Physical Therapy Commons^™

Four Clinical Tests Of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The Association Of Test Results With Innominate Torsion Among Patients With And Without Low Back Pain, Pamela Levangie

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between innominate torsion (asymmetric anteroposterior positioning of the pelvic innominates) and the Gillet, standing forward flexion, sitting forward flexion, and supine-to-sit tests. Subjects. A sample of 21- to 50-year-old patients with low back pain (n=150) and a comparison group of patients with upper-extremity impairments (n=138) were recruited from outpatient physical therapy facilities. Methods. The association of single and combined test results with innominate torsion (calculated from pelvic landmark data) and with presence or absence of low back pain were estimated via odds ratios, sensitivities, specificities, and predictive …

Visual-Vestibular Habituation And Balance Training For Motion Sickness, Rose Marie Rine, Michael C. Schubert, Thomas J. Balkany

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background and Purpose. This case report describes physical therapy for motion sickness in a 34-year-old woman. The purpose of the report is twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the literature regarding motion sickness syndrome, causal factors, and rationale for treatment and (2) to describe the evaluation and treatment of a patient with motion sickness.

Case Description and Outcomes. The patient initially had moderate to severe visually induced motion sickness, which affected her functional abilities and prevented her from working. Following 10 weeks of a primarily home-based program of visualvestibular habituation and balance training, her symptoms were alleviated and she …

Neurobehavioral And Neuromotor Long-Term Sequelae Of Prenatal Exposure To Cocaine And Other Drugs: An Unresolved Issue, Yvette Blanchard

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

When the cocaine epidemic began, predictions were made that the children of cocaine users would demonstrate devastating negative developmental sequelae. In infants and young children prenatally exposed to cocaine most frequently the neurobehavioral and neuromotor systems have been studied. Although clinically described as irritable, difficult to console, and jittery as infants, research findings have not been able to clearly describe a pattern of long-term developmental sequelae. The mechanisms of action of drug exposure on developmental outcome have shown to be more complex than originally suspected. Many factors, other than the drug use, can influence developmental outcome. In most studies of …

Abnormal Electrical Potentials In Lower Limb Muscles After Ankle Sprain Grades I, Ii And Iii, Talal A. Al-Shatti

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Fibrillation and positive sharp wave potentials have been found after ankle sprain in muscles around the injured joint. The purpose of this study was to better define and explain the reaction of the muscles around the ankle joint after grades I, II and m ankle sprains. Methods: Fifteen subjects (9 males and 6 females, mean age of 33.2 years) with ankle sprains voluntarily participated in this study. A stress x-ray was done to determine the grade of ankle sprain. Nerve conduction velocity and EMO studies were done three weeks after the injury. None of the patients in this study manifested …

Kinematic Analysis Of Obstacle Clearance During Locomotion, Gary P. Austin, Gladys E. Garrett, Richard W. Bohannon

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

This study investigated the effect of obstacles of different heights on the locomotion of 15 healthy subjects. The following parameters were studied: (1) the distance of the toe and heel markers from the obstacle during toe-off and heel contact, respectively, (2) the minimum clearance distance of the toe and heel markers, and (3) the angular displacements and velocities of the hip, knee, and ankle. Results show significant differences in joint angular kinematics and clearance distances as obstacle height increased. The kinematic and distance differences exhibited both strong linear and non-linear trends. Toe-off distance and heel contact distance did not change …

The Relationship Between Intramuscular Temperature, Skin Interface Temperature, And Skin Fold Measurements During And After Cryotherapy, Lisa S. Jutte

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Many studies have questionably measured skin temperature to assess the efficacy of cryotherapy. In addition, there is controversy owr the relationship between subcutaneous adipose thickness and intramuscular temperature. Thcret'ore. the twofold purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between skin and intramuscular temperature and to describe the relationships between muscle temperature, skin temperature, room temperature, body core temperature, and subcutaneous adipose thickness. Design and Setting: A multiple linear regression was used. The independent variables were skin temperature, body core temperature, subcutaneous adipose thickness, and room temperature. The dependent variable was intramuscular temperature. Subjects: Fifteen volunteers (age= 22.9 …

Association Of Low Back Pain With Self-Reported Risk Factors Among Patients Seeking Physical Therapy Services, Pamela Levangie

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose. This study investigated the magnitude of association between low back pain (LBP) and self-reported factors thought to increase the risk of LBP. Subjects and Methods. Questionnaires were completed by 150 patients who were receiving physical therapy for LBP and by 138 patients who were being treated for other reasons. The solicited information was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the LBP-risk factor association. Results. Low back pain was positively associated with smoking status, pregnancy, industrial vibration exposure, and time spent in a car (odds ratios [is greater than or equal to] 2.21). Daily …

The Association Between Static Pelvic Asymmetry And Low Back Pain, Pamela Levangie

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Study Design: A cross-sectional case–control approach was used to estimate the association between low back pain of less than 12 months’ duration and pelvic asymmetry among 21–50-year-old patients seeking physical therapy services. Objective. To evaluate the premise that asymmetrical positioning of the innominates of the pelvis is a source of low back pain. Summary of Background Data: No published studies have been conducted to evaluate systematically the association between low back pain and pelvic asymmetry in a clinic-based sample. Methods: Pelvic landmark data were obtained in 144 cases and 138 control subjects. The associations of low back pain with levels …

The Association Between Static Pelvic Asymmetry And Low Back Pain, Pamela K. Levangie

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Study design: A cross-sectional case-control approach was used to estimate the association between low back pain of less than 12 months' duration and pelvic asymmetry among 21-50-year-old patients seeking physical therapy services. Objective: To evaluate the premise that asymmetrical positioning of the innominates of the pelvis is a source of low back pain. Summary of background date: No published studies have been conducted to evaluate systematically the association between low back pain and pelvic asymmetry in a clinic-based sample. Methods: Pelvic landmark data were obtained in 144 cases and 138 control subjects. The associations of low back pain with levels …

Patient Participation In Physical Therapy Goal-Setting, Susan M. Baker

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. An important part of treatment planning in physical therapy is effective goal-setting. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice recommends that therapists identify the patient’s goals and objectives during the initial evaluation as a way to maximize treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether therapists seek patient participation in goal-setting and, if so, with what methods. We also examined therapists’ attitudes toward participation and patient satisfaction with the evaluation encounter.

Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two physical therapists audiotaped the initial evaluation of 73 elder patients. The audiotaped evaluations were then scored using the Participation …

The Effects Of High Fat And High Carbohydrate Diets On Aerobic Performance, Julie Becker, Kelly Mattila

Masters Theses

The effect of a high carbohydrate (HCHO) or high fat (HF) diet on time to fatigue and mood state was examined in the present study. Six untrained males, (mean age 26.6 ± 0.74) were randomly assigned to a high fat (HF) or a HCHO diet for seven days. Subjects performed an endurance test at 55% of VO₂max following the diet. Time to fatigue and psychometric variables of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were recorded. Subjects then consumed the alternate diet following one week of a normal diet and a second endurance test was performed. There was no …

The Effects Of Water Or Sports Drink Ingestion Prior To Exercise On The Performance Of Middle Distance, Amateur Runners In A Thermoneutral Environment, Julie A. Barnes, Scott G. Devries

Masters Theses

Sports drinks have been shown to influence running performance, however, the best methods of hydration are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of water versus sports drink (6% carbohydrate/electrolyte) hydration prior to an exercise bout on the performance of middle distance, amateur runners. Ten subjects were randomly assigned to run two trials and began with either ingestion of water or sports drink. They then completed a maximal treadmill test to volitional exhaustion and returned two days later and drank the opposite drink. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂ max), time of run, heart rate, respiratory …

Repeatability Of Kinematic And Kinetic Data In The Analysis Of Normal Human Gait, Jennifer M. Piotter, Peter A. Post, Kristi J. Vanden Berg

Masters Theses

Computerized gait analysis (CGA) is a powerful tool used to study the intricacies of human walking. The CGA tool is being used to make objective observations of human movement patterns. It is essential that acceptable repeatability of kinematic and kinetic data be established so that clinicians can detect actual changes between successive tests. This study assessed the repeatability of kinematic and kinetic waveform data from test and re-test trials on 15 subjects. Intra-tester and inter-tester data were examined to determine how much error existed due to marker placement between trials and testers. Part II of this study assessed the repeatability …

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: A common complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is peripheral neuropathy, which may decrease sensory input. The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between decreased sensation and balance performance.

Methods: Fifty subjects, 25 experimental with Type I DM and 25 control, were recruited from the community. Sensory response was tested with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, and the Berg Balance Measure to assess balance performance. The Pearson correlation and Multiple Regression were performed to study the relationship between DM and balance.

Results: Significance was established between age and 4.31 monofilament response score and the dependent variable, Berg Balance Score. The …

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to compare maximal quadriceps peak torque production in isokinetic strength assessment in the morning and the afternoon. Thn1y male subjects between the ages of21 and 43 volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to either an early morning group (7:30 AM to 9 AM) or an afternoon group (2:30 PM to 5 PM). Each subject performed six maximal concentric isokinetic contractions with the quadriceps muscles after a warm up and an initial familiarization session. Data analysis was done using a t-test for paired samples and Pearson's correlation The results showed a .90 …

Two Case Studies: Evaluation Of Balance Following Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty, Cathy Siegfried

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this case study was to evaluate balance of individuals following total knee arthroplasty between 12 and 16 weeks postoperatively using the NeuroCom Balance Master® 6.1 system. Two unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) subjects and ten age-matched control subjects participated in the study. All subjects completed a series of five assessments including weight bearing, limits of stability, walk test, step up and over, and sit to stand on the NeuroCom Balance Master® system. Results showed differences in the sit to stand and weight bearing tests with TKA subjects bearing more weight on nonsurgical leg. TKA subjects also differed …

Physical Therapy Program 1999, Nova Southeastern University

Health Professions Divisions Course Catalogs and Course Descriptions

No abstract provided.

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production in early morning hours to afternoon hours. Thirty male subjects volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly assigned to an AM or PM testing session. At least one week after the first test, the subjects completed a similar test in the opposite time slot. Each subject was positioned on the Kin-Com (Chattecx Corp., Chattanooga, 'IN) dynamometer and performed six maximal concentric isokinetic repetitions of knee extension at 600/s between the ROM of 10° and 80° of knee flexion. The AM/PM ratios indicated no significant difference between …

Diet And Exercise-Induced Menstrual Dysfunction In The Female Athlete, Roberta Welp

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In recent years there has been an overwhelming increase in the number of females participating in athletic activities. As members of the sports medicine team, physical therapists must be able to recognize afflictions unique to the female athlete. A cluster of increasingly common disorders has been titled the "female athlete triad." By definition, it is the inter-relatedness of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. Clinically, it may include other factors such as excessive exercise, various degrees and forms of menstrual dysfunction, and additional issues such as fractures, scoliosis, and general musculoskeletal injury.

The purpose of this study is to provide information …

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

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to compare maximal quadriceps torque production in morning hours (AM) to maximal quadriceps torque production in afternoon hours (PM). Thirty healthy male subjects between the ages of 19 and 45 were tested during an AM and a PM session on the Kin-Com dynamometer. A trial of 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 the PM sessions to establish the accuracy of results taken at differing times of the day. No significant difference in strength …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Reese Williams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

There is a paucity of controlled studies concerning the off-season dryland training of hockey players.

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

METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 21 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 an overall increase in the activity of the …

Sexual Dysfunction With Stroke, Scott R. Ziegler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or stroke is one of the most common traumatic diseases in the world today that can lead to death or long-term physiological or psychological disability. The level of disabling features that each person experiences following a CVA can range from barely noticeable signs to the extreme loss of functional ability. Sexual functioning in stroke survivors is an area in the rehabilitation program that has often been overlooked or neglected. Available information and research regarding sexual dysfunction in stroke survivors are also very limited.

The purpose of this study is to examine the problem of sexual …

The Relationship Between A Functional Throwing Performance Test And Strength Of Various Scapular Muscles, Karen L. Bos, Kellie S. Gehrs, A. Louise C. Hester

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the strength of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, and overhead throwing accuracy in 52 female collegiate softball players. The correlation between manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometry (HHD) was also examined. The Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI) was used to measure throwing accuracy. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated no correlation between the strength assessments and throwing accuracy, as measured by the FTPI. Moderate correlations were found between MMT and HHD strength assessments of the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. A poor …

Effect Of Asymmetrical Loading And Walking Time On Surface Emg Activity Of The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles, Michael Aenis, Angela Bueche, Brian Trembly

Masters Theses

BACKGROUND A high incidence of back pain is associated with carrying loads asymmetrically and is believed to be influenced by the amount of weight involved and the distance carried. PURPOSE (1) To study the effects of asymmetrical loading on lumbar paraspinal muscle activity. (2) To document ratings perceived exertion (RPE) for carrying an asymmetrical load. METHODS Electromyography (EMG) readings were obtained at the L2/L3 paraspinal level of 12 males and 12 females. All subjects completed three randomized 9-minute trials consisting of walking on a treadmill while carrying an asymmetrical load of either 0, 10 or 20% of their body weight. …

Advisors' Knowledge Of Requirements For Admission To The Physical Therapy Program At Grand Valley State University, Laura Irrer, Elizabeth Knight, Joel Vander Wall

Masters Theses

The purpose of the study was to identify the accuracy and extent of knowledge among G.V.S.U. academic advisors and the sources used to obtain information regarding the physical therapy (P.T.) admission process. Surveys were distributed to 45 advisors of pre-P.T. students. Nineteen surveys were returned and six respondents were chosen for an interview. Interpretations of the data were made using a qualitative coding system.

The authors found the advisors were inaccurate in their knowledge of the weighting of G.P.A . and interview and the role that physical appearance and leadership plays in the admission process. Advisors were accurate in the …

Emg Measurements Of Paraspinal Muscles And The Implications Of Adapting Hand Placement Protocols When Using Passive Extension Exercises, Mark Randell, Geoff Willson

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference in the EMG activity of the paraspinal musculature, based on the width of hand placement used in the McKenzie prone press-up position.

EMG recordings were taken using surface electrodes placed on the lumbar paraspinal musculature of thirty normal, volunteer subjects. These recordings were taken while the subject was in the prone press-up position. This was repeated three times with different widths of lateral hand placement. The resultant EMG recordings were normalized using a recording from a maximal effort of an isometric contraction. The mean EMG recording …

Perceived Concerns Surrounding The Utilization Of Physical Therapy Aides In Michigan, Jill Bydalek, Greta Swasey-Hadlock

Masters Theses

Utilization of support personnel to perform physical therapy treatments has been a controversial topic in the physical therapy profession for many years. As Managed Care and other health care changes emerged, physical therapists have been pressured to cut costs while maintaining productivity. The use of non-licensed personnel became common place to meet these demands. The purpose of this study was to investigate five research questions. First, to what extent do physical therapists delegate patient treatment and utilize physical therapy aides in Michigan? Secondly, does aide utilization differ based on: the ways in which aides are identified to patients, various settings …

Examination Of The Reliability And Validity Of Rancho Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis, Heather Groth, Sarah Novak

Masters Theses

The Rancho Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis system (Rancho OGA) is a standardized approach utilized to assess gait impairment for various diagnoses. Physical therapists, orthotists, and physicians utilize Rancho OGA for clinical decision making and recommending treatment interventions for gait disability. This study examined the reliability and concurrent validity of Rancho OGA from gait files obtained from the GVSU/Mary Free Bed Center for Human Kinetic Studies. Comparisons were made between computerized 3-D gait analysis and Rancho OGA data from videotaped records of cerebral palsy gait to determine the level of agreement utilizing the Kappa statistic and percent agreement. Results indicated …

The Relationship Between A Functional Throwing Performance Test And Strength Of Various Scapular Muscles, Karen L. Bos, Kellie S. Gehrs, A. Louise C. Hester

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the strength of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, and overhead throwing accuracy in 52 female collegiate softball players. The correlation between manual muscle testing (MMT) and hand-held dynamometry (HHD) was also examined. The Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI) was used to measure throwing accuracy. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated no correlation between the strength assessments and throwing accuracy, as measured by the FTPI. Moderate correlations were found between MMT and HHD strength assessments of the lower and middle trapezius and serratus anterior muscles. A poor …

A Study Of Licensed Physical Therapists' Knowledge Regarding Current Legislative Issues, Jennifer Moine, Alexis Snyder, Susannah Steele

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of knowledge licensed physical therapists have regarding certain legislation at the state and federal levels. Potential relationships between degree of knowledge and therapist characteristics such as age, number of years in practice, and professional membership were also examined. A survey instrument was mailed to a random sample of licensed physical therapists in the state of Michigan.

Results indicated that licensed physical therapists who were members of a committee within the APTA, or held office in the organization had significantly more knowledge than physical therapists who did not (alpha=0.05). Being a …