Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Subacute Rehabilitation Following An Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury Resulting In Severe Ataxia: A Case Report, Chelsea Vandriel

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case report is to provide physical therapy interventions that were utilized in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital setting for a patient who experienced a hypoxic brain injury. Hypoxic/anoxic brain injuries result from global lack of oxygen to the brain from events such as drowning, choking, and cardiac or respiratory arrest. Certain areas of the brain have more devastating effects when deprived of oxygen as they have a higher metabolic activity and increased utilization of oxygen. One area in particular is the basal ganglia. Anoxic brain injuries involving infarcts of the basal ganglia (containing globus pallidus) can result …

Functional Mobility For A Patient With Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Chronic Gvhd, And Corticosteroid Use: A Case Report, Alyssa Deardorff, Amy J. Litterini

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case report is to describe PT interventions for an individual with a cancer diagnosis who received an allo-SCT and subsequently had long-term complications associated with cGVHD, long-term corticosteroid use, and cancer survivorship. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is often called pre-leukemia as 1 in 3 individuals will develop Acute Myeloid Leukemia. It is a type of cancer that causes blood producing cells in bone marrow to function abnormally and causes normal blood cells to die earlier. Graft-Versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) develops in approximately 70% of patients following an allogenic stem cell transplant. Donor’s cells attack both the malignancy and the …

The Treatment Of Pes Anserine Syndrome Using Acl Injury Prevention Exercises: A Case Report, Stephanie Chau, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case report was to utilize ACL injury prevention exercises within a comprehensive physical therapy (PT) plan of care (POC) for a patient with Pes anserine syndrome (PAS). Pes anserine syndrome (PAS) is the inflammation of either the pes anserine bursa, tendon, or both. The incidence and etiology of PAS are unknown at this time. There is limited literature available for the treatment and rehabilitation of PAS. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention exercises address proper hip, knee, and ankle alignment and decrease the risk of ACL injuries by 52% in females and 85% in males.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Of A 99-Year-Old Following A High-Impact Unstable Pelvic Ring Fracture: A Case Report, Julia Pratt

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case report was to describe the outcomes of PT interventions for a nonagenarian patient following an unstable pelvic ring fracture and to provide an overview for a plan of care supported by research. Unstable pelvic ring fractures are defined by the displacement and deformity of the pelvic bones. Pelvic fractures are rare and only make up 3% of all skeletal injuries; however, the mortality rate of unstable pelvic fractures is extremely high, ranging from 20-50%. Most pelvic fractures are caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA) in which patients suffer multiple traumas. When patients suffer multiple traumas …

Subacute Physical Rehabilitation For A Young Adult With A Hypoxic Brain Injury Resulting In Severe Myoclonic Movements And Ataxia: A Case Report, Chelsea Vandriel

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: An acquired brain injury is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative in nature or induced by birth. Hypoxic/anoxic ischemic brain injuries (HIBI) result from global lack of oxygen to the brain from events such as drowning, choking, and cardiac or respiratory arrest. Limited research has been done regarding physical therapy (PT) interventions to improve functional mobility, gait, and tolerance to activity in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) with this patient population. Thus, the purpose of this case report is to provide PT interventions that were utilized in an IRF setting for a …

The Treatment Of Pes Anserine Syndrome Using Acl Injury Prevention Exercises: A Case Report, Stephanie Chau

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Pes anserine syndrome is the term that encompasses both pes anserine bursitis and pes anserine tendonitis. The exact incidence of pes anserine syndrome is unknown. However, the etiology has been hypothesized to be due to poor biomechanics and overuse. Treatment protocols with targeted exercises for rehabilitation of pes anserine syndrome have not been well documented. ACL injury prevention programs have been shown to significantly decrease ACL injuries by addressing proper hip, knee, and ankle alignment and biomechanics. It was postulated that utilization of an ACL injury prevention program could also be an effective strategy in addressing the …

Restoring Functional Mobility In An Adult Patient Secondary To Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture Surgical Repair: A Case Report, Brittany Gray

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Femur fractures lead to significant functional deficits resulting in major healthcare expenses. This case report accounts the outcomes of skilled physical therapy interventions for treatment of an intramedullary nail fixation of a subtrochanteric fracture. The purpose of this case report was to demonstrate the use of physical therapy in regaining strength, range of motion, and improving gait and balance deficits post femur fracture. The combination of the patient’s age, mechanism of injury, post-surgical complications, and delayed full weight bearing status make this case distinctive in nature. Case Description: The patient was a 47-year-old male who presented to …

Inpatient Rehabilitation Of A 99-Year-Old Patient Following A High-Impact Unstable Pelvic Ring Fracture: A Case Report, Julia Pratt

Case Report Papers

Background: Unstable pelvic ring fractures (PRF) seldom occur in isolated injuries. Most pelvic fractures are caused by motor vehicle accidents (MVA) concurrently with multiple traumas. PRF have an extremely high mortality rate, ranging from 20-50%. When patients suffer multiple traumas including a pelvic fracture, their mortality rate increases by 10%, and their ability to return home after treatment decreases by 33%. The purpose of this case report was to describe the outcomes of physical therapy (PT) interventions for a nonagenarian patient following an unstable PRF. Case Description: A 99 year-old male suffered a high impact unstable PRF in addition to …

A 6 Week Balance And Gait Training Program Using The Alterg For A Patient With Cervical Myelopathy After Spinal Decompression Surgery: A Case Report, Palak Patel

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can cause radicular symptoms due to compression of the spinal cord. About 80% of patients over 70 years old have some level of stenosis. Patients with severe types of cervical stenosis may require operative management which includes spinal decompression and fusion. In this case report the AlterG was used to perform a balance and gait training program for a patient who had significant loss of strength and functional mobility after spinal decompression surgery. Case Description: The patient was an 83-year-old male who was a retired farmer that …

Comprehensive Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Decreased Shoulder Function And A History Of Breast, Lung, And Oral Cancer: A Case Report, Andrew Chongaway

Case Report Papers

Background: Cancer treatments can have late effects on the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, nervous, and integumentary systems. This case report describes comprehensive physical therapy (PT) management of decreased shoulder function for a patient with a history of breast, lung, and tongue cancers treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Case Description: The patient was a 71-year-old female referred to outpatient PT for right shoulder and neck pain with the goals to reduce pain and increase functional mobility. Past history included local cancer treatment occurred to the right upper quadrant for multiple cancers. Outcome measures included the Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS), the Numeric …

A Barefoot Running Program For A College Lacrosse Player With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome: A Case Report, Erica Mazzarelli

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Although barefoot running has been investigated for anterior and lateral exertional compartment syndrome, a specific barefoot running program aimed at altering running mechanics has not been determined for posterior exertional compartment syndrome for a college lacrosse player. The purpose of this case report was to examine the effects of adopting a forefoot running pattern through a barefoot running program in a 20-year-old college lacrosse player with posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) in conjunction with a comprehensive physical therapy program. Case description: The patient was a 20-year-old female college lacrosse player who presented to physical therapy with …

Mckenzie Approach To Treating Lumbar Radiculopathy With A Lateral Shift: A Case Report, Carly Theriault

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Pain and dysfunction of the lumbar spine has the highest incidence of any other musculoskeletal condition. LBP is thought to affect 70-85% of people. The purpose of this case report was to implement the McKenzie method, along with manual therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, modalities, patient education, and an HEP for a patient with lumbar radiculopathy. Case Description: The patient was a 59-year-old male with an eight-year history of LBP. Following his most recent injury, the patient had LBP with pain radiating to the right LE. The patient received PT treatment twice a week for eight weeks. …

Shoulder-Specific Patient Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer:An Assessment Of Reliability, Construct Validity, And Overall Appropriateness Of Test Score Interpretation Using Rasch Analysis, Melissa Michelle Eden

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Context: Medical management for head and neck cancer (HNC) often includes neck dissection surgery, a side effect of which is shoulder dysfunction. There is no consensus for which patient-reported outcome measure (PRO) is most appropriate to quantify shoulder dysfunction in this population.

Objective: The aims of this research study were to: (1) use Rasch methodologies to assess construct validity and overall appropriateness of test score interpretation of Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), QuickDASH, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII) in the HNC population; (2) determine appropriateness of use of University of …

Female Athlete Triad: Strategic Plan, Kaitlyn Savard, Carly Theriault, Polina Weinstein, Mayra Zerpa Calderon

Physical Therapy Administration

The following is a blueprint for creating a screening and educational program focused on the Female Athlete Triad. Our program intends to promote awareness, encourage women to take action regarding their health needs, and reduce the stigma surrounding this underdiagnosed and undertreated health issue. Created during the Fall 2018 semester of the Physical Therapy Administration course, this strategic plan contains all values, rationale, and strategies for reaching the target population and addressing this health issue.

Female Athlete Triad: Presentation, Kaitlyn Savard, Carly Theriault, Polina Weinstein, Mayra Zerpa Calderon

Physical Therapy Administration

Presentation created to summarize a strategic plan and screening program focused on the Female Athlete Triad. Program intends to promote awareness, encourage women to take action regarding their health needs, and reduce the stigma surrounding this underdiagnosed and undertreated health issue.

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management For A Patient With Chronic Pulmonary Complications Secondary To Multiple Lobectomies: A Case Report, Bayley Archinal

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Bronchiectasis is a disease defined by abnormal dilation of the bronchi from recurrent infections and/or chronic inflammation, which can lead to irreversible lung damage. Based upon severity and patient response to conservative treatment, a lobectomy may be required to resolve their symptoms. Though surgery may provide symptom relief and improve overall quality of life, patients are likely to have long-term pulmonary complications. There are several studies regarding the treatment of patients with pulmonary limitations secondary to a lobectomy. However, there is little to no evidence regarding the long-term treatment of patients who have undergone multiple lobectomies. The …

Acute Care Physical Therapy And Early Mobilization For A Patient Following Bilateral Staged Anterolateral Total Hip Arthroplasties: A Case Report, Rachel Claussen

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case report was to add to the limited literature describing acute care physical therapy (PT) management of patients receiving staged BTHA and to document both episodes of care. Primary hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of significant hip pain resulting in disability, joint stiffness, and loss of function. 42% of people with hip OA have it in both hips. Minimally invasive surgery using an anterolateral approach spares the hip external rotator muscles and posterior hip capsule. Staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA): two separate surgical procedures during different hospitalizations. Lower risk of deep vein thrombosis …

Functional Mobility For A Patient With Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Chronic Gvhd, And Corticosteroid Use: A Case Report, Alyssa Deardorff

Case Report Papers

Background: The use of corticosteroids to treat chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) is common in oncological treatment. However, the long-term complications of cGVHD and prolonged use of corticosteroids have not been reported in terms of the benefits of physical therapy (PT) interventions. The purpose of this case report was to report the impact of PT interventions for an individual with a cancer diagnosis having received an allogenic-stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) with the long-term complications associated with cGVHD, long-term corticosteroid use, and cancer survivorship. Case Description: The patient was a 73-year-old male diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and received an allo-SCT two years prior …

Relieving Low Back Pain And Improving Mobility For An Adult Patient With Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Case Report, Derek Schwaiger

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease affecting patients with compromised immune systems. It attacks the central nervous system through white matter plaques that destroy neurons. Plaques form due to the John Cunningham Virus (JCV). There is no approved JCV treatment and thus, no treatment for PML. The purpose of this case report is to examine the physical therapy interventions administered to a patient with PML to address low back pain and functional mobility deficits. Case Description: The patient chosen was a 51-year-old male referred to outpatient physical therapy services with a medical diagnosis of PML. …

When Duty Calls: A Description Of Human Conflict And Occupational Therapy, Bryce Carsone, Jonathan Pitts

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

As violent events escalate, even within the United States, it is imperative that occupational scientists have an in-depth understanding of the level one (descriptive) research implications, and occupational therapy practitioners are prepared to meet the needs of those impacted by conflict. This article aims to (a) describe the occupations of those affected by conflict (b) inform on current interventions through an intentional review (c) present the case for a call to action of occupational therapy practitioners. A general review of literature resulting in a description of occupations, identified four distinct populations: those who fight, caregivers, those who stay home, and …

A Need For Occupational Justice: The Impact Of Racial Microaggression On Occupations, Wellness, And Health Promotion, Emily Grullon, Carlneshia Hunnicutt, Melisa Morrison, Olandria Langford, Mirtha M. Whaley

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

“Ism,” in general terms describes a practice that denotes oppression of a group based on the characteristics of its members: racism, sexism, and ageism, are the three types most commonly identified. “Isms” often impose limits on people, and while we have been aware of those limits at the macro level, we have been less aware of acts that happen at the level of the individual, the micro level. These acts, which are frequently heard and seen in the media, have personal, occupational, and health implications for those affected by them. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about …

Functional Mobility For An Elderly Patient With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report, Gianna G. Pezzano

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: This case report provides a detailed description of how balance training was incorporated into physical therapy (PT) treatment to reduce fall risk and maintain functional mobility in an elderly patient diagnosed with ALS. Due to lack of research on ALS, and the terminal nature of the disease, clinicians and researchers may benefit from a palliative care PT plan to maintain functional mobility for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Case Description: An 82-year old female presented to outpatient PT with the diagnosis of ALS, with decreased functional mobility, high fall risk, and left hip/knee pain due to arthritis. She …

Conservative Management Of A Complete Rupture Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report, Ali Woller

Case Report Papers

Background/Purpose: The long head of the biceps plays an important role stabilizing the shoulder. Most of the current literature supports surgical intervention following a complete rupture, but there is little evidence that supports conservative management. Due to a lack of evidence supporting conservative management of a complete rupture of the long head of the biceps, the purpose of this case study was to evaluate the progress this patient made over a six-week period with outpatient physical therapy addressing his impairments resulting from his injury. Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old male with a confirmed diagnosis of a complete rupture …

The Use Of Medical Therapeutic Yoga On A Patient With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Case Report, Cameron Vallie

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Shoulder pain is the third most common site of musculoskeletal pain leading to substantial financial burden for patients. Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a disabling condition defined by a progressive loss of upper extremity (UE) range of motion (ROM) and leading to limitations in functional mobility. The purpose of this case report is to investigate the implementation of medical therapeutic yoga (MTY) in combination with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise in the treatment of a patient with AC. Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old female with left shoulder AC and associated deficits in ROM, strength, and functional …

Gait Training A Patient Who Was Deaf With Multiple Total Hip Revisions: A Case Report, Natalie Slattery, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

93% of patients who have a total hip arthroplasty (THA) are due to end-stage osteoarthritis. 15-30% of patients who survive a stroke continue to live with a long-term disability. The most common abnormal gait pattern after surviving a stroke is due to hemiparesis. Patients who are deaf require greater visual and tactile cueing during gait training. Gait training has been shown to normalize gait patterns and increase functional mobility in patients after a total hip replacement (THR), THA revision and/or stroke. There is a lack of research investigating the optimal gait training plan of care (POC) for a patient with …

Conservative Management Of A Complete Rupture Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report, Ali Woller

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case study was to assess conservative management of a complete rupture of the long head of the biceps over a six-week period. The long head of the biceps (LHB) stabilizes the shoulder by reducing anteroposterior and superior inferior translation of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa. A tear of the LHB most commonly occurs when the biceps is suddenly loaded against flexion and supination of the elbow. Surgical repair of the LHB has seen 94% satisfaction rates, but with complications. Fifty-six percent of patients who initially chose conservative methods ultimately choose surgery. There is a …

Functional Mobility For An Elderly Person With Amyotrophic Latera Lsclerosis: A Case Report, Gianna G. Pezzano, Amy J. Litterini

Case Report Posters

The purpose of this case study was to describe a palliative care physical therapy (PT) plan for maintenance of functional mobility and fall risk reduction for a patient with ALS. Ice Bucket Challenge began in 2014 to increase public awareness and funding for ALS. Need for further research was highlighted, in the campaign, for medical treatment and rehabilitation. Typical Presentation for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is male, 60 years old, limb onset. This patient was female, 82 years old, with bulbar onset, limb weakness, and fall risk.

Intra-Rater & Inter-Rater Reliability In 2nd Year Dpt Students Performing The Navicular Drop Test, Kirsten Buchanan, Nick Allard, David Buchan, Mike Curtin, Andrew Dipartolo

Research Report Posters

The Navicular Drop Test (NDT) is used as a clinical measure of mid-foot pronation. Objective measurements are rooted in the trust of the tool. When utilizing the NDT, the tool is the practicing clinician. Research has revealed that experienced clinicians have good-excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability when measuring navicular drop (ND). Current data reports ~25,000 practicing US PTs have < 3 years experience. There is limited research exploring the intra- and inter-rater reliability of less experienced DPTs when performing the NDT. The purpose of this research report was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of three 2^nd year DPT students.

The Interprofessional Exploration Of Occupational Deprivation (Od) In Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv) To Inform The Health Professional, Chane' Wray, Cheryl Mae Granada

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

One of the most common forms of violence against women is intimate partner violence (IPV), a public health issue affecting one in three women globally and one in four in the nation (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). IPV produces long-term impressions as it is defined as any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm (WHO, 2016). Women affected by IPV are inclined to isolate themselves socially decreasing their participation in daily routines (Gorde et al., 2004). The prolonged preclusion of women from necessary/meaningful occupations such as child rearing and social interaction is a conflict outside …

The Use Of Occupation-Based Interventions In Hand Therapy, Rajesh Malikayil, Justin Jameson

OCCUPATION: A Medium of Inquiry about Health through Occupation

Certified hand therapists (CHTs) provide therapeutic rehabilitative services after injury or illness of the upper extremity (Colaianni, & Provident, 2010). The approaches to interventions that CHTs utilize differ from those more typically used by occupational therapists (OTs) because the approaches to interventions are often primarily based in the medical model of physical disabilities (Robinson, Brown, & O’Brien, 2016). There is growing concern that OTs in hand rehabilitation are not using occupations as a method to intervention, leading the occupational therapy profession away from its foundational tenets (Grice, 2015). Furthermore, according to Colaianni, Provident, Lessa, and Wheeler (2015), there is a …