Physical Therapy Commons^™

Treatment Of A Patient With Thoracolumbar Scoliosis Utilizing A Regional Interdependence Approach Including Components Of The Schroth Method: A Case Report, Samantha Fisk

Case Report Posters

Spinal deformity is a challenging spinal disorder in adults. A scoliotic curve of >10 degrees exists in up to 12% of the population. There is little evidence regarding indications for physical therapy treatment in elderly individuals with adult scoliosis. Current study results favor surgical intervention, but not all elderly individuals are surgical candidates. While surgery is the definitive measure, there is limited evidence to guide non-surgical treatment. This case investigated components of the Schroth method, as an adjunct to traditional physical therapy (PT) treatment. A Regional Interdependence approach (RIA) was utilized for a patient with scoliosis referred to PT for …

Management Of A Patient Lumbar Spinal Stenosis And Carotid Aneurysm Using Therapeutic Exercise, Education, And Manual Therapy: A Case Report, Nicholas Adriance

Case Report Posters

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) is a clinical syndrome of buttock or lower extremity pain, which may occur with or without back pain, associated with diminished space available for the neural and vascular elements in the lumbar spine. Comorbidities frequently complicate the exercise selection of patients in physical therapy. One such comorbidity is a carotid artery aneurysm. A carotid Aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning in the wall of the internal or external carotid artery. Patients who undergo surgical management for carotid artery aneurysm are placed on exercise restrictions based on the size and location of the aneurysm. The purpose of …

The Use Of Postural Reeducation And Strengthening Exercises In The Reversal Of Functional Scoliosis: A Case Report, Cory Marcoux

Case Report Posters

Non-structural scoliosis: abnormal spinal curvatures that have sufficient mobility, and can therefore resolve with postural change. There is a multitude of research regarding structural and idiopathic scoliosis, but very minimal literature about non-structural (functional) scoliosis and more importantly, how to treat it. The purpose of this case report was to examine the use of stretching, strengthening, and postural reeducation for a patient who presented with a non-structural scoliosis.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation And Quadriceps Strength Following Patellar Fracture And Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery: A Case Report, Chelsea Hussey

Case Report Posters

Patellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all fractures and are most common in people who are 20 to 50 years old. Comminuted patellar fractures occur when the bone shatters into three or more pieces and is usually caused by a direct blow to the knee. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery is typically needed if the bone is broken into three or more pieces near the center of the patella. Quadriceps weakness is common following this type of injury and surgery, and the literature reflects varying opinions as to what is the best method for regaining strength. The purpose …

Balance And Gait Training To Reduce Fall Risk In A Patient With Bilateral Foot And Hand Deformities Secondary To Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report, Kirsten Bombardier

Case Report Posters

Each year, one out of three adults over the age of 65 sustains a fall. Although the risk of suffering a fall increases with age, falls are not an unavoidable aspect of the aging process. Fall risk can be heightened in patients with medical comorbidities that impact the physiological senses which help maintain balance. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of the joints and causes painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The fall incidence rate in individuals with RA is 0.62 falls per person per year as compared …

A Three-Week Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Plan Of Care For A Child With Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report, Brandie Schmierer, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

The benefits of physical therapy (PT) on gross motor function and general strength in children with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy (CP) are well documented. There have been no firm conclusions that have determined the optimal duration and intensity of PT interventions for patients with spastic quadriplegia CP. CP occurs as a result of a brain injury associated with birth. Worldwide the prevalence of CP was 1.5 to 3.0 per 1,000 live births in 2009. Previous research demonstrated that PT intervention in children with CP improved gross motor function and strength, decreased the assistance required for mobility, and decreased step length …

Use Of A Task-Oriented Approach In The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Following A Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Stroke: A Case Report, Erika Derks

Case Report Posters

3.4% of the 600,000 strokes that occur annually in the United States are cerebellar strokes. Despite the rarity of cerebellar strokes, their impact can cause severe acute neurological morbidity. The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) supplies the inferior portion of the cerebellum. PICA infarct can lead to deficits in gait and postural stability, coordination, and Cognition and attention. The task-oriented approach has been demonstrated as an effective intervention for patients with cerebrovascular accidents, but limited research has been done on its use in patients with cerebellar stroke. The purpose of this case report was to provide an overview of the …

Functional Mobility Management Of A Patient With Adult-Onset Hereditary Proximal Motor Neuropathy Following A Tibial Fracture: A Case Report, Timothy Lira, Amy J. Litterini

Case Report Posters

This patient was clinically appealing and complex because of the combination of an acute fracture due to an injurious fall and significant past medical history (PMH) of both the rare condition of adult-onset hereditary proximal motor neuropathy (AHPMN) and congestive heart failure (CHF). The chronic co-morbidities created the need for an innovative approach to treatment sequencing to potentially mitigate the risk for excessive fatigue, such as positional grouping of interventions and prescribed rest periods. This unique opportunity to document the physical therapy (PT) management of a patient with the combination of both rare and chronic conditions makes this case a …

Trunk Control And Standing Tolerance Of A Patient With Paraparesis As A Result Of Transverse Myelitis And Mycotic Aneurysm Rupture: A Case Report, Ashley Tomaswick

Case Report Posters

Transverse myelitis is a condition where a segment of the spinal cord becomes inflamed. This results in impairments below the level of the inflammation, including paraparesis or paraplegia, autonomic dysfunction, and/or pain. Cerebral mycotic aneurysms are a form of brain injury where an artery bursts and diminishes blood supply to the brain. The resulting impairments vary depending on the area of the brain affected. The purpose of this case report was to describe the interventions provided to a patient with paraparesis as a result of transverse myelitis and multiple cerebral mycotic aneurysm ruptures to progress toward achieving his goals of …

Clinical Reasoning And Intervention Selection For A Patient With Lower Extremity Weakness Following Acute Alcoholic Polyneuropathy: A Case Report, Sarah Uzel

Case Report Posters

Alcoholic polyneuropathy is a sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy. APN usually affects individuals over 40 years old with a history of chronic alcoholism. Most cases occur chronically over several months. Acute cases of APN may develop over the course of weeks. Symptoms of APN include paresthesia and paralysis. There are a variety of suspected mechanisms for etiology for APN. Literature is sparse in relation to physical therapy management and interventions for a patient with acute alcoholic polyneuropathy. The purpose of this case report was to describe the clinical reasoning behind interventions selected for a patient with acute alcoholic polyneuropathy in the acute …

Acute Care Outcome Measures In A Patient Status-Post Right Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka) Following A Left Tka Staged Five Weeks Apart: A Case Report, Stephanie Sanderson

Case Report Posters

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures in the U.S. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common reason for a total knee arthroplasty. Cartilage and bone is removed from the distal end of the femur and proximal end of the tibia and is replaced with metal alloy components that recreate the joint surface. Some evidence suggests that staging bilateral TKA within three months of each other may increase the patient’s risk for mortality and complications. The purpose of this case report was to document acute care outcome measures in a patient who underwent bilateral TKA …

Use Of Therapeutic Exercise, Functional Endurance And Gait Re-Training In A Deconditioned Patient With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report, Ellen Forslund

Case Report Posters

The human body requires oxygen-rich blood in order to work efficiently. During respiration, air passes from the nose and mouth and into the alveoli of the lungs. When air reaches the alveoli, oxygen passes into the capillaries as carbon dioxide moves out of the capillaries, otherwise known as gas exchange. Respiratory failure may occur when there is a lack of oxygen passing from the lungs into the blood (hypoxemic), or if the lungs cannot remove carbon dioxide from the blood (hypercapnic). Chronic respiratory failure is caused by conditions such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injuries, or …

Vestibular Rehabilitation For A 17-Year Old Female With Post-Concussion Symptoms: A Case Report, Elizabeth Mosley

Case Report Posters

Post-concussion syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms occurring after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can last weeks, months, or years. The diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome is not well agreed upon, but does include at least three of the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, concentration or memory difficulty, and intolerance of stress or emotion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.7 million Americans experience TBI annually. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy management using vestibular rehabilitation of an adolescent female with post-concussion symptoms two months post-injury.

Evaluation And Treatment Of A Patient Diagnosed With Adhesive Capsulitis Classified As A Derangement Using The Mckenzie Method: A Case Report, Ashley Bowser, Brian T. Swanson

Case Report Posters

The McKenzie Method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) is supported in the literature as a valid and reliable approach to spine injuries. It can also be applied to the peripheral joints, but has not been explored through research to the same extent. A previous case series detailed the use of MDT in the shoulder; however, the application of MDT in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis has not been previously reported in the literature. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the assessment, intervention, and clinical outcomes of a patient diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, who was classified as having …

Application Of A Short-Term Aquatic Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Marc Asta

Case Report Posters

Chronic low back (CLBP) pain is a common referral to outpatient PT. Radiculopathy has the potential to contribute to back pain. Aquatic PT is utilized at select sites to treat patients with various debilitating conditions. Aquatic PT has been shown to improve quality of life, disability and pain. There is limited understanding on the short-term effects of aquatic PT. Must work within the confines of approved PT visits by local and national insurance companies. The purpose of this case report was to investigate if six physical therapy visits with aquatic intervention for a patient with chronic low back pain and …

Neuromuscular Strengthening Exercises Following Acl And Meniscal Repair In A 15 Year Old Female Athlete With Generalized Knee Laxity: A Case Report, Alyssa Gardner, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

Adolescent females are 4-6 times more likely to sustain a non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury compared to their male counterparts. Generalized knee laxity decreases dynamic knee stability and significantly increases the odds of an ACL injury 5-fold. It is crucial to return the surgically repaired knee to its former function. However, it is just as vital to direct attention to the uninjured knee with joint laxity. Research has found that those who have torn one ACL are six time more likely to tear the contralateral ACL. There is currently a lack of research that directly addresses intervention programs that …

A Progressive Physical Therapy Plan Of Care For A Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Following Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report, Paige Blasco, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is an inherited neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in genes that produce proteins involved in the structure and function of either the myelin sheath or the peripheral nerve axon. The slow degeneration of the nerves results in a decreased ability to communicate with their distant targets leading to symmetric distal muscle atrophy and weakness, hand and foot deformities, and sensory loss. There is currently no treatment that reverses or stops the progression of the disease; however, there are physical therapy (PT) interventions that reduce the level of disability in individuals with CMT. Research has shown that interval …

Utilizing Modern Technology To Perform Clinical Education Visits In A Physical Therapy Program, Sally Mccormack Tutt

Physical Therapy Faculty Posters

During each clinical experience, the faculty visit or conduct a phone call during the mid-term period to check in with the student and their clinical instructor(s) in order to determine how the student is performing. With the growth of the DPT program at UNE, it became challenging to visit each student. The Director of Clinical Education (DCE) began utilizing a Skype 'visit' to make the mid-term contact and monitored the outcomes associated with this form of a 'visit'. The purpose of this case report was to determine if this type of 'visit' was as beneficial to the stakeholders in the …

Immigrant & Refugee Family Wellness Through Yoga & Zumba, Elizabeth Crawford, Faith Swenson, Angela Serrani, Kathleen Cassidy, Brittany Roy

Immigrant and Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga and Zumba

Research poster stemming from IPEC mini-grant funded student project Immigrant And Refugee Family Wellness Engagement Through Yoga And Zumba. Students from multiple health professions collaborated to provide Yoga and Zumba classes at the Riverton Community Center. The project aimed to increase the participants’ ability to utilize stress reducing activities through a blend of student created heath education materials and yoga and zumba classes for refugee women and children.

Grant Application: Effect Of The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance Program On Biomechanical Risk Factors And Performance Variables In Male Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes, Sebastian Stoltzfus, Casey Cottle, Chad Lyons

PEP Program Investigation With Men's Lacrosse Team

IPEC Mini-grant application for funding of UNE student project Effect of The Prevent Injury Enhance Performance Program on Biomechanical Risk Factors and Performance Variables in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Athletes. Two physical therapy students, one applied exercise science student, and the manager of the UNE Motion Analysis Laboratory collaborated to investigate the effectiveness of the Prevent Injury Enhance Performance (PEP) program on reducing undesirable biomechanics and enhancing performance during athletic maneuvers in male lacrosse athletes.

The Use Of Parkinson’S Disease Specific Rehabilitative Interventions To Treat A Patient With Lewy Body Dementia: A Case Report, Cassandra Dawley

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: (Lewy Body Dementia) LBD is commonly known as a differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) as they both have a similar epidemiology and present with similar symptoms. Due to the paucity of research on physical therapy (PT) interventions for LBD, it may be suitable to use PD specific interventions as a treatment. The proposal to use Parkinson specific interventions, primarily Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-Big (LSVT BIG), may be considered. The purpose of this case study was to provide information about what LBD is, how it presents, and how PD specific interventions were used as a treatment. Case …

Differential Effects Of Cardiovascular And Resistance Exercise On Functional Mobility In Individuals With Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial, Amy J. Litterini, Vickie Fieler, James T. Cavanaugh, Jeannette Lee

Physical Therapy Faculty Posters

Objective: To compare the effects of resistance and cardiovascular exercise on functional mobility in individuals with advanced cancer.
Design: Prospective, 2-group pretest-posttest pilot study with randomization to either resistance or cardiovascular exercise mode.
Setting: Comprehensive community cancer center and a hospital-based fitness facility.
Demographics: Volunteer sample of individuals with advanced cancer recruited through the cancer center, palliative care service, rehabilitation department, and a local hospice.
Outcome Measures: Functional mobility was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); self-reported pain and fatigue were assessed secondarily using visual analog scales. Data were analyzed using a split plot 2x2 analysis of variance …

The Use Of An Orthotic Garment System On A Pediatric Patient With Mitochondrial Disease Complex 1+3: A Case Report, Stephanie Sheehan

Case Report Posters

Background: Mitochondrial Disease (MD) is a progressive and debilitating disease that is characterized by a loss of efficiency in the electron transport chain and reductions in the synthesis of high energy molecules such as ATP. Orthotic garment systems also referred to as “TheraTogs®”, have been designed to act as a continuous somatosensory guide for proper functional alignment. Theratogs have been used in the pediatric population to treat Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome with excellent results but there is no known research regarding the benefits of TheraTogs® in individuals with MD. Purpose: To investigate the use of the TheraTogs® System for …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Female Athlete With A Left Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction And Left Medial Meniscectomy: A Case Report, Kyle Brown

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: The anterior cruciate ligament is a vital structure of the knee, especially for athletes involved in agility driven sports. Currently, the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries is on the rise in young female athletes. Females in general are more susceptible to these injuries because of their anatomical structure, possibly hormone balances, and other factors. The purpose of this Case Report is to provide a comprehensive account of the physical therapy treatment provided to a young female athlete status post left anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Case Description: The patient is an eighteen year old female athlete who …

The Test-Retest Reliability And Minimal Detectable Change In The Modified Fresno Test In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Erin Pike, Lisa Gerhardt

Research Report Papers

Background: The American Physical Therapy Association identified the need for training in evidence based practice (EBP) and set forth guidelines for doctor of physical therapy (DPT) curricula to educate practitioners who are efficient and critical users of best evidence. Since DPT programs are teaching EBP, educators need an assessment tool to evaluate the competence of students. The Modified Fresno Test (MFT) of EBP was validated for physical therapists and the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) has been found for first year DPT students.

Objective: The purpose is to determine the test-retest reliability and MDC of the MFT in …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient After A Subacromial Decompression With Acromioplasty And Bursectomy: A Case Report, Brianne Landholt

Case Report Papers

Background: Subacromial impingement results from repetitive trauma to structures underneath the subacromial arch leading to a decrease in the subacromial space, impingement of soft tissue, and ultimately a decrease in functional abilities. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteriod injections. If improvements are not observed, there is a surgical option of a subacromial decompression (SAD). Conclusive evidence supporting surgery over conservative measures does not exist1. Literature is lacking regarding SAD without rotator cuff (RTC) repair and performing SAD with both an acromioplasty and bursectomy. Therefore, the purpose of this case report was to investigate the functional outcomes …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient After A Subacromial Decompression With Acromioplasty And Bursectomy: A Case Report, Brianne Landholt

Case Report Posters

Background: Subacromial impingement results from repetitive trauma to structures underneath the subacromial arch which can lead to: A decrease in the subacromial space, impingement of the soft tissue, a decrease in functional abilities. Conservative treatment can include: Physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteriod injections, surgical option includes a subacromial decompression (SAD). There is conflicting evidence on the benefits of surgery. Literature is lacking supportive evidence of SAD without RTC repair or performing SAD with both an acromioplasty and bursectomy. Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to investigate the functional outcomes of a patient after SAD with an …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Manual Laborer With Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Samuel Lasher

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is a chronic tendon injury that can have significant impact on an individual’s occupation, recreation and personal life. Currently there is a paucity of information detailing physical therapy (PT) interventions for individuals with RCT, who must continue working. The purpose of this case report was to report a clinical experience detailing the PT management of a patient with RCT, who secondary to occupational obligations must continue to participate in activities harmful to her condition. Case Description: The patient was a 44 year-old, female, who worked as a manual laborer. She was diagnosed with …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Stroke Utilizing Muscular Facilitation Techniques In A Skilled Nursing Facility: A Case Report, Erin Bayne

Case Report Papers

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in the United States. Hemiparesis is an impairment following stroke, however trunk musculature asymmetry is also common and is often overlooked when assessing a patient’s muscular control. Trunk musculature is an essential link between the upper and lower extremities during activities of daily living and impairments in trunk musculature can result in decreased safety and balance. The purpose of this case report is to provide the framework for treatment and an overview of the care plan for a patient following stroke, with special attention to trunk musculature facilitation. …

Physical Therapy Management Of A Manual Laborer With Chronic Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Case Report, Samuel Lasher

Case Report Posters

Background: Tendinopathy is characterized by tendon thickening, localized pain and chronic degeneration reflective of failed healing. 38% of manual laborers who participate in daily moderate to heavy lifting will experience Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy(RCT). There is a lack of research investigating the PT management of manual laborers who have RCT, but must continue to participate in harmful activities to fulfill occupational responsibilities. Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to describe the PT management of a patient with rotator cuff tendinopathy who, due to work requirements continued to participate in activities detrimental to the health of the supraspinatus and function …