Physical Therapy Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

Physical Therapy Rehabiliation For Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Rebecca Lynch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Lumbar radiculopathy is one of the most common orthopedic conditions. This occurs when there is damage to a nerve root in the area that it exits the spinal cord. This can be caused from a disc herniation bone spurs, trauma, or a mechanical stretching event. There is not consistent evidence in current literature regarding rehabilitation interventions for this condition.

Case Description. This case report describes a 62-year-old female presenting to physical therapy with lumbar radiculopathy symptoms. She had multiple comorbidities as well as a scheduled total knee replacement surgery. Physical therapy interventions for this patient included manual …

Using The Landing Error Scoring System (Less) To Predict The Risk Of Lower Extremity Injuries In Athletes, Marit Mikkelsen, Anthony Peterson, Travis Rinkenberger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Athletes that participate in any sport are at an increased risk of injury, especially lower extremity injury. In particular, many athletes experience anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during competition and practice sessions. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a tool used to identify athletes with a higher potential risk for ACL injury.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare vertical jump landing mechanics between genders and among various sports.

Methods: Forty-one participants (21 females, 20 males) were recruited from a NCAA Division I university. Participants were from the following sports: football, volleyball, women’s soccer, and men’s …

Acute Rehabilitation Management Of A Patient With Bilateral Transtibial Amputation: Case Study, Ashlee Wiebe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case report describes the 14-day acute rehabilitation physical therapy management of a 43-year-old male who underwent bilateral transtibial amputations. The purpose of this report is to describe the interventions utilized and the change in the patient's status following their application and also to add to the limited amount of research in this area.

Case Description: The patient had a very complicated medical history. His primary goal was to return home with his wife and children. The treatment of this patient involved transfer training, wheelchair mobility, seated balance activities, strengthening exercises, stretching, endurance activities, and extensive patient …

Collaboration Of Music And Physical Therapy: A Case Study For Treatment Of Balance And Coordination Impairments Following Radiation Necrosis, Micah Hale, Paige Slemmons

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Medulloblastomas are a form of cancer most commonly found in children. They are normally treated through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Radiation necrosis is a possible side effect of radiation therapy which can have devastating effects on a patient's function. Research on the effects of physical therapy interventions in treating the functional impairments which can result from medulloblastomas and radiation necrosis is limited. The purpose of this case study is to examine the effects of collaborative treatment between two student physical therapists and a student music therapist on a· patient with functional limitations due to a medulloblastoma …

Physical Therapy Treatment For A Patient With A Hip Fracture And Cognitive Impairments: A Case Report, Tracie Boehmlehner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: As the population shifts to include higher numbers of people in the elderly population, diseases and pathologies associated with geriatric populations will also increase. Two of these conditions are cognitive impairment and hip fractures. Hip fractures can be costly and life altering injuries. Treating patients with both of these conditions can pose a unique challenge to healthcare workers.

Case Description: The patient in this case study is a 78 year-old female who suffered a hip fracture secondary to a fall with a hip herniarthroplasty completed. She had many co-morbidities that are typical of an aging person such …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Alyssa Wagner, Brandon Forister, Zachary Huot

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used to complete daily activities and participate in sports. As a contributing factor to back injuries, the performance of spinal rotation is an important consideration for the rehabilitation of current and prevention of future back injuries. Muscles involved in spinal rotation have been researched, though limited findings exist for one of the largest back muscles, the Latissimus Dorsi (LD). The LD muscle contributes to many movements of the trunk and limbs given its multiple attachment sites including the pelvis, ribs, scapula, and humerus. Influence of the LD on spinal rotation has …

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 …

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 …

Effects Of Physical Therapy On An Elderly Patient With L5-S1 Radiculopathy: A Case Study, Mackenzie Mears

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Low back pain is a major disabling diagnosis for adults over 60 with 36-70% suffering from this condition. There is little research demonstrating the effectiveness of physical therapy on the outcome of older patients with a lumbar disc herniation resulting in lumbosacral radiculopathy. The purpose of this scholarly project is to use a case report to explore the effectiveness of physical therapy in elderly patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy as the result of a L5-S1 disc herniation.

Case Description. The case study reviews an 81-year-old male who presented to physical therapy with insidious onset of left …

A Case Report: Outpatient Physical Therapy Treatment Of A Patient With Unilateral Medial And Posterior Knee Pain And Osteoarthritis, Joseph T. Griffin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background & purpose: Meniscus tears are commonly considered to be associated with a traumatic event, but the degenerative nature of osteoarthritis can also damage the cartilage. As meniscal tears are a common orthopedic pathology, choosing the correct treatment can be difficult and involve several factors. Current treatment options include partial or total meniscectomy, meniscal repair, or conservative management. There is growing research supporting the effectiveness in non-operative management of degenerative meniscal tears (DMT). The purpose of this case report was to investigate the non-operative management of a 47-year-old male with a unilateral DMT combined with osteoarthritis.

Case description: …

An Epidemiological Study Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Room In Grand Forks, Nd, Carly Bertsch, Lucas Dolan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the emergency room records from Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND from 2011-2015 to find trends in pediatric injuries from the ages of 0-19. The justification for the study is to provide Grand Forks with information about the frequency and distribution of pediatric sports and recreational injuries. No injury surveillance system has been implemented to monitor youth injuries, but his study is a continuation of a previous 10-year study and the combining of the two time frames would result in a 15-year compilation of data. By using descriptive data …

The Co-Treatment Of Physical Therapy And Music Therapy And Its Effect On Parkinson's Disease: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Kayli Muckenhirn, Laura Whiteley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background. A multidisciplinary approach combining physical therapy and music therapy can improve functional mobility in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Objective. The authors studied whether a multidisciplinary approach of PT and MT would reduce the primary symptoms associated with PD.

Methods. In a single subject design, one patient participated in the following interventions; seated activities, task-specific training, balance and posture, pre-gait activities, and gait activities. The patient was evaluated on the first, mid-term, and last days of treatment. Evaluations included the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39), Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (FOGQ), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Five Times …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Study, Braden Benson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. A rotator cuff tear is a common cause of pain and disability among older adults and can lead to a decreased ability to perform daily functions. The purpose of this case report is to look at a single patient's rehabilitation following arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear utilizing therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and manual therapy techniques.

Case Description. The patient was a 69-year-old, Caucasian male who was referred to physical therapy for evaluation and treatment following left shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff tear and sub-acromial decompression. The patient complained of increased pain and decreased …

Emg Of Serratus Anterior, Upper, Middle, And Lower Trapezius During Glenohumeral Abduction In A Participant With Scapular Dyskinesia: A Case Study, Daniel Garcia, Trevor Roppel, Mekenzie Scheresky, Shane Omdahl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction and Purpose. The purpose of this case study was to examine the differences in muscle activation between the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior in a participant with scapular dyskinesia.

Methods. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. EMG data was recorded during three different speeds of shoulder abduction. Four scapular muscles were monitored bilaterally during the experiment. The muscles that were monitored included the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior. The subject was also captured on video using the NiNox 125/250 …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Erector Spinae, And Middle Trapezius Muscle Activity During Spinal Rotation: A Pilot Study, Hunter Huberty, Jacob Klingbeil, Michael Miller, Michael Utt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used for completing daily activities and participating in sports. As a contributing factor to back injuries, the performance of spine rotation is an important consideration for the rehabilitation and prevention of future back injury. Muscles involved in spine rotation have been researched, though limited findings exist for one of the largest back muscles: Latissimus Dorsi (LD). The LD muscle contributes to many movements of the trunk and limbs given its multiple attachment sites including the pelvis, scapula, ribs and humerus. Influence of the LD on spine rotation, however, has not …

The Combined Effects Of Physical Therapy And Music Therapy For An Older Adult With Chronic Left-Sided Hemiparesis: A Case Report, Nicholas Holkup, Scott Syverson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Stroke and other disorders that involve the neurological system can have adverse effects such as hemiparesis, spasticity, hypertonicity, and gait and balance deficits. Due to neurological disorders being so prevalent, proper rehabilitative treatments are necessary to return to a functional lifestyle. Multiple approaches across the therapy spectrum have been utilized, but rarely are these therapeutic approaches completed concurrently among different disciplines. The purpose of this case report is to address the interdisciplinary co-treatment by students of music therapy and physical therapy for a patient exhibiting chronic left-sided hemiparesis.

Case Description: This case report describes a …

Treatment Post Total Knee Arthroplasty With Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy, Megan Berndt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. With more than 600,000 knee replacements performed each year in the United States, functional exercise is necessary post-surgery. Patients who undergo knee replacements often attend physical therapy after surgery, which has been found to have significant effects on functional outcomes. In rare cases, patients experience a post-surgical complication of common peroneal nerve palsy (CPNP), and interventions must be adjusted based on the patient's specific needs.

Purpose. This is a case report describing the interventions for a patient with a right total knee arthroplasty ([R] TKA), multiple co-morbidities, and a post-surgical complication of CPNP.

Methods. A 78-year-old …

The Effect Of Barefoot Running On Navicular Drop: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Corrie Fredericks, Alison Cygan, Robert Plemel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Gaining knowledge of the change in navicular drop/over-pronation of the foot 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. Effects of a running retraining program with conversion from a rearfoot strike pattern (RFSP) to forefoot strike pattern (FFSP) to determine impact on navicular drop is lacking in literature. Due to the increased correlation of over-pronation and lower extremity injuries, the purpose of this study was to determine if barefoot running training, with …

Treatment Of Subacromial Impingement Syndrome In A 53-Year-Old Female: A Case Study, Jarad Syrstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a common shoulder pathology. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the outcomes of subsequent physical therapy after operative treatment for SAIS and the clinical decision making involved in seeking surgical intervention.

Case Description. This case report describes a 54 y/o female who participated in eight weeks of physical therapy after undergoing shoulder decompression surgery while failing conservative physical therapy prior to surgical intervention.

Intervention. Physical therapy interventions were designed to strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder, increase range of motion, decrease pain, and improve functional activity. …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hamstrings And Quadriceps Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Jayla Greene, Brecca Wahlund, Jay Mittlieder, Adam Lutz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

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

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

Conservative Treatment Of A 58 Year-Old Male Referred To Physical Therapy With A Knee Sprain And Knee Osteoarthritis, Chase Pruitt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition in people over 50. Although there may be an association between acute knee injuries and knee OA later in life, the occurrence of acute knee injuries in patients with existing OA is less clear. The purpose of this case study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an impairment based therapy program in an individual with an acute knee injury and knee OA.

Case Description: This case follows a 57 year old male referred to physical therapy with an acute knee sprain and tri-compartmental knee OA. Treatment lasted 7 sessions …

Physical Therapy Intervention In A Patient With West Nile Meningitis: A Case Approach, Kelsie Gunnufson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a neurotropic virus capable of causing damage of varying severity. WNV is commonly transmitted to humans from mosquitoes and is most prevalent in the months of August and September due to the method of transmission. The WNV can produce mild systemic symptoms classified as West Nile Fever (WNF). However, it can progress and infiltrate the nervous system, at which point the virus is categorized as neuroinvasive. One classification is West Nile Meningitis (WNM) that involves infection and inflammation of the meninges or coverings surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There is …

Collaboration Of Music Therapy And Physical Therapy: A Case Study For Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Stroke, Matthew Aymond, Michelle Sanders

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and can cause severe, debilitating, and lasting effects. Although a fair amount of research has been performed on treatment of individuals following a stroke, few studies exist looking at the collaborative efforts of physical therapy and music therapy.

Case Description: This case follows the 13-week interdisciplinary care of an 83-year old female patient with chronic impairments following a cerebrovascular accident suffered approximately 2 years prior.

Interventions: Following an initial evaluation, the patient performed 11 one-hour treatment sessions over an 11-week period. …

A Case Report: Physical Therapy Management Of A 25-Year-Old Female Experiencing A Whiplash Injury And Low Back Pain, Carmen Stanhope

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. There is a prevalence of whiplash mechanism injuries affecting the cervical spine following motor vehicle accidents. The approximate incidence in Western societies for whiplash associated disorder is 1 case for every 1,000 people in the population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and interventions used in the treatment of a patient with whiplash associated disorder.

Case Description. This case study describes the clinical presentation, physical therapy intervention, and outcomes of a young adult female following a rear end motor vehicle accident (MVA). The patient presented …

Barefoot Training: Effect On Lateral Pelvic Drop And Emg Activity Of Gluteus Medius And Tfl, Hailey Brinkman, Anna Yanchek, Esley Thorton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Exercise has been widely accepted for its key role in disease prevention and promotion of healthy lifestyle. Due to its relative ease and low cost, running continues to be one of the most popular forms of exercise today. Although running can have a significant impact on disease prevention, injury prevalence in running is high. Barefoot running is a relatively new form of exercise that has gained popularity amongst the running community. However, enhancing muscular activity at the hip is a rehabilitation strategy, which may reduce lower extremity injury. Research investigating the hip muscle activity and movement with barefoot …

Impact Of A Community-Based Rock Steady Boxing Program For People With Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study, Katerina Hoime, Rachel Klein, Jamie Maciejewski, Molly Nienhuis

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: High-intensity physical exercise has been shown to be beneficial in managing motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Exercise may also have global effects on factors that influence brain health and cognition. Programs that incorporate goal-based motor skill learning have shown promise in being more effective than aerobic exercise alone. People with PD have a need for ongoing, continuous, community-based exercise programs that are engaging and accessible. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a community-based exercise program, Rock Steady Boxing, on improving quality of life and physical mobility skills in people with …