Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Injured Athletes' Preferences Regarding Source Of Emotional Support, Kristin Kutz

Honors Projects

Athletes often experience emotional distress as a result of an injury. Feelings of loss, decreased self-esteem, frustration, and anger are not uncommon. Athletic trainers (ATs) who work with injured athletes are focused on helping the progression of athletes' physical healing, but their role in helping athletes emotionally and psychologically is often unclear. There are twelve Athletic Training Education Competencies that the National Athletic Training Association requires to be taught to undergraduate AT students, one of them being psychosocial intervention and referral. However, little research has been done to define the exact role of ATs in this area, as well as …

Cervical Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Kimberly Dobrovolny

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is currently little evidence to determine which conservative treatment approach is best for the management of patients with cervical radiculopathy; however, there is evidence these patients benefit from a multi-treatment approach. The purpose of this case is to describe the physical therapy management of a patient with cervical radiculopathy. Physical therapy diagnosis was based on the patient’s physical signs and symptoms as well as meeting three of the four criteria of the clinical prediction rule which is used to identify patients with cervical radiculopathy. Results from the examination and evaluation were consistent with the magnetic resonance imaging findings. Physical …

Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy Intervention Following Partial Medial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Alexa Risan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Partial meniscectomy is a very commonly performed surgical procedure and many cases are uncomplicated and successfully treated with home-based exercise programs. However, some patients experience more significant problems following surgery and require rehabilitation services. Research is limited regarding physical therapy (PT) effectiveness in the post-operative management of such complicated cases. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PT treatment of a 34-year-old male with significant impairments and functional limitations following partial medial meniscectomy.

Case Description. Examination and evaluation included ROM/flexibility and strength measurements as well as functional assessment. PT included therapeutic exercise which was aimed …

Professional Behavior In Physical Therapist Educational Programs: Perspectives Of Selected Senior Faculty, Tamara L. Little Phelan

All Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze how selected senior instructors in physical therapist educational programs define and seek to impart information on professional behavior. Methods: A qualitative case study approach was used to gather data from eight instructors teaching in four physical therapist educational programs in a selected region. Each interview was analyzed as an individual case study, followed by a cross case analysis to identify common themes. Results: Interpretational analysis using a process of constant comparison revealed nine common themes: 1) Instructors found it difficult to broadly define professional behavior. 2) Instructors expect students to be …

A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial For Evaluating Rates Of Falls Among Inpatients In Aged Care Rehabilitation Units Receiving Tailored Multimedia Education In Addition To Usual Care: A Trial Protocol, Anne-Marie Hill, Nicholas Waldron, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Steven Mcphail, Katharine Ingram, Leon Flicker, Terry P. Haines

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

INTRODUCTION:

Falls are the most frequent adverse event reported in hospitals. Approximately 30% of in-hospital falls lead to an injury and up to 2% result in a fracture. A large randomised trial found that a trained health professional providing individualised falls prevention education to older inpatients reduced falls in a cognitively intact subgroup. This study aims to investigate whether this efficacious intervention can reduce falls and be clinically useful and cost-effective when delivered in the real-life clinical environment.

METHODS:

A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial will be used across eight subacute units (clusters) which will be randomised to one of four …

Illusory Touch Temporarily Improves Sensation In Areas Of Chronic Numbness: A Brief Communication, Benedict Martin Wand, Samantha Eve Stephens, Effie Ida Marquita Mangharam, Pamela Jane George, Max Bulsara, Neil Edward O'Connell, G Lorimer Moseley

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background. Creating the visual illusion of touch can improve tactile perception in healthy subjects. Objective. We were interested in seeing if creating the illusion of touch in an insensate area could improve sensation in that area. Methods. Fourteen people with chronic numbness participated in a randomized crossover experiment. The 4 conditions were the following: (a) stimulation over the unaffected limb with mirror visual feedback (experimental condition), (b) stimulation over the affected limb with mirror visual feedback, (c) stimulation over the unaffected limb without mirror visual feedback, and (d) stimulation …

Moving In An Environment Of Induced Sensorimotor Incongruence Does Not Influence Pain Sensitivity In Healthy Volunteers: A Randomised Within-Subject Experiment, Benedict Wand, Lareina Szpak, Pamela J. George, Max Bulsara, Neil Edward O'Connell, G. Lorimer Moseley

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: It has been proposed that in the same way that conflict between vestibular and visual inputs leads to motion sickness, conflict between motor commands and sensory information associated with these commands may contribute to some chronic pain states. Attempts to test this hypothesis by artificially inducing a state of sensorimotor incongruence and assessing self-reported pain have yielded equivocal results. To help clarify the effect sensorimotor incongruence has on pain we investigated the effect of moving in an environment of induced incongruence on pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and the pain experienced immediately on completion of PPT testing.

Methods: Thirty-five healthy …

An Audit Of Antenatal Education Facilitated By Physiotherapists In Western Australian Public Hospitals, Judy Wilson, Richard G. Berlach, Anne-Marie Hill

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

This paper reports on the delivery of antenatal education by physiotherapists in Western Australia in 2012, including the location of antenatal education providers, number of mothers attending, qualifications of physiotherapists involved, allocation of physiotherapy hours, the content of the education, and strategies used to enhance learning in the classes. A survey was emailed to the physiotherapists in 31 hospitals with maternity services that were funded by the Department of Health Western Australia. Antenatal education facilitated by a physiotherapist was provided at 25/30 (83.3%) hospitals. Four physiotherapists had postgraduate women’s health qualifications and all the antenatal education classes provided information about …

Movement Restriction Does Not Modulate Sensory And Perceptual Effects Of Exercise-Induced Arm Pain, Markus Hubscher, Simon Tu, Tasha Stanton, G Lorimer Moseley, Benedict M. Wand, John Booth, James H. Mcauley

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

BACKGROUND:

Movement restriction has been proposed as an important modulator of changes in sensory and perceptual function and motor imagery performance that are observed in musculoskeletal pain syndromes. There are no empirical data to support this view.

PURPOSE:

The primary objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of movement restriction on local and widespread sensory, perceptual and motor imagery changes after exercise-induced muscular pain. Further objectives were to investigate whether changes in sensory perception are correlated with pain intensity and tactile acuity or motor imagery performance.

METHODS:

In forty healthy volunteers, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) of the …

Achilles Tendinopathy Alters Stretch Shortening Cycle Behaviour During A Sub-Maximal Hopping Task, James R. Debenham, Mervyn J. Travers, William Gibson, Amity Campbell, Garry T. Allison

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives

To describe stretch shortening cycle behaviour of the ankle and lower limb in patients with Achilles tendinopathy (AT) and establish differences with healthy volunteers.

Design

Between-subjects case-controlled.

Methods

Fifteen patients with AT (mean age 41.2 ± 12.7 years) and 11 healthy volunteers (CON) (mean age 23.2 ± 6.7 years) performed sub-maximal single-limb hopping on a custom built sledge-jump system. Using 3D motion analysis and surface EMG, temporal kinematic (lower limb stiffness, ankle angle at 80 ms pre-contact, ankle angle at contact, peak ankle angle, ankle stretch amplitude) and EMG measures (onset, offset and peak times relative to contact) were …

Planning For The Future : A Grounded Theory Study Of Well Older Adults' Decision-Making Regarding Home Modifications, Kathleen Subasic

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The purpose of this dissertation research was to understand the decision-making process that well older adults use when deciding whether to make a home modification. The researcher also sought to understand the views of well older adults concerning the use of home modification to prevent injury and declines in occupational performance. The researcher used the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model (Law et al., 1996) from occupational therapy and occupational science as the orienting framework.

A qualitative grounded theory approach based on that proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998) was used to structure data collection and analysis. Participants were obtained using purposive and …

Measuring The Playfulness Of Children With Special Needs In Occupational Therapist Led, Caregiver-Included Community Playgroups, Sarah Fabrizi

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of community playgroups on the playfulness of children ages 15 months to 3 years with special needs. In addition to playfulness of the child, the sensitivity and responsiveness of the caregiver were examined. A quasi-experimental, pretest-and-posttest, repeated measures design was used to follow eight children and their caregivers receiving early intervention services and taking part in a community playgroup. The children and their caregivers were measured during a 4-week standard-of-care baseline, before and after an 8-week intervention period, and 4 week post-intervention. The Test of Playfulness (ToP) was utilized to …

Adapting The Resources For Enhancing Alzheimer’S Caregivers Health (Reach) Program For Use In A Nursing Home Setting, Edward Golden

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Adapting the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregivers Health (REACH) program for use in a nursing home setting

OCT 7003 Capstone Paper

Improving Occupational Performance Using Therapeutic Activities On A Geropsychiatric Unit, Brenda L. Cain

Online Theses and Dissertations

The following study was conducted on a Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Mercy Hospital Western Hills. The unit specialized in psychiatric services structured to meet the needs of patients 65 years of age and older. The purpose of the study was to measure the self-perceived improvement in occupational performance in five patients on a geropsychiactric unit who participated in therapeutic activities.

The literature review includes information related to various diagnoses most often seen on the behavioral unit. Additionally, literature about the assessment and screening tools utilized in the study was reviewed. Literature pertaining to therapeutic activities provided on the unit …

Experience Of Occupational Therapists Practicing In Rural Kenya, Picoty Cherotich Leitich

Online Theses and Dissertations

In Kenya, occupational therapy, which is slowly gaining attention, is still concentrated in the cities with a very small number working in rural areas. Occupational therapy practice in rural areas is impacted by various factors that are naturally occurring in rural settings such as poor infrastructure, cultural beliefs and values, language barriers, economic statuses, lack of resources, geographical barriers, lack of transportation and limited number of occupational therapists. In this study, three occupational therapists were interviewed as well as photographs of the resources used in these rural settings were collected in order to understand the nature of their work in …

The Occupational Participation Of A Family Of Children With Disabilities, Kim Steele

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to obtain an understanding of how one family of children with disabilities views their occupational participation. A qualitative case study was used to provide a holistic view of occupational participation from individual family members. Data were gathered through interviews with all members of the family, observations of the family engaging in typical occupations, and artwork collected from the children. Data collected during interviews and observations were analyzed using the a priori coding method, with the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) serving as the theoretical framework used to identify codes. Current findings indicate that an …

The Art Of Collaboration In Academic And Clinical Partnerships, Kelsey Spencer Bennett

Online Theses and Dissertations

Occupational therapists in various settings share a professional identity valuing occupation. Their socialization into a practice setting is context-dependent, in terms of the skills needed and roles to be enacted. Collaboration between occupational therapists in clinical and academic settings benefits each participant, along with presenting challenges given the systems where they work. The purpose of this project was to delve into understanding the culture of the settings (academic and clinical) influencing a community-based research partnership. Through a mini-ethnographic approach, similarities and differences of culture emerged describing the depth of components for the collaboration between research group members. This description may …

The Description Of Life Experiences Of A Person With Pediatric-Onset Tetraplegia During His Upper Teen And Young Adult Years, Kelsey M. Yarberry

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this narrative case study was to understand how a young man with pediatric-onset tetraplegia described his life experiences during his upper teen and young adult years. Data was obtained through two individual semi-structured interviews and observations. Interviews were conducted, recorded and transcribed by the primary investigator at the home of the participant. The participant provided information about his life including his experiences with family, friends, and healthcare providers. Six themes that emerged from the data included I always have someone with me, I'm not easily broken, I'm stubborn, I've made it the best I can make it, …

How Not Being Able To Drive Can Affect Routines And Occupations Related To Transportation, Stedmon Deon Hopkins

Online Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine how individuals who have experienced a TBI described the effects not being able to drive has on their routines and occupations related to transportation. Two participants were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview protocol, about their participation in daily routines and occupations related to driving cessation after experiencing a TBI. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed by coding significant phrases, grouping the codes into categories, and generating descriptions of the participants' perceptions. Member checks were performed for trustworthiness. After analyzing the data, four themes emerged. The themes were; hoping to …

Farmers With Upper-Limb Amputations And Their Daily Routine, Emily Louise Fintel

Online Theses and Dissertations

For upper-limb amputees who are associated with the farming industry, the process of completing daily occupations may be challenging, especially for those who have not received guidance from occupational therapy. Currently, there is little research in the area of farmers with amputations and their daily routine. The purpose of this phenomenological case study was to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and needs related to the daily routines of upper-limb amputee who is currently working or has previously worked in the farming industry. Participant was asked to share his/her daily routine and how the amputation has affected her ability to perform everyday …

The Use Of A Visual Motor Test To Identify Lingering Deficits In Concussed Collegiate Athletes, Erik W. Sanders

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Context: 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually. Athletes who have suffered a concussion but are symptom free and have returned to baseline on conventional tests may not necessarily be recovered from the effects of the concussion. The premature return to play of an unrecovered athlete may increase the risk of a subsequent concussion. Measurement of upper-limb visual motor coordination has identified lingering deficits following concussion and so it may provide clinicians with a more sensitive means of tracking recovery. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if a visual motor coordination test would identify lingering deficits …

Effect Of An Herbal/Botanical Supplement On Recovery From Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial, Corey A. Rynders, Judy Y. Weltman, Sara D. Rynders, James Patrie, John Mcknight, Frank I. Katch, Jay Hertel, Arthur Weltman

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: We examined the effects of a proprietary herbal/botanical supplement (StemSport, Stemtech, San Clemente, CA.) suggested to increase circulating stem cells, decrease inflammation, and attenuate exercise induced muscle damage on recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Methods: Sixteen subjects (male = 7, female = 9; age 23.8 ± 10 years; height 171.9 ± 10 cm, mass 72.2 ± 15 kg) were randomized in a crossover, double-blind, placebo controlled trial to receive a placebo or StemSport supplement (6150 mg/day) for 14 days. DOMS was induced on day 7 for both placebo and active conditions in the non-dominant elbow flexor group …

Effectiveness Of Diathermy In Comparison With Ultrasound Or Corticosteroids In Patients With Tendinopathy: A Critically Appraised Topic, Philip A. Szlosek, John Taggart, Julie M. Cavallario, Johanna M. Hoch

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Clinical Scenario: Many therapeutic modalities have been used to treat the pain and inflammation commonly associated with tendinopathies. One modality that has been used to treat patients with tendinopathies is diathermy. Focused Clinical Question: Is there evidence to suggest that diathermy is more or equally as effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy when compared with ultrasound or corticosteroid treatments? Summary of Search, "Best Evidence" Appraised, and Key Findings: The literature was searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of diathermy treatments in comparison with ultrasound or corticosteroid treatments on pain in patients with tendinopathy. Three …

Measuring The Effectiveness Of The Leave No Trace Peak Program, Jennifer Miller, Eddie Hill, Amy Shellman, Ron Ramsing, Ben Lawhon

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics developed the Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids (PEAK) program to teach children the seven Leave No Trace principles. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the PEAK program. A significant increase was found between the pre-test (M = 3.41, SD = .34) and the post-test (M = 3.61, SD = .36) with the post-test scores being significantly higher, F(1, 140) = 11.15, p<.01. No significant difference was found between the pre-test (M = 3.48, SD = .35), post-test (M = 3.63, SD = .35), and 8-month post-test (M = 3.38, SD = .41). The 8-month post-test indicated a drop in scores, though not statistically significant, below the pre-test. Results supported the PEAK program’s effectiveness, in the short-term, in teaching children the Leave No Trace principles. However, longer-term retention was not supported.

Examining The Sensory Characteristics Of Preschool Children With Retentive Fecal Incontinence, Isabelle Beaudry-Bellefeuille

Theses and Dissertations

Occupational therapists are concerned with individuals´ abilities to engage in daily occupations. When a daily activity such as bowel management is problematic, participation in key occupations can be limited. Retentive fecal incontinence is a common disorder in children. Behavior seems to be partly responsible for this condition. Occupational therapists have hypothesized that some behaviors could be related to sensory over-responsivity. This study investigated the relationship between retentive fecal incontinence and sensory over-responsivity and examined the Toileting Habit Profile Questionnaire, a tool designed to screen for toileting difficulties. The study showed that a group of children (n=16) with retentive fecal incontinence …

A Pilot Study: Examining The Effectiveness Of Managing Fatigue Post-Stroke Via Telehealth, Nicole Gronhovd, Hannah Muehlberg

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is currently a lack of research on the effectiveness of energy conservation techniques to treat the fatigue experienced by individuals following a stroke. Because of this, the purpose of this research study was to explore the effects of Managing Fatigue: A Six Week Course for Energy Conservation, developed by occupational therapists, Packer, Brink, and Sauriol (1995), on the level of fatigue individuals experience following a stroke. As telehealth is an emerging area in occupational therapy service delivery, the present study also aimed to determine the effectiveness of occupational therapy services delivered via teleconference.

A pilot study using a pretest-posttest …

A Community Grant Application To Support People With Dementia And Their Caregivers, Jessica Montomery

Occupational Therapy Capstones

In upcoming years, the population of older adults with dementia is expected to rise exponentially, with the expectation that the majority of these individuals will choose to age in place with increased caregiver support (AARP, 2011; National Alliance for Caregiving, 2009; Vincent & Velkoff, 2010). Without adequate education to prepare for the caregiving role, education, instruction, and support, informal caregivers are at an increased risk for caregiving burden, stress, and mortality rates (Morimoto, Schreiner, & Asano, 2003; Schulz & Beach, 1999; Thinnes & Padilla, 2011). The goal for this scholarly project was to create a home and community-based program for …

Addressing Social, Emotional, And Organizational Goals For A Child With An Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) Using The Cognitive Orientation To Daily Occupational Performance (Co-Op) Approach:, Gina Czmowski, Shea Willert

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have social, emotional, and organizational deficits. These are frequently addressed through behavioral-based skills training which often does not result in generalization of skills.

Methods: This single case study sought to understand if the Cognitive Orientation for daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach, an approach developed to assist children in problem solving their own motor planning difficulties, is an effective approach for addressing social, emotional, and organizational goals with a child with an ASD.

Results: Pre and post-intervention assessment ratings on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Performance Quality Rating Scale completed by the …

Muscle Fiber Size And Composition Differences Between Ames Dwarf Mice And Wild-Type Mice, Jordan Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Ames dwarf mice demonstrate delayed aging processes in multiple body systems. We compared muscle composition and area between dwarf and wild-type mice to determine if any significant differences exist.

Methods: We resected soleus, gastrocnemius/plantaris, tibialis anterior, and extensor digitorum longus muscles from both dwarf and wild-type mice, then froze, sliced, set on slides, and stained to isolate fast-twitch and slow-twitch fibers. Microscopy images were taken at 10x magnification and fiber composition and cross-sectional area were measured in soleus muscles.

Results: Wild-type mice had an average composition of 52.3% fast-twitch and 47.7% slow-twitch fibers while dwarf mice had 66.3% slow-twitch …

S/P Right Hip Orif, Brian Bartow

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Hip fracture is a major medical problem among older adults, leading to impaired balance and gait and loss of functional independence. An open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) is a method of surgically repairing a fractured bone. Generally, this involves either the use of plates and screws or an intramedullary (IM) rod to stabilize the bone.

Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old female who fractured her right hip while running. She had complained of thigh pain with running for 1 to 2 months prior. She had gamma nail pinning.

Intervention: The focus of treatment was to increase …