Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Improving Life Skills For People With Brain Injury, Rita Goodwin, Samantha Brownwell

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Acquired Brain injury (ABI) Clubhouses, are modeled after the clubhouses designed for the mental health population. The Clubhouse Model has shown great potential for the mental health population and has been hypothesized that a similar model would be beneficial for the brain injury population. Clubhouses are designed to improve meaning and purpose in individuals lives. Recently there has been an increase in ABI Clubhouse across the world and it has become an emerging treatment approach for these individuals.

There were limited studies regarding ABI Clubhouses, but there were a few articles supporting the implementation and effectiveness of the Clubhouse Model …

Supporting Positive Youth Development For At-Risk Youth, Alice Hwang, Etinosa Obadagbonyi, Kyle Scherer

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

At risk youth is a sensitive but important topic to discuss, and a vital population to support. Through an extensive search of the available literature, a few core themes centered around eliciting change for these young men and women have emerged. The goal was to intricately weave these approaches into a community centered, occupation-based program to serve at-risk youth population in the greater Lewiston community.

Systems change is defined as “change efforts that strive to shift the underlying infrastructure within a community or targeted context to support a desired outcome, including shifting existing policies and practices, resource allocations, relational structures, …

Concussion Rehabilitation: Vestibular And Physiotherapy, Amia Pelletier, Jordan Wing

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Recent research has come out to suggest that a prolonged resting period after a concussion may not be the most beneficial way to recover. Many doctors of physical therapy seem to have a consensus that athletes that acquire a sports-related concussion should seek treatment through body movement, not the typical resting and abstaining from exercise protocol. Recent research has shown that vestibular and physiotherapy will reduce the recovery time after a concussion. Seventy-one percent of a treatment group had returned within eight weeks, compared to seven percent in a control group. The participants in the treatment group were four times …

Patients Attitudes On Alternative Approaches To Chronic Pain Management, Morgan Beede

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

The topic of chronic pain and pain management continues to be heavily discussed by healthcare providers today. In the state of Maine, the recent limit on Opioid prescriptions raised questions regarding sustainable and alternative, long-term treatment options for patients. Many patients suffering from chronic pain are now tapering off their prescriptions and seeking alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, herbal remedies/supplements, massage, mind-body techniques, and yoga. This qualitative study was designed to explore patients attitudes on alternative treatment approaches. Seven individuals who suffer from chronic pain participated in interviews exploring their journey toward pain relief. The findings from this study …

An Exploration Of Life Skill Development In Adults With Intellectual Disabilities, Jack Holevatz, Elizabeth Yattaw

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Our research question was, What factors impact life skill development in adults with intellectual disability?

The direction of this project was selected by the suggestion of a local community partner, Momentum Maine. After a thorough investigation of the best available evidence retarding this topic, several conclusions were reached. The level of supervision provided to an adult with intellectual disabilities was found to significantly affect life skill development, as an unduly high level impeded growth. The themes that arose from the literature were appropriate levels of supervision, independent living environment, training in interpersonal skills, physical activity and later life and time …

Mindfulness-Based Interventions For Elementary School Students, Jocelyn Giammarino, Mary Macaluso

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

We collected evidence on the use of mindfulness-based interventions in elementary school classrooms. Our community partner was Jill Schacht OTR/L who is the occupational therapist in the three elementary schools in the Sanford School District. The children in these schools often have difficulty succeeding in academics due to anxiety, difficulty with self-regulation, attention, executive functioning, and "behavioral" problems. The evidence collected was a combination of level I and level II evidence. Findings indicate that mindfulness-based interventions in the classroom aid in decreases in anxiety, depressive symptoms, negative affect, and attentional difficulties. Findings also showed increases in executive functioning, behavioral regulation, …

Clinical Measurement Of Problem Solving In Children With Autism, Megan Nicole Martin

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The current study examined verbal and non-verbal problem skills in twenty-seven male children 10-16 years of age, twelve with autism and fifteen children who were neurotypical. The goal of this study was to assess problem solving abilities of children with autism when compared to gender and age matched peers. The twenty-seven participants completed two assessments of the Rapid Assessment of Problem Solving and one online assessment of Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices. Results of this study showed a .92 reliability of the RAPS for all twenty-seven participants. Correlation between the RAPS and RPM was .419 for all participants. The results of …

Meditation As A Tool For Blood Pressure Management, Maggie Ray

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

PURPOSE: Appraise existing evidence about meditation and blood pressure in persons with cardiac risk factors and offer evidence-based recommendations about the use of meditation in management of blood pressure

Usm’S Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (Clrc) Social Media Outreach, Heather Roberts

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

For the service-learning practicum capstone, I assisted Dr. Charles Bernaccio and Tiffany Reagan on the media outreach (LinkedIn page) for the Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling (CLRC) master’s program here at the University of Southern Maine.

The mission of the USM Rehabilitation Counseling (RC) specialty program is to promote quality rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities by:

(1) preparing qualified rehabilitation professionals;

(2) providing services to rehabilitation professionals and organizations; and

(3) sponsoring rehabilitation-related research and training.

Descriptive Report Of The Impact Of Fatigue And Current Management Strategies In Cerebral Palsy., Laura K Brunton

Physical Therapy Publications

Purpose: Describe the impact of fatigue and self-management practices for adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Survey of 124 people with CP with the Fatigue Impact and Severity Self-Assessment (FISSA).

Results: People in GMFCS Level I experienced little impact of fatigue with high proportions of this group disagreeing to statements about fatigue impacting their general activities, mobility and social activities. People in GMFCS Levels II-V reported impact of fatigue on activities. Differences between groups were evident in questions related to fatigue interference with length of time for physical activity and with motivations to participate in social …

Melodies, Memories, And Meaning: The Use Of Music Therapy For Persons With Dementia, Emily A. Carl

Selected Honors Theses

Dementia is a growing public health issue, as there are 24.3 million people currently diagnosed worldwide. Being that there is no cure, non-pharmacological interventions are important to optimize quality of life for this population. Music therapy is a nonpharmacological intervention with fine usability for dementia patients. This thesis will examine the positive effects of music therapy on the behavioral symptoms, mood management, self-esteem, language skills, cognition, and reminiscence for the individual with dementia based on existing literature and will provide practice recommendations for the clinical use of music therapy and research. A short literature review will focus on the field …

Trx® Suspension Training In Improving Single Leg Strength And Confidence In A Female Soccer Player Post Acl Reconstruction, Allison Evron, David Kempfert

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the combination of TRX® suspension training with a functional lower extremity rehabilitation program in an ACLR patient whose lacking dynamic knee control and lower extremity strength and endurance.

Scapular Mobilization Combined With Thoracic Manipulation For Treating Subacromial Impingement Syndrome In An Elderly Female: A Case Report, Tyler Alford, David Kempfert

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

Purpose: To describe the treatment of a patient with Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) pathology utilizing a combination of manual therapy techniques at the scapulothoracic joint and the upper thoracic spine along with more traditional scapular stabilization exercises.

Myofascial Manipulation To Alleviate Forearm And Hand Weakness And Numbness In A Female Competitive Rock Climber, Ben Kern, Evan M. Pucillo

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the effectiveness of myofascial manipulation along with therapeutic exercise on a patient with weakness, numbness, and tingling in the distal upper extremities in order to return to competitive rock climbing.

Can You Dig? Returning To Volleyball After Arthroscopic Medial Plica Excision, Kelsy Wheeler, Lisa Chase

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitation and return-to-sport process following arthroscopic medial plica excision for a patient who had previously undergone unsuccessful conservative management for anterior knee pain.

Ease Into It. Effects Of Mobilization With Movement Utilizing Patients Body Weight, Casey Brown, Matthew L. Daugherty

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to utilize mobilization with movement (MWM) to restore knee flexion in a patient with delayed quadriceps tendon repair.

The Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy Interventions For A Six-Year-Old Boy With Monosomy 18p, Grace Lewis, Catherine M. Andrea

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to explain the utilization and effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for improving gross motor abilities in a six-year-old boy diagnosed with Monosomy 18p.

When All Else Fails: Management Of An Irreparable Rotator Cuff With Capsular Reconstruction And Physical Therapy Targeting Accommodative Musculature, Savannah Faulk, Douglas Steele

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitative outcomes on a superior capsular reconstruction surgery following the re-injury of a surgically repaired rotator cuff (RTC) and glenoid labrum that was deemed irreparable.

Walkin’ On Air: Alter-G Gait Training In A Male With Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, Kimberly Richardson, Evan M. Pucillo

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to determine the effectiveness of LBPPS treadmill training, using the Alter-G, to improve the spatiotemporal parameters of gait for a patient with HSP.

Reforming Range Of Motion: The Use Of The Pilates Reformer In A Female With Postoperative Adhesive Capsulitis, Lanzi A. Young, Larry J. Mengelkoch

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the rehabilitation outcomes of a 62-year-old female with post operative adhesive capsulitis using Pilates-based intervention in conjunction with standard Physical Therapy.

To Transplant Or Not To Transplant? The Successful Treatment Of A Lateral Meniscus Transplant, Jaime Rubin, Matthew L. Daugherty

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report was to demonstrate how physical therapists can successfully manage a young patient who received the rare lateral meniscal transplant procedure.

An Orthopedic Solution To A Neurological Problem -Core Stabilization Post Stroke: A Case Report, James E. Smith, Lindsay Perry

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to report the outcomes of combining manual therapy techniques for spinal mobility and stability with traditional neurological approaches to stroke rehabilitation.

Non-Organic Motor Disorder: Combatting The Effects Of Stress On Functional Mobility, Kelsi Taylor, Lindsay Perry

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of the case report was to show how neurological symptoms can be effectively treated with task-specific interventions and the role of stress in symptom presentation in patients with somatoform disorders.

Relieve Pain And Continue To Train! Dry Needling Intervention For Foot Tendinopathies, Aubrey Kuester, Lisa Chase

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe a multimodal physical therapy intervention of dry-needling, manual therapy and low-dye anti-pronation taping for a female marathon runner with bilateral plantar fasciitis, Achilles and peroneal tendinopathies.

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Hypermobile Type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome For Treatment Of Cervicogenic Headaches: A Case Report, Cody A. Leeworthy, Jeffrey A. Rot

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report was to demonstrate the management of a patient diagnosed with hEDS for treatment of Cervicogenic headaches with the use of the CCFT protocol.

Walk It Like You Talk It, Like A Champ With Some Amp, Sam Chukwuma, Anne H. Boddy

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to measure the effectiveness of amplified movement therapy to improve functional balance and gait in a post-stroke patient.

Monkey See, Monkey Do! Utilization Of Yoga Intervention For A Child With Non-Verbal Autism, Elaina Prevatte, Catherine M. Andrea

St. Augustine, Spring 2018

The purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of yoga intervention with traditional physical therapy on motor performance and visual attention in a young girl with non-verbal ASD.

Thinking And Acting "Outside The Box", Erin E. Schwier, Jennie Digrado, Christine Mary Childers

San Marcos, Summer 2018

Role play and simulation are both powerful teaching tools that have been used in nursing and physician education for many years. Role playing offers a cheaper alternative than simulation and allows the individuals playing the roles to experience the patient’s perspective. The University of St. Augustine in California is one of the few PT programs to teach PT students the Allen Cognitive levels, and the importance of cognition when planning and developing interventions. With the aging of the baby boomers, more therapists will be working with the aging population, and it is critical that the concept of cognitive challenges is …

How Occupational Therapy Can Help Children With Dyslexia In The Classroom Environment, Erin Wright

MOT Student Capstones

Objectives: Occupational therapists focus on increasing the occupational performance of individuals, especially students in the school system. Reading is a major occupation of a student's life. Since there is evidence that reading disorders, such as dyslexia, involve the visual system, occupational therapists can help support these students in the school system by improving their visual perceptual and ocular motor skills. The focus of this paper and project is to provide teachers and staff members in a Lower School information on the correlation between the lack of visual skills and dyslexia. Methods: Conduct a presurvey of teacher feedback on their levels …

Exploration And Education Of Occupation-Based Interventions Of Meal Preparation In Skilled Nursing Facilities For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Lauren L. Bridgers

MOT Student Capstones

The objectives of this project were to educate and promote client-centered, meaningful occupation based interventions in the skilled nursing facility setting in order to increase independence and safety with meal preparation required for independent living for the adult population. This project explored the evidence-based knowledge and current implementation of occupation-based meal preparation tasks of current occupational therapy practitioners through a pre-questionnaire. Based on the occupational therapy practitioners' pre-questionnaire results, an educational training was provided via telehealth to restate the distinct value of occupation-based meal preparation. A post-questionnaire was obtained to reassess the knowledge and current implementation of occupation-based meal preparation …