Physical Therapy Commons^™

Pedaling Alters The Excitability And Modulation Of Vastus Medialis H-Reflexes After Stroke, Dana P. Fuchs, Namita Sanghvi, Jon A. Wieser, Sheila Schindler-Ivens

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Individuals post-stroke display abnormal Group Ia reflex excitability. Pedaling has been shown to reduce Group Ia reflexes and to normalize the relationship between EMG and reflex amplitude in the paretic soleus (SO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether these changes extend to the paretic quadriceps.

Methods

H-reflexes were used to examine Group Ia reflex excitability of the vastus medialis (VM). H-reflexes were elicited in paretic (n = 13) and neurologically intact (n = 13) individuals at 11 positions in the pedaling cycle and during static knee extension at comparable limb positions and levels of …

Aging Enhances Serum Cytokine Response But Not Task-Induced Grip Strength Declines In A Rat Model Of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders., Dong L Xin, Michelle Y Harris, Christine K Wade, Mamta Amin, Ann E Barr, Mary F Barbe

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: We previously reported early tissue injury, increased serum and tissue inflammatory cytokines and decreased grip in young rats performing a moderate demand repetitive task. The tissue cytokine response was transient, the serum response and decreased grip were still evident by 8 weeks. Thus, here, we examined their levels at 12 weeks in young rats. Since aging is known to enhance serum cytokine levels, we also examined aged rats.

METHODS: Aged and young rats, 14 mo and 2.5 mo of age at onset, respectfully, were trained 15 min/day for 4 weeks, and then performed a high repetition, low force (HRLF) …

The Implications Of Chronic Pain Models For Rehabilitation Of Distal Radius Fracture, Saurabh Mehta, Joy Macdermid, Mary Tremblay

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common fracture and usually occurs as a result of a fall. Most patients recover following DRF with minimal residual pain or disability; however, a small subset of patients continue to experience pain and disability even one year after the injury. Currently, there are no practice guidelines for early identification and treatment of patients who are potentially at greater risk of developing these adverse outcomes. As a result, hand therapy management of patients following DRF does not incorporate screening of these at-risk patients. The objective of this paper is to apply constructs from learned …

Perspective Paper: Assessing Air Quality As Part Of A Physical Therapy Plan Of Care, Dennis Sobush, Monika Burrescia

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: The purposes of this clinical perspective paper are (1) to expand physical therapists’ awareness to the topic of air quality as a health priority when providing professional services; and (2) to provide templates for screening the indoor clinical environments and patient profiles to avert respiratory exacerbations, especially in persons with asthma. Summary of Key Points: The location where a physical therapist practices determines the air quality indices to which a person is exposed. Poor indoor air quality can expose a person to even greater compromise of respiration (ie, Sick Building Syndrome) than outdoor air quality secondary to an array …

Association Between The Female Athlete Triad And Endothelial Dysfunction In Dancers, Anne Z. Hoch, Paula E. Papanek, Aniko Szabo, Michael E. Widlansky, Jane E. Schimke, David D. Gutterman

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Objective: To determine the prevalence of the 3 components of the female athlete triad [disordered eating, menstrual dysfunction, low bone mineral density (BMD)] and their relationships with brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in professional dancers.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Academic institution in the Midwest.

Participants: Twenty-two professional ballet dancers volunteered for this study.

Interventions: The prevalence of the female athlete triad and its relationship to endothelial dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measures: Subjects completed questionnaires to assess disordered eating and menstrual status/history. They also completed a 3-day food record and wore an accelerometer for 3 days to …

Pressure Distribution Over The Palm Region During Forward Falls On The Outstretched Hands, Woochol J. Choi, Stephen N. Robinovitch

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Falls on the outstretched hands are the cause of over 90% of wrist fractures, yet little is known about bone loading during this event. We tested how the magnitude and distribution of pressure over the palm region during a forward fall is affected by foam padding (simulating a glove) and arm configuration, and by the faller’s body mass index (BMI) and thickness of soft tissues over the palm region.

Thirteen young women with high (n=7) or low (n=6) BMI participated in a “torso release experiment” that simulated falling on both outstretched hands with the arm inclined either at 20° or …

The Effects Of Lesions In The Dorsolateral Pons On The Coordination Of Swallowing And Breathing In Awake Goats, Joshua M. Bonis, S. E. Neumueller, B. D. Marshall, K. L. Krause, B. Qian, Lawrence Pan, M. R. Hodges, Hubert V. Forster

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this retrospective study was to gain insight into the contribution of the dorsolateral pons to the coordination of swallowing and breathing in awake goats. In 4 goats, cannulas were chronically implanted bilaterally through the lateral (LPBN) and medial (MPBN) parabrachial nuclei just dorsal to the Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KFN). After >2 weeks recovery from this surgery, the goats were studied for 5½ h on a control day, and on separate days after receiving 1 and 10 μl injections of ibotenic acid (IA) separated by 1 week. The frequency of swallows did not change during the control and 1 …

Tactile Thresholds Are Preserved Yet Complex Sensory Function Is Impaired Over The Lumbar Spine Of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain Patients: A Preliminary Investigation, Benedict M. Wand, Flavia Di Pietro, Pamela George, Neil E. O'Connell

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Evidence indicates that chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is associated with alteration in the brain’s cortical representation of the back, resulting in body perception disturbance and contributing to the condition [1,2]. This study investigated perception via ‘cortical’ sensory tests, in this case two-point discrimination and graphaesthesia—whose results partly depend on the integrity of cortical representation [2]. The hypothesis was dysfunction in these higher-order tasks, with simple tactile thresholds remaining unchanged. Furthermore a relationship between cortical sensation and severity of the condition was predicted.

Hand Grip Strength: Age And Gender Stratified Normative Data In A Population-Based Study, N. M. Massy-Westropp, T. K. Gill, A. W. Taylor, R. W. Bohannon, C. L. Hill

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Immunohistochemical Study Of Human Costotransverse Joints: A Preliminary Investigation, G. S. Dedrick, P. S. Sizer, B. G. Sawyer, J. M. Brismée, M. P. Smith

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Immediate Changes In Spinal Height And Pain After Aquatic Vertical Traction In Patients With Persistent Low Back Symptoms: A Crossover Clinical Trial, S. M. Simmerman, P. S. Sizer, G. S. Dedrick, G. G. Apte, J. M. Brismée

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

The Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test: Normative Data Scores In Healthy Adults, M. A. Domenech, P. S. Sizer, G. S. Dedrick, M. K. Mcgalliard, J. M. Brismée

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Change In Spine Height Measurements Following Sustained Mid-Range And End-Range Flexion Of The Lumbar Spine, D. A. Gerke, J. M. Brismée, P. S. Sizer, G. S. Dedrick, C. R. James

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Association Of Disturbances In The Thoracic Outlet In Subjects With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case-Control Study, M. S. Vaught, J. M. Brismée, G. S. Dedrick, P. S. Sizer, S. F. Sawyer

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Patient Satisfaction With Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Care In Australia Is High, Vivian Yung, Martin Mackey, Benedict M. Wand, Roger Adams, Roger Nelson, Paul Beattie, Julia Hush

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Patient satisfaction is an important outcome of care and is intrinsically valuable to clinicians. The level of patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physiotherapy care in Australia is unknown. Increased understanding of patient satisfaction will benefit patients by facilitating clinicians to optimise clinical service delivery.

Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques For Chronic Pain. A Cochrane Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Neil E. O'Connell, Louise Marston, Benedict M. Wand, Sally Spencer, Lorraine H. De Souza

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Poster Presentation

Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques aim to induce an electrical stimulation of the brain in an attempt to reduce chronic pain by directly altering brain activity. They include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). These approaches to pain treatment are relatively novel. It is important to assess the existing literature robustly to ascertain the current level of supporting evidence and to inform future research and potential clinical use.

Evaluation Of A Treatment-Based Classification Algorithm For Low Back Pain, Tasha R. Stanton, Julie Fritz, Mark J. Hancock, Jane Latimer, Chris G. Maher, Benedict M. Wand, Eric Parent

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Poster Presentation

Theme: How can we better translate evidence into clinical practice?

Background: Several studies have investigated criteria for classifying patients with low back pain into treatment-based subgroups. A comprehensive algorithm was recently created to translate these criteria into a clinical decision-making guide. This study investigated the translation of the individual subgroup criteria into a comprehensive algorithm by studying the prevalence of patients meeting each treatment subgroup, more than one treatment subgroup, and none of the treatment subgroups. The reliability of the classification decision was also investigated.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Of The Motor Cortex In The Treatment Of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain. A Randomised, Double-Blind Exploratory Study, Neil E. O'Connell, John Cossar, Louise Marston, Benedict M. Wand, David Bunce, Lorraine H. De Souza, David W. Maskill, Andrew Sharp, G Lorimer Moseley

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

This exploratory study aimed to test the proof of principle that active anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the motor cortex reduces pain significantly more than sham stimulation in a group of participants with chronic non-specific low back pain.

What Factors Determine Patient Satisfaction With Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Care In Australia?, Julia Hush, Vivian Yung, Martin Mackey, Benedict M. Wand, Roger Adams, Roger Nelson, Paul Beattie

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Patient satisfaction is an important patient-focussed indicator of the quality of physiotherapy care. We have completed an evaluation of patient satisfaction with musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Australia using the 20-item MedRisk Instrument for Measuring Patient Satisfaction With Physical Therapy Care (MRPS). In this paper we report on factors that influence patient satisfaction in this cultural context.

Treating Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain With A Sensorimotor Retraining Approach: An Exploratory Multiple-Baseline Study Of 3 Participants, Benedict M. Wand, Neil E. O'Connell, Flavia Di Pietro, Max Bulsara

Physiotherapy Conference Papers

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a common healthcare problem for which current interventions are only moderately successful [1]. There is growing evidence of extensive cortical reorganisation and perceptual disturbances which may contribute to the condition [2]. The aim of this study was to test whether a graded sensorimotor retraining program, aimed at influencing cortical representation, would reduce pain intensity, interference of pain on daily life and self reported disability.

Changes In Evidence-Based Practice Skills Of First-Year Dpt Students, Michael Fillyaw, Elizabeth Dyer, Sally Mccormack Tutt

Physical Therapy Faculty Posters

Poster presentation describing the outcomes for 30 first-year DPT students instructed in the elements of Evidence-Based Practice in a 2 credit course - Scientific Inquiry 1 (SI1). Faculty evaluated changes in: (1) DPT students’ knowledge and skills of EBP, as measured by the Adapted Fresno Test of Competence in Evidence-Based Practice (AFT) and (2) students’ self-confidence in EBP skills. This is the first study to use the AFT to evaluate changes in DPT students’ knowledge and skills related to EBP after formal instruction. The observed 24 point increase in the mean total score is educationally important and comparable to the …

Muscle Activity In Lower Extremity During Single-Leg Squat: Role Of Supination And Pronation, Brett J. Debele

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Literature has consistently reported a high prevalence of ACL injury rates. A correlation between excessive subtalar joint pronation and ACL injury rates has been noted but research into plausible reasons for this relationship is limited. The purpose of this study was to establish potential cause-and-effect relationships between foot position and ACL injury risk.

Methods: This study used single leg squats with simulated foot positions and examined resulting knee joint forces from motion and lower extremity muscle activation patterns that may cause ACL injury risk. Methods: This study recruited male and female participants aged 18 to 30 from campus at …

Comparação Das Habilidades Motoras Em Crianças Com Síndrome De Down E Crianças Sem Distúrbios De Desenvolvimento [Comparison Of Motor Skills In Children With Down Syndrome And Children Without Developmental Disorders], Laura De Moura Rodrigues, Edla Da Silva, Juliana Saccol Martins, Patricia Pereira

Other Topics

The aim of this study was to assess gross motor abilities, classifying them in stages, of children with Down syndrome and children without developmental disorders, and to compare them with each other. Twelve children with Down syndrome, from two special schools and twelve children without development disorders, from a regular school of Caxias do Sul city, in Brazil, were evaluated.

Six gross motor abilities were assessed: balance in one foot, walking on straight line, running, jumping on one foot, throwing and catching, through the tables of Gallahue and Ozmun (2001).

The children with Down syndrome could not keep up with …

Residency Corner, Tamara Gravano

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

The new Residency Corner will feature articles written by residents that describe topics such as in-depth case analysis, problem solving, and practice as nonphysician primary care providers. Here residents will get to discuss their findings and thought-processes with an audience of their peers--those clinicians and academics interested in the advancement of geriatric health care. Also, for those who may be interested to see what geriatric residency education is really all about, these clinical snapshots can help remove the veil and provide a glimpse into the level of practice our residents are experiencing. Yet, this is only one half of the …

Influence Of Foot Position On Lower Extremity Muscle Activation, Erin L. Wessman

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

With sports participation be it from children, teenagers, or adults; injuries will occur. In 2008-2009 an increase in high school sports participation was at an all-time high increasing to just above 7.5 million. Within this population, knee injuries ranked 3rd, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries ranking 4th among all knee injuries. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation of six lower extremity muscles in five different foot positions during a single-leg squat in attempts to associate a certain foot position with an increase/decrease in muscle activation, which could then be proposed as a risk factor for …

Muscle Fiber Type Characterization In The Ames Dwarf Mouse: A Model Of Delayed Aging, Angela M. Williams

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Normal muscle wasting due to aging, known as sarcopenia, has many implications in society, especially with a growing population of elderly people. In this study, muscle fiber size and count, nuclei count, and ratio of fast- to slow-twitch fibers was studied between Ames dwarf mice (df), an established model of aging, and wild-type mice (WT) to learn more about the mechanisms of aging, specifically related to skeletal muscle.

Methods: Four hind limb muscles were harvested from two Ames dwarf mice and two wildtype mice, sliced cross-sectionally and mounted on slides. After mounting, the slides were stained three different ways …

Factors Associated With Older Patients' Engagement In Exercise After Hospital Discharge, Anne-Marie Hill, Tammy Hoffmann, Steven Mcphail, Christopher Beer, Keith D. Hill, Sandra G. Brauer, Terrence P. Haines

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Objectives: To identify factors that are associated with older patients' engagement in exercise in the 6 months after hospital discharge.

Design: A prospective observational study using qualitative and quantitative evaluation.

Setting: Follow-up of hospital patients in their home setting after discharge from a metropolitan general hospital.

Participants: Participants (N=343) were older patients (mean age ± SD, 79.4±8.5y) discharged from medical, surgical, and rehabilitation wards and followed up for 6 months after discharge.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Self-perceived awareness and risk of falls measured at discharge with a survey that addressed elements of the Health Belief Model. Engagement and …

Falls After Discharge From Hospital: Is There A Gap Between Older Peoples’ Knowledge About Falls Prevention Strategies And The Research Evidence?, Anne-Marie Hill, Tammy Hoffmann, Christopher Beer, Steven Mcphail, Keith D. Hill, David Oliver, Sandra G. Brauer, Terry P. Haines

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine whether older people are prepared to engage in appropriate falls prevention strategies after discharge from hospital.

Design and Methods: We used a semi-structured interview to survey older patients about to be discharged from hospital and examined their knowledge regarding falls prevention strategies to utilize in the post-discharge period. The study was part of a prospective cohort study, nested within a larger, randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 333) were asked to suggest strategies to reduce their falls risk at home after discharge, and their responses were compared with current reported …

Approved Clinical Instructors' Perspectives On Implementation Strategies In Evidence-Based Practices For Athletic Training Students, Dorice A. Hankemeier, Bonnie L. Van Lunen

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context: Understanding implementation strategies of Approved Clinibal Instructors (ACIs) who use evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical instruction will help promote the use of EBP in clinical practice.

Objective: To examine the perspectives and experiences of ACIs using EBP concepts in undergraduate athletic training education programs to determine the importance of using these concepts in clinical practice, clinical EBP implementation strategies for students, and challenges of implementing EBP into clinical practice while mentoring and teaching their students.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen ACIs (11 men, 5 women; experience as a certified athletic trainer = 10 …

Prosthetic Training Following A Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Report, Jonathan Beck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: There has been an increase in amputations since the start of the Iraq/Afghanistan war, but thousands of Americans have a limb amputated each year due to peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or infections. New technology in the field of prosthetics, especially prosthetic knees, has helped improve these individuals’ function. The most recent advancement in prosthetic knees is the C-leg, a micro-processor-controlled knee; however, a wide variety of prosthetic knees are available. Therefore, it is critical to select the right prosthetic knee to meet each individual’s needs and goals.

Case Description: The patient was a 58-year-old gentleman who underwent …