Physical Therapy Commons^™

Student Perceptions Of Reading Preparation And Textbook Use In Professional Allied Health Programs, Laura Stimler, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Melba G. Custer, Shirley P. O'Brien

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: In professional allied health education, textbooks are central to developing course content, student learning and certification exams, but little is known about the graduate student’s perspective. This study was intended to describe current trends in graduate students’ point of view, habits and opinions related to buying and using textbooks and other resources in allied health education. Methods: This was a multi-site collaborative research project. An electronic survey was developed to gather data on student habits and perspectives regarding textbook preferences including digital texts, academic reading, exam preparation, and obtaining course materials. The survey was distributed across four academic institutions. …

The Use Of Dynamic 3d Printed Cervical Spine Models In A Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Course, Cassandra I. Ciorciari, Dallas A. Rynda, Christina L. Fojas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: While mass-produced anatomical models are commercially available, many models are inflexible and static, and may not meet the needs of health professions students. Advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing have demonstrated tremendous potential for enhancing student learning. This study uses 3D printed cervical spine models to explore whether use of dynamic, flexible models improve student learning in a cohort of physical therapy students. Methods: 3D printed models of the cervical spine and occiput were printed using a fused deposition modeling 3D printer and polylactic acid filament, and augmented with hook and loop fasteners, foam sheets, and cords to simulate structures …

Effect Of Posterior Leaf Spring And Carbon Composite Ankle Foot Orthosis On Gait And Functional Mobility Of Stroke Survivors With Hemiplegia: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Zidikheri B. Msechu, Ahmad Zaheer Qureshi, Tim Drew

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The study was carried out as a randomized clinical trial to assess the effect of posterior leaf spring ankle foot orthosis (PLS-AFO) and carbon composite ankle foot orthosis (C-AFO) on functional mobility, walking speed and satisfaction among stroke survivors with hemiplegia. Methods: Twenty-seven ambulatory stroke survivors with hemiplegia who had completed a rehabilitation program and were already using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) were included in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned either PLS-AFO or C-AFO and assessment was done with and without their AFOs. Functional mobility, walking speed, and satisfaction were assessed using the Timed Up and …

Influence Of Apathy And Grit On Exercise Adherence For Persons With Parkinson’S Disease: A Cohort Study, Erica J. Kiernan, Evan M. Pucillo, Christopher M. Wiedman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States. A preponderance of evidence supports exercise and physical activity as an effective intervention to slow the progression of motor symptoms in persons with PD. However, less study has been given to the influence of non-motor symptoms of PD, such as apathy and grit, on adherence to therapeutic exercise programs. The primary aim of this study was to characterize levels of apathy and grit in individuals with PD and explore any relationship to adherence in a community exercise program. Due to the importance of caregiver interaction, …

Training And Instruction Of Learning And Study Strategies Improve Academic Performance In Rehabilitation Students, Evan M. Pucillo, Gabriela Perez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Prior study has demonstrated that certain learning strategies can be improved with training and instruction. As a result, downstream academic success may be potentiated. However, it is unclear if instructional intervention can influence academic outcomes among rehabilitation students. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in grade point average (GPA) after exposure to a set of standardized self-paced training modules on the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) in Physical therapy (PT) and Occupational therapy (OT) students. Methods: A causal-comparative design was used, and a multi-center convenience sample collected N=75 entry-level PT and OT students [PT: 41(55%); …

Exploring Clinical Reasoning In Doctor Of Physical Therapy (Dpt) Students Through Computer-Based Simulation, Denise Romano, Alyson Pasquale

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Clinical reasoning is a critical skill required to be an effective clinician in today’s dynamic and complex healthcare environment. Reflective ability is considered foundational for building clinical reasoning skills. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the clinical reasoning strategies used by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during a computer-based simulation and the relationship between the quality of reflection and clinical reasoning strategies used. Methods: Forty-five first (n=15), second (n=23), and third (n=7) year DPT students enrolled in six professional DPT programs in the United States participated in an asynchronous computer-based simulation designed to …

Effects Of A Multi-Modal Gait Training Program In An Individual With Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Anne Boddy, Lindsay A. Perry, Chitralakshmi K. Balasubramanian

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Multi-modal gait training (MMGT) may improve impairments and functional limitations in individuals’ post-stroke. The purpose of this case study was to investigate effects of MMGT on gait and balance outcomes immediately post-intervention, 30-day short term (ST) and 1-year long term follow-up periods. Method: A 63-year-old patient, eight years post-stroke, participated in a MMGT program that included evidence-based gait interventions: unilateral treadmill training, inclined treadmill training at 8%, and over-ground fast walking. The eight sessions lasted 45-minutes each and consisted of the three interventions lasting 10-minutes each with rest breaks. Results: Self-selected (SS) and fastest comfortable gait speed revealed meaningful …

Low-Rate Tens As An Effective Treatment For Pelvic Pain - A Retrospective Case Report, Michelle Allyn, Ryan Kamieneski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects 27% of the world’s female population. The purpose of this case report was to investigate the use of low-rate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in a woman with CPP. Few studies have investigated the effects of low-rate TENS on gynecological-related pelvic pain. Methods: A 21-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of pelvic pain and decreased quality of life. Persistent pain led the patient to seek physical therapy treatment. Single-channel low-rate TENS (five hertz frequency, 250 microseconds phase duration) was provided for 30 minutes daily at the maximum tolerated intensity, for …

The Effect Of A Psychologically Informed Video Series To Treat Adolescents' Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial., Mitchell Selhorst, Jessica Hoehn, Laura Schmitt, Jason Benedict, Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez

HPD Articles

OBJECTIVE: To test whether a series of brief, psychologically informed educational videos added to physical therapy improved function among adolescents with patellofemoral pain (PFP). The secondary aims were to assess pain and psychological beliefs.

DESIGN: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

METHODS: Sixty-eight adolescents with PFP were randomly assigned to view brief, psychologically-informed videos (n=34) or control videos (n=34) in addition to usual care physical therapy. The psychologically-informed videos targeted fear-avoidance beliefs, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing. The control videos conveyed basic anatomy, biomedical factors, and lower extremity mechanics. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, three weeks, six weeks (primary endpoint), and three …

The Influence Of Personality Type On Patient Outcome Measures And Therapeutic Alliance In Patients With Low Back Pain, William J. Hanney, Fahim Dhalla, Chase Kelly, Alicia Tomberlin, Morey J. Kolber, Abigail T. Wilson, Paul A. Salamh

HPD Articles

Background: Low back pain (LBP) has been shown to have various biological, psychological, and social factors that affect prognosis. However, it is unclear how personality may influence self-reported outcome measures and therapeutic alliance (TA). Methods: Eysenck’s personality inventory was used to assess personality, while the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), Global Rating of Change (GROC), and the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) measured patient progress and relationship strength. All outcome measures were formulated in a single survey that both the therapist and patient completed electronically. Results: Sixty-seven patients with LBP and twenty-two …

Self-Efficacy With Telehealth Examination: The Doctor Of Physical Therapy Student Perspective, Derrick F. Campbell, Jean-Michel Brismee, Brad Allen, Troy L. Hooper, Manuel A. Domenech, Kathleen J. Manella

HPD Articles

Introduction: The shift to telehealth exposed gaps in our understanding of how physical therapy students perceive patient assessment in a remote situation using the examination component of the patient/client management (PCM) model. The purpose of the study was to compare Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students’ self-efficacy performing patient assessment using the examination component of the PCM model using telehealth compared with conventional examination. To achieve the purpose of this study, the Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy (PTSE) scale was used. More specifically, self-efficacy in clinical reasoning was measured using the following items: (1) PTSE total score (2) performance of tests …

Physical Therapy Students Experience Reductions In Physical Activity And Social Interaction During Coronavirus-Related Curricular Changes: A Cohort Study, Daniel W. Flowers, Amanda Bernard, Erin Mccallister, Lauren Rachal Sant

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged physical therapy students and faculty. The faculty at this institution implemented a modular curriculum progressing from in-person to remote learning to parallel a predicted autumn COVID-19 surge. This study compares the effect of varying educational models on physical therapy students’ physical activity and social isolation outcomes during their program’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that changes in students’ physical activity and social interaction would be observed throughout the semester as the curriculum became more distance based. Methods: This prospective cohort investigation of 42 students from a single physical therapy program …

Early Assurance Model For Physical Therapy Education: A Descriptive Study, Kimberly Coleman-Ferreira, Ivan Mulligan, Lora Packel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Various curriculum models for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education exist across the country. The purpose of this study was to provide an updated description of the Early Assurance (EA) program model, including administrative variables for institutional leaders to consider. This descriptive study may help equip students to choose an educational program that suits their desires and enable institutions to consider models that fit their needs given their typical admission draw, the local environment, student debt, and resources available. Applications to DPT programs are on the decline while there continues to be an expansion of programs. Institutions are looking …

Rate And Magnitude Of Muscle Temperature Increase With Cycling At Various Intensities, Jennifer Ostrowski, James Scifers

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Anecdotally, athletic training clinicians often have patients "warm up" on a stationary cycle prior to rehabilitation. No previous studies have evaluated the rate or magnitude of muscle temperature increase during a cycling task. Our objective was to determine the rate and magnitude of muscle temperature increase in superficial (2cm) and deep (4cm) muscle during cycling at various intensities. Methods: Randomized, counter-balanced crossover trial conducted at a University research laboratory. Sixteen healthy participants (male=7, female=9; mean age 26±4 years; height 170±10 cm; weight 77±8 kg; adipose thickness 1.4±0.9 cm; muscle thickness 5.1±0.7 cm). Participants performed cycling under 3 intensity conditions: …

Nicus In The Us: Levels Of Acuity, Number Of Beds, And Relationships To Population Factors., Roberta Pineda, Kati Knudsen, Courtney C. Breault, Elizabeth E. Rogers, Wendy J. Mack, Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez

HPD Articles

OBJECTIVE: To 1) define the number and characteristics of NICUs in the United States (US) and 2) identify hospital and population characteristics related to US NICUs.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study of US NICUs.

RESULTS: There were 1424 NICUs identified in the US. Higher number of NICU beds was positively associated with higher NICU level (p < 0.0001). Higher acuity level and number of NICU beds related to being in a children's hospital (p < 0.0001;p < 0.0001), part of an academic center (p = 0.006;p = 0.001), and in a state with Certificate of Need legislation (p = 0.023;p = 0.046). Higher acuity level related to higher population density (p < 0.0001), and higher number of beds related to increasing proportions of minorities in the population up until 50% minorities. There was also significant variation in NICU level by region.

CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes new knowledge by describing an updated registry of NICUs in the US in 2021 that can be used for comparisons and benchmarking.

Self-Modulation Of Rectus Femoris Reflex Excitability In Humans, Kyoungsoon Kim, Tunc Akbas, Robert Lee, Kathleen Manella, James Sulzer

HPD Articles

Hyperreflexia is common after neurological injury such as stroke, yet clinical interventions have had mixed success. Our previous research has shown that hyperreflexia of the rectus femoris (RF) during pre-swing is closely associated with reduced swing phase knee flexion in those with post-stroke Stiff-Knee gait (SKG). Thus, reduction of RF hyperreflexia may improve walking function in those with post-stroke SKG. A non-pharmacological procedure for reducing hyperreflexia has emerged based on operant conditioning of H-reflex, an electrical analog of the spinal stretch reflex. It is currently unknown whether operant conditioning can be applied to the RF. This feasibility study trained 7 …

Exploring Sex As A Moderator Of Other Prognostic Variables In Whiplash Associated Disorder: An Observational Study., Bradford Callan, David M. Walton, Joshua Cleland, Morey J. Kolber, James M. Elliott

HPD Articles

BACKGROUND: Prognostic variables for assessing people with whiplash associated disorder (WAD) following a motor vehicle collision (MVC) have been evaluated in numerous studies. However, there is minimal evidence assessing how these variables may differ between males and females.

QUESTION/PURPOSE: 1) To assess if the sex of a person interacts with known prognostic variables within the development of chronic WAD. 2) To determine if commonly used outcome measures used in the assessment of chronic WAD differ between sexes.

METHODS: The study was a secondary analysis of an observational study with an inception cohort immediately following an MVC in an emergency department …

Does Training With A Simulation Stethoscope Facilitate The Acquisition Of Cardiopulmonary Knowledge And Confidence In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Archana Vatwani, Melissa Morris, Cheryl J. Hill, Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not training with a computerized stethoscope could impact Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student cardiopulmonary assessment knowledge and confidence. Methods: Eighty-seven (87) DPT students in years 2 (DPT2s, n=39) and 3 (DPT3s, n=48) participated after previously completing a cardiopulmonary course. All subjects took a baseline test and confidence survey for cardiopulmonary skills. Two weeks later, DPT2s attended a 1-hour lab session with simulation stethoscopes and did a post-test and survey. Test scores and confidence data were compared within DPT2s, and for DPT2s vs DPT3s. Results: After training, DPT2 …

Conservative Treatment Of A Symptomatic Os Vesalianum Pedis In A Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report, Mario F. Cruz, Lori A. Bolgla, Ryan Alexander, Peter J. Symbas, Jeremy Royal, Jordan Serrano-Dennis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objectives: Symptomatic os vesalianum pedis (OVP), a small accessory bone located adjacent to the base of the 5^th metatarsal of the foot, rarely affects individuals who participate in sports. The condition typically is treated with surgical intervention. This case report documents the examination, evaluation, and treatment approach for a professional soccer player treated conservatively with a symptomatic OVP. Methods: A nineteen-year-old professional soccer player presented with pain to the base of the left 5^th metatarsal. Physical examination and imaging resulted in a diagnosis of a symptomatic OVP. The player underwent a 5-stage criterion-based rehabilitation program. Results: The player …

Relationship Between Allied Health Student's Behavioral Style And Ideal Clinical Instructor Behaviors, Tonya Y. Miller, Robert Creath, Eva M. Frank, Lori Portzer, Jennifer Price

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The focus of this research is to understand the relationship between students' primary DISC behavioral styles (dominant, influencing, steadiness, compliance) and their perception of ideal clinical instructor behaviors. A review of the literature supports the connection between the behaviors of the clinical instructor (CI) and the success of the allied health professional student (AHPS). Additionally, a body of research supports the connection between DISC behavioral styles and student success. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between AHPS primary DISC behavioral styles and their perception of the ideal CI behaviors. Methods: A total number …

Exploring Family-Centered Care From The Perspectives Of Home-Health Physical Therapists, James Mathews

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background and Purpose: Older adults often need caregivers to help them age in place successfully while maximizing their quality of life. These caregivers have the highest rates of burnout, injury, and turnover. Family-centered care (FCC) involves collaboration between the healthcare practitioner and the patient, family members, and caregivers. There is a paucity of evidence on how FCC is applied to older adults and their caregivers. The purpose of this general qualitative study was to explore how a group of home health physical therapists (HHPTS) deliver FCC to care-dependent older adults.

Methods: This general qualitative study used individual, semi-structured interviews with …

Early Identification Of Barriers To Student Success In Physical Therapy Clinical Education: Utilization Of A Week One Clinical Survey Tool, Bridget Eubanks, Jennifer Bunn, Heidi L. Shearin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a week-one clinical survey tool for early identification of student perceived barriers, including personal and environmental safety, that may impact success during full-time clinical education experiences (CEE) in physical therapy. Methods: DPT students (n= 81) engaged in full-time CEE in their second and third years were required to complete an online self-designed survey tool regarding perceptions of safety, clinical instructor (CI) satisfaction, and clinical challenges. Students in their third year completed the survey for both experiences. Data were assessed to compare second versus third-year student responses overall …

Comparison Of Flex Vs. Residential Clinical Education Program Outcomes: Physical Therapy Students’ Self-Efficacy, Confidence, And Clinical Competence, Derrick F. Campbell, Jean-Michel Brismee, Brad Allen, Troy L. Hooper, Manuel A. Domenech, Kathleen J. Manella

HPD Articles

Purpose: Alternative flexible (Flex) path Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs may have an emerging footprint. The differences between Flex and traditional residential DPT program clinical experience outcomes remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Flex and residential DPT students’ clinical reasoning self-efficacy, confidence with treating, and Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) clinical reasoning and summative scores during clinical experiences.

Methods: A descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional survey was used with a voluntary convenience sample of 211 university DPT students during Fall 2020 full-time clinical experiences. Descriptive and inferential statistics evaluated differences in Flex and residential DPT program students’ …

Ethnicity Does Not Impact Physical Therapy Students’ Clinical Readiness And Performance, A United States Exploratory Study, Derrick F. Campbell, Jean-Michel Brismee, Brad Allen, Troy L. Hooper, Manuel A. Domenech, Kathleen J. Manella

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To explore the impact of ethnicity on clinical readiness and performance among Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, as determined by 1) Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy (PTSE) score, 2) self-confidence treating patients, and 3) final American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) clinical reasoning and summative ratings during clinical experiences. Methods: This study is a survey-based, descriptive, and exploratory cross-sectional research design involving sample of 211 DPT students evaluated for differences across ethnic students’ groups 1) PTSE score during student clinical experiences, 2) confidence with treating initial and subsequent same-patient visits, and 3) final CPI clinical reasoning …

Reliability Of Hand-Held Dynamometry For Measuring Force Production In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Matthew Boom, Elisabeth Preston, Renee Salmon, Louise Ada, Allyson Flynn

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have impaired force production, which is associated with decreased mobility and falls risk. Reliable measurement of force production is important. Design: A repeated-measures, intra- and inter-rater reliability study was undertaken. Participants: 24 people with mild PD were measured by one or two raters. Outcome measures: Isometric force of the major upper and lower limb muscle groups was measured using hand-held dynamometry. Results: Fourteen participants were measured by the same rater on two occasions to determine intra-rater reliability. Ten participants were measured on two occasions by two different raters to determine …

Influence Of Years Of Experience On Clinical Competence Of Novice Physical And Occupational Therapists In Japan, Hiroaki Sakurai, Soichiro Koyama, Shigeo Tanabe, Kazuya Takeda, Yoshikiyo Kanada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To increase the clinical competence of novice physical and occupational therapists, an accurate assessment of their clinical competence is necessary. However, no previous study has objectively analyzed the changes in novice therapists’ clinical competence in Japan. Hence, this study investigated and evaluated the changes in the clinical competence of such therapists using an objective analysis. Method: The study included 34 novice therapists with 1–3 years of experience in clinical practice. Participants were divided into groups according to their years of experience. The clinical competence of the novice therapists was evaluated twice using a clinical competency evaluation scale. For comparison …

Introducing A Physical Therapist-Led Acceptance And Commitment Therapy Training For Pain: A Clinical Perspective, Joseph Tatta

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mounting evidence supports the use of cognitive and behavioral techniques as part of physical therapist practice. These methods are used within a physical therapist’s multimodal treatment approach for the management of pain and to facilitate health behavior change. There is a multitude of evidence-based cognitive behavioral techniques to choose from including newer approaches based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Yet few studies have examined physical therapists’ perceptions to learning and implementing ACT into clinical practice. The purpose of this manuscript is to present a clinical perspective of physical therapists learning about and incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in clinical …

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, And Validity Of The Tamil Version Of Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire In Chronic Low Back Pain, Hasini Dayalan, P. Antony Leo Aseer, Soundararajan K

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Excessive fear of movement, restricted physical activity, and cognitive distortions are frequently found with chronic low back pain (CLBP) subjects. The Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) is the most well-founded and often used tool to measure fear and avoidance beliefs in CLBP subjects. In India, there is a diversity of culture, educational level, and language. So, there is a need to translate FABQ into the regional language Tamil, which will improve understanding of FABQ and reduce the language barrier of the Tamil population. Objective: To translate, cross-cultural adapt, and investigate the psychometric properties of the Tamil version of FABQ in …

Assessment Of Inter-Instrument Reliability For Dominant Handgrip Dynamometry And Spirometry, Nnamdi Mgbemena, Anne Jones, Anthony Leicht

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the inter-instrument reliability of different dynamometers and spirometers commonly used in clinical practice. Methods: The study involved 113 healthy volunteers across three facility sites. At each site, dominant handgrip strength (DHGS), and lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV₁], forced vital capacity [FVC] and peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]), were compared using a local and reference device. Assessments were randomized with five minutes rest between measurements. Significant differences between devices were assessed using paired t-test while relative reliability between devices was determined via intra-class correlations (ICC). Accuracy …

Characteristics Needed To Transition From Exemplary Clinical Instructor To Successful Site Coordinator Of Clinical Education: A Qualitative Study, Nicki Silberman, Vicki Lafay

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: In physical therapist (PT) education, the site coordinator of clinical education (SCCE) administers and manages clinical placements for student clinical education experiences from the clinical side. Characteristics of successful site coordinators of clinical education (SCCEs) have been established; minimal evidence informs the identification of individuals with those characteristics. One cannot assume that exemplary clinical instructors (CIs) will become effective SCCEs. Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate if the characteristics of exemplary CIs are consistent with the traits needed in a successful SCCE candidate by exploring these 3 aims: (1) Describe characteristics of exemplary CIs. (2) …