Physical Therapy Commons^™

Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Thickness Changes Cooling Time During Cryotherapy, Jeffrey W. Otte

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: Cryotherapy is often applied using a standard treatment time. Use of a standard treatment time fails to consider the insulating effect subculaneous adipose tissue has during cooling of underlying muscle. If differences in adipose lissuc thickness alter I he effects of cryotherapy, then a standard application time may not produce a slamlard clTcct for all patients. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of subcutaneous adipose tissue on cooling time during cryothcrapy. Design: A 1 x 4 factorial design was used in this study. The independent variable was skin-fold thickness, 0-10mm, 1 l-20mm, 2 l-30mm, …

Comparison Of Elderly Non-Fallers And Fallers On Performance Measures Of Functional Reach, Sensory Organizations, And Limits Of Stability, Harvey W. Wallmann

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare elderly non-fallers and fallers for differences in the following: (1) mean functional reach (FR), (2) mean anterior limits of stability (LOS), (3) mean posterior LOS, and (4) mean sensory organization test (SOT) composite score. The following correlations were tested for significance separately in the sample of non-fallers and the sample of fallers: (1) FR and anterior LOS, (2) FR and posterior LOS, (3) FR and SOT composite score, (4) anterior LOS and the SOT composite score, and (5) posterior LOS and the SOT composite score.

DESIGN: Two group comparison design.

SETTING: …

The Effects Of A Functional Derotational Knee Brace On The Single-Leg Hop, Timed-Hop, And Stability Of Ncaa Division Ii Athletes, Heidi E. Moran

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Functional knee braces are often used by athletes following an injury to their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). However, few athletes are given information as to whether the knee brace will hinder their ability. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a functional derotational knee brace on the single leg hop for distance, timed hop, and overall stability index of athletes. Twelve healthy knees were tested with and with out an off-the-shelf DonJoy Legend knee brace. A matched T-test showed a significant difference between the single leg hop (T = 2.71, p<.05) and timed hop (T=3.23, p<.05) while wearing the knee brace. There was no significance found when examining the stability index while wearing the brace. It was concluded that the functional knee brace decreased the distance of a single leg hop and increased the time it took to perform a timed hop.

The Relationship Of Female Reproductive Hormones To Lumbopelvic Pain And Musculoskeletal Injuries In The Female Athlete, Christina M. Aksamit

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The increased participation by females in athletics over the past decade, both competitively and leisurely, has brought attention to the number and severity of acquired injuries. Females tend to suffer a greater number of injuries than their male counterparts, and low back pain is also more prevalent in this population. Research is just beginning to focus on female athletes as their own separate entity. The female reproductive hormones have been targeted as a possible cause of many injuries secondary to the chemical and physical changes that occur with their fluctuations.

The purpose of this literature review is to identify the …

Three-Dimensional Kinematics Of The Overarm Throwing Motion In Children Ages 2 To 7, Katherine A. Hagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Throwing is a meaningful play activity that encourages social interaction, develops the sequencing of motor skills, and signals the onset of toddlerhood. Little published data clearly documents the three-dimensional kinematics of the progression of the overarm throwing motion in children. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) To explore the biomechanical differences in the overarm throwing techniques of children between the ages of two and seven, and 2) To compare the kinematics of dominant versus non-dominant arm throws in children between the ages of two and seven.

Methods: 1) Nine children, 6 males and 3 females, …

The Association Of Generalized Joint Hyperlaxity And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury, Betty Hestekin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Joint hyperlaxity is a condition characterized by excessive range of motion in joints. Generalized joint hyperlaxity has been associated with musculoskeletal pain. In addition, hyperlaxity has been linked to greater incidences of injury in the high level athlete. However, there is no published data available to assess if hyperlaxity places the general population at a greater risk of incurring musculoskeletal injury.

This study researched the association of generalized joint hyperlaxity and occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in the non-athlete. Subjects were 55 volunteers from a pool of physical therapy students. The subjects completed a survey indicating activity level and injury history. …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During Exercise In Traditional And Modified Positions, Rebecca Lee. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder rehabilitation commonly overlooks the influence of scapular muscles in providing the stability necessary for the shoulder to function properly. When considering muscles acting on the scapulothoracic articulation, literature suggests that the lower trapezius is a key stabilizer of this articulation. Traditionally, the lower trapezius is exercised while the patient is in a prone position with the humerus abducted 1450 while performing forward elevation. Unfortunately, repeated overhead activity has been proven to increase the incidence of shoulder impingement. In an effort to avoid exercising the lower trapezius in a position that would compromise the shoulder complex, a modified position of …

The Use Of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation In The Gait Training Of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Literature Review, Rachel Rolfson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Cerebral palsy is a common developmental disorder that causes a wide array of problems in the population. The manifestations of cerebral palsy commonly interfere with the child's activities of daily living, including the important function of gait. It is therefore important that physical therapists be knowledgeable about the various treatment options used in gait training of children with cerebral palsy, as well as their effectiveness.

Neurodevelopmental techniques (NDT), neurosurgical interventions, and orthotics are just a few of the numerous treatment options available for the gait training of children with cerebral palsy. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) has recently become a popular …

Strain-Counterstrain: Rationale, Methodology, And Utilization Within The Practice Of Physical Therapy, Jacquelyn Knodle

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to take a closer look at the technique of strain-counterstrain in order to provide the reader with information regarding the history, scientific rationale, methodology, and utilization of this technique within in the realm of physical therapy. Strain-counterstrain was developed and refined by Lawrence Jones. Jones' technique is largely based on Irvin Korr's model, which sites the muscle spindle as the primary cause of somatic dysfunctions. The principles of strain-counterstrain as set forth by Jones have been well established throughout literature. However, several variations of the technique do exist. Within literature strain-counterstrain has been …

The Effects Of An Accelerated Physical Therapy Protocol On Patients Receiving Standard Open Rotator Cuff Repairs: An Outcome Study, David J. Kohns

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcomes of patients who have undergone physical therapy treatment following rotator cuff surgical repair. Sixty-eight rotator cuff repairs performed between September 1995 and .Iuly 1999 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 59 patients with rotator cuff repairs who met the criteria for this study, there were 34 males (57.6% of the cases) and 25 females (42.4% of the cases) included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 years, ranging from 38 to 80 years, with a median age …

The Computer Interface Device: Effects Of Audio And Visual Biofeedback In Rehabilitation, Cassie Wulfekuhle

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to see if a computer interface device was effective in improving quality of elbow joint motion in children by increasing motivation and attention span through the use of audio and visual biofeedback. Seventeen subjects between the ages of five and twelve were asked to participate in this study. The children were asked to complete ten repetitions of elbow flexion and extension while the tester manipulated the type of biofeedback given (1. audio and visual on, 2. audio on and visual off, 3. audio off and visual on, and 4. audio and visual off). These …

Hippotherapy As A Modality In Rehabilitation, H. Rebecca Adams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hippotherapy is fast becoming a treatment option for today's therapists. Recent efforts in rehabilitation have focused on emphasizing the "multidisciplinary team" approach, involving occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathologists as well as including members of the family in the clinic's treatment process. Hippotherapy is the way in which these disciplines can easily be combined, as well as including the family in an educational as well as exciting treatment program for clients. This study will review a wide source of literature addressing the definition and process of hippotherapy and the physiological components of the program. Indications, contraindications and precautions …

Quadriceps And Hamstring Strength In Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty, Brooke J. Powers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently, there are over 120,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed yearly in the United States with total hospital and physician expenses for each procedure ranging from $25,000 to $30,000. Majority of individuals who undergo a TKA continue to exhibit lower extremity strength deficits specifically quadriceps and hamstring weakness. Clinicians and physical therapists question if these individuals receive the level of rehabilitation necessary for the return of quadriceps and hamstring strength.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the logistics of setting up a study to determine if there was a significant difference between the strength of the involved …

Three-Dimensional Kinematics Of The Overarm Throwing Motion In Children Ages 2 To 7, Jacalyn R. Breidenbach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Throwing is a meaningful play activity that encourages social interaction, develops the sequencing of motor skills, and signals the onset oftoddlerhood. Little published data clearly documents the three-dimensional kinematics ofthe progression of the overarm throwing motion in children. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) To explore the biomechanical differences in the overarm throwing techniques of children between the ages of two and seven, and 2) To compare the kinematics of dominant versus non-dominant arm throws in children between the ages of two and seven.

Methods: 1) Nine children, 6 males and 3 females, were classified …

Subjective Quality Of Life In Total Knee Replacement Secondary To Osteoarthritis, James J. Cenova

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Osteoarthritis is the most common referring diagnosis for total knee replacement surgery. It is estimated that one-third of community-living persons between the ages of 63 and 94 have osteoarthritis of the knee. It is further estimated that fully 40% of these people experience pain. Many of these people look for relief in total knee replacement surgery. Total knee replacement surgeries are a costly procedure commonly performed. There were approximately 210,000 primary knee replacements performed in 1994. This resulted in an estimated cost of $5 billion.

The purpose of this paper is to examine quality of life and its association with …

The Effects Of Balance Training In Normal Young Adults As Assessed By The Neurocom Balance Master, Steve Dingmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a skill that is essential for most activities of daily living (ADL) including participation in any athletic activity, whether competitive or recreational. When assessing balance, it is very important to have normal balance baselines in order to serve as a guideline for comparison, especially when returning an athlete to competition. Additionally, given the importance of balance in athletics, it would seem important to determine if people with normal balance can improve their balance in order to enhance performance and decrease the risk of injury during sports.

The purpose of this study was to establish balance baselines on the …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During Exercise In Traditional And Modified Positions, Erika Engelstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder rehabilitation commonly overlooks the influence of scapular muscles in providing the stability necessary for the shoulder to function properly. When considering muscles acting on the scapulothoracic articulation, literature suggests that the lower trapezius is a key stabilizer of this articulation. Traditionally, the lower trapezius is exercised while the patient is in a prone position with the humerus abducted 1450 while performing forward elevation. Unfortunately, repeated overhead activity has been proven to increase the incidence of shoulder impingement. In an effort to avoid exercising the lower trapezius in a position that would compromise the shoulder complex, a modified position of …

Emg Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Nicole Garrett

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Four male subjects were tested using EMG spectral analysis to determine if muscle fatigue occurs in the trunk musculature after a simulated nine hole round of golf. The mean frequency of the gluteus maximus, abdominal obliques, and the erector spinae were studied. A significant difference in mean frequency change was noted, therefore supporting the idea that the muscles tested may indeed fatigue during a round of golf. The author supports the use of golf exercise programs for the prevention of injury. Strengthening and endurance exercises should include these trunk muscles since they appear to fatigue after a simulated nine hole …

Cardiovascular Disease Within Native American Populations, Leslie J. Harris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Native American populations have been experiencing a rise in chronic illnesses and social pathologies. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary provider of health care to a majority of Native Americans. Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death among Native American men and women in a majority of tribes. Despite efforts by the IHS this once uncommon disease rapidly increasing in native American groups. Many believe that the acculturation of western lifestyles and changes in diet are contributing factors to the increase in heart disease. They contend that the cause lies in the prevalence of associated risk factors …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Chantel J. Helling

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate variables/criteria available for the admissions process and identify which prove to be the strongest predictors of academic and clinical success in the University of North Dakota Professional Physical Therapy Program. It is also intended to review the current admission processes being utilized and look for new indicators of success that may be beneficial to this curriculum.

The subjects utilized in this study are physical therapy students (excluding the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education enrolled students) admitted from the years of 1991 - 1995. Data were first extracted from student files by …

Outcome Study Of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Patients With Patellar Femoral Dysfunction, Thomas D. Henke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent patellofemoral surgical procedures including lateral retinacular release, vastus medialis oblique advancement, and tibial tubercle transfers. A review of data collected by the physical therapists at St. Alexius was performed and statistically analyzed to determine the efficacy of outcomes both clinically and functionally. This outcome analysis will assist current and future practice patterns by providing a basis for clinical effectiveness. The results of this study will be a useful resource for the facility as a guide …

Physical Activity: Essential Component In Primary And Secondary Curricula For Lifelong Health, Maril Mccord

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic disease, preventable illness and injury, and growing trends of sedentary behaviors have currently been associated with the American population. It is estimated that 70% of all deaths in America are attributable to chronic disease of a preventable nature. Childhood disease has declined only to be replaced by new waves of social, environmental, and behavioral factors which manifest as health risks. At least 68 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease while nearly 60% of adults lead sedentary lifestyles. The challenge in the nation is to counter these trends by implementation of policy and programs for healthier habits …

The Effects Of Electromagnetism For The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis, Michele A. Morse

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Electromagnetic treatment is one of the highest utilized nontraditional therapeutic methods in the medical field. Scientific research has proposed that people experience improvement in the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) from such treatment. This independent study is a literature review that probes into the proclaimed benefits that a low frequency electromagnetic field posses on the biological system. In order to support or negate these claims, literature and studies explaining how and why this concept is feasible is researched and presented. The review focuses on the effects of the low frequency external electromagnetic field at the cellular level and on central …

Patient Satisfaction Of Physical Therapy Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions, Jennifer Norberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence has been categorized as a pelvic floor dysfunction. There are four main types of incontinence: stress, urge, overflow, and mixed. Pelvic floor dysfunctions have had success with non-surgical treatments. Treatments include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and pelvic floor muscle exercises.

This study was designed to analyze patient satisfaction with the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions by a physical therapist. Surveys were mailed out to discharged participants from a participating facility. The participants were asked to complete and return the survey by mail. The surveys were anonymous, and the responses were kept confidential. Thirty-four surveys were returned out of fifty-five …

Cervicogenic Headache: A Manual Therapy Approach, Mollie Pharris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The cervical spine was first suggested as an origin for headache almost 200 years ago. Since then, the etiology of headaches arising from the cervical spine has remained controversial and confusing. Cervicogenic headache is often confused as tension or common migraine headache, therefore presenting a great diagnostic .and therapeutic challenge for the physical therapist. The clinical physical therapist must have a strong background in anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine in order to assess and determine the involvement of the cervical spine as a primary or secondary factor in the individual's complaint of headache. This knowledge is also necessary …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Christine Ann Rygh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

The Lymphatic System, Lymphedema, And A Discussion Of Methods For Treatment: A Review Of The Literature, Lisa Schneider

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The condition of lymphedema has a significant impact of the quality of life of the person affected. Few patients are educated about the possibility of developing lymphedema and methods for prevention of lymphedema following surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy. Also, most physical therapists have received minimal or inadequate training in the area of lymphedema treatment. Hence, physical therapists may actually damage a patient's lymphatic system by using inadequate techniques.

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the lymphatic system, discuss the condition of lymphedema, and review various methods for prevention and treatment of lymphedema in …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Sherry Sisneros

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to the fact that the number of positions available in the University of North Dakota's Physical Therapy program is few yet the number of qualified applicants is many, the admissions committee has the responsibility to be selective in their process to ensure the most qualified students are admitted. In order to determine the most qualified students, one needs to determine the possible variables that predict not only academic, but clinical success as well.

Data was gathered from 145 students who attended the UND-PT program with admit years of1991-1995. Traditional descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized to describe applicants, outcomes, …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Marc Sondreal

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Regranex (Becaplermin) Gel 0.01% On The Treatment Of Wounds, Melissa Wood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

REGRANEX (becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB]) Gel 0.01% is a topical gel used for the treatment of chronic lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers (8 weeks or longer). It contains growth factors to aid in healing by promoting the formation of granulation tissue. Becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB] is the only growth factor to show clinical efficacy and to be approved by the FDA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this topical gel to speed the closing of wounds and/or production of healthy granulation tissue.

To accomplish this evaluation, a chart review was done at Altru Health Systems. A list of names of patients …