Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Impact Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury On Romantic Relationships, Rylie K. Power

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Well-documented symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) include acute symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and memory loss. However, many TBI survivors also experience changes in cognition, behavior, personality, and mood that challenge interpersonal relationships. These invisible, neurobehavioral symptoms are uniquely challenging for survivors and caregivers of mild TBIs that lack physical, daily reminders that can accompany more severe injuries. The present study focused on the effects of survivors’ mild TBIs on their romantic relationships and the potential for a deteriorating support system. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach quantitatively assessed the environment of romantic relationships after …

Mobility Of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis And The Influence Of Physical Therapy, Brenda L. Davies

Theses & Dissertations

One main purpose was to explore the compensatory gait strategies of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). To address this purpose, we quantified the mechanical work generated by the lower extremity joints during walking. The outcomes from this investi­gation suggested that individuals with MS redistribute positive mechanical work during walking to the hip in order to compensate for a reduced ability of the ankle to generate positive mechanical work. Additionally, we also explored the motor control of the ankle as a potential contributing factor to the mobility limitations of individuals with MS. The outcomes from this investigation indicated that individuals with …

Measurement Of Daily Energy Expenditure In Individuals With Chronic Heart Failure, Yanlong Li

Theses & Dissertations

Being able to accurately monitor and quantify the amount of physical activity an individual with chronic heart failure (CHF) performs can be of assistance in developing appropriate interventions. This thesis attempted to evaluate the validity of the RT3 accelerometer (RT3) and 7-day Physical Activity Recall Questionnaire (7 day PAR) in measuring the daily activity levels of community dwelling individuals with CHF. Fifty-four individuals with CHF participated in a 7 day session to estimate their daily physical activity by using the RT3 accelerometer and 7-day PAR questionnaire. In addition, 15 of the 54 individuals participated in a second study in with …

Optimism Bias In Fitness, Katrielle Marx

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The people of the United States of America have been concerned with the population’s overweight and obesity rate for a while. The purpose of this study was to find out if optimism bias had an influence on fitness. Optimism bias is overestimating the likelihood of positive events and underestimate the likelihood of negative events happening in one’s life. This study created a fitness optimism scale and used a set of fitness assessments and exercise questions to correlate with the fitness optimism bias. There were 105 students who participated in this study, 82 females and 23 males with a mean age …

Ua61/16 White Coat Ceremony Program, Wku Physical Therapy

WKU Administration Documents

White coat ceremony program for WKU Physical Therapy class of 2016.

Inter-Professional Collaboration: The Impact Of Serial Versus Merged Treatment On The Behavior Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Robyn Starry

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Interdisciplinary collaboration is an innovative, resourceful approach to healthcare intended to positively affect patient outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the serial exposure to three treatments, Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech Language Pathology, and Occupational Therapy, in comparison with an exposure to a merge of these treatments on child outcomes. During the serial treatment phases of intervention, three licensed professionals implemented core techniques from their respective disciplines. During merged treatment phases, a graduate clinician combined and implemented techniques from all three fields: differential attention, request sequences, sensory exposure, verbal/tactile cueing for postural alignment/control and …

Stand Tall, Don’T Fall: A Systematic Review On The Effectiveness Of Tai Chi For Improving Balance In Healthy Older Adults, Miya Cho, Ots, Moira Frain, Ots, Courtney Monk, Ots, Caitlin O'Neill, Ots, Kathryn Ricciardi, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

•Identify and describe the need for effective balance related interventions among the healthy older adult population

• Recognize occupational therapy’s role in improving balance to decrease risk of falls

• Discuss the effectiveness of Tai Chi as an intervention for improving balance within this population

PICO

• Is Tai Chi an effective intervention for improving balance in the healthy older adult population?

Presentation: 40:55

Handout at bottom of page.

Reframe The Pain: A Systematic Review Of Occupational Therapy Interventions To Promote Quality Of Life For Adults With Fibromyalgia, Alyssa Armstrong, Ots, Jonathan Forkin, Ots, Emma Jablonski, Ots, Shelby Moyer, Ots, Suzanne Sager, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

1. Define clinical presentation and three common characteristics of fibromyalgia (FMS) as it impacts quality of life (QOL).

2. Recognize the importance of an occupational therapy (OT) approach as an alternative to current practice methods.

3. Identify at least three effective EBP interventions within the scope of OT to address quality of life for individuals with FMS.

PICO:

What is the evidence to support the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of OT on improving quality of life for adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Presentation: 43:56

Handout with references at bottom of page.

Keeping Up With The Preemies: Early Interventions In Occupational Therapy For Children Born Premature, Jennifer Donnelly, Ots, Angela Mancini, Ots, Heidi Miller, Ots, Taylor Vile, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

1. Identify areas of occupational performance that may be impacted by premature birth.

2. Understand current themes of interventions for promoting development after premature birth.

3. Apply evidence-based practice to interventions for children born prematurely.

PICO:

What is the evidence to support the use of early interventions in the scope of OT to promote development in children born prematurely?

Presentation: 53:18

Ergonomic Intervention For Injury Prevention In Healthcare Personnel: A Systematic Review, Marisa Andrews, Ots, Kory Collier, Ots, Erin Dougherty, Ots, Alyssa Vidovich, Ots

Collaborative Research and Evidence shared Among Therapists and Educators (CREATE Day)

Objectives:

1. Recognize the magnitude of work-related injury in healthcare and the need for intervention in this area

2. Discuss 2 ergonomic interventions within the scope of OT practice that can improve work-related injury

3. Recall 2 common themes that have emerged based on current literature for ergonomic intervention

Clinical Research Question:

Does ergonomic intervention prevent work-related injuries and associated outcomes for healthcare personnel engaged in patienthandling?

Presentation: 39:05

The Effects Of Locomotion-Induced Shock Loading On Tibiofemoral Bone Stress Response, Alexa Standerfer, Suzenna Ngo, Karen Daun

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Knee osteoarthritis (Coats, Zioupos, & Aspden) is a degenerative joint disease that negatively impacts the quality of life. About 9.3 million people in the U.S. population are affected. It has been suggested via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that bone marrow edema (i.e., indicative of bone stress response) and joint structure changes may be the main contributing factors of pain in OA. Frontal plane lower extremity (LE) alignment has been a topic of much interest regarding development of OA in the knee joint. It is hypothesized that varus alignment increases forces through the medial compartment of the knee, thereby …

Alcohol Consumption As A Risk Factor For Sarcopenia - A Meta-Analysis, M. Steffl, R. W. Bohannon, M. Petr, E. Kohlikova, I. Holmerova

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Do Running Kinematics Change On The Alter-G Treadmill? [2016], Brittany Lavaute

Master's Theses

The Alter-G lower body positive pressure treadmill, also known as the antigravity treadmill, provides a unique means of exercising for rehabilitation patients and low-impact training in athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the interaction effect of four different treadmill weighted conditions and three different running velocities (2.68 m.s-1, 3.13 m.s-1, and 3.58 m.s-1) on the kinematic variables of step length, step rate, contact time, and flight time on the Alter-G treadmill (AG) and on the regular treadmill (TM). Fifteen participants completed two separate days of testing. All individuals ran at four different conditions (100%, 80%, 60%, and …

Facilitating Effective Communication Between First Responders And Older Adults During Fall Incidents: An Educational Intervention, Krystin M. Beeman, Erica L. Berger, Isabel A. Cabezas, Nicole M. Mathews

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

PURPOSE. The purpose of this project was to provide first responders with communication strategies for older adults that may help when responding to fall- related calls. General information was also provided to First Responders on working with older adults with a focus on the aging process, fall risk factors, and communications strategies.

METHODS. A series of educational sessions to first responders at a local fire district were developed and presented by occupational therapy students. Materials were developed by presenters from evidence-based resources and tailored to the target population. Each presentation focused on statistics about older adults, the aging process, fall …

The Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise Program For Older Adults, Anna Lee, Courtney Beyer, Jessica Lim, Sienna Anderson

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the most common cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults over the age of 65 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2009). Falls can lead to a myriad of traumatic physical and emotional consequences. Integrated exercise programs such as the Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) program are effective in preventing falls and increasing fall efficacy in individuals who have previously fallen (Clemson et al., 2012). The purpose of our study was to examine if the LiFE program is as effective in reducing fall risk and increasing fall …

Increasing Occupational Participation Of Older Adults With Low Vision Through An Occupation-Based Exercise Video, Valerie J. Deroos, Skyler Moon

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

With the increasingly large population of older adults with low vision, many older adults would benefit from having a guide dog as an assistive device. When walking with a guide dog, different upper extremity muscles and postures are adopted to handle the guide dog. However, older adults with low vision may not be in the proper physical condition to meet the strenuous demands of handling a guide dog due to the normal aging process and decreased mobility. To prevent pain and injury, stretching and strengthening muscles used when handling a guide dog may benefit older adults before entering the Guide …

Preventing And Reducing Falls In Assisted Living Facilities: An Educational Intervention, Jennifer A. Borcich, Raquel F. Ramos, Taylor S. Wong

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

As the number of older adults continues to rise, falling in older adults has become a national health care issue. Many older adults who fall reside in assisted living facilities. Every time a fall incident occurs, first responders are called, utilizing a significant amount of first responder’s time and resources. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to implement a fall prevention program for residents of an assisted living facility (ALF) to reduce fall risk and fall-related calls to the local fire department. The project consisted of a four-week course given once weekly for 60 minutes to residents at an …

Capturing Success At Autistry Studios: A Qualitative Study, Ali Ives, Vince Colombano, Joey Bava

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This qualitative study examined the perceived outcomes of participation at Autistry Studios among young adult students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autistry Studios is a unique program offering services to individuals with ASD similar to that of a pre-vocational training program. The mission of Autistry Studios is to help students with ASD become independent adults by engaging in “project-based therapy.” A setting is provided where individuals with ASD can achieve personal and functional growth with the use of creative resources like art supplies, raw materials, and power tools to pursue and complete a project that is client-centered. The purpose of …

The Effect Of Balance Training On Disruptive Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Claire A. Scates

Honors Theses

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of balance training on disruptive behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Methods

Fourteen parents of children with ASD participated in this study. Data was collected using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) distributed to various therapy centers around the Hattiesburg and Jackson areas. A secondary survey was included that collected demographic data and basic data on what therapies the children have been involved in. The ABC provided a measure of the incidence of disruptive behaviors exhibited by the children with ASD as evaluated by their parents. Three of …

Instilling Hope: Showing Individuals With New Disabilities Between The Ages Of 18 And 24 That Suicide Is Not The Answer, Christine Ann Whiting

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore what can be done to mitigate the onset of a disability for young adults aged 18-24 in order to prevent suicidal thoughts or actions. Research suggests that many factors play into suicidal ideation for this young population, including lost hope, lack of coping mechanisms, lack of financial security and bullying. The goal of this research is to determine what rehabilitation professionals can do differently that will hopefully eradicate suicide for this group.

A Comparison Of Therapeutic Heating Modalities And Stretching Techniques To Increase Hip Flexion, Amee Jaymes Stapleton

Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Individuals can positively benefit from increasing flexibility. These benefits include: preventing injury, improving blood flow to soft tissues, improving posture, and decreasing low back pain. Traditionally, stretching is used to increase flexibility. However, stretching in combination with heating modalities have shown to increase flexibility as well. This study was designed to investigate the effect of pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) on hamstring flexibility using static stretch versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facility (PNF) contract relax as compared to superficial heat and static stretch. This study examined 30 college-aged individuals who had 90º or less of hip flexion. Participants were randomly divided into one …

Rapid Step Test Based On Leg Length As A Novel Dynamic Standing Balance Test In The Geriatric Population: A Pilot Study, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, E. Conkel, D Mcintyre, Q Rizvi, P Sharkey

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year, 1 out of 3 adults over age 65 experience a fall resulting in a traumatic injury or even mortality. Falls are the leading cause of death in the elderly population and cause the greatest number of hospital admissions from trauma. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BEST), Berg Balance Scale, and Tinetti are frequently used tests to determine fall risk. However, they can be complicated, time consuming, and exhibit a ceiling effect. This study employed the Rapid Step Test (RST) to examine the use and practicality of a new, portable and easy to administer test that may differentiate between …

Scapular Performance In Women With Breast Cancer Compared To Healthy Controls, Carlie S. Henzler, Mary I. Fisher, Lucinda A. Pfalzer, Ellen Levy, Shana E. Harrington, Naomi L. Gerber, Nicole L. Stout

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Scapular Flip Test is designed to recognize abnormal scapular position defined by winging/tipping of the scapula on resisted external rotation. Originally created to detect scapular dysfunction with spinal accessory nerve damage, the Scapular Flip Test may be a simple screening tool for any scapular dysfunction that results from breast cancer surgery and treatment to the shoulder and axillary region.

The Use Of The Four Square Step Test And The Y Balance Test To Assess Balance In Typical Children Ages 6-10 Years, Sarah Collier, Kendra Lucas, Leah Meyer, Amanda Watamaniuk, Kelsey Waterman, Ashely Zappia

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition (BOT-2) is a widely used standardized tool to assess gross motor function, including balance, in children ages 4-21.The Four Square Step Test (FSST) was developed as a reliable assessment tool to assess fall risk in the geriatric population, however there is limited research on its use in the pediatric population. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) was developed to detect functional deficits in the athletic population, it is unknown if this is a reliable test in the pediatric population.

Inter-Rater Reliability Of Weight Bearing Knee Joint Space Measurements Obtained With Diagnostic Ultrasound, Colton Adkins, Patrick Hart, Jacob Hinton, Alicia Nelson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Historically, joint space has been determined via x-ray; ultrasound has been suggested as a better choice since it involves no radiation. Documenting joint space is clinically important to determine the degree of degenerative progression associated with osteoarthritis and aging. Reliability of the use diagnostic ultrasound to measure weight-bearing knee joint space has not been investigated.

The Utility Of Functional Movement Assessment And Select Clinical Measures In Predicting Injury In Nba Players, Collin Brown, Elizabeth Depalma, Zach Gerber, Matthew Linstedt, Kevin Royce, James Swanson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Professional basketball has evolved into a contact sport that imparts an incredible physical demand on an athlete’s body. Despite medical advancements and the progression of coaching and training techniques, rate of injury has not declined. Tools such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) have been used to assist in predicting injury, but recent literature has stated that they are better for identifying functional deficits than potential for injury. Certain clinical tests and measures may be helpful in determining which players may be at risk.

The Effect Of Dry Needling To The Multifidus Muscle On Resting And Contracted Thickness Of Transversus Abdominis In Subjects With Low Back Pain, Shane Collins, Abbay Dow, Daniel Rincon

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. Objective: To measure the effects of dry needling to the lumbar multifidus (MF) muscle for any change in resting and contracted thickness of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle as well as symptoms and disability in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that individuals with LBP have diminished co-activation of the lumbar MF and TrA muscles, which when working appropriately in healthy individuals, contributes to spinal stability and function. A significant change in the resting and contracted thickness of TrA has been found with dry needling to the lumbar …

Preventing Non-Contact Acl Injuries In Female Athletes: What Can We Learn From The Dancers?, Sarah Crow, Thomas Crowther, Trenton Saupan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study design: Cross-sectional case control.
 Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dance experience and movement instruction on lower extremity kinematics and muscle activation during landing tasks Background/Aim: Current research demonstrates that dancers exhibit a much lower incidence of ACL injuries when compared to athletes of other sports despite the fact that dancers jump and land frequently in their training and performance. The mechanism that underlies this disparity is unclear.
 Methods: We analyzed lower extremity biomechanics during landing in 27 subjects (age 18-25 years, 12 dancers and 15 non-dancers). In the non-instructed (NI) conditions, participants …

The Effects Of Patellofemoral Taping On Patellofemoral Joint Alignment And Contact Area, Ryan Epstein, Ron Garcia, Nicole Riley

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: It is widely accepted that patellofemoral pain (PFP) is the result of excessive stress between the retro-patellar surface and the femoral trochlea. Elevated patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stress may be associated with a reduction in PFJ contact area resulting from patellar malalignment (e.g., lateral displacement, lateral tilt, or patellar alta and/or quadriceps imbalance). McConnell and Kinesio taping techniques are commonly used to address PFP and improve PFJ alignment. It has been theorized that PFJ taping can alter the PFJ alignment which may increase the patella’s contact area within the femoral trochlea, thereby resulting in a reduction in PFP. To date, …

Influences Of Body Composition, Multimorbidity And Polypharmacy On Physical Mobility Of Older Adults, Chieh Chen, Linna Sestini, Rachel Wilde

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The prevalence of falls, and the resulting injuries and complications reflect a key concern in the older adult population. An increased risk of falls is highly correlated with decreases in physical mobility and related functions. The Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG) has an established reliability and validity in assessing physical function and the risk of falling in the older adult population. With age, a person typically has an increased number of health morbidities, which may be reflected in changing body composition and the number of medications associated with diseases. However, the influence of these factors on physical mobility …