Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Inter-Professional Collaboration: The Impact Of Serial Versus Merged Treatment On The Behavior Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Robyn Starry

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Interdisciplinary collaboration is an innovative, resourceful approach to healthcare intended to positively affect patient outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the serial exposure to three treatments, Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech Language Pathology, and Occupational Therapy, in comparison with an exposure to a merge of these treatments on child outcomes. During the serial treatment phases of intervention, three licensed professionals implemented core techniques from their respective disciplines. During merged treatment phases, a graduate clinician combined and implemented techniques from all three fields: differential attention, request sequences, sensory exposure, verbal/tactile cueing for postural alignment/control and …

Stand Tall, Don’T Fall: A Systematic Review On The Effectiveness Of Tai Chi For Improving Balance In Healthy Older Adults, Miya Cho, Ots, Moira Frain, Ots, Courtney Monk, Ots, Caitlin O'Neill, Ots, Kathryn Ricciardi, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

•Identify and describe the need for effective balance related interventions among the healthy older adult population

• Recognize occupational therapy’s role in improving balance to decrease risk of falls

• Discuss the effectiveness of Tai Chi as an intervention for improving balance within this population

PICO

• Is Tai Chi an effective intervention for improving balance in the healthy older adult population?

Presentation: 40:55

Handout at bottom of page.

Reframe The Pain: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions To Promote Quality Of Life For Adults With Fibromyalgia, Alyssa Armstrong, Ots, Jonathan Forkin, Ots, Emma Jablonski, Ots, Shelby Moyer, Ots, Suzanne Sager, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

1. Define clinical presentation and three common characteristics of fibromyalgia (FMS) as it impacts quality of life (QOL).

2. Recognize the importance of an occupational therapy (OT) approach as an alternative to current practice methods.

3. Identify at least three effective EBP interventions within the scope of OT to address quality of life for individuals with FMS.

PICO:

What is the evidence to support the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of OT on improving quality of life for adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Presentation: 43:56

Handout with references at bottom of page.

Keeping Up With The Preemies: Early Interventions In Occupational Therapy For Children Born Premature, Jennifer Donnelly, Ots, Angela Mancini, Ots, Heidi Miller, Ots, Taylor Vile, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

1. Identify areas of occupational performance that may be impacted by premature birth.

2. Understand current themes of interventions for promoting development after premature birth.

3. Apply evidence-based practice to interventions for children born prematurely.

PICO:

What is the evidence to support the use of early interventions in the scope of OT to promote development in children born prematurely?

Presentation: 53:18

Ergonomic Intervention For Injury Prevention In Healthcare Personnel: A Systematic Review, Marisa Andrews, Ots, Kory Collier, Ots, Erin Dougherty, Ots, Alyssa Vidovich, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

1. Recognize the magnitude of work-related injury in healthcare and the need for intervention in this area

2. Discuss 2 ergonomic interventions within the scope of OT practice that can improve work-related injury

3. Recall 2 common themes that have emerged based on current literature for ergonomic intervention

Clinical Research Question:

Does ergonomic intervention prevent work-related injuries and associated outcomes for healthcare personnel engaged in patienthandling?

Presentation: 39:05

The Effects Of Locomotion-Induced Shock Loading On Tibiofemoral Bone Stress Response, Alexa Standerfer, Suzenna Ngo, Karen Daun

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Knee osteoarthritis (Coats, Zioupos, & Aspden) is a degenerative joint disease that negatively impacts the quality of life. About 9.3 million people in the U.S. population are affected. It has been suggested via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that bone marrow edema (i.e., indicative of bone stress response) and joint structure changes may be the main contributing factors of pain in OA. Frontal plane lower extremity (LE) alignment has been a topic of much interest regarding development of OA in the knee joint. It is hypothesized that varus alignment increases forces through the medial compartment of the knee, thereby …

Alcohol Consumption As A Risk Factor For Sarcopenia - A Meta-Analysis, M. Steffl, R. W. Bohannon, M. Petr, E. Kohlikova, I. Holmerova

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Do Running Kinematics Change On The Alter-G Treadmill? [2016], Brittany Lavaute

Master's Theses

The Alter-G lower body positive pressure treadmill, also known as the antigravity treadmill, provides a unique means of exercising for rehabilitation patients and low-impact training in athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effect of four different treadmill weighted conditions and three different running velocities (2.68 m.s-1, 3.13 m.s-1, and 3.58 m.s-1) on the kinematic variables of step length, step rate, contact time, and flight time on the Alter-G treadmill (AG) and on the regular treadmill (TM). Fifteen participants completed two separate days of testing. All individuals ran at four different conditions (100%, 80%, 60%, and …

Facilitating Effective Communication Between First Responders And Older Adults During Fall Incidents: An Educational Intervention, Krystin M. Beeman, Erica L. Berger, Isabel A. Cabezas, Nicole M. Mathews

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

PURPOSE. The purpose of this project was to provide first responders with communication strategies for older adults that may help when responding to fall- related calls. General information was also provided to First Responders on working with older adults with a focus on the aging process, fall risk factors, and communications strategies.

METHODS. A series of educational sessions to first responders at a local fire district were developed and presented by occupational therapy students. Materials were developed by presenters from evidence-based resources and tailored to the target population. Each presentation focused on statistics about older adults, the aging process, fall …

Investigation Into The Barbell Backsquat Comparing Weightlifting Shoes To Barefoot Conditions, Alex W. Pilkinton

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This present study was intended to investigate muscle activation patterns throughout the barbell back squat and determine if there are any differences found in EMG responses among individuals wearing weightlifting shoes and barefooted individuals. The hypothesis was that weightlifting shoes would generate significantly greater muscle activation patterns throughout the barbell back squat due to the rigid structure and raised heal in the shoe design. EMG patterns from six superficial lower extremity muscles were recorded from 12 subjects (means: 22.67 ± 2.39 age, 172,28 ± 14.04 cm height, 74.88 ± 16.11 kg mass), each meeting a specific inclusion criteria. Data collection …

The Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise Program For Older Adults, Anna Lee, Courtney Beyer, Jessica Lim, Sienna Anderson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the most common cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults over the age of 65 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2009). Falls can lead to a myriad of traumatic physical and emotional consequences. Integrated exercise programs such as the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program are effective in preventing falls and increasing fall efficacy in individuals who have previously fallen (Clemson et al., 2012). The purpose of our study was to examine if the LiFE program is as effective in reducing fall risk and increasing fall …

Increasing Occupational Participation Of Older Adults With Low Vision Through An Occupation-Based Exercise Video, Valerie J. Deroos, Skyler Moon

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

With the increasingly large population of older adults with low vision, many older adults would benefit from having a guide dog as an assistive device. When walking with a guide dog, different upper extremity muscles and postures are adopted to handle the guide dog. However, older adults with low vision may not be in the proper physical condition to meet the strenuous demands of handling a guide dog due to the normal aging process and decreased mobility. To prevent pain and injury, stretching and strengthening muscles used when handling a guide dog may benefit older adults before entering the Guide …

Preventing And Reducing Falls In Assisted Living Facilities: An Educational Intervention, Jennifer A. Borcich, Raquel F. Ramos, Taylor S. Wong

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

As the number of older adults continues to rise, falling in older adults has become a national health care issue. Many older adults who fall reside in assisted living facilities. Every time a fall incident occurs, first responders are called, utilizing a significant amount of first responder’s time and resources. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to implement a fall prevention program for residents of an assisted living facility (ALF) to reduce fall risk and fall-related calls to the local fire department. The project consisted of a four-week course given once weekly for 60 minutes to residents at an …

Capturing Success At Autistry Studios: A Qualitative Study, Ali Ives, Vince Colombano, Joey Bava

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This qualitative study examined the perceived outcomes of participation at Autistry Studios among young adult students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autistry Studios is a unique program offering services to individuals with ASD similar to that of a pre-vocational training program. The mission of Autistry Studios is to help students with ASD become independent adults by engaging in “project-based therapy.” A setting is provided where individuals with ASD can achieve personal and functional growth with the use of creative resources like art supplies, raw materials, and power tools to pursue and complete a project that is client-centered. The purpose of …

Rapid Step Test Based On Leg Length As A Novel Dynamic Standing Balance Test In The Geriatric Population: A Pilot Study, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, E. Conkel, D Mcintyre, Q Rizvi, P Sharkey

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year, 1 out of 3 adults over age 65 experience a fall resulting in a traumatic injury or even mortality. Falls are the leading cause of death in the elderly population and cause the greatest number of hospital admissions from trauma. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BEST), Berg Balance Scale, and Tinetti are frequently used tests to determine fall risk. However, they can be complicated, time consuming, and exhibit a ceiling effect. This study employed the Rapid Step Test (RST) to examine the use and practicality of a new, portable and easy to administer test that may differentiate between …

Scapular Performance In Women With Breast Cancer Compared To Healthy Controls, Carlie S. Henzler, Mary I. Fisher, Lucinda A. Pfalzer, Ellen Levy, Shana E. Harrington, Naomi L. Gerber, Nicole L. Stout

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Scapular Flip Test is designed to recognize abnormal scapular position defined by winging/tipping of the scapula on resisted external rotation. Originally created to detect scapular dysfunction with spinal accessory nerve damage, the Scapular Flip Test may be a simple screening tool for any scapular dysfunction that results from breast cancer surgery and treatment to the shoulder and axillary region.

The Use Of The Four Square Step Test And The Y Balance Test To Assess Balance In Typical Children Ages 6-10 Years, Sarah Collier, Kendra Lucas, Leah Meyer, Amanda Watamaniuk, Kelsey Waterman, Ashely Zappia

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition (BOT-2) is a widely used standardized tool to assess gross motor function, including balance, in children ages 4-21.The Four Square Step Test (FSST) was developed as a reliable assessment tool to assess fall risk in the geriatric population, however there is limited research on its use in the pediatric population. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) was developed to detect functional deficits in the athletic population, it is unknown if this is a reliable test in the pediatric population.

Inter-Rater Reliability Of Weight Bearing Knee Joint Space Measurements Obtained With Diagnostic Ultrasound, Colton Adkins, Patrick Hart, Jacob Hinton, Alicia Nelson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Historically, joint space has been determined via x-ray; ultrasound has been suggested as a better choice since it involves no radiation. Documenting joint space is clinically important to determine the degree of degenerative progression associated with osteoarthritis and aging. Reliability of the use diagnostic ultrasound to measure weight-bearing knee joint space has not been investigated.

The Utility Of Functional Movement Assessment And Select Clinical Measures In Predicting Injury In Nba Players, Collin Brown, Elizabeth Depalma, Zach Gerber, Matthew Linstedt, Kevin Royce, James Swanson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Professional basketball has evolved into a contact sport that imparts an incredible physical demand on an athlete’s body. Despite medical advancements and the progression of coaching and training techniques, rate of injury has not declined. Tools such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) have been used to assist in predicting injury, but recent literature has stated that they are better for identifying functional deficits than potential for injury. Certain clinical tests and measures may be helpful in determining which players may be at risk.

The Comparison Of Dual-Tasking And Functional Fitness In Older Females, Anna Engler

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Context: America’s aging population is growing faster than ever, resulting in increasing challenges for healthcare providers and caregivers. Over 33% of adults aged 65 and older fall annually, and falls are the number one cause of injury-related death in this age group. Assessing fall risk is difficult due to its multifactorial nature, but functional fitness serves as a proxy measure. Women are at a particularly high risk for fall-related injury due to lower bone mineral density and higher fall frequency when compared to males. Fear of falling is also a serious contributor to fall risk, and it affects up …

Influence Of Mechanical Choices On Development And Persistence Of Osteoarthritis: How Alexander Technique Can Promote Prevention And Management, Rachelle E. Lowry

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Is osteoarthritis a fate unconditionally vested in genetic makeup, or are joints aggravated into inflammation by the way they are treated? Humans are a complicated conglomeration of experiences, decisions, and inheritance. Osteoarthritis, likewise, has evaded simplicity in any explanation of its causation, so it necessitates a multi-dimensional perspective.

This research considers the relevance of Alexander Technique in filling a void in which treatment and management of osteoarthritis is not equally equipped to answer this multi-dimensional causation. Alexander Technique is classified as a movement therapy, but this does not quite encompass the mindset of it—that it is indeed largely a mindset …

The Effect Of Balance Training On Disruptive Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Claire A. Scates

Honors Theses

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of balance training on disruptive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Methods

Fourteen parents of children with ASD participated in this study. Data was collected using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) distributed to various therapy centers around the Hattiesburg and Jackson areas. A secondary survey was included that collected demographic data and basic data on what therapies the children have been involved in. The ABC provided a measure of the incidence of disruptive behaviors exhibited by the children with ASD as evaluated by their parents. Three of …

A Comparison Of Therapeutic Heating Modalities And Stretching Techniques To Increase Hip Flexion, Amee Jaymes Stapleton

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Individuals can positively benefit from increasing flexibility. These benefits include: preventing injury, improving blood flow to soft tissues, improving posture, and decreasing low back pain. Traditionally, stretching is used to increase flexibility. However, stretching in combination with heating modalities have shown to increase flexibility as well. This study was designed to investigate the effect of pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) on hamstring flexibility using static stretch versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facility (PNF) contract relax as compared to superficial heat and static stretch. This study examined 30 college-aged individuals who had 90º or less of hip flexion. Participants were randomly divided into one …

Dynamic Stability On Land And In Waist-Deep Water: Comparison Between Young And Middle Aged Adults, Christie Bunnell

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic stability on land and in water, between young and middle-aged adults performing plyometric exercises. Twenty adults were asked to volunteer: Young = 24.40 ± 2.63 years, n = 10 and middle-aged = 46.80 ± 3.05 years, n = 10. Participants performed three plyometric exercises (countermovement jump, squat jump, and drop landing) on land and in waist-deep water. Dynamic stability was assessed during landing for each exercise using a time to stabilization (TTS) paradigm. Data were collected via a waterproof force plate positioned on an adjustable-depth pool floor and analyzed with a …

Ethics With Regard To Compensation And Current Ncaa Policy, Tyler Mcbride

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research is to analyze former NCAA Division I football players’ ethical perceptions of current NCAA policy, specifically concerning regulations governing compensation of the student athlete. This quantitative research study collected data using a 20-question survey instrument composed of demographic and Likert type questions. Statistical analysis determined the data failed to establish a statistically significant behavioral trend arguing either for or against current policies. However, data revealed a statistical difference between the opinions expressed by Caucasian alumni as compared to those of other ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to expose illegitimate processes within the NCAA …

Effectiveness Of The Bridge/Adapt Program On Functional Skill Generalization After Acquired Brain Injury, Janice S. Li, Diana Lopez, Eugene Cheung, Angela Talamantez

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This study explored the effectiveness of the Bridge/Adapt program for generalizing increased cognition to functional skills. Three participants, identified as having significant cognitive impairments as measured by the Cognistat assessment, participated in the Bridge/Adapt program, an eight-week program that includes both remedial and compensatory components. The remedial component used was a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program called Parrot Software. Past studies have proven computer-based cognitive rehabilitation to be effective in increasing overall cognition. The Bridge/Adapt module is the compensatory component that utilized a variety of strategies and everyday tasks to facilitate the generalization of improved cognition to functional performance. A homework …

Spirituality And Psychological Well-Being Among Als Caregivers: Hope And Perceived Stress As Mediators, Bridget R. Jeter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The empirical study of the salutary relationship between spirituality/religiousness and psychological well-being is burgeoning. However, mechanisms of this association have received less empirical attention. Theory suggests that spirituality/religiousness may lead to positive psychological characteristics such as hope, which may function as a means of coping in the context of a significant stressor or stressful situation. The perceived burden and stress associated with caring for individuals with chronic illnesses such as ALS is significant, and caregivers may be at risk for increased symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, somatic symptoms, and other deleterious psychological well-being related outcomes. Within the context of …

A Prediction Model For Acute Core And Lower Extremity Injuries In Division 1 Collegiate Football Players, Alexandra Aline Mcdonald

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: Various intrinsic factors such as high exposure, poor endurance of core muscles, previous injury, strength deficits, suboptimal neurocognitive function, and orthopedic abnormalities have been found as predictors for sprains and strains among collegiate football players. Objective: Assess the applicability of pre-participation assessments as predictors of core or lower extremity injury. Design: Cohort Study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football program. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes who underwent mandatory pre-participation examinations before preseason football training over two consecutive seasons (n=225). Main Outcome Measure(s): Associations between preseason protocols and injury incidence for core and lower extremity injuries were established …

Instilling Hope: Showing Individuals With New Disabilities Between The Ages Of 18 And 24 That Suicide Is Not The Answer, Christine Ann Whiting

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore what can be done to mitigate the onset of a disability for young adults aged 18-24 in order to prevent suicidal thoughts or actions. Research suggests that many factors play into suicidal ideation for this young population, including lost hope, lack of coping mechanisms, lack of financial security and bullying. The goal of this research is to determine what rehabilitation professionals can do differently that will hopefully eradicate suicide for this group.

The Effect Of Dry Needling To The Multifidus Muscle On Resting And Contracted Thickness Of Transversus Abdominis In Subjects With Low Back Pain, Shane Collins, Abbay Dow, Daniel Rincon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Objective: To measure the effects of dry needling to the lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle for any change in resting and contracted thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle as well as symptoms and disability in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that individuals with LBP have diminished co-activation of the lumbar MF and TrA muscles, which when working appropriately in healthy individuals, contributes to spinal stability and function. A significant change in the resting and contracted thickness of TrA has been found with dry needling to the lumbar …