Physical Therapy Commons^™

A Low-Cost Soft Robotic Hand Exoskeleton For Use In Therapy Of Limited Hand–Motor Function, Grant Rudd, Liam Daly, Vukica Jovanovic, Filip Cukov

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

We present the design and validation of a low-cost, customizable and 3D-printed anthropomorphic soft robotic hand exoskeleton for rehabilitation of hand injuries using remotely administered physical therapy regimens. The design builds upon previous work done on cable actuated exoskeleton designs by implementing the same kinematic functionality, but with the focus shifted to ease of assembly and cost effectiveness as to allow patients and physicians to manufacture and assemble the hardware necessary to implement treatment. The exoskeleton was constructed solely from 3D-printed and widely available of-the-shelf components. Control of the actuators was realized using an Arduino microcontroller, with a custom-designed shield …

Effectiveness Of Surf Therapy For Children With Disabilities, Emily D. Clapham, Linda S. Lamont, Minsuk Shim, Shabnam Lateef, Cortney N. Armitano

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Few researchers have examined the effects of surf programs on children with disabilities. Due to previous research findings, surfing is being used, as the focus of physical activity intervention due to its numerous health and therapeutic benefits.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an eight-week surfing intervention on various physical fitness measures in 71 children with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, global developmental delays, and cerebral palsy. The study also sought to compare the differences in overall fitness levels between the surf therapy group and an unstructured pool playgroup. Researchers …

Response Shift After A 4-Week Multimodal Intervention For Chronic Ankle Instability, Cameron J. Powden, Matthew C. Hoch, Beth E. Jamali, Johanna M. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context The accurate evaluation of self-reported changes in function throughout the rehabilitation process is important for determining patient progression. Currently, how a response shift (RS) may affect the accuracy of self-reported functional assessment in a population with chronic ankle instability (CAI) is unknown.

Objective To examine the RS in individuals with CAI after a 4-week multimodal rehabilitation program.

Design Controlled laboratory study.

Setting Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants Twenty adults (5 men, 15 women; age = 24.35 ± 6.95 years, height = 169.29 ± 10.10 cm, mass = 70.58 ± 12.90 kg) with self-reported CAI participated. Inclusion criteria were at …

A 4-Week Multimodal Intervention For Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: Examination Of Disease-Oriented And Patient-Oriented Outcomes, Cameron J. Powden, Johanna M. Hoch, Beth E. Jamali, Matthew C. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) experience disease- and patient-oriented impairments that contribute to both immediate and long-term health detriments. Investigators have demonstrated the ability of targeted interventions to improve these impairments. However, the combined effects of a multimodal intervention have not been evaluated for their effects on a multidimensional profile of health.

Objective To examine the effects of a 4-week rehabilitation program on disease- and patient-oriented impairments associated with CAI.

Design Controlled laboratory study.

Setting Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants Twenty adults (5 males, 15 females; age = 24.35 ± 6.95 years, height = 169.29 ± 10.10 cm, …

Physiological Tremor In Handgun Aiming And Shooting Tasks, Kyle J. Kellran

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

When holding an outstretched limb or aiming at a target, humans produce small involuntary fluctuations that may hamper performance. Current strategies for minimizing the impact of tremulous oscillations predominantly include both extrinsic and intrinsic support. The aim of the current dissertation is to better understand the parameters of physiological tremor associated with handgun aiming with the end goal of improving shooting accuracy. Experiment 1 focused on handgun aiming and the influence of different arm posture adopted during aiming. Experiment 2 expanded upon the findings of experiment 1 by comparing tremor during finger pointing, handgun aiming, and handgun shooting. Experiment 3 …

8890: Athletic Training Student Application Of Patient-Centered Care During Clinical Education: A Report From The Athletic Training Clinical Education Network, J. M. Cavallario, C. E. Welch Bacon, S. E. Walker, R. C. Bay, B. L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Patient-centered care (PCC) is the most frequently implemented core competency by students in health care education programs, and is more likely to be included when students and preceptors are jointly treating patients during clinical education. However, past research has examined only self-identification of implementation, not the inclusion of components of the competency during patient encounters (PEs).

Objective: To assess whether athletic training students (ATSs) are integrating concepts of PCC during PEs as a part of their clinical education experiences.

Design: Multisite, panel design.

Setting: Three Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education-accredited professional athletic training programs (2 baccalaureate, 1 …

Somatosensory Deficits In Post-Acl Reconstruction Patients: A Case-Control Study, Johanna M. Hoch, William O. Perkins, Jonathan R. Hartman, Matthew C. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: Diminished cutaneous detection thresholds have been identified in patients with multiple orthopedic conditions, and these phenomena may occur in postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in lower extremity cutaneous detection thresholds exist in post-ACLR patients when compared with healthy controls. Methods: Fifteen individuals who were post-ACLR and 15 individuals who had no history of knee injury participated. Light touch cutaneous detection thresholds were assessed at 4 locations on the foot and ankle (first metatarsal, fifth metatarsal, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus). Nonparametric statistics examined group differences between the …

The Effect Of An Interprofessional Registered Nurse-Physical Therapist Team On Reducing Prescribed Opioid Dependence In Patients With Chronic Lower Back Pain, Amber Chesney, Stephanie Jan, Amanda Pedrazoli, Brandon Simmons, Kaylene Woods, Nicole Yeats

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Long-term prescribed opioid use for chronic pain is shown to reduce recovery potential and increase risk for dependence, which is contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. There is a need for an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to address prescription opioid dependence. We propose implementation of a community-based interprofessional registered nurse-physical therapist team (IRNPTT) focused on reduction of opioid dependence in adult patients with chronic lower back pain.

The Effects Of Low-Intensity Therapeutic Ultrasound On Measurable Outcomes: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sarah Daniels, Gabriela Santiago, Jennifer Cuchna, Bonnie Van Lunen

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Therapeutic ultrasound (US) is a popular modality among health care professionals and is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. A new technology has been established to allow for the miniaturization of the US unit. Patients receive treatment with the device secured to them, eliminating the portability constraint of traditional US units. Early studies suggest that this portable unit can deliver low-intensity acoustic energy achieving the same temperature increase and pain relief that come from traditional US units, in a more versatile and patient-friendly manner. Clinical Question: What effects does low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) have on measurable outcomes? Summary …

Occupational Therapy And Physiotherapy Education And Workforce In Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa Countries, Augustine O. Agho, Emmanuel B. John

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries are faced with the challenge of educating a critical mass of occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) to meet the growing demand for health and rehabilitation services. The World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) and World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) have argued for the need of graduate-level training for OTs and PTs for decades. However, very few studies have been conducted to determine the availability of OT and PT training programs and practitioners in SSA countries.

Methods: Initial data were collected and compiled from an extensive literature search conducted using MEDLINE and PubMed to …

Gait Speed And Confidence Levels In Persons Using 1 And 2 Canes While Walking A 4-M Course, Marion A. Lisenby

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

This is the first article that the researcher is aware of that compares walking speed and confidence levels with 1 cane versus 2 canes. An observational study was conducted with 30 participants who had difficulty walking. Gait speed was assessed on a 4-m course with the participants using 1 cane, then 2 canes. Of 30 participants, 28 walked faster and demonstrated improved confidence with 2 canes. Use of 2 canes with gait might be a technique that people want to consider to improve confidence or to improve walking speed, or improve both.

The Effects Of Instrument Handle Design On Forearm Muscle Activity During Scaling By Dental Hygienists, Jessica Rae Suedbeck

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 4 different commercially available instrument handle designs (A. 16 grams and 12.7 mm diameter; B. 23 grams and 11.1 mm diameter; C. 21 grams and 7.9 mm diameter; D. 18 grams and 6.35 mm diameter) on the muscle activity of four forearm muscles during a simulated scaling experience. Methods: A convenience sample of 27 dental hygienists used a Columbia 13/14 curet with four different instrument handles to scale artificial calculus. While scaling, each participant’s muscle activity was measured using surface electromyography (sEMG). Participants completed an end user opinion …

The Effect Of Magnification Loupes On Posture During Instrumentation By Dental Hygienists, Emily Anne Ludwig

Dental Hygiene Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dental magnification loupes on posture during instrumentation. Methods: A convenience sample of twenty-seven righthanded dental hygienists with no history of injuries or disabilities of the head, neck, and trunk regions was enrolled. Baseline posture calibration was taken. Accelerometers were placed on four locations of the head and trunk (occipital pole of head, cervical vertebrae: C5, thoracic vertebrae: T5, lumbar vertebrae: L1) to measure changes in posture. Accelerations in three axes were recorded (anterior/posterior (AP), medial/lateral (ML), vertical (VT)). Mean accelerations of the three axes were used to compute …

Measures Of Functional Performance And Their Association With Hip And Thigh Strength, Roger Kollack, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Stacie I. Ringleb, James M. Oñate

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Insufficient hip and thigh strength may increase an athlete's susceptibility to injury. However, screening for strength deficits using isometric and isokinetic instrumentation may not be practical in all clinical scenarios.

Objective: To determine if functional performance tests are valid indicators of hip and thigh strength.

Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Sixty-two recreationally athletic men (n = 30, age = 21.07 years, height = 173.84 cm, mass = 81.47 kg) and women (n = 32, age = 21.03 years, height = 168.77 cm, mass = 68.22 kg) participants were recruited.

Intervention(s): During session 1, …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Physically Active Individuals With A History Of Injury, Megan N. Houston

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Individuals around the globe engage in physical activity for personal interest or general health and fitness. Although participation in regular physical activity is important for general health it also brings with it the risk of injury. Ankle sprains, anterior cruciate ligament tears, and concussions are just a few of the injuries sustained by physically active individuals with long-term implications. With the number of physically active individuals on the rise, sports-related injuries are of growing concern.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a personal evaluation of everyday functioning and well-being. A variety of injuries and health conditions associated with physical activity …

Concurrent Validity Of Accelerations Measured Using A Tri-Axial Inertial Measurement Unit While Walking On Firm, Compliant, And Uneven Surfaces, Michael H. Cole, Wolbert Van Den Hoorn, Justin K. Kavanagh, Steven Morrison, Paul W. Hodges, James E. Smeathers, Graham K. Kerr

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Although accelerometers are extensively used for assessing gait, limited research has evaluated the concurrent validity of these devices on less predictable walking surfaces or the comparability of different methods used for gravitational acceleration compensation. This study evaluated the concurrent validity of trunk accelerations derived from a tri-axial inertial measurement unit while walking on firm, compliant and uneven surfaces and contrasted two methods used to remove gravitational accelerations; i) subtraction of the best linear fit from the data (detrending); and ii) use of orientation information (quaternions) from the inertial measurement unit. Twelve older and twelve younger adults walked at their preferred …

Injury Prevention With Physical Therapy, Karen Kott, Margaret F. Lemaster

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

(First paragraph) Ergonomics is the study of human performance (positioning and movement) and workplace design, such as equipment, ambience, and placement. The purpose of ergonomics is to maximize productivity by increasing safety, improving work quality, reducing operator fatigue and discomfort, and decreasing the risk of work -related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).^1-3

An Evidence-Based Practice Educational Intervention For Athletic Trainers: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Cailee E. Welch, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Dorice A. Hankemeier

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: As evidence-based practice (EBP) becomes a necessity in athletic training, Web-based modules have been developed and made available to the National Athletic Trainers' Association membership as a mechanism to educate athletic trainers (ATs) on concepts of EBP.

Objective: To assess the effect of an educational intervention on enhancing knowledge of EBP among ATs.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Web-based modules and knowledge assessment.

Patients or Other Participants: A total of 164 of 473 ATs (34.7% response rate), including professional athletic training students, graduate students, clinical preceptors, educators, and clinicians, were randomized into a control group (40 men, 42 women) …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability, Megan N. Houston, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Matthew C. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have reported decreased global and regional function. Despite the identification of functional deficits in those with CAI, more research is required to determine the extent to which CAI influences the multidimensional profile of health-related quality of life.

Objective: To determine whether global, regional, and psychological health-related outcomes differ between individuals with and without CAI.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-five participants with CAI (age = 21.9 ± 2.5 years, height = 170.8 ± 8.6 cm, mass = 69.8.0 ± 11.7 kg) were sex- and limb-matched to 25 healthy participants …

Perceived Outcomes Of Web-Based Modules Designed To Enhance Athletic Trainers' Knowledge Of Evidence-Based Practice, Cailee E. Welch, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Aimee L. Wyant, Jessica M. Mutchler, William A. Pitney, Danica G. Hays

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: The release of evidence-based practice (EBP) Web-based learning modules to the membership of the National Athletic Trainers' Association has provided athletic trainers (ATs) the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the various EBP concepts. Whereas increasing the knowledge of EBP among ATs is important, assessing whether this newfound knowledge is being translated into clinical practice and didactic education is crucial.

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding EBP on the didactic instruction patterns of athletic training educators and the clinical practice behaviors of clinicians.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Individual telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants: A …

Future Directions Of Evidence-Based Practice In Athletic Training: Perceived Strategies To Enhance The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice, Cailee E. Welch, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Aimee L. Wyant, Danica G. Hays, William A. Pitney, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: The shift to a culture of evidence-based practice (EBP) in athletic training is a necessary step in both the optimization of patient care and the advancement of athletic trainers (ATs) as health care professionals. Whereas individuals have gained knowledge in this area, most ATs still are not practicing in an evidence-based manner. Exploring perceived strategies to enhance the use of EBP will help to determine the best approaches to assist ATs in applying EBP concepts to practice to improve patient care.

Objective: To explore beneficial strategies and techniques ATs perceived would promote successful implementation of EBP within athletic training …

Changes In The Dynamics Of Postural And Locomotor Control As A Result Of Varying Task Demands, Kathleen Sherry Thomas

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this study was to examine changes in postural and locomotor control under varying task demands. Three experiments were designed to address the impact that fast walking had on standing posture over time, slow walking had on gait dynamics over time, and the extent to which gait speed interacts with the ability to walk randomly.

For experiment I, the aim was to identify the time course in which postural adaptation occurred while walking at faster than preferred speeds. Postural motion was assessed at specific intervals over a 35-min walking trial. Findings revealed that walking at a faster speed …

Instruction And Jump-Landing Kinematics In College-Aged Female Athletes Over Time, Jena Etnoyer, Nelson Cortes, Stacie I. Ringleb, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, James A. Onate

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Instruction can be used to alter the biomechanical movement patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Objective: To determine the effects of instruction through combination (self and expert) feedback or self-feedback on lower extremity kinematics during the box–drop-jump task, running–stop-jump task, and sidestep-cutting maneuver over time in college-aged female athletes.

Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Forty-three physically active women (age = 21.47 ± 1.55 years, height = 1.65 ± 0.08 m, mass = 63.78 ± 12.00 kg) with no history of ACL or lower extremity injuries or surgery in the 2 months …

Perceptions Of Approved Clinical Instructors: Barriers In The Implementation Of Evidence-Based Practice, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: As evidence-based practice (EBP) becomes prevalent in athletic training education, the barriers that Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs) experience in implementing it with students need to be understood.

Objective: To investigate barriers ACIs face when implementing EBP concepts in clinical practice and in teaching EBP to professional athletic training students and to investigate the educational emphases to improve the barriers.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen ACIs (11 men, 5 women; experience as an athletic trainer = 10 ± 4.7 years, experience as an ACI = 6.81 ± 3.9 years) were interviewed.

Data Collection and …

Use Of Evidence-Based Practice Among Athletic Training Educators, Clinicians, And Students, Part 1: Perceived Importance, Knowledge, And Confidence, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Jessica M. Walter, Cailee W. Mccarty, Eric J. Newton, Stacy E. Walker, Shana L. Pribesh, Beth E. Jamali, Sarah A. Manspeaker, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context:

Although evidence-based practice (EBP) has become more prevalent, athletic trainers' perceptions of importance and knowledge of these concepts and their confidence in EBP are largely unknown.

Objective:

To assess perceived importance and knowledge of and confidence in EBP concepts in athletic trainers in various roles and with different degree levels.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Online survey instrument.

Patients or Other Participants:

The survey was sent to 6702 athletic training educators, clinicians, and postprofessional students. A total of 1209 completed the survey, for a response rate of 18.04%.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Demographic information and perceived importance and knowledge of and …

Use Of Evidence-Based Practice Among Athletic Training Educators, Clinicians, And Students, Part 2: Attitudes, Beliefs, Accessibility, And Barriers, Cailee W. Mccarthy, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Jessica M. Walter, Eric J. Newton, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Successful implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) within athletic training is contingent upon understanding the attitudes and beliefs and perceived barriers toward EBP as well as the accessibility to EBP resources of athletic training educators, clinicians, and students.

Objective: To assess the attitudes, beliefs, and perceived barriers toward EBP and accessibility to EBP resources among athletic training educators, clinicians, and students.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Online survey instrument.

Patients or Other Participants: A total of 1209 athletic trainers participated: professional athletic training education program directors (n = 132), clinical preceptors (n = 266), clinicians (n = 716), postprofessional athletic training …

Commentary On "The Motor Learning Strategy Instrument: Interrater Reliability Within Usual And Virtual Reality Physical Therapy Interventions", Karen M. Kott, Sharon Held

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Influence Of Interlimb Differences On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Factors In Female Collegiate Soccer Athletes, Eric Kevin Greska

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Female collegiate soccer athletes suffer anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries at a rate of 0.31 per 1000 athlete-exposures, with 67% of injuries expected to be from a non-contact mechanism. As well, previous studies have demonstrated dissimilarity in non-contact ACL injuries relative to dominant and non-dominant legs; with the non-dominant leg being the involved side in 48-67% of reported incidents. The aim of this study was to examine lower extremity neuromechanics relative to leg dominance during an unanticipated sidestep cutting task, with differing states of fatigue and training.

Twenty female collegiate soccer players performed three valid trials for both the dominant …

Clinical Preceptors' Perspectives On Clinical Education In Post-Professional Athletic Training Education Programs, Kelvin Phan, Cailee W. Mccarty, Jessica M. Mutchler, Bonnie Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Clinical education is the interaction between a clinical preceptor and student within the clinical setting to help the student progress as a clinician. Post-professional athletic training clinical education is especially important to improve these students' clinical knowledge and skills. However, little research has been conducted to assess the pedagogical principles for clinical education at this level or what factors are necessary to enhance the clinical skills and decision-making abilities of post-professional students. Therefore, exploring the perspectives of clinical preceptors involved in post-professional education will help educators understand what strategies are necessary to improve post-professional athletic training education programs (PPATEPs). …

Two Different Fatigue Protocols And Lower Extremity Motion Patterns During A Stop-Jump Task, David Quammen, Nelson Cortes, Bonnie L. Van Lunen, Shawn Lucci, Stacie I. Ringleb, James Onate

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Altered neuromuscular control strategies during fatigue probably contribute to the increased incidence of non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes.

Objective: To determine biomechanical differences between 2 fatigue protocols (slow linear oxidative fatigue protocol [SLO-FP] and functional agility short-term fatigue protocol [FAST-FP]) when performing a running-stop-jump task.

Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Setting: Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: A convenience sample of 15 female soccer players (age = 19.2 ± 0.8 years, height = 1.67± 0.05m, mass = 61.7 + 8.1 kg) without injury participated.

Intervention(s): Five successful trials of a running–stop-jump task were obtained prefatigue and postfatigue during …