute rehabilitation services are not provided. There is a lack of vocational programs and very limited funding available. This literature review will begin to fill the void of information regarding return to work programs by examining the return to work rate, specific return to work programs, …

An Educational Tool For Spinal Manual Therapy, Jennifer Brandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spinal manual therapy is a broad term used in physical therapy. Its applications include evaluation, pain relief, relaxation, and restoration of normal joint motion. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scientific research supporting the therapeutic effects of spinal manual therapy. Despite its questionable effectiveness, spinal manual therapy has become a widely used and integral practice for physical therapists. To a physical therapist, spinal manual therapy can include a vast array of procedures including: soft tissue mobilization, passive muscle stretching, muscle energy techniques, and joint manipulation. The purpose of this project is to provide the student with a brief summary on …

Environmental Illumination In Relation To Balance Performance In Healthy Community-Dwelling Elders, Laura Habermann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects low levels of lighting have on balance in healthy, community dwelling elders. The balance of 14 volunteer subjects (13 females and 1 male) who are older than 65, who live in · the community and who are generally healthy was tested. Each subject's balance was tested in both optimal and poor lighting conditions using the functional reach balance assessment tool. Subjects were given two practice trials and were then instructed to reach three times in each condition while the researcher measured the amount of light in the room and the …

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: A Clinical Literature Review, Michele Heinrich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common chronic disabling conditions of children occurring in 1.5 to 2.5 per 1000 live births with a similar prevalence rate into adolescence and adulthood. The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by increased muscle tone, decreased range of motion, and altered motor coordination resulting in an impairment in function. Spasticity contributes to muscle contractures and creates abnormal movement patterns.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that is used to reduce a child's spasticity. It has been proven to reduce the spasticity, but is …

An Electromyographic Study Of Back And Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During A Traditional Squat And The Plyo Press Leg Press, Heidi C. Ivesdal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Strength training is a primary factor in athletics and rehabilitation. Lower extremity strength training has traditionally consisted of free weights, biomechanically designed weight machines, or plyometrics. The Plyo Press is a new machine that is currently being utilized in the Frappier Acceleration Program for athletes. It is specifically designed for lower extremity strength training in combination with plyometrics. The principle behind its design is to build strength in the most effective way to enhance speed and dynamic activity without the stress to the low back or legs that is present with the use of free weights.

Because the Plyo Press …

The Use Of Functional Electrical Stimulation (Fes) To Produce Functional Movement In Individuals With Paraplegia, Melissa Jendro

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects approximately 7600 to 11000 people per year, and alters every aspect of the individuals' lives. SCI primarily affects young Caucasian adults. The majority are between 16 to 30 years old, with the average age being 19. Motor vehicle accidents account for 35% to 40% of SCI cases reported, with violence in close second at 25%. Currently, the highest neurological category is of complete paraplegia followed by incomplete quadriplegia. SCIs often cause many complications due to decreased physical activity and changes in bodily functions.

Among treatment options, functional electrical stimulation (FES) is used to restore a …

Physical Therapy Faculty Burnout: A Survey, Donna J. Mcleod

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Burnout is a serious concern in today's world, especially in the educational setting. Burnout not only affects the individual physically and emotionally, but it can also affect the work place. More specifically it can lead to increased absenteeism, job turnover, and other work associated withdrawal behaviors. Furthermore, burnout has the potential of affecting many other people above and beyond that individual who is burned out.

At this time, new physical therapy programs continue to be developed across the United States, although there is already a limited number of faculty in the physical therapy field. Therefore, due to the physical therapy …

An Electromyographic And Video Analysis Study Of The Shoulder Girdle Musculature Activity During Exercise With The Multi Sport Cord, Melanie Michaels

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The Multi Sport Cord is a resistive device used to strengthen the shoulder girdle musculature. The purpose of this study is to determine which shoulder girdle muscles are active, as well as when they are active throughout the range of motion of selected therapeutic exercises with the Multi Sport Cord.

Methods: Five healthy male subjects (ages 23-28) without shoulder pathology were recruited for this study. The subjects performed five exercises two times each: once with the Multi Sport Cord and once with a free weight. The selected exercises were the following: sidelying external rotation, prone external rotation, standing external …

The Effects Of A Dorsiflexor Strengthening And Plantarflexor Stretching Program On Balance In The Elderly: A Pilot Study, Danielle R. Mongeon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Today, falls have become the most common life-threatening hazard in seniors. Falls have been associated with a number of disabilities including the muscular weakness and decreased flexibility that accompany aging. These factors may be involved in the poor balance that has also been idetified as a risk factor for falling. It was the purpose of this research project to: (1) determine if the exercises prescribed to increase strength and flexibility of the ankle were effective in a control group of ten college students, and (2) to test the effects of a plantarflexor stretching and dorsiflexor strengthening program on balance in …

Video Education And Mechanical Traction, Tiffany A. Orth

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

I began this endeavor with several goals to accomplish. The main goal is to provide an educational video that may be used as a supplementary tool to PT 319: Techniques ll. Theory and Technique of Thermo-Photo-Hydrotherapy. This video will demonstrate mechanical lumbar traction in the supine and prone positions as well as cervical traction in the seated and supine positions. The use of video in education enhances the transfer of information from instructor to student by providing consistent information, repetition, easy use, and realism. Included with the video is a study guide that contains detailed listings of traction information that …

Outcome Based Study Of 1994 Physical Therapy Graduates, Tracey A. Pudenz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Evaluation in physical therapy programs is necessary for reassessing and updating curricula to meet the changing needs of the profession and Accreditation Standards. This study addresses program evaluation within the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT).

Questionnaires were developed and mailed to the 1994 UND-PT graduates, and their employers and patients in November, 1995. This study formalizes the data collected from these questionnaires and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the UND-PT program as it relates to curriculum.

Twenty-four of the graduate questionnaires were returned for a response rate of 52%. The returned employer questionnaires represented 27 …

Diagnostic And Rehabilitation Techniques For Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Aaron Reinhardt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the peripheral vestibular system that results in vertigo, nystagmus, and often nausea and vomiting. BPPV has been treated in the past by a variety of rehabilitation approaches. Today, physical therapists are becoming an integral part of the rehabilitation of these patients. The purpose of this study is to review the diagnostic and treatment techniques currently being used to rehabilitate patients diagnosed with BPPV. This will be accomplished by thoroughly examining the anatomical and physiological processes involved in BPPV. Once these are discussed, the diagnostic process will be explored. Finally, all current …

A Comparison Of Botox Injections To Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy In The Treatment Of Spasticity, Katherine S. Rogers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Following certain types of perinatal or adult-onset brain damage spasticity is the common feature. A persons's disability can be greatly increased secondary to spasticity, which may present a major problem in the restoration of motor function.

Depending on the cause and location of brain injury, the clinical characteristics of spasticity can vary in signs and severity. These varying signs include flexor spasms in the patient with the spinal injury, dystonic posturing in the patient with hemiplegia and spastic diplegia in the child with cerebral palsy. It is apparent that many factors are involved with augmented reflexes and the list of …

Mechanical Biofeedback For Treatment Of Female Urinary Incontinence, Rhonda J. Salentiny

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence (UI), the involuntary loss of urine so severe as to have social and/or hygienic consequences, is becoming a medical diagnosis for which patients are referred to physical therapy. It is estimated that between 10 and 12 million American adults suffer from UI. Conservative treatment including physical therapy is sought for UI because of its superior cure rate compared to surgical intervention.

The purpose of this study is to educate its readers on the types, anatomy, physiology, and conservative treatments of UI. Most importantly, however, is the understanding of how pelvic floor exercises (PFE) with use of mechanical biofeedback …

Lower Extremity Strength Training To Decrease Falls In The Elderly, Kelly L. Spadolini

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

p>As the elderly population grows, the health care needs of people over the age of sixty-five will dominate the medical profession. Methods of prevention of health problems are key to providing the optimal medical care. Falling has been reported as the most prevalent means of injury in older people. One third of all seniors living in the community and one half of those residing in nursing homes fall each year. Research indicates that elderly people who fall have weaker lower extremity strength than elderly people who do not fall. As a result, some clinicians have incorporated strengthening regiments into …

Child Abuse And Its Implications For Physical Therapists, Tanya Surdez

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Child abuse has existed for many centuries, but has only recently been recognized as a serious social problem. Child abuse affects millions of children each year from all income, racial and ethnic groups; thereby affecting society as a whole. Many studies have shown the devastating psychological, social, cognitive and physical effects of child abuse. There are a limited number of studies that demonstrate the role of physical therapists in working with victims of abuse. It is necessary that therapists learn to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and know the appropriate action to take.

The purpose of this study is …

Athletic Nutrition, Glenn M. Taira

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Science has broken down many of the barriers that once kept athletes from performing at their very best. This has been done through the scientific study of athletes and the development of a combination of proper training, technique, mental attitude, and nutrition. While training and technique are variables that come with time and practice, proper nutrition can produce positive changes in an athlete's performance in a relatively short period of time. Eating the right kinds of foods, in the right proportions, for a given type of athletic event (Le. aerobic, anaerobic, strength, and muscular definition) can provide an athlete the …

A Literature Review Of Alcohol Abuse And Dependence, Julie R. Vaughan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Alcohol abuse and/or dependence poses significant risks to a person's health. The negative effects and consequences of alcohol abuse and/or dependence has been well documented in the literature. Many people who are either alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent are admitted to hospitals with neurological deficits, medical complications and traumatic injuries. Often times an etiology related to alcohol abuse is ignored.

This population may be referred to physical therapy for rehabilitation. Functional outcomes and compliance are often unsatisfactory with this population. A better understanding of alcohol abuse and/or dependence could help identify persons at risk and improve functional outcomes.

The purpose …

A Literature Review Of The Fundamentals Of Hippotherapy, Laura Weisberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

For centuries, horses have been used to help rehabilitate people with neuromuscular disorders. However, not until recently has it been recognized as a treatment modality utilized in the practice of physical therapy. Hippotherapy is implemented by a licensed therapist who uses the multifaceted movement of the horse as a treatment modality to address a broad range of special needs in individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, there is limited information provided on this subject.

In a review of the literature, I will discuss the history, the different theories, the treatment techniques, and the research that has been done on hippotherapy. The purpose …

A Visual Teaching Aid For A Pediatric Aquatic Physical Therapy Program, Saundi Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic therapy is quickly becoming a popular form of treatment in pediatric physical therapy. The unique properties of water allow children with disabilities to exercise and experience movement that they are often unable to experience on land. Despite the numerous benefits of aquatic therapy, few resources are available which visually demonstrate suggestions for the use of this form of treatment. A visual teaching aid would provide students and professionals in physical therapy with exposure to aquatic therapy treatment techniques with a pediatric population.

The purpose of this study will be to research and review the literature regarding aquatic therapy and …

A Physical Therapy Perspective On Rotator Cuff Disease, Tiffany R. Wirz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rotator Cuff disease is one of the most common shoulder problems seen in the medical setting today. It spans all ages ranging from the young athlete who suffers from overuse syndrome to the older individual who experiences decreased function due to degenerative changes within the shoulder joint.

The chief causes of rotator cuff tears are traumatic il1iury and degenerative changes. Tears resulting from trauma usually occur from a lateral blow to the shoulder. Degenerative changes in the rotator cuff result from many factors. These factors include: decreased vascularity, age, shape of the acromion, repetitive trauma, scapular instability, and muscular weakness. …

Management Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome By Physical Therapy: An Outcome Study, Jouni Zidbeck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a disorder caused by compression of the brachial nerve plexus or subclavian artery or vein as they pass through a potentially limited space in the anterolateral neck and proximal shoulder. An individual with a predisposition for TOS due to his or her anatomy may have an onset of symptoms due to many different etiologies including acute injury and prolonged postural abnormalities. Although conservative management by physical therapy cannot replace surgery in severe or complicated cases of TOS, it is, nevertheless, the recommended first treatment choice. The purpose of this study was to assess the success …

Repetitive Strain Injury: A New Definition And Treatment Strategy Based On The Client-Centered Practice, Lenore Frost, Robyn Stricoff

Occupational Therapy Faculty Publications

RSI is defined by the authors as a biopsychosocial disorder, under the umbrella of cumulative trauma disorder, involving a non-specific, potentially chronic pain syndrome of the upper exrtremity. Evaluation and treatment will focus on the client-centered practice. Patients are enrolled in an 8-week course of treatment, which focuses on patient involvement, education, relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing, exercise, postural modification, as well as assessing vocational and psychosocial issues.

Ankle Injuries And Ankle Strength, Flexibility, And Proprioception In College Basketball Players, Kristen A. Payne, Kris E. Berg, Richard W. Latin

Health and Kinesiology Faculty Publications

Injuries to the ankle joint are among the most common of all sport-related injuries. Figures range from 10% to 30% of all injuries and from 5% to 20% of all time-loss injuries.1-9 Athletes participating in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball are especially at risk for this type of injury, largely because of the running and jumping involved. In 1977, Garrick3 reported that during any single year of a 6-year period at the University of Washington, at least 16% of all time-loss injuries for all sports involved ankle sprains.

Utilizing The Ryder's And The Thigh-Foot Angle Tests To Establish Normal Values Of Femoral Anteversion And Tibiofibular Torsion In Children Aged 5 Through 10 Years, Timothy M. Dahlke, Wendi L. Jabs

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to begin to establish normative data for femoral anteversion and tibiofibular torsion using the Ryder's and the Thigh-Foot Angle (TEA) tests. A secondary purpose was to establish the intertester and intratester reliability of the authors' measurements. Thirty-three normal children within the ages of 5 through 10 years volunteered for this study. All subjects' data were separated into the appropriate age groups. All data were pooled and mean/standard deviations and intertester/intratester reliability coefficients were determined. A small decreasing general trend in femoral anteversion with increasing age was found. However, no significant trend was noted in …