Physical Therapy Commons^™

Admission Variables Predict Success In A Hybrid-Online Physical Therapist Education Program, Evan M. Pucillo, Rossniel Marinas, Christine Salmon, Vibhor Agrawal

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Screening student applicants can be a valuable measure for hybrid-online Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.Institutions embrace a wide variety of measurements that drive admissions decisions. However, uncertainties exist regarding the most accurate admission predictors of academic outcomes, especially among hybrid-online DPT programs. The purpose of this study was to examine predictive relationships between applicants’ admission variables and program grade point average and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) performance in a cohort of entry-level hybrid-online DPT students. Methods: A retrospective cohort design and convenience sampling method was used across two entry-level hybrid-online DPT programs in the Southeastern US. Hybrid-online …

Attitudes And Beliefs Of Physical Therapist And Physical Therapist Assistant Program Directors In The United States Towards Interprofessional Education, Lawrence Ramiscal, Christopher Truelove Jr., Vahe Heboyan, Gianluca De Leo

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To investigate the attitudes and beliefs of physical therapy (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) program directors towards interprofessional education (IPE). We hypothesized that Communication and Ethics would be the most important competencies among program directors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on previously utilized instruments modified for the profession of PT was sent to PT and PTA program directors. One hundred sixteen responses were analyzed using frequency analysis for demographic data and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U t-test for group differences. Results: While the majority of program directors agree that IPE is important, with Communication as the most important IPE competency, …

Language Discordance And Telephone Interpretation Complicates Pain Neuroscience Education In Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Acute Low Back Pain, Margaret C. Burns, Tamara S. Struessel

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pain neuroscience education (PNE) is an intervention used for musculoskeletal pain to improve understanding of pain processes; PNE can decrease pain levels, improve function, and lower disability. Clear communication between the patient and provider is important for PNE to be an effective intervention. There is a lack of research on how a language discordance may impact that communication, and therefore the effectiveness of PNE. Purposes: 1) describe the physical therapist management of a Spanish speaking patient with acute low back pain (LBP) while using an off-site telephone interpreting service and 2) examine how PNE treatment was impacted by a …

An Appreciative Inquiry Approach To Understanding What Attracts And Retains Early-Career Therapists To Work In Community Organizations, Karina M. Dancza, Yik Ming Choi, Kaisah Amalia, Pei Shan Wong, Jia Hao Hu, Li Wen Yap

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Community health organizations are expanding in many countries to meet the health and care needs associated with an aging population, an increase in recognition of children with developmental and mental health needs, and escalating healthcare costs. Singapore is no exception. Community organizations, however, are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining early-career therapists to these positions due to competition from acute services and a declining foreign talent pool. At the same time, early-career therapists encounter challenges during the transition from student to professional. Community organizations, therefore, need to identify what makes their organization attractive to early-career therapists and what makes …

Action Observation Training Reduces Freezing Of Gait Among Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease: A Systematic Review, Ivan Iton, Morgan Phillips, Kylie Reardon, Katlyn Scarpinella, Eileen Woodcock, James M. Smith

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Recent evidence suggested action observation training (AOT) may benefit individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing freezing of gait (FoG). The purpose of this study was to determine if AOT can effectively decrease FoG among people with PD. Method: This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered a priori with PROSPERO. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PEDro and PROSPERO were searched. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled studies, an intervention with AOT, adult subjects with PD, published in a journal, and written in English. Study quality was evaluated with the APTA Critical Appraisal Tool for …

Transformation Of The Physical Therapist Assistant (Pta): A Survey Of Current Practice And Education, Jennifer Jewell, Pamela Pologruto, Beverly Labosky, Gina Tarud

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To find trends in utilization and practice of the physical therapist assistant (PTA) in the clinical setting and to assess current clinician views on the expected future direction for the education of the PTA. Method/Subjects: An electronic survey was sent to all accredited PT and PTA programs in United States requesting the survey be forwarded to physical therapist and physical therapist assistant faculty, alumni and clinical instructors in their geographic region for completion. Results: PTAs are a vital part of physical therapy practice. Forty percent of respondents reported that greater than 50% of direct patient interventions are typically …

Impact Of Pro Bono Clinic On Attitudes, Beliefs, And Confidence Towards Cultural Competence In First-Year Doctoral Physical Therapy Students, Scarlett Morris, Ruiping Xia, Troy Klaassen, Trey Johnson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cultural competence is an essential skill for healthcare providers in our increasingly ethnically diversified society. There is an unmet need for educating future culturally competent physical therapists. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of pro bono clinic on cultural competence in first-year doctoral physical therapy students. Method: Forty-two participants completed a survey before and after attending three individual sessions of mentored pro bono clinical experiences during their first semester. The survey assessed participants’ attitudes and beliefs (Part I), and self-perceived level of confidence (Part II) towards cultural competence. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed. Results: The …

A Student Physical Therapist’S Perspective On Her Efficacy Providing Culturally Competent Care: A Reflective Case Study, Anna S. Kelly, Deborah M. Wendland

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Cultural differences and personal biases can affect the way a clinician provides care and the way in which patients receive it. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) designates cultural competence as one of the professional practice expectations for physical therapy students, although no standardized blueprint exists for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. This case report will illustrate how reflection can be used to facilitate a student’s growth into becoming more prepared to practice in a culturally aware and effective way. In addition, this report seeks to provide a student’s perspective on her efficacy providing culturally …

Clinician Productivity During Student Full Time Clinical Experiences, Jamie Dehan, Michele Avery, Trevor Elmer, Yvonne Colgrove

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Clinical education is an essential part of physical therapy education. Clinicians who provide student clinical training have the primary responsibility of patient care and meeting their job demands including meeting productivity standards. Adding a student to the mix is often perceived as negatively impacting productivity. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact on clinician productivity in direct patient care while hosting a student for a clinical experience. This study (a) investigates differences seen when hosting a DPT student or a PTA student; (b) compares differences seen influenced by which curricular stage the student is in for …

Kinematic Analysis Of A Series Of Jumps In First Position In Professional Ballet Dancers, Jessica Smith, Kevin Robinson, Pat Sells

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Few ballet-specific studies in the literature examine kinematics during dance activities. Sports studies have identified injury risk in athletes by observing kinematics during specific activity, but this has not yet been explored for ballet. Evaluating kinematics in dancers has the potential to identify injury risk and influence treatment for prevention and rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the landing kinematics of professional ballet dancers during a series of 16 ballet-specific jumps. Methods: This study was a multi-factor repeated measures design. Participants (3 males, 16 females aged 19-33 years; first or second company members) performed 16 …

Intensive Robot-Assisted Gait Training In Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: Case Series From Saudi Arabia, Naif Alraddadi, Sanaa Madi

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report whether intensive body weight-supported treadmill training with a robotic exoskeleton could improve over-ground functional mobility in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury and to investigate its feasibility and safety. Methods: This was a case series design. Two male individuals with chronic (> 1 year since injury) spinal cord injury (SCI) were included in this study. All subjects underwent intensive gait training sessions 5 times per week using exoskeleton for 12 weeks with a total of 60 sessions. The duration of the session was 60 minutes, including the installment of the HAL, …

Do Learning And Study Strategies Predict Success In Hybrid-Online Physical And Occupational Therapist Education?, Evan M. Pucillo, Ellen Lowrie Black

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: An understanding of the learning strategies most accurately predictive of success has become increasingly important as health professional education programs scale the utilization of online learning in the wake of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship between The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) and cumulative professional GPA (cpGPA) in hybrid-online physical (PT) and occupational therapist (OT) education. Methods: A convenience sample collected N=149 entry-level PT and OT students from three campuses across Florida, Texas, and California. A total N(%) of 89(59.7%) PT and 60(40.3%) OT students were included for analysis [48(32.2%) male; …

Empathy Levels Correlate With Practical Examination Scores In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Scott Richardson, Danika Aten, Garrett Bennett, Matthew Koster, Hannah Svilar

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine if empathy levels correlate with practical examination scores in DPT students. It was hypothesized that students with higher empathy levels would receive better scores on practical examinations. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 49 first and second year DPT students from Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, AZ. After obtaining informed consent, participants completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess personal empathy. These scores were compared with participants’ practical examination scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 49 participants (26 …

Cost Outcomes Of Physical Therapist Providers Compared To Primary Care Providers In The Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Patients In A Military Treatment Facility: A Retrospective Chart Review”, Troy E. Mcgill, Debra F. Stern, Morey J. Kolber, John Mcgee

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of physical therapist (PT) management of patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders to management by traditional primary care managers (PCMs); medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs), and physician assistants (PAs). Methods: This is a retrospective study of electronic medical records using an exploratory, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and quantitative design method. The records of patients with MSK disorders were assessed at an Air Force military medical clinic for 18 months from January 2016 through June 2017. Results: PT management of MSK patients resulted in a …

Expanding Rehabilitation Beyond The Clinic—Strategies To Increase Total Restorative Therapy Time For Adults With Hemiplegia, Niamh M. Tunney, Ellen R. Perlow

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Positive neuroplastic changes involving cortical reorganization after stroke are experience dependent and are facilitated more effectively when rehabilitation occurs with high volume. Structured experiences to promote adaptive changes can be implemented during scheduled therapies in any rehabilitation setting. However, time spent in supervised restorative therapy is limited regardless of setting. Time spent in therapeutic activity can be extended by a variety of options that patients can engage in independently, that are low-cost, and that have evidence to support their use as a supplement to physical and occupational therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present four …

Exploration Of Grit And Emotional Intelligence And Success In A Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program, Karen Huhn, Brittney Rusinski Dpt, Amanda Saucier Dpt, Victoria Mcintyre Dpt, Teresa Rock Dpt, Makeala Nelson Dpt, Yieng Huah Tham Dpt, Courtney Duval Dpt

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Higher education programs that admit students to sequential curricula incur a substantial financial loss when an enrolled student fails to continue in the program for whatever reason. In many instances, the seat cannot be filled, and valuable tuition dollars often over $90,000 per student is lost to the institution. In addition to financial loss, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are required to report and explain rates to the Commission for Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Admission committees at Doctor of Physical Therapy programs seek candidates that will be successful in the program and pass the National Physical …

Therapeutic Management Of A Patient With Necrotizing Fasciitis Resulting In Quadrilateral Amputation And Critical Illness Myopathy In The Intensive Care Setting: A Case Report., Mallory A. Kargela, Annette J. Siebens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this case is to illustrate the best available evidence to provide early therapeutic intervention for a critically ill patient presenting with cardiovascular and pulmonary complications due to multi-system compromise. Case Description: A 19-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis and necrotizing pneumonia. He experienced numerous additional medical complications ultimately leading to tracheostomy, delirium, critical illness myopathy, and quadrilateral amputation secondary to necrotizing fasciitis and critical limb ischemia following prolonged veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Outcomes: Patient was discharged to an outside rehabilitation hospital after 103 days in the acute setting …

An Introduction To Interprofessional Education For First Semester Doctoral Occupational Therapy And Physical Therapy Students, Suzanne Trojanowski, Jillian Woodworth, Anna Rose Wiencek, Amy Yorke

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional education (IPE) engages health care professional students in order to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of a health care practitioner. IPE can be challenging to execute; however, exposing students early in their professional education in IPE has positive results. Occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) are health care professions who commonly work with each other. The purpose of this study is to describe the process and outcomes of implementing an IPE experience with first year doctoral OT (OTD) and PT (DPT) students completed within the first six weeks of the first semester of their respective …

The Effects Of Blood-Flow Restriction Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Strength, And Power In College-Age Adults, Meghan Rohde, Lauren Bacsalmasi, Quinton Erhard, Tanner Lung, Whitney Weinert

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Low load BFR (LLBFR) training can produce similar strength gains as high load resistance (HLR) training, especially in cases where persons may not have the ability to toelrate heavy loads. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in strength, power, and hypertrophy between HLR (70% 1RM) and LLBFR (30% 1RM). Methods: Sixteen healthy individuals, ages 23-21 (8 male, 8 female) were randomized into HLR and LLBFR groups. Obtained baseline measurements included 1-repetition maximum (1RM), thigh circumference, and vertical jump height. Each group performed back squat, Bulgarian split squat, barbell step ups, and lunges. The HL group trend …

Relationship Among Emotional Intelligence And/Or Extrovert Bias On Perceived Stress Levels In Dpt Students, Scott Richardson, Jordan Auvinen, Brennan Bonnett, Lucas Takeuchi, Erin Thompson

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose/Hypothesis: Students in graduate level DPT programs function at varying levels. Some students thrive and others struggle to maintain required minimum levels of academic performance. When considering admission of applicants, and when assisting enrolled students, consideration of factors contributing to academic success is of interest. Stress has been shown to be prevalent in a wide range of students and has many negative effects including poor life satisfaction, increased clinical burnout, and reduced academic performance. Research has shown a correlation between higher emotional intelligence (EI) and decreased stress levels in medical, nursing, and undergraduate students. The purpose of this study was …

Increasing Physical Activity In Older Australians To Reduce Falls: A Program Evaluation, Kristy Robson, Nazmul Ahasan, Carly Barnes, Kylie Murphy, Rodney Pope

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As people age, they are at greater risk of injurious falls. Falling has a significant impact not only on the individual but also the wider community. Undertaking physical activity is effective in reducing the rate of falls in this population. Therefore, providing targeted education during group-based falls prevention programs may increase the awareness and amount of physical activity older people undertake to assist in reducing their risk of falling. Methods: A longitudinal cohort design involving a pre-post intervention survey was conducted over an eight-month period with community-dwelling older adults who participated in a fall-prevention program. Participants were N = …

The Teaching And Evaluation Of Professionalism For Dpt Students During The Clinical Education Experience, Bruce N. Elliott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this comparative study was to investigate the reports of clinical instructors (CIs) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from two different physical therapy programs in New England regarding their opinions on the teaching and evaluative techniques of professionalism during a clinical education rotation. One program emphasized professionalism prior to the students beginning their clinical rotations, while the other program did not have the same emphasis.

Methods: Three items from the professional practice section of the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) (accountability, communication, and professional behavior), were utilized to create the conceptual framework around which the …

Student Experiences With Engagement In A Nursing And Physical Therapy Interprofessional Education Simulation, Sarah Koplow, Melissa Morris, Shari Rone-Adams, Heather Hettrick, Bini Litwin, Lisa B. Soontupe, Archana Vatwani

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Interprofessional Education (IPE) incorporated into healthcare discipline instruction has been shown to be successful in improving the understanding perceptions of complimentary professions. The purpose of this mixed method study was to measure differences in perceptions of early Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) students and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with participation in a immersive interprofessional education experience. Method: Students completed a pre and posttest survey consisting of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and several short answer qualitative questions. Cohorts of BSN and DPT students participated in a computerized mannequin simulation experience or a hybrid simulation. Results: Students …

Educational Impact On Therapists’ Knowledge, Beliefs, And Actions: A Pilot Study, Elena Wong Espiritu, Natalie N. Michaels, Steven Busby

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Collaborative goal setting has been shown to be an effective way to promote client engagement leading to improved outcomes; however, healthcare professionals face challenges when implementing collaborative goal setting into their clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of educational workshops to 1) increase a therapist’s knowledge of motivational interviewing and action planning, 2) promote collaboration between therapists and their patients/clients, 3) promote collaboration between therapists and their interdisciplinary team and 4) increase the ease of implementation of motivational interviewing and action planning skills into a therapist’s clinical practice. Method: A mixed-methods design …

The Effect Of Extraversion On Practical Examination Scores In Students Of Physical Therapy, Scott Richardson, Zachary Zemanek, Travis Downen, Chantsen Rich, Nate Weltzin

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a physical therapy student’s level of extraversion positively correlates to practical exam scores. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample recruited from the classes of 2018 and 2019 in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, Arizona. Subjects completed the Goldberg’s Big-Five Factor Marker questionnaire as a measure of introversion/extraversion. These scores were compared with participants’ practical exam scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 60 participants (31 males, 29 females) with mean extraversion score (32.97+/-7.90, p=.27) and …

The Prevalence And Characteristics Of Physical Therapy Pro Bono Services Involving Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Catherine E. Crandell, Jill D. Black, Robin L. Dole, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The offering of pro bono services has been a historical practice in a number of professions including law and medicine. Medical literature suggests pro bono services provide a vital safety net for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. Medical students commonly participate in pro bono services, however, little is known about doctor of physical therapy (DPT) student involvement. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of physical therapy (PT) programs accredited or in candidacy in the United States to determine the prevalence and characteristics of pro bono services involving DPT students. Method: A 30-item electronic survey …

Athletic Training And Physical Therapy Junior Faculty Member Preparation: Perceptions Of Doctoral Programs And Clinical Practice, Jessica L. Barrett, Stephanie M. Singe, Aynsley Diamond

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Institutions of higher education suffer from a shortage of appropriately prepared faculty members in athletic training and physical therapy programs. Both professional programs have recently undergone curricular reform and degree change. We sought gain an understanding of the preparation mechanisms experienced by athletic training and physical therapy practitioners for their junior faculty positions. Method: Twenty-six athletic trainers and physical therapists participated in this phenomenological study. Data from one-on-one phone interviews were analyzed following the inductive process of interpretive phenomenological analysis. Content experts, pilot interviews, multiple analysts and member checking ensured trustworthiness. Results: Findings indicate two primary mechanisms prepared the …

Plyometric Training For Young Male Field Hockey Players, Vijaya Krishnan, Twincy Rajawadha

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Field hockey is a team sport requiring a combination of skill set to enhance a player’s performance. Power, Fitness and Agility are few such basic parameters. Newer training protocols are constantly explored to achieve the desired effect and plyometrics is one such method. It is also important to know how long lasting the effects of training are. Methodology: Fifty (50) male field hockey players at interschool and zonal level participated in the study. These sports specific parameters - lower limb power, fitness level and agility - were tested using the vertical jump test, 40-metre sprint test, and shuttle cross …

Development Of A Survey Instrument To Explore The Characteristics Of Australian Private Physiotherapy Practitioners’ Interprofessional Interactions, Jack A. Seaton, Anne Jones, Catherine L. Johnston, Karen Francis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is a complex process defined by the relationships and interactions between health practitioners from diverse professional backgrounds. Although the benefits of a collaborative health workforce are widely acknowledged, it is currently poorly understood to what extent private physiotherapy practitioners engage in interprofessional collaboration as a part of their clinical practice, and whether they consider to be adequately trained in this area. Information regarding the frequency, modes of communication, and perceived level of satisfaction associated with private physiotherapy practitioners’ interprofessional interactions is also limited. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a survey …

Investigating The Influence That Service In A Pro Bono Clinic Has On A First Full-Time Clinical Education Experience From The Perspective Of Students And Their Clinical Instructors, Ellen Erdman, Jill D. Black, Sandra Campbell, Tim Golder, Stephen Grazioli, Kerstin M. Palombaro

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Academic physical therapy programs strive to foster student readiness for full-time clinical education experiences in a variety of ways. This research looks at one program who has students participate in a student-run pro bono clinic for at least 60 hours prior to the first full-time clinic experience. The purpose of the study is to explore the influence that participation in this pro bono clinic has on a first full-time clinical education experience from the perspective of both the student and the clinical instructor (CI). Methods: Qualitative methodology was employed to gain the perspectives of 29 students and their respective …