Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Cardiovascular Disease Within Native American Populations, Leslie J. Harris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

Outcome Study Of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Patients With Patellar Femoral Dysfunction, Thomas D. Henke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent patellofemoral surgical procedures including lateral retinacular release, vastus medialis oblique advancement, and tibial tubercle transfers. A review of data collected by the physical therapists at St. Alexius was performed and statistically analyzed to determine the efficacy of outcomes both clinically and functionally. This outcome analysis will assist current and future practice patterns by providing a basis for clinical effectiveness. The results of this study will be a useful resource for the facility as a guide …

Physical Activity: Essential Component In Primary And Secondary Curricula For Lifelong Health, Maril Mccord

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic disease, preventable illness and injury, and growing trends of sedentary behaviors have currently been associated with the American population. It is estimated that 70% of all deaths in America are attributable to chronic disease of a preventable nature. Childhood disease has declined only to be replaced by new waves of social, environmental, and behavioral factors which manifest as health risks. At least 68 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease while nearly 60% of adults lead sedentary lifestyles. The challenge in the nation is to counter these trends by implementation of policy and programs for healthier habits …

The Effects Of Electromagnetism For The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis, Michele A. Morse

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Electromagnetic treatment is one of the highest utilized nontraditional therapeutic methods in the medical field. Scientific research has proposed that people experience improvement in the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) from such treatment. This independent study is a literature review that probes into the proclaimed benefits that a low frequency electromagnetic field posses on the biological system. In order to support or negate these claims, literature and studies explaining how and why this concept is feasible is researched and presented. The review focuses on the effects of the low frequency external electromagnetic field at the cellular level and on central …

Patient Satisfaction Of Physical Therapy Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions, Jennifer Norberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence has been categorized as a pelvic floor dysfunction. There are four main types of incontinence: stress, urge, overflow, and mixed. Pelvic floor dysfunctions have had success with non-surgical treatments. Treatments include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and pelvic floor muscle exercises.

This study was designed to analyze patient satisfaction with the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions by a physical therapist. Surveys were mailed out to discharged participants from a participating facility. The participants were asked to complete and return the survey by mail. The surveys were anonymous, and the responses were kept confidential. Thirty-four surveys were returned out of fifty-five …

Cervicogenic Headache: A Manual Therapy Approach, Mollie Pharris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Christine Ann Rygh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

The Lymphatic System, Lymphedema, And A Discussion Of Methods For Treatment: A Review Of The Literature, Lisa Schneider

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The condition of lymphedema has a significant impact of the quality of life of the person affected. Few patients are educated about the possibility of developing lymphedema and methods for prevention of lymphedema following surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy. Also, most physical therapists have received minimal or inadequate training in the area of lymphedema treatment. Hence, physical therapists may actually damage a patient's lymphatic system by using inadequate techniques.

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the lymphatic system, discuss the condition of lymphedema, and review various methods for prevention and treatment of lymphedema in …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Sherry Sisneros

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to the fact that the number of positions available in the University of North Dakota's Physical Therapy program is few yet the number of qualified applicants is many, the admissions committee has the responsibility to be selective in their process to ensure the most qualified students are admitted. In order to determine the most qualified students, one needs to determine the possible variables that predict not only academic, but clinical success as well.

Data was gathered from 145 students who attended the UND-PT program with admit years of1991-1995. Traditional descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized to describe applicants, outcomes, …

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

The Effect Of Balance Training In Healthy Subjects As Assessed By The Neurocom Balance Master, Joshua Woods

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a critical component in maintaining optimal function in daily activities, and it is a skill that is frequently affected in individuals who have experienced some type of neurological, vestibular, orthopedic, or musculoskeletal deficit. A successful balance training program that can be used to improve such a person's balance can be of great use and importance to a patient and a therapist. Studies have shown that balance can be improved in subjects with deficits, however little is known about the effects of training on individuals that lack balance impairments. The purpose of this study was to determine if healthy …

A Comparison Study Of Depression In The Elderly: Traveling South Versus Staying In The Midwest For The Winter, Sandra M. Zieffler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Depression is the primary mental health disorder in the elderly (people 65 years old and older). As the elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States, an increasing number of elders will be affected by this illness. The purpose of this study was to compare depression in the elderly between those who stay in the Midwest (Minnesota or North Dakota) year-round and those who travel south for all or part of the winter. A four-page self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 227 people thought to be at least 65 years old. The questionnaire consisted of background …

The Role Of The Academic Physical Therapy Department Chair As Perceived By Physical Therapy Teaching Faculty And Chairs, Wayne Louis Perry

Dissertations

Problem

The purpose o f this study was to determine the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics o f the physical therapy department chair as perceived by physical therapy unit administrators and teaching faculty in accredited, entry-level physical therapy programs.

Method

The research population consisted o f current administrators and teaching faculty who work at least half time in accredited physical therapist education programs. The data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and ANOVAs with post hoc tests where appropriate.

Results

The results o f this study indicate that physical therapy unit administrators tend to be older, more experienced, carry higher …

The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Jennifer Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the peripheral vestibular system presenting with nystagmus and vertigo. Other symptoms experienced include nausea, vomiting, and balance disturbances. The purpose of this paper is to review diagnostic and rehabilitation techniques currently being utilized. First, the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vestibular system will be explained. Next, the diagnostic procedures performed by a physician as well as a physical therapist will be discussed. Following, current rehabilitative techniques will be explored. In conclusion is the author's opinion of the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

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

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of The Drawback And Hold Phases Of Compound Bow Versus A Traditional Bow In Experienced Archers, Jason Brodina

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: Archery is quickly becoming an increasingly popular sport, with limited research in the training and rehabilitation of archers. The purpose of this study is to identify the major muscles and timing of recruitment during the drawback and hold of a bow, and to determine the presence of differences in this recruitment between a compound and traditional bow.

Subjects/Methods: Seven males between the ages of 36 to 51 years of age completed 6 drawbacks each with a compound bow and a traditional bow. Surface electrodes on the subjects and reflective markers on the bow were used to analyze electromyographic activity …

The Effect Of A Five Week Balance Training Program On Individuals With Previous Ankle Sprains, Anna Burchill

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is critical in maintaining optimal function in daily activities and also plays a role in higher balance functions, such as those used by athletes, whether they be competitive or recreational athletes. Control of posture and balance is a complex function that is mediated by the central nervous system using a dynamic combination of sensory inputs from the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. Ankle injuries are a common occurrence in individuals, and it has been found that changes in proprioception occur in an ankle after it has been sprained and may cause deficits in the somatosensory portion of balance, leading …

Continuous Passive Motion And Physical Therapy Versus Physical Therapy Alone In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Neal A. Cashman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study investigated the effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) on the rehabilitation of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Over the years, CPM use in the treatment of TKA has been debated whether it is effective enough to justify the medical expense that accompanies it.

Sixteen subjects who underwent TKA surgery participated in the study. Twelve subjects were in the CPM group and four subjects were in the non-CPM group. Groups were determined by the surgeon's rehabilitation preference of using the CPM or not using the CPM.

Post surgical subjects were treated with the CPM and physical therapy or …

A Comparison And Discussion Of Flexion And Extension Exercises For The Treatment Of Low Back Pain, Joan K. Due

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low Back Pain is the most common condition that is seen by the outpatient Physical Therapist. The lives of those who suffer from low back pain are negatively impacted in a variety of ways, including monetary expenditures, lost time from work and difficulty performing everyday personal activities. Despite the fact that low back pain is a common malady seen by Physical Therapists, there is little agreement on the management of it's symptoms. Perhaps, no two treatments for low back pain could seem so varied as spinal flexion and spinal extension exercises, which seem to be diametrically opposed. This review of …

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

Electromyographic Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Katie Glessing

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the fatigue component in trunk musculature following a simulated nine hole round of golf through analysis of the trunk muscles during the golf swing.

Our subjects consisted of 4 males ages 22-26. Each subject performed 5 EMG monitored golf swings with a driver prior to and following a simulated 9 hole round of golf. This provided pre-round and post-round data to analyze and determine if significant fatigue occurred in the trunk musculature.

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

Challenges To Native American Health, Suzanne Grant

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

Outcome Study Of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Patients With Patellar Femoral Dysfunction, Scott Hurd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent patellofemoral surgical procedures including lateral retinacular release, vastus medialis oblique advancement, and tibial tubercle transfers. A review of data collected by the physical therapists at St. Alexius was performed and statistically analyzed to determine the efficacy of outcomes both clinically and functionally. This outcome analysis will assist current and future practice patterns by providing a basis for clinical effectiveness. The results of this study will be a useful resource for the facility as a guide …

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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