Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effect Of The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (Lsvt) Big Method Based On Occupation On Older Adult Functional Mobility Balance, Muhammad Luthfi, Kharisma Nur Idalasari

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Balance impairment is one of the major problems commonly experienced by older adults as a result of degenerative processes, leading to an increased risk of falls. Falls may cause fear of recurrent falling, reduced physical activity, loss of physical capability, and may eventually result in disability and psychological consequences such as depression. Structured, occupation-based physical activity has been shown to provide various benefits for older adults, including improving physical function, slowing functional decline associated with degenerative processes, reducing fall risk, and enhancing postural control. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the occupation-based Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG …

Fall Risk And Lower Extremity Strength In Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Older Adults: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study, Maimoona Shahid, Yasha Sajjad, Shumail Fatima, Ayesha Tuba, Wajida Perveen, Asim Raza

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many studies have been conducted on falls in individuals older than 60 years of age with diabetes, so the current study focused on comparing and contrasting the fall risk and lower extremity strength in diabetic and non-diabetic people of 50 years of age and above and early identification of fall risk. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study recruited 210 older adults 50 years of age and older from community dwelling areas. Thirty-one (31) participants were healthy and free of diabetes, while 179 of the same age range were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted over a period of …

Personal And High-Intensity Gait Factors Associated With Balance And Walking Improvement With Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Study, Heather Staal

Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between personal factors and High-Intensity Gait variables and balance and walking improvement in an outpatient stroke population.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with persistent gait and balance impairments commonly limiting independence and participation. High-intensity gait training (HIGT) is an evidence-based rehabilitation approach that improves walking outcomes following stroke; however, guidance on how specific training variables are applied in outpatient physical therapy settings remains broad.

Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzes clinical data from outpatient physical therapy episodes in which HIGT is a …

The Impact Of Youth Sport On Occupational Balance: A Survey Study, Sean Jones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Youth sport has been highly researched, exploring both positive and negative health impacts (Adetunji & Akendutire, 2017; Brengtsson et al., 2025; Conway, 2024; Hoffman et al., 2022). Despite the high prevalence of youth sport participation, and variability of health-related outcomes, there has been no research regarding the impact youth sport participation has on occupational balance, an occupational therapy concept that has been linked with overall health and well-being (Park et al., 2021). A mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey study was used to gain better insights into the impact youth sport participation may have on occupational balance. A sample size of 466 Nevada …

Effect Of An Exercise Protocol On Balance In Adults With Down Syndrome, Juan Bernal, Natalie Sato

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Down syndrome (Ds) is a complex genetic condition that can impact multiple systems of the body, including functional balance. Ds-specific impairments such as muscle hypotonia, ligamentous laxity, and decreased muscle strength, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle can result in poor motor control, altered proprioceptive function, static and dynamic instability. Visual and vestibular impairments are also common in this population, increasing fall risk and fear of falling, and discouraging participation in physical activity. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of a physical therapy-based exercise program on the functional balance of adults with Ds.

Number of Subjects: …

Feasibility Of A Functional Reach Tool For Individuals With Lower Extremity Amputations, Neil Bongolan, Dustin Hoy, Ashlyn Strange

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: Patients with lower extremity amputations are at increased risk of falls due to decreased balance ability between amputated and sound side. The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness of a reaching tool for practitioners to assess balance in an inpatient rehab facility. It was anticipated that clinicians will find the reaching device useful when administering the Functional Reach Test (FRT) in a clinical setting, given the frequent use of these assessments and the device’s demonstrated reliability.

Participants: Physical Therapists and patients at an Inpatient Rehab Facility in Henderson, Nevada

Materials/Methods: A prototype reaching tool was provided …

Discordance Between Actual And Perceived Balance Ability Relates To Quality Of Life And Global Cognition In A Clinical Sample Of Parkinson Patients, Daniel S. Peterson, Jason K. Longhurst, Franziska Albrecht, Joanna Weller, Jennifer Vasquez, Myassar Zarif, Mark Gudesblatt, Andrew Hooyman

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Objective

Methods

The Impact Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Self-Reported Balance And Confidence On Perceived Fall Risk: A Pilot Study, Antoney Labuschagne, Wesley Hopper, Bailey Watson, Alexis Ignatin, Ashtyn South, Whitney Dupree, Natalie Michaels

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background: Each year, thousands of people experience one or more episodes of falling, that lead to a lasting impact in function and participation in daily life. Education regarding fall prevention is often focused mainly on the older adult population, but falls can happen at any age. Fear of falling and pain-related fear exists among adults at any age. The focus of this research study was to determine if participation in an aquatic exercise program that focused on balance, core body strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance could be utilized to alleviate the fear of falling and improve performance. Methods: Eight participants completed …

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Those With Visual Impairment, Mikayla Calitis, Haley Mcmenimen, Isabella Bernitsky, Amelia Gansz, Karol Bialek

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Virtual Reality Interventions On Gait And Balance In Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Systematic Review, Meghan Darrough, Stephanie Layland, Breena Kravchick

Student Research Poster Presentations 2026

Background: Chronic stroke survivors often experience long-term gait and balance impairments that impact their functional abilities and activities of daily living. Emerging interventions, such as virtual reality (VR), are being evaluated on their potential to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of virtual reality interventions on gait and balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

Methods: Two literature searches were performed in September 2025 and January 2026 using the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases.

Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorized based on balance outcome measures (Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Performance-Oriented …

Non-Instrumented Dva: Assessment Of Performance And Clinical Feasibility In Children Ages 2 Through 13 Years, Cathey P. Norton, Nancy S. Darr, Mary Katherine Beshears, Katherine Catalano, Tyra Dillard, Mahayla J.K. Gamble, Magdalene Olerich, Sadie Rodell Rupp

Funded Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Vestibular disorders can have functional consequences for children, including balance and gross motor delays, academic difficulties and behavioral manifestations; however, they are frequently undiagnosed in children. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of performing a non-instrumented dynamic visual acuity (DVA) test as a primary screening tool for children and to examine typical performance on this non-instrumented DVA test in a large sample of children ages 2 through 13 years.

Methods: A clinical DVA test was administered to a convenience sample of 208 children aged 2–13 years. Static visual acuity was assessed using …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

The Association Of Acute Stress And Lower Quarter Emg During A Single Leg Balance Dexterity Task, Ted W. Gehrig Iii, Robert I. Dudley, Jo Armour Smith, Lida Gharibvand, Lee S. Berk, Everett B. Lohman Iii

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Research Question

Methods

Sternocleidomastoid Syndrome In A Collegiate Basketball Athlete: A Case Study, Sara Stiltner, Rob Whitehurst, Eric Avers

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

BACKGROUND
20-year-old male basketball athlete with recurring upper and lower extremity instability injuries presented fall 2021 with shoulder and ankle instability. A past medical history of thermal capsulorrhaphy from high school with surgical intervention May 2021 (college first year). October 2021 athlete began experiencing rotator cuff strains in both shoulders. November 2021, December 2021, January 2022 athlete experiences recurrent right ankle sprains. Each ankle sprain resulted in two weeks of lost participation, followed by one week of active participation. The third ankle sprain associated with increased swelling and pain over medial ankle. Upon referral and MRI a deltoid ligament sprain …

Effect Of Hearing Status On Modified Balance Error Scoring System Performance, Matthew Brancaleone, Claire Akard, Jaclyn Caccese

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE
Concussion assessments typically include evaluations of self-reported symptoms, neurocognitive function, and postural control. Specifically, postural control is often assessed using the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS). Although normative mBESS data exist, they may not be appropriate for all athletes, such as those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HoH). Given the relationship between the cochlea and the vestibular system, athletes who are D/HoH may exhibit differences in postural control due to potential vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare mBESS performance between athletes who are D/HoH and athletes who are hearing.

Enhancing Motor Function In Individuals With Lower Limb Amputation Through Peerbased Learning Of Balance And Fall Recovery Skills, Zoe Castle, Jer Ja Chuang, Jewel Granados, Danna Shaw

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: Lower limb amputation (LLA) is a devastating condition that is becoming more prevalent in the United States. We examined the effects of peer-based action observation learning on the brain activation and the eyetracking pattern in individuals with LLA.

Methods: Fourteen individuals with LLA (51.9±12.6 years, 4 females, 9 with transfemoral amputations) were asked to learn a balance task through observing the movements demonstrated by individuals with LLA or persons with intact limbs. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, visual attention time, and peak saccade velocity were recorded when participants watched the demonstration videos. Power spectral density (PSD) was used to analyze the …

The Effect Of Pickleball On Postural Control For Young Adults With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities, Emma Wilkinson

Honors Theses

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, impacting various aspects of life, including balance. Individuals with IDD often experience balance deficits due to muscle weakness, sensory deficits, and slower processing times, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries. Traditional balance training programs such as yoga, aquatic exercises, and exergaming have shown promise in improving balance and physical health in this population.

This study explores the potential of pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, as an alternative balance training intervention for young adults with IDD. Pickleball's unique combination of physical …

A Quasi-Experimental Study Examining The Effects Of A Proprioceptive Rehabilitation Protocol For The Cervical Spine On Balance And Function Using A Laser Head Light In Older Community Dwelling Individuals, Vern M. Swanson Jr., M. Samuel Cheng, Leah Nof, Eric Shamus, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Falls continue to be a major health issue when considering health risks for older individuals. The multi-factorial nature of falls in older adults leads to an overwhelming number of causal factors. Cervical joint position sense and joint position error could be additional factors that could influence the fall risk of older individuals. This research examined the effects of a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol for the cervical spine using a laser head set in older community dwelling individuals. Methods: Sixty (60) subjects were purposively assigned into an experimental and a control group. Control group subjects were given a general lower extremity …

The Use Of Virtual Reality To Improve Gait And Balance In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register …

A Comparison Of Vestibular Function In Young Adult Musicians And Non-Musician Peers, Alexandria W. Greene, Ashley G. Flagge, Nicholas S. Stanley

Ashley Flagge Publications

Purpose: The majority of college-level musicians exceed the daily recommended noise dose level during instrumental practices and performances, although less than one-third report wearing hearing protection while playing their instruments. Although the hazardous effects of music on the auditory system have been established, even in young adult musicians still early in their musical careers, the effects of music on the vestibular system are still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to examine vestibular/balance differences between young adult musicians and non-musicians to determine the effects of music exposure on the vestibular system.

Method: Young adult participants aged 18-27 years …

Assessment Of Gait, Balance, And Falls In Individuals With Neurodegenerative Diseases, Lauren Tueth

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders that impact the brain and lead to neuronal degeneration. This degeneration causes many different symptoms, which are often grouped into motor, cognitive, and psychiatric domains. Individuals with these disorders can experience symptoms from multiple domains at the same time, but little is known about how these distinct symptoms may impact each other.

In Chapter 2, we explored the intersection of balance and cognitive impairment in individuals with Alzheimer disease (AD). AD is traditionally discussed in the context of the dementia symptoms, but people with AD also experience motor deficits. Falls are a huge …

Improving Postpartum Care Through Occupational Therapy, Madison Savage

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The present study aimed to determine the potential role of occupational therapy in caring for women during their postpartum period. The study also aimed to discover the current goals of the practitioners and the needs of postpartum women.

Special Anatomy Series. Imaging Inner Ear Structures With High-Frequency Ultrasound: Application To Physical Rehabilitation Space Medicine., Jeffrey Strakowski, Han Zhang, Millard Reschke, Faye Y Chiou-Tan

Neuroscience Articles

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to document the feasibility of image acquisition, image optimization, and sonographic appearance of the exposed anatomic windows of cadaveric inner ear dissection for purposes of potential future clinical evaluation as part of the developing area of physical and rehabilitation space medicine.

METHODS: Cadaveric dissection of the inner ear was conducted with the goal of exposing areas relevant to vestibular balance. Middle and inner ear structures of 3 human cadavers were imaged with multiple broadband transducers, including emphasis with higher frequency transducers.

RESULTS: The images were best optimized with 17 MHz and 22 MHz …

Enhancing Resources For Individuals Diagnosed With Parkinson’S Disease In Northeast Arkansas, Tinsley Clark

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The doctoral capstone experience and project aim to provide the same holistic approach to all PD clients to ensure that every client’s needs are being met to improve occupational performance and QOL. The literature strengthens the need for the Doctoral Capstone project to address disease-specific interventions, interprofessional collaboration, and access to local resources such as support groups and a disease-specific boot camp program.

Standing Posterior Trunk Rotation With Adaptive Proprioceptive Toss, Jennifer Elvir

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a remarkably individualized disease. Nearly every person’s trajectory is unique. One person may experience tremor at an early stage of the disease, while another may experience tremor at a later stage or even not at all. For all PD patients, for certain can expect increasing difficulty as the disease progresses. Parkinson’s disease is responsible for the loss of dopamine which displays itself most notably through motor and cognitive symptom disruption. Although Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive condition that is irremediable, significant strides have been facilitated to help control and manage the trajectory of the disease. …

Effects Of Chronic Diabetes And Attentional Focus On Performance And Learning Of A Novel Stabilometer Balance Task, Rebeca Carolina Armagnac Gonzalez, Yinny H. Lee, Alicia Marie Letkiewicz, Meiko Nagano Mamauag

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Chronic diabetes is a prevalent systemic disease that impairs physical functioning and often leads to increased risk of falls. Adopting an external focus of attention during motor skill practice has been shown to improve learning outcomes, however, it has not been examined in this population. We examined how attentional focus instructions (internal vs. external) affect balance performance and learning in older adults with and without diabetes.

Methods: Fifty-three older adults (27 with diabetes, 63.7±7.0 years) participated in the randomized, pre-post intervention study. The balance training involved 50 practice trials of a stabilometer task that was novel to …

An Adapted Yoga Program For Adults With Neuromuscular Impairments Designed To Improve Balance, Mood, Quality Of Life, And Engagement In Daily Occupations, Hayes Miller, Mary Smith Otd, Otr/L, Christienne Parten Otd, Med, Otr

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Neuromuscular impairments such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affect an individual's balance, mood, and ability to engage in daily occupations, ultimately impacting their quality of life. Yoga is a practice that is adaptable to any level of function and is holistic in its goal of mind-body unity. However, there has been minimal research regarding yoga's efficacy as a modality for populations with neuromuscular impairments. This study aimed to improve these factors as well as proprioception and interoceptive awareness through the delivery of a 6-week community-based yoga program. The program involved 5 participants, 4 with PD and 1 …

People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Have Impaired Reactive Balance During Walking, Timothy F. Boerger, Learon Mcginn, Megan Bellman, Marjorie C. Wang, Brian D. Schmit, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

People with degenerative cervical myelopathy are known to have impaired standing balance and walking abilities, but less is known about balance responses during walking.

Research question

The aim of this project was to assess reactive balance impairments during walking in people with degenerative cervical myelopothy (PwDCM). We hypothesized that center of mass motion following perturbations would be larger in PwDCM and gluteus medius electromyographic amplitude responses would be decreased in PwDCM.

Methods

Reactive balance responses were quantified during unanticipated lateral pulls to the waist while treadmill walking. Walking biomechanics data were collected from 10 PwDCM (F=6) and 10 non-myelopathic …

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Strength, Balance, Quality Of Life And Emotional Well-Being In Those With Visual Impairments, Michaela Fasolino, Samantha Lubin, Zoee Farr, Jillian Rogers, Maureen Rinehimer

Student Research Poster Presentations 2024

Background Information Numerous disabilities have been shown to benefit with aquatic exercise by research. There is a dearth of research on the health effects of aquatic exercise for individuals with visual impairments. Adults with visual impairments generally have a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than their peers without visual impairments. Additionally, living a sedentary lifestyle increases the chance of developing diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, and sarcopenic obesity. After reading about the positive and long-lasting effects of aquatic exercise in previous studies, these researchers investigated the effects of an aquatic fitness program for individuals with visual impairments. …

Multifactorial Exercise Intervention Decreases Falls Risk In High-Risk And Low-Risk Older Adults, Amanda Estep, Steven Morrison, Shane V. Caswell, Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, João R. Vaz, Nelson Cortes

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 years of age will experience a fall. It is important to identify and address modifiable risk factors that are associated with falls in adults at high and low risk for falls.

Hypothesis: Falls risk improves in both high-risk and low-risk participants with the implementation of Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL).

Study Design: Cohort study.

Level of Evidence: Level 3.

Methods: Seventy-eight older adults (age, 70.9 ± 5.1 years) were included in this study and categorized into high risk and low risk for falling based on the …