Physical Therapy Commons^™

Predicting Falls In Community-Dwelling Older Adults Using The Repetitive Step Test, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Jamie Wynk, Megan Gordon, Kathryn Quinn, Sarah Welsh

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: The Repetitive Step Test (RST) is a newly developed dynamic balance test that requires stepping in multiple directions. It has previously demonstrated excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability, along with ability to retrospectively classify individuals who had fallen more than once in 12 months though its ability to predict falls has not been evaluated. This study aimed to determine the capability of the RST to identify individuals likely to fall prospectively over 12 months.

Methods: 63 community-dwelling adults >65 years old were tested using the following balance and mobility measures: RST, 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale …

Frontal And Sagittal Plane Lower Extremity Mechanics During Single-Limb Squatting In Chronic Ankle Instability, David M. Werner, Kati Brubakken, Claire Grace, Mike Lawless, Aaron Lewis, Marc Mccuen, Dennis Mirosh, Joaquin Alberto Barrios

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Chronic ankle instability is a common sequelae to the lateral ankle sprain. Individuals with CAI have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis and reporting lower quality of life scores. Biomechanical variations have been observed in individuals with CAI during ambulation and landing. To the authors’ knowledge there are no studies investigating the biomechanical profile of the SLS in individuals with CAI. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of the SLS in individuals with unilateral CAI. We hypothesized that inter-limb biomechanical differences would be observed in individuals with unilateral CAI.

Methods: Participants were recruited from a …

The Relationship Between Knee Valgus And Clinical Measures In Professional Basketball: A Cart Analysis, Philip A. Anloague, Donald S. Strack, Carl Eaton, Joshua David Corbeil, Steven Michael Short, Paul John Insana, Stephanie Lynn Nazario

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Lower extremity injuries occur at an amplified rate in professional basketball. Evidence suggests that knee frontal plane valgus may be associated with risk of injury. The Landing Error Scoring System includes the assessment of maximum knee valgus during a countermovement jump. The investigation of interactions among linear and non-linear factors may help the understanding of the interdependence of various measures and poor performance on the knee valgus displacement (KVD) component of the LESS in professional basketball players. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of knee valgus displacement on the LESS. We hypothesize that a positive finding …

Effect Of Ankle-Foot Orthosis On Reactive Stepping In Healthy Young Adults: A Pilot Study, Kyra Twohy, Hunter Andrews, Ryan Christopher, Aaron Scott, Katie Valentine, Kurt Jackson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Ankle-Foot orthoses (AFOs) are commonly used in individuals with neurologic disorders such as MS and stroke. However, a rigid style of AFO may impact an individual's ability to complete dynamic balance tasks especially reactive stepping movements in the instance of losing balance. The impact a rigid AFO has on reactive stepping has not been investigated. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the impact rigid AFOs have on reactive stepping preference in healthy young adults, thus providing preliminary data on healthy individuals’ stepping strategies that could be used for further research with more neurologically-involved populations.

Methods: Twenty …

Effects Of Extracurricular Physical Activity On Strength, Balance, Endurance And Quality Of Life On Children With Disabilities, Christy Lee, Alana Mathews, Kayla Ayers, Madison Weisbarth, Melissa Spurbeck

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of extracurricular physical activity on strength, balance, endurance and quality of life on children with disabilities.

Methods: Eighteen children (10 males, 8 females) ranging in age from 11-18 years participated in a local inclusive kickball program. All children and their parents were aware that participation was voluntary and signed consent or assent forms. Diagnoses of the children included Down Syndrome, Asbergers, Expressive Language Delay and Developmental Delay. The children participated in 60 minute kickball sessions led by a program director, 1 time per week for 6 weeks. The Pediatric …

Scapular Acceleration During Upper Extremity Elevation In Healthy Individuals With And Without Scapular Dyskinesis, Joseph M. Day, Taylor Hunter, Kayla Eiben, Yitz Berger

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Background/Purpose: Individuals with upper extremity pathology often present with altered scapular motion and muscle performance. There are few clinical tools that are capable of collecting specific and efficient data on alterations in scapular motion and even fewer studies have looked at variations in scapular acceleration. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of wireless accelerometers for detecting changes in acceleration in individuals with and without scapular dyskinesis.

Methods: Twenty-seven subjects, mean age 24 (SD1.49). Healthy subjects were visually screened for scapular dyskinesis. Subjects were positioned in a standardized standing posture and anatomical references were marked on …

Comparison Of Hip Range Of Motion And Arch Height Index Of Collegiate Female Dancers And Collegiate Females, Philip A. Anloague, Lauren Macnab, Brittany Pease

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Dance requires athleticism and an optimal degree of stiffness and compliance to maximize performance and aesthetics. There is little research published on the utility of hip range of motion (ROM) and arch height index measures (AHI) in the female dance population.

Inter-Rater And Intra-Rater Reliability Of The Repetitive Step Test In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Kristin Beigel, Sara Simpson, Jennifer Smith, Jamie Wynk

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year one in every three adults over the age of 65 experience a fall resulting in serious injury and in some instances death. In this population, fall injuries are the leading cause of death and are associated with the greatest number of nonfatal injuries and trauma hospital admissions. Since balance and muscle performance decreases as one ages, it is vitally important to assess these factors as part of a comprehensive strategy to monitor and predict fall risk. The Repetitive Step Test (RST) has previously showed the ability in community dwelling older adults to differentiate recurrent fallers from non-fallers and …

Quadriceps And Gluteus Medius Activation With Increasing Task Speed During A Lateral Step-Down, Mat Auger, Elisabeth Groeber, Nick Nolan, Morgan Stefanoff, Aswin Vijayan, Dave Werner, Allison Kinney, Joaquin A. Barrios

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Clinically, slower task performance is thought to increase task demands. Interestingly, few studies have explored altering task rate on electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity, particularly in the lower extremity.

Normative Percent Differences Between Inter-Day And Inter-Limb Upper Extremity Volume In Healthy Adult Females, Lauren Canady, Emily Henry, Mollie Mccormick, Gabrielle Whisler

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Current diagnostic thresholds vary, but a 5% volume difference between limbs is generally accepted to diagnose lymphedema. Newer research among women with breast cancer-related lymphedema established a 3% threshold for diagnosis of preclinical lymphedema. Understanding normal limb volume fluctuations and side to side differences is important to determine whether this 3% cut point for diagnosis of subclinical lymphedema should be made compared to same or contralateral limbs.

The Effects Of An 8 Vs. 16 Week Yoga Practice On Balance, Strength, Flexibility, And Mindfulness In Children Ages 4-10 Years: A Pilot Study, Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore, Samantha Brown, Katherine Chu, Kelly Clancy, Jordan Mcmillan, Lesley Park, Kari Shank, Safiyeh Shalash

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Yoga has been shown to have positive benefits in: Improving cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary function in ages 0-21 years and improving mindfulness to manage pain and anxiety in adults. There is limited evidence regarding the use of yoga to improve balance, strength, flexibility, and mindfulness in children ages 4-10 years.

Using The Classification And Regression Tree Analysis In Determining The Relationship Between Functional Movement Assessment, Clinical Measures, And Injury In Nba Players, Philip A. Anloague, Matt Gundlach, Andrew Hackney, Jacob Hoying, Meg Saunders

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Musculoskeletal pathology has been linked to games missed in the NBA due to player injury. Sports medicine professionals utilize functional assessments and clinical measures in order to minimize injury risk and maximize performance. The investigation of interactions among non-linear factors may help further the understanding of the interdependence of various measures and missed games due to injury.

The Influence Of Carbon Composite And Plastic Ankle Foot Orthoses On Balance And Gait In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study, Hana Goubeaux, Carmen Macy, Tabatha Trauner, Kurt Jackson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause lower extremity weakness which may impair balance and gait. Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are frequently prescribed to reduce the effects of these impairments. Despite numerous recent advances in the design and materials used for AFOs, there is a lack of evidence to guide clinicians in effective AFO prescription. The purpose of this research was to compare the effects of an anterior shell carbon AFO with a traditional plastic AFO on measures of balance and gait performance.

Test-Retest Reliability Of The Repetitive Step Test In Community Dwelling Older Adults, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Blake Erwin, Adam Hutchison, Mike Loew, Patricia Schutter, Emily Snyder

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year one in every three adults over the age of 65 experience a fall resulting in serious injury and in some instances death. In this population, falling injuries are the leading cause of death and are associated with the greatest number of nonfatal injuries and trauma hospital admissions. Since balance and muscle performance decreases as one ages, it is vitally important to assess these factors as part of a comprehensive strategy to monitor and predict fall risk. Previous data analysis of the Repetitive Step Test (RST) has shown that there is a significant performance difference between non-fallers and recurrent …

Differences In Interlimb Performance During A Repetitive Step Test In Older Adults, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Wesley Horn, Jake Jones, Evan Price, Jill Spicer

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year, one out of three adults (younger than 65 years old) experiences a fall, resulting in fractures, head injuries, and even death. Falling is the leading cause of death from an injury and causes the greatest number of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Since balance and muscle performance decrease as one ages, it is vitally important to assess these factors as part of a comprehensive strategy to monitor and predict fall risk. Previous data analysis of the Repetitive Step Test (RST) has shown that there is a correlation between subject performance and fall risk between non-fallers and …

Instrumented Measures Of Gait And Mobility Are Not Correlated With A History Of Falls Or Balance Confidence In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Brandi Elking, Courtney Hasson, Emily Sanders, Kelsey Schlater

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often have an increased risk of falling. Additionally, many also have a fear of falling that all can affect balance confidence. Recent advancements in wearable sensor technology have made it possible to assess certain aspects of gait and balance in the clinical setting that were not possible previously. The information collected by sensors may be useful for identifying specific factors that contribute to falls and balance confidence in those with MS which in turn could help enhance treatment approaches.

An Item-To-Total Analysis Of The Foot Posture Index, Amanda Pallija, Brian Bohman, Paige Prenger, Emely Richardson, Joaquin Barrios

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Foot Posture Index (FPI) is a screening tool used by clinicians to assess if the foot is pronated, neutral or supinated. It is intended to quantify foot position by assigning positive values to pronated attributes and negative values to supinated attributes. Three hindfoot and 3 forefoot attributes are scored. Although the FPI is valid and reliable, individual component scores may skew the composite score. Therefore, there lies a need to investigate the internal consistency of the FPI.

A Comparison Of Arch Height Index Measures Between Collegiate Basketball And National Basketball Association Players, Philip Anloague, N Hess, L Barhorst, G Hock, A Iannarino, A Kelly, C Williams

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The rate of game related basketball injuries is 2xs greater in professionals than collegiate players and the most common injuries occur in the lower extremity. Arch mechanics are often cited as a related factor and the Arch Height Index Measurement System (AHIMS) is a reliable and valid system for quantifying mobility. However, normative or comparative values for basketball athletes have not been reported.

The Effects Of Yoga On Balance, Strength, Flexibility, And Mindfulness In Typical Children Ages 4-9 Years, Betsy Donahoe Fillmore, Mary I. Fisher, Katie Lunsford, Justin Master, Sarahanne Pelkey, Emily Puthoff, Kristen Schulte, Brittany Snider, Jordan Villanueva

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Yoga improves a variety of impairments in typical pediatric populations: cardiovascular, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and pulmonary conditions, balance, strength, and flexibility. Yoga improves mindfulness in adult populations, and emerging evidence shows a similar effect among pediatric populations.

Functional Performance Of Older Adults With Dementia Participating In Adult Day Service Programs, Kurt Jackson, Kimberly Edginton-Bigelow, Elizabeth Cox, Allison Gaier, Hannah Geyer, Ethan Grant, Kayla Storey

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Individuals with dementia are at a high risk of functional decline and falling. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between cognition and functional performance in older adults with dementia participating in Goodwill Easter Seals adult day service programs. This data may be helpful in understanding how cognition may impact functional performance and fall risk.

Rapid Step Test Based On Leg Length As A Novel Dynamic Standing Balance Test In The Geriatric Population: A Pilot Study, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, E. Conkel, D Mcintyre, Q Rizvi, P Sharkey

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year, 1 out of 3 adults over age 65 experience a fall resulting in a traumatic injury or even mortality. Falls are the leading cause of death in the elderly population and cause the greatest number of hospital admissions from trauma. The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BEST), Berg Balance Scale, and Tinetti are frequently used tests to determine fall risk. However, they can be complicated, time consuming, and exhibit a ceiling effect. This study employed the Rapid Step Test (RST) to examine the use and practicality of a new, portable and easy to administer test that may differentiate between …

Scapular Performance In Women With Breast Cancer Compared To Healthy Controls, Carlie S. Henzler, Mary I. Fisher, Lucinda A. Pfalzer, Ellen Levy, Shana E. Harrington, Naomi L. Gerber, Nicole L. Stout

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Scapular Flip Test is designed to recognize abnormal scapular position defined by winging/tipping of the scapula on resisted external rotation. Originally created to detect scapular dysfunction with spinal accessory nerve damage, the Scapular Flip Test may be a simple screening tool for any scapular dysfunction that results from breast cancer surgery and treatment to the shoulder and axillary region.

The Use Of The Four Square Step Test And The Y Balance Test To Assess Balance In Typical Children Ages 6-10 Years, Sarah Collier, Kendra Lucas, Leah Meyer, Amanda Watamaniuk, Kelsey Waterman, Ashely Zappia

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition (BOT-2) is a widely used standardized tool to assess gross motor function, including balance, in children ages 4-21.The Four Square Step Test (FSST) was developed as a reliable assessment tool to assess fall risk in the geriatric population, however there is limited research on its use in the pediatric population. The Y-Balance Test (YBT) was developed to detect functional deficits in the athletic population, it is unknown if this is a reliable test in the pediatric population.

Inter-Rater Reliability Of Weight Bearing Knee Joint Space Measurements Obtained With Diagnostic Ultrasound, Colton Adkins, Patrick Hart, Jacob Hinton, Alicia Nelson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Historically, joint space has been determined via x-ray; ultrasound has been suggested as a better choice since it involves no radiation. Documenting joint space is clinically important to determine the degree of degenerative progression associated with osteoarthritis and aging. Reliability of the use diagnostic ultrasound to measure weight-bearing knee joint space has not been investigated.

The Utility Of Functional Movement Assessment And Select Clinical Measures In Predicting Injury In Nba Players, Collin Brown, Elizabeth Depalma, Zach Gerber, Matthew Linstedt, Kevin Royce, James Swanson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Professional basketball has evolved into a contact sport that imparts an incredible physical demand on an athlete’s body. Despite medical advancements and the progression of coaching and training techniques, rate of injury has not declined. Tools such as the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) have been used to assist in predicting injury, but recent literature has stated that they are better for identifying functional deficits than potential for injury. Certain clinical tests and measures may be helpful in determining which players may be at risk.

Use Of The Mini-Bestest In Individuals With Peripheral Neuropathy: Does It Correlate With Falls And Sensory Loss?, Kasey Birchfield, Jennifer Lamoreau, Courtney Beinlich, Alyssa Reiter, Molly Scholl

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a neurological disorder that involves damage or disease of the peripheral nervous system associated with numbness, pain, weakness, and impaired balance. Individuals with PN often experience a distal to proximal progression of motor and sensory deficits such as loss of proprioception, muscle weakness, and loss of ankle reflexes. Since lower extremity proprioception plays a primary role in postural control, individuals with PN demonstrate difficulty maintaining balance, especially under conditions in which vision or vestibular input are also compromised. Clinically, the sensory deficits associated with PN are assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and vibration testing. Additionally, the Mini-BESTest …

A Novel Rapid Step Test Differentiates Between Older Adults Who Are Fallers And Non-Fallers, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson, Michael Breneman, Amy Collins, Tiffany Mceldowney, Ashton Swinford

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Each year one in three adults > 65 years old falls which results in significant morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Commonly used balance tests such as the Balance Evaluation Systems Test, Berg Balance Scale and Tinetti produce numerical results that have been correlated with a fall history. However, these tests can be complicated, time consuming, require a large amount of space, may require special tools for assessment and exhibit a ceiling effect. Additionally, dynamic balance recovery strategies such as rapid stepping movements may not be fully assessed by some of these other traditional tests.

Normative Percent Differences Between Inter-Day And Inter-Limb Upper Extremity Volume In Healthy Adult Females, Chelsea M. Boch, Marissa L. Steppe, Malia A. Woodard, Molly J. Woodhall

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Lymphedema is a frequent complication of breast cancer treatments and can become a chronic condition. Diagnosing lymphedema early is essential to reverse the condition and prevent future complications. Segmental circumferential measurements are the most efficient, reliable, and clinically relevant method to measure UE volume. Diagnosing pre-clinical lymphedema requires an understanding of normal inter-day and inter-limb volume differences among healthy women.

Specific Sport Training Effect On Fms And Y Balance Scores, Phillip Anloague, Nicholas Herrin, John Malone, Cody Bond

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and Y-Balance Test (YBT) are functional measurement tools utilized for injury prevention, performance predictability, and as return to sport criteria. The FMS is comprised of 7 standardized tests of movement patterns that are rated from 0-3 and includes: Deep Squat, Hurdle Step, In-Line Lunge, Shoulder Mobility, Active Straight Leg Raise, Trunk Stability Push-Up, and Rotary Stability. The YBT is a measurement of single leg stance in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions that is advocated for assessing dynamic balance. There lacks evidence that collegiate athletes in different sports that require specific training programs and physical …

Arch Height In Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study, Christopher Aeschliman, Rebecca Demattia, Rex Hurlbut, Adam Joy

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder affecting younger adults. MS causes demyelination of nerves in the central nervous system, which impairs the ability of the nerve to conduct its impulse to other nerves and muscles. Over time, weaknesses and sensory deficits in the limbs may lead to structural changes in the musculoskeletal system, such as tightness in certain muscles and joints (calf and ankle) and excessive motion in others (foot and knee). Structural changes in the foot, including arch height and mid-foot flexibility, have yet to be measured or studied in persons with MS.