Physical Therapy Commons^™

TʻAi Chi Chih And Its Effects On Balance And Blood Pressure, Anita Strand

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Our society is faced with more stress, injury, and disease every year. Besides the traditional medicine that we know so well in the Western cultures, people are trying more non-traditional therapies to alleviate their aches and pains. One of these non-traditional therapies that is becoming popular is Tai Chi. The purpose of this study is to determine if balance can be improved and/or blood pressure can be reduced in adults ages 20-39 by practicing Tai Chi Chih three times a week for six weeks.

Eleven subjects participated in Tai Chi Chih, and seven subjects participated in a walking program, each …

An Electromyographic Analysis Study Of Forward And Backward Walking, Carrie M. Voeller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking, a closed kinetic chain exercise, has become an increasingly popular intervention following lower extremity injuries secondary to suggested increases in muscle activity. Despite its use, there is limited research available relative to walking at inclines, forward or backward, above 24 and 15 percent respectively. For this study we recorded EMG activity in six muscles while walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0,25, and 35 percent inclinations.

In general, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during BW than FW. BW at 35 percent inclination elicited the greatest EMG increase within the rectus femoris (47%), …

TʻAi Chi Chih And Its Effects On Balance And Blood Pressure, Sarah Williams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eastern philosophies and alternative medical practices, such as T' ai Chi Chih (TCC), a gentle form of exercise and meditation, are gradually becoming more mainstream in western culture. Although there are many benefits to using TCC, most of the literature relates to the elderly population. This study investigates the impact regular TCC practice has on blood pressure and balance in a younger population.

Twenty subjects, ages 20-39, were randomly assigned to either a TCC or walking group. Initially, all subjects had their blood pressure checked, their balance tested on the NeuroCom® Balance Master, single leg stance and functional reach tests …

An Electromyographic And Motion Analysis Study Of An Elliptical Trainer, Kristin Sweeney

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 …

An Outcome Comparison On The Use Of Mckenzie Technique With And Without Mulligan Mobilizations On The Treatment Of Low Back Derangement, Jason J. Vila

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Effective research and outcome studies are currently lacking evidence to support the use and reimbursement of manual therapy interventions such as McKenzie techniques and Mulligan mobilizations. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes of McKenzie techniques and McKenzie techniques with Mulligan mobilization on the treatment of patients with low back derangement through performing a chart review. Twenty-two subjects with a diagnosis of low back derangement were included in this study with sixteen subjects in the McKenzie group and six subjects in the McKenzie with Mulligan mobilizations group. An independent sample T -test showed no …

Effects Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Using The Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Jayme M. Bays

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

When individuals have an insult to the vestibular system they often experience symptoms including vertigo, decreased static and dynamic balance, and a decreased ability to participate in activities of daily living. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a "dizzy-specific" questionnaire that was developed in 1990 to measure how dizziness and imbalance affect an individual's quality of life. It is an assessment tool, made up of physical, emotional, and functional sub-scales, that has reliability and is easy to administer and score. The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of a vestibular rehabilitation program, using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, …

Survey Of North Dakota Physical Therapists: Participation And Perceptions Of The American Physical Therapy Association (Apta) And The North Dakota Physical Therapy Association (Ndpta), Scott Cirks

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is the professional association for physical therapists. The North Dakota Physical Therapy Association (NDPTA) is its section that serves the state of North Dakota. With tougher times falling upon the profession in recent years, therapist membership levels have dropped at an alarming rate. An attempt was made through this study to determine the role the APT A and NDPTA plays in member's and nonmember's lives and the role they would like it to play.

Surveys were sent to all of the 339 registered physical therapists in North Dakota. Each was asked to complete the …

An Electromyographic Analysis Study Of Forward And Backward Walking, Elizabeth Frye

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Backward walking, a closed kinetic chain exercise, has become an increasingly popular intervention following lower extremity injuries secondary to suggested increases in muscle activity. Despite its use, there is limited research available relative to walking at inclines, forward or backward, above 24 and 15 percent respectively. For this study we recorded EMG activity in six muscles while walking forward and backward on a treadmill at 0, 25, and 35 percent inclinations.

In general, our results indicated a greater increase in muscle activity during BW than FW. BW at 35 percent inclination elicited the greatest EMG increase within the rectus femoris …

The Use Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In The Gait Training Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review, Rachel Rolfson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is a common developmental disorder that causes a wide array of problems in the population. The manifestations of cerebral palsy commonly interfere with the child's activities of daily living, including the important function of gait. It is therefore important that physical therapists be knowledgeable about the various treatment options used in gait training of children with cerebral palsy, as well as their effectiveness.

Neurodevelopmental techniques (NDT), neurosurgical interventions, and orthotics are just a few of the numerous treatment options available for the gait training of children with cerebral palsy. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) has recently become a popular …

The Computer Interface Device: Effects Of Audio And Visual Biofeedback In Rehabilitation, Cassie Wulfekuhle

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to see if a computer interface device was effective in improving quality of elbow joint motion in children by increasing motivation and attention span through the use of audio and visual biofeedback. Seventeen subjects between the ages of five and twelve were asked to participate in this study. The children were asked to complete ten repetitions of elbow flexion and extension while the tester manipulated the type of biofeedback given (1. audio and visual on, 2. audio on and visual off, 3. audio off and visual on, and 4. audio and visual off). These …

Hippotherapy As A Modality In Rehabilitation, H. Rebecca Adams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hippotherapy is fast becoming a treatment option for today's therapists. Recent efforts in rehabilitation have focused on emphasizing the "multidisciplinary team" approach, involving occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathologists as well as including members of the family in the clinic's treatment process. Hippotherapy is the way in which these disciplines can easily be combined, as well as including the family in an educational as well as exciting treatment program for clients. This study will review a wide source of literature addressing the definition and process of hippotherapy and the physiological components of the program. Indications, contraindications and precautions …

Subjective Quality Of Life In Total Knee Replacement Secondary To Osteoarthritis, James J. Cenova

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteoarthritis is the most common referring diagnosis for total knee replacement surgery. It is estimated that one-third of community-living persons between the ages of 63 and 94 have osteoarthritis of the knee. It is further estimated that fully 40% of these people experience pain. Many of these people look for relief in total knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgeries are a costly procedure commonly performed. There were approximately 210,000 primary knee replacements performed in 1994. This resulted in an estimated cost of $5 billion.

The purpose of this paper is to examine quality of life and its association with …

Physical Activity: Essential Component In Primary And Secondary Curricula For Lifelong Health, Maril Mccord

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic disease, preventable illness and injury, and growing trends of sedentary behaviors have currently been associated with the American population. It is estimated that 70% of all deaths in America are attributable to chronic disease of a preventable nature. Childhood disease has declined only to be replaced by new waves of social, environmental, and behavioral factors which manifest as health risks. At least 68 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease while nearly 60% of adults lead sedentary lifestyles. The challenge in the nation is to counter these trends by implementation of policy and programs for healthier habits …

The Lymphatic System, Lymphedema, And A Discussion Of Methods For Treatment: A Review Of The Literature, Lisa Schneider

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The condition of lymphedema has a significant impact of the quality of life of the person affected. Few patients are educated about the possibility of developing lymphedema and methods for prevention of lymphedema following surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy. Also, most physical therapists have received minimal or inadequate training in the area of lymphedema treatment. Hence, physical therapists may actually damage a patient's lymphatic system by using inadequate techniques.

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the lymphatic system, discuss the condition of lymphedema, and review various methods for prevention and treatment of lymphedema in …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Marc Sondreal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

The Effect Of Balance Training In Healthy Subjects As Assessed By The Neurocom Balance Master, Joshua Woods

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a critical component in maintaining optimal function in daily activities, and it is a skill that is frequently affected in individuals who have experienced some type of neurological, vestibular, orthopedic, or musculoskeletal deficit. A successful balance training program that can be used to improve such a person's balance can be of great use and importance to a patient and a therapist. Studies have shown that balance can be improved in subjects with deficits, however little is known about the effects of training on individuals that lack balance impairments. The purpose of this study was to determine if healthy …

A Comparison And Discussion Of Flexion And Extension Exercises For The Treatment Of Low Back Pain, Joan K. Due

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low Back Pain is the most common condition that is seen by the outpatient Physical Therapist. The lives of those who suffer from low back pain are negatively impacted in a variety of ways, including monetary expenditures, lost time from work and difficulty performing everyday personal activities. Despite the fact that low back pain is a common malady seen by Physical Therapists, there is little agreement on the management of it's symptoms. Perhaps, no two treatments for low back pain could seem so varied as spinal flexion and spinal extension exercises, which seem to be diametrically opposed. This review of …

Electromyographic Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Katie Glessing

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the fatigue component in trunk musculature following a simulated nine hole round of golf through analysis of the trunk muscles during the golf swing.

Our subjects consisted of 4 males ages 22-26. Each subject performed 5 EMG monitored golf swings with a driver prior to and following a simulated 9 hole round of golf. This provided pre-round and post-round data to analyze and determine if significant fatigue occurred in the trunk musculature.

The results showed that a significant shift in median frequency occurred, signifying muscle fatigue, in 2 of the 4 subjects …

Outcome Study Of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Patients With Patellar Femoral Dysfunction, Scott Hurd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent patellofemoral surgical procedures including lateral retinacular release, vastus medialis oblique advancement, and tibial tubercle transfers. A review of data collected by the physical therapists at St. Alexius was performed and statistically analyzed to determine the efficacy of outcomes both clinically and functionally. This outcome analysis will assist current and future practice patterns by providing a basis for clinical effectiveness. The results of this study will be a useful resource for the facility as a guide …

Breast Cancer: Implications For Physical Therapy, Kori F. Riggin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

More effective treatment options and techniques for eliminating breast cancer are steadily decreasing the mortality rate of breast cancer patients. However, primary treatment techniques, including various surgical techniques, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, can give rise to physical and functional disabilities for the ·individual recovering from breast cancer. These disabilities warrant the same consideration given to disabilities arising from other causes. Rehabilitation, with a trained physical therapist, maximizes the physical and functional needs of the individual recovering from breast cancer.

The purpose of this literature review is to discuss in detail physical therapy intervention for the breast cancer patient …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Christine W. Thorne

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Because the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of positions currently available in this program, the admissions committee at the University of North Dakota (UND) is obligated to select students who possess the greatest ability to succeed in the program and later in the profession. The purpose of this retrospective study was twofold: (1) to determine which variables, academic and nonacademic, contribute the most to student academic and clinical success in the University of North Dakota's Physical Therapy (UND-PT) program and (2) to review the current admission process while looking for new predictors of academic and clinical success. …

The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, Jennifer Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the peripheral vestibular system presenting with nystagmus and vertigo. Other symptoms experienced include nausea, vomiting, and balance disturbances. The purpose of this paper is to review diagnostic and rehabilitation techniques currently being utilized. First, the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral vestibular system will be explained. Next, the diagnostic procedures performed by a physician as well as a physical therapist will be discussed. Following, current rehabilitative techniques will be explored. In conclusion is the author's opinion of the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Emg Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Michelle L. Ballan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to determine the fatigue component in trunk musculature following a simulated 9 hole round of golf by analyzing the EMG output of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and abdominal obliques during the golf swing.

Four males, ages 22-26 performed 5 EMG monitored golf swings with a driver prior to and following a simulated 9 hole round of golf. The data was subjected to analysis by the Fast Fourier Transformation to determine median frequency.

The results show that a significant shift in median frequency occurred, signifying muscle fatigue, in 2 of the 4 subjects when …

Continuous Passive Motion And Physical Therapy Versus Physical Therapy Alone In Total Knee Arthroplasty, Neal A. Cashman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study investigated the effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) on the rehabilitation of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Over the years, CPM use in the treatment of TKA has been debated whether it is effective enough to justify the medical expense that accompanies it.

Sixteen subjects who underwent TKA surgery participated in the study. Twelve subjects were in the CPM group and four subjects were in the non-CPM group. Groups were determined by the surgeon's rehabilitation preference of using the CPM or not using the CPM.

Post surgical subjects were treated with the CPM and physical therapy or …

Challenges To Native American Health, Suzanne Grant

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is: to describe the historical context of Native American health, identify current challenges to Native American health and propose strategies to deal with the adverse effects of one of these challenges.

The historical context of Native American health discussed includes a history of Indian Health service and it's role as provider of American Indian health care since 1830. Challenges to the Indian Health Service population outlined include diabetes, cardiovascular disease and alcoholism. Strategies to deal with the adverse effects of diabetes and the high rate of lower extremity amputation, as it relates to Native …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of The Drawback And Hold Phases Of Compound Bow Versus A Traditional Bow In Experienced Archers, Jason Brodina

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background/Purpose: Archery is quickly becoming an increasingly popular sport, with limited research in the training and rehabilitation of archers. The purpose of this study is to identify the major muscles and timing of recruitment during the drawback and hold of a bow, and to determine the presence of differences in this recruitment between a compound and traditional bow.

Subjects/Methods: Seven males between the ages of 36 to 51 years of age completed 6 drawbacks each with a compound bow and a traditional bow. Surface electrodes on the subjects and reflective markers on the bow were used to analyze electromyographic activity …

The Effect Of TʻAi Chi Chih On Balance In The Elderly, Justin Berry

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Loss of balance and falls among the elderly is a large health care problem, annually causing thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in health care costs. This study investigates whether T'ai Chi Chih can influence balance in the elderly. T' ai Chi Chih is a gentle form of exercise that originated as a martial art.

Fifteen subjects (T'ai Chi Chih, n = 9; control, n = 6) initially underwent two standard functional balance measures (Berg and Tinetti measures), were tested for eyes open single leg stance, and had their blood pressure taken. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a …

The Effects Of Hormone Replacement Therapy And Exercise On Osteoporosis In Postmenopausal Females, Sara L. Glas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteoporosis is a debilitating and life-threatening disease affecting millions of people in the United States yearly, but most notably menopausal females. The lowered estrogen levels associated with menopause increase the chances of developing osteoporosis. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been found to be one of the most beneficial therapies for slowing the progression of the disease. While some women are not candidates for this care and others take HRT solely for the relief of postmenopausal symptoms, studies have proven HRT has a long-term advantage against osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise has established efficacy through research proving its positive effect on bone formation …

The Effect Of A Five Week Balance Training Program On Individuals With Previous Ankle Sprains, Anna Burchill

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is critical in maintaining optimal function in daily activities and also plays a role in higher balance functions, such as those used by athletes, whether they be competitive or recreational athletes. Control of posture and balance is a complex function that is mediated by the central nervous system using a dynamic combination of sensory inputs from the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. Ankle injuries are a common occurrence in individuals, and it has been found that changes in proprioception occur in an ankle after it has been sprained and may cause deficits in the somatosensory portion of balance, leading …

Outcome Based Study On The 1999 Und-Pt Curriculum, Jenny Keil

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess one component of the educational outcomes of the UND-PT curriculum. It is necessary to develop outcome assessment for many reasons. First, schools need to meet the needs of accreditation, such as the Committee on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education. Second, students need to meet the needs of employers and patients to provide quality care. Finally, physical therapy programs must meet the needs of the graduates, who are entitled to a quality education and must be competent in practicing physical therapy.

Questionnaires were mailed out to the 50 graduate physical therapy students in …