Physical Therapy Commons^™

Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis For An Individual With An Intellectual Disability That Interferes With Communication And Compliance To Home Program: A Case Report, Ryan J. Ostermeier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. Approximately 10% of Americans deal with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can lead to negative impacts on quality of life. Furthermore, treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities affecting communication presents a unique set of difficulties. This case study summarizes the evaluation process and treatment of one female patient with bilateral plantar fasciitis who also has an intellectual disability.

Case Description. This specific patient was diagnosed with intellectual disability secondary to a carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I (CPS) deficiency at birth. She presented to physical therapy at age 35 with bilateral plantar heel pain of 6 months following an increase in activity …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Electromyography Activity Of Proximal And Distal Upper Extremity Musculature, Sami Dullum, Clyde Jensen, Connor Remus

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) has become a popular strength training and intervention method. Research shows BFR increases muscular hypertrophy and strength, mostly attributed to vascular occlusion. The purpose of this study is to examine BFR effects on proximal and distal muscle electromyography (EMG) activity to evaluate characteristics of fatigue in the infraspinatus (INFRA) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) during resistive side-lying shoulder external rotation (ER). Number of Subjects: 51

Materials/Methods: Fifty-one college students, 31 females, and 20 males participated in the study. Shoulder ER peak force was identified in side-lying utilizing a MicroFET. Participants completed shoulder …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Treatment For A Patient With A Transtibial Amputation: A Case Report, Cade D. Salentine

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Transtibial amputations (TTA) impose significant functional difficulty on those who undergo the procedure. Physical therapy is one of the resources that can be used to maximize a patient's outcomes following surgery. Physical therapists play a vital role in the improvement of strength, functional mobility, and independence following a TTA. This report covers the outpatient physical therapy evaluation and treatment of a patient status post-TTA. The purpose of this case was to identify different treatments, considerations, and outcome measures, that can be used when treating a patient with a TTA.

Case Description: The patient is a 66-year-old male who …

Physical Therapy Interventions And Outcomes For A Patient With Multiple Co-Morbidities: A Case Study, Morgan M. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. Multimorbidity is present in a significant percentage of hospital admissions with 84.1% involving one or more co-morbidities leading to longer, more expensive stays and higher inpatient mortality rates. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate physical therapy’s effects, interventions and outcomes for a patient with common co-morbidities to determine physical therapy outcomes.

Case Description. The patient was a 75-year-old female who presented to physical therapy with an admitting diagnoses of congestive heart failure and acute kidney injury. Her additional relevant medical diagnoses were hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, depression, 2-month status post ORIF of right ankle …

A Comparison Of Senior Athlete Data To Normative Values: A Research Study, Brooke M. Flicek, Kailen G. Halvorson, Ashley J. Schuster, Kacee J. White

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It is common to develop certain conditions with aging that can include but not limited to: osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, falls, and general geriatric syndromes (delirium, dementia, depression, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence, sarcopenia, chronic pain). Physical activity can help prevent many conditions. This is where the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) becomes relevant. It is specifically designed by physical therapist Becca Jordre, in order to evaluate cardiovascular, muscular, flexibility, and balance fitness within the older adult population. At the Senior Games, the SAFE is used as a screening tool designed to identify health and risk factors for the senior athlete. …

A Valid And Reliable Method For Measuring Navicular Drop, Kayla Ellison, Bree Lindley, Ashley Conneran

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Understanding navicular motion during gait is crucial for research and clinical applications. This study aimed to assess a method of measuring navicular drop during dynamic walking trials. Our technique used a two-stage assessment of navicular drop; these stages consisted of an initial static examination of the navicular position in subtalar neutral, combined with a dynamic evaluation of navicular drop during walking gait. These stages were conducted twice, with a week between data collections. This study aimed to determine the reliability of this two-stage method. We hypothesize that a two-stage process, using two independent Vicon systems, will be able …

Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes In A Patient With Moderate To Severe Scoliosis: A Case Study, Rachael Dobbs

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this case study is to discuss the role of physical therapy in patients who have moderate to severe scoliosis and plan to or have undergone a total hip arthroplasty. In evaluating the case of a female with moderate to severe scoliosis who recently underwent a total hip arthroplasty, it will be determined if physical therapy intervention was successful in improving her symptoms and reducing the risk of further complications.

Case Description. Patient is a 70-year-old female who presents to physical therapy evaluation several weeks post total hip arthroplasty. The patient has comorbidities of osteoarthritis and moderate …

The Correlation Between The Season Of Birth And Early Childhood Development In Healthy Children: Evidence From Midwest Region Of The United States, Paige E. Argent, Emma R. Botker, Anna L. Kiffmeyer, Victoria K. Maiz, Alexis N. Pettersen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: While many different factors may affect early childhood development, one significant factor is the season of birth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the season of birth and early childhood gross motor development in healthy children ages 0-5 years old in the greater Midwest area.

Methods: Parents of 372 children completed self-reports on their children’s gross and fine motor development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Parents were provided with an online survey version of the ASQ. Data was based upon closed-ended questions and analyzed using the percentages of responses …

Inpatient Rehabilitation And Clinical Decision Making Of A Patient With Severe Stroke And Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report, Kassandra G. Anshutz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are common and are estimated to affect around 795,000 people in the United States every year. Cerebrovascular accidents can be detrimental to one’s health and have a wide range of complications including death and decreased independence. Current evidence-based practice supports exercise and movement through physical therapy to restore function and independence. However, current guidelines do not exist for patients with acute kidney injury during stroke recovery.

Case Description: In this case study, we examine a 63-year-old male with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke further complicated by severe rhabdomyolysis. Upon initial evaluation and examination, …

North Dakota Physical Therapy Workforce And Telehealth Utilization Between 2018-2022, Nicole A. Thomas, Elise J. Bartel, Logan Thomas, Senior, Brendan E. Kalous, Hunter T. Sylte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical Therapists (PT’s) are important healthcare providers for individuals of all ages, ailments, and provide both prevention and care of disease and injury. Traditionally, physical therapists work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, sports/outpatient clinics, and privately-owned clinics, to name a few. There are approximately 7.2 physical therapists for every 10,000 people nationwide. However, the geographical distribution and practice settings of PT’s can greatly vary throughout each state, county, and region. This varying distribution of PT’s creates one of the biggest limitations surrounding the field of PT which is decreased access to physical therapy services …

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Outpatient Setting: A Case Report, Troy L. Huff

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)is gaining popularity globally for treatment of traumatic and degenerative glenohumeral diseases, as well as for irreparable rotator cuff total shoulder arthroplasty surgeries. The number of these surgeries in 2011 were 22,820 and have jumped to a staggering increase of more than 60,000 a year in 2023. The goal of this case study is to determine the role and effectiveness of physical therapy in a status post RTSA.

Case Description: The patient was a 70-year-old year male who had a right RTSA. The patient had comorbidities of Osteoarthritis of the right shoulder, a failed …

Functional Movement Screen: Exploring Interrater Reliability Between Students, Katie Biegel, Maari Dolan, Sidni Kast, Abi Kuznia, Blake Sjostrom

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to assess the interrater reliability between five second-year physical therapy students on the scoring of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) on 45 participants via pre-recorded videos. To our knowledge, few studies have been completed regarding interrater reliability on the FMS with the new criteria on the ankle mobility clearing test and updated criteria on the rotary stability test.

Materials/Methods: The students and an FMS expert reviewed grading criteria for each test and clearing test. Each student rater was allowed to watch each video once to score the motion to the best of …

The Effects Of Palm Cooling On Power, Strength, And Endurance: An Investigative Study, Klye Henningsgard, Riley Mattheis, Shawn Stolz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Modern day athletes are continuously searching for ways that they can find a competitive advantage over their peers. This study aimed to assess if palm cooling was effective in increasing power, strength, and/or endurance during exercise. After completing a warmup, 24 participants (11 males,13 females; age 22.75 ± 1.36) were assessed on two separate occasions where they performed three separate exercises: vertical jump to analyze power, isometric knee extension to analyze strength, and Queen’s College Step Test to analyze endurance. On the first day of testing, participants were randomly assigned into a cooling or non-cooling group. Thus, completing all three …

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Sustaining Multiple Fractures And A Hemorrhagic Temporal Lobe Contusion Due To An Absent Seizure And Fall: A Case Report, Kylie M. Helgeland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: A case report for the acute care assessment and treatment of a patient after a seizure and fall that resulted in multiple fractures and a temporal lobe contusion. Every injury has an impact on a patient’s mobility and their ability to perform activities of daily living. Physical therapists need to see each injury and understand how each one can affect the patient and have a barrier on their recovery.

Case description: A 59-year-old female who fell down 3 stairs during an absent seizure resulting in multiple fractures and a temporal contusion. The patient presented with impairments of motor planning, …

The Effect Of Physical Therapy Intervention On Fatigue, Balance, Depression And Quality Of Life In Clients Following Medical Treatment For Cancer: A Pilot Study, Elle G. Bryant, Morghan J. Bugge, Riley A. Grube, Megan M. Lacrosse, Hunter M. Lake, Katie J. Leary

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Approximately 18.1 million people living in the United States have survived cancer. The treatment for cancer can be accompanied by many long-lasting residual side effects including fatigue, decreased quality of life, balance deficits, and depression. A current problem that healthcare providers face is understanding these side effects and how to effectively treat the people who experience them.

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate how cancer treatments affect the human body, specifically with fatigue, balance, quality of life, and depression, and how physical therapy interventions can be used to combat these factors. To assess the effects of physical …

Functional Movement Screen: Exploring Interrater Reliability Between Students, Austin Weisz, Lindsey Knoll, Emily Schuster, Cooper Tietz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the interrater reliability of the most recent Functional Movement Screen (FMS), between four second-year physical therapy students. The most recent FMS has added the ankle clearing test (pain and mobility categories) after the inline lunge and modified the rotary stability movement pattern and criteria for scoring. To our knowledge, there has not been a reliability study completed with the most recent additions and modifications of the FMS.

Methods: Forty-five physical therapy students participated and were videotaped completing the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and were rated by four current second-year physical …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Presenting With Double Crush Syndrome: A Case Study., Nicholas G. Hatfield

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in the treatment of a patient presenting with a potential Double Crush Syndrome.

Case Description. This patient was a 59-year-old male with reports of right shoulder pain and right upper extremity paresthesia, numbness, and tingling affecting his ability to perform daily tasks at work and at home.

Interventions. The physical therapy interventions given were all based on findings from the initial evaluation and included a mixture of manual therapy techniques such as shoulder mobilizations, therapeutic exercises/activities such as stretching, resistance training, and carries, and …

Physical Therapy Management Of Lower Exteremity Weakness And Balance Dysfunction Due To Sarcopenia And Frailty: A Case Report, Carla J. Maurstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: The aging population is on the rise and is expected to increase from 8.5% to 16.5% for those aged sixty-five years and older by 2050. With the expected rise comes the increased prevalence of frailty that leads to a decline in physiological function placing individuals at risk for sarcopenia, disability, falls, hospitalization, and death. The purpose of this case study is on lower extremity muscle weakness (sarcopenia) and frailty and the effectiveness of physical therapy to improve muscle strength, balance, proprioception, and functional mobility to decrease the risk of falls, improve performance with daily activities, and improve …

Periacetabular Osteotomy With Tibial Derotation And Fai Repairs As A Treatment For Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia In An Athlete: A Case Study, Marlie M. Maanum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case study details a 16-year-old patient following periacetabular osteotomy surgery with labral repair and tibial derotation. In reading this case, you will learn about interventions performed and ideas to consider for any patient hoping to return to sports following orthopedic procedures.

Case Description: Throughout the rehabilitation there was a large focus on the patient returning to sports, specifically basketball. The physical therapy prescription focused on mobility and strengthening of the entire lower extremity due to this surgery’s aggressive nature at the ankle and hip joint. It is accepted throughout the orthopedic world that there …

The Effect Of Physical Therapy Intervention On Fatigue, Balance, Depression And Quality Of Life In Clients Following Medical Treatment For Cancer: A Pilot Study, Mckenna N. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People who are diagnosed with cancer and undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatment are at great risk for developing long-term side effects such as fatigue, balance deficits, depression, and decreased quality of life months and even years following treatment. With approximately 16.9 million people in the United States with a history of invasive cancer, and an expected steady increase in this number in the coming years, a better understanding of these side effects and how they can be treated would be instrumental for health care professionals. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of exercise intervention on fatigue, …

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Post-Operative Quadriparesis Following Posterior Cervical Lamenectomy And Fusion: A Case Report, Kayla A. Christopherson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal hemangioblastoma are benign tumors that compress the surface of the spinal cord. Surgical resection of the hemangioblastoma with a posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion technique is one treatment option. This form of treatment can lead to poor outcomes such as post-operative quadriparesis although rare. The following case study depicts physical therapy interventions use to treat a patient with post-operative quadriparesis for posterior laminectomy and fusion of C6-T2.

Case Description: The patient was a 77-year-old female with complex past medical history and multiple comorbidities. She received inpatient physical therapy for 31 days before transferring to …

A Golf Fitness Program To Develop Clinical Skills In Student Physical Therapists: A Program Proposal, Development And Recommendations For Implementation., Derek Ferebee

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: Golf is a fast-growing sport that is played by people all around the world of all ages and skill levels. The complexity of the golf swing and varying skill levels of participants leads to increased risk for injury. Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries can occur to the lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. The injuries are common among amateur, intermediate, and professional golfers. Studies show that the overall rate of injury in golfers is 15-20%. This is a surprisingly high amount of injuries for a low-impact sport. Physical therapists are an important healthcare provider for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. …

Conservative Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Atraumatic Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Subluxation: A Case Report, Fallon N. Hill

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Atraumatic Anterior Subluxations of the Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) are a rare upper extremity injury that may cause range of motion (ROM) and strength deficits to the shoulder joint due to pain and feelings of instability. There are a variety of approaches for management as with SCJ subluxations, but atraumatic anterior displacements respond mostly to conservative management or masterly neglect.

Case Description: The patient was a 63-year-old female with an atraumatic anterior subluxation of her right side. The patient did not qualify for surgical or physician intervention and was referred to physical therapy for conservative treatment and pain …

A Case Report Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Jonathan Tyre

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a medical condition with no known cause. Incidence of this condition is 1 to 2 per 100 000 people in the United States. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the person’s nervous system and demyelinates nerves in a person’s body.

Case Description: The patient is a 64-year-old male who received physical therapy services following a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The condition came on with insidious onset and the patient had no signs or symptoms prior to his diagnosis. The patient was evaluated and treated by my clinical …

Case Report Of A 42-Year-Old Male Affected By Plantar Fasciitis, Jenna Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia that causes increased pain and inflammation of the area. Plantar fasciitis affects nearly 1 in 10 people in their lifetime with a high likelihood of reoccurrence. There can be multiple causes but physical therapy (PT) can be crucial for the reduction of pain and return of function. Due to high likelihood of reoccurrence, it is the goal to give patients the tools that they need to self-treat when they experience another bout of plantar fasciitis.

Case Description: The patient was a 42-year-old male who had pain in …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Electromyography Activity Of Proximal And Distal Upper Extremity Musculature, Nicole Mazour, Lauren Savageau, Michael Leonhardt, Samuel Helgeson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) has become a popular means of strength training and intervention used by physical therapists, athletic trainers and body builders. BFR allows for high intensity resistance training at a low intensity training level. It has been shown that BFR increases muscular hypertrophy and strength due to the vascular occlusion that occurs during BFR application. When performing BFR a pressurized tourniquet cuff is applied to the proximal portion of the selected limb. Individuals complete exercise between 20-40% of their 1 repetition maximum (RM) while utilizing the BFR cuff for improvements in muscular strength. Most BFR …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Right Hamstring Strain Injury: A Case Report, Tina M. Belgarde

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Hamstring injuries are the most common muscle strains in competitive sports. Insufficient rehabilitation may be attributed to a high occurrence of recurrent hamstring injuries in athletes. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy following a Grade 2 right hamstring injury and discusses the outcomes experienced by the patient.

Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old Caucasian female athlete who received 6 outpatient physical therapy treatments. She presented with a Grade 2 right hamstring injury after hearing a pop while competing in a tennis tournament.

Interventions: The therapy provided emphasized the use of …

Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor's Viewpoints On Entry-Level Performance Of Physical Therapy Students And New Graduates, Elhana Selimovie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to gain perspective on how physical therapy clinical instructors (CI) define entry-level in relation to the field of physical therapy. The research question asked CIs was whether or not there was a difference in how CIs defined entry-level physical therapists. Entry level is defined as “a student who is capable of functioning without guidance or supervision while managing simple or complex conditions, with proficiency in skilled examinations, interventions, and clinical reasoning, and is able to maintain 100% of a full-time therapist’s caseload in a cost-effective manner.”

Methods: A survey was sent …

The Effects Of Palmar Cooling On Power, Strength, And Endurance: An Investigative Study, Madison Kramer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: For many athletes and active individuals, the ability to improve endurance, strength, and power is a common goal. Millions of people around the world engage in sporting events and other physical activities every day. While each sport has differing physical requirements, each sport requires varying degrees of endurance, strength, and power. During sporting events or exercise routines, body temperature increases and eventually begins to have a negative impact on performance. Research on palmar cooling has shown endurance benefits. The palm is an area of the body with abundant anastomoses, or cross-connections of blood vessels. These areas transfer heat …

The Progression, Treatment, And Rehabilitation Of Guillain Barré Syndrome: Case Report, Hannah M. Shaffer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute demyelinating disease of the peripheral nervous system. It is characterized by sudden progressive weakness and paraesthesias of the limbs. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) and the use of body-weight support gait training (BWST) in the return to function in GBS patients.

Case Description: The patient was a 42-year-old female who presented to the acute care hospital with sudden onset paresthesias and weakness causing sudden loss of ambulation and functional mobility.

Interventions: Due to decreased activity tolerance, initial PT treatment consisted of passive …