Physical Therapy Commons^™

Data On Gait Characteristics Of Four, Five, And Six Year Old Children Using Three Dimensional Video Motion Analysis, Donna Soave Nichols

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study resulted from a need to gather and analyze data on gait characteristics of normal children using the Peak Performance Technologies, Incorporated system, initiate a data base for the Motion Analysis Center at Old Dominion University and compare a computerized motion analysis system to studies using different methods. Fifteen children, aged four to six, were evaluated during gait using a video-based computerized motion analysis system manufactured by Peak Performance Technologies, Incorporated. The gait characteristics studied were stride length, cadence, angular displacements and angular velocities of the pelvis, hips, knees and ankles. The results showed that methods …

Predicting Intentions Of Physical Therapy Students To Practice Primary Prevention, Sharon Potter Anderson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physical therapy (PT) has traditionally been a hands-on, tertiary-care field. Although the American Physical Therapy Association has mandated a broader perspective, little primary prevention is yet being reported in the U. S. An attitude change toward prevention must occur if physical therapists can be expected to become involved in preventive physical therapy. The purpose of this project was to determine predictors of physical therapy student intention to perform primary prevention with a questionnaire based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. The theory uses attitude, subjective norm and perceived control to predict intention based on beliefs and strength of beliefs in …

D.Sc.P.T., Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Pediatric Physical Therapy Service In The Educational Versus Medical Setting With Special Focus On Iep Development, Nicki Christopherson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The passage of Public Law 94-142, the Education for all Handicapped Children Act, in 1975, has created an increased demand for physical therapists to work with children in the educational setting. The intent of the law is that all individuals have the right to a free, appropriate public education. In order for an individual with a disability to receive an appropriate education, related services, including physical therapy, are provided.

Physical therapy has traditionally been a medical service. In accordance with the law, the services delivered by a physical therapist in the school setting must be educationally related. Service provisions including …

Gluteus Medius Inhibition In Association With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Amy J. Clifford

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is one of the most common diagnoses of low back pain. Musculoskeletal imbalance is one of the precipitating factors which cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJ). The gluteus medius, a primary stabilizer of the pelvis, has been observed clinically to be weak in a significant number of individuals with SIJ dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in gluteus medius function in subjects without SIJ dysfunction in comparison to subjects with SIJ dysfunction. To make this comparison, electromyographic data and information regarding lower extremity stability were collected using a force plate.

This study showed …

An Emg Analysis Of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise Versus Open Kinetic Chain Exercise In The Upper Extremity, Bradley J. Neis

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Both closed kinetic chain and open kinetic chain activities are common in rehabilitation involving the lower extremity and the upper extremity. Although closed chain activities are performed regularly in the rehabilitation setting for the upper extremity, there has been little or no research proving that these activities are better, worse, or the same as open chain activities. Therefore, the purpose of this research project was to compare muscle activity in both open and closed chain exercises in the upper extremity and determine if there is a difference in the two forms of exercise. Five healthy subjects without previous shoulder or …

Fibromyalgia, Bruce T. Amundson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

One of the more common diagnosis that a physical therapist treats in the clinic is fibromyalgia (FM). Fibromyalgia is the latest name given to a condition that, for the most part, has received mixed acceptance at the clinical level. Part of the reason that FM has been poorly accepted is due to the lack of a clearly defined set of signs and symptoms. In the last few years, new research has delineated the signs and symptoms in a manner that makes FM a more understandable condition.

The Merck Manual defines FM as a group of non-articular rheumatic disorders characterized by …

A Differential Overview Of Self-Directed Low Back Exercise Programs, Micheal G. Bateman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Patients with low back pain represent a large percentage of the population frequenting today's clinics. Despite the high prevalence of low back pain in today's clinical setting, it is considered one of the most difficult diagnoses to treat. While practitioners in the field of physical therapy employ a diversity of evaluation and treatment techniques, they all share one common denominator, the goal of limiting pain while improving function and quality of life. Many therapists subscribe to a treatment approach which involves the patient in active individualized self-treatment exercises. Controversy exists as to which treatment approach is most effective and whether …

A Review Of Spinal Rom Measurement Tools, Dawn Kamihara

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists rely on measurements to communicate with one another, establish patient status, predict treatment response, document treatment efficacy, and claim scientific credibility for the profession. Therefore, the quality of measurements should be of great concern to physical therapists and, hence, therapists should be able to examine the quality of measurement tools they are using critically. A variety of measurement tools are being utilized in physical therapy to quantify spinal mobility; however, there is no clarity as to which of the tools are optimal. In particular, the spinal range of motion measurement tools will be examined because of the high …

Ergogenic Aids For Athletes, Eric Kamimura

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The use of ergogenic aids is widespread, with users ranging from recreational to professional athletes. Perhaps the Olympics has received more publicity regarding the use of ergogenic aids than any other athletic event.

It is widely understood that anabolic steroids and other drugs can be very dangerous. As a result, more and more athletes are seeking safer alternative methods in order to enhance athletic performance. With this attitude, a number of athletes are purchasing protein, multi vitamin/mineral, and carbohydrate supplements as well as other ergogenic aids in the belief that these supplements will improve their athletic performance. However, some of …

Analysis Of Normal Human Postural Response During Stance, Christy M. Kramer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature that examines normal standing postural responses including sensory input and motor response. This literature review also reviews changes in the use of sensory input and motor response which occur throughout the human lifespan. In addition, this literature review questions whether physical therapy can assist patients whose postural responses are not within ranges considered normal.

The information in this literature review should assist people within the field of physical therapy to increase their awareness of normal postural responses during stance. It should also increase the awareness among practitioners of how normal …

The History And Evolution Of Stretching, Jennifer Roberts

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Virtually every athlete engages in some form of stretching before beginning a training routine or competitive event. Stretching is an integral component of endless physical therapy treatment programs for muscle strains, ligament sprains, fibromyalgia protocols, and joint replacements to name a few. However, the physiological effect of stretching and the best method for producing the desired outcome is often questioned by coaches, athletes, and therapists.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of static stretching and ballistic stretching individually and in conjunction with modalities. Muscle physiology, the benefits of flexibility, and the psychological and physiological effects of …

Personality Traits And The Extent To Which They Are Valued By Practicing Physical Therapists In The General Hospital Setting, Shiela M. Robison, Rachel K. Seppanen

Masters Theses

This descriptive study seeks to identify the value placed on personality traits by physical therapists and to develop a personality trait profile indicating what is desired of physical therapists in the general hospital setting. Five hundred surveys were sent to the physical therapy (PT) directors of a nationwide sample of randomly selected hospitals accredited by the American Hospital Association with greater than 75, but less than 150 beds. Two hundred and ninety-four surveys (59%) were returned. Survey responses were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analyzed by using the descriptive measures …

Investigating Use Of The Transdisciplinary Approach In The Public School System: Assessment Of The Interaction Between The Physical Therapist And The Regular Education Teacher, Jennifer C. Bunker, Jennifer M. Wolffis

Masters Theses

The purpose of our research was to determine the extent that physical therapists utilize components of the transdisciplinary approach in their interaction with regular education teachers when working with children kindergarten through sixth grade who participate in regular education classes. 325 surveys were distributed to physical therapists in the Midwest region of the United States who work in a school environment. 46% of the surveys were returned and met our inclusion criteria. Our results showed that 28.7% of the respondents indicated use of the transdisciplinary approach. 41% of the respondents reported presence of a written philosophy. 9% of the therapists …

Timed Wheelchair Ambulation Of Children Aged 11-17 Years And Their Perceptions Of Their Function, Karen Feuerstein, Susan Fisher, Kristy Van Zee

Masters Theses

Problem. Little data is available to aid physical therapists in writing functional wheelchair velocity goals. Purpose. This study begins to establish baseline data on wheelchair velocity. The authors hypothesize that there will be a significant relationship between a child's perceived function and their wheelchair velocity over a given distance. Methods. One female and 10 male community manual wheelchair users aged 11-17 completed 3 time trials of 150 feet on carpet with 1 minute rest between trials. Following the WRAT-R reading screen, the subjects completed a questionnaire about wheelchair function in the community. Results. A two-tailed significance test of the correlation …

The Relationship Among Isokinetic Knee Parameters And Three Functional Tests, Kristen Brinks, Ronda Delong, Tanya Stout

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between knee strength and endurance, as tested by the Biodex{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar} isokinetic system, and the lateral step-up, cross-over hop for distance, and triple hop for distance. Subjects included 20 males and 30 females aged 21-40 years with no history of low back, hip, knee, or ankle injury that was treated by a physician. Bilateral knee flexion and extension strength, power, and endurance was measured at 60, 180 and 300 degrees/second with the hip extended and flexed 115{dollar}\sp\circ{dollar}. Isokinetic data were normalized to body weight and correlated to hop distance which was …

Knowledge Of High School Students Concerning Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, And Nursing, Amy Godlewski, Karen Oorbeck, Beth Spitzley

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of Kent County high school students regarding physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing. A survey created by the investigators asked specific questions concerning these professions. The survey was administered to 545 eleventh and twelfth grade students. The scores were compared to demographic data and school characteristics (i.e. urban, suburban, rural, public or private). The researchers' hypotheses were that students would have a low level of knowledge concerning all these professions, and that students would be more familiar with nursing compared to physical therapy or occupational therapy. These hypotheses …

Functional Independence Measurement Scale: Analysis Of Variables To Determine Predictability To Stroke Patient's Discharge Site, Joseph A. Cloud, Daren C. Johnson, Tricia A. Lauinger

Masters Theses

The purpose was to define subsets of variables that are found within the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) scale that demonstrate a high predictability to right cerebral vascular accident (CVA) patient's discharge site, including home, foster home, and skilled nursing facility. The researchers wanted to find if gait, along with other subsets, has a high prediction to discharge site than overall FIM admission and discharge scores together and separately.; Gait did not show a higher prediction to discharge site compared with subsets of FIM variables and overall FIM admission and discharge scores, together and separately. However, other subsets were found to …

Effectiveness Of An Interdisciplinary Chronic Low Back Pain Program Based On Return To Work Outcome, John R. Bromfield, Deborah A. Knowles, Stacie M. Schoenberg

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a Midwestern Hospital's Interdisciplinary Outpatient Chronic Low Back Pain program. Rate of return to work was selected as the outcome measure for effectiveness. For purposes of discussion, the percentage of patients who were compliant with home exercise, who were involved in a vocational rehabilitation program, and who consulted a physician since discharge were analyzed. There were 118 male and female subjects, average age of 43; who successfully completed the 8 week chronic low back pain program between 1992 and 1994. Subjects were then sent questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, …

Utilization Of Collaborative Clinical Education Placements, Sandie Marston, Sally Talbot

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the collaborative model's utilization, effectiveness, and effect on ease of student placement. Surveys were sent to academic coordinators of clinical education at all 130 physical therapy programs in the United States. Four of these surveys were sent as a pilot study. Of 126 surveys sent, 114 were received for a 90% return rate. Frequencies of responses were calculated. 75% of respondents report using the collaborative model. Of those who use the model, 95% reported that it met their objectives for clinical education, and 93% reported decrease (24%) or no change (69%) in …

The Effects Of Relative Frequency Of Knowledge Of Results On Brain Injured And Neurologically Normal Individuals Learning A Linear Positioning Task, Deborah M. Thomas

Masters Theses

Twelve normal and 12 brain injured subjects aged 18-56 years learned a linear positioning task involving moving a slide to a target position while blind folded. During the acquisition phase, feedback was provided as 33%, 67% or 100% KR. Immediate (10 minute) and delayed (24 hour) retention tests were performed without feedback. ANOVAs were used to compare the effects of feedback frequency. At the acquisition and immediate retention phases, the normal group performed with significantly less error than the brain injured group. This trend continued in the delayed retention test, but was not significant. Both groups performed best in the …

An Investigation Of Differential Diagnosis Of Patellofemoral Pain Syndromes, Shannon Marie Buckmier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Dysfunction of the patellofemoral joint has long been a topic of discussion and debate for caregivers of patients with this syndrome. Various diagnosis related to the patellofemoral joint of the knee have been reported. Patellofemoral pain refers to the clinical presentation of pain in the anterior region of the knee. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in children, adolescents, and adults. It is a major source of pain and dysfunction in both genders, but is more common in females.

The purpose of this literature review is to help distinguish between several differential diagnosis included as part of …

Guidelines And Benefits For Exercising The Elderly, Nita Farbo

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of elderly individuals is continually growing due to advancements in medicine and technology. Several physiological and psychological changes occur throughout the aging process. Regular physical activity is an effective therapy for slowing the aging process and preventing many of the conditions that occur with aging, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. In addition, the active individual is more independent and functional in his or her activities of daily living compared to the person who remains sedentary. Older individuals who maintain functional levels of flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance are rarely candidates for nursing …

The Effects Of Family Dynamics On Pediatric Intervention, Michelle L. Jung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The family unit in America is becoming extremely diverse in its composition, perceptions, and capabilities. It is this diversity which challenges professionals to perceive and interact with each family as an unique entity. Most importantly, though, is the influence of family dynamics on the outcomes of therapeutic interventions for children with disabilities. Since the passage of Public Law 99-457, the focus of intervention has moved from treatment of the individual child to services involving the family as a single functioning unit. . Services are then provided to the child and family, as the family needs influence the child's growth and …

Parkinson's Disease: An Exercise Approach To Treatment, Kara Lynn Klosterman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Parkinson's Disease (PO) is a common neurological disorder affecting elderly people. Patients suffering from PO typically display three cardinal signs: tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. As the disease progresses, secondary symptoms develop. These cardinal signs and secondary symptoms decrease the patient's abilities to function during normal daily activity.

Physical therapists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of persons with movement disorders such as PD. Research demonstrates success in the treatment of PO when physical therapy services are utilized. Physical therapists educate patients and their families about PD. Via exercise, physical therapists prevent the onset of complications and improve the …

Fibromyalgia: Diagnosis And Management, Janet Mckinnon Rasmusson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Fibromyalgia is a nonarticular rheumatic disease of unknown origin. It is diagnosed by the presence of widespread pain of more than three months duration and tenderness at 11 or more of 18 tender point sites. Typical symptoms of this syndrome are generalized pain, stiffness, and chronic fatigue due to sleep disturbances. Other uncommon symptoms include headaches, anxiety, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and numbness. These symptoms become worse with the presence of modulating factors such as weather, stress, fatigue, overexertion, or inactivity.

The purposes of this independent study are to examine the prevalence and demographics of this disorder, discuss the etiology …

Assessment Of Physical Therapy Needs At Third Street Clinic, Susan Wheeldon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Health care is being provided free of charge at the Third Street Clinic in Grand Forks, North Dakota, for those people who are uninsured or who do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. Physical Therapy is not presently offered as a service at the Clinic.

Physical Therapy is part of comprehensive health care. Therapists provide caring and expertise in the areas of neurological rehabilitation, orthopedic/musculoskeletal problems, pediatrics, and work hardening. As volunteers, therapists are involved in providing care at free clinics across the nation.

The Third Street Clinic agreed to have a needs assessment performed to identify those clients who …

The Effect Of Backward Treadmill Walking On Lower Extremity Kinetics, Scott Billing

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Many physical therapy diagnoses require minimal anterior loading of the knee in their rehabilitation protocols. These include, but are not limited to, tibial plateau fractures, patellofemoral pain, patellar fractures, quadriceps tendinitis, and status post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In the clinical setting, backward walking (BW), or "retro-walking," is often used during the rehabilitation of such diagnoses. We propose backward walking will initiate greater hamstring recruitment due to the kinematics and kinetics of this gait pattern and thereby result in less anterior knee stress. It is the purpose of this research project to determine if hamstring recruitment can increase in a …

Medical Disease And Low Back Pain: The Physical Therapy Evaluation, Heather Lynn Alderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The heightened level of autonomy currently experienced by the profession of physical therapy demands that, in addition to identifying and managing movement dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists be knowledgeable of signs and symptoms which may indicate medical disease. Individuals who present with low back pain (LBP) are commonly seen in the physical therapy clinic. While most often the source of a patient's LBP is of mechanical musculoskeletal origin, a great number of differential diagnoses classified as medical diseases also exist that are capable of precipitating low back pain. The purpose of this independent study is to: (a) outline …

Management Of Spasticity: A Review Of Two Methods Of Medical Intervention, Andrea Grock

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spasticity is an entity with which physical therapists are quite frequently faced. It is a common phenomenon among individuals who have sustained central nervous system damage. Spasticity is "associated with a wide variety of neurological diagnoses and may have benefits as well as negative qualities. The negative effects can lead to multiple complications which interfere with functions of every day living. Management of spasticity becomes necessary when it ~causes complications or interferes with function. There are several modes of intervention, including conservative physical therapy approaches and/or medical approaches.

The purpose of this independent study is to review two medical methods …