Physical Therapy Commons^™

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Tibia Fracture And Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -- A Case Report, Kevin Hansen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are a major health care concern for the older adult. Injmies related to falls in the geriatric population are not uncommon. Furthermore, individuals with brain disorders are going to be even more susceptible to falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the outpatient physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation of a patient who fell and sustained a right tibial fracture with a past medical history of a brain disorder.

Case Description: This case report describes the outpatient PT management of a patient who presented with a right tibia shaft fracture, post-operative right tibia intramedullary …

Traumatic Hip Dislocation In High School Athlete Case Report, Mckenzie Klocke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Traumatic hip dislocations occur when the head of the femur is forced out of the acetabulum causing disruption to the musculature, vasculature, and other tissue surrounding the hip joint. Although dislocations are not the most prevalent injury to the hip, they are a severe injury and require immediate medical attention, as well as rehabilitation post reduction. There is a lack of literature regarding physical therapy treatment of traumatic hip dislocations, especially in the adolescent population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the athletic youth population most affected by traumatic hip dislocations and to offer …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Following A Thoracic To Sacroiliac Spinal Fusion: A Case Report, Ragen Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study described the 9 week outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation process of a 75 year old female following a posterior thoracic spine (T9) to sacroiliac (S 1) spinal fusion as a result of adult degenerative scoliosis and prolonged back pain (Type 1 ). The purpose of this case report was to describe the overall outpatient physical therapy management of this post-operative fusion.

Description. The patient presented to physical therapy with decreased mobility, decreased function, decreased balance, lower extremity strength deficits, pain, and loss of independence.

Intervention. Initially, treatment occurred in a therapeutic pool and then progressed …

The Collaboration Of Music Therapy And Physical Therapy: A Case Study For Rehabilitation Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Stroke, Kaci Hemmesch, Taylor Kunz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and nearly 800,000 people suffered from a stroke last year alone. Even though two-thirds of those people had survived, many of the survivors were left with a number of activity limitations and participation restrictions. The research is extensive in the realm of physical therapy interventions and how it can help with those disabilities, but truly lacks the knowledge behind the effects of a collaboration of music therapy with physical therapy.

Case Description: This case study follows an 85-year-old woman with lasting chronic impairments from a …

Review Of The Status Of Oncologic Physical Therapy In North Dakota: A Definitive Study, Sarah Biberstine, Arianna Larson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Physical therapy is often reported as an under-utilized resource in oncology care. When utilized, physical therapy intervention addresses multi-dimensional symptoms experienced by individuals with a cancer diagnosis. This study examines the following questions: What is the status of physical therapy in North Dakota’s oncology team? What is the working knowledge of the physical therapist on oncologic rehabilitation? Do professional programs provide adequate knowledge to evaluate and treat oncologic patients and their symptoms? The purpose of the study is to determine if the physical therapy intervention received by individuals in North Dakota with a current of previous diagnosis …

The Effectiveness Of A 7-Week Fall Prevention Program For Community Dwelling Older Adults, Karlee Mccloud, Kayla Sendelbach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Every year millions of adults over the age of 65 experience a fall. Falls cost healthcare and individuals financial distress, decrease self-confidence, and can cause injuries. Balance and strength deficits contribute to increasing an individual's fall risk. Studies have shown the efficiency of community-based exercise and education programs on reducing the risk of falling. The Stepping On Program utilizes a group setting to educate on falls and risks, strength and balance exercises, home safety, vision, coping after a fall, and community mobility. Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program that has been proven to reduce falls by 31 …

The Effect Of Barefoot Running On Navicular And Pelvic Drop: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sarah Bunde, Christopher James, Kathryn West

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Gaining knowledge of the change in navicular drop of the foot and pelvic movement in response to barefoot running training may allow sports medicine professionals, coaches, athletes, and others in the healthcare field to decrease the amount of injuries that may be caused by these motions. The effects of rearfoot strike pattern (RFSP) versus a forefoot strike pattern (FFSP) in determining the impact on navicular drop and pelvic movement is lacking in literature. Due to the increased correlation of hip movement and lower extremity injuries, the purpose of this study was to determine if barefoot running with …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Return To Neutral Phase Of Spinal Rotation, Stephen Erlandson, Nathan Hasunuma, Landon Uetz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used to perform activities of daily living and sports performance, and contributes to a large percentage of low back injuries. Performance of spinal rotation for the rehabilitation and prevention of future back injuries should be considered, as low back pain is the second most common reason for a physician visit. Muscles that are involved in rotation of the spine have been studied, but the Latissimus Dorsi (LD) has limited research on the influence of spinal rotation. The LD muscle is one of the largest back muscles and influences many movements of …

A Case Report: Factors Influencing The Care Of A Critically Ill Patient In The Icu Following Medical Management Of A Benign Parasagittal Meningioma, Lucas Keller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Primary brain tumors will affect 23,890 adults in the US in 2020. Many of these patients will require an intensive care unit (ICU) if resection is the chosen course of treatment. Early mobility has been shown to reduce negative effect of ICU stays in patient ability and long-term outcomes.

Case Description. This report describes the 4-week inpatient physical therapy management of a 69-year-old female who is 6 months post left cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and presented to the ICU with shortness of breath, severe continuous frontal headaches, and a reduction of regained strength from her CVA in …

Effects Of Pole Walking On Adults With Parkinson's Disease Following 6 Weeks Of Training, Kathleen Dennison, Taylor Jamison

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects motor planning and motor function. Symptoms associated with this disease include bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. These symptoms are often accompanied by gait disturbances including decreased step length, arm swing, and gait velocity, as well as diminished trunk rotation and postural instability all which make functional mobility increasingly difficult. Conventional walking has been shown to be an effective physical activity to maintain mobility and improve function and overall fitness. Specifically, walking speed has been identified as a crucial predictor for fall risk which is why clinicians have …

Electromyographic (Emg) Activity Of The Hip Abductors During Various Hip Exercises, Heather Harrower, Natalie Murphy, Trista Saulter, Katelyn Voll

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study was to record, compare, and analyze muscle recruitment patterns during different hip abduction exercises. This was done by examining the patterns for gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fascia latae when performing the following exercises: Standing hip abduction with a blue resistance band around bilateral ankles, sidelying hip abduction utilizing constant effort to move a small, medium, or large ball up and down the wall, and basic sidelying hip abduction with no ball. All exercises were done with participants' dominant lower extremity.

Case Description: Fifteen, healthy, University of North Dakota Physical Therapy …

The Epidemiology Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Department In Grand Forks, Nd, Erin Larson, Kameron Mcnary

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Sports and recreation injuries are common despite efforts to make sports and recreational activities safe through rules of play and the use of safety equipment. Analyzing the injuries that result and the associated mediating factors can help to assess whether more effective preventive measures can be instituted.

Methodology: Medical records from an upper Midwest regional medical center were examined for sports and recreational injuries in youth (0-19 years of age) who reported to the emergency room during the years mid 2010 to mid 2015. Data from 2011 to 2014 was evaluated to have a complete number of years for …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation In A Patient With Guillain-Barre Syndrome With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report, Daniel P. Torok

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a lower motor neuron autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the myelin sheaths of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). GBS results in generalized weakness and sensory deficits of the extremities and trunk; in severe cases it may impact cranial nerves, respiratory musculature, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions used for a patient diagnosed with GBS and the results from those interventions.

Case Description. This case study describes the 9-week acute care Physical Therapy management of a 51-year-old transgender female diagnosed with …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Allie Erdmann, Amber Klein

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Prior research has shown that physical and occupational therapy students have a higher prevalence of hypermobility than that which is seen within the general population. Throughout the literature, the rates of injury are greater in those with hypermobile joints. It has also been found that females have higher rates of hypermobility than males. Given this information, a secondary question arose regarding whether or not hypermobility and injury (initial or recurrence) are directly related to one another.

Purpose: The intent of conducting this study was to evaluate physical therapy and occupational therapy students for hypermobility while concurrently assessing for their …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hamstrings And Quadriceps Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Shawn Danielson, Logan Flegel, Nathan Mertens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if there was a difference in the amount of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the quadriceps (vastus medialis and vastus lateralis) compared to the amount of EMG activity in the hamstrings (biceps femoris and semitendinosus) muscles in active male and female subjects during vertical jumping and landing. In addition, we looked at the amount of knee flexion that occurred shortly after landing from a vertical jump.

Methods. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxont TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. EMG data was recorded …

Barefoot Running: Effects On Emg Activity Of Gluteus Medius And Tensor Fascia Latae In Habitually Shod Runners, Bailey Neubauer, Zach Drevlow, Alexandra Gerlach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Running has been a common practice in humans since the species’ dawn. Due to its relative ease and low cost, running continues to be one of the most popular forms of exercise today. Although running provides many benefits such as disease prevention, injury prevalence in running is high. The trend of minimalist shoes and barefoot training has gained popularity over the decade as a return to a more natural form of running. Some researchers hypothesize that barefoot running can reduce injury rate by changing the biomechanics of the runner. In this study we propose a different hypothesis: barefoot running …

Emg Analysis Of Lassimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Katie Holzheimer, Ross Swartz, Keely Hutchens, Joshua Still

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Spinal rotation is a very common movement that occurs multiple times each day during normal daily activities or even during certain sport performances. Since this motion is a contributing factor to back injuries, it will be important for physical therapists to consider this concept with rehabilitation programs for current back injuries as well as prevention of future injuries. The LD has attachments to many areas of the body, including the spine, humerus, scapula, and pelvis, which explains why this muscle also contributes to multiple actions at the trunk and upper extremity. Due to the attachment sites and the …

The Treatment Of Shoulder Dysfunction By The Correction Of Shouler Girdle Muscle Imbalances: A Case Study, Zachary Peterson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Shoulder dysfunction is a broad expression that encompasses the shoulder girdle not being able to perform fluently, without pain, or within normal ranges of motion. Current literature elaborates on potential causes of dysfunction such as: osteoarthritis, impingement syndrome, and cervical myelopathy. From a clinical standpoint, it is crucial to differentiate between possible diagnoses to ensure the proper treatment is utilized.

Case Description: The patient was a 66‐year‐old female who was referred with the initial diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis. She presented with headache pain that was debilitating and followed a pattern consistent with muscle guarding, limited L shoulder …

A Case Report: Treatment Of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy, Jeremy Korthuis

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of the case study was to explain a treatment program involving low/moderate intensity strength training and stretching for a patient with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).

Background: FSHD is the third most common type of muscular dystrophy. This pathology results from a mutation in chromosome 4 and results in progressive weakening of facial, scapular, and hip musculature. Research behind effective strengthening programs is often inconclusive and varies in results.

Case Description: The patient was a 34-year-old female, who was diagnosed with FSHD 3 years prior to our first visit. She had complaints of left shoulder pain (2-3/10), shoulder …

Outpatient Pt Management Of Patient With Bilateral Knee Pain S/P Stem Cell Cartilage Replacement Therapy Of Both Knees, Justin Hett

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This article describes the 6-week outpatient physical therapy management of a 65-year-old male who c/o bilateral knee pain s/p stem cell cartilage replacement therapy. The patient presented with decreased ROM in both knees R>L, difficulty ambulating moderate distances, knee pain, and decreased LE strength bilaterally. The purpose of this article is to describe the treatments used for this patient and the results from these treatments.

Description: The treatment of this patient involved range of motion, strengthening, patient education, and stretching.

Outcomes: Following PT intervention, the patient had increased ROM in both knees L>R, normal strength, …

Standard And Cognitive Four Square Step Test (Fsst), Renee Hoffman, Hannah Bucholz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: The Four Square Step Test (FSST) measures dynamic standing balance and agility and was developed to identify older adults at risk for falls. It has a cognitive component for remembering the stepping sequence but has never been tested with an additional cognitive task. The purpose of this study was to collect normative data for the FSST and Cognitive FSST in community dwelling adults for various age groups.

Materials/Methods: Eighty-seven community-dwelling adults (55 females, 32 males) between the age 21 and 86 (48.22 years) were included in the study. Participants completed a fall risk checklist and a cognitive screen prior …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Diagnosed With Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Type 2, Ashley Jobe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This article describes the 3-week outpatient Physical Therapy management of a 63-year-old female with a diagnosis of Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (MMD) Type 2. MMD is an inherited disorder, which progressively impacts muscular, respiratory, cardiac, nervous, and endocrine systems. MMD Type 2 is characterized by muscle weakness, muscle pain, and myotonia. The patient in this case study presented to physical therapy with upper and lower extremity weakness and balance impairment. The purpose of this article is to describe the initial physical therapy evaluation process for a patient with MMD, as well as the interventions used for this patient …

A Case Report: Factors Influencing The Physical Therapy Care Following Medical Treatment Of An Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma, Connor Camrud

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical decision-making processes of the physical therapy (PT) care for a patient who was diagnosed with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma and subsequently had surgical decompression and resection, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Background Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas account for 3% to 20% of all brain tumors. The incidence of this tumor is 40% greater in males than females. Average onset occurs between 35 and 44 years of age. Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas commonly occur in the frontal lobes and are supratentorial. Patients will often present with headaches, new weakness, vision changes, and a decline in cognitive …

A Case Report: Adhesive Capsulitis And Physical Therapy Intervention, Haley Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy interventions for a patient with adhesive capsulitis.

Case Description The patient was a 68-year-old right-handed male who presented with left shoulder pain and limited range of motion (ROM) following a fall 7 months prior. The patient had a past medical history of type II diabetes mellitus. The diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis was determined following radiographs, mechanism of injury, past medical history, and physical therapy examination and evaluation.

Intervention The patient was seen for a total of 8 physical therapy sessions over the span of 6 …

Collaborative Physical And Music Therapy Interventions For Impairments Of Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Jake Leverington, Kelsey Bell

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

[Background and Purpose] In the United States, the annual prevalence of stroke is estimated to be 800,000. 1 Following a stroke, physical therapy (PT) interventions aim to help individuals recover from impairments such as muscle weakness and overall functional limitation. Current research supports both physical and music therapy (MT) interventions on an individual basis. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity for person following stroke.

[Case Description] The patient is a 50- year-old caucasian female post right cerebral vascular accident (CVA) with left …

Electromyographic (Emg) Activity Of The Gluteus Medius During Various Hip Exercises, Kalie Maiden, Mitchell Karbo, Taylor Doeden, Analise Richtsmeier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of the study was to record and analyze muscle recruitment patterns of the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles when performing a side lying abduction exercise requiring consistent force to roll a ball up and down the wall using the dominant lower extremity. Comparisons were made between the use of either a small, medium or large ball. The subjects performed a standing abduction exercises with theraband around both ankles as well.

Case Description. Fifteen subjects were recruited from the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy to perform the four different types of exercises. …

Collaboration Between Physical Therapy And Music Therapy: A Case Study Of The Interventions And Their Effects On Parkinson's Disease, Mercedes Stein, Kristyn Bergh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Parkinson's Disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that causes motor dysfunction leading to dyskinesia, bradykinesia, muscular rigidity, resting tremors, postural impairments, and gait impairments. These impairments can have a tremendous negative impact on a person's everyday life. This case study demonstrates the collaboration of physical therapy and music therapy interventions and its effects on a female with Parkinson's Disease.

Case Description: The patient is a 72-year old female diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease around 2010. Her primary reason for seeking treatment is due to an increase in freezing of gait and overall decrease in mobility that …

Grit Of First- And Second-Year Physical Therapy Students: A Pilot Study, Brianne Halbur, Alison Kopp

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare year-one and yeartwo student physical therapists grit scores using Angela Duckworth's 12 question Grit survey to investigate if there were correlations between the Grit score, GPA, age, or gender. The results of this pilot study will help shape further research on using Grit score as an indicator for academic success and hardship for students in strenuous programs.

Methods: The Grit-0 scale was distributed to both second and first year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students at the University of North Dakota by the primary investigator. There were 105 …

The Effects Of An Early Motion Protocol For Rehabilitation Following A Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Repair: A Case Report, Kody Strum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries to occur in the United States. Following a surgical repair, there are two main rehabilitation protocols: early motion and delayed motion. Despite the large number of patients in need of rehab following a rotator cuff tear surgical repair, there is not yet a definitive answer in the literature as far as the best protocol to use.

Case Description: The patient was a 68-year-old male who injured himself while slipping and attempting to catch himself with his right arm. He presented to physical therapy following a surgical …

Case Study: Acute And Subacute Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Multiple Orthopedic Injuries And A Mild Brain Injury Resulting From Motorcycle Collision, Leah Jensen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes the 3.5-week inpatient physical therapy management of an 18-year-old female involved in a motorcycle accident resulting in multiple orthopedic injuries, a mild brain injury, and multiple skin abrasions. She was non-weight bearing (NWB) with her bilateral upper extremities, toe-touch weight bearing (TTWB) on her right lower extremity, and weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) on her left lower extremity throughout the course of her treatment. The purpose of this case report is to describe the various physical therapy (PT) interventions utilized for this patient and the patient's status after completion of them.

Case Description. …