Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Avoiding 30-Day Readmissions Of Acute Mi Patients Utilizing Cardiac Rehabilitation, Patricia T. Forsberg

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

A significant number of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) patients were readmitted to an urban San Francisco Medical Center within 5-7 days post discharge this year. Two of the main identified causes were symptom management issues and medication instructions, both of which are part of the discharge instructions. It’s not surprising that 80% of all discharge teaching is forgotten by patients by the time they hit the parking lot. With the recommended timeframe for post discharge follow up appointments at 48 to 72 hours post discharge and as those appointments are not typically available within the recommended timeframe, patients are more …

Effect Of Dual Tasking On Walking Over Even And Uneven Surfaces In Functionally Independent Community Older Adults, Olajide L. Kolawole

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

While several studies have reported a decrement in performance by older adults while walking and concurrently performing a dual task on even surfaces, to date the effects of dual tasking while walking on uneven surfaces commonly found in the community has received less attention. Thus, we sought to test the hypothesis that an incremental decrement in gait parameters will be observed, when walking on an uneven versus an even surface and furthermore, that this decrement would be dependent upon the concurrent performance of a secondary cognitive and/or motor task in functionally independent-living-community older adults.

Dynamic Gait Index assessed the subject’s …

Sensor Technology For Supporting Independence Among Cognitively Impaired Elders, Kelsey Wright

Honors Theses

Dementia is the most expensive disease in the United States and its prevalence is rapidly increasing as the older adult population grows. The number of older adults diagnosed with dementia living alone is also rising, which brings about numerous safety risks. Due to the declining cognitive skills and behavior changes seen with dementia, it is important find approaches for monitoring their safety. This literature review discusses commercially available monitoring systems and empirical studies using sensor technology with older adults. It also describes a current pilot study that is exploring the use of sensor technology in the homes of cognitively impaired …

Cancer Survivorship Care: An Emphasis On Rehabilitation Needs In Maine, Cassandra Dawley, Charles Dowd, Irina Fedulow, Miranda Carlson, Lisa Gerhardt, Erin Pike, Kaitlin Powers, Nicole Christine, Angela Serrani

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Resources

Presentation proposing that standardized rehabilitation and wellness services be incorporated into cancer treatment as well as into a personalized plan of care to be carried out after cancer treatment ends. Proposal is based on research regarding evidence of causation concerning impairments developed as a result of a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment, evidence regarding rehabilitation and physical activity as an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of impairments from cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment, and the underlying behavioral change theory for incorporation of a Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation Algorithm which includes the use of rehabilitation and wellness services in the …

Interrater Reliability Of The Wolf Motor Function Test–Functional Ability Scale: Why It Matters, Susan V. Duff, Jiaxue He, Monica A. Nelsen, Christianne J. Lane, Veronica T. Rowe, Steve L. Wolf, Alexander W. Dromerick, Carolee J. Winstein

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background. One important objective for clinical trialists in rehabilitation is determining efficacy of interventions to enhance motor behavior. In part, limitation in the precision of measurement presents a challenge. The few valid, low-cost observational tools available to assess motor behavior cannot escape the variability inherent in test administration and scoring. This is especially true when there are multiple evaluators and raters, as in the case of multisite randomized controlled trials (RCTs). One way to enhance reliability and reduce variability is to implement rigorous quality control (QC) procedures. Objective. This article describes a systematic QC process used to refine …

Cancer Survivorship Care: An Emphasis On Rehabilitation Needs In Maine, Miranda Carlson, Nicole Christine, Charles Dowd, Cassandra Dawley, Irina Fedulow, Lisa Gerhardt, Erin Pike, Kaitlin Powers, Angela Serrani

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Papers

The first section of this report addresses the evidence of causation concerning impairments developed as a result of a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The second section investigates the evidence regarding rehabilitation and physical activity as an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of impairments from cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. The third section discusses the underlying behavioral change theory for incorporation of our Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation Algorithm (Appendix 1), which details our proposed use of rehabilitation and wellness services in the continuum of cancer care and includes an outline for a survivorship care plan. This section also discusses …

Identification Of Functional Parameters For The Classification Of Older Female Fallers And Prediction Of ‘First-Time’ Fallers, Niklas König Ignasiak

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Falls remain a challenge for ageing societies. Strong evidence indicates that a previous fall is the strongest single screening indicator for a subsequent fall and the need for assessing fall risk without accounting for fall history is therefore imperative. Testing in three functional domains (using a total 92 measures) were completed in 84 older women (60–85 years of age), including muscular control, standing balance, and mean and variability of gait. Participants were retrospectively classified as fallers (n = 38) or non-fallers (n = 42) and additionally in a prospective manner to identify first-time fallers (FTFs) (n = 6) within a …

An Examination Between Swimming Ability, Gender, And Race- An Exploratory Investigation, Laynie E. Brown

Honors College Theses

One of the leading causes of unintentional death worldwide is drowning. From 2005-2009, an estimated 3, 107 people in the United States over the age of fifteen died from drowning (Peden, Oyegbite, & Ozanne-Smith, 2008). Research has found higher amounts of drowning deaths to be males than females and African-American than Caucasian (Saluja et al., 2005). However, no significant differences have been found in real or perceived water competency between gender or age groups (Moran et al., 2012). Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine ability to swim between gender, race, and school classification of college students. Quantitative …

The Effects Of Obesity On Human Ambulation: A Lower Joint Analysis, Laura Gilbert

Senior Honors Theses

The effects of obesity on the body are complex and numerous especially when combining the effects on an already multi-faceted and multi-systems action such as human ambulation. This study summarizes a wide range of research performed, which investigated the effects of obesity on human ambulation. The effects are broken down into categories including osteoarthritis, replacement surgery, center of mass, stepping cycle, muscular activation, and specifics of the hip, knee and ankle joints as well as foot changes. The overwhelming majority of studies have found obesity to negatively impact ambulation by shifting center of mass (COM), increasing metabolic cost, decreasing cadence …

Understanding Atp-Mediated Vasodilatation In Humans, Anne R. Crecelius, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Negative results, cynicism, the piecing together of puzzles and integrating physiology with experimental approaches are all part of the inspiring and meandering journey on the path to understand ATP-mediated vasodilatation. While it is satisfying to be "right" as scientists, we know sometimes the most important progress occurs when data are surprising or contrary to our original hypothesis. The pursuit of explanations for unexpected findings often leads to the best advancements. The story of how our laboratory came to investigate the underlying vasodilatator pathways of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an example of such a path to our current understanding.

Classifying Lower Extremity Muscle Fatigue During Walking Using Machine Learning And Inertial Sensors, Jian Zhang, Thurmon Lockhart, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Fatigue in lower extremity musculature is associated with decline in postural stability, motor performance and alters normal walking patterns in human subjects. Automated recognition of lower extremity muscle fatigue condition may be advantageous in early detection of fall and injury risks. Supervised machine learning methods such as Support Vector Machines (SVM) have been previously used for classifying healthy and pathological gait patterns and also for separating old and young gait patterns. In this study we explore the classification potential of SVM in recognition of gait patterns utilizing an inertial measurement unit associated with lower extremity muscular fatigue. Both kinematic and …

Effectiveness Of Treatments For Low Back Pain, Angela K. Salveson

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Low back pain with or without radiculopathy symptoms is increasingly becoming a common complaint for patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the most effective treatment for patients experiencing low back pain with or without radiculopathy symptoms with the goal of pain reduction/elimination and positive long term results. The review of literature explores studies that discuss treatment options of surgical intervention or conventional treatment such as physical therapy. This information supplies health care providers with the tools to educate patients on treatment options and possible outcomes in hopes to offer the best treatment for the individual. Results show …

Utility Of An Occupational Therapy Driving Intervention For A Combat Veteran, Sherrilene Classen, Miriam Monahan, Maria Canonizado, Sandra Winter

Collected Faculty Scholarship

Many combat veterans are injured in motor vehicle crashes shortly after returning to civilian life, yet little evidence exists on effective driving interventions. In this single-subject design study, we compared clinical test results and driving errors in a returning combat veteran before and after an occupational therapy driving intervention. A certified driving rehabilitation specialist administered baseline clinical and simulated driving assessments; conducted three intervention sessions that discussed driving errors, retrained visual search skills, and invited commentary on driving; and administered a postintervention evaluation in conditions resembling those at baseline. Clinical test results were similar pre- and postintervention. Baseline versus postintervention …

Injured Athletes' Preferences Regarding Source Of Emotional Support, Kristin Kutz

Honors Projects

Athletes often experience emotional distress as a result of an injury. Feelings of loss, decreased self-esteem, frustration, and anger are not uncommon. Athletic trainers (ATs) who work with injured athletes are focused on helping the progression of athletes' physical healing, but their role in helping athletes emotionally and psychologically is often unclear. There are twelve Athletic Training Education Competencies that the National Athletic Training Association requires to be taught to undergraduate AT students, one of them being psychosocial intervention and referral. However, little research has been done to define the exact role of ATs in this area, as well as …

The Use Of A Visual Motor Test To Identify Lingering Deficits In Concussed Collegiate Athletes, Erik W. Sanders

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Context: 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur annually. Athletes who have suffered a concussion but are symptom free and have returned to baseline on conventional tests may not necessarily be recovered from the effects of the concussion. The premature return to play of an unrecovered athlete may increase the risk of a subsequent concussion. Measurement of upper-limb visual motor coordination has identified lingering deficits following concussion and so it may provide clinicians with a more sensitive means of tracking recovery. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if a visual motor coordination test would identify lingering deficits …

Let’S Play: Understanding The Role And Significance Of Digital Gaming In Old Age, Julie A. Skalsky Brown

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Despite a marked increase in the use of digital games among older persons, there is insufficient research that provides insight into the gaming experiences of this population. A major demographic shift within the senior gaming market has ushered in a new perspective on the use of digital games as a tool for physical and cognitive health, and improved socialization. It is proposed that individual notions of play, which are developed over the life course, influence digital game play engagement and interaction preferences, and contribute to well-being. This study explored how self-perceptions of play over the course of the senior gamer’s …

The Efficacy Of Long-Term Kinesio Tape On Grip Strength In A Healthy Population, Neel Kotrappa

CMC Senior Theses

Kinesio® Tape was invented in 1973, and since has been used in various clinical and therapy settings to prevent and heal a multitude of physical conditions. Kinesio® Tape is a 100% cotton-based elastic tape that when applied to the skin pulls the skin upwards and creates more space by lifting the fascia and soft tissue, thus increasing blood flow and decreasing edema. The tape was also purported to facilitate the strengthening of weakened muscles through neuromuscular facilitation. The objective behind this study was to determine the long-term effects of applied forearm Kinesio® Tape on maximal grip strength when paired with …

Assessing Candidacy For Intensive Language Therapy: A Preliminary Study, Jessica N. Bellamy

Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders

The goal of the present study was to examine changes in the speech and language performance of patients with chronic, non-fluent aphasia over the course of a three-hour group speech and language treatment session, a time allotment comparable to intensive therapy practices. Nine participants, (three groups of three), with chronic, non-fluent aphasia were seen for a single group therapy session three hours in length. Therapeutic activities were designed to be as similar as possible for each group of participants. Each participant was individually assessed before (time 1), during (time 2), and after (time 3) the group treatment session. Assessments included …

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 …

Increasing Physical Activity In Post Liver Transplant Patients, Jennifer Lynn Serotta

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase physical activity among postoperative adult liver transplant patients, improve documentation of daily activity, and ultimately influence quality of life (QOL). Quality of life has been shown to improve dramatically after liver transplant, as patients enter transplant severely debilitated with limitations on their physical activity which carry over following transplant. The literature supports that liver transplant patients should engage in physical activity which may improve QOL. Thirteen liver transplant patients were recruited within the seven days of their post-operative hospitalization. Twelve patients consented, were educated about the benefits of walking, given …

The Identity Of The Heart Patient In The Context Of The Gift Economy: Heartnet And Media Framing, Lynsey Uridge

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This health communication research examines the identity levels of the heart patient on a therapeutic website HeartNET through an empirical investigation of site interactions as manifestations of a gift economy. The thesis also explores the media’s representation of heart health in both television and print.

This research utilised a longitudinal qualitative ethnographic and netnographic approach involving twenty-six participants who completed two in-depth interviews. The first one-on-one interview occurred during the early stages of the participants’ heart journey, explored their heart story and use of interactive technology for heart health support. The second interview occurred six to twelve months later, and …

Speech And Swallowing Rehabilitation In The Home: A Comparison Of Two Service Delivery Models For Stroke Survivors, Katy J. E. Stewart

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Background and Aims

Speech and swallowing difficulties are common sequelae for people who have suffered a stroke. Recently, there has been an increase in early discharge, community rehabilitation and the use of therapy assistants to support health professionals in stroke rehabilitation. However, the impact of these factors on communication and swallowing outcomes remains under researched. This research explored Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) Speech Pathology (SP) services for stroke survivors with dysarthria and dysphagia. More specifically, this research investigated whether traditional speech pathology interventions, supplemented with a home practice program are effective, as well as compare usual treatment to that …