Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Impact Of Afo (Ankle Foot Orthosis) Design On Calf Circumference, Robert H. Meier, David C. Ruthsatz, Daniel Cipriani

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Preliminary research suggests the use of a kinetic return ankle foot orthosis is associated with small but significant shortterm increases in calf circumference, which in turn suggests this type of device might reduce or protect against the risk of disuse muscle atrophy.

Clinical Reasoning In First- And Third-Year Physical Therapist Students, Sarah Gilliland

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background and Purpose. The development of clinical reasoning skills is a crucial component of professional physical therapist education. Prior research has described reasoning patterns in novice and expert practitioners, yet little is known about how professional physical therapist (PT) students develop clinical reasoning skills. The purpose of this study was to explore how first-year PT students perform clinical reasoning in comparison to third year PT students in their final semester.

Subjects. A simple random sample of 6 first-year (mean age 23.1 years) and 6 third-year (mean age 27 years) Doctor of Physical Therapy students were recruited.

Methods. …

Identity Adaptation And The Potential For Psychological Growth Following Adversity For Injured Athletes, Alanna M. Riordan, Jill Tracey

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The study was undertaken to gain a deeper understanding of the transition process out of competitive athletics experienced by competitive athletes after a career-limiting injury by examining three research questions: 1) What is the identity adaptation process of injured athletes? 2) To what extent, if any, do injured athletes experience growth following adversity? 3) What, if any, psychological skills are used in the injury/career transition processes? Nine former elite ath- letes were recruited through key informant sampling. There were three males and six females, with a mean age of 24.6 years. All participants sustained, at minimum, a season-ending injury and …

The Effect Of Stretching And Strengthening On Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Heather Hollinger

Departmental Honors Projects

Although there is considerable research on stretches and strengthening exercises that could help improve function, pain, strength, and flexibility associated with the symptoms of patellofemoral pain, more research on how beneficial stretching and strengthening is compared to just stretching is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of stretching and strengthening as compared to just stretching alone on flexibility, strength, function, and pain in participants with at least 50% of the symptoms and predispositions associated with patellofemoral pain. The design consisted of a control group that completed basic stretching, while the treatment group received stretching and …

Retained Primitive Reflexes And Adhd: Examining Atypical Symptomology In The School-Aged Population, Quincey Adams, Jamie Craft

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Typical development begins in-utero and progresses throughout the lifespan. Jean Piaget authored a theory that encompasses core aspects of the lifespan stages related to typical development of sensory and motor systems. Piaget outlined the developmental stages as: sensorimotor stage, preoperational stage, concrete operational stage, and formal operational stage. Within these stages, the typically developing child learns to adapt and respond effectively to his or her environment (Cole & Tufano, 2008). Dr. Jean Ayres described a similar developmental process, termed Sensory Integration. This process is defined as the coordination of the sensory systems in order for an individual to effectively …

Weight Management For The Elderly Population Who Have Sustained A Lower Limb Amputation: Resource Manuals For Clinicians, Lauren Battles, Maia Sobolik

Occupational Therapy Capstones

It is becoming more common for individuals to sustain a lower limb amputation, thus impacting their ability to participate in functional tasks of daily living such as ambulation, balance, dressing, driving, and toileting. Approximately two million people within the United States are living with an amputation, most commonly in the lower extremity (Amputation Coalition, 2013). According to Resnik and Borgia (2011), by the year 2050, the number of lower limb amputations will increase significantly due to the aging population who encounter a variety of debilitating diseases such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dysvascular, and/or heart diseases. Weight management is …

Reducing Recidivism For Youth Through An Integrated Residential And Community-Based Program, Alexandra Berdal, Megan Meyer, Nicolet Sadlowski

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: Reportedly, 95% of youth in the juvenile justice system have had prior involvement with the juvenile justice system, suggesting that intervention does not adequately address the needs of these youth (Sedlack & Bruce, 2010; OJJDP, 2003). The purpose of this project was to address the problem of recidivism with an emphasis on preparing for transition from residential placements to community engagement.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted in order to understand the occupational performance deficits that youth in the juvenile justice system face in transitioning to their community. The information obtained from the literature review was then analyzed …

Assisting Occupational Therapists In North Dakota: An Agricultural Resource Guide, Teresa Bunn, Caitlin Layden

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Within the state of North Dakota, agriculture and farming are of the most essential and influential factors within the state's economy (Rathge et. al 2012). Rural communities are among the medically under-served areas within the United States; establishing the dire need of healthcare services (Hagglund et al., 1998; Schweitzer et al., 2011). A study conducted by Meyer and Fetsch (2006) deduced the four prominent disabilities affecting farmer's engagement in occupations as arthritis, spinal cord injury, amputation, and back injuries. Farmers, and their family members, are also at higher risk for work related stressors which may result in severely disabling conditions; …

Adherence To Home Programs In Patients With Acute Orthopedic Injuries Of The Upper Extremity, Brien J. Buckentine, Justin L. Fredrickson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to explore the relationship between occupational therapy home program of clients with acute upper extremity injuries, client factors, and performance patterns that are influential in clients’ adherence to their prescribed home programs. A secondary purpose was to develop an instrument intended to measure adherence in patients with an orthopedic injury of the upper extremity.

Using the Occupational Adaptation Model and Occupational Therapy Practice Framework Domain and Practice as guiding foundations, a thorough literature review of client home program adherence was completed. This led to the development of a prospective, online survey designed to capture …

Increasing Collaborative Communication Regarding Proper Positioning: A Photographic Guide, Kyle Donner, Rachel Newman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Approximately 98,000 people die annually in the United States due to medical errors (Institute of medicine, 2013). These medical errors are most often due to miscommunication between healthcare providers (Sutcliffe, Lewton, & Rosenthal, 2004). Impaired positioning is one type of medical error, which leads to severe complications such as contractures, pressure ulcers, and occupational deficits (Amidei, 2012; de Jong, Nieuwboer, & Aufdemkampe, 2006; Gordon, Gottschlich, Helvig, Marvin, & Richard, 2004). The purpose of this scholarly project is to provide a communication tool that will increase interprofessional communication and collaboration in regards to client positioning needs in healthcare settings. A literature …

Promoting Social Participation, Leisure And Community Integration For Adults With Developmental Disabilities: An Intervention Guide, Joelle Evenson, Rebekah Miesbauer

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Upon an initial review of literature, it was found that life expectancy of individuals with developmental disabilities has been increasing which is leading to a greater number of adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. Because these individuals are living longer, it puts an extended burden on caregivers and the adults with developmental disabilities are being placed in group homes. Adults with developmental disabilities have limited access to activities outside of group homes (Mansell, Elliott, Beadle-Brown, Ashman, & Macdonald, 2002; Abbott & McConkey, 2006). They are spending most of their time engaged in more passive activities and have little …

Making The Better Half Even Better: A Support Program For Military Wives, Chelsey Jones, Kayley Knapek

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project was to develop a program that addresses the needs of military wives and the challenges they experience due to having a spouse in the military. Through utilization of an occupational therapy perspective, this program focuses on the promotion of wellness and increased quality of life for military wives which in turn facilitates overall cohesion and support among military families.

Making the “Better Half” Even Better: A Support Program for Military Wives was influenced by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance Model due to the focus on an individual’s valued roles, tasks and activities along with their performance in those …

Integration Of Sexuality Content Into An Occupational Therapy Curriculum, Brittany L. Larson, Sarah R. Stutz

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Sexuality is a broad term that can be used to encompass other terms such as sexual expression and sexual functioning, and can be defined as a holistic concept of the individual that is more than just physical sexual behavior but also relates to thoughts and feelings of everyday life (Couldrick, 1998a). Sexuality and sexual functioning are considered an activity of daily living (ADL) by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (2008); however, it is a topic that is not being routinely addressed with clients by occupational therapists or other healthcare professionals (Hattjar, 2012). Studies show there is a …

A Guide For Occupational Therapists On Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Kelsey Lindstrom, Molly Simmons

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop the occupational therapy (OT) role and a practice guide for OTs to use with their young adult client who has sustained a sports-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Methods: An extensive literature review was completed on mTBI to examine risks when engaging in sports, common symptoms occurring due to mTBI, OT and rehabilitation assessments and interventions used following an mTBI. Further literature reviewed included current guidelines used in OT and other disciplines, integration of individuals affected by mTBI back into daily occupations, effects of intervention, and identifying when retirement from the …

Interventions Used By Occupational Therapists And Allied Health Providers In Regards To Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain, Kara L. Maatz, Jared Q. Zimmerman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Problem: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is the most widely known disability in the American health care system (National Institute of Health [NIH], 2010). Chronic pain affects how individuals are able to engage in meaningful activities of daily life. Unrelieved pain can potentially result in longer hospital visits, emotional distress, and increased re-admission rates to hospitals (The American Academy of Pain Medicine, 2012). A review of research in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) database revealed that few clinically useful references were available for practitioners regarding interventions used with chronic musculoskeletal pain (AOTA, 2014). As a result, it was determined that effective …

Occupational Therapy Based Guide For Caregivers Of Individuals With Muscular Dystrophy, Chelsea Hesby, Macaila Pagel

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to develop a holistic guide that could be provided by occupational therapists (OTs) to caregivers of individuals with muscular dystrophy (MD). A comprehensive literature review was conducted on the impact that caregiving for individuals with MD has on quality of life, stress management and mental health. The review of literature also explored caregivers’ access to resources and common difficulties experienced. The literature revealed that there have been recent advances in medical fields which have led to an increased lifespan for individuals with MD to an average age of 27 years old (Eagle et …

Pilot Study: Affect Of Power Posing On Ot Student Performance When Implementing Interventions, Aimee Abel, Brittney Barelman

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Objectives. This pilot study used a quasi-experimental repeated measures design to explore the affect of power posing on Occupational Therapy student performance when conducting interventions with clients. The study was conducted in an attempt to determine an effective strategy used to enhance student therapist performance to support occupational adaptation in school and during the transition to entry-level clinician.

Method. Second year occupational therapy students (n = 10) from the University of North Dakota at the Casper, WY site and practicing clinicians (n = 10) from the community of Casper participated in the study. The student therapists conducted two interventions on …

Collaboration To Impact Occupation-Based Practice During Level Ii Fieldwork, Krista Coleman, Natalie Senger

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of the product was to develop a collaborative learning process between the fieldwork educator and the student to promote the use of occupation-based and client-centered practice during level II fieldwork experiences in adult physical rehabilitation settings. The literature review revealed many obstacles that constrain occupation-based and client-centered practice from being utilized by occupational therapists in the medical setting. The product uses the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) as a catalyst to promote implementation of occupation-based practice throughout the fieldwork experience. A collaborative approach to learning using the social collectivism perspective is used. The product provides opportunity through participation …

Pelvic Girdle Pain In The Antepartum Population: Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked To The International Classification Of Functioning, Disability, And Health From The Section On Women’S Health And The Orthopaedic Section Of The American Physical Therapy Association, Susan C. Clinton, Alaina Newell, Patricia A. Downey, Kimberly Ferreira

Capstone Projects DScPT

The purposes of these clinical guidelines are to:

 Describe evidence-based physical therapy practice including diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and assessment of outcome for musculoskeletal disorders commonly managed by women’s health and/or orthopedic physical therapists

 Classify and define common musculoskeletal conditions using the World Health Organization’s terminology related to impairments of body function and body structure, activity limitations, and participation restrictions

 Identify interventions supported by current best evidence to address impairments of body function and structure, activity limitations, and participation restrictions associated with common musculoskeletal conditions

 Identify appropriate outcome measures to assess changes resulting from physical therapy interventions …

A Study On The Relationship Between Gre Scores Of Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students And First Time Pass Scores On The National Physical Therapy Examination Scores: A Retrospective Study, Givan Hinds

Honors Theses

Background. This study explored relationships between Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) scores. -- Methodology. This is a retrospective correlational design utilizing a purposive sample (n = 102) of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from three consecutive cohorts. Correlations were examined between GRE Verbal (GREV), GRE Quantitative (GREQ), and GRE Total (GRET) socres with the NPTE first time pass rate utilizing a Spearman rho correlation coefficient. Discriminant analysis was used to calculate the cut-off score that would correlate with a minimum passing score of 600 on the NPTE. -- Results. The results showed a weak, …

A Randomized Clinical Trial On The Effects Of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Joint Mobilizations And Exercise On Plantar Heel Pain In Patients With Plantar Fasciitis., Elizabeth Oakley, Paolo Sanzo

Faculty Publications

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain today impacting on the patient’s walking ability, work tolerance, and ability to participate in active sport. Two million people in the United States (US) are treated for PF yearly with heel pain accounting for 11 to 15% of visits to medical professionals. It is estimated that 10% of the US population will develop PF during their lifetime. Treatment for PF may include a variety of interventions ranging from conservative treatment to surgical interventions. One of the suggested treatments for PF is the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSWT). ECSWT …

Psychometric Properties Of The Compulsive Exercise Test In An Adolescent Eating Disorder Population, Pam Formby, Hunna J. Watson, Anna Hilyard, Kate Martin, Sarah J. Egan

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

The objective of this study was to evaluate the factor structure, validity, and reliability of the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET) in an adolescent clinical eating disorder population. The data source was the Helping to Outline Paediatric Eating Disorders (HOPE) Project, a prospective ongoing registry study comprising consecutive paediatric tertiary eating disorder referrals. Adolescents (N = 104; 12-17 years) with eating disorders completed the CET and other measures. Factor structure, convergent validity, and internal consistency were evaluated. Despite failing to identify a factor structure, the study provided clear evidence of the multidimensionality of the measure. The total score correlated significantly …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Megan N. Houston, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Matthew C. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have reported decreased global and regional function. Despite the identification of functional deficits in those with CAI, more research is required to determine the extent to which CAI influences the multidimensional profile of health-related quality of life.

Objective: To determine whether global, regional, and psychological health-related outcomes differ between individuals with and without CAI.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-five participants with CAI (age = 21.9 ± 2.5 years, height = 170.8 ± 8.6 cm, mass = 69.8.0 ± 11.7 kg) were sex- and limb-matched to 25 healthy participants …

Concurrent Validity Of Accelerations Measured Using A Tri-Axial Inertial Measurement Unit While Walking On Firm, Compliant, And Uneven Surfaces, Michael H. Cole, Wolbert Van Den Hoorn, Justin K. Kavanagh, Steven Morrison, Paul W. Hodges, James E. Smeathers, Graham K. Kerr

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Although accelerometers are extensively used for assessing gait, limited research has evaluated the concurrent validity of these devices on less predictable walking surfaces or the comparability of different methods used for gravitational acceleration compensation. This study evaluated the concurrent validity of trunk accelerations derived from a tri-axial inertial measurement unit while walking on firm, compliant and uneven surfaces and contrasted two methods used to remove gravitational accelerations; i) subtraction of the best linear fit from the data (detrending); and ii) use of orientation information (quaternions) from the inertial measurement unit. Twelve older and twelve younger adults walked at their preferred …

Future Directions Of Evidence-Based Practice In Athletic Training: Perceived Strategies To Enhance The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice, Cailee E. Welch, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Aimee L. Wyant, Danica G. Hays, William A. Pitney, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: The shift to a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP) in athletic training is a necessary step in both the optimization of patient care and the advancement of athletic trainers (ATs) as health care professionals. Whereas individuals have gained knowledge in this area, most ATs still are not practicing in an evidence-based manner. Exploring perceived strategies to enhance the use of EBP will help to determine the best approaches to assist ATs in applying EBP concepts to practice to improve patient care.

Objective: To explore beneficial strategies and techniques ATs perceived would promote successful implementation of EBP within athletic training …

Injury Prevention With Physical Therapy, Karen Kott, Margaret F. Lemaster

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) Ergonomics is the study of human performance (positioning and movement) and workplace design, such as equipment, ambience, and placement. The purpose of ergonomics is to maximize productivity by increasing safety, improving work quality, reducing operator fatigue and discomfort, and decreasing the risk of work -related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).^1-3

Letter Reversal Assessments: A Systematic Review Of Measurement Properties, Administration Guidelines And Reversal Content And Richmond Reversal Rating: Construct Validity In Relation To Visual-Spatial Abilities, Lucinda Venter

Theses : Honours

Background: With several assessments available that purport to measure the letter reversal rates of young school-aged children, the question was raised how reliable and comparable these assessments are and to what extent each assessment addresses the concept of letter reversals? A systematic review of these assessments was performed to evaluate the measurement properties and administration guidelines, and to compare the reversal content of these assessments.

Method: Relevant assessments and studies were identified through literature searches. For each of the assessments the measurement properties, quality of the studies that report the measurement properties, and administration guidelines were evaluated, and the content …

Expert Consensus And Recommendations On Safety Criteria For Active Mobilization Of Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults, Carol L. Hodgson, Kathy Stiller, Dale M. Needham, Claire J. Tipping, Megan Harrold, Claire E. Baldwin, Scott Bradley, Sue Berney, Lawrence R. Caruana, Doug Elliott, Margot Green, Kimberley Haines, Alisa Higgins, Kirsi-Maija Kaukonen, Isabel A. Leditschke, Marc R. Nicols, Jennifer Paratz, Shane Patman, Elizabeth Skinner, Paul J. Young, Jennifer M. Zanni, Linda Denehy, Steven A. Webb

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to develop consensus recommendations on safety parameters for mobilizing adult, mechanically ventilated, intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was followed by a meeting of 23 multidisciplinary ICU experts to seek consensus regarding the safe mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients.

Results:

Safety considerations were summarized in four categories: respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and other. Consensus was achieved on all criteria for safe mobilization, with the exception being levels of vasoactive agents. Intubation via an endotracheal tube was not a contraindication to early mobilization and a fraction of inspired oxygen less than …

Effectiveness Of Spinal Unloading Positions In Recovering From Spinal Shrinkage Incurred While Running, Jennifer Kumanchik

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Shod Vs Nonshod On Balance And Postural Sway In Older Adults, Annika Vyakhk

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of death due to injury and hospitalization. With age, cutaneous sensation in the foot sole diminishes, contributing to balance impairment. Discovering an effective method for retraining the mechanoreceptors of the feet will possibly increase balance control. Training the different physiological systems involved in balance maintenance is important for decreasing fall risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a balance training intervention involving barefoot training (BT) yields better static and dynamic balance, and postural sway values than a group wearing shoes (WS). Twelve older adults (65-92 years) were randomly assigned …