Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Precision Education In Health Sciences Education: A Call-To-Action For Developing An Interprofessional Strategy, Arvie Vitente, Jennifer Bosworth, Robert Sweet, Rebecca Cozzi, Christopher Galloway, Piotr Szczurek, Melanie Obispo-Young, Eron Bozec, Erica Brkovic, Tina Bobo, Jennifer Lubinski

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction. Growing learner diversity, expanding biomedical knowledge, and rapid clinical digitization have exposed the limits of on-size-fits-all health sciences training. Competency-Based Education (CBE) has sharpened the focus on outcomes, yet many programs still move learners through fixed sequences, infrequent assessments, and retrospective remediation. Precision Education (PE) offers a complementary, data-enabled approach that uses learning analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and continuous feedback loops. Embedded within CBE, PE converts competencies from static milestones into dynamic trajectories that can be measured, visualized, and adjusted in real time across the curriculum. This abstract highlights the need for an interprofessional strategy to design, fund, and …

Standardizing Assessment Of Clinical Performance In Physical Therapy: From Good Intentions To Shared Standards, Arvie Vitente, Carmina Rafael, Rolando Lazaro

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

Clinical education is the crucible in which physical therapy students integrate knowledge, skills, and professional judgment into safe, ethical, and person-centered practice. Yet globally, the assessment of clinical performance remains highly variable, shaped by disparate tools, rubrics, and levels of assessor preparation. While several countries have adopted nationally standardized approaches to clinical assessment, many contexts—including the Philippines—continue to rely on locally developed or institution-specific systems, resulting in inconsistent expectations, inequitable student experiences, and limited capacity for benchmarking, research, and quality improvement. This editorial argues that good intentions alone are insufficient and that the profession must move toward shared, trustworthy standards …

Biomechanics Of The Ribs During Respiration At The Costotransverse Joint: An In-Vivo Retrospective Pilot Study, Michael Maninang, Greg Almeter, Erik Pearson, Arvie Vitente

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

Introduction: Scarce in‑vivo data describe how ribs move at the costotransverse joints during quiet breathing—knowledge critical to thoracic biomechanics and pain mechanisms. This pilot study uses four‑dimensional computed tomography (4D‑CT) to quantify, for the first time, the three‑dimensional magnitude and direction of rib motion at these joints throughout quiet respiration.

Methods: This retrospective, descriptive pilot study analyzed ten 4D‑CT scans obtained from patients undergoing thoracic imaging prior to radiation therapy. End‑expiration and end‑inspiration phases were aligned with a demons deformable‑registration algorithm. For each costotransverse joint, the three‑dimensional displacement vector, its absolute magnitude, and its components along the lateral–medial (L–M), …

Evaluating The Effect Of Ethnicity And Amyloid On Gait Speed In The Healthy Aging Brain Study-Health Disparities Study, Alexandra M. Reed, Andrew Hooyman, Edward Ofori, Sydney Y. Schaefer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Many novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers have been studied in non-Hispanic White populations, despite Hispanic/Latino adults being 1.5 times more likely to develop AD and receiving a later diagnosis. Equitable, accessible assessments are needed to identify individuals at risk earlier. While cognitive screening monitors early AD signs, neuropsychological tests are often inequitable across ethnicity, race, and other social determinants of health. However, we have shown that performance-based motor assessments may be less susceptible to demographic factors than memory tests, and may be more equitable for screening older adults. Gait speed has been linked to elevated amyloid in non-Hispanic White …

Prediction Of Lung Vital Capacity Value From Thoracoabdominal Expansion In Young Adults, Aung Myo Htun, Aung Aung Nwe, Chatchaya Jaimanee, Thiwaphon Chatprem, Saowanee Nakmaroeng, Chatchai Phimphasak

Journal of Health Research

Background: Vital capacity (VC) is a fundamental indicator of pulmonary health, but its routine assessment often depends on spirometry devices that may be unavailable (i.e. because of access, cost) in many clinical or community settings. In contrast, lower costal (LC) and upper abdominal (AB) expansions are simple, equipment-free methods commonly used in physiotherapy.

Method: This cross-sectional study was aimed at developing prediction equations for VC using LC or upper AB expansion alongside demographic and anthropometric variables. The study involved 116 healthy nonsmokers (53 male and 63 female individuals) aged 18–39 years. VC was measured via spirometry using a …

The Influence Of Perceived Social Support On Mental Health During Injury In Female Gaa Athletes., Clodagh M. O’Connor, Samantha Glynn Kelly

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Injury recovery in sport involves not only physical rehabilitation but also significant psychological challenges, particularly for female athletes in amateur and elite environments. This study aimed to explore the perceived social support received by injured female Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes and the effect it had on their mental health during injury. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of injured female athletes. Data were collected through semi-structured, one-on-one interviews, allowing for open-ended responses and the exploration of individual perspectives. The sample consisted of 10 female athletes aged between 18 and 32 years, …

Developing A Tool To Measure Resistance To Sustainable Food Choices: A Pilot Study In Ireland And The Netherlands, Kate Flanagan, Bart Sinteur, Patricia J. Bulsing, John M. Kearney

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

Consumer uptake of a sustainable diet is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting public health. Understanding why consumers resist adopting sustainable eating habits can inform targeted interventions and policies. This pilot study examines whether a newly developed scale can effectively detect consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Currently, there is a lack of research on a tool to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet, highlighting the need for a reliable instrument.

The aim of this study is to develop a scale, based on existing literature, to measure consumer resistance to a sustainable diet. Additionally, the study aims to …

Editorial-Sure Journal Volume 7, Issue 2, Geraldine M. Dowling, Eva Campion, Sinead Loughran, Ariane Perez-Gavilan, Josephine Treacy

SURE Journal: Science Undergraduate Research Experience Journal

No abstract provided.

Feasibility And Function Of A Tilt-In-Space Wheelchair Insert For Low Resource Settings (Development Of The Open Tilt Base), Luke Mcauley, Karen Menard

Student Capstone Papers

The ability to move and be mobile is a basic part of human function. For those without the muscle control and/or strength to attain and maintain the posture necessary for basic movement and mobility a device is necessary to support them and provide them with the highest level of independence possible. This type of device comes at a significant cost and need for highly customizable products which are difficult to obtain in most situations, but especially in Low-Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). The product discussed in this paper is designed to provide a cost effective solution for those in need of a …

Manual Therapy In Conjunction With Other Multimodal Interventions In A Patient With Chronic Pain And Hypertension: A Case Report, Craig P. Hensley, Renzo Mendoza, Jennifer Ryan, Emmanuel Yung

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Chronic pain and hypertension (HTN) are worldwide epidemics that are difficult to manage and frequently encountered as comorbid conditions in patient care. There is a paucity of information regarding the effect that manual therapy has on blood pressure (BP), particularly in those with chronic pain and HTN. This case report describes the management of a patient with chronic pain and HTN. The patient was a 41-year-old female with chronic multisite pain and multiple comorbidities, including HTN. Her BP at the initial evaluation was 147/78 with an oscillated device and 142/82 with a sphygmomanometer in the right arm and 144/80 in …

Abnormalities In Sensorimotor Brain Function Are Related To Chronicity Of Low Back Pain, Jo Armour Smith, Rongwen Tain, Kelli G. Sharp, Laura M. Glynn, Linda R. Van Dillen, Jesse V. Jacobs, Steven C. Cramer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Maladaptive plasticity in the brain may contribute to chronic low back pain (LBP) and underlie the altered postural control of the lumbopelvic musculature that is evident in some individuals with LBP. We recently described an MRI-compatible leg-raise paradigm to measure brain activity associated with lumbopelvic postural control. The objective of this study was to compare brain function in young adults with and without a history of LBP and to determine relationships between brain function, pain, and postural control characteristics. We recruited 55 participants with a history of LBP, who were asymptomatic when studied, and 30 healthy controls. Postural control during …

Hyperbaric Chambers For College Athletes, Alex Pinkston

Student Scholar Symposium

The use of hyperbaric chambers is gaining attention as a beneficial treatment for college athletes, offering a healthier alternative to more common, yet riskier, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and modern pharmaceuticals. While professional athletes often have the financial resources to afford hyperbaric therapy, college athletes face similar intensive training regimens but frequently turn to harmful substances to enhance recovery and performance due to limited access to alternative treatments. This research explores the potential of hyperbaric chambers to support the physical and mental well-being of college athletes, highlighting their role in reducing recovery time, enhancing tissue repair, and improving overall performance. Furthermore, …

Stretching The Limit: A Comparative Study On The Various Stretching Modes And Their Effects On Hip Mobility, James Wheeler, Michelle Wolford, Ashlyn Pollock, Kaitlyn Elllis

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Dual-Task Exercise Protects Healthy Older Adults Against In-Creased Risk For Dementia: A Controlled Trial, Helen Tatiane Santos Pontes, João Bento-Torres, Naina Yuki Vieira Jardim, Victor Oliveira Da Costa, Josilayne Patricia Ramos Carvalho, Cristovam Wanderley Picanço-Diniz, Natáli Valim Oliver Bento-Torres

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Functionality in aging is closely linked to the ability to divide attention during multitasking activities, which are essential for activities of daily life. However, coordination between motor and cognitive simultaneous tasks decreases with age, impairing functional ability and restricting older adults' participation and healthy aging. This study aimed to assess the effects of a multimodal dual-task exercise intervention on motor and cognitive dual-task costs and its potential to mitigate age-related declines in healthy older adults. Materials and Methods: A controlled trial was conducted with community-dwelling older adults assigned to either the Dual-Task Exercise group, which participated in a 24-session …

Work-Life Conflict, Anxiety, And Depression In Collegiate Athletic Trainers With Children Under 5, Jordan Helton, Glenn R. Penny, Seth Swary

Student Dissertations

The research problem for this study was that collegiate athletic trainers with children under 5 years old experience significant work-life conflict and negative mental health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore how collegiate ATs with young children describe their experiences of work-life conflict and to how these experiences relate to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Guided by interrole conflict theory and work-life conflict theory the study posed two research questions: (1) How do collegiate ATs with children under 5 describe their experiences of work-life conflict? (2) What is the relationship work-life conflict experiences on the symptoms …

Improving Muscle Tonus Of “Weak” Muscles In Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Series Addressing The Role And Impact Of Proprioceptive Response And Isolated Isometric Exercises, Jeffrey S. Tardiff

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Nonspecific chronic low back pain affects most people through-out the world at some point within their lives, negatively impacting 80%-90% of the overall population, their families, and their communities. Thus far, the outcome of most studies indicate that the best form of treatment for this specific problem is a form of resistance training exercises, core stability exercises, mobilization, manual therapy, and or proprioceptive training with no consensus on which provides the best outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore an individualized approach in treatment utilizing methods shown to improve muscle tonus or “stability” in muscles of the abdomen, …

Cv: Robert Sweet (Physical Therapy), Robert Sweet

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Cv: Rebecca Cozzi (Physical Therapy), Rebecca Cozzi

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Exercise Engagement And Gait In Parkinson Disease: Participation Factors, Novel Approaches, And The Role Of Rhythmic Auditory Cueing, Allison Haussler

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by gait and balance impairments that reduce independence and diminish quality of life. Exercise and other rehabilitation strategies, such as rhythmic auditory cueing, are well-researched methods to address motor impairments. However, despite the strong body of research supporting these approaches, many individuals with PD remain sedentary and do not meet current exercise recommendations. This highlights a critical gap between evidence and real-world behavior.

While prior research identified general motivators and barriers to exercise in people with PD, emerging exercise modalities and the growing diversity of community-based programs emphasize the …

Cv: Rebecca Cozzi (Physical Therapy), Rebecca Cozzi

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Cv: Robert Sweet (Physical Therapy), Robert Sweet

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Transforming Fear Of Falling Care: Bridging Evidence Synthesis And Clinical Trial On Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Multicomponent Interventions For Older Adults, Haehyun Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: Fear of falling (FoF) and associated avoidance behavior represent critical health concerns for older adults, with profound impacts on physical functioning, independence, psychosocial well-being, and healthcare utilization. Although fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) is increasingly recognized as a distinct construct and clinically meaningful construct, intervention research remains limited due to fragmented assessment methodologies and incomplete integration of cognitive-behavioral and physical approaches. This dissertation addresses these gaps through two interrelated projects (1) a scoping review of the evidence base, assessment methods, and intervention strategies for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targeting FFAB in older adults; and (2) a randomized controlled …

From Evidence To Action: A Rapid Review To Support Acute Care Ot Guidelines For Heart Failure Self-Care, Alan K. Cook, Ms, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Heart failure (HF) significantly affects individuals’ ability to perform daily activities and sustain quality of life, with disproportionate impact on older adults and marginalized populations due to structural inequities embedded in Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). Although self-care is central to HF management, occupational therapy (OT) remains underrepresented in acute care HF intervention research and clinical guidelines. This doctoral capstone project conducted a rapid review, following Cochrane Rapid Review methodology, to inform the development of preliminary Acute Care Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines for Heart Failure Self-Care and Health Management. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, and Scopus, developed …

A Mixed Methods Exploration Of Autistic Adults' Leisure Experiences, Sevia Raelson, Otr/L

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction: Across ages and populations, leisure participation is essential to humans and associated with improved well-being, and both mental and physical health (Bishop-Fitzpatrick et al., 2017; Coster & Khetani, 2008; Lapa, 2013). The American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA] formally defines leisure as intrinsically motivating, non-obligatory, self-chosen, and enjoyable activities done in one’s free time (AOTA, 2020). Leisure participation trends for autistic populations are better understood in pediatric populations than adults, but studies rely on neurotypically defined leisure activities. Given the differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent brains, it is likely that leisure activities are experienced differently by autistic adults; thus, …

Assistive Technology Transitions From School To Adult Life For Students With Intellectual Disability: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Madeleine Clements, Ms, Otr/L, Atp

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Culminating Presentations

Introduction
In the United States, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that schools consider assistive technology (AT) during transition planning for students with intellectual disability (ID) as they move from school to adult life (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004). AT can improve outcomes for adults with ID across multiple areas, including vocational, daily living, and communication (Johnson et al., 2023; Morash-Macneil et al., 2018). However, AT is often underutilized by adults with ID (Boot et al., 2017; Alshamrani et al., 2025). The Quality Indicators Assistive Technology (QIAT)-Transition framework provides best practice guidelines, in the form of six quality …

Cv: Victor Lara Rivas (Respiratory Therapy), Victor Lara Rivas

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Cv: Victor Lara Rivas (Respiratory Therapy), Victor Lara Rivas

Health Sciences Department Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

How Sports Culture Affects Mental Health: United States And Latin America, Isabelle Westling

Saint John’s Preparatory School Student Work

This paper examines how sports culture in the United States of America and in Latin America shapes the mental health and emotional well-being of student-athletes. To answer this question, I read and examined papers and articles originating from both regions. These articles helped me understand cultural implications and shortcomings from both sides. A number of these articles are in Spanish and translated by me throughout my research. My results show that in United States there are a variety of sources of stress. Pressures from school and academics are prevalent as scholarships and future careers are dependent on it. With that, …

Exploring Interactive Robotic Music Therapy Systems For Rehabilitation: A Survey Paper, Hector A. Salinas Gordillo

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Interactive robotic music therapy introduces an innovative opportunity, where human guided musical interaction with robotic systems can create adaptive and engaging therapeutic experiences. This survey explores the current state of research at the intersection of robotics, music, and rehabilitation, focusing on emerging technologies such as human robot interaction methods and system designs that help enable real time, interactive music therapy.

Potential patient groups include individuals undergoing motor or cognitive rehabilitation, such as those recovering from stroke, living with Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or other motor impairments, as well as individuals with developmental disorders or limited mobility.

Traditional rehabilitation exercises may …

Exploring Outcomes For Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries Participating In A Day Treatment Program, Christina Kane, Alexa Chappell, Kristen Frack, Sarah Salluom, Brittany Meurs

Occupational Therapy Annual Research Colloquium

Purpose: This study explored program outcomes of the Brooks Spinal Cord Injury & Related Disorders Day Treatment Program in Jacksonville, Florida. By examining secondary data, using both the Self-Reported Functional Measure (SRFM) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure–III (SCIM-III), researchers determined the change between admission and discharge scores in both patient- and therapist-reported outcomes of self-care skills. This study also studied if a correlation existed between the SRFM (patient-reported) and SCIM-III (therapist-reported) outcomes.

Participants: Data from 49 participant records were collected in 2022-2023, with 42 participants data qualifying for this study.

Methods: Using secondary de-identified data, statistical analyses were conducted …