Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation And Quadriceps Strength Following Patellar Fracture And Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery: A Case Report, Chelsea Hussey

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Patellar fractures followed by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery can cause numerous impairments which can negatively impact a person’s ability to participate in normal daily activities. Quadriceps weakness is common following this type of injury and surgery, and the literature reflects varying opinions as to what is the best method for regaining strength. Previous studies have examined the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in conjunction with traditional exercises on quadriceps strength following surgeries such as a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but there is limited research involving patients status post (s/p) ORIF following a comminuted patellar …

Vestibular Rehabilitation And Cervical Postural Re-Education In A Young Athlete Who Presented With Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Case Report, Cristen Schmidt

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Current literature on Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) rehabilitation is limited. Current literature is focused on individuals experiencing military blast traumatic brain injuries and the management of these injuries. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to describe and implement PT management and outcomes for the young athlete presenting with PCS following a concussion. Case Description: The patient was a 14 year old male who presented to the outpatient clinic with significant impairments secondary to diagnosis of PCS. Impairments that the patient presented with were activity intolerance, increased muscle tone, headaches, and dizziness. The patient underwent manual therapy …

Use Of Core Stabilization Exercise And Medical Exercise Therapy In The Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Post Partum Low Back Pain: A Case Report, Zachary Chaloner

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Low back pain and lumbar hyper-mobility are common during and after pregnancy. Postpartum low back laxity can contribute to LBP and can become chronic if not addressed. Core stabilization exercises (CSE) have been shown to improve function and reduce pain in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain due to lumbar instability. Additionally, Medical Exercise Therapy (MET) has shown good outcomes in reducing pain in patients with LBP but has not been thoroughly investigated in the treatment of chronic post partum LBP. There is limited research reporting the use of a combined treatment protocol utilizing CSE and …

Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training And Overground Gait Training In The In-Patient Setting For An Individual With Chronic Stroke: A Case Report, Stephanie Bordignon

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The use of body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and overground gait training (GT) has been shown to improve bilateral coordination and gait symmetry for patients experiencing chronic stroke. Evidence to support BWSTT rather than overground GT for use following chronic stroke is mixed and does not include representation for the young stroke population. The purpose of this case report is to describe the outcomes of gait speed, efficiency of gait, and fall risk in an individual following a chronic stroke managed with intense BWSTT and overground GT. Description: 43 year old male was managed with BWSTT …

Treatment Of A Patient With Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Utilizing A Regional Interdependence Approach Including Components Of The Schroth Method: A Case Report, Samantha Fisk

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Spinal deformity is a challenging spinal disorder in adults. A scoliotic curve of >10 degrees exists in up to 12% of the population and while surgery is the definitive measure, there is limited evidence to guide non-surgical treatment. This case investigated traditional physical therapy (PT) treatment utilizing a Regional Interdependence Approach (RIA) and components of the Schroth method for a patient with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Case Description: A 66 year old male presented with CLBP, worst upon rising in the AM with (6/10 NPRS). Imaging demonstrated thoracolumbar dextroscoliosis, bilateral foraminal narrowing and associated spondylolisthesis of …

Neuromuscular Strengthening Exercises Following Acl And Meniscal Repair In A 15 Year Old Female Athlete With Generalized Knee Laxity: A Case Report, Alyssa Gardner

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Adolescent females are 4-6 times more likely to sustain a non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury compared to their male counterparts. Generalized knee laxity decreases dynamic knee stability and further increases injury risk. In patients with a history of bilateral knee hyperextension who have sustained an ACL injury, it’s vital to recover function after surgery, as well as prevent injury in the contralateral knee. A lack of information exists that addresses simultaneous rehabilitation protocols. The purpose of this case report was to investigate the use of a neuromuscular strengthening program in both the ACL injured and un-injured …

Application Of A Short-Term Aquatic Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Marc Asta

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Within the confines of approved Physical Therapy (PT) visits from independent and national insurance companies, PTs are often challenged to improve a patient’s impairments and Quality Of Life (QOL) in a limited number of approved visits. The purpose of this case report is to document if six PT visits with aquatic intervention for a patient with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and radiculopathy improves a patient’s subjective and objective impairments in relation to his QOL. Case Description: The patient was a sixty-two year old male who presented to PT with CLBP for the previous forty years secondary …

Strength And Balance Exercises To Improve Functional Outcomes And Mobility For A Patient With Parkinson’S Disease And Co-Morbidities: A Case Report, Nicholas Lasarso

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder that can lead to declines in function and falls. As a common age-related neurological diagnosis, PD is most often accompanied by other co-morbidities. The purpose of this case report is to document the physical therapy management of a patient presenting with PD and other co-morbidities. This case report looks at the outcomes of strength and balance exercises on the patient’s impairments, mobility and overall function. Case Description: The 69 year-old male patient presented with a history of PD, Lyme disease, osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy (PN) and exposure to Agent Orange. He …

Services For People With Intellectual And/Or Developmental Disabilities In The U.S. Territories, John Butterworth, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

The following report represents an expansion of the data collection activities mandated by a 2012 Administration of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). Prior to 2012, the AIDD funded data projects, Access to Integrated Employment, Family and Individual Information Systems project (FISP), Residential Information Systems Project (RISP) and the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities only collected data from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The 2012 FOA requested that three of the AIDD data projects work together to include the five U.S. Territories (American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, …

The Effects Of Specific Training On Balance And Ambulation In A Patient With Stage Iv Glioblastoma: A Case Report, Matt Denning

Case Report Posters

Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor, often found in the cerebellum. From 2005-2009 there were 109,605 incidences of malignant brain tumors reported in the united states. Specific incidence rates for malignant brain tumors ranged from 5.8 to 11.70 per 100,000 adults 20 years or older. Stage IV is the most rapidly growing and invasive glioblastoma and most common adult neoplasm usually affecting people in the 5th or 6th decade of life. Treatment of glioblastoma frequently involves surgery to excise the tumor followed by radiation therapy. Similar to the growing malignancy these treatments often cause further progressive and even rapid neurological …

The Use Of Aquatic Therapy In Rehabilitation For A Patient Following Complicated Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report, Alyssa Grigware

Case Report Posters

According to the Aquatic Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, aquatic physical therapy is the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist, and includes interventions designed to improve or maintain: function, aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning, balance, coordination and agility, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility, gait and locomotion, relaxation, muscle strength, power, and endurance. Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (rTSA) is designed specifically for the treatment of glenohumeral (GH) arthritis when it is associated with irreparable rotator cuff damage, among other complex circumstances. A typical protocol will progress from joint protection, …

Use Of The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (Lefs) In A Patient After A First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Implant: A Case Report, Courtney Brinckman

Case Report Posters

First metatarsolphalangeal (MTP) total joint implants are uncommon; however, hemi implants have increased in popularity. The. HemiCAP® (Franklin, MA) implant resurfaces the metatarsal head while leaving the distal phalanx intact. While early results of the HemiCAP(®) implant surgery have been promising, physical therapy outcome measures such as the LEFS have not been extensively studied in this population. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a sensitive and reliable outcome measure that has commonly been used in patients with hip and knee dysfunction. While the LEFS has been used for a broad spectrum of lower-extremity pathologies, there is a paucity of …

Restoring Functional Mobility In A Patient With Delayed Onset Of Physical Rehabilitation Following A Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Case Report, Bettie Kruger, G. Noel Squires

Case Report Posters

Typical rehabilitation post-stroke is initiated as soon as the patient is medically stable. The most dramatic neurological recovery occurs within the first three to six months following medical stabilization. It has been suggested in the literature that early and frequent out of bed activity within the first 24 hours following stroke onset will enhance motor recovery. The patient in this case report was sedentary for three months following the onset of stroke and was non-ambulatory at the time of admission to sub-acute physical therapy. The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitative course, motor recovery, and functional …

The Clinical Decision Making And Outcomes Of A Patient With C7, C8 Radiculopathy And Contralateral Upper Quarter Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Report, Courtney Naimi

Case Report Posters

Preliminary diagnosis and management strategies exist for both cervical radiculopathy (CR) and lateral epicondylis, however little literature exists describing the clinical decision making and management in the presence of both conditons simultaneously. Management of (CR) (right side) can include neural mobilizations, manual therapy, and exercises. Management of lateral epicondylis (left side) can include eccentric tendinopathy management and manual therapy. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the diagnosis and management for a patient presenting simultaneously with right C7, C8 cervical radiculopathy and contralateral lateral epicondylis.

Functional Skill Training And Group Therapy Treatment Following A Total Hip Arthroplasty In The Acute Care Setting: A Case Report, Heidi Johnson

Case Report Posters

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common degenerative condition, often developed during middle and older ages, especially in those with more active lifestyles. Although OA can occur in any joint throughout the body, it most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip. In 2011 more than 28 million people in the United States were estimated to have OA. OA can lead to pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, and in turn an overall decline in functional ability. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is becoming more widely utilized as a means for gaining mobility and independence when a person’s …

Effect Of The Pep Program On Biomechanical Risk Factors In Male Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes, Sebastian Stoltzfus, Casey Cottle, Chad Lyons, Michael A. Lawrence

PEP Program Investigation With Men's Lacrosse Team

Research poster stemming from IPEC mini-grant funded student project Effect of The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance Program on Biomechanical Risk Factors and Performance Variables in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes. Background: Landing and cutting maneuvers are common mechanisms for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Men’s lacrosse is a high risk sport for ACL injury. The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance (PEP) program has been shown to decrease injury rates in women’s soccer but has not been studied in men’s lacrosse. Purpose: Determine if collegiate men’s lacrosse athletes land and cut in ways that put them at risk of ACL tear …

Impaired Hyperemic Response To Exercise Post Stroke, Matthew J. Durand, Spencer A. Murphy, Kathleen K. Schaefer, Sandra K. Hunter, Brian D. Schmit, David D. Gutterman, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Individuals with chronic stroke have reduced perfusion of the paretic lower limb at rest; however, the hyperemic response to graded muscle contractions in this patient population has not been examined. This study quantified blood flow to the paretic and non-paretic lower limbs of subjects with chronic stroke after submaximal contractions of the knee extensor muscles and correlated those measures with limb function and activity. Ten subjects with chronic stroke and ten controls had blood flow through the superficial femoral artery quantified with ultrasonography before and immediately after 10 second contractions of the knee extensor muscles at 20, 40, 60, and …

Scoliosis Analog Model For The Evaluation Of Bracing Technology, Chloe Ly Chung

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

Thoracolumbar braces are commonly used to treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Braces serve to reduce and prevent progression of the spinal curve by applying corrective forces. The magnitude and direction of these corrective forces applied by the brace to the spine remain unknown. Additionally the brace fitting process involves making alterations to the brace that affect its corrective force capacity. The objective was to design and validate an analog model of a mid-thoracic single curve scoliotic deformity for quantifying structural properties of the brace and the force response of the brace on the spine. This model was used to investigate …

Application Of A Balance Training Program In A Patient With Charcot Marie Tooth Disease: A Case Report, Eduardo Pena

Case Report Posters

Charcot Marie Tooth Disease (CMT) is the most common progressive inherited neurological disease. Proteins in the myelin sheath of both motor and sensory nerves become damaged, resulting in muscle atrophy and reduced sensation. Patients experience difficulty with gait, balance, and independence with ADLs. The RUSK Modified Romberg Program (MRP) is a balance program used for patients with neurological pathologies. There is minimal research on the effectiveness of the RUSK MRP in patients with CMT. The purpose of this case report was to determine the effectiveness of the RUSK MRP in order to improve balance and reduce risk of falls in …

A Task Oriented Approach For A Patient With Chronic Effects Of Stroke: A Case Report, Sarah Richardson, Amy J. Litterini

Case Report Posters

Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability for American adults. Most stroke survivors receive physical therapy (PT) and task-oriented rehabilitation is one novel approach. This technique, which shifts the focus from the impairment level to activity level, is known to benefit stroke survivors. However, the benefits for long-term survivors of stroke are not yet well established. PT professionals would benefit from learning about innovative interventions to improve functional mobility for long-term stroke survivors. The rationale for this report was to document the outcomes of a task-oriented approach to rehabilitation on the late effects of stroke. The unique aims …

The Role Of Physical Therapy In The Treatment And Discharge Of An Elderly Homeless Patient With Fractures Of The T12-L1 Vertebrae: A Case Report, Matthew Kraft

Case Report Posters

More than 600,000 are homeless in the USA. Homeless people have higher rates of premature mortality than the rest of the population, especially from unintentional injuries, and have an increased prevalence of mental disorders. Hospitals often encounter difficulty with discharge when homeless patients are medically stable enough to be transferred to a lower level of care. Hospitals risk potential legal action and poor portrayal by the media if a homeless patient claims he/she was discharged improperly.

Gait Training, Strength Training, And Pain Management Of A 26 Year Old Female Recovering From A Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbation: A Case Report, Ellen Cox

Case Report Posters

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder where it is thought that the body attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers and disrupts communication in the central nervous system. Presentations are varied with symptoms ranging from loss of vision, poor balance and coordination, tremors, fatigue, pain, and problems with memory and concentration. MS is classified into four types in order of severity: relapsing- remitting, secondary-progressive, primary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing. Evidence links stressful events to increased risk for exacerbations. Treatment of MS can be variable due to the multiple presentations and progressions of disease. Currently little information is available regarding the most …

Humeral Retrotorsion In Developing Children And Its Relationship To Throwing Sports, Elliot M. Greenberg

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Baseball players exhibit a more posteriorly oriented humeral head or humeral retrotorsion (HRT) in the dominant arm, likely representing an adaptive response to the stress of throwing. This adaptation is thought to occur while skeletally immature, however there is limited research detailing how throwing while young influences the development HRT. In addition, it is currently unclear how this changing osseous orientation influences shoulder motion within young athletes. Purpose: To determine the influence of throwing and age on the development of asymmetry in HRT and shoulder range of motion (ROM); and analyze the relationship between HRT and ROM. Study Design: …

A Review Of Screening Processes For Physical Distress And Appropriate Outcome Measures For Outpatient Rehabilitation Referral In Cancer Survivorship, Ashley Tomaswick, Sebastian Stoltzfus, Margaret Masiak, Erika Lopez, Mary Leopold, Alyssa Grigware, Samantha Fisk, Matthew Denning

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Papers

The goal of this project is to determine which physical distress screening tools are most appropriate to trigger a wellness or rehabilitation referral when it is warranted for a survivor. The use of effective screening tools will assist in directing cancer survivors, who experience physical and emotional burdens caused by the disease and subsequent treatment, to access services that will continue to improve their overall quality of life upon completion of cancer treatment or in a setting of ongoing palliative care. These measures should focus on functional mobility, balance, fatigue, and distress. Additionally, there are many common tests used to …

Rehabilitation And Cancer Survivorship, Matthew Denning, Samantha Fisk, Alyssa Grigware, Mary Leopold, Erika Lopez, Margaret Masiak, Sebastian Stoltzfus, Ashley Tomaswick

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Resources

Presentation given at Central Maine Medical Center on December 4, 2015, to build awareness of the role of rehabilitation services in cancer survivor management and discuss strategies to address existing needs. This presentation was based on a project undertaken to determine which physical distress screening tools are most appropriate to trigger a wellness or rehabilitation referral when it is warranted for a survivor. The use of effective screening tools will assist in directing cancer survivors, who experience physical and emotional burdens caused by the disease and subsequent treatment, to access services that will continue to improve their overall quality of …

The Science Of Running: Factors Contributing To Injury Rates In Shod And Unshod Populations, Ryan Mackenzie, Lene Mackenzie, Alicia Martinez, Marisol Cardoza, Tyler Cuddeford, Jeff Houck

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Asscociation Of Habitual Shoe Wear With Ultrasound Defined Foot Muscle Morphology In Ugandan Participants, Lauren Bennett, Natalie Folkert, Alexander Grimsley, Jessika Mcclune

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Child And Adolescent Scale Of Environment (Case): Further Validation With Youth Who Have Chronic Conditions, Gary Bedell, Janette Mcdougal

Occupational Therapy Publications

Objective: To further validate the Child and Adolescent Scale of Environment (CASE).

Methods: Baseline data (n = 430) were analyzed from a longitudinal study on quality of life for youth with chronic conditions ages 11–17 in Ontario, Canada. Internal consistency and structure, and convergent and discriminant validity were examined via Cronbach’s alpha (α), exploratory factor analyses, correlation analyses and ANOVA.

Results: The CASE had high internal consistency (α = 0.89). A three-factor solution was produced with 55% variance explained: (1) Community/Home Resources, (2) School Resources and (3) Physical Design/Access). CASE total and factor …

Sustained Isometric Shoulder Contraction On Muscular Strength And Endurance: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Natalie L. Myers, Jenny L. Toonstra, Jacob S. Smith, Cooper A. Padgett, Tim L. Uhl

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: The Advanced Throwers Ten Exercise Program incorporates sustained isometric contractions in conjunction with dynamic shoulder movements. It has been suggested that incorporating isometric holds may facilitate greater increases in muscular strength and endurance. However, no objective evidence currently exists to support this claim.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of a sustained muscle contraction resistive training program (Advanced Throwers Ten Program) to a more traditional exercise training protocol to determine if increases in shoulder muscular strength and endurance occur in an otherwise healthy population. It was hypothesized that utilizing a sustained isometric …

Reliability Of 3-Dimensional Measures Of Single-Leg Cross Drop Landing Across 3 Different Institutions: Implications For Multicenter Biomechanical And Epidemiological Research On Acl Injury Prevention, Christopher A. Dicesare, Nathaniel A. Bates, Kim D. Barber Foss, Staci M. Thomas, Samuel C. Wordeman, Dai Sugimoto, Benjamin D. Roewer, Jennifer M. Medina Mckeon, Stephanie Di Stasi, Brian W. Noehren, Kevin R. Ford, Adam W. Kiefer, Timothy E. Hewett, Gregory D. Myer

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are physically and financially devastating but affect a relatively small percentage of the population. Prospective identification of risk factors for ACL injury necessitates a large sample size; therefore, study of this injury would benefit from a multicenter approach.

Purpose: To determine the reliability of kinematic and kinetic measures of a single-leg cross drop task across 3 institutions.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty-five female high school volleyball players participated in this study. Three-dimensional motion data of each participant performing the single-leg cross drop were collected at 3 institutions over a period of 4 …