Physical Therapy Commons^™

A Comparison Of Concentric And Eccentric Resistance Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Mark A. Romanick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was undertaken to determine whether concentric or eccentric muscle action was more likely to induce muscle hypertrophy when exposed to a prolonged heavy resistance exercise program. Fifteen males and 14 females who were not currently or recently involved in a heavy resistance training program for the lower extremities were selected for the study. One group (n = 10) exercised in a concentric fashion, another group (n = 9) exercised in an eccentric fashion, and a third group (n = 10) served as a control group, performing no resistive exercise. The exercising subjects performed three sets of 10 repetitions …

Specificity Of Discharge Exercise Programs And Behavioral Contracting For Physical Therapy Patients, Kevin L. Spooner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Adherence to discharge home exercise programs has statistically shown poor results. The purpose of this independent study is to review present-day discharge exercise programs for physical therapy, and to offer alternatives for better adherence (or compliance) and effectiveness.

A brief history of physical therapy and exercise programs is reviewed to outline the progression of the two topics. Behavioral contracting is a strategy used by health professionals to improve patient/client adherence to health regimes. The patient/client signs a contract indicating they will follow the guidelines outlined in their discharge exercise program.

Presently, the most optimal discharge exercise program involves specificity of …

Pediatric Physical Therapy Assessment In North Dakota, Joellen W. Roller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Pediatric Physical Therapists in the state of North Dakota have developed Guidelines of Practice. As part of this process, there was a need for a through review of the assessment and evaluation information used by pediatric therapists. This independent study report should fill that need. By reviewing the literature, information was gathered on how to assess evaluation instruments and the scope information a review of of was two the instrumentation available. This then organized into five categories with or three tests in each category. A total of 14 standardized tests are reviewed. A description of each test is provided, …

Development, Validation, And Reliability Evaluation Of A Functional Classification System, Christine S. Eixenberger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to accountability, cost/benefit, and third party payers, it was necessary to develop an objective measurement of functional abilities of rehab patients. In Part I of the research, "Development of a Functional Classification System for a Rehabilitation Unit at St. Alexius Medical Center," a Functional Classification System (FCS) was developed and edited; however, the validity and reliability of the new FCS had to be justified.

Forty-seven patients admitted onto the St. Alexius Rehabilitation Unit between November 1992 and January 1993 were evaluated using version three of the FCS and objectively scored. Validity was tested between admit, discharge, and goal scores …

Providing Physical Therapy Services In The Least Restrictive Educational Environment, Judy E. Bahe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Federal legislation has mandated free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. Physical therapy is included as one of the related services which must be provided, if needed, to assist students with disabilities to benefit from the educational programs. This creates unique challenges for the physical therapist, who traditionally has provided services in a medical model rather than an educational model. The American Physical Therapy Association has published policies and guidelines for providing physical therapy services in the educational environment; however, each state is encouraged to adapt the guidelines to meet individual needs.

This paper provides a general review …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome In The Absence Of Rotator Cuff Tear, Pat R. Carter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder impingement syndrome is believed to be the most common cause of shoulder pain in adults, and the major shoulder problem in sports medicine. It develops in a progressive manner to bind the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa beneath the coracoacromial arch superiorly and the upper humerus inferiorly. If left untreated, rotator cuff degeneration and eventual partial or complete tears of the tendons may result.

This report focuses on stage 1 and 2 of impingement syndrome, excluding calcific tendinitis and known rotator cuff or biceps tears. Through a search of the literature, normal and pathologic anatomy and biomechanics will be …

Determination Of Eligibility For Physical Therapy In The Public School Setting, Margaret Ann Borkowski

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1991 (IDEA) includes physical therapy as one of the related services which may be necessary for a student with disabilities to benefit from special education. The determination of eligibility is therefore an important part of the provision of physical therapy in a public school setting. This study investigates how this determination is made across the United States and makes recommendations for physical therapists in the state of North Dakota.

This study consists of a literature review (including medical and educational journals) and two surveys. The requirements for special education and related services under …

Electromyographic Biofeedback Training For Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Literature Review, Kayla K. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the clinical effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome, and to evaluate the symptoms and etiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The literature review will also identify the advantages of closed chain knee exercise in comparison to open chan knee exercise specifically in relation to the patellofemoral joint. A treatment hierarchy of closed chain knee exercise used in combination with electromyographic biofeedback is presented within the research proposal. The research proposal compares open chain biofeedback assisted exercise to …

Plyometrics, Cynthia K. Flom

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plyometrics are a form of exercises in which an isometric-type overload, using the myotatic (stretch) reflex, is produced by means of an eccentric (lengthening) contraction, with the muscle being fully stretched immediately preceding the concentric (shortening) contraction. How fast the muscle switches from an eccentric to a concentric contraction will determine the athlete's power. The goal behind plyometric exercise is to train the nervous system to react with maximum speed to the lengthening of muscle and to develop the muscle's ability to shorten rapidly with maximal force. Plyometrics are first found in the literature in 1966 containing the work done …

A Critical Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Lori Hefta

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to provide information regarding the anatomy, function, and evaluation of the sacroiliac joint. Primary emphasis was given to the relevance of anatomy and function of this complex and unique joint. Arthrokinematics of the jOint were discussed relevant to functional movements. Evaluation of the sacroiliac joint continues to be questioned regarding reliability of clinical models, and future research in this area is encouraged.

Cigarette Smoking And Low Back Pain, Cindy G. Broden

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to define presently existing theories linking cigarette smoking and low back pain. It also provides a detailed description of nicotine and its physiological and psychological effects.

There are four theories outlined in this study which could serve as explanations for the correlation of cigarette smoking and low back pain. The first is the chronic cough associated with smoking. This cough increases mechanical stress including higher disc pressures and poor union and healing following spinal fusion surgery. The second theory deals with the vascular changes caused by nicotine which decreases vertebral blood flow and …

Exercise In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Christy R. Hokanson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Before 1980, the effects of exercise on people with rheumatoid arthritis was considered negative, even though no research substantiated this belief. Medical professionals prescribed rest and passive exercise as the activity level for people with rheumatoid arthritis. So, the patients rested and developed many of the problems associated with inactivity. This resulted in more disability and less people with rheumatoid arthritis in the work force.

This paper is a literature search which examines current research on exercise in rheumatoid arthritis. It attempts to answer many of the questions asked about exercising with rheumatoid arthritis. Discussed are the topics of deconditioning, …

A Review Of Functional Assessment Instruments, Kristen N. Weich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Formalized functional assessment, in the form of data that is uniform and complete, is desirable for objective and explicit documentation of functional improvement. A variety of functional assessment instruments are currently being utilized in the field of medical rehabilitation. However, there is not professional clarity as to which functional assessment instrument is optimal.

The concept of functional assessment is described. An overview of existing functional assessment instruments is presented. Criteria for evaluating the adequacy of functional assessment instruments is discussed.

There is no one best approach to assessing physical function. No instrument is perfect for all patients or all situations. …

The Effect Of A Specific Training Program On The Athletic Performance Of Ice Hockey Players, Grey M. Rudolph

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Hockey Acceleration Program is an athletic training program designed by John Frappier, M.S., of Fargo, ND, to increase the speed, strength and explosiveness of hockey players. The program involves resistance training, plyometrics and skate training on a skating treadmill. The purpose of this preliminary study was to analyze the effectiveness of the Acceleration Program by comparing the performance of athletes in a variety of areas before and after taking part in the Acceleration Program. The areas compared were strength, skating form, trunk musculature performance and flexibility. All data compared was taken from the records of Acceleration Products, Inc., the …

Applied Anatomy And Biomechanics Of The Scapula, Garrett T.K. Kennedy

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The scapula is the first link in the upper extremity kinetic chain. Analysis of the applied anatomy and biomechanics of the scapular link allows the physical therapist to develop pathomechanical models for shoulder injuries. The current health care trend of developing rehabilitation protocols based on sound anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical principles necessitates a strong background in the structure and function of the shoulder.

The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide a compilation of information regarding scapular anatomy and function. The paper is organized into four chapters. Chapter one discusses the phylogenetic and embryological development of the …

Correlation Between Forefoot Varus And Passive Knee Extension, Scott B. Nice

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine if a relationship exists between the amount of passive knee extension measured along with the degree of forefoot varus. The intent was to demonstrate that a positive relationship does exist.

Twenty single limbs were tested and all met the criteria set. Forefoot measurements were taken in the prone position, the plane of the lesser metatarsal bones was measured in relation to the bisection of the posterior aspect of the heel. Passive knee extension was recorded by measuring the distance of the lift of the calcaneus from the table, with the thigh stabilized …

Quality Assurance Issues In The Delivery Of Assistive Technology Services, Donald N. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report provides an overview of the current state of the field of assistive technology for persons who have significant disabilities.

The field is extremely broad, and encompasses both low and high technology. Personnel working in field are diverse as well, representing nearly a dozen different disciplines. Two key issues confronting the collective field are professional education and credentialing.

In general, pre service professional programs do little to prepare students to deal with technological interventions. Some professionals who want to improve their competence in this area are doing so through graduate or post-graduate study, workshop attendance, or clinical …

The Intervertebral Disc And Low Back Pain, Bruce H. Wessman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain has an enormous socioeconomic impact in this country. Even with advancement in diagnostic technology, the incidence and severity of low back pain continues to increase. The intervertebral disc plays an important causative role in the production of low back pain. The intervertebral disc may cause direct discogenic pain by mechanical and/or chemical irritation of the nociceptor receptors found within the outer one-third of the annulus fibrosis, or cause back pain by an indirect method. The incidence of low back pain is first reported around the age of 25 and is most prevalent from ages 35-60. It is …

An Overview Of Transfemoral Socket Designs, Bradley C. Wehe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the field of amputee rehabilitation, there are many variables that determine if the outcome is one of success. A large part of the process evolves from the type of prosthesis that is recommended for the amputee. With the advent of new technology, we are faced with the problem of deciding on the proper components that will make up the prosthesis. The complexity of artificial limbs has increased over the past years as the concept of suction componentry has evolved.

We are now faced with multiple types and styles of transfemoral socket designs and suspensions. A literature review was performed …

Wound Care For Facial Burns, Barbara E. Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

More severely burned patients are surviving thermal burn injuries due to advances in medicine. A burn on any area of the body requires appropriate wound management. However, facial burns present with unique problems as the face is constantly exposed to society and the environment.

The purpose of this paper is to provide physical therapists with facial burn wound care and rehabilitation. Knowledgeable physical therapists are needed as members of rehabilitation teams to return facially burned patients to optimal functional and cosmetic levels.

Burn wounds are closely monitored, cleaned, and debrided to minimize infection. Skin care and patient education begins once …

Comparison Of Strength Testing Of The Tensor Fasciae Latae Muscle Using The Kendall And Mccreary Method Vs. The Daniels And Worthingham Method, Jodi R.W. Boettner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Manual muscle testing is an integral part of the physical therapy evaluation. There are two methods of testing muscle strength, these being the Kendall and McCreary (KM) method and the Daniels and Worthingham (DW) method. The purpose of this study was to compare the force produced in each of these methods when testing the tensor fasciae latae muscle. Thirty healthy subjects ranging in age from 23 to 40 years participated in this study. The Dynatron II Dynamometer was used to measure force in pounds for each method. Each subject performed one trial and one test for each method for a …

Job Sharing In Physical Therapy, Terri L. Brenner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The profession of physical therapy continues to experience staff shortages in several areas. As these shortages continue, employees and employers will seek to identify alternative work schedules to attempt to meet this demand. Job sharing is one type of alternative where two people share the duties and responsibilities of one full-time position.

The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the prevalence of job sharing in physical therapy departments in acute care hospitals and rehab facilities, 2) review the types of schedules utilized by job sharing partners, 3) identify the job title of the shared position, and 4) discuss …

Quality Assurance In The Physical Therapy Department: Current Practices In North Dakota Acute Care Hospitals, Wade D. Burgess

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report presents a literature review on the development and transformation of the field of quality assurance. Topic areas covered in the review include the role and contributions played by key individuals, government, the Joint Commission, total quality management/continuous quality improvement (TOM/Cal) theory and methods, and the American Physical Therapy Association.

The study also reports the results of a survey performed to ascertain what physical therapy departments in North Dakota hospitals are currently doing in regard to fulfilling quality assurance requirements. A relative lack of emphasis on the monitoring and assessment of treatment goals and patient outcomes, therapist …

Clinical Ladders In Physical Therapy, Stonewall E. Gessner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The clinical laddering system as it pertains to physical therapy is described. The history, purpose, benefits, and development of clinical ladders is presented. The benefits include improved recruitment and retention of professional physical therapy staff.

A clinical ladder in a physical therapy department may be very beneficial, but the decision to develop it should be considered carefully. Developing a clinical ladder system is a time consuming and costly undertaking and other alternatives should be considered first.

A Comprehensive Aquatics Program For Spinal Cord Injuries, Michelle T. Fugere

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Water provides a new challenge in the rehabilitation of those with spinal cord injuries. An aquatics program specific to the individual can give invaluable physical, psychological, and therapeutic effects. The inherent properties of water, such as its buoyancy, turbulence, and resistance, give the spinal cord injured person a new freedom of movement and an ideal environment for increasing confidence and learning skills which can be carried over to daily activities.

Spinal cord injury aquatics programs in the past have proved successful in several aspects. Goals which are attainable through an aquatics program include increasing respiratory function, range of motion, and …

Functional Outcome In Stroke Rehabilitation, Meridee S. Green

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stroke is the number one source of adult disability in the United States, with approximately 400,000 new stroke survivors each year. The cost of care and the loss of earnings as a result of stroke is considerable. Stroke rehabilitation is a health service provided to try to decrease the disability and the socioeconomic costs. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a literature search to provide a review of stroke epidemiology, outline four functional outcome measures used in stroke assessment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motor Assessment Scale, Barthel Index, and the Functional Independence Measure), identify predictive factors in functional outcomes of …

Vertebral Subluxation Complex, Debbie L. Horn

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

At one time or another most adults have back pain. Despite the fact that back pain is as prevalent as the common cold, it has been as puzzling as the Bermuda Triangle. The primary problem is that in many patients it is not possible to identify the cause of symptoms, particularly if the symptoms are relatively minor. A review of literature reveals a wide variety of single causative lesions which would adequately encompass the various symptoms encountered. However, they are complex conditions which are highly oversimplified. This problem was recognized by Renaissance International who presented the concept of the Vertebral …

Passive Range Of Motion For The Rigid Knee, Margaret B. Ingold

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether daily passive range of motion treatment will knee range of motion in the rigid patient. with moderate to severe rigidity due to prevent loss of Eleven subjects Alzheimer's or dementia were selected. Medical records were reviewed and knee ROM measurements from 3 consecutive years were recorded and analyzed. Federal regulations pertaining to treatment are discussed. The numbers of people affected and the costs of caring for them are described. The urgent need for clinical research to identify the most appropriate treatment is addressed. A literature review of studies relating to rigidity …

Training Of Elementary Education Teachers In Physical Management Of Students With Physical Disabilities, Laura L. Gregory, Marnie S. Wittenbach

Masters Theses

This study was designed to examine what training regular elementary teachers receive and need in the physical management of students with physical disabilities who have been mainstreamed into their classrooms. This study also attempted to determine when this training should be provided. A questionnaire was sent to 57 teachers within two counties and forty-one were returned and utilized. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the following areas: (a) demographics, (b) competency in physical management, (c) knowledge of diagnoses, (d) knowledge of medications, and (e) need and support for training in physical management. The data was analyzed using the …

Effects Of Ankle Foot Orthosis Application On Standing Balance In The Elderly, Jeralyn J. Gray, Tammy L. Krueger, Denise K. Krynicki

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in balance as measured by the Balance Master{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar}as a result of ankle foot orthoses (AFO) application to a sample population. Data from trials with AFO and without AFO were obtained from six men and twelve women ages 65-79. Paired T-tests were used to analyze data for areas of significance. Significant areas included rhythmic weight shifting (right/left), limits of stability (LOS) forward direction, LOS right forward direction, and LOS backward direction with p values ranging from p = 0.0048 to p = 0.0451. AFO application may have altered the range of motion …