Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Co-Design Of A Personalised Physical Activity Intervention For Stroke Survivors, Natalie A. Fini, Emily R. Ramage, Julie R. Bernhardt, Erin M. Bicknell, Chris C.M. Tzefronis, Paul M. Fink, Erin Godecke, Jill L. Francis, Rebecca Wood, Nicole Li, Brandon Lin, Coralie English, Catherine M. Said

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction/ aims: Incorporating the perspectives of knowledge-users such as stroke survivors into intervention development processes can enhance their relevance and feasibility. The aims of this study were: i) to use co-design to determine “active ingredients” and develop a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors, and ii) to evaluate the co-design process. Methods: A four-stage integrated knowledge translation approach (involving planning and workshops) was applied to co-design a post-stroke physical activity intervention. Knowledge-user participants (stroke survivors (n = 10), carers (n = 3) and clinicians (n = 12)) were recruited. Knowledge-user participants (n = 25) and the research team (n …

State Of Stroke Rehabilitation In Australia: A Who Stars Assessment To Identify Strengths And Gaps Across Policy, Practice And Funding, Lauren J. Christie, Erin Godecke, Maddison Smith, Katharine Scrivener, Kelvin Hill, Joosup Kim, Maria Crotty, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Angela Dos Santos, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: Rehabilitation following stroke is a complex series of assistive and catalytic interventions enabling a survivor to recover and adapt to their stroke. To achieve adaptation, rehabilitation should supplement healthcare across the continuum, however comprehensive evidence on the provision of stroke rehabilitation in Australia is lacking. The aim of this paper was to describe stroke rehabilitation provision, collecting data using the World Health Organisation (WHO) template for rehabilitation information collection (TRIC). Data were analysed descriptively to complete the Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) assessment. Recent Findings: Challenges include inadequacies in reporting and poor data integration between state- …

Promoting Healthy Diet Adherence Using A Multisensory Approach For Post-Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial, Stacey Myers, Yuki Asakura Strempek, Sarah Kaster, Clare Hall

Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Introduction: Evidence supports a healthy diet for secondary stroke prevention; however, programs to implement nutrition education remain inconsistent. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of using a multisensory approach called the “Hands-on Training” program (HOT) to improve healthy diet adherence among patients rehabilitating after stroke.

Methods: This pilot randomized controlled study was conducted at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Stroke patients were randomly assigned to either an experimental group who received HOT or a control group who received conventional education. The HOT group received real-time meal choice coaching, a healthy meal preparation experience, and additional written education. The Mediterranean Eating …

Recent Advances In Vagus Nerve Stimulation For Stroke Rehabilitation, Alicia Bernhardt, Daniel Hahn, Naresh Jadav, Thomas Kelly, Kristin Camardo, Kristin Beltz, Davis Berzins, Mijail Serruya

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

Purpose of Review: This review synthesizes recent developments in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for stroke rehabilitation from 2021–2025, emphasizing the transition from experimental approaches to clinical implementation following FDA approval of implantable VNS. Recent Findings: The 2021 FDA approval of the Vivistim Paired VNS System marked a watershed moment in stroke neuromodulation, providing the first regulatory-approved VNS therapy for upper extremity motor recovery. Long-term follow-up studies demonstrate sustained benefits at one year, with 66% of patients achieving clinically meaningful improvements. Concurrently, investigational transcutaneous approaches continue to evolve, though they remain limited by protocol heterogeneity and anatomical specificity concerns. Summary: Implantable …

Dynamic Overhead Body-Weight Support Improves Walking Performance Following Icu Admission For Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Study, Hillary M. Jacobson, Carolyn Miller, Renee Mckenzie, Bryan Wittmeyer, Andrew Ray

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a commonly treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT), leading to severe weakness and impaired function. Dynamic body weight support systems (DBWS) are a promising rehabilitation tool for enhancing early mobilization in deconditioned patients.

Purpose: Evaluate the integration of DBWS into the rehabilitation plan of a patient recovering from a prolonged ICU stay post-allo HSCT, focusing on mobility and functional recovery.

Case Description: A 55-year-old male, two years post-allo HSCT for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, was hospitalized for 14 weeks due to respiratory distress from pneumonia and lung GVHD, resulting in severe deconditioning. DBWS was introduced …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

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 …

Occupational Therapy Guidelines For Rehabilitating People With Spinal Metastasis: Pathophysiology And Biomechanics, Julie H. Hunley, Ying Guo

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists are increasingly treating people living with metastatic spinal cancer because of advancements in cancer treatment. Specific occupational therapy guidance for serving this growing and vulnerable population is limited. This paper provides evidence for occupational therapists to expand their understanding of the pathophysiological and biomechanical reasons for spinal precautions and the importance of individualizing interventions for people with metastatic spinal cancer. Metastatic lesions can compromise bone integrity, increasing the risk of pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression, leading to irreversible neurological damage. Daily life activities create large forces in the spine, putting people with spinal metastasis at high risk …

Integrated Upper Limb And Language Impairment And Functional Training (Uplift) After Stroke: Study Protocol For An Umbrella Bayesian Optimal Phase Iia Clinical Trial, Kathryn S. Hayward, Geoffrey Donnan, Erin Godecke, Anna Balabanski, Ruth Barker, Julie Bernhardt, Sandra Brauer, Amy Brodtmann, Emily Brogan, Sonia Brownsett, Paul Chapman, David Copland, Elise Cowley, Emily Dalton, Fiona Ellery, Paul Fink, Carlos Garcia Esperon, Annie J. Hill, Heidi Janssen, Siobhan Kavanagh, Timothy Kleinig, Liudmyla Olenko, Joanne J.E. Quek, Trevor Russell, Moira Smith, Lillian Taylor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction One in six stroke survivors continue to experience arm and language disability at 3 months post-stroke. This study aims to identify which model(s) of integrated UPper limb and Language Impairment and Functional Training (UPLIFT) show promise for people 3 months to 24 months post-stroke. We hypothesise that at least one promising UPLIFT model of rehabilitation will be identified. Methods and analysis This is an adaptive Phase IIa master protocol umbrella design that includes four simultaneous Bayesian Optimal Phase II studies to evaluate individual UPLIFT interventions against prespecified objective performance criteria. The intervention is upper limb and language training at …

The Cortical Motor Map For The Extensor Digitorum Communis Muscle Fails To Increase In Treatment-Related Clinically Significant Upper Limb Post-Stroke Recovery, Tomoko Kitago, Joshua Silverstein, Michael B. Gerber, Charlene Thomas, Linda M. Gerber, Gary W. Thickbroom, Dylan J. Edwards

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Cortical reorganization has been proposed as a mechanism for motor recovery of the upper limb. The objective of this study was to determine if intervention-related clinical improvement in post-stroke hemiparesis is associated with enlarged motor cortex representation. Methods: Data were analyzed from a single site subset of the NICHE trial. Clinical assessments of upper limb movement (Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Motor Assessment, FM-UE, Action Research Arm Test, ARAT, and Wolf Motor Function Test, WMFT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor mapping of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscle were performed in 23 participants (3–12 months post-stroke, 10 female, 40–88 yrs) …

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' …

The Benefits Of Infrared Therapy, Mirror Exercise, And Faradic Current In A Patient With Bell’S Palsy: Case Study, Dhyan Rachmawati, Sugiono -, Fendy Nugroho, Noerdjanah -

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: Bell’s Palsy is defined as paralysis of one side of the facial nerve, with an unknown cause. Several other conditions can also cause facial paralysis, such as brain tumors, stroke, myasthenia gravis, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause can be identified, this condition is known as Bell’s Palsy, which is caused by swelling and pressure on the nerve at the stylomastoid foramen, leading to nerve compression or damage. Often, the affected side’s eye cannot be closed. Physiotherapy management plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process for Bell’s Palsy patients to reduce symptoms, accelerate recovery, and …

Brivaracetam For Spinal Cord Injury-Related Neuropathic Pain: Results Of A Pilot Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial, Leslie R. Morse, Ricardo A. Battaglino, Nguyen Nguyen, Brian Devries, Abigail Welch, Ana Lucia Battaglino, Clas Linnman, Michael Stillman, Robert Wudlick, Joda Glossner, Grant Anderton, Richard Goldstein, Scott P. Falci

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: Assess feasibility, safety, and tolerability of 3 months of oral brivaracetam for severe (9-10/10) spinal cord injury-related neuropathic pain.

METHODS: We conducted a multisite pilot study where adults were randomized to 3 months of brivaracetam (100 mg BID) or placebo. Pain was assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory, the International Spinal Cord Injury Pain Basic Dataset (version 2.0), and a daily pain diary.

RESULTS: We enrolled 24 participants across 2 sites and 14 participants were included in the final analysis (n = 8 placebo, n = 6 brivaracetam). The drug was tolerated with expected, nonserious side effects (nausea if …

Short-Term Outcomes Of A Comprehensive Rehabiliation Program With Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation In Polyneuropathy: A Case Report, Tuangtip Surarangsit

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Polyneuropathy, a condition affecting the peripheral nervous system, often results in sensory and motor dysfunction in older adults. Treatment options include medications and various physical therapy modalities including Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS). However, evidence supported treating nerve dysfunction with PMS is limited. In this case, an 84-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis presented with bilateral lower extremity sensory and motor polyneuropathy, experiencing weakness, sensory deficits, and gait instability. After limited success with conventional treatments, a comprehensive rehabilitation program was implemented over four weeks, integrating PMS, occupational therapy, and advanced gait training. Following the intervention, light touch …

Gamified Gait Rehabilitation Via Real-Time Biofeedback And Adaptive Hip-Exoskeleton Control, Mariya Huzaifa Tohfafarosh

Theses

Gait impairments arise from systemic diseases, age-related degeneration, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, or neurological conditions. While traditional rehabilitation can be effective, they often face challenges such as high costs, inaccessibility, and low patient engagement. To address these challenges, my work introduces a virtual reality-based rehabilitation (VRBR) system, integrating real-time motion and electromyographic (EMG) muscle activation feedback with a gamified virtual environment for enhanced adaptability and engagement. The system includes a custom-designed hip-exoskeleton that provides adaptive spring-like assistance or resistance, supporting both mobility-impaired users and strength training. Assistance levels can be tuned to match the user's progress. Additionally, a custom pressure insole was …

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 …

Comparison Of Gluteal Muscle Central Activation In Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Michael Carpio, John S. Donohue, Jacob P. Kissman

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) often present with knee valgus during weight-bearing activities. Weakness in the gluteal muscles is thought to contribute to this condition, but recent studies suggest that hip weakness might be a secondary problem in this population. Central nervous system adaptations have been noted in persons with PFP, which can lead to altered muscle function, faulty movement patterns, and poor function. Experimentally, central activation can be quantified by a central activation ratio (CAR) via superimposed burst (SIB) during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) where the ratio of volitionally activated motor units to total motor units …

An Integrative, Holistic Treatment Approach For Veterans With Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury And Associated Comorbidities: Case Report, Rebekka Dieterich-Hartwell, Janine Brodovsky, Kathryne Dealba, Allison Rubin, Emily Mcguigan, Bindal M. Mehmel, Yevgeniya Sergeyenko

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

This case report of a veteran with a history of multiple traumatic brain injuries, posttraumatic stress, and chronic pain highlights the MossRehab Institute for Brain Health (MRIBH) model of care: a collaborative, interdisciplinary, intensive outpatient treatment program. Unique to this case was the severity of symptomatology and the concerted engagement by the clinicians, who fully tailored and adjusted their approaches based on team rounds and daily exchanges. The client's main concerns of headaches, difficulty sleeping, difficulty with memory and cognition, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, anger, and chronic musculoskeletal pain were addressed and significantly improved within three weeks. The outcome of …

Reaching For More: Advancing Holistic Ot In An Outpatient Therapy Facility, Libby Hembrey

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstones

The purpose of the Doctoral Capstone Project was to explore and enhance the integration of occupation-based interventions (OBIs) in outpatient therapy for individuals recovering from upper extremity injuries. The project aimed to promote more client-centered, meaningful therapy sessions that align with the values and goals of the profession.

Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation: Virtual Reality For The Elderly?, Joseph C. Moschella, Liam H. Kerrick

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term disability, especially within the elderly population. Nearly 50 percent of stroke survivors never achieve full independence post-stroke. This literature review examines the capability of virtual reality (VR), as home-based continuation of stroke rehabilitation for elderly patients. VR has the potential to improve motor recovery, increase independence, and reduce healthcare costs for stroke survivors. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate VR therapy compared to conventional post-stroke therapy. VR rehabilitation demonstrated improvements in motor ability, however it did not demonstrate significantly superior improvements when compared to conventional therapy. …

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

An Ot Web-Based Program For Assessing And Treating Vision Deficits In Tbis, Brooklynn Bycott, Rebecca King, Jaimee Fielder

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project supported occupational therapists in addressing vision deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) through a web-based educational program. The program focused on assessment strategies, intervention techniques and strategies, and caregiver education. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance model and the Occupational Adaptation frame of reference, the project promoted occupational engagement and improved quality of life for individuals with vision deficits associated with TBIs and their caregivers by increasing clinicians’ confidence and knowledge.

Biopsychosocial-Based Exercise Model For Rheumatic Diseases Via Telerehabilitation: A Case Series With A One Year Follow Up, Nazlı Elif Nacar, Nur Banu Karaca, Zeynep Irem Bulut, Erkin Oguz Sarı, Senem Bulut, Yavuz Yakut, Sevim Oksüz, Sedat Kiraz, Edibe Unal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aims to examine the sustainability of the biopsychosocial exercise performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with rheumatic disease, with and without supervision, and investigate the effect of the biopsychosocial-based exercise model on biopsychosocial status, general health status, and anxiety-depression levels of individuals. Method: Twenty patients with rheumatic diseases performed a biopsychosocial-based exercise model Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach via telerehabilitation with physiotherapist-supervised and unsupervised exercises who continued for three sessions per week for 12 months. Outcome measures were Health Assessment Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach -Biopsychosocial Questionnaire. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3rd, …

Patient-Generated Graphs To Measure Pain And Fatigue In Persons With Neuralgic Amyotrophy, Renske Mj Janssen, Jos Ijspeert, Jan T. Groothuis, Nens Van Alfen, Alexander Ch Geurts, Maud Jl Graff, Tanya L. Packer, Edith Hc Cup

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Patients with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) often experience limitations in daily activities because of pain and fatigue. Visual analogue graphs with a 24-hour x-axis can be used to rate pain and fatigue severity during a typical day. This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the visual analogue graphs in patients with NA.

Method: Eight patients completed pain and fatigue graphs on three moments to examine inter-rater and test-retest reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). Concurrent validity (n = 47) was tested by determining correlations between mean pain graph scores and numerical rating scale for pain (NRS-pain) and …

Importance Of Objective Assessment To Determine Physical Function In Persons Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Anne Swisher

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Developing A Scheduling Method For Animal-Assisted Therapy In Acute Rehabilitation, Abbegayle Sutterfield

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) provides meaningful benefits in rehabilitation, including reduced anxiety and improved motivation and physical outcomes (Burres et al, 2016, Denzer-Weiler & Hreha, 2018). However, barriers such as inconsistent scheduling and limited clinician experience hinder implementation in fast-paced healthcare settings. This project took place at a large inpatient acute care hospital where therapy staff sought to integrate AAT more effectively into rehabilitation sessions.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to develop a sustainable scheduling method to facilitate coordination between therapy staff and volunteer animal-handler teams. Goals included improving interdisciplinary communication, enhancing patient engagement through AAT, and creating …

Book Review: Neuro-Visual Processing Rehabilitation: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Book review

Occupational Therapy In Upper Limb Loss, Prosthetics, And Rehabilitation: A Video Training Series For Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Bailey M. Brown, Lesley Khan-Farooqi

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to deepen my understanding of upper limb prosthetics, observe patient care, and identify gaps in occupational therapy education related to upper limb loss, prosthetic use, and rehabilitation. A key objective was to support the Hanger Clinic by increasing the number of completed Upper Limb Prosthetic User Outcome Forms, as well as to capture photos and videos—separate from this video training series—to contribute to Hanger’s educational library. Additionally, the project aimed to develop practical resources for both patients and clinicians navigating upper limb loss. Insights gained throughout this experience informed the creation of a …

Physical Therapy Outcome Measures Used In Persons With Long Covid: A Systematic Review Of Interventional Studies Up To 1-Year Postglobal Health Emergency, Andrea Lopes Sauers, Liana Johnson, Marissa Mortensen, Laura Bianca Dorásio Da Silva, Luciana Angélica Da Silva De Jesus, Jaime González, Cristino Oliveira

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose:

To identify the most frequently used outcome measures in interventional studies for Long Covid in outpatient, home-based, and telerehabilitation physical therapy settings.

Methods:

Registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021286714) and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, this review included interventional studies performed in outpatient, telerehabilitation, or home-based physical therapy settings, assessing adults with persistent Long Covid symptoms in at least 3 months post-COVID-19 infection and published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. A comprehensive search strategy was executed across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, SciELO, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Data were managed via Covidence, with studies independently screened and extracted by …

Physiotherapy In Community-Based Rehabilitation In Middle And Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Er D. Petil Jr., Napoleon R. Caballero

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the …