Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Occupation Of Driving: A Guide For Occupational Therapists Working With Adolescents Who Have Adhd, Molly Schmitz, Morgan Voss

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Driving is a rite of passage for all teens with or without a disability. Individuals with ADHD are at a far greater risk of being in an accident or receiving a traffic violation as a compared to their developmental counterparts. In addition, parents and practitioners are often unaware of an individual’s readiness to drive skills prior to receiving formal driver’s education. Thus, this can be a stressful transition or learning process with individuals with ADHD and their families. For parents, practitioners, and teens, it is important that they understand the resources available to them and the steps to access those …

A New Technique To Improve The Operation Of Prosthetic Limbs During Muscle Fatigue, H. Albunashee, G. Rasool, K. Iqbal, G. White

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Prosthetic limbs hold a promise to renew the quality of life for the amputee. Neural commands are decoded via a classifier to generate control signals for the prosthetic devices. In the literature, many challenges and limitations have been identified that affect the prosthesis operation. One such drawback is muscle fatigue which degrades the surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals, and consequently, the performance of the deployed classification algorithm declines from 90% to 50% of average accuracy. We used a new technique using the Linear Discrimination Analysis (LDA) algorithm and the muscle synergy-based task discrimination (MSD) algorithm to improve the classification accuracy. In …

The Painful Long Head Of The Biceps Brachii: Nonoperative Treatment Approaches, Kevin E. Wilk, Todd R. Hooks

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Pain associated with the long head of the biceps (LHB) brachii seems to be increasingly recognized in the past 4 to 5 years. The LHB has long been considered a troublesome pain generator in the shoulder. Abnormality involving the LHB brachii has long been an area of debate, with Codman in 1934 even questioning the specificity of the diagnosis of biceps tendinitis. Biceps tendon abnormality is often associated with rotator cuff impingement. Shoulder pain originating from the biceps tendon can be debilitating, causing a severe decrease in shoulder function. As a result of the frequent clinical presentation of biceps pain, …

Does Exercise Decrease Pain Via Conditioned Pain Modulation In Adolescents?, Stacy Stolzman, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: Pain relief after exercise, exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), is established across the lifespan. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM: pain inhibits pain) may be a mechanism for EIH.

Methods: In 55 adolescents, pressure pain thresholds were measured before and after exercise (deltoid, quadriceps, and nail bed) and during CPM at the nail bed and deltoid test stimulus sites. The relationship between EIH and CPM was explored.

Results: EIH occurred at deltoid and quadriceps; CPM occurred at nail bed and deltoid. CPM and EIH correlated at deltoid; adolescents with greater CPM experienced greater pain relief after exercise. At this site, CPM predicted 5.4% …

A Resource Manual For Occupational Therapists To Use With Parents Of Infants Transitioning Home From The Nicu, Alyssa N. Briggs, Nicholle R. Clouse

Occupational Therapy Capstones

One of the many challenges facing health care professionals practicing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is providing appropriate care and support for parents throughout the transition process from hospital to home. Because the families are often the ultimate advocates and caregivers for infants it is important that they are well equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to take part in their infant’s care. Therefore, by providing clear and easy to use resources that address parental confidence, skills, knowledge, roles, routines, and the environment, professionals can help alleviate parental stress and uncertainty throughout the transition process.

An extensive …

Factors Influencing Minority Group Pursuit Of Occupational Therapy Education, Heber Hepworth, Courtney Schafer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There is limited representation of minority groups in the OT workforce and a dearth of research on factors influencing minority groups to pursue and successfully complete OT education. The CINAHL and PUBMED databases were used to explore factors influencing minority population enrollment, experiences in health care programs, and barriers to educational participation. A survey was constructed based on the literature and sent to students in OT programs at the doctorate, master and assistant levels through the AOTA Program Director list-serv. One hundred and thirteen masters (93%) and doctorate (7%) OT students completed the survey. The majority of participants heard about …

The Experiences Of Individuals With Visual Changes After A Traumatic Brain Injury (Tbi): An Emphasis On Coping, Katie Kruger, Suzanne Vetter

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: The Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC, 2010) reports that 2,611,129 individuals visit the Emergency Room each year due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, approximately 50% of individuals who have a TBI report visual inefficiencies (Bulson, Jun, and Hayes, 2012; Lew et al., 2009; McKenna, Cooke, Fleming, Jefferson, & Ogden, 2006). Researchers have identified the effects these diagnoses have on ADLs and IADLs. Yet, there is a further need for understanding the experiences of persons post-TBI who have visual inefficiencies, including their coping in everyday life. Aims: This qualitative research study is aimed at determining the …

Caregivers Of Stroke Survivors: Exploring The Role Of Spousal Caregivers Through An Occupational Therapy Lens, Lisa J. Knecht-Sabres, Karley Kammer, Matthew K. Kilian, Kim Veverka

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the occupational needs of caregivers of stroke survivors and to identify potential implications for occupational therapy’s role with this population. Methods: Focus groups and a semi-structured interview were used to gather an in-depth perspective on caregivers’ needs and level of participation in valued activities. Interactions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis included open coding, formulation of categorical patterns, and thematic analysis. Rigor was enhanced through peer review, multiple coders, member checking, and triangulation. Results: Four primary themes emerged: (1) the essential need for additional services and support; (2) the amount …

What Are The Top 10 Physical Activity Research Questions In Schizophrenia?, Davy Vancampfort, Simon Rosenbaum, Michel Probst, Joanne Connaughton, Christy Du Plessis, Taisei Yamamoto, Brendon Stubbs

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: Research has only recently started to consider the applicability of physical activity (PA) for people with schizophrenia. Although there is increasing evidence for the benefits of physical activity, this population remains generally physically inactive and sedentary. The aim of the current study is to highlight 10 pertinent physical activity research questions in people with schizophrenia.

Method: The International Organisation of Physical Therapy in Mental Health (IOPTMH) executed a consultation of its National Organisations (n=13) to identify the most salient questions relevant to guide clinical practice on physical activity in people with schizophrenia.

Results: We identified the following …

Disrupted Self-Perception In People With Chronic Low Back Pain. Further Evaluation Of The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire, B Wand, M Catley, M Rabey, P O'Sullivan, E O'Connell, A Smith

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Several lines of evidence suggest that body-perception is altered in people with chronic back pain. Maladaptive perceptual awareness of the back might contribute to the pain experience as well as serve as a target for treatment. The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is a simple questionnaire recently developed to assess back-specific altered self-perception. The aims of this study were to present the outcomes of a comprehensive evaluation of the questionnaire’s psychometric properties and explore the potential relationships between body-perception, nociceptive sensitivity, distress and beliefs about back pain and the contribution these factors might play in explaining pain and disability. Two-hundred …

A Fine Balance And A Shared Learning Journey: Exploring Healthcare Engagement Through The Experiences Of Youth With Neuromuscular Disorders, V Travlos, C Bulsara, S Patman, J Downs

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Youth with Neuromuscular Disorders (NMD) who are wheelchair users can now survive well into adulthood if their multisystem comorbidities are prudently managed. Uptake of health behaviors may optimize their health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To explore youths’ perceptions of health, health behaviors and healthcare engagement.

METHODS: This qualitative study purposefully recruited 11 youth with NMD from a concurrent, population-based study for variability of age, gender, type of NMD and their ratings of motivation and engagement. Interview data were analyzed and synthesized by thematic content.

RESULTS: Participants perceived healthcare engagement as being given tools (knowledge and responsibility) and using them to maintain …

Minimum Standards Of Clinical Practice For Physiotherapists Working In Critical Care Settings In Australia And New Zealand: A Modified Delphi Technique, Elizabeth Skinner, Peter Thomas, Julia C. Reeve, Shane Patman

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

A Binational Multicenter Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial Of Early Goal-Directed Mobilization In The Icu, C Hodgson, M Bailey, R Bellomo, S Berney, H Buhr, L Denehy, B Gabbe, M Harrold, A Higgins, T Iwashyna, R Papworth, R Parke, S Patman, J Presneill, M Saxena, E Skinner, C Tipping, P Young, S Webb

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: The primary objective was to determine if the early goal-directed mobilization (EGDM) intervention could be delivered to patients receiving mechanical ventilation with increased maximal levels of activity compared to standard care.

Design: A pilot, randomized controlled trial

Setting: Five intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand

Participants: Fifty critically ill adults, mechanically ventilated for greater than 24 hours.

Intervention: Patients were randomly assigned to either EGDM (intervention) or to standard care (control). EGDM comprised functional rehabilitation treatment conducted at the highest level of activity possible for that patient assessed by the ICU mobility scale …

Disturbed Body Perception, Reduced Sleep, And Kinesiophobia In Subjects With Pregnancy-Related Persistent Lumbopelvic Pain And Moderate Levels Of Disability: An Exploratory Study, Darren Beales, Alison Lutz, Judith Thompson, Benedict M. Wand, Peter O'Sullivan

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background: For a small but significant group, pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain may become persistent. While multiple factors may contribute to disability in this group, previous studies have not investigated sleep impairments, body perception or mindfulness as potential factors associated with disability post-partum.

Objectives: To compare women experiencing no pain post-pregnancy with those experiencing pregnancy-related persistent lumbopelvic pain (either low- or high-level disability) across multiple biopsychosocial domains.

Design: Cross-sectional

Methods: Participants completed questionnaires for thorough profiling of factors thought to be important in pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain. Specific measures were the Urinary Distress Inventory, Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale, Back Beliefs Questionnaire, Tampa …

The Development Of Narrative Reasoning: Student Physical Therapists’ Perceptions Of Patient Stories, Kathryn C. Nesbit, Kenneth E. Randall, Toby B. Hamilton

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Narrative reasoning is an inductive cognitive strategy used to understand patients’ experiences with illness within the biosocial context of their lives. The purpose of this study is to examine the meaning of the patient’s illness experience to physical therapist students and propose a theory of narrative reasoning development in these novice clinicians.The data collected from twenty-one first year physical therapy students consisted of narratives written during their clinical internships describing a patient’s experience with illness and post-internship interviews telling the patient’s story. Data were analyzed in a process of constant comparison, evolving codes, and researcher memoing using both grounded theory …

The Lower-Extremity Functional Test And Lower-Quadrant Injury In Ncaa Division Iii Athletes: A Descriptive And Epidemiologic Report, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The Lower-Extremity Functional Test (LEFT) has been used to assess readiness to return to sport after a lowerextremity injury. Current recommendations suggest that women should complete the LEFT in 135 s (average; range 120-150 s) and men should complete the test in 100 s (average; range 90-125 s). However, these estimates are based on limited data and may not be reflective of college athletes. Thus, additional assessment, including normative data, of the LEFT in sport populations is warranted. Objective: To examine LEFT times based on descriptive information and off-season training habits in NCAA Division III (Dill) athletes. In addition, this …

The Lower-Extremity Functional Test And Lower-Quadrant Injury In Ncaa Division Iii Athletes: A Descriptive And Epidemiologic Report, Jason Brumitt, Bryan C. Heiderscheit, Robert C. Manske, Paul Niemuth, Alma Mattocks, Mitchell J. Rauh

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Context: The Lower-Extremity Functional Test (LEFT) has been used to assess readiness to return to sport after a lower extremity injury. Current recommendations suggest that women should complete the LEFT in 135 s (average; range 120-150 s) and men should complete the test in 100 s (average; range 90-125 s). However, these estimates are based on limited data and may not be reflective of college athletes. Thus, additional assessment, including normative data, of the LEFT in sport populations is warranted. Objective: To examine LEFT times based on descriptive information and off-season training habits in NCAA Division III (Dill) athletes. In …

Improvements In Cultural Competence Through Classroom And Local Cross-Cultural Service-Learning Activities, Jason M. Denton, Shandra Esparza, David S. Fike, Jaime González, Melinda Lundquist Denton

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Introduction: Improving cultural competence has been proposed as a way to decrease health disparities and is a priority of physical therapist (PT) education programs. Multiple published works describe curricular design for PT education programs to promote cultural competence, but limited data support the effectiveness of classroom or local cross-cultural activities.

Subjects: Fifty-two first-year PT students participated in the study.

Methods: All participants completed an Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competence Among Healthcare Professionals-Student Version (IAPCC-SV ©) pretest for a baseline measure of cultural competence and an IAPCC-SV© posttest 1 after a classroom educational module including readings, limited lecture, …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On Balance And Self-Efficacy In Children With Developmental Disabilities, Lauren M. Hurley, Alexandra Smola

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The prevalence of developmental disabilities in children in the United States is a serious problem. Since children with developmental disabilities often show decreased self-efficacy and balance, researchers have studied the effects of interventions in this population. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a 10-week THR session on balance and task-specific self-efficacy in children with physical disabilities ages 6 to 18 years old. Bandura’s social cognitive theory and The Physical Stress Theory will guide the quasi-experimental study. A pre-test post-test design will be implemented over a 12 week span at 3 different riding centers in the …

Association Of Running Biomechanics And Injury In Middle School Cross Country Runners, Rachel Salberg

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

INTRODUCTION: While associations between running biomechanics and injury incidence have been fairly well investigated in the adult population, few studies have targeted the adolescent population. Since the adolescent developmental stage places certain vulnerabilities on athletes, adolescents typically sustain injuries that differ from those of adults (DiFiori J.P., et al, 2014). Due to these vulnerabilities, it would be relevant to investigate the biomechanics-injury relationship specifically in this population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations that exist between running gait characteristics and incidence of injury for middle school cross country runners METHODS: The running gait of 19 …

Return To Full Duty Work: Determining The Ideal Time To Refer Occupationally Isolated Acute Low Back Pain Patients To Physical Therapy, Aletha Mae Stephenson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Employees who develop and report nontraumatic acute low back pain that occurs while performing work duties, or shortly thereafter, are classified as having occupational isolated acute low back pain (OIALBP). The purpose of this project was to identify and implement an evidence- based time frame to refer occupational isolated acute low back pain patients (OIALBPPs) to physical therapy (PT) that returns them to full duty work (FDW) more quickly. The diffusion of innovation theory aided the project leader and health care providers to develop strategies to overcome barriers in implementing the project's results into the practice. A total of 932 …

Supervisor Perceptions Of Entry-Level Doctorate And Master's Of Occupational Therapy Degrees, Sherry Lynne Muir

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In occupational therapy (OT), there is a push to encourage the entry-level doctorate (eOTD) over the master's of OT (MOT), without having identified which degree develops therapists who can best meet the needs of clients, while providing the fewest negative consequences for stakeholders. This collective case study assessed whether there are differences between OTs with MOT and with eOTD. Each supervisor's experiences with the two degree groups represented a separate case, then all were collectively considered. The central research question was whether OT supervisors, who have observational knowledge of clinical performance, perceived differences between MOTs and eOTDs in factors that …

Psychological Stress In Critical Care Nurses, Oladele Augustine Odunayo Akinwolere

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Increased levels of stress in the workplace have led the American Psychological Association to predict a looming public health crisis. Critical care nurses (CCNs) are highly exposed to stressors in the workplace, more than other nurses. Tens of billion dollars were reported lost in productive work time yearly due to ill health from depression alone. An important gap remains in understanding the relationships of stressors with the amount of stress. Supported by the biopsychosocial stress theory, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between frequencies of perceived stressors (IVs) as a source of perceived levels of stress …

In Adult Patients With Unilateral Stroke, Is Distributed Constraint-Induced Therapy Or Bilateral Arm Training More Effective In Improving Upper Extremity Motor And Functional Outcomes Compared With A Routine Approach?, Courtney Beyer, Christine Kim, Janice Li, Angelica Soltis, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Stroke survivors may experience deficits and impairments of upper extremity (UE) function that limit their engagement in meaningful everyday occupations. It is important for occupational therapists to identify and test the effectiveness of interventions targeted to decrease UE learned nonuse, improve functional performance, and increase participation in one’s daily occupations.

This study compared the efficacy of distributed constraint-induced therapy (dCIT) and bilateral arm training (BAT) in improving movement strategies and functional abilities of the UE in stroke survivors. Each intervention group participated in the intervention 2 hr/day, five times per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Participants in the dCIT group …

For Stroke Patients, In What Ways Does Robot-Assisted Therapy Improve Upper Extremity Performance In The Areas Of Motor Impairment, Muscle Power, And Strength?, Maria Mandrussow, Ani Keshishyan, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability among adults. Adequate rehabilitation of the upper extremity in stroke patients can improve performance in activities of daily living. Robot-assisted therapy can offer intense, repetitive, and task-specific training to the impaired limb after stroke. Prior studies have shown that robot-assisted therapy may improve strength and motor deficits of the impaired limbs, but there is a lack of research comparing the effects of unilateral robot-assisted training protocol (URTP) versus bilateral robot-assisted training protocol (BRTP) with a robotic device. Comparison of the effectiveness of these two protocols is beneficial to determine the appropriate treatment …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Cognitive Stimulation Of Executive Functions In Mild Cognitive Impairment: Specific Efficacy And Impact In Memory”, Avery Wilson, Yamin Zaw, Malcolm Isely, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Executive functions play a pivotal role in an individual’s independence. However, little research has been conducted on the efficacy of specific cognitive training for individuals with deficits consistent with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The researchers in this study aimed to use a cognitive stimulation program that taught specific strategies to enhance the participants’ attentional and executive functional tasks. The study, using a crossover design involving two groups, included 30 participants affected by the amnestic form of MCI, executive function deficits, or both. The 6-month training sessions addressed challenges through the use of individualized cognitive strategies and proposed activities to exercise …

Critically Appraised Paper For Occupational Therapy Intervention: Effects On Self-Care, Performance, Satisfaction, Self-Esteem/Self-Efficacy, And Role Functioning Of Older Hispanic Females With Arthritis, Jennifer Borcich, Erin Sheehy, Kitsum Li

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

Arthritis is a chronic condition that presents physical and psychosocial challenges that can affect daily functioning. The researchers in this study examined two frequently used methods of occupational therapy intervention—enabling or preparatory activities and occupation-based activities—for managing and improving symptoms of arthritis to improve participation, satisfaction, and self-efficacy in activities of daily living (ADLs).

Twenty-nine older Hispanic women with osteoarthritis participated in the study and were randomized into two intervention groups and a control group. Whereas the occupation-based intervention group consisted of 10–15 min of enabling or preparatory activities, followed by 30 min of occupation-based activities, the enabling/preparatory-based intervention group …

Critically Appraised Paper For “Cognitive Training For Improving Executive Function In Chemotherapy-Treated Breast Cancer Survivors”, Kaitlyn M. Williams, Morgan Mousley, Katherine Blank, Jocelle Flores

Occupational Therapy | Critically Appraised Papers Series

The present literature regarding patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy treatment indicates increased occurrence of cognitive deficits, particularly in executive function. To explore these deficits, the researchers used an online, computer-based intervention program aimed to improve impaired cognition. The population of this study was a group of female breast cancer survivors who had previously received chemotherapy treatment with or without hormonal therapy. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. The implemented intervention was a home-based cognitive training computer program accessible through an online subscription to the Lumos Lab, Inc. The intervention group completed the …

The Effects Of Plyometric Training On Spinal And Supraspinal Motor Control, Jeffrey R. Doeringer

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of plyometric training on spinal and supraspinal motor control in healthy active females. Methods: A 2 (Group) x 2 (Session) x 2 (Stance) mixed model design was used for homosynaptic depression (HD) and recurrent inhibition (RI) data. A 2 (Group) x 2 (Session) mixed model design was used for H:M ratios and V-waves (V:M ratios) data. Thirty-one participants were recruited to participate in the study. Participants participated in either the training or control group for 6-weeks. All participants were measured pre- and post-intervention on H:M ratios, HD, RI, …

Predictive Ability Of Emotional Intelligence Scores On Employee Self-Reported Perception Of Comprehensive Organizational Credibility Inventory, Leif Allen Ford

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Research has shown that emotional intelligence (EQ) is positively related to beneficial outcomes in organizations. Research has also found that negative perceptions of organizational credibility (OC) can result in adverse economic and social costs for organizations and communities. To date, the existing research has failed to examine whether employee EQ might affect employee perceptions of OC. A quantitative, non-experimental study was conducted using a sample of employees in large health and medical organizations throughout the United States. The variables in the study were measured using the Assessing Emotions Scale and the Comprehensive Organizational Credibility Inventory. Multiple regression analyses and Pearson …