Physical Therapy Commons^™

A Survey Of Educators' Needs When Accommodating Students With Physical Disabilities In Regular Education Classrooms, Heather Fisher, Lynn Mckay, Barbara Roise, Katrina Sem

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Students with physical disabilities have been included in regular education classrooms, under IDEA, since the 1970's. Research has shown that many teachers do not feel adequately prepared for adapting their classrooms for a student with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived needs of regular educators in North Dakota and determine what ways physical therapists can offer assistance to educators when accommodating for a student with physical disabilities.

Subjects and Methods. Six hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected, North Dakota teachers via the mail (325) and email (325). …

Emg Analysis Of Lower Extremity Muscle Activity During Wall Slides With Varying Foot Positions, Jon Beach, Neil Feist, Mike Hiscock, Ryan Stromme

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee injuries are among the most common injuries seen in a physical therapy clinic. Nearly all rehabilitation programs following a knee injury involve quadriceps muscle strengthening. One popular and safe method of quadriceps strengthening often used is the wall slide. There is, however, debate and little research indicating whether or not changing the foot position used during wall slides alters the muscle activity during this exercise.

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the muscle activity during wall slides with feet in various positions so that more accurate rehabilitation protocols may be developed in the …

An Electromyographic Analysis Of The Abdominal Musculature In The Production Of Vocalization Intensity During Singing, Chris Huravitch, Nyle Relay, Kristine Schulte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship existed between electromyographical (EMG) activity in the abdominal muscles and the intensity of sound production. Currently, no consensus existsin the music profession regarding the appropriate use of the abdominal muscles during singing, even though it is known that the abdominal muscles playa significant role in sound production. As musicians strive to improve performance and therapists work to rehabilitate musicians and others who suffer from vocal deficits, understanding the basic muscular requirements of this activity/profession is essential to affect positive outcomes.

Eleven subjects with choral experience were recruited from the …

Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of The Trunk And Lower Extremity Muscle Recruitment Comparing A Maximal Voluntary Contraction To The Plyo Press And Agaton Max Series Leg Press, Lee Nagle, Thayne Bosh, Tonya Kunze, Kelly Jorschumb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Numerous studies have been done on the Plyo Press, with focus on the concentric phase of the exercise. However, for athletes eccentric training has always been a topic of interest. Most leg press machines have a concentric and an eccentric phase involved with the exercise. However, during the eccentric phase of the leg press the muscles are underloaded because of the force-velocity relationship of the human skeletal muscle and the fact that eccentric contractions require fewer motor units for the same force and workload. This means that the leg press exercise is limited by the concentric phase. A new machine …

The Effects Of Partial Body Weight Support For Gait In Patients With Neurological Dysfunction: A Case Study Approach, Sarah Hammers, Alecia Herring, Amanda Olson, Mandy Runyan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebrovascular accident (CV A) is the primary cause of disability in the United States. l It is estimated that 75% of those who have a CVA survive and function with multiple degrees of impairments. These impairments impact their activities of daily living in a variety of ways. One of the goals of rehabilitation is to minimize the negative effects a CVA has on the functioning of an individual and allow each person to reach his or her maximum potential. Limited research has been conducted exploring the positive outcomes of partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT) in those who have …

University Of North Dakota Physical Therapy Alumni Preferences For A Transitional Doctorate Of Physical Therapy Degree, Nolan Lubarski, Jessica Mcdougall, Steven Panos, Heidi Sites

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purposes of this study are to assess whether University of North Dakota Physical Therapy (UND-PT) graduates desire a transitional Doctorate of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) degree and to determine their preferences regarding this proposed educational program.

The survey was sent to 1136 alumni of the UND-PT program spanning from its first graduating class in 1970 to the class of 2002. It consisted of 8 demographic questions and 12 questions regarding areas such as curriculum content, program implementation, and personal views about the Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Frequencies for all responses were determined. The respondent data were also analyzed for …

An Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Of Forward And Backward Walking, Sarah Dekrey, Lori Guderian, Kerry Hendricksen, Glenda Scott

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking is a common intervention in the rehabilitation of lower extremity injuries. Despite its popularity, there is limited research available on the EMG activity during backward walking at an incline when compared to forward walking. In this study, we recorded EMG activity in four muscles of the lower extremity and utilized motion analysis to evaluate the knee range of motion when walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0 and 15 percent grade inclines.

Overall, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during backward walking than forward walking. Walking backward at a 15 percent grade incline …

The Effects Of Partial Body Weight Support For Gait For Patients With Neurological Dysfunction: A Case Study Approach, Larae Haas, Beth Millage, Becky Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of partial body weight support during gait for individuals with neurological dysfunction. Body weight support (BWS) training provides a safe environment in which the individual can perform and practice mechanics of normal gait at a variety of speeds with or without body weight support, depending on the level of function. The subjects who participated in this study were community ambulators older than 20 years of age with a neurological diagnosis. Each subject was tested initially and at the conclusion of the study to compare data using a battery of balance …

Emg And Motion Analysis Of Swiss Ball Abdominal Exercises And Pilates Multi-Chair Exercises, Kelly L. Almquist, Ember M. Bopp, Chet R. Yoder

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

As the second most common reason for visits to primary care doctors, and a symptom that affects 80% of the general United States population, low back pain and its' treatment is a burdening cost on the American economy every year. Various spinal stabilization exercises have emerged as a means to treat low back pain. One of the most recent fonns of these stabilization exercises used in the physical therapy arena is Pilates, a fonn of dynamic spinal stabilization. Although numerous electromyographic (EMG) studies have been completed on abdominal exercises for spinal stabilization, minimal scientific research can be found on the …

The Effects A Total Knee Arthroplasty Has On Static And Dynamic Balance, Connie Christensen, Nicole Riddle, Nicole Sukut, Cara Uyema

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the United States today, the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become one of the most commonly performed surgeries of the lower extremity. A generous amount of information exists regarding joint proprioception after a joint replacement, however no studies have been done testing postural control after a TKA. With the increasing popularity of the TKA procedure, a need appears for research evaluating static stability and functional mobility of TKAs.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects a TKA, 6 months postoperative or beyond, has on static and dynamic balance. The balance of 8 female volunteers and 4 …

Reliability Of Shoulder Goniometric Measurements In Persons Who Are Elderly, Karina Koch, Lauri Paulsen, Heather White, Richard Williamson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of the United States is rapidly aging; this is exemplified by the cohort of "Baby-Boomers" who make up a large part of the population. This becomes relevant to physical therapists, as our clients will reflect this "graying" of America. There is a lack of research regarding normative values for shoulder range of motion (ROM) in the elderly population. Due to many different factors in the aging process, there may be a decline in ROM in elderly persons. Current normative values may not be applicable to this population.

Two pilot studies were conducted measuring active and passive shoulder ROM …

A Survey Of Perception And Awareness Of Physical Therapy Services In North Dakota, Dustin Carter, Nathanyal Jacklitch, Chris Nephew

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists treat patients with a wide array of medical conditions, diseases, and dysfunctions in a variety of settings across the state of North Dakota. Few studies have been conducted to determine the level of public awareness of physical therapy and/or the existing perceptions toward physical therapy. The purpose of this study is 1) to determine the level of public awareness concerning physical therapy services that exist in North Dakota and 2) to determine the public perceptions of North Dakota residents towards physical therapy. The results of this survey were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared …

Intra And Inter-Tester Reliability For Lumbar Flexion And Extension Using The Dualer Digital Inclinometer, Amber M. Flatland, Jennifer Johnson, Tracy Stommes, Kimberly Weeda

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-tester reliability of the DualerTM Digital Inclinometer when measuring lumbar flexion and extension. Past studies examining reliability of inclinometers have reported variable results. Few studies in the literature have sought to determine the reliability of the Dualer™ Digital Inclinometer for measuring lumbar flexion and extension.

Methods: The subjects who participated in this study were university students between 20 and 41 years of age without a significant history of back pain (n=22). Two testers measured each subject's lumbar flexion and extension, hip flexion and extension, and straight leg raise …

Determining The Level Of Knowledge Of Und College Women In Their Childbearing Years Regarding Exercise During Pregnancy, Tricia Flohr, Sara Hoerner, Kari J. Melby

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With an increase in the number of pregnant women exercising, there is an increased need for patient education and the distribution of updated guidelines to promote appropriate exercise activities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge in English-speaking, college women in their childbearing years attending the University of North Dakota regarding the risks, precautionary measures and recommended modes of exercise during pregnancy.

SUBJECTS & METHODS: Eighty-four women between the ages of 18 and 40 enrolled in the summer school session completed a thirty-one question survey. The survey was used to gather information about the …

The Effects Of Boron On The Range Of Motion Of Dexterity Related Joints: A Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nicole Herda, Jessica Woehl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive, destructive and chronic, inflammatory disease of the joint synovium. Signs and symptoms include pain, limited range of motion, swelling, and tenderness, which may progress to deformity. These manifestations may limit dexterity, independent living, and the overall well being of an individual. Living with daily restrictions proves to be a psychologically distressing experience.

An increase in the dietary boron level of laboratory rats has shown to have a positive effect on the range of motion in their involved joints. This concept was tested on a human subject at the United States Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition …

A Survey Of College Students With And Without Low Back Pain: A Comparison Of Risk Factors, Carrie Bristow, Erika Buckhouse, Jessica Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many people suffer from low back pain. The lifetime incidence of low back pain has been widely studied in the general population. Previous research has found risk factors that have been correlated with an increase in low back pain. Individuals with low back pain seek different sources of treatment; outcomes of treatments vary. This survey targeted younger adults, specifically college students of ages 18 to 26. The results of this survey attempt to answer these three research questions: 1) What is the lifetime incidence of LBP in young adults ages 18 to 26? 2) In college students, is there a …

Examination Of Tester Reliability Utilizing The Limits Of Stability Test On The Neurocom Balance Master For Assessing Balance In Healthy Individuals, Casey Bartolo, Katie Miller, Rachael Seals, Christal Stotesbery

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is critical for optimal function in completion of everyday tasks. Physical therapists frequently work with people that have balance disturbances in order to help return them to optimal function. One tool used in the assessment and treatment of balance disorders is the NeuroCom® Balance Master 7.06 (NBM), a computerized forceplate system that provides objective measurements of balance performance. In order to obtain accurate measurements on the NBM, it is necessary that the tester have adequate training. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of training necessary for a therapist to obtain reliable results using the NBM. …

An Emg & Motion Analysis Study Of The Elliptical Trainer, Chris Hansen, Jaime Horner, Filip Johnson, Emily Wolkomir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe lower extremity muscle activity and joint range of motion while moving both forward and backward on an elliptical trainer at minimum and maximum inclines.

Subjects

Ten healthy subjects (7 female and 3 male) gave informed consent to voluntarily participate in this study.

Methods

A single group experimental design was used. A maximum contraction was performed for comparison measure and electromyographic (EMG) data was collected while the subjects performed the stride at the specified variables.

Results

The vastus lateralis was the most active of all the muscles throughout the entire …

A Comparison Of Abdominal Muscle Activity During The Crunch, Crunch On Ball, And Abslide Exercises, Jessica M. Norton, Lesley Splonskowski, Hayley Strauss, Sabrina Wagner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People have developed an obsession with flattening their stomachs and slimming down their waistlines. The so called "ab machines" have become the most popularly purchased home exercise tools. Although numerous electromyographic (EMG) analysis studies have been done on various forms of equipment-free abdominal exercise, little research has been done to evaluate the effectiveness of equipment-aided exercise. The purpose of this study was to analyze and evaluate any differences in EMG activity between three abdominal exercises: the traditional crunch, the crunch on a ball, and utilization of a prone rolling machine (AbSlide®).

Thirty, healthy subjects between the ages of 19 and …

A Survey Of The Use Of Physical Agents And Therapeutic Modalities In Physical Therapy, Kyle B. Seto, Eric D. Walberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. It is desirable that physical therapy programs update their curricula according to the clinical application patterns of physical agents and therapeutic modalities in physical therapy. The purpose of this study is to 1) determine the frequency of use of physical agents and therapeutic modalities, 2) determine the factors in deciding which physical agent or therapeutic modality to use, 3) determine the educational coverage of each physical agent or therapeutic modality and identify strengths and weaknesses of the respondents training, and 4) compare the frequency of use with the current training in physical agents and therapeutic modalities at …

The Effects Of The "Get Off Your Rocker" Exercise Class On Balance, Heather Bethard, Trish Magee, Susie Mcgarry, Sarah Mcguire

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine if the six-week "Get Off Your Rocker" balance exercise class, promoted by HealthSouth®, had a significant effect on balance in the geriatric population. If proven to be effective, this class could be an additional tool for physical therapists to utilize to aid in improving a patient's balance.

A total of 22 subjects volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=1 0, 8 females and 2 males) and an exercise group (n=12, 8 females and 4 males). All subjects were high functioning and were …

The Effect Of Hip Taping On Hip And Knee Muscle Activity, Kyle Barker, Greg Charlton, Grant Goven, Daren Martin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: It has been hypothesized that patellofemoral pain may be precipitated by weak hip abductor musculature that does not pull the pelvis and femurs into correct alignment during gait activities. The misalignment at the pelvis leads to misalignment down the kinetic chain, eventually affecting the knees. It is theorized that hip taping may aid in supporting the pelvis, thus reducing the EMG activity of the hip abductors and normalizing the alignment of the knees. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion during a step-down test in subjects with and without the hip …

The Effects Of Magnetic Insoles On Lumbar Flexion, Kari Braaflat, Becky Cox, Angela Delacruz, Heather Skarsgard

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Magnets have been used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. Today, magnetic devices and other alternative therapies are more popular than ever among the general public. The effect of these magnetic devices is dependent on several variables including strength, depth of penetration, placement, time exposed to the magnetic field, and polarity. There are many proposed theories on how magnets affect the body, but there is little research to support them. One of the theories proposed is that magnets alter connective tissue elasticity and allow greater range of motion (ROM). Additional research needs to be conducted to validate or negate …

Potential Dysfunctions Occurring In The Postpartum Years, Kara Kukuchka

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There are several dysfunctions that may affect a woman after childbirth. Women · often accept the physical changes that occur after delivering a baby and are unaware that treatment is available. The purpose of this literature review is to educate women in their postpartum years on the dysfunctions that may occur, and possible treatment options. An educational pamphlet describing these dysfunctions and treatments was designed to be given to women before they leave the hospital.

First, the anatomy and physiology of the female pelvic floor is reviewed. This is followed by a description of several physical dysfunctions occurring in the …

A Review Of The Process Of Accessing Services For Children With Special Health Care Needs In North Dakota, Lynsey Schmidt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It has been a concern of the Family Advisory Council of Children's Special Health Services, Bismarck, North Dakota, that many families experienced difficulties when trying to access information for medical, financial, educational, and family services for their children with special health care needs. The family members on this advisory board found the process of accessing services confusing and time consuming, and indicated that families were also unclear as to where to begin the process. An abundance of information provided at the time of their child's diagnosis made it difficult for families to make informed decisions about the most important and …

Analysis Of Wrist And Elbow Muscle Activity In Compound Versus Traditional Bows With Experienced Archers, Jesse Fuhrer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Archery is becoming more popular as a recreational sport, so it is likely that physical therapists will be seeing more archery-related injuries and will need to know how to treat these athletes. Few studies available specify which muscles are used when shooting compound or traditional bows. The purpose of this study is to identify the muscles around the wrist and elbow that are recruited from draw to release, the specific timing of this recruitment, and the differences in recruitment and muscle activity when using a compound bow compared to a traditional bow.

Six males between the ages of 37 and …

Physical Therapy Alumni Survey, Laurie Holte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This alumni survey on which this independent study is based was developed and distributed by the University of North Dakota Department of Physical Therapy (UND-PT) as an outcomes assessment tool for program evaluation. The results will be used by the faculty to determine the answer to these three research questions: who are the UND-PT alumni as related to their practice patterns, what is the future of physical therapy as a profession, and how effective is the UND-PT program in educating proficient entry-level therapists. With this information, the department will be able to make curriculum modifications and be better prepared to …

Yoga And The Effects On Balance, Hamstring Flexibility, And Blood Pressure, Katie M. Rood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise and meditation that has recently gained popularity in the United States. Medical research regarding the benefits of yoga, however, continues to be in demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of yoga on normal healthy individuals. The focus of this study revolved around balance, hamstring flexibility, and blood pressure changes after six weeks of yoga training.

Eighteen normal healthy individuals between 20-33 years of age participated in this study. Subjects were assessed using the NeuroCom®Balance Master test for rhythmic weight shift (RWS), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the measure …

The Effects Of Plyometrics And Treadmill Training On Balance And Reaction Time In High School Aged Athletes, Marcus Sorenson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

High school athletes' involvement in sports acceleration training has grown in recent years. Athletes use acceleration programs to help gain an edge over their competition. One way to gain that edge is by improving balance and reaction time. These two components are important in a wide variety of sports. Both help to minimize injury and increase the skill level and performance of the athlete. Although balance and reaction time are essential in sports, there is currently no research available involving these components.

The purpose of this study is to determine if the Altru Health Institute's Sports Acceleration plyometric and treadmill …

An Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Study Of An Elliptical Trainer, Jennifer Tveit

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Americans are increasingly interested in exercising to increase fitness and reduce the risks of disease. One of the latest machines used to accomplish this goal is the elliptical trainer, a combination stair stepper, treadmill, exercise cycle, and cross-country ski machine. The purpose of this study was to describe muscle activity and joint range of motion while moving both forward and backward on an elliptical trainer at different inclines.

Six subjects between the ages of twenty-two and twenty-five years rode an elliptical trainer backwards and forwards at different inclines for four trials. Electromyographic activity of eight lower extremity muscles was calculated …