Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Predictors Of Clinical Performance On The Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0, Derrick F. Campbell, Nancy G. Hellman, Felicity Macahilig-Rice, Sean E. Witkin, Mansoor Alameri

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 12 performance criteria from the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (PT CPI 3.0) on predicting Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student clinical performance outcomes during clinical education experiences. The PT CPI 3.0 was revised in 2023 to measure DPT student clinical performance. Identifying predictors for clinical performance may help flag students who struggle to meet or fall below performance expectations.

Method: A convenience sample of 693 DPT students from a large U.S. multi-campus program during Fall 2023 clinical education experiences participated. Using an …

Leadership Style And Employee Outcomes In Private Practice Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics, Catherine Beuerle Martin, Debra Ann Beazley

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Background: Workforce retention, employee engagement, and job satisfaction are ongoing challenges in outpatient physical therapy practice. Leadership style has been identified as a potentially modifiable organizational factor that may influence clinician experience and workplace outcomes. Despite extensive leadership research in other health professions, evidence specific to outpatient physical therapy settings remains limited. 

Purpose: To examine the relationships between private practice outpatient physical therapy clinic directors’ perceived leadership styles and staff physical therapists' work engagement, job satisfaction, turnover intention, leadership effectiveness, satisfaction with leadership, and willingness to exert extra effort.

Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study surveyed licensed staff physical …

Service Disruptions In Early Intervention Amid Covid-19: Understanding Challenges Faced By Families And Providers, Tiana T. Nguyen, Samantha Mong, Juliana Lainez, Domenique Embrey

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Infants at risk for developmental delays require early intervention (EI) services to support their development. However, many families face barriers to receiving services, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: This qualitative study examined how COVID-19 impacted access to EI therapy services from the perspectives of families and EI providers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The study aimed to identify existing barriers and new pandemic-specific challenges to inform strategies for improving continuity and quality of EI care during future service disruptions.

Methods: Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with caregivers of eligible infants and EI providers. …

Self-Reported Confidence Of Dpt Students In Assessing And Treating Different Body Regions Within Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Practice, Scott W. Lowe, Jennifer Wiley

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction

This study examined Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' self-reported confidence in assessing and treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions based on body regions. We hypothesized that there would be identifiable differences in self-perceived confidence across the different body regions. Most literature assessing DPT students' readiness for clinical practice has come from the perspective of educators and clinicians, whereas student perspectives have not been reported.

Methods:

The study is a descriptive, observational online survey.  Participants were final-year DPT students in the United States. Participants rated their comfort level in assessing and treating patients with MSK complaints, both in general and specifically …

“Thrown To The Fire”: Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Education And Self-Efficacy In New Graduate Physical Therapists, Michael Furtado, Gregory Brusola, Dana Wild

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice, leading to emergency transitions to online learning and interruptions in clinical experiences across the United States. These disruptions raised concerns about their impact on new graduate DPTs' self-efficacy and professional readiness. The current issue addressed by this study is the effect of these disruptions on new graduate self-efficacy and confidence in their professional role. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the extent of clinical education disruption, evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, and explore the lived experiences of new graduate DPTs during the pandemic. Method: A survey …

Physical Therapists' Perspectives Of Implicit Racial And Ethnic Biases And The Influence On Physical Therapy Practice, Michael Blizniak, Mary Shotwell, Cheryl Kerfeld, Shanda Gore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Problem: Physical therapy (PT) outcome disparities exist among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Implicit racial and ethnic biases (IREBs) may contribute to these inequities. Understanding IREBs within PT practice is crucial for addressing disparities and helping physical therapists comply with the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics Principles. Purpose: This study examines the role of IREBs in PT by exploring physical therapists' awareness of them and their potential influence on PT practice. Methods: A virtual explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Fifty-one United States physical therapists participated in the …

Agreement Among Experienced Physical Therapist Clinicians In Naming Nystagmus: A Mixed-Methods Study Design, Lori Ann Leineke, Alessandra N. Garcia, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Labeling nystagmus requires clinicians to consider multiple aspects of its presentation. The extent to which physical therapists (PTs) use consistent terminology for describing nystagmus is unknown. Recommendations for proper terminology exist, but adherence during clinical assessment has not been determined. This study investigated whether PTs with advanced vestibular rehabilitation skills and training consistently use standardized vocabulary to describe nystagmus patterns. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study utilized an online survey methodology, which included eight free-response questions. Participants viewed videos of nystagmus through Infrared or Frenzel goggles and documented their observations. A codebook of responses was created for each question, …

Effects Of A 12-Week Physical Therapy-Based Exercise Intervention On Gait In Adults With Down Syndrome, Samantha Betts, Stephen Kiraly, Paige Lucero, James Malabanan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Individuals with Down Syndrome (Ds) frequently have sedentary lifestyles and Ds-specific physical impairments such as ligamentous laxity and hypotonia. These impairments often contribute to gait deviations that reduce the efficiency of ambulation. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-week exercise program on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and kinematic variables at the hip, knee, and ankle in adults with Down syndrome (Ds). Methods: A randomized control trial of 40 participants was conducted with two groups: one group of adults with Ds who participated in a 12-week exercise program, and a control group who …

College Of Fine Arts Outreach And Health Promotion For Injury Prevention: A Service Learning Project, Andrea Bejaran-Choto, Emily Horner, Marlene Quirarte, Shaye Robles, Dora Segura, Duc Tu, Trevor Williams

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: This community-based academic initiative targeted a significant deficiency regarding rehabilitative care and wellness assets for Southern Nevada's fine arts practitioners. Despite possessing trauma frequency rates similar to those of collegiate-level athletes, this demographic lacks sufficient infrastructure for health support. The endeavor sought to bolster the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the regional performance art sector utilizing the UNLV College of Fine Arts Physical Therapy Clinic (CFA-PTC).

Description: The initiative focused on three essential objectives: (1) augmenting student consciousness and utilization of therapeutic care at the CFA-PTC, (2) broadening health-related guidance for the artistic …

Patient Facing Physical Therapy Clinicians’ Experience Of Leader Development Across Their Professional Span: A Phenomenological Inquiry, Judith R. Gelber

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

While healthcare professions call for leadership among its practitioners as a key function of practice, hospital systems typically employ a top town leadership structure. In physical therapy, leadership is centered around managers and educators. This leaves a gap in understanding about leadership at the level of the patient facing clinician. This study explored the experience of leader development across the career span of experienced patient facing physical therapists in the United States. The study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach undergirded with leader development, experiential learning, and distributed leadership theories. Participant recruitment focused on patient facing physical therapists with ten or …

Physical Therapy Patient Exercise Adherence Intervention, Carter D. Booe, Dean Clark, Ernesto Duenez, Aiden Haworth, Nathan Jaeger, Gabe Tross, Emery Wolfe

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Non-adherence to prescribed home exercise programs significantly undermines the efficacy of physical therapy (PT), with research indicating only approximately 35% of patients fully adhere to regimens. This issue contributes to suboptimal recovery and places a staggering financial burden on the healthcare system, estimated at $100 billion to $300 billion annually. The Physical Therapy Home Exercise Adherence Trial (PT-HEAT) evaluates the effectiveness of a 14-week behavioral education intervention designed to improve patient adherence outside the clinical setting.

Utilizing the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model, this protocol involves PT staff administering a motivational-volitional screener, followed by trained student aides delivering targeted …

Firearm Violence Prevention: Analysis Of Physical Therapy Political Action Committee Financial Contributions And Congressional Voting, Kim D. Dao, Edward P. Mulligan, Michael Siegel, Liana Wooten

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) declared firearm violence a public health crisis in 2019. This investigation aimed to understand relationships between the amount of APTA political action committee (PTPAC) donations received by a federal candidate and (1) their voting records on FV prevention legislation; and (2) their voting records on other APTA-supported legislation. Methods. Data pertaining to the identification and amount of PTPAC donations to federal Congressional candidates during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles were gathered from the public resource, Open Secrets. Public voting records were compiled on firearm and other APTA-supported legislation. Results. 222 candidates received …

Generative Artificial Intelligence: Clinical Perceptions And Use In Physical Therapy Practice, Robert Dekerlegand, Malachy Clancy, Alison Bell, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is an innovative technology that is reshaping healthcare with potentials ranging from improved efficiency to advancing personalized medicine.¹
• Ensuring the appropriate use of GenAI in teaching and learning has expanded in academia to also ensure graduates can competently use and partner with this technology in their fields.^2-4
• GenAI needs to be both accepted and adopted for these initiatives to translate into professional practice.
• Use of GenAI in physical therapy (PT) is being explored5,6and though therapists appear to understand aspects of this technology, current perceptions and actual use of GenAI in practice …

Organizational Support And Burnout In Occupational And Physical Therapists: A Quantitative Correlational Study In The Acute Care Setting, Brenda Ballou-Boyd Mrs.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Projects

Background: The United States is positioned for an upcoming healthcare crisis with an estimated deficit of 100,000 healthcare professionals by 2028 (Mercer, 2024). Burnout is well documented among the healthcare community and is a major contributing factor to an ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals, including occupational and physical therapists. Most prior research has focused on burnout from a personal level, but addressing burnout from an organizational level may be more effective in reducing this phenomenon among occupational and physical therapy providers.

Purpose: Despite the high levels of burnout reported, a substantial gap exists in research dedicated towards the …

From Fear & Stress To Success: Supporting Dpt Students Through Holistic Development, Lyndsey Vandenberg Pt, Dpt, Edd, Olivia Clouse, Kayla Gehring, Avery Kellin, Abigail Kilmer

DPT Capstone Posters

Background

• Known : FOF and stress heightened in students, Influenced by several factors, Negative impact on students
• Unknown : Relationship between FOF and stress, changes over time, impact on DPT students
• Prediction : Reduction in FOF and stress over time, and correlation between variables at each time interval

Case Description

• Population : Non-experimental quantitative, correlation analysis
• Measures : Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) Administered in month 1 and month 4
• Purpose : Examine changes in FOF and stress across the first semester and their correlation

Discussion

• Findings : Strong positive correlation between variables Higher FOF than …

The Impact Of Collaborative Testing In Biomechanics Coursework In An Entry-Level Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Linsey Hamilton Pt, Dpt, Dsc, Amy Swanton Spt, Elizabeth Lavine Spt, Kelsey Huettl Spt, Natalie Degener Spt

DPT Capstone Posters

Background and Purpose

• Student-centered alternative to traditional summative exams studied in multiple health professions
• Students complete an exam individually, then retake it in small groups
• Limited research in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education
• Shown to improve exam performance and reduce test anxiety
• Purpose: Evaluate effects on biomechanics exam performance among high-, mid-, and low-performing first-year DPT students

Methods

Design & Participants: Longitudinal cohort study of 34 first-year DPT students enrolled in a biomechanics course (Spring 2025)

Conclusion and Relevance

• Collaborative testing improved exam scores for high-, middle-, and low-performing students.
• Course letter grades not significantly impacted
• Supports collaborative testing …

The Effect Of Menopausal Symptoms On Physical Activity Participation, Morgan T. Walsh, Rebecca Franklin, Meghan E. Radnoff, Amy Tremback-Ball

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 …

Effectiveness Of A Task-Oriented Exercise Program In Managing Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report, Daphne N. Olipas

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition that commonly affects adolescents characterized by an abnormal multiplanar curvature of the spine. This condition may result in postural imbalance, trunk asymmetry, and limitations in functional activities. Exercise-based interventions are designed to enhance spinal stability, promote postural awareness, improve respiratory function, and support participation in daily activities. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured therapeutic exercise program for a person diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. The intervention program includes core stabilization exercises, postural re-education, breathing exercises, and functional training.

Case Description: A 14 year-old female was referred to …

Effect On C5 Myotome Distribution After Cervical Spinal Surgery: A Case Report On Early Neuromuscular Re-Education, Nicole Eder Asebias

Capstone Showcase

Background and Purpose: Postoperative C5 palsy is a known problem after cervical spinal surgery and is characterized by upper extremity weakness that can significantly limit the ability to perform daily tasks. Despite its clinical relevance, limited literature describes physical rehabilitation-focused interventions strategies for this condition. The purpose of this case report is to describe the presentation, physical therapy intervention, and outcomes of a patient with postoperative C5 palsy managed with neuromuscular re-education.

Case Description: The patient is an adult who developed left upper extremity weakness consistent with C5 palsy following cervical spinal surgery. Primary impairments included decreased shoulder abductor and …

Manual Therapy In Conjunction With Other Multimodal Interventions In A Patient With Chronic Pain And Hypertension: A Case Report, Craig P. Hensley, Renzo Mendoza, Jennifer Ryan, Emmanuel Yung

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Chronic pain and hypertension (HTN) are worldwide epidemics that are difficult to manage and frequently encountered as comorbid conditions in patient care. There is a paucity of information regarding the effect that manual therapy has on blood pressure (BP), particularly in those with chronic pain and HTN. This case report describes the management of a patient with chronic pain and HTN. The patient was a 41-year-old female with chronic multisite pain and multiple comorbidities, including HTN. Her BP at the initial evaluation was 147/78 with an oscillated device and 142/82 with a sphygmomanometer in the right arm and 144/80 in …

Implementing Pain Curricula In Prelicensure Physical Therapy Education: Faculty Perspectives And Experiences, John D. Kiesel

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The impact of pain on society has implications for individuals’ well-being and the overall health of society. Despite the high prevalence of pain, many new healthcare providers often lack the confidence and skills to manage patients with pain effectively. This phenomenological research study aimed to understand the lived experiences of faculty responsible for developing and delivering pain education to prelicensure physical therapy students. A secondary purpose was to examine the barriers that exist from the perspective of faculty members with subject matter expertise in pain education to implementing effective pain education in prelicensure curricula. Prelicensure pain education is essential for …

Graduate Physical Therapy Students Perceived Benefit Of Prior Anatomy Experiences Following Their First Semester Graduate Physical Therapy Anatomy Course, Austin Alexander

EVMS School of Health Professions Theses & Dissertations

Human anatomy stands as a cornerstone prerequisite for admission into graduate-level Physical Therapy Programs. As such, prior anatomy experiences need to prepare students for success in graduate-level coursework. However, studies have demonstrated that undergraduate anatomy courses vary in their ability to predict success in graduate Physical Therapy anatomy coursework. This research aimed to utilize students' perceptions of their undergraduate anatomy experiences to predict grades in graduate-level Physical Therapy anatomy coursework. The multinomial logistic regression in this study revealed that the absence of perceived preparedness was a significant predictor of membership in the C graduate anatomy grade group. Students who did …

Ethical And Legal Concepts For Pt, Clarence Chan

Open Educational Resources

This course introduces the topics of medical ethics and legal issues as applied to physical therapy practice. Students will have the opportunity to apply legal and ethical theories and concepts to analyze and discuss issues faced by healthcare practitioners. Ethical and legal standards set forth by the legal system in the United States, the Standard of Practice of New York State, and the American Physical Therapy Association core ethics documents will be explored. Students will also become familiarized with the various aspects of administrative, financial, quality improvement, and personnel management information as related to health care practice in the United …

Preparedness And Engagement Of Rehabilitation Professionals In Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Ots, Pts, And Slps In Florida, Rebecca I. Estes, Shari Rone-Adams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health professionals, specifically, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are under-recognized and underutilized in disaster management. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, prevalence of engagement, interest level, roles, perceptions, and training of rehabilitation professionals in the disaster management cycle. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to OTs, PTs, and SLPs, licensed in Florida, a convenience sample. Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: Respondents believe that licensed clinicians have a role in disaster management. Respondents had little familiarity, …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education To Prepare Physical Therapy Students For The Workforce, Marianne Hanover, Heather Pederson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) aims to enhance patient care by improving outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE), a teaching approach for IPC, is now mandated in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Although faculty perceptions of IPE in other healthcare fields are documented, studies exploring faculty attitudes in entry-level DPT programs remain limited. In this qualitative study, we investigated how DPT faculty perceive IPE as a means to prepare students for clinical practice. Using Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a guide, we collected data during interviews with PT faculty in DPT programs. Study findings suggest that the advancement of IPE in …

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

A National Study Of Opioid Knowledge Of Physical Therapy Professionals, Shelene Thomas, John Kiesel, Steven G. Kinney, Isain Zapata

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Deaths from opioid overdoses persist as the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Musculoskeletal pain remains the primary symptom for opioid prescription. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) provide non-prescription pain management strategies to people with musculoskeletal pain. Currently, there lacks research quantifying opioid overdose management knowledge possessed by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students. The purpose of this study was to quantify opioid overdose knowledge by PTs, PTAs, and their respective students, collectively termed physical therapy professionals (PTP). Methods: The electronic survey included several demographic characteristics and the opioid overdose knowledge scale (OOKS) …

Evaluating Assistive Technologies In High Acuity Patients: A Scoping Review With Swot Analysis, Mallory Kargela Pt, Dpt, Amanda Anderson Pt, Dpt, Lindsay Anderson Pt, Dpt, Tian Gong Pt, Dpt, Kylie Scott Pt, Dpt, Edd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This publication examines the application of assistive technologies (AT) in high-acuity environments, including intensive care units (ICUs), acute care hospitals, and others. The aim is to systematically explore and synthesize the use of AT across these settings, identifying key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated. Methods: A literature search was conducted from 2016 to 2023 using PubMed, Tufts and Midwestern University Library databases. Search terms included ('physical therapy' OR 'physiotherapy') AND ('critically ill' OR 'acute' OR 'intensive care') AND ('assistive technology' OR 'technology' OR 'telerehabilitation' OR 'telePT' OR 'functional electrical stimulation' OR 'FES' OR 'cycle ergometry' …