Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Effects Of Proximal Stability Training On Sport Performance And Proximal Stability Measures, Thomas Gerard Palmer

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Proximal stability, or the ability to stabilize and actively control the spine, pelvis and trunk, has been reported to influence sport performance. Traditional training practices for the proximal segments have had little success improving sport performance. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the effects a sport specific proximal stability training program can have on throwing velocity and measures of muscular endurance and power which target the proximal segments of the pelvis, spine and trunk.

A stratified randomized clinical trial was implemented with a pre- to post-intervention design. Forty-six healthy, Division III collegiate female softball (n=17) and male baseball …

Environmental Influences On Occupational Therapy Practice, Camille L. Skubik-Peplaski

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Rehabilitation hospitals serve to foster a client’s independence in preparation to return home after an injury or insult. Having space in rehabilitation environments that is home-like and supportive for each client can facilitate participation in occupations and assist in learning and practicing the skills needed to transition to home. Yet, typically occupational therapists provide interventions to clients in therapy gyms with exercise and impairment based equipment. Currently the stroke population is changing and identifying the optimal rehabilitation environment is imperative to guide occupational therapy practice. This dissertation contains three studies relating to the rehabilitation environment and occupational therapy interventions. The …

Developing An Occupational Therapy Community/Client Wellness Program, Lindsey Sauer, Lindsey Wolsky

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Health promotion is gaining more recognition with the increase of chronic diseases worldwide and the growing elderly population in the United States. The World Health Organization (2011) places a particular emphasis on health promotion as well as preventative care. The role of occupational therapy fits directly with this emphasis. The American Occupational Therapy Association (2008) identified occupational therapy's roles to include promotion of healthy lifestyle, use of occupation as a means to improve health and provide services to both individuals and populations.

Problem: Although health promotion and prevention is well within the realm of occupational therapy, Flannery and Barry (2003) …

An Occupation-Based Protocol Designed For Women With Cardiac Conditions, Erika Swirzcki, Andrea Young

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide as well as the number one cause of death in the United States (American Heart Association [AHA], 2010). Women are not adequately represented when entering phase II of cardiac rehabilitation due to the numerous barriers that they may experience. The purpose of this scholarly project is to help meet women’s unique needs and facilitate their return to meaningful life roles and occupations after experiencing a cardiac event. This protocol provides guidelines for occupational therapists to use during phase II of cardiac rehabilitation and addresses the implementation of occupation-based …

Effect Of Stretch Frequency And Sex On The Rate Of Gain And Rate Of Loss In Muscle Flexibility During A Hamstring-Stretching Program: A Randomized Single-Blind Longitudinal Study, Daniel Cipriani, Megan E. Terry, Michelle A. Haines, Amir P. Tabibnia, Olga Lyssanova

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This study evaluated the effects of four different weekly stretching protocols on the rate of gain and decline in hamstring flexibility over an 8-week period, across sex. Using a randomized single-blind design, 53 healthy subjects aged 18–46 years were assigned to 1 of 4 stretching protocols or a control group. The stretching protocols consisted of either daily or 3 times per week stretching and performed once or twice each day. These protocols differed in terms of frequency and total weekly stretching time. All the subjects stretched their hamstring muscles for 4 weeks and were measured weekly for their hip range …

Determination Of Stabilogram Diffusion Analysis Coefficients And Invariant Density Analysis Parameters To Understand Postural Stability Associated With Standing On Anti-Fatigue Mats, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon E. Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Prolonged standing has been associated with loss of balance, onset of low back pain symptoms and development of fatigue in lower extremity muscles in working populations. Although so far, it is unknown how individuals’ postural stability is affected by standing on rigid versus cushioned platform but many industries are opting for anti-fatigue mats at workstations to reduce fall and injury related socio-economic cost. The goal of this study is to test SATECH's anti-fatigue mat for its effects on postural stability. A pilot test with seven healthy subjects (25–35 years old) has been conducted with a force plate to obtain kinetics …

Non-Invasive Fall Risk Assessment In Community Dwelling Elderly With Wireless Inertial Measurement Units, Thurmon E. Lockhart, Han T. Yeoh, Rahul Soangra, Manutchanok Jongprasithporn, Jian Zhang, Xuefang Wu, Arka Ghosh

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Falls are among the most serious accidents among the elderly leading to increased injuries, reduced functioning and mortality. In 2009, about 2.2 million nonfatal fall injuries were reported among the elderly population (CDC, 2010). In this study, eleven community dwelling elderly (aged 65-84 years) participated in fall risk assessment camp at sterling senior center organized by Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition (NVFPC). Three custom made wireless inertial measurement units (IMUs) were attached on trunk and both shanks. All participants performed postural and locomotor tasks such as sit-to-stand (STS) and timed up and go (TUG). Temporal and kinematic parameters were obtained. …

Practical Matters: Possibility Versus Probability, Irmo Marini

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Letter And Number Reversals – Identifying The Problem, Janet Richmond

ECU Posters

Letter and number orientation affects legibility

Students' Experience Of Learning To Use Occupation As Intervention On Fieldwork In Medical Settings, Kelli Atkinson, Nicole Knutson

Occupational Therapy Capstones

There are few studies that focus on students’ experiences of fieldwork; specifically, investigating how students learn to use occupation. In addition, there is limited research regarding the students’ learning to use occupation-based interventions in medical settings. The purpose of this independent study was to explore students’ experience of learning to use occupation as intervention on fieldwork in medical settings and specific strategies used by students and fieldwork educators for learning to use occupation as intervention. A phenomenological, qualitative research design was used with this study. Participants were recruited through the use of the University of North Dakota occupational therapy department …

Bringing Occupation To Long-Term-Care Setting, Danielle Shepers, Stephanie Blonigen

Occupational Therapy Capstones

As a person enters a long-term-care (LTC) facility, they lose their home, independence, possessions and routine (O'Sullivanm, 2004). Adopting a meaningful occupational or social role may improve psychological well-being in elders (Keung Yuen, Huang, Burik, & Smith, 2008). There is a need for resources to support the use of occupations as treatment modalities in LTC setting. The purpose of this scholarly project is to address this need.

A literature review was conducted using AOTA, AJOT, OT Practice, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and PubMed on topics relating to the populations served in LTC, and types of OT intervention used in LTC. Issues concerning …

An Occupational Therapy-Based Education Program For Caregivers Of Individuals With Cerebral Palsy: A Culturally Conscious Perspective, Allison L. Kalb, Diana L. Huettl

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Introduction: Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) are able to lead functional, productive, and fulfilling lives when provided the opportunity. In the country of Ghana, the prevalence of CP is estimated to be one out of every 300 births (Purple Field Productions [PFP], 2011), however, a lack of education about CP and other disabilities, limited access to healthcare services, and scarce resources hamper the Ghanaian people’s opportunities for habilitation (Reynolds, 2010; Tinney, Chiodo, Haig, & Wiredu, 2007). In addition, cultural beliefs and societal attitudes toward people with disabilities in Ghana pose a barrier for those individuals to fully participate in occupation. …

Growing Occupational Identity: The Use Of Agricultural Entrepreneurship For Young Adults With Disabilities To Successfully Enter, Adapt, Or Inhabit The Role Of Worker, Nicole Likewise, Theresa Podio

Occupational Therapy Capstones

“We know what we are, but not what we may be.” – William Shakespeare

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to develop a grant proposal in order to obtain funding for the development of an entrepreneurial program for young adults with disabilities transitioning into adulthood in rural Wyoming. Through participation in the program young adults would have the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship in sustainable agriculture while concurrently developing an occupational identity.

Methods: A selected literature review was conducted to identify the scope of the problem and identify what, if any, programs are currently being offered to assist youth transition …

A Community-Based Occupational Therapy Wellness Program For Adult Clients With Traumatic Brain Injury, Cody Link, Amanda Myklebust

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Each year in the United States, over 1.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). TBI can cause a variety of long-term problems with thinking, sensation, language, sensorimotor, and emotions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). These lead to long-term problems in areas of social participation, emotional wellness, work and volunteer participation, community integration, leisure participation, and healthy life balance. This indicates the need for continuing occupational therapy to address these problem areas. Communitybased interventions provide a service to promote health in an individual’s natural environment and can focus on a …

A Guide For Teachers And Paraprofessionals Working With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lesley Fettig

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this scholarly project was to create a resource for occupational therapists in the public school system to provide a guide to educators and paraprofessionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. The resulting guide for the occupational therapist provides the necessary materials to develop child specific guides for the educator and paraprofessional. The product provides education and guidance to optimize the educator and paraprofessional's ability to provide for the needs of a child with autism spectrum disorder in the school environment.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine current best practice and treatment guidelines for autism …

Sexuality: The Missing Activity Of Daily Living: A Pilot Study, Lindsay Farkas, Elizabeth Reynolds

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the comfort level of occupational therapists addressing sexuality with clients in physical disability clinical settings in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. A secondary intention of this study was to explore why or why not OTs are addressing sexual issues with their clients, and if therapists are addressing sexual issues, what resources are utilized.

Methods: A non-experimental design pilot study was conducted to explore the comfort level of occupational therapists addressing sexual issues with clients in physical disability settings. A mixed-methods, triangulation survey design was used to gather data …

A Physical Wellness Program For The Transition Into A Wheelchair, Christa Haas, Meghan Lyle

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Based on the information from the literature reviewed in Chapter II, individuals may experience secondary medical complications and disruption to engagement in meaningful occupations once confined to a wheelchair for mobility. According to Matuska, Giles-Heinz, Flinn, Neighbor, & Bass-Haugen (2003) education through wellness programming has lasting benefits on participation in meaningful occupations and prevention of occupational limitations. The product of this scholarly project, A Physical Wellness Program for the Transition into a Wheelchair, was designed with a holistic approach to promote health and wellness in clients' transitioning to wheelchairs; the wellness program was designed to facilitate a healthy lifestyle and …

Motivation: An Occupational Therapists Guide For Motivating Young Male Clients With Spinal Cord Injuries, Michael A. Nelson, Elizabeth M. Schleicher

Occupational Therapy Capstones

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2010), males account for approximately 80% of those who endure a spinal cord injury (SCI). Most newly diagnosed clients with spinal cord injuries are between the ages of 15-35 years (50%-70%) (CDC, 2010). Occupational therapists often work with clients who have sustained a SCI. It is in the best interest of the profession and our clients to address the psychosocial impact motivation can have on clients' recovery.

According to authors of research, a major problem to participation in treatment with clients who had a spinal cord injury was a lack of …

Developing Fine Motor Skills In Preschool Age Children, Linnea Starkey

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Based on the findings of the literature review, fine motor skills are an important skill to develop during the preschool years. Marr, Cermak, Cohan and Henderson (2003) described the importance of fine motor skills to engage in valued occupations in addition to educational activities. A child's occupations that demand fine motor skills may be dressing, tying shoes, play, among other daily tasks. If a child has difficulty with fine motor skills it could have a negative outcome on their daily lives and how they perform in school. Children who have difficulty coordinating the small muscle groups in their hands have …

Resource Manual For Occupational Therapists: Providing Transportation Related Resources To The Elderly Living In Poverty In North Dakota, Amanda Ralston, Lukas Wavra

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Between the ages of 65 and 74, 9% of elderly individuals live in poverty in the United States (Forum, 2010). This poverty rate increases to 11% in elderly individuals who are 75 years of age or older (Forum, 2010). In rural areas, the effects of poverty may be even more pronounced than in urban areas secondary to the societal limitations that exist within some small rural communities; rural areas in North Dakota routinely face both the effects of poverty and the societal limitations. These limitations may include a lack of public transportation or services available to the general public. Due …

Clinical Preceptors' Perspectives On Clinical Education In Post-Professional Athletic Training Education Programs, Kelvin Phan, Cailee W. Mccarty, Jessica M. Mutchler, Bonnie Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Clinical education is the interaction between a clinical preceptor and student within the clinical setting to help the student progress as a clinician. Post-professional athletic training clinical education is especially important to improve these students' clinical knowledge and skills. However, little research has been conducted to assess the pedagogical principles for clinical education at this level or what factors are necessary to enhance the clinical skills and decision-making abilities of post-professional students. Therefore, exploring the perspectives of clinical preceptors involved in post-professional education will help educators understand what strategies are necessary to improve post-professional athletic training education programs (PPATEPs). …

Ride The Wave: A Guide For Implementing Biofeedback In Occupation-Based Interventions In A Rehabilitation Setting, Sarah Averett, Johanna Meister

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Historical and current research studying EMG biofeedback has shown this method to be an effective adjunct to occupational therapy intervention. Utilizing EMG biofeedback has been shown through research as effective in improving functional gains. The use of biofeedback allows an individual to visualize unseen physiological processes which are unique to each individual and provide better understanding of otherwise unseen functions (Laurenção, Battistella, Moran de Britto, Tsukimoto, & Mayizaki, 2008). An extensive literature review and students’ observations of clinical occupational therapy practice led the investigators to conclude that EMG biofeedback was a viable treatment method which has not been utilized to …

A Lifetime Of Work: A Guide To Health Promotion And Wellness On The Farm, Andrea Hensrud, Gregory Holubok

Occupational Therapy Capstones

The purpose of this project is to develop a guide to health promotion, wellness and adapting to life changes on the farm from an occupational therapy perspective to enhance quality of life for aging farmers and rural community dwellers. The authors completed a focused literature review on topics related to health promotion, wellness, adapting to life changes, making changes and aging in place. Data was collected through an extensive study of relevant information through professional journals, clinical text books, class discussion and related state and national associations. Upon completion of the review of literature, it was determined that older adults …

Low Dose Ct Vs Plain Abdominal Radiography For The Investigation Of The Acute Abdomen, Long K. Nguyen, Daniel D. Wong, Daniel M. Fatovich, Justin M. Yeung, Jennifer Persaud, Christopher J. Wood, David De Vos, Richard M. Mendelson

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Background: To compare low-dose abdominal computed tomography (LDCT) with plain abdominal radiography (AR) in the primary investigation of acute abdominal pain to determine if there is a difference in diagnostic yield, the number of additional investigations required and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was approved by the institutional review board, and informed consent was obtained. Patients presenting to the emergency department with an acute abdomen and who would normally be investigated with AR were randomized to either AR or LDCT. The estimated radiation dose of the LDCT protocol was 2–3 mSv compared to 1.1 mSv …

Aging, Neuromuscular Decline, And The Change In Physiological And Behavioral Complexity Of Upper-Limb Movement Dynamics, S. Morrison, K. M. Newell

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Aging is characterized by a general decline in physiological and behavioral function that has been widely interpreted within the context of the loss of complexity hypothesis. In this paper, we examine the relation between aging, neuromuscular function and physiological-behavioral complexity in the arm-hand effector system, specifically with reference to physiological tremor and isometric force production. Experimental findings reveal that the adaptive behavioral consequences of the aging-related functional decline in neurophysiological processes are less pronounced in simple motor tasks which provides support for the proposition that the motor output is influenced by both extrinsic (e.g., task related) and intrinsic (e.g., coordination, …

Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy In The Very Early Phase Of Recovery Following Stroke, Sarah D'Souza

Theses : Honours

Background and purpose: Research suggests communication outcomes following stroke may be greater when treatment is administered in the acute phase of recovery. In addition, treatment outcomes are improved when therapy is provided at a greater intensity. Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT) has addressed the issue of treatment intensity by delivering therapy for three hours per weekday for two weeks, but its effectiveness has largely been investigated in the chronic phase of recovery. Treatment outcomes have typically been assessed on standardised tests and few studies have used connected speech and discourse measures to assess change. This research investigated daily intervention in …

Is Pilates An Effective Treatment For Improving Functional Disability And Pain In Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain?, Koren V. Fleming

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is Pilates an effective treatment for improving functional disability and pain in patients with nonspecific low back pain?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, two of which were published in 2006 and the other in 2009.

DATA SOURCES: Three single-blind randomized control trials comparing the Pilates method of treatment to a control group that did not receive Pilates intervention were found using PubMed and EBSCOhost databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the studies had patients participate in Pilates sessions for six to seven weeks. …

Is Acupuncture Effective In Reducing Itch Intensity And Wheal Size In Patients With Dermatologic Conditions?, Melanie Schwer

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether acupuncture is effective in reducing itch intensity and wheal size in patients with dermatologic conditions.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of all English language primary randomized controlled trials published after 1984

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials were found using Pubmed database.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The three trials measured various outcomes: Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire; Cumulative Itch Index; Perimeter of wheal and flare size before, during, & after acupuncture; Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)

RESULTS: Belgrade et al. found statistically significant improvement in itch intensity and flare …

Is Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy An Effective Treatment For Chronic Plantar Fasciitis In Adults?, Lauren H. Rucker

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an effective treatment in adults with chronic plantar fasciitis.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published between 2008 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized control trials and one cohort study analyzing the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on chronic plantar fasciitis were found using the OVID, Medline and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Each of the three studies measured improvement in pain from baseline after patients were treated with ESWT. Pain levels were quantified using …

Is Weight Lifting Effective In Reducing Lymphedema In Breast Cancer Survivors?, Diana Petrucello

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not weight lifting is effective in reducing lymphedema in breast cancer survivors.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three English language primary studies published in 2009 and 2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three single blind, randomized controlled trials comparing progressive weight lifting and other treatments in breast cancer survivors were found using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema onset measured by blinded certified lymphedema therapists using a standardized clinical evaluation derived from the Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0, comprising of interlimb …