Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Thrust Joint Manipulation Utilization By Us Physical Therapists, Sean Reilly, Rebecca Slaughter, Erwin Ventura

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Online survey study. Objective: To determine physical therapists’ utilization of thrust joint manipulation (TJM) and their comfort level in using TJM between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine. We hypothesized that physical therapists who use TJM would report regular use and comfort providing it to the thoracic and lumbar spines, but not so much for the cervical spine. Background: Recent surveys of first professional physical therapy degree programs have found that TJM to the cervical spine is not taught to the same degree as to the thoracic and lumbar spines. Methods: We developed a survey …

Influence Of Mechanical Choices On Development And Persistence Of Osteoarthritis: How Alexander Technique Can Promote Prevention And Management, Rachelle E. Lowry

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Is osteoarthritis a fate unconditionally vested in genetic makeup, or are joints aggravated into inflammation by the way they are treated? Humans are a complicated conglomeration of experiences, decisions, and inheritance. Osteoarthritis, likewise, has evaded simplicity in any explanation of its causation, so it necessitates a multi-dimensional perspective.

This research considers the relevance of Alexander Technique in filling a void in which treatment and management of osteoarthritis is not equally equipped to answer this multi-dimensional causation. Alexander Technique is classified as a movement therapy, but this does not quite encompass the mindset of it—that it is indeed largely a mindset …

Effects Of Simple Postural Instructions On Running Form Modification In Recreational Runners – Preliminary Findings, Elizabeth Billington, Scott Devries, Kenshin Scoggin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and purpose: Running is one of the most popular exercises but it is also an activity with a high incidence of injury. Running form modification involving a forward lean of the trunk and forefoot strike pattern has been shown to be effective in attenuating the impact forces of the lower extremity. However, it is currently unknown how these changes can be most effectively instructed and learned by the runners. Previous studies have shown that practicing a motor task with an external focus can facilitate learning and retention when compared to the more common internal focus instructions. The purpose of …

Use Of A Mobile Application To Increase Patient Compliance To A Prescribed Home Exercise Program And Improve Outcomes, Ellie Cobb, Jed Hurst, Ethan Konshuk

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Methods: The creator of the app offered free use of their app to a physical therapy clinic. As the app is only compatible with Apple products, the clinic used the app with any patient that had an iPhone. Retrospective review was conducted to determine if differences in patient outcomes were observed. Patients who had access to an iPad or iPhone were considered part of the “app group” and used the mobile app to reference and report PT HEP compliance. Patients without access to an iPad or iPhone were considered part of the “non-app group” and received traditional PT HEP prescription …

Balance Confidence And Fear Of Falling Avoidance Behavior Are Most Predictive Of Falling In Older Adults: A Prospective Analysis, Sarrie Oscar, Jessica Sasaoka, Kyle Vaughn

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Evidence suggests that there are several fall predictors in the elderly population, including previous fall history and balance impairment. To date, however, the role of psychological factors has not yet been thoroughly vetted in conjunction with physical factors as predictors of future falls. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine which measures, physical and psychological, are most predictive of falling in older adults. Design: This was a prospective cohort study. Methods: Sixty-four participants (mean age=72.2 years, SD=7.2; 40 women, 24 men) with and without pathology (25 healthy, 17 with Parkinson disease, 11 with cerebrovascular accident, 6 with …

Heel-Raised Foot Posture And Weightlifting Shoes Do Not Affect Trunk And Lowerextremity Biomechanics During A Barbell Back Squat, Javier Ibarra, Derek Oldroyd, Ryan Zane

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: It is claimed that wearing weightlifting shoes with a raised-heel can improve posture and leg muscle activation, and reduce the risk of back injuries during a barbell back squat. However, these proclaimed biomechanical effects have not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the thoracic, lumbar, and lower extremity biomechanics during barbell back squat in 3 foot posture conditions. Subjects: 14 healthy recreational weightlifters (7 male and 7 female) between the ages of 18-50 participated in the study. A minimum of 2 years weightlifting experience and regular training with the barbell back squat …

The Comparison Of Dual-Tasking And Functional Fitness In Older Females, Anna Engler

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

Context: America’s aging population is growing faster than ever, resulting in increasing challenges for healthcare providers and caregivers. Over 33% of adults aged 65 and older fall annually, and falls are the number one cause of injury-related death in this age group. Assessing fall risk is difficult due to its multifactorial nature, but functional fitness serves as a proxy measure. Women are at a particularly high risk for fall-related injury due to lower bone mineral density and higher fall frequency when compared to males. Fear of falling is also a serious contributor to fall risk, and it affects up …

Ethics With Regard To Compensation And Current Ncaa Policy, Tyler Mcbride

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research is to analyze former NCAA Division I football players’ ethical perceptions of current NCAA policy, specifically concerning regulations governing compensation of the student athlete. This quantitative research study collected data using a 20-question survey instrument composed of demographic and Likert type questions. Statistical analysis determined the data failed to establish a statistically significant behavioral trend arguing either for or against current policies. However, data revealed a statistical difference between the opinions expressed by Caucasian alumni as compared to those of other ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to expose illegitimate processes within the NCAA …

Effectiveness Of The Bridge/Adapt Program On Functional Skill Generalization After Acquired Brain Injury, Janice S. Li, Diana Lopez, Eugene Cheung, Angela Talamantez

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

This study explored the effectiveness of the Bridge/Adapt program for generalizing increased cognition to functional skills. Three participants, identified as having significant cognitive impairments as measured by the Cognistat assessment, participated in the Bridge/Adapt program, an eight-week program that includes both remedial and compensatory components. The remedial component used was a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program called Parrot Software. Past studies have proven computer-based cognitive rehabilitation to be effective in increasing overall cognition. The Bridge/Adapt module is the compensatory component that utilized a variety of strategies and everyday tasks to facilitate the generalization of improved cognition to functional performance. A homework …

Spirituality And Psychological Well-Being Among Als Caregivers: Hope And Perceived Stress As Mediators, Bridget R. Jeter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The empirical study of the salutary relationship between spirituality/religiousness and psychological well-being is burgeoning. However, mechanisms of this association have received less empirical attention. Theory suggests that spirituality/religiousness may lead to positive psychological characteristics such as hope, which may function as a means of coping in the context of a significant stressor or stressful situation. The perceived burden and stress associated with caring for individuals with chronic illnesses such as ALS is significant, and caregivers may be at risk for increased symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, somatic symptoms, and other deleterious psychological well-being related outcomes. Within the context of …

Investigation Into The Barbell Backsquat Comparing Weightlifting Shoes To Barefoot Conditions, Alex W. Pilkinton

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This present study was intended to investigate muscle activation patterns throughout the barbell back squat and determine if there are any differences found in EMG responses among individuals wearing weightlifting shoes and barefooted individuals. The hypothesis was that weightlifting shoes would generate significantly greater muscle activation patterns throughout the barbell back squat due to the rigid structure and raised heal in the shoe design. EMG patterns from six superficial lower extremity muscles were recorded from 12 subjects (means: 22.67 ± 2.39 age, 172,28 ± 14.04 cm height, 74.88 ± 16.11 kg mass), each meeting a specific inclusion criteria. Data collection …

A Prediction Model For Acute Core And Lower Extremity Injuries In Division 1 Collegiate Football Players, Alexandra Aline Mcdonald

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Context: Various intrinsic factors such as high exposure, poor endurance of core muscles, previous injury, strength deficits, suboptimal neurocognitive function, and orthopedic abnormalities have been found as predictors for sprains and strains among collegiate football players. Objective: Assess the applicability of pre-participation assessments as predictors of core or lower extremity injury. Design: Cohort Study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football program. Patients or Other Participants: Athletes who underwent mandatory pre-participation examinations before preseason football training over two consecutive seasons (n=225). Main Outcome Measure(s): Associations between preseason protocols and injury incidence for core and lower extremity injuries were established …

Dynamic Stability On Land And In Waist-Deep Water: Comparison Between Young And Middle Aged Adults, Christie Bunnell

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare dynamic stability on land and in water, between young and middle-aged adults performing plyometric exercises. Twenty adults were asked to volunteer: Young = 24.40 ± 2.63 years, n = 10 and middle-aged = 46.80 ± 3.05 years, n = 10. Participants performed three plyometric exercises (countermovement jump, squat jump, and drop landing) on land and in waist-deep water. Dynamic stability was assessed during landing for each exercise using a time to stabilization (TTS) paradigm. Data were collected via a waterproof force plate positioned on an adjustable-depth pool floor and analyzed with a …

Perceptions Of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities On Experiences At A Weeklong Camp, Erica P. Teilhaber

Honors College Theses

This study was conducted to attempt to understand the perceptions of a weeklong camp experience for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. A survey was administered to campers from two of the three locations, asking questions pertaining to their time spent at camp. Specifically researchers asked questions related to the conceptual, social, and practical domains. Additionally, researchers sent a follow up survey to make sure the data they summarized was correct. Results showed positive feedback, and convey the participants perceived improvements in aspects related to the conceptual, social, and practical domains.

Occupational Therapy Discharge Planning And Recommendations In Acute Care: An Action Research Study, Helene Smith-Gabai

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In today’s health care environment of quick discharges and shortened hospital stays discharge planning has become increasingly important in acute care occupational therapy practice. Discharge planning is a complex process and an important aspect of patient care as poor discharge planning has been associated with poor patient outcomes and increased risk of adverse events and readmission. This study addressed the following research questions: (a) How do acute care occupational therapists describe their role in the discharge planning process? (b) What guides acute care occupational therapists discharge decisions and recommendations? (c) How do acute care occupational therapists define optimal discharge planning? …

1st Place Contest Entry: The Effectiveness Of Yoga Therapy On An Adult, Post-Stroke Population: A Systematic Review, Baylor E. Hogan

Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize

This is Baylor Hogan's submission for the 2016 Kevin and Tam Ross Undergraduate Research Prize, which won first place. She wrote about the effects of yoga therapy on the physical and mental wellbeing of stroke patients. You can read the final essay that came out of her research here.

Baylor is a senior at Chapman University, majoring in Kinesiology. Her faculty mentor is Dr. Elizabeth DeBaets.

Tune Up Your Teaching Toolbox, Anne H. Zachry, J. Flick, S. B. Lancaster

Faculty Presentations

Occupational therapy (OT) educators strive to prepare entry-level practitioners who have the expertise to meet the diverse health care needs of society. A variety of instructional methods are used in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) MOT program, including traditional lecture-based instruction (LBI), problem-based learning (PBL), team-based learning (TBL), and game-based learning (GBL). Research suggests that active learning strategies develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are necessary for effective clinical reasoning and decision-making abilities. PBL, TBL, GBL are being successfully implemented in the UTHSC MOT Program to enhance the learning process and improve student engagement.

Bridge/Adapt: Transfer From Computer Remediation To Functional Skill, Janice S. Li, Diana Lopez, Eugene Cheung, Angela Talamantez

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

This study explored the effectiveness of the Bridge/Adapt program for generalizing increased cognition to functional skills. Three participants, identified as having significant cognitive impairments as measured by the Cognistat assessment, participated in the Bridge/Adapt program, an eight-week program that includes both remedial and compensatory components. The remedial component used was a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation program called Parrot Software. Past studies have proven computer-based cognitive rehabilitation to be effective in increasing overall cognition. The Bridge/Adapt module is the compensatory component that utilized a variety of strategies and everyday tasks to facilitate the generalization of improved cognition to functional performance. A homework …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Listening On Bilateral Coordination, Avery Wilson, Michael Yra Munchua, Mios Buccat, Morgan Mousley, Amanda Grace Irao

Scholarly and Creative Works Conference (2015 - 2021)

Therapeutic Listening® is a sound-based treatment developed by Sheila Frick, OTR, rooted in sensory integration (Frick & Young, 2009). In Therapeutic Listening® programs, clients listen to music that has been electronically altered (Hall & Case-Smith, 2007). Therapeutic Listening® is an intervention increasingly used by occupational therapists despite the lack of supporting evidence in current literature.

A previous thesis study attempted to determine the effectiveness of Therapeutic Listening® through the outcome measure of bilateral movement. In the previous thesis study, three assessments were used to measure bilateral coordination in typically developing children. However, the quantifiable results did not reflect the qualitative …

Recurring Ankle Injuries In Dancers, Alexis Jawny

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research, obtained from various Journals of Dance Medicine and Science, is to identify the cause of recurring ankle injuries in the dance community. Ankle injuries are the most common type of injury making up 50% of injuries in dancers. The main cause of recurring ankle injuries is improper diagnosing and then leading to the wrong treatment plan. The research focusses on how to prevent these improper diagnoses and what the dancer and specialty care professional (orthopedics, physical therapists, and rehabilitative medicine) can do to decrease the number of ankle injuries occurring and reoccurring in the dance …

The Psychological And Physical Rehabilitation Of Amputees, Victoria Ramos

Senior Honors Theses

Since physical therapy requires constant interaction with other people, it is a career that requires not only medical knowledge, but knowledge of the human psychology as well. A physical therapist may be well versed in recovery techniques, but how will he or she get the patient motivated if the patient is not motivated to begin with? Every person is different. Rehabilitation of amputees is a delicate process that requires significant work over an extended time period. Many factors are involved during the preoperative phase, as well as the postoperative phase. However, by being aware of the patient’s mental status and …

Effect Of Breathing Apparatus On The Patterns Of Response For Physiological Variables During An Incremental Test To Exhaustion, Rachel Lechtenberger, Kristen C. Cochrane, Terry J. Housh

UCARE: Research Products

During running exercise, trained runners will utilize both nasal and oral breathing mechanisms. However, during most clinical running tests, the breathing apparatus blocks the nasal pathway, therefore only allowing oral breathing. It has been suggested that a breathing apparatus that allows both nasal and oral breathing may provide an environment that is more similar to running outside of a lab setting. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns of responses for physiological variables during an incremental treadmill running exercise test to exhaustion utilizing both a traditional mouth piece (MP) and breathing mask (MSK) apparatus. METHODS: …

Ot & Industrial Design: Developing Client-Centered Product Designs To Enhance Occupational Performance & Participation, Kimberly S. Mollo, Otd, Otr/L, Robert W. Walsh, Ms, Otr/L, Michael Mcallister, Mid

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objectives

• Recognize the needs and benefits of broadening inter-professional collaborations outside traditional occupational therapy models of teaching, learning, and practice.
• Identify components required to create, conduct, and integrate effective inter-professional occupational therapy and industrial design collaboration
• Describe outcomes to measure effectiveness at the student, client, and inter-professional levels.

The Abcs Of Ebp: Opportunities And Challenges For Evidence-Based Practice Education In Developing Countries, Ramprasad Muthukrishnan, Tatjana Ille, Saravana Kumar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

The importance of embedding evidence-based practice as part curricula and practice is now well recognised in health disciplines. However, despite this recognition there continues to be ongoing challenges. Nowhere are these challenges more evident than in developing countries where a tsunami of challenges confronts health care stakeholders. This commentary sheds some light on opportunities and challenges for evidence-based practice education in developing counties.

Using Animals During Occupational Therapy To Improve Quality Of Life, Lauren Morosky, Mat, Ots, Elizabeth Gina Fenn, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background:

Integrating animals into occupational therapy intervention with individuals of various health conditions…

• Incorporating animals into an OT intervention plan is unique and can be an alternative to traditional device. Research suggests the animals may be viewed as a form of assistive technology(Camp, 2001).
• Occupational therapy intervention incorporating animals may:
• Increase participation in the community
• Augment the individual’s independence
• Positively impact the individual's psychosocial functioning (Camp, 2001)

Enhancing Occupational Therapy Student Systematic Reviews: An Occupational Therapy Faculty And Librarian Collaboration, Teal W. Benevides, Phd, Otr/L, Katie Moran, Ots, Gary E. Kaplan, Ms, Ahip, Paul Hunter, Mlis, Dmd, Daniel G. Kipnis, Msi

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Objective: To describe the outcomes of a curriculum-based collaboration between Occupational Therapy faculty and librarians (‘collaboration’) to enhance graduate student skills for conducting and disseminating a systematic review (SR)

Teaching Mindfulness Strategies To Parents Of Adolescents With Executive Functioning Deficits To Support Caregiving Skills, Kimberly S. Mollo, Otd, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

SETTING & BACKGROUND

Health Horizons

• Suburban private medical practice located in suburbs of Philadelphia
  • General, integrative, and holistic medicine; psychiatry
• OT referrals contracted to Kimberly S. Mollo’s private homecare practice
  • Population: child, adolescent & young adult (ages 7-25)
  • Dx: ADHD, ODD, LD, NVLD, anxiety, & co-morbid executive dysfunction
  • OT sessions in home; parents are present to provide carryover
  • Fee-for-service pay structure

Executive Functioning

• Defined: complex neurological processes necessary for purposeful activity
• Skills emerge, combine, and mature during teenage years
• Lack of skill attainment:
  • Leads to difficulties in all areas of occupation
  • Predictor of level of occupational dysfunction in adulthood
• Parents …

Facilitating Cultural Competence Among Students In Health Care Fields Of Study, Jordan Remington, Michelle Lynn Bloomfield

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

The purpose of this study is to document and statistically analyze a protocol-driven cultural competency training session, combined with hands-on culturally diverse experiences, in order to improve health care students’ cultural competence. This study is focused on undergraduate students at James Madison University who are seniors in the pre occupational therapy major or social work major. There was a total of 27 students involved in this research study, 19 of the students were declared social work majors and 8 were in the pre occupational therapy professional program. 18 of the students were in the experimental group and 9 students were …

Benefits Of An Intergenerational Program On The Health And Wellbeing Of Older Adults In A Day Treatment Program, Taylor Henshaw, Alexis Cunningham

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

The purpose of this study is to describe how a 5-week shared-site intergenerational program increases wellbeing in older adults. Implementation of the research took place once a week at Generations Crossing in Harrisonburg, VA. Generations Crossing is a combined adult day center and a preschool. For five weeks, participants were presented with an activity that had the main goal of promoting social interactions between the older adults and the children. Data collectors used the Intergenerational Observation Scale (IOS) to record five older adults. The IOS determined how well intergenerational programming supported social interaction and positive affects between the two generations. …

Exploring The Effects Of Dance As A Therapeutic Media To Assess Attunement In Co-Occupation Between Primary Caregiver And Infant, Kelly R. Frye, Natalie A. Perez

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

This presentation shares findings from a five-week intervention group designed to explore the effects of therapeutic dance-based activities on the parent-infant bond. Dance was chosen as a therapeutic activity because it promotes simultaneous involvement of both the parent and child in a shared co-occupation. Dance involves non-verbal communication and relies heavily on vision, touch, and trust, all of which are in an infants’ repertoire. In the occupational therapy literature, co-occupations are defined as activities in which two or more persons are simultaneously engaged in related experiences (Pickens, Pizur-Barnekow, 2009). Co-occupations involve shared meaning; they include dimensions of shared physicality, shared …