Physical Therapy Commons^™

Reduced Lower Extremity Strength, Altered Muscle Activation, And Unchanged Kinetics During Single-Leg Squatting In Males With Patellofemoral Pain Versus Pain-Free Males: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Lisa T. Hoglund, Amy H. Amabile, Thomas Alexander Hulcher, Victoria K. Polansky, Erin L. Dopke

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is frequently a cause of reduced quality of life in physically active males. The cause of patellofemoral pain is theorized to include aberrant biomechanics during weight-bearing activities. Altered biomechanics of females with patellofemoral pain have been reported, but there is a dearth of research for males with this condition. This study aimed to compare males with and without patellofemoral pain for hip and knee joint moments and muscle activation during single-leg-squatting and proximal muscle strength.

METHODS: Twenty males with patellofemoral pain and 20 pain-free males aged 20-39 years performed single-leg-squatting while motion, ground reaction force, and proximal …

Acute Intermittent Hypoxia And Acute Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia Elicit Cortico-Diaphragmatic Plasticity In People With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury, Alysha Bogard, Michela Mir, Tommy Sutor, Jessica Dunn, Kathryn Cavka, Arian Vistamehr, Hannah Snyder, Joseph Welch, Jayakrishnan Nair, Gina Brunetti, Gordon Mitchell, Emily Fox

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Respiratory impairment is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting the need for interventions that improve breathing function. In people with SCI, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) elicits respiratory motor plasticity and improves inspiratory function. However, in uninjured people facilitation of corticospinal diaphragm motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude occurs only when AIH is combined with mild hypercapnia (acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia; AIHH). It remains unclear whether AIHH similarly enhances diaphragm corticospinal excitability after SCI. We tested the hypothesis that AIHH increases diaphragm MEP amplitude and reduces MEP onset latency in individuals with chronic SCI, whereas …

Generative Artificial Intelligence: Clinical Perceptions And Use In Physical Therapy Practice, Robert Dekerlegand, Malachy Clancy, Alison Bell, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is an innovative technology that is reshaping healthcare with potentials ranging from improved efficiency to advancing personalized medicine.¹
• Ensuring the appropriate use of GenAI in teaching and learning has expanded in academia to also ensure graduates can competently use and partner with this technology in their fields.^2-4
• GenAI needs to be both accepted and adopted for these initiatives to translate into professional practice.
• Use of GenAI in physical therapy (PT) is being explored5,6and though therapists appear to understand aspects of this technology, current perceptions and actual use of GenAI in practice …

Respiratory Muscle Training Reduces Painful Swallowing And Opioid Use During Radiation Therapy For Head And Neck Cancer: A Matched Pair Analysis, Andrew D. Ray, Chi-Chen Hong, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Han Yu, Kristopher Attwood, Kent L. Nastiuk, Bryan A. Spinelli, Ann Marie Flores, Hillary Jacobson, Julia Fulfaro, M. Jeffrey Mador, Austin J. Iovoli, Mark K. Farrugia, Anurag K. Singh

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiation therapy (RT) are at increased risk for symptoms of oral mucositis (OM), opioid use, and declines in physical function, outcomes that contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to determine the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on OM and opioid use, as well as functional performance in patients with HNC receiving RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT).

METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 18 years of age with stage I to IV HNC being treated with RT or CCRT receiving a home-based respiratory muscle training (RMT) (n …

Impact Of Educational Models On Student Confidence In Acute Care Physical Therapy: A Comparative Analysis, Robert Dekerlegand, Pt, Mpt, Phd, Ccs

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Hybrid and blended education have evolved as innovative models to deliver physical therapy (PT) education.¹
• PT faculty rapidly integrated these models into their pedagogy during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and many have retained these methods.¹
• Assessment of these models most frequently use cognitive indicators of learning outcomes (e.g. National Physical Therapy Examination).²
• Noncognitive indicators (e.g. confidence and self-efficacy), should be considered when assessing new educational models in PT given their relationship with competency and career direction.^3-5
• The impact of “distance models” on noncognitive learning indicators is of particular value to acute care …

Adoption And Awareness Of Long-Covid Clinical Practice Guidelines Among Physical Therapists: A Nationwide Survey, Robert Dekerlegand, Pt, Mpt, Phd, Ccs, Malachy Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Approximately 15% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop “Long-COVID” with persistent physical, cognitive, and/or mental symptoms potentially amendable to physical therapy.
• Variability exists in the rehabilitation approach for individuals receiving physical therapy for this novel condition.
• Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and other evidence-based resources exist to help standardized rehabilitation; however, it is unknown if physical therapists (PTs) are applying them in the management of individuals with Long-COVID.
• We surveyed PTs in the contiguous United States (U.S.) to explore their awareness and application of Long-COVID CPGs along with their general awareness of this condition.

The Efficacy Of Inspiratory Muscle Training Post Covid: A Systematic Review, Robert Dekerlegand, Sydney Brannen, Olivia Bunch, Amrit Deo, Erin Dopke, Kayleigh Moreland

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Introduction

• Fatigue and dyspnea can persist post COVID infection and negatively impact both functional capacity and quality of life (QOL).^1,2
• Residual pulmonary impairments and/or inspiratory muscle dysfunction associated with COVID infection contribute to these symptoms.^2,3
• Ventilatory demands exceeding the capacity of the inspiratory muscles can exacerbate these symptoms accentuating activity limitations that restrict participation in life roles.
• As symptom-limited exercise and QOL are related to inspiratory muscle function post COVID,^4,5 inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may improve rehabilitation outcomes.³
• The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the potential efficacy of IMT in individuals post-COVID.

Optimizing Long Covid Outcomes: Insights From A Survey Of U.S. Occupational Therapists, Malachy J. Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr, Robert Dekerlegand, Pt, Mpt, Phd, Ccs

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background & Purpose

• Upwards of 15% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop “Long COVID” with persistent physical, cognitive, and/or mental symptoms potentially amendable to occupational therapy.
• Variability exists in the rehabilitation approach for individuals receiving occupational therapy for this novel condition.
• Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and other evidence-based resources exist to help standardized rehabilitation; however, it is unknown if occupational therapists (OTs) are aware of these resources and applying them in the management of individuals with Long COVID.
• We surveyed OTs in the contiguous United States (U.S.) to explore their awareness and application of Long COVID CPGs along with …

A Case Report Of Long-Latency Evoked Diaphragm Potentials After Exposure To Acute Intermittent Hypoxia In Post-West Nile Virus Meningoencephalitis, Joseph F. Welch, Erica A. Dale, Jayakrishnan Nair, Paul W. Davenport, Emily J. Fox, Gordon S. Mitchell

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

We present a case report of a 42-year-old female with post-West Nile virus meningoencephalitis who exhibited unique, long-latency diaphragm potentials evoked by transcranial and cervical magnetic stimulation after exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). The subject was recruited for a study investigating AIH effects on respiratory motor function in healthy individuals. She had contracted West Nile virus infection 5 years before assessment that resulted in hospitalization and persistent allodynia but was not reported to the research team. During the study, transcranial (TMS) and cervical (CMS) magnetic stimulation were performed before and 30-60 min after a single presentation of AIH [15, …

Enhancing Data Standards To Advance Translation In Spinal Cord Injury, Vanessa K. Noonan, Suzanne Humphreys, Fin Biering-Sørensen, Susan Charlifue, Yuying Chen, James D. Guest, Linda A. T. Jones, Jennifer French, Eva Widerström-Noga, Vance P. Lemmon, Allen W. Heinemann, Jan M. Schwab, Aaron A. Phillips, Marzieh M. Rizi, John L. K. Kramer, Catherine R. Jutzeler, Abel Torres-Espin

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Data standards are available for spinal cord injury (SCI). The International SCI Data Sets were created in 2002 and there are currently 27 freely available. In 2014 the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke developed clinical common data elements to promote clinical data sharing in SCI. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of SCI data standards, describe learnings from the traumatic brain injury (TBI) field using data to enhance research and care, and discuss future opportunities in SCI. Given the complexity of SCI, frameworks such as a systems medicine approach and Big Data perspective have …

Position- And Sex-Related Differences In Sagittal And Frontal Plane Concentric Isokinetic Hip Muscle Peak Torques And Agonist-Antagonist Ratios, Lisa T. Hoglund, Matthew C. Schiffino, James E. Freels, Isabella G. Romano

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hip muscle weakness is associated with many musculoskeletal conditions and athletic injuries. Isokinetic testing is often performed to measure a patient's strength or to assess treatment response. Patient sex and positioning during isokinetic strength testing may influence peak torque production and the agonist-antagonist peak torque ratios. However, different test positions are used clinically and in research to measure hip muscle strength. It is unknown how patient test position or sex impacts test results.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether concentric isokinetic peak torques of sagittal and frontal plane hip muscles differ when tested in recumbent …

Enhancing Recovery: Surgical Techniques And Rehabilitation Strategies After Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty, Alberto Di Martino, Christopher Keating, Micahel J. Butsick, Daniela Platano, Lisa Berti, Louis N. Hunter, Cesare Faldini

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common surgical procedure for hip joint pathologies, with the direct anterior approach (DAA) gaining popularity due to potential benefits in postoperative recovery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of rehabilitation strategies following DAA THA, focusing on surgical techniques, postoperative care, and outcomes. The evolution of the DAA to THA is discussed, highlighting historical advancements and comparisons with other surgical approaches. Surgical techniques and considerations specific to the DAA are detailed, including outcomes and complications compared to alternative approaches. The role of the surgical technique in influencing postoperative rehabilitation is explored, emphasizing the …

Utilization Of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy With A Former Triathlete After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report, Christopher Keating, Stephanie Muth, Pt, Phd, Cameron Hui, Lisa T. Hoglund

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that limits function and reduces quality of life. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure that replaces the joint surfaces to address anatomical changes due to knee OA. While TKA improves symptoms and function, postoperative impairments are common, including reduced quadriceps strength. Blood flow restriction (BFR) may be a viable option for patients following TKA, as it can improve strength with a minimal amount of joint loading compared to traditional strength training. The purpose of this case report is to describe the impact of BFR use in an individual …

Males With Patellofemoral Pain Have Altered Movements During Step-Down And Single-Leg Squatting Tasks Compared To Asymptomatic Males: A Cross-Sectional Study, Lisa T. Hoglund, Amy H. Amabile, Thomas Alexander Hulcher

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Background and Aims

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is common in males, causing reduced physical activity and chronic pain. One proposed cause of PFP is aberrant biomechanics during tasks loading the patellofemoral joint. Consistent evidence exists for females with PFP, but it is uncertain if males with PFP have altered biomechanics. This study investigated the kinematics of males with PFP compared to pain-free males during forward step-down (StDn) and single-leg squat (SLSq).

Methods

A cross-sectional study including 40 males aged 20–39 years (28.28 ± 5.46) was conducted (20 PFP, 20 pain-free). Participants performed StDn and SLSq while motion was captured with a …

A Qualitative Investigation Of Parent Perceptions Of Home Exercises For Congenital Muscular Torticollis, Audrey Stitt, Rebecca Operacz

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe parent perceptions of the home exercise program (HEP) for infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), and how these perceptions evolved over a physical therapy (PT) plan of care. Twelve participants were recruited from a pediatric PT clinic, and nine completed interviews at three time points. Qualitative description and an iterative approach for thematic analysis of 27 interviews yielded three themes that corresponded to the research questions. The participants' responses were categorized into three main themes: (1) parents' perceptions of three key exercises within the HEP, (2) internal and external sources of …

Physical Therapy For Survivors Of Torture: A Scoping Review, Justine Dee, Nancy Gell, Constance Van Eeghen, Benjamin Littenberg

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Background: Torture can result in impaired function, reduced quality of life, and chronic pain. Physical therapy (PT) is recommended for wholistic care of survivors of torture (SOT), however there are limited evidenced-based guidelines. We conducted a scoping review to identify and describe the approach and gaps in knowledge around the PT treatment of SOT.

Methods: We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Nine databases were searched from inception to 2023. Eligible sources were those involving PT treatment for SOT. Extracted data included the source of evidence, PT description, mode …

Longitudinal Monitoring Of Gait Parameters For Lower Limb Prosthetic Users With Physical Therapy Using Video-Based Gait Analysis, Alisha Agarwal, Bs, Anthony Cimorelli, Cpo, R. James Cotton, Md, Phd

Alpha Omega Alpha Research Symposium Posters

Introduction

Gait training in physical therapy is a common standard of practice for new lower limb prosthetic users. Progress is typically assessed through functional outcome measures such as the 10-meter or 6-minute walk tests1. While these tests measure walking speed and endurance, they fall short of capturing gait quality or quantifying gait parameters which literature shows to be of therapeutic value 2,3. Routine access to quantitative gait assessment could provide clinicians with benchmarks to optimize treatment interventions. Traditional gait analysis systems require specialized equipment making them very resource-intensive and inconvenient to operate. Using human pose estimation techniques, we have developed …

Greater Number Of Weekly Stairs Climbed Is Associated With Lower Low Back Pain Prevalence Among Female But Not Male Physical Therapists, Amy H. Amabile, Sharon L. Larson, Lisa T. Hoglund, John P. Guarnieri, Maureen Mcdonald, Madeline R. Reich

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers …

Greater Number Of Weekly Stairs Climbed Is Associated With Lower Low Back Pain Prevalence Among Female But Not Male Physical Therapists, Amy H. Amabile, Sharon L. Larson, Lisa T. Hoglund, John P. Guarnieri, Maureen Mcdonald, Madeline R. Reich

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers …

Efficacy Of Externally Paced Training On Pain In Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis, Dylan Carmody, Alyssa Conanan, Daniel Moeller, Sarah Khoblall, Christopher Keating

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Tendinopathy is a common condition with treatments focused on local tissue adaptations. Externally paced loading programs are designed to cue (visually, auditorily, or temporally) a person as to when to perform an exercise repetition during a set of repetitions. Externally paced loading programs propose central and peripheral changes with tendinopathy but conclusions regarding their efficacy on pain outcomes remain limited. Our review seeks to explore the efficacy of externally paced loading as a method to reduce self-reported pain in tendinopathic conditions. An electronic database search was conducted of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and CINAHL databases. A total of 2,104 studies were …

Professional Development Lgbtq+ Program For Faculty, Staff And Clinicians: Reported Month Post-Program Impact, Audrey L. Zapletal, Otd, Ms, Otr/L, Cla, Karla A. Bell, Pt, Dpt, Phd(C)

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background

LGBTQ+ community experiences health care and health disparities; some reasons include:

• barriers in care,
• negative attitudes,
• lack of awareness by healthcare providers.

Studies have found healthcare professionals are not adequately trained in LGBTQ+ care

Manual Therapy And Exercise For The Management Of Chronic Neck Pain With Multiple Neurovascular Comorbidities: A Case Report, Zach Mayo, Christopher Keating

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

This case describes the clinical decision-making behind the conservative clinical management of an individual presenting with chronic neck pain with myriad neuromuscular comorbidities. The focus of this case report is to support the safe utilization of manual therapy and describe the tolerable prescription of strength and endurance exercise in a patient with numerous complications to improve self-efficacy. A 22-year-old female college student presented with a chief complaint of chronic, non-specific neck pain with comorbid Chiari malformation, migraines, upper cervical spinal fusion, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to an outpatient physical therapy clinic for evaluation and treatment. …

Neuromotor Changes In Participants With A Concussion History Can Be Detected With A Custom Smartphone App, Christopher K. Rhea, Masahiro Yamada, Nikita A. Kuznetsov, Jason T. Jakiela, Chanel T. Lojacono, Scott E. Ross, F. J. Haran, Jason M. Bailie, W. Geoffrey Wright

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

Neuromotor dysfunction after a concussion is common, but balance tests used to assess neuromotor dysfunction are typically subjective. Current objective balance tests are either cost- or space-prohibitive, or utilize a static balance protocol, which may mask neuromotor dysfunction due to the simplicity of the task. To address this gap, our team developed an Android-based smartphone app (portable and cost-effective) that uses the sensors in the device (objective) to record movement profiles during a stepping-in-place task (dynamic movement). The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which our custom smartphone app and protocol could discriminate neuromotor behavior between …

Survey Of Confidence And Knowledge To Manage Patellofemoral Pain In Readers Versus Nonreaders Of The Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guideline, Richard W. Willy, Lisa T. Hoglund, Neal R. Glaviano, Lori A. Bolgla, David M. Bazett-Jones

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Objectives: To compare beliefs of physical therapists (PTs) who read the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP) to those who have not read the CPG.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Online survey.

Participants: 494 currently licensed/registered PTs or physiotherapists.

Main Outcome Measures: Respondents answered Likert-based or open-ended questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, risk factors, and management of individuals with PFP, as well as confidence for managing individuals with PFP, especially the ability to identify beneficial and non-beneficial interventions. We dichotomized responses into participants who read (READERS) and did not read (NonREADERS) the CPG.

Results: …

Front-Loading Of Anatomy Content Has No Effect On Long-Term Anatomy Knowledge Retention Among Physical Therapy Students: A Prospective Cohort Study., Amy H. Amabile, Kim Nixon-Cave, Larry J. Georgetti, Ashley C. Sims

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Information learned over a longer period of time has been shown to result in better long-term knowledge retention than information learned over a shorter period of time. In order to address multiple curricular goals, the timing and spacing of anatomy content within the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at our institution recently changed from a very spaced to a very compressed format. The purpose of the present study was to assess differences in anatomy knowledge retention that might have been impacted by this change. The research hypothesis was that students receiving spaced instruction would have significantly better anatomy …

Participation In An Advanced Anatomy Capstone Project Facilitates Student Involvement In The Development Of An Instructional Tool For Novel Dissection, Larry J. Georgetti, Ashley C. Sims, Aaron Focht, Jamie Elcock, Kim Nixon-Cave, Amy Amabile

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Introduction. Student-driven design of instructional tools within basic sciences curricula in general, and in anatomy in particular,has been shown to be both a positive educational experience for the student developers and a viable way to create quality materials for future courses. We present here a description of a student collaboration arising from participation in an advanced anatomy capstone research project, resulting in the creation of a new dissection protocol for the thoracolumbar junction dorsal primary rami and their branches.

Materials and Methods. This project was initiated by two third-year doctor of physical therapy (DPT)students and involved participation from faculty and …

Physiological Factors Of Female Runners With And Without Stress Fracture Histories: A Pilot Study., Therese E Johnston, Colleen Dempsey, Frances Gilman, Ryan Tomlinson, Ann-Katrin Jacketti, Jeremy Close

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Female runners are at increased risk of stress fractures (SFs) compared with men. Literature is lacking with regard to best practice for preventing and treating SFs in women. The purpose of the study was to compare physiological measures and running-related factors between women of various ages and running abilities with and without a history of running-related SFs.

HYPOTHESIS: Women with and without SF histories will differ with regard to medical and menstrual history, bone health, body composition, nutrition, and running history.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

METHODS: A total of 20 female runners with …

Perceptions Of Risk For Stress Fractures: A Qualitative Study Of Female Runners With And Without Stress Fracture Histories., Therese E Johnston, Jeremy Close, Phil Jamora, Susan F Wainwright

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into perceived factors related to bone health and stress fracture (SF) prevention for female runners and to understand their experiences within the medical community.

DESIGN: Cohort qualitative study.

SETTING: University health system.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty female runners, 20 who had SF histories and 20 age-and-running-distance matched women without SF.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women participated in audiotaped qualitative semi-structured interviews. For women with a SF history, questions sought their perspectives on factors that they felt contributed to SF, experiences with the medical community, and changes made post SF. For women without a SF history, questions sought perspectives on …

A Case Of Thoracic Spondylosis Deformans And Multilevel Instrumented Spinal Fusion In An 84-Year-Old Male., Amy H Amabile, J Raymond Shea, Vishal Desai, Lisa T Hoglund, Jamie N Elcock, Anthony Lombardo, Matthew C Schiffino

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Spondylosis deformans is a type of spinal claw osteophytosis which can be found on the anterolateral vertebral bodies of any region, and which consists of protrusions of intervertebral disc tissue covered by a bony shell. We report here a case of thoracic spondylosis deformans and multilevel instrumented fusion found during routine dissection of a cadaver. Theories of the etiology of this condition are reviewed in general, and with respect to this specific case and the potential interaction of the presenting comorbidities. The clinical implications of these osteophytes, including musculoskeletal and visceral sequelae, are also discussed.

Outcomes Of Formalized Physical Therapy Vs. Self-Directed Home Exercise, Thomas Lee, Daniel Bowles

Phase 1

Introduction: After a formal microdiscectomy or 1-2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) there exists a lack of consensus on effectiveness of postoperative formal physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation efficacy. We seek to determine whether home PT is equivalent to standard PT using patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) after the aforementioned operations.

Methods: This study is a prospective single center cohort study. The inclusion criteria is patients undergoing a microdiscectomy or ACDF operation excluding patients under 18, infection, trauma, tumor, or revision. Outcomes are measured using PROMs specific for each operation.

Results: Preliminary data suggests that post-operative …