Other Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Twenty Minutes Of Corsi Block Tapping Task Training Does Not Improve Mental Rotation In Adults With Stroke, Sarah A. Kettlety, Giuliet L. Kibler, Andrew Hooyman, Christina K. Holl, Sydney Y. Schaefer, Kristan A. Leech

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Visuospatial function is commonly impaired post-stroke and is associated with motor learning and recovery. A single, twenty-minute Corsi Block Tapping Task (CBTT) training session improved visuospatial function in young neurotypical adults; however, it is unclear whether this training would improve visuospatial function in adults with stroke.

Objective: To understand if a single, twenty-minute CBTT training session improved visuospatial function in adults with stroke compared to a no-training control group of adults with stroke.

Methods: Participants post-stroke were assigned to one of two groups. The training group completed twenty minutes of computerized CBTT training. The control group completed a survey …

Educating Future Nurse Practitioners And Physician Associates On Pretreatment Of Swallowing In Head And Neck Cancer, Hannah M. Berk, Erin L. O'Bryan, Imran Musaji, Carly A. Thomas, Jamie Harrington

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Head and neck cancer treatment frequently results in long-term severe swallowing deficits, often requiring feeding tube dependency. Patients who have completed swallowing exercise programs before and during cancer treatment experienced more positive swallowing outcomes, but most patients are not referred for swallowing intervention early enough in their care to prevent long-term deficits. This student research project aimed to measure health profession students’ knowledge of swallowing pretreatment for head and neck cancer patients and to investigate the impact of an educational module developed and presented by a Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate student to improve knowledge and awareness of this clinical …

Post Spinal Cord Injury (Sci) Related Depression And Anxiety, Felecia Marshall

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This article aims to examine the prevalence, significant factors, and clinical significance of depression and anxiety in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Depression and anxiety are common after an SCI. These problems are difficult to recover from and, as such, can have a negative impact on a patient’s quality of life. This article stresses the need for early diagnosis and treatment with both cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatments for those with SCI. Mental health can be improved through this method. A comprehensive search of studies in PubMed was conducted. In 10 peer-reviewed articles, researchers uncovered findings concerning the …

Introducing Patient-Centered Outcomes To Preceptors In Caate-Approved Athletic Training Programs, K. Judge

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

The 2020 standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) now require the incorporation of the International Classification of Function and Patient-Centered Outcomes into professional practice. These standards can be introduced initially through simulation, but to develop a competent and culturally aware professional, outcome measures should be completed during clinical experiences under the guidance of approved preceptors. As this is a relatively new standard, many preceptors did not receive this as part of their education and may be uncomfortable integrating outcomes into their practice. This lack of integration can negatively affect the learning opportunities of athletic …

Regain Confidence Postpartum: A Guide For Pelvic Floor Health​, Taylor Jackson, Mary Jan Greer, Donna Carver

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction can disrupt daily occupations such as toileting, hygiene, mobility, sexual health, sleep, and infant care. These challenges often reduce confidence and limit participation. Although pelvic floor issues are common, occupational therapy has not been widely recognized in this emerging area, leaving a gap in functional, client-centered support.

This capstone project developed Regain Confidence Postpartum: A Guide for Pelvic Floor Health, an occupation-focused resource designed to help postpartum individuals understand pelvic floor dysfunction and return to meaningful routines. A needs assessment was completed through clinical observation, discussions with providers at Purely Pelvic Floor, and a review …

A Golfer's Guidebook For Prevention And Intervention For Golf Injuries, Brianna A. Martinez, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a guidebook for golfers who can be at increased risk for medial epicondylitis focused on prevention and intervention strategies to support productivity, leisure participation, and self-care.

Soft Tissue Envelope Compromise Following Low-Side Motorcycle Accident: A Case Study And Literature Review, Steven A. Bolton, Ali Ahmad, Jonathan Rodriguez, Hooman Mir

School of Podiatric Medicine - Student Research

Purpose: This case report details a staged approach in managing a patient who presented to the ER with a displaced proximal second phalanx fracture, extensive soft tissue damage, and diffuse fracture blistering following a motorcycle crash. This case highlights that soft tissue damage may not always correlate with severe osseous injury.

Methodology: This case is a concurrent chart review of a 40-year-old who sustained a low side motorcycle injury resulting in a minimally displaced avulsion fracture of the medial 2nd toe proximal phalanx base with extensive soft tissue damage, fracture blisters, and lower extremity edema.

Procedures: Radiographic evaluation demonstrated no …

Improving The Discussion Of Suicide Prevention: A Quality Improvement Project, Chelsea Reynolds, Alyssa Zeitouni, Kathryn Stephenson

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States and the third leading cause of death in this age group worldwide.1,2 Suicide prevention is understandably a growing focus in pediatrics. Currently, at the Children’s Hospital Outpatient Clinic, that is staffed by pediatric resident physicians, suicidal ideation is screened for using a PHQ-9 screen. However, at the time this study was initiated and completed, the TEEN screen was utilized. After the screening is performed, regardless of type, it is up to the provider to address these findings in a safe and effective manner. The goal …

Incorporating Balance Training Into Ankle Sprain Injury Prevention Programs: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, David Tomchuk, Jacob Meyer, Kyle Schneider, Ben Fox

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries in sports and non-sporting activities. For patients, ankle sprains can result in multiple short and long-term hardships, such as financial burdens of evaluation and treatment, absenteeism from sport and physical activity, and diminished ankle and lower extremity function. However, athletic trainers and other stakeholders are also impacted by administrative and time burdens in caring for ankle sprains and how ankle sprains affect team dynamics and performance. The 2022 guiding systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of incorporating preventive balance training exercises on the incidence of ankle sprains in soccer athletes. The search performed …

Examining Burnout Among Athletic Trainers Employed In The College And Secondary School Settings, Stephanie M. Singe, Dayna Liu, Alexandrya Cairns

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Burnout continues to be an important concern for athletic trainers working traditional employment settings. The purpose of this study was to compare the secondary school and collegiate settings in relation to burnout. Both secondary school and collegiate athletic trainers participated in a self-reported, online cross-sectional design (Qualtrics) to collect data on their experiences with burnout. Data collection occurred during the second week of October 2023 and ceased during the early weeks of November. Collegiate athletic trainers reported moderate burnout overall (54.56 ±15.89) on the CBI whereas secondary school athletic trainers reported low burnout overall (46.67 ±16.57). On the personal-related burnout …

Concurrent Acl And Medial/Lateral Meniscal Repair In A Collegiate Soccer Player: Disablement Model Case Study, Rebecca L. Perry, Angelica Alicea, Jeanette Welch, Carl White, Emily E. Hildebrand, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This case examines a 19-year-old female Division I collegiate soccer player who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with medial and lateral meniscal repairs. Though meniscal tears often occur in conjunction with ACL injury, incidence of concurrent medial and lateral tears with presence of a displaced bucket-handle lesion is rare. This patient attempted to tackle an oncoming opponent in which contact caused forceful trunk rotation away from her planted right foot. Sideline evaluation revealed medial and posterior knee pain with active knee range of motion deficits. Further evaluation revealed apprehension and muscle guarding during Lachman’s, anterior drawer, and valgus stress …

Conservative Management Of Athletic Pubalgia In A Collegiate Beach Volleyball Athlete: A Case Study, Sydney F. Hendrick, Amy L. Fraley, Madison V. Kefferstan, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

A 24-year-old female collegiate beach volleyball athlete experienced sharp pain in the pubis symphysis region after turning and running to reach a ball hit over her right shoulder. The patient was unable to move her lower extremities without extreme pain and required help off the court. She was referred to the student health center, where no initial imaging was performed. Differential diagnoses included osteitis pubis, abdominal strain, and athletic pubalgia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a small partial sports hernia with the shearing of the aponeurotic plate. The team physician recommended conservative management. The patient requested a consultation with a …

Psychological And Psychosocial Effects Of Contemplative Practices In The Athletic Population: A Systematic Review, Victoria Baker, Emily Duckett, Alison Gardiner-Shires, Lindsey Keenan

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Mental health concerns in athletes are becoming a primary focus for institutions, companies, coaches, and more. An athlete carries an abundant load of stressors due to their lifestyle. The stressors can negatively impact an athlete by producing anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other mental health concerns. Previous studies have found a connection between the use of contemplative practices on psychological and psychosocial effects in athletes, creating an opportunity to evaluate the research of contemplative practices in the athletic population. 5, 7, 8, 13-16 A systematic review was conducted using nine electronic databases. Seven studies were included in this review, each assessing …

Impact Of A Focused Best Practice Workshop On Athletic Trainer Confidence, Jaclyn B. Arduini, Jennifer L. Volberding, Zachary A. Murray

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Athletic trainers are required to be proficient in emergency management skills, without review these skills may decay creating a potentially dangerous knowledge gap. Confidence measures of emergency management skills were taken before and after a workshop to determine if they changed due to the review of material. All 11 confidence measures increased post workshop, seven significantly, including rectal temperature, hemostatic agents, external hemostatic modalities, in-line stabilization, measurement and application of a cervical collar, football and other equipment removal. ATs should aim to incorporate emergency management review into continuing education choices.

Use Of An Electronic Dynamometer Following Pitching To Identify Fatigue In Softball Pitchers, Bethany L. Hansberger, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This study used a case-series design to collect in-game fatigue measures for collegiate softball pitchers immediately after pitching during the competitive season. Five softball pitchers (age = 19.8 ± 1.5 years; height = 169.9±6.1 cm; body mass = 79.1±22.6 kg) from one Division I program were recruited. Isometric internal and external rotation, scaption, and grip strength measures were collected using an electronic dynamometer at the beginning and conclusion of the fall non-traditional season, and at the beginning of preseason in January. Strength measures were also obtained during the competitive season at the conclusion of pitching in a game and compared …

Suturing Education For Athletic Trainers: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Morgan K. Webb, Brett T. Heim, Allyson E. Ritchey, Kenya Moore, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Teaching suturing skills to medical students is a critical component of their education. Implementing suturing into a comprehensive framework is developed from how professors teach the skill. Suturing is a required skill by the General Medical Council that all medical students must have, and how it is being introduced to new students is changing. This review aimed to summarize different educational interventions and determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to teach future suturing skills. The original systematic review included 25 articles in the final data synthesis. Fourteen studies were randomized control trials, six were quasi-experimental, and five were observational. …

Neuromuscular Deficits Following An Isolated Pcl Tear In A Collegiate Lacrosse Player: A Case Study, Mckenna G. Witlin, Erin R. Mcmullan, Courtney M. Meyer, Amy L. Fraley

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This disablement model case study outlines a 21-year-old female collegiate lacrosse player attending a United States service academy who presented with a unique neuromuscular deficit following a conservative grade II PCL tear rehabilitation. Nearing the end of her rehabilitation protocol, she noticed difficulty with toe-off while running; however, she did not report to the athletic trainer due to the institution’s holiday break proximity. An unexpected transfer of care occurred when the patient returned after the holidays, and she was cleared for full participation upon return. Several days after the patient was cleared, she reported her ankle feeling “stuck.” Upon evaluation, …

2024 Impetus Platform Presentation Abstracts

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

2024 Impetus Poster Presentation Abstracts

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Use Of Marker-Less Motion Capture Systems For Neurological Disorders In Indoor Vs Outdoor Settings., Anjana Ganesh, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Marker-less motion capture systems have improved the assessment of human movement by allowing for a non-invasive, affordable, quantitative data collection useful in clinical settings. However, their use in real-world community care settings is largely underexplored, presenting a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between controlled laboratory environments and the complexity of providing care in diverse, everyday contexts. This systematic review examines the differential use of MMC systems across real-world indoor environments (clinics, homes, living labs) and outdoor settings (public walkways, community spaces), with a focus on their application to neurological disorders such as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods: …

The Association Of Acute Stress And Lower Quarter Emg During A Single Leg Balance Dexterity Task, Ted W. Gehrig Iii, Robert I. Dudley, Jo Armour Smith, Lida Gharibvand, Lee S. Berk, Everett B. Lohman Iii

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Research Question

Methods

Curricular Praxis: Preparing Athletic Trainers By Combining Formal Debriefing With Clinical Experiences, Christopher J. Hamlyn, Thalia Mulvihill

Mid-Western Educational Researcher

Background: This study examined the integration of formal debriefing in athletic training clinical education, addressing a gap in understanding its role during the transition to professional master's programs. It focused on how formal debriefing can bridge the shift from traditional learning models, ensuring effective student learning and knowledge application in diverse clinical scenarios. The study specifically explored the perceptions of preceptors and students about the incorporation of debriefing in a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredited athletic training program.

Methods: This qualitative study used a purposive sample of five preceptors for an accredited athletic training program with training …

Addressing Psychosocial Barriers To Participation In People Experiencing Homelessness: An Occupational Therapy Workshop, Preston Bender, Steven M. Gerardi, Lacey Spark

Summer 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Despite the occupational therapy (OT) profession's emphasis on holistic, person-centered care, many OT practitioners and students report feeling a lack of self-efficacy and preparedness to navigate the complex psychological, social, and systemic barriers that hinder occupational participation in people experiencing homelessness (PEH). This capstone project aimed to address the perceived unpreparedness among clinicians through the creation of an 8-hour interactive educational workshop aligned with Experiential Learning Theory. The content is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and informed by the Bridging the Transition from Homelessness: A Social Justice Framework (BTTF), trauma-informed care (TIC), harm reduction, and diversity, equity, …

Holistic Approach To Managing Grade 3 Vaginismus: An Obg Physiotherapy Perspective, Nagma Khan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Vaginismus is a condition characterized by involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions, which can make vaginal penetration painful or impossible. This disorder has both physical and psychological components, often leading to significant emotional distress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy with psychological support. This case report examines the treatment of a 29-year-old woman with grade 3 vaginismus, highlighting the role of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) physiotherapy in improving both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old female presented with grade 3 vaginismus, with a history of severe pelvic floor tension …

The Impact Of Non-Athletic, Flat-Soled Sneakers On Gait Kinematics: A Comparative Analysis With Socks, Aaron Aguilar, Kharen Bautista, Juan Claros, Raquel Dimaano, Ciara Franke, Mason Huber, Evan Kurishige, Anton Lam, Kevin Le, Alohi Sheung, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Sivakumar Rajagopal, Seong Hyun Moon, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This study investigates the kinematic effects of non-athletic, flat-soled sneakers on lower extremity joints during walking. Ten healthy gym-goers (24.4 ± 1.7 years) underwent treadmill gait analysis under two conditions: wearing non-athletic sneakers and walking with only socks. Gait was captured using the Gait Real-time Analysis and Interactive Lab (GRAIL). Dependent variables included cadence, support times, and stride length. Walking with socks significantly increased cadence (p <  .0001) and single support time (p = .0103), and decreased initial (p = .018), terminal (p = .0056), and total double support times (p = .0092). No significant difference in stride length was observed. These …

Gait Adaptations Under Cognitive And Motor Dual-Task Conditions, Gabriel Coutinho Gazio, Denise Litonjua, Alex Omaszta, Lindsey Perry, Sophia Tsotras, Mason Salazar, Julie Woo, Alicia Qiu, Julian Palmer, Emma Rogers, Christopher Sagahon, Ethan Parker, Ray Kasama, Joonsuk Choi, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Sivakumar Rajagopal, Seong Hyun Moon, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Modern walking often involves secondary tasks that may increase fall risk, especially in older adults. About one-third of adults aged 65+ fall annually, with dual-tasking further elevating this risk. This study examines how cognitive and motor dual-tasks affect gait variability. Ten healthy young adults completed baseline and three dual-task conditions: (1) walking with a Stroop test, (2) walking while carrying a tray with water, and (3) both tasks combined. Gait parameters—including step length, step width, stride length, and double support time—were analyzed. Significant alterations were observed with P-values of 0.0019 (right step length), 0.004 (step width), 0.0007 (stride length), and …

Multitasking While Walking: How Green Noise And Texting Alter Gait, Kirstin Merrill, Kyle Navarro, Raymond Ngu, Nathan Nguyen, Alex Owyang, Anthony Prajin, Karli Slater, Uyen Truong, Ryan Ye, Eileen Zhu, Sebastian Herrera Vargas, Raj Kumar Chauhan, Sivakumar Rajagopal, Seong Hyun Moon, Michael Shiraishi, Rahul Soangra

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

This study examines the combined effects of green noise and texting on gait to understand how multitasking and auditory stimuli affect walking stability. Green noise, associated with relaxation, was the environmental stimulus; texting the cognitive distractor. We hypothesized texting would reduce cadence and stride length, with green noise either stabilizing or disrupting gait. Ten participants walked on a treadmill under five conditions: normal walking (NW), no texting/sound (WNTNS), sound only (WNTS), texting only (WTNS), and texting with sound (WTS). Gait parameters—step length, step width, single support time, and terminal double support time—were analyzed. Step length decreased in WNTS (p …

Computational Thinking As A Novel Framework For Enhancing Cognitive Organization In Older Adults With Cognitive Frailty (Letter To The Editor), Daisuke Akiba

Publications and Research

As aging populations grow, especially in high-income nations, the burden of dementia-related care continues to escalate both economically and socially. In response, this article introduces Computational Thinking (CT) as a novel, non-pharmacological framework to support cognitive organization in older adults experiencing cognitive frailty. Though CT has gained traction in fields like PK-16 education, including special education, for enhancing executive function and problem-solving, it has not yet been applied to geriatric- or memory-care contexts. This perspective proposes that CT’s core components (i.e., decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking) may align with residual cognitive strengths in mild-to-moderate dementia, offering a strengths-based, …

The Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption And Physical Activity With Primary Dysmenorrhea In Adolescents, Wahyuni Wahyuni

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Background: Menstruation is a bleeding event that occurs when the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, sheds. Dysmenorrhea is one of the symptoms that teenage girls often feel during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea can affect women's comfort and quality of life. There are two types of dysmenorrhoea, namely primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea refers to the condition of menstrual pain that adolescent girls often experience, with a prevalence rate of 60-90%. Risk factors for primary dysmenorrhoea are influenced by several factors, including fast food intake, physical activity level, stress level, age at first menstruation (menarche), and nutritional …