Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effects Of Animal-Assisted Therapy At A Long Term Care Facility, Sarah Kendziorski, Carol Treacy

Masters Theses

This thesis is a qualitative study on how resident pets impacted the lives of residents in a nursing home. Through the hermeneutic process, ten participants were interviewed to determine their relationships with the animals. Five common themes emerged from this study; (a) the participants enjoyed the companionship of pets, (b) the participants found pleasure in feeding the pets, (c) the participants enjoyed petting the animals, (d) most of the participants were unable to care for the animals, and (e) a resident animal would be an important factor in choosing a new nursing home for these participants. This thesis supports the …

Perceived Concerns Surrounding The Utilization Of Physical Therapy Aides In Michigan, Jill Bydalek, Greta Swasey-Hadlock

Masters Theses

Utilization of support personnel to perform physical therapy treatments has been a controversial topic in the physical therapy profession for many years. As Managed Care and other health care changes emerged, physical therapists have been pressured to cut costs while maintaining productivity. The use of non-licensed personnel became common place to meet these demands. The purpose of this study was to investigate five research questions. First, to what extent do physical therapists delegate patient treatment and utilize physical therapy aides in Michigan? Secondly, does aide utilization differ based on: the ways in which aides are identified to patients, various settings …

Examination Of The Reliability And Validity Of Rancho Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis, Heather Groth, Sarah Novak

Masters Theses

The Rancho Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis system (Rancho OGA) is a standardized approach utilized to assess gait impairment for various diagnoses. Physical therapists, orthotists, and physicians utilize Rancho OGA for clinical decision making and recommending treatment interventions for gait disability. This study examined the reliability and concurrent validity of Rancho OGA from gait files obtained from the GVSU/Mary Free Bed Center for Human Kinetic Studies. Comparisons were made between computerized 3-D gait analysis and Rancho OGA data from videotaped records of cerebral palsy gait to determine the level of agreement utilizing the Kappa statistic and percent agreement. Results indicated …

The Relationship Between A Functional Throwing Performance Test And Strength Of Various Scapular Muscles, Karen L. Bos, Kellie S. Gehrs, A. Louise C. Hester

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the strength of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, and overhead throwing accuracy in 52 female collegiate softball players. The correlation between manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometry (HHD) was also examined. The Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI) was used to measure throwing accuracy. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated no correlation between the strength assessments and throwing accuracy, as measured by the FTPI. Moderate correlations were found between MMT and HHD strength assessments of the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. A poor …

A Study Of Licensed Physical Therapists' Knowledge Regarding Current Legislative Issues, Jennifer Moine, Alexis Snyder, Susannah Steele

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of knowledge licensed physical therapists have regarding certain legislation at the state and federal levels. Potential relationships between degree of knowledge and therapist characteristics such as age, number of years in practice, and professional membership were also examined. A survey instrument was mailed to a random sample of licensed physical therapists in the state of Michigan.

Results indicated that licensed physical therapists who were members of a committee within the APTA, or held office in the organization had significantly more knowledge than physical therapists who did not (alpha=0.05). Being a …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Carrie Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high 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.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

Plyometrics: A Look At The Biomechanical Basis Of Its Use In The Realm Of Sports Performance Enhancement And Physical Rehabilitation, Sara C. Fetsch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plyometrics is a rather new and somewhat foreign concept that is becoming more popular in athletic training programs in the hopes of providing optimal gains in power, which is difficult to obtain by other means of exercise. With its increasing acceptance in the athletic environment, it is also being incorporated into rehabilitation programs as a means of providing strength and proprioceptive feedback.

Little is currently known about the principles that govern the use of plyometrics and the efficacy that has been demonstrated with this training method. The purpose of this independent study is to analyze the basic concepts underlying plyometrics …

Efficacy Of Dynamic Shoulder Bracing In The Management Of Anterior Shoulder Instability, Kristopher S. Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to add to the orthopaedic body of knowledge regarding the efficacy of dynamic shoulder bracing in the management of anterior shoulder instability. Two fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used for testing. One shoulder was used as the "normal" shoulder, while the other was used as the "unstable" shoulder through the creation of a simulated Bankart lesion. Arthroscopic insertion of radiographic markers allowed for assessment of anterior translation of the humerus through the use of x-rays. X-rays were taken with and without shoulder braces applied with the arm in a 90°/90° position. Descriptive statistics were used …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Teri Parker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high 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.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour (mph) and 0% grade and at 13 miles per …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Myles Haugen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjuction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

Principles Of Pediatric Burn Care: A Literature Review, J. Chris Leonard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Principles of Pediatric Burn Care: A Literature Review is meant to provide a compact and comprehensive source of information on the therapy related care of young burn victims. This literature review will be most useful for students and clinicians of physical and occupational therapy.

Recent medical advances have improved the survival rates of children who have sustained burns; this situation demands an increased knowledge and awareness of pediatric burn therapy. The information in this literature review includes a comparison and contrast of the findings of research related to the prevention, classification, pathophysiology, and treatment options of pediatric burn care from …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, Christopher Lugibihl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis, three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers were evaluated. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

The Use Of Baclofen In The Management Of Spasticity In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Anne E. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is one of the leading developmental disabilities amongst children. The majority of children with cerebral palsy experience some degree of spasticity. This spasticity can be very painful and disabling to the child. It can affect their posture, movements, and their mobility.

Currently, baclofen is one of the most common medications used for the treatment of cerebral spasticity. It can be administered either orally or intrathecally through an implanted pump.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the use of oral and intrathecal baclofen in the management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Included is a …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercise In Post Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom Balance Master® System, James D. Sillanpaa

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A case study was completed on a 51-year-old female who suffered a stroke in 1996 and exhibited left-sided hemiplegia. The case study examined the effects of a six-week balance training program on an individual at least six months post stroke using a force platform system called the NeuroCom Balance Master®. Individuals suffering a stroke often times exhibit deficits in balance due to weakness, sensory loss, impaired righting reflexes, and visuospatial distortion.

The goal of the training program was to improve the subject's balance deficits by focusing on areas of symmetrical weight bearing, weight shifting, and coordination of movement. Initial and …

Psychosocial Risk Factors In Cardiac Disease, Brenda Jill Rooney

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Acute myocardial infarction is responsible for an extraordinary number of deaths per year in the adult population. Both traditional risk factors (ex., smoking) and non-traditional risk factors (ex., hostility) have been studied for many years in regard to cardiac disease prognosis and progression. Based on past studies, the area of potential psychological cardiac risk factors includes a broad range of characteristics. Difficulties in interpreting and comparing results include a lack of consistent and objective grading criteria and standardized measurements. The problems in this area of study are confounded by difficulties in identifying the definite biological mechanisms through which psychosocial factors …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Tylan P. Schmidt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is a paucity of controlled studies concerning the off-season dryland training of hockey players. PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and hip of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill. METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 21 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used to simultaneously collect kinematic data. RESULTS: There was an overall increase in …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, James A. Vranna

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis, three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers were evaluated. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Biana Zearley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Pelvis During The Golf Swing, Torin Berge

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis we evaluated three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercises In Post-Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom Balance Master® System, Joseph Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A case study was completed on a 70-year-old female who had suffered a right cerebral vascular accident and left hemiparesis on June 25, 1996. She exhibited left upper and lower abnormal synergy patterns that disrupted her gait cycle. The subject volunteered for the study to improve her ambulation efficiency. Individuals suffering a stroke often times exhibit deficits in balance due to weakness, sensory loss, impaired righting reflexes, and visuospatial distortion. Force platforms, such as the NeuroCom Balance Master®, have become useful pieces of equipment in the field of physical therapy. The technological advancements in force platforms have allowed clinicians to …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Jeremy St. Aubin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare total knee arthroplasties (TKA) to a group of control subjects to see if any balance deviations existed at 12-16 weeks post operatively. Ten normal and two TKA subjects (65-80 years of age) were evaluated with the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system The evaluation consisted of five tests that measured endsway, reaction times and weight bearing characteristics. Ten normal subjects as well as two TKA's took place in this study. The results showed that the TKA's had a decreased reaction time, increased sway and abnormal weight bearing characteristics. In conclusion we see that …

The Relationship Between Age And Work-Related Injuries, Nancy K. Lacina

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Direct and indirect corporate health and safety costs related to worker illness and injury total billions of dollars annually. The impact of these costs have not only affected industry's viability but also health care in the form of managed care. Before corporate health and safety costs can be reduced, factors contributing to work injury and health costs need to be determined. For nearly a century, researchers have attempted to determine the relationship that exists between age and work injury. The age of the worker may be a significant factor which would be cause for concern due to the aging work …

The Native American Patient Population: A Guide For Physical Therapists, Carrie Luiken

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

For a physical therapist in the state of North Dakota, it is important to be knowledgeable about the Native American cultures in order to provide the best possible health care. A knowledge of the patient's culture is essential to enhance communication which will help the therapist identify the patient's needs and form a plan of care. Enhanced communication also establishes the physical therapist's credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of the patient.

The purpose of this paper is to orient the physical therapist to some shared aspects of Native American cultures and to provide information to facilitate effective communication between …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Brian T. Laumb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjunction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

An Electromyographic Study Of Associated Musculature While Computer Keyboarding At Different Positions, David E. Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to monitor the level of muscle activity in upper trapezius and forearm musculature of subjects while typing at different keyboarding positions through the use of surface electromyography (EMG).

Methods: Thirteen female and fourteen males took part in this study ranging from 22 to 43 years of age. Subjects were asked to type at four different keyboarding positions (90 degree, 110 degree, Powerboard 1, Powerboard 2). A device called a Powerboard was used for two of the positions tested. Repeated-measures Analysis of Varience statistics were calculated with significance established at p< .05.

Conclusion: The Powerboard …

The Conservative Treatment Of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Claude W. Massee

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It is estimated that up to 5% of outpatients to physical therapy will present with patellofemoral pain syndrome. This disease is rarely disabling but may significantly and negatively affect the adolescent's and young adult's participation in sporting and recreational activities. Appropriate management is essential to improve quality of life and prevent future musculoskeletal problems.

Historically, here has been some confusion in defining patellofemoral pain syndrome and in determining the exact cause of this troublesome disease. These factors may make the diagnosis and treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome frustrating to the patient and clinician.

This study, using a review of the …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Michelle Overbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a critical part of daily activities and essential for independent function. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a balance difference between subjects at twelve to sixteen weeks following unilateral knee arthroplasty and normal community dwelling controls. This study measures balance ability using five functional tests from the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system. Twelve subjects between the ages of 65 and 80 were tested. The two case study subjects with total knee replacements were between 12 and 16 weeks post-operatively. The control group consisted often healthy community dwelling adults. Results showed noticeable differences between …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Heather Phillips

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plyometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyFlex® system utilizes plyomteric training shoes in conjuction with plyometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and plyometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with plyometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

Low Back Pain: An Orthopedic Review Of Sacroiliac Joint Etiologic Theories, Key Diagnostic Criteria, And Effective Manual Therapy Treatment, Michael J. Ressler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists commonly evaluate and treat patients with referral of low back pain. There still remains great controversy whether sacroiliac joint dysfunction produces significant pathological problems. It is imperative that the therapist providing the care posses skillful knowledge in the areas of anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, and treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. These characteristics are required in order to effectively treat patients with low back pain possibly resulting from sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

The purpose of this independent study is to review existing literature with primary focus on the anatomy, biomechanics, evaluation, and efficacious manual therapy treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Primary …

Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence, Martin Steidl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant medical issue to many people. The exact number of those suffering from incontinence is hard to quantify due to the stigma that many with UI experience and the subsequent under reporting of the condition. What is known is that UI affects far more women than men, and that stress incontinence (SI) is the most prevalent type. There are many reasons for the predominance of SI. The primary reason is the physiological and anatomical changes associated with menopause and parity in women. UI can be treated with one of three methods: surgery, pharmacologic therapy, and …