Physical Therapy Commons^™

Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence, Martin Steidl

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant medical issue to many people. The exact number of those suffering from incontinence is hard to quantify due to the stigma that many with UI experience and the subsequent under reporting of the condition. What is known is that UI affects far more women than men, and that stress incontinence (SI) is the most prevalent type. There are many reasons for the predominance of SI. The primary reason is the physiological and anatomical changes associated with menopause and parity in women. UI can be treated with one of three methods: surgery, pharmacologic therapy, and …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Jill Steinmetz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

The Effect Of Peripheral Neuropathy On Balance Performance In Community-Dwelling Adults With Type I Diabetes Mellitus, Laura Eckel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Balance is affected by visual, somatosensory, proprioceptive, and vestibular input. Anything that alters one of these elements could potentially cause a decrease in postural stability. One disease which reduces the somatosensory input from the foot and ankles is diabetic neuropathy. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between Type I DM and balance performance, thereby adding to the current knowledge of postural control and the impact, if any, DM has on balance.

Methods: Twenty-five volunteer subjects with Type I DM and 25 age-matched control subjects participated in the study. Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments were used to determine plantar …

Plantar Fasciitis: Etiology And Treatment, Scott Ackman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of inferior heel pain in athletes and non-athletes. The diagnosis for plantar fasciitis is relatively simple due to the distinct nature of the subjective findings. Despite the simplicity of the diagnosis, a thorough history and objective evaluation are essential in order to identify possible etiological factors. The etiology of plantar fasciitis is multifactorial with no one factor present in all cases. Many treatment methods for plantar fasciitis are currently practiced. It is important to note no one treatment method was found to be successful in all cases of plantar fasciitis. In general, research supported …

The Effectiveness Of Balance Training Exercises In Post-Stroke Individuals Using The Neurocom® Balance Master System, Kelly Adams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This case study involved a 61-year-old male post-stroke subject who underwent six weeks of balance training using the NeuroCom® Balance Master (NCBM) system.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a six-week training program on a post-stroke individual (> 6 months). Pre- and post-test assessments were conducted utilizing the NCBM protocols and the Berg Balance Scale.

Results: The subject showed improvement in four of five NCBM test conditions-rhythmic weight shifting, sit-to- stand test, walk test, and modified clinical test for sensory interaction on balance (mCTSIB) test. Regression was shown in the components of three test …

North Dakota Needs And Feasibility Assessment For A Statewide Family-To-Family Network, Laurie Betting

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the need and feasibility of a family-to-family network within the state of North Dakota. The model for this family support network would include a process of matching experienced or "veteran" parents or a family member who has a child with a disability with parents or other family members who are just beginning to meet the challenge of a disability within the family.

The research was designed to determine priorities of families with children with disabilities as well as effective methods of recruitment, referral, and training. Furthermore, the research identified agencies and programs …

Etiology And Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Injuries In Baseball Pitchers, Jeff Breyen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rotator cuff injury is one of the most common shoulder problems seen in the baseball pitchers today. The rotator cuff is the primary dynamic stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint and is placed under significant stress during each pitch the player delivers to the plate. Rotator cuff injury and dysfunction in the baseball pitcher may be classified based on etiology as primary impingement, primary tensile overload, instability, and macrotrauma.

The shoulder is a complex joint and proper treatment relies on the physical therapist's knowledge of the anatomy and function of all of the involved structures about the shoulder. The therapist must …

The Effects Of Balance Retraining Exercises On The Neurocom Balance Master® In Subjects With Multiple Sclerosis, Becky Coy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is becoming an increasing concern for individuals between the ages of 15 to 50. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often progressive disease that may result in difficulties with vision, verbal communication, sensation, bowel and bladder function, balance, and ambulation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if significant changes occurred in static steadiness, symmetry, and dynamic stability in subjects with MS following a retraining program using the NeuroCom Balance Master® (NBM®). Ten subjects (6 females, 4 males) were placed in a control or …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Effects Of Plyometric Training Shoes On The Lower Extremity, Susan Buckley

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: P1yometric shoes have recently been introduced as an effective training tool to enhance several aspect of an athlete's ability, including vertical jump. The SkyF1ex@ system utilizes p1yomteric training shoes in conjuction with p1yometric exercises and drills to achieve maximum athletic performance. There is currently limited research to validate the manufacturer's claims of increasing vertical jump. The purpose of this study is twofold: l)To describe muscle activity during walking and jumping while wearing traditional athletic shoes and p1yometric training shoes. 2)To measure the vertical jump of subjects trained with p1yometric training shoes and a control group of subjects …

A Comparison Of The Maximal Torque Production Of The Quadriceps Muscle During Morning And Afternoon Strength Assessment, Shawn Dockter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production between morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) hours. Thirty healthy male subjects between the ages of 21 and 43 were tested during an AM and PM session on the Kin-Com dynamometer. Six concentric isokinetic contractions of the right quadriceps were tested at a speed of 60° Is. The maximal peak torque measurements were compared between the AM and PM sessions to establish the validity of results taken at differing times of day. No significant difference in strength assessment due to time of day was found. The data collected in …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Samantha Gould

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high 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.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Anna Hillig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Every athlete trains with the hopes of being bigger, stronger or faster than the competitor. Athletes are eager to jump on the "bandwagon" of new training techniques that claim to produce the results the athlete seeks. One such training technique is sprinting on a treadmill at high 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.

Six males between the ages of 21 and 27 years of age ran at 20 miles per hour and 0% grade and at 13 miles per hour …

Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study, Darrin Goyn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stroke is the largest single cause of neurologic crippling in the United States, with approximately 550 000 Americans having a new or recurrent stroke each year. The costs associated with strokes are estimated at $30 billion annually. Due to the continuing decline of the health care dollar, stroke rehabilitation units must be designed to reduce functional limitations and disabilities in both a timely and cost effective manner.

The goals of stroke rehabilitation are to reduce functional limitations, prevent complications, educate the patient and family, and improve the patient's quality of life. A proper rehabilitation setting and active participation by the …

Holistic Medicine: Therapeutic Touch And Implications For Physical Therapy, Lea Hoff

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Alternative therapies and holistic medicine have been gaining popularity recently. It is important that health care providers have a general knowledge of holistic medicine and some of the approaches being used. Being informed will help health care providers make wise treatment choices.

Therapeutic touch (TI) is a holistic treatment approach which claims to induce physiologic effects through modulating the "human energy field ." Proponents of TI claim that healing is facilitated through conscious intent of practitioners to help the patient and rebalance the patient's energy field. TI research findings are controversial. Much of the research is based on qualitative data, …

A Review Of Osteochondritis Dissecans In The Knee And Elbow, Kimberley Dalere

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition or injury that causes a separation on the subchondral bone and articular cartilage. I,2 The reported incidence of OCD is 30- 60 cases per 100,000 people.3 It is primarily found in the knee and elbow joints. 1,2,3 The male to female ratio has been reported as two to one in the knee joint and three to one in the elbow joint, with thirty three per cent having bilateral involvement in one occurrence. I ,4,5,6 Since OCD has a high incidence rate in men and women, the purpose of this study is to compare and …

An Overview Of Dupuytren's Disease, Michel Burgess

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Dupuytren's disease is defined as a pathologic change in the palmar and digital fascia which often results in a secondary, painless, fibrous, flexion contracture of the digital joints. Normally, the disease process is painless, but a severe contracture of 30° or more at the metacarpophalangeal joint and 15° or more at the proximal interphalangeal joint can interfere with the biomechanics of the hand, preventing the performance of activities of daily living. Though the use of modalities is ineffective as a conservative approach to treat the disease, a therapist can positively affect postoperative rehabilitation outcomes using manual techniques, physical modalities, and …

An Overview Of Compensatory Pronation At The Subtalar Joint And Orthotic Correction, Jacy Greff

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Excessive compensatory pronation at the subtalar joint is a common foot disorder that affects a large population of people. It is a disorder that stems from a wide variety of causes including both congenital and acquired as well as intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Excessive compensatory pronation is also the cause of many other disorders which may affect not only the foot but other joints including the knee, hip, and back. The scope of this study will focus on acquired pronation and its causes as well as the proper orthotic choice and prescription to best treat the problem.

This literature review …

Video Of Adapted Techniques To Overcome The Physical Deficits Of Children With Visual Impairments, Amy Skalsky

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Blindness is a disability with far reaching effects. Many of these effects are physical and can be seen clinically in children who have been blind for much, or all, of their lives. As physical therapists, we have the technical skills to assist in reducing the effects of the functional deficits that are associated with blindness. However, we are often unaware of these deficits, or have trouble adapting our treatment techniques to fit the needs of children who are blind or have visual impairments.

The purpose of this study is to provide a video that will demonstrate techniques that are specially …

Differences Between Ultrasound And Electrical Stimulation In Wound Healing, Josette Bryngelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

When a patient enters a physical therapy clinic for wound therapy, a physical therapist must decide the best way to provide care. The therapy that is decided upon depends on the client, the therapist, and the goals that are trying to be achieved.

Through a literature review, I will compare two methods of wound care treatment: therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulation. This paper will look at the way these two treatments work and how these treatments are beneficial in wound healing.

The benefit of this literature review will be to provide a source of information in choosing an effective or …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Shoulder Musculature During Codman's Exercises, Myndi L. Frey

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Codman's exercises are commonly used in physical therapy as a supposed passive shoulder activity to help increase range of motion without causing detrimental damage to the injured tissue or surgical graft. These mild shoulder exercises are often the first exercises used post- operatively. Some clinicians often add a weight to the hand or wrist with the assumption that the distraction will decrease the impingement between the acromion and the shoulder musculature while performing these exercises. The purpose of this study is to determine the level of muscle activity within the shoulder musculature during Codman's exercises with and without the addition …

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Minimizing Deformity And Preserving Function In The Hand, Cindy Gillespie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of the synovial joints. The hand and wrist are the most commonly involved. The disease is characterized by pain, inflammation, limited range of motion, and destruction of bone and articular structures. In the later stages of RA, the person usually exhibits deformity of the affected joints. This can result in the inability to use the hand in a functional manner.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately one percent of the population. A person with RA usually has increased medical expenses. It is likely that the person will experience a loss of productivity and income due …

The Effect Of Hippotherapy On Lower Extremity Range Of Motion In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Jim Pitman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It has been postulated that hippotherapy will help increase range of motion (ROM), pulmonary function, balance, and muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy and, therefore, may be used as a physical therapy modality. The purpose of this independent study is to objectively measure lower extremity range of motion in children with cerebral palsy after an eight-week hippotherapy program.

Six children diagnosed with cerebral palsy initially participated in the experiment using a repeated measure design. Only two subjects completed the study. No control group was used for this study. A consent form was signed prior to measuring LE ROM.

It …

Visual Impairment And Its Affects On Gross Motor Development: A Literature Review And Implications For Physical Therapy, Jodi A. Toenjes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Visual impairment, or blindness, in the pediatric population has been shown to affect several key areas of gross motor development. Many of these areas can be positively influenced by physical therapy techniques. However, some physical therapy curriculums do not teach this topic of study because the prevalence of blindness is low. The purpose of this study is to develop a teaching manual that will provide the physical therapist with specific exercises, activities, and helpful hints that will facilitate the treatment of a patient with blindness in a pediatric setting.

The manual includes information regarding common mannerisms of the blind population …

Identification And Intervention Associated With Infants Exposed To Cocaine In Utero, Tracy Boehm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The recent epidemic of cocaine in all its various forms, including crack, has resulted in large numbers of infants being born after in utero exposure to cocaine. Since most substance abusing pregnant women choose not to receive prenatal care, the diagnosis is often missed or made late during labor because that is when the mother is first examined by medical professionals.

A well-defined "fetal cocaine syndrome" does not exist. However, attempts to characterize the fetal effects of cocaine exposure during pregnancy when attempting to define this syndrome have revealed a wide variety of fetal effects.

The purpose of this study …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Michelle M. Fox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A limited amount of research has been done on the hockey treadmill and on the response of hockey players to individualized exercise programs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and knee of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill.

METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 25 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used simultaneously.

RESULTS: There was …

A Review Of Physical Therapy Intervention In The Healing Of Wounds, Stephanie Bertsch

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Treatment of chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers or arterial-insufficient ulcers, are commonly seen in health care today. Wound treatment is advancing and physical therapists are using modalities in the intervention to hasten wound healing. Electrical stimulation and ultrasound have been established through clinical studies as effective modalities for the treatment of wound healing. The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze current literature about physical therapy and wound care. This paper will discuss an overview of the anatomy of skin, physiology of wound healing, documentation of wounds, and physical therapy intervention with emphasis on electrical stimulation and …

Treatment Of Urinary Incontinence, Megan D. Boyd

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which involuntary loss of urine is a social and hygienic problem and is objectively demonstrable, affecting around 13 million adult Americans. In the past, many people suffering from incontinence never sought help. They may have been too embarrassed to speak out, and instead, ultimately restricted their lifestyle in order to accommodate their incontinence or they were unaware that there is help available in their community.

The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) established guidelines for the treatment of urinary incontinence in 1992 with an update in 1996. These guidelines state that, except …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Elite Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Erica Fretland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is twofold 1) to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines and 2) to examine whether or not running on a treadmill at high speeds and on an inline causes particular muscles to work harder or the sprinter to change their running technique to accommodate the increased workload.

Subjects and Methods: EMG and motion analysis data was collected from six subjects while they were running on a treadmill, first at twenty miles per hour at zero percent grade and then at thirteen miles …

An Analysis Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Knee Pathology, Jan L. Gustafson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if a relationship exists between generalized joint syndrome and knee pathology. Both of these have been found to be of increased prevalence in females. Sixty female high school seniors from eight northwestern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota high schools were selected to participate in this study. Selection criteria consisted of prior testing for ligament laxity with a KT-IOOO and for generalized joint hypermoblity syndrome. Guidelines were established and a participation survey was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of North Dakota. The survey form required the completion of open-ended …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In Wyoming, Gavin Green

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to assess physicians' knowledge of and referral patterns for physical therapy. A questionnaire was developed using the scientific literature base as well as input from physical therapy faculty and practicing physicians. Subjects included Wyoming physicians from five specialty areas. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the Wyoming chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Results suggest that physicians as a group are unaware of a significant number of physical therapy services. This study further demonstrated that physicians with better knowledge of …