Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Factors That Influence Self-Reported Health Changes With Caregiving, Margaret Danilovich, Xiaoling Xiang, Daniel Pinto

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: This study examined factors associated with the self-reported change in health status as a result of caregiving. Method: Multinomial logistic regression were performed to examine the sociodemographic characteristics, care recipients’ characteristics, and caregiving experiences that affect caregivers’ perceptions of health affected by caregiving using data from 1,087 caregiver respondents in the Caregiving in the U.S. 2015 data set. Data were collected through an online or telephone survey of randomly selected adults in 50 states. Results: Worsened self-reported health with caregiving occurred for caregivers aged 50 to 64, racial/ethnic minorities, those who lived within 20 min of the care recipient’s …

The Role Of Balance And Neck Strength In Youth Concussion, Chris Koch, Jenny Neudorfer, Peter Heuberger, Tel Winegar, Calvin Lee, Jarrett Fegel

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Concussion: A concussion is a trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness; this can include a direct blow to the head or a blow to the body resulting in the head and brain moving quickly back and forth (1).

Current Screen: Current concussion screen consists of: symptom checklist, cognitive assessment known as Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), and Balance Errors Scoring System (BESS) (2).

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine an assessment to screen an individual’s risk of sustaining a sport-related concussion.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized the SCAT 4, BESS, Four …

A Comparison Of Neuromuscular Control Between Subjects With And Without Chronic Ankle Instability, Hatem Jaber

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Ankle sprains are common and potentially disabling musculoskeletal injuries occur among physically active individuals. A subsequent problem that is commonly encountered by clinicians due to ankle sprains is the development of ongoing instability. The presence of ankle instability has been linked to impairments in postural and neuromuscular control; however, inconsistent findings have been reported. These discrepancies deem the need to further investigate and provide additional knowledge regarding postural and neuromuscular control strategies utilized by this population. This may enhance the current understanding of chronic ankle instability (CAI) and help to understand how rehabilitation can be customized to specifically target and …

Association Between Hispanic Parents' Attitudes And Knowledge Regarding Obesity And Their Children's Body Mass Index: Implications For The Development Of Obesity, Renee Starr

Theses and Dissertations

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2017), more than 1.9 billion adults age 18 and older are overweight and over 650 million are obese. Data collected through the Centers for Disease Control indicates the prevalence of U.S. adults who are overweight and obese is estimated at 36.5% and the national childhood obesity rate is more than 12.7 million (17%), with approximately one in six school-aged children reaching the obesity level (Ogden, Carroll, Fryar, & Flegal, 2015). Hispanic children have the highest levels of obesity among all racial/ethnic groups (21.9%) and obesity rates are especially prevalent among impoverished Hispanics residing …

Effects Of Direction Time Constraints And Walking Speed On Turn Strategies And Gait Adaptations In Healthy Older And Young Adults, Dennis Torre

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Hip fractures can be life-threatening, debilitating, and costly. The odds for hip fracture increases from impact of sideways falls. While turning has been strongly associated with hip fracture & sideways falls, the distinction between the risks for walking-turns as opposed to low-velocity in-place turning is not clear. The present study sought to fill a gap as previous research had not compared walking-turn performance in young & healthy older adults at low-fall risk within the same study and response-conditions of speed interacting with direction-cue time constraints. Spatial-temporal variables representative of AP braking/propulsion (i.e. stride-length & speed) & ML stability (left/right H-H …

A Review Of Occupation And Impairment Based Assessments Used In Occupational Therapy, Mariana D'Amico

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Objective: The objective of this paper was to analyze the psychometrics, efficacy, and usefulness of assessments to measure occupational performance and occupation-based outcomes.

Methodology: Eight Doctor of Occupational Therapy Students at Nova Southeastern University, along with their professor, analyzed and appraised 46 commonly used assessments to discover and explore the assessments’ purposes, theory-bases, psychometric properties, and usefulness as outcome measures.

Results: We found that many high quality assessments exist and meet the standards for validity and reliability. Although some assessments are client-centered and useful, some still require additional research to strengthen their psychometric properties.

Conclusion: Some widely used assessments …

What Happens After The Nicu? Parents Experience Of Caring For Their Premature Infants At Home, Amanda Pignon

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

This paper reviews the literature on what happens after the NICU with premature babies and their families and provides perspective of a lived experience. There have been numerous studies conducted on the traumatic experience of the NICU, however there is limited research involving the parenting process and experience following the NICU and caring for a high risk infant at home. Articles were searched through two databases, CINAHL and Pubmed, yielding 15 articles in which three specific themes were outlined; psychological distress of parents, perceptions of parents and linking family to resources. While there are programs available for families, not all …

The Occupational Experiences Of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender (Lgbt) Individuals During The Coming Out Process: An Analysis Of Self-Acceptance, Disclosure, And Occupational Change, Lee Meach

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Human occupation is an intensely individual process that is colored by the cultural and life experiences of the individual who is engaged in an activity. The experiences of gender and sexual minorities typically defined as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals are different in many ways from the rest of the population. One occupation unique to this community is the process of “coming out” in which the individual discloses their minority sexual orientation or gender identity to others. The coming out process is complex and multi-faceted, involving both the internal reflective process of first self-accepting one’s orientation and identity …

Contraction Intensity And Sex Differences In Knee-Extensor Fatigability, Paul Ansdell, Kevin Thomas, Glyn Howatson, Sandra K. Hunter, Stuart Goodall

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Females are less fatigable than males during isometric contractions across various muscles and intensities. However, sex differences in knee-extensor fatigability remain relatively unexplored. Purpose: To determine the sex difference in performance fatigability for intermittent, isometric contractions of the knee-extensor muscles. Methods: Eighteen participants (10 males, 8 females) performed intermittent, isometric, knee-extensor contractions at 30% of their maximal voluntary force (MVC) for 30 min and in a separate session at 50% MVC until task-failure. During both fatiguing protocols a MVC was performed every 60 s and electromyography (EMG) was recorded during all contractions. Results: At task completion males had a larger …

Variables Relevant To Self-Efficacy: Mexican-American High School Students With Specific Learning Disabilities, Matilde Barrera Alaniz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to ascertain if a relationship exists between self-efficacy and grade point average (GPA), age, gender, language proficiency, socioeconomic status, and failed grade levels during school career among Mexican-American high school students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) residing along the southwestern state of the Mexican border. Moreover, to learn if a relationship exists between motivation and the above variables. This study also observed if a relationship between motivation as measured by the Academic Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-A) (i.e., external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, and intrinsic motivation) and GPA existed; it also observed the correlation between …

To Heal, Escape: Using Theatre Arts To Promote Holistic Health In The Clinical Setting, John Filegar

Senior Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to provide an argument for the implementation of theatre arts therapy in the clinical setting. The effects of traditional art therapies involving visual arts, expressive arts, and music on the holistic health of the patient in the clinical setting have been thoroughly researched and understood. However, the extent of the influence of theatre arts therapy on the holistic health of individuals in the clinical setting lacks sufficient evidence and therefore cannot be compared to the influence of traditional art therapies on the holistic health of individuals in the same setting. Following an overview on …

Optimization Of The Hockey Fans In Training (Hockey Fit) Weight Loss And Healthy Lifestyle Program For Male Hockey Fans, Wendy Blunt, Dawn P. Gill, Shannon Sibbald, Brendan Riggin, Roseanne Pulford, Ryan Scott, Karen Danylchuk, Cindy M. Gray, Sally Wyke, Christopher Bunn, Robert Petrella

Lifestyle Research Team

BACKGROUND:

The health outcomes of men continue to be poorer than women globally. Challenges in addressing this problem include difficulties engaging men in weight loss programs as they tend to view these programs as contrary to the masculine narrative of independence and self-reliance. Researchers have been turning towards sports fans to engage men in health promotion programs as sports fans are typically male, and tend to have poor health habits.

METHODS:

Developed from the highly successful gender-sensitized Football Fans in Training program, Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT) recruited 80 male hockey fans of the London Knights and Sarnia Sting …

The Pathway To The Use Of A Structured And Supported Approach To Debriefing, Anne H. Zachry, S. B. Lancaster

Faculty Presentations

Debriefing plays a critical role in the transfer of knowledge in simulation education. Various methods are used in the debriefing process based on a variety of factors; this presentation sheds light on the pathway to the use of a structured and supported approach as traversed in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Tennessee Healthcare Center as well as reflections and lessons learned along the way. Engagement in this session will allow learners to further develop their debriefing skills through exposure to information about strategies to use in the debriefing process that can be used as part of …

Cortical Contribution To Linear, Non-Linear And Frequency Components Of Motor Variability Control During Standing, Niklas König Ignasiak

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Motor variability is an inherent feature of all human movements and reflects the quality of functional task performance. Depending on the requirements of the motor task, the human sensory-motor system is thought to be able to flexibly govern the appropriate level of variability. However, it remains unclear which neurophysiological structures are responsible for the control of motor variability. In this study, we tested the contribution of cortical cognitive resources on the control of motor variability (in this case postural sway) using a dual-task paradigm and furthermore observed potential changes in control strategy by evaluating Ia-afferent integration (H-reflex). Twenty healthy subjects …

Dynamic Range Of Frontoparietal Functional Modulation Is Associated With Working Memory Capacity Limitations In Older Adults, Jonathan G. Hakun, Nathan F. Johnson

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Older adults tend to over-activate regions throughout frontoparietal cortices and exhibit a reduced range of functional modulation during WM task performance compared to younger adults. While recent evidence suggests that reduced functional modulation is associated with poorer task performance, it remains unclear whether reduced range of modulation is indicative of general WM capacity-limitations. In the current study, we examined whether the range of functional modulation observed over multiple levels of WM task difficulty (N-Back) predicts in-scanner task performance and out-of-scanner psychometric estimates of WM capacity. Within our sample (60–77 years of age), age was negatively associated with frontoparietal modulation range. …

Targeting Mitoneet With Pioglitazone For Therapeutic Neuroprotection After Spinal Cord Injury, Alexander G. Rabchevsky, Samir P. Patel, Patrick G. Sullivan

Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Without Warning? What Occupational Challenges Cause Suicide Among Minority Young Adults? A Literature Review

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Suicide is a major public health concern within the United States. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for all age groups and the second leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-35. This literature review examines the increase of suicide death rates in young adults age 15-35, specifically young adult minority groups. African American, American Indian, Asian American and Hispanic American have unique occupational challenges that led to the act of suicide. In this review various protective and risk factors are examined to determine the best intervention and prevention measures required to address the epidemic of young …

The Contribution Of Technology To The Development And Sustainability Of An Occupational Therapy Community Of Learners In Doctoral Education, Susan Toth-Cohen, Phd, Otr/L, Mary Gozza-Cohen, Phd, Sandra Schefkind, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

This case study describes the pivotal role of technology in developing a community of practice (COP) designed for post professional occupational therapists that enabled doctoral students, alumni and faculty to share information and insights about topics, initiatives and research critical to the Occupational Therapy field. The COP evolved through ongoing development of the post-professional occupational therapy doctorate (PPOTD) program at Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

The conceptual foundation for the COP moved beyond an initial focus on course delivery to an emphasis on development, implementation, and sustainability of a vibrant learning community. Transformation of the COP was greatly facilitated through the …

A Home-Based Telerehabilitation Program For Patients With Stroke, Lucy Dodakian, Alison Mckenzie, Vu Le, Jill See, Kristin Pearson-Fuhrhop, Erin Burke Quinlan, Robert J. Zhou, Renee Augsberger, Xuan A. Tran, Nizan Friedman, David J. Reinkensmeyer, Steven C. Cramer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background. Although rehabilitation therapy is commonly provided after stroke, many patients do not derive maximal benefit because of access, cost, and compliance. A telerehabilitation-based program may overcome these barriers. We designed, then evaluated a home-based telerehabilitation system in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Methods. Patients were 3 to 24 months poststroke with stable arm motor deficits. Each received 28 days of telerehabilitation using a system delivered to their home. Each day consisted of 1 structured hour focused on individualized exercises and games, stroke education, and an hour of free play. Results. Enrollees (n = 12) had baseline …

Reliability And Concurrent Validity Of Select C3 Logix Test Components, Madeline Simon, Arthur C. Maerlender, Katelyn Metzger, Laura Decoster, Amy Hollingworth, Tamara Valovich Mcleod

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

We sought to investigate the one-week and within-session reliability of the instrumented balance error scoring system test and the concurrent validity/one-week reliability of two neurocognitive assessments available through C3 Logix. (n = 37) Participants completed two balance error scoring system tests separated by the Trails A, Trails B, and Symbol Digit Modality test available through C3 Logix, and with paper and pencil. We found that the instrumented balance error scoring system test demonstrated strong one-week reliability and that neuropsychological tests available through C3 Logix show acceptable concurrent validity with standard (comparable) paper and pencil measures.

All Limbs Lead To The Trunk, Daniel E. Graves, Phd, Darryn Atkinson, Phd, Pt

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Posters

This poster describes the development of and the psychometric properties of the trunk scale that measures the voluntary motor ability in the thoracic and upper lumbar regions. The function of the trunk musculature has far reaching implications, particularly in persons with SCI, where postural control and voluntary movement are compromised to varying degrees. Precisely coordinated muscle actions must occur in the appropriate sequence, duration, and combination for the optimal movement function and maintenance of balance and posture during dynamic activities. Trunk mobility is required for nearly all mobility tasks, particularly transitional movements such as rolling, supine to sit, and sit …

Transforming Physical Therapy Education Through The Use Of Social Network Analysis, Betsy J. Becker, Sara E. Bills

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

PURPOSE

Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a quantitative method to study the patterning and effect of relationships and how individual connections form into social structures that influence outcomes of the group. The purpose of this study is to explain the underpinnings of SNA and its application to PT education for student success and faculty development. This study is innovative and will be beneficial to the profession because there is currently no published literature exploring how PT education is influenced by social structures.

METHODS/DESCRIPTION

The aims of this study are to describe SNA and outline its potential to transform PT education. …

Minimal Clinical Important Difference Of The Quick Disabilities Of The Arm, Shoulder, And Hand (Quickdash) For Post-Surgical Finger Phalanx Fractures, E. Smith-Forbes, Dana Howell, J. Willoughby, G. Pitts, T. Uhl

EKU Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Purpose: STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, multiple-group observational design.

Objective: To determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) outcome measure, for post-surgical phalanx fracture diagnosis, using a triangulation of distribution-and-anchor-based approaches.

Background: The MCID for the QuickDASH has been established using a pool of multiple conditions, and specifically for the shoulder, and other diagnoses in the elbow and wrist, but not for post-surgical finger fracture. Understanding specific threshold change values for post-surgical finger fracture can enhance the clinical decision-making process.

Development Of A Concussion Pathway In Acute Care., Katharine Bell Ms, Otr/L, Cbis, Alisha Unternahrer Ms, Otr/L

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

An Exploratory Study Of Mobile Messaging Preferences By Age: Middle-Aged And Older Adults Compared To Younger Adults, Alexis Kuerbis, Katherine Van Stolk-Cooke, Frederick Muench

Publications and Research

Introduction: Mobile technologies, such as short message service or text messaging, can be an important way to reach individuals with medical and behavioral health problems who are homebound or geographically isolated. Optimally tailoring messages in short message service interventions according to preferences can enhance engagement and positive health outcomes; however, little is known about the messaging preferences of middle-aged and older adults.

Methods: Utilizing secondary data, global messaging preferences were examined to inform the development of short message service interventions for adults of all ages. Two hundred and seventy-seven adults were recruited through an online labor market. They completed an …

Movement Without Boundaries, Jennifer Fortuna

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Johnson Simon, an artist based in West Palm Beach, FL, provided the cover art for the Fall 2017 edition of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). “Dancing in Motion” is a 36” x 60” painting made from acrylic on canvas. Johnson always wanted to become a dancer. He was born with cerebral palsy, and therefore physical limitations make it difficult for Johnson to coordinate his body movements. Through use of vibrant colors and bold strokes, Johnson’s expressionist paintings evoke movement and motion. Occupational therapy helped Johnson discover his artistic abilities. Painting empowered him to move without limitations.

Overview Of Instructional Technology Used In The Education Of Occupational Therapy Students: A Survey Study, Bryan M. Gee, Lisa Salazar, Jessica Porter, Camiel Clark, Theodore W. Peterson

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

The purpose of this study was to explore the type of instructional technology (IT) master’s degree level occupational therapy educational programs routinely use as a part of their lecture- and laboratory-based instruction. Surveying the administrators of 121 graduate occupational therapy programs in the United States, we found that the majority of the respondents identified their program as using IT in some form for lecture-based courses, with less inclusion of IT for laboratory-based courses. Hybrid instruction, with the majority of the content being delivered face-to-face and the remainder via online, were the trends among the respondents. The findings also indicated that …

Perceptions Of Occupational Therapy Students And Faculty Of Compressed Courses: A Pilot Study, Martina G. Allen, Mary Voytek

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

As occupational therapists, our mandate is to be client centered, yet in academic settings there is little information regarding student or faculty preferences about curriculum and course design. This study investigated the perceptions of occupational therapy students and faculty regarding the delivery of content in a compressed course format, thus reducing the number of courses taken at any given time. The authors discuss how the results inform the feasibility of incorporating this format into future curriculum design. A descriptive survey design was used for this study. The participants were 33 entry-level graduate students and two faculty who completed post-course surveys …

Occupational Therapy Students In Norway: Do Their Approaches To Studying Vary By Year In The Program?, Tore Bonsaksen, Mikkel M. Thørrisen, Talieh Sadeghi

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Approaches to studying may be influenced by students’ age, maturity, and experience in higher education. Students’ approaches to studying may develop toward deep and/or strategic approaches and away from a surface approach as they move through the curriculum, which is generally considered a positive development. This study aimed to identify differences in approaches to studying among first-, second-, and third-year students enrolled in an occupational therapy program. Three cohorts of students (n = 160) from one university college completed the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) along with sociodemographic information. One-way analyses of variance were used to …

Educating Occupational Therapists In The Use Of Theory And Evidence To Enhance Supervision Practice, Melanie J. Roberts, Deborah Fitzgerald, Matthew Molineux

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This paper describes the implementation of a unique learning experience aimed at enhancing the quality of supervision practice in occupational therapy at the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service. The package was designed by experienced occupational therapy educators based on adult, blended, and flipped learning approaches with content developed following administration of a standardized tool and semi-structured interviews. The learning package focused particularly on the logistics of supervision and the use of occupational therapy theory and evidence with supervision. The training for supervising therapists included a workshop and pre and post workshop learning activities. This collaborative research approach to designing …