Physical Therapy Commons^™

Predicting Risk For Adverse Outcomes Following Distal Radius Fracture, Saurabh Mehta Phd

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Some individuals remain at risk for adverse outcomes such as chronic wrist/hand pain, falls, and fall-related osteoporotic fractures after distal radius fracture (DRF) remain. This thesis includes five studies that were conducted to establish prediction rules or assessing the risk of these adverse outcomes following DRF.

The first manuscript outlines a theoretical framework (RACE - Reducing pain, Activating, Cognitive reshaping, Empowering) for managing the risk of adverse outcomes, mainly chronic pain, in individuals with DRF. The RACE is one of the first frameworks to suggest a risk-based management approach for individuals with DRF.

The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) is a …

Skin Cell Proliferation Stimulated By Microneedles, Horst Liebl, Luther C. Kloth

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

A classical wound may be defined as a disruption of tissue integrity. Wounds, caused by trauma from accidents or surgery, that close via secondary intention rely on the biological phases of healing, i.e., hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling (HIPR). Depending on the wound type and severity, the inflammation phase begins immediately after injury and may last for an average of 7–14 days. Concurrent with the inflammation phase or slightly delayed, cell proliferation is stimulated followed by the activation of the remodeling (maturation) phase. The latter phase can last as long as 1 year or more, and the final healed state …

Extreme Levels Of Noise Constitute A Key Neuromuscular Deficit In The Elderly, Niklas König Ignasiak

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Fluctuations during isometric force production tasks occur due to the inability of musculature to generate purely constant submaximal forces and are considered to be an estimation of neuromuscular noise. The human sensori-motor system regulates complex interactions between multiple afferent and efferent systems, which results in variability during functional task performance. Since muscles are the only active component of the motor system, it therefore seems reasonable that neuromuscular noise plays a key role in governing variability during both standing and walking. Seventy elderly women (including 34 fallers) performed multiple repetitions of isometric force production, quiet standing and walking tasks. No relationship …

Proposal For A Clinic Based Model Of Physical Therapist Consultation In A Geriatric Outpatient Clinic, Rania Karim, Patricia A. Higgins, Thomas R. Hornick

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe the role of a certified geriatric physical therapist (PT) in a geriatric outpatient clinic.

Methods: This pilot study used a model in which a geriatric certified doctor of physical therapy (DPT) provided consultations one afternoon a week for patients in the Outpatient Geriatric Clinic at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). Data collection included reason for referral, DPT’s interventions, and clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions.

Results: Over 7 months, the DPT consulted on 25 male patients ranging from 65 to 91 years, with a mean age …

Influence Of Knee Flexion Angle And Age On Triceps Surae Muscle Fatigue During Heel Raises, Kim Hébert-Losier, Anthony G. Schneiders, José A. García, S. John Sullivan, Guy G. Simoneau

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Hébert-Losier, K, Schneiders, AG, García, JA, Sullivan, SJ, and Simoneau, GG. Influence of knee flexion angle and age on triceps surae muscle fatigue during heel raises. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 3134–3147, 2012—The triceps surae (TS) muscle-tendon unit is 1 of the most commonly injured in elite and recreational athletes, with a high prevalence in middle-aged adults. The performance of maximal numbers of unilateral heel raises is used to assess, train, and rehabilitate TS endurance and conventionally prescribed in 0° knee flexion (KF) for the gastrocnemius and 45° for the soleus (SOL). However, the extent of muscle selectivity conferred through …

Neuromagnetic Activity In The Cerebral Cortex Is Modulated By Locomotor-Like Movements Produced During Pedaling, Sheila M. Schindler-Ivens, Ruth M. Swedler, Brian D. Schmit, Sylvain Baillet

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Effective Mentoring In Physical Therapy : Approaches For Residency Training, Anne E. O'Donnell

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate how physical therapy mentors instill clinical judgment and competence during residency training. The researcher investigated effective mentoring behaviors and techniques in physical therapy residency training. SUBJECTS: Participants included physical therapy residency faculty, physical therapy residents currently enrolled in U.S. residency programs credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and resident graduates (ie, within the past 2 years) from APTA programs. METHOD: A quantitative survey design was used to gain information about effective mentoring behaviors and techniques of physical therapy residency faculty who foster clinical expertise in physical therapy residents. Two online surveys were …

Physical Therapy News, Volume 2, Issue 1, College Of Health Professions

Physical Therapy News

No abstract provided.

The Development And Testing Of The Continuity Assessment Record And Evaluation (Care) Item Set: Final Report On Care Item Set And Current Assessment Comparisons: Volume 3 Of 3, Barbara Gage, Ann Deutsch, Laura Smith, Carole Schwartz, Jessica Ross, Laurie Coots, Karen Reilly, Judith Hazard Abbate, Kate Shamsuddin, Benjamin Silver, Christopher Murtagh, Margaret Stineman, Trudy Mallinson

Clinical Research and Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Development And Testing Of The Continuity Assessment Record And Evaluation (Care) Item Set, Volume 1 Of 3, Barbara Gage, Roberta Constantine, Jyoti Aggarwal, Melissa Morley, Vera Kurlantzick, Shulamit Bernard, Dianne Munevar, Megan Garrity, Laura Smith, Dan Barch, Anne Deutsch, Trudy Mallinson, Linda Ehrlich-Jones

Clinical Research and Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Development And Testing Of The Continuity Assessment Record And Evaluation (Care) Item Set: Final Report On Reliability Testing, Volume 2 Of 3, Barbara Gage, Laura Smith, Jessica Ross, Laurie Coots, Tracy Kline, Kate Shamsuddin, Karen Reilly, Judith Hazard Abbate, Zachariah Gage-Croll, Anne Deutsch, Trudy Mallinson

Clinical Research and Leadership Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Systematic Review Of Core Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Physical Fitness Exercises, Jason Martuscello

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Activating the core muscles through exercise training programs is believed to be important for athletic performance. Considerable attention has been credited to the lumbar multifidus, transverse abdominis, and quadratus lumborum in designing exercise training programs. Numerous core exercise claims and recommendations abound in the fitness and physical therapy communities touting a superior core challenge for these muscles. The plethora of core activation literature with conflicting outcomes has convoluted the process of choosing exercises for an optimal core training approach. Although an abundance of research studies have quantified the muscle activity, collectively, a consensus on the type of exercise that elicits …

Co-Diagnosis Frequency Of Peripheral Vestibular Disorders And Physical Therapy, Summer M. San Lucas

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Dizziness is among the most common reasons that people consult a physician. The two most common causes of dizziness related to peripheral vestibular dysfunction are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular hypofunction (VH). Physical therapy (PT) is an effective component of the medical management for both conditions. The occurrence rate of concurrent BPPV and VH in the same patient has not been described in the literature. Identifying patients with co-diagnosis of BPPV and VH will allow the PT to construct a proper treatment sequence. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 500 consecutive medical records of Veteran's Administration male …

Postural Sway, Eeg And Emg Analysis Of Hip And Ankle Muscles During Eight Balance Training Tasks, Yuen Yi Florence Tse

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine postural sway, cortical response and muscle activation of the hip and ankle muscles during eight balance tasks routinely used in sensorimotor training. This was a single group repeated measure study. The postural sway; the power of alpha, beta and sigma wave bands; and the EMG activity of gluteal maximus, gluteal medius, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius were measured in 17 subjects during eight balance tasks with eyes open or closed, feet in tandem or apart and on foam or a firm surface. The results of this study showed that postural sway, EEG …

Restoring Functional Status: A Long-Term Case Report Of Severe Lung And Ventilatory Muscle Pump Dysfunction Involving Recurrent Bacterial Pneumonias, Dennis Sobush, Linda Jean Laatsch-Lybeck, Randolph J. Lipchik

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background and Purpose: Prolonged mechanical ventilation contributes to immobility and deconditioning making efforts to safely discontinue ventilator support desirable. This case report documents how implementing physical therapy treatment interventions, based on the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice, can help to restore a person’s functional status even after multiple years of mechanical ventilation dependency. Case Description: A patient (female; aged 63 years) with severe restrictive and obstructive ventilatory impairment has survived 34 recurrent pneumonias involving 6 bacterial pathogens while being mechanically ventilated at home. A 3-year study was approved and informed consent obtained for a home exercise program of resistive extremity …

Near Infrared Spectroscopic Monitoring During Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Detects Anaerobic Threshold, Rohit P. Rao, Michael J. Danduran, J. E. Dixon, Rohit S. Loomba, George M. Hoffman

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides assessment of the integrative responses involving the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and skeletal muscle systems. Application of exercise testing remains limited to children who are able to understand and cooperate with the exercise protocol. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a noninvasive, continuous method to monitor regional tissue oxygenation (rSO2). Our specific aim was to predict anaerobic threshold (AT) during CPET noninvasively using two-site NIRS monitoring. Achievement of a practical noninvasive technology for estimating AT will increase the compatibility of CPET. Patients without structural or acquired heart disease were eligible for inclusion if they were ordered to undergo CPET …

Predictors Of Success To Pass The National Physical Therapy Exam: Is There A Correlation Between Gre/Gpa Scores And Success Rates?, Kelsey Taylor

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is an admission criterion for many different graduate programs including the Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). Upon completion of a DPT program, the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) must be passed with a minimum score of 600 in order to practice as a physical therapist. This study analyzes the relationship between GRE and graduate grade point average (GGPA) and NPTE scores to explore the ability of GRE and GGPA scores to predict NPTE success. Similar studies have been done in the past, but the results vary between studies. GRE, GGPA, and NPTE records were gathered …

Attentional Focus During Balance Training In Idiopathic Parkinson’S Disease (Pd): A Randomized Clinical Trial, Alyssa Davis, Rebecca Hatlevig, Amanda Richards, Leslee Rosenlof

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of various attentional focus strategies on balance in people with PD. Forty-nine adults with idiopathic PD were randomized into one of four groups (internal focus, external focus, no focus, and control). The three intervention groups participated in a month-long balance program. The outcomes measured were the Sensory Organization Test, Berg Balance Scale, self selected gait velocity, Dynamic Gait Index, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale and obstacle course completion time. These outcomes were measured at baseline, post intervention, 2-weeks post intervention, and 8-weeks post intervention. Statistical analyses yielded no significant differences among …

Therapist Characteristics Influencing Physical Therapy Non-Treatment In The Acute Care Setting, Daniel Mcgarvey, Colby Olsen, Aaron Van Wagoner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Research has found that participation in physical therapy (PT) services in the acute care setting increases functional outcomes and decreases patient length of stay. Certain physical therapist characteristics could be a potential source of influence on patient non-participation in physical therapy in the acute care setting. The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific characteristics of therapists and patients are predictive of physical therapy non-treatment.

Subjects: Subjects included 16 physical therapists or physical therapist assistants and 1225 patients at a community acute care hospital.

Methods: Characteristics of each therapist and their corresponding patient data were …

Foot Volume Change During Long Distance Running In Healthy Adults, Meghan Boni, Istvan Takacs, Rebecca Wilson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and purpose: Healthy adults frequently engage in running as a means of cardiovascular exercise. Larger running shoes are often chosen based on common beliefs that feet swell during running, yet many continue to encounter foot injuries, such as blisters, as a result of this activity. Previous research has analyzed the changes in foot volume during short bouts of activity. However, there has been limited research on the effect of long distance running on foot volume, which is where many of these injuries are seen. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long distance running, defined …

Supervised Lower Extremity Strengthening Program To Improve Function In Women Over Fifty With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Time Series Design, Janelle Brooke Lemons, Diane Christine Sheesley, Pamela Reagan Sutton

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: Develop a simple, self-paced lower extremity strengthening program incorporating functional activities for women over the age of fifty to reduce limitations associated with knee OA.

Study Design: This was a pilot study utilizing a time series design with 8 women aged 55-65 (M + SD = 60 + 3) meeting the American College of Rheumatology's criteria for clinical diagnosis of knee OA.

Background: Lower extremity weakness in women with knee osteoarthritis is associated with pain and functional limitations.

Methods and Measures: Subjects began the 14-week program with 2 weeks of baseline treadmill walking. The following 12 weeks were divided …

Duration Of The Effects Of Three Static Stretching Conditions With Or Without A Dynamic Warm-Up In College Age Adults, Spencer Blackwell, Andrew Blomberg, Jonathan Griffith

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the stretching duration (15, 30, 60 seconds) with or without a dynamic warm-up that resulted in the longest lasting acute effects in hamstring flexibility.

Subjects. Forty subjects (17 male, 23 female) (age: 20-35 years) were selected to participate in this study using a sample of convenience from university graduate students.

Methods. This study contained 7 treatment conditions in which each subject completed in random order. Three groups consisted of a 5-minute treadmill warm-up at a self-selected velocity (SSV) followed by one of three stretching durations (15, 30, or 60 sec). …

Functional Rehabilitation Of Low Back Pain With Core Stabilization Exercises: Suggestions For Exercises And Progressions In Athletes, Joshua Johnson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Introduction: Low back pain is very common in the adult population and accounts for more time lost from work than other diagnoses. It also affects athlete's at all different levels of competition and results in missed practice and game time. Diagnosing and treating a specific pathology is often difficult because clinical evaluation and radiologic studies are often unable to find a root cause. A popular treatment approach with a high volume of anecdotal evidence is the use of core stabilization exercise in the treatment of low back pain.

Purpose: To evaluate exercise as a treatment for a low back pain …

Influence Of Upper Extremity Assistance On Lower Extremity Force Application Symmetry In Individuals Post–Hip Fracture During The Sit-To-Stand Task, Janet A. Kneiss, Jeff R. Houck, Susan A. Bukata, J. Edward Puzas

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.

OBJECTIVES: To compare lower extremity force applications during a sit-to-stand (STS) task with and without upper extremity assistance in older individuals post–hip fracture to those of age matched controls.

BACKGROUND: A recent study documented the dependence on upper extremity assistance and the uninvolved lower limb during an STS task in individuals post–hip fracture. This study extends this work by examining the effect of upper extremity assistance on symmetry of lower extremity force applications.

METHODS: Twenty-eight community-dwelling elderly subjects, 14 who had recovered from a hip fracture and 14 controls, participated in …

Immediate Effects Of High Intensity Training In Children With Cerebral Palsy Gmfcs Levels I-Iii: A Pilot Study, Andrea Blahovec, Andrea Kuiken, Jillian Mears, Heather Riggins

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common causes of motor disability in the U.S., but there is still a lack of consensus for best intervention strategies to improve function and gait efficiency.

Objective: Determine if ambulatory children with CP, exposed to a brief, high intensity training session, will: 1) experience changes in temporal-spatial gait characteristics 2) demonstrate increased gait speed and 3) demonstrate improved gait kinematics.

Design: Five participants walked at preferred and fast speeds over an instrumented walkway followed by a 15-minute intervention. After a short rest, post-intervention walking was completed.

Results: Ten dependent variables were extracted …

Kinesio Taping On Short-Term Changes In Shoulder Strength In Healthy Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Dario A. Callegari, Cristobal E. Cordova, Julia R. Dunievitz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Type: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction:

Kinesio tape is an elastic tape used in various settings and it is purported to assist in strengthening weakened muscles. The mechanism behind this claim is neuromuscular facilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine if the claims of Kinesio tape would be supported in its role in strength enhancing properties.

Methods:

Twenty-nine healthy, untrained male and female college-aged individuals participated in this study. Two baseline measurements assessing shoulder external rotation (ER) strength were collected using isokinetic dynamometry. Subjects were then randomized into two groups, Kinesio tape with ER strengthening (KT-Ex) and …

E-Stimulation: An Effective Modality To Facilitate Wound Healing, Pamela Scarborough, Luther C. Kloth

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

A Standardized Evidence-Based Model Of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Practice: A Quest For The Holy Grail?, Guy G. Simoneau

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The growth of knowledge in orthopaedic physical therapy practice is on an exponential trajectory. This growth is occurring simultaneously for many aspects of evidence-based practice: diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and harm – with increasingly more sophisticated basic science and mechanistic studies guiding and supporting the clinical research endeavors. Just how close are we to the day when we can clearly establish the accuracy of our diagnoses, regardless of the model used, and then can confidently inform our patients of the most effective treatment approach and the expected outcomes, as well as any potential harm? This knowledge is being created now, and …

Development Of A Statement On Autonomous Practice: Practice Committee, Section On Geriatrics, Jason Hardage, Stacey Zeigler, Jennifer Blackwood, Tamara Gravano, Greg Hartley, Jill Heitzman, Joe Libera, Ken Miller

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Vision 2020 is the official vision statement of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Drafted by the APTA House of Delegates in 2000, this statement contains 6 elements: autonomous physical therapist practice, direct access, Doctor of Physical Therapy and lifelong education, evidence-based practice, practitioner of choice, and professionalism. Autonomous practice has been operationally defined by the APTA primarily through its characteristics: “Physical therapists accept the responsibility to practice autonomously and collaboratively in all practice environments to provide best practice to the patient/client. Autonomous physical therapist practice is characterized by independent, self-determined, professional judgment and action.” The Section on Geriatrics has …

The Appropriateness Of Long-Term Opioids To Treat Chronic Back Pain, Thomas Watanabe, Michael Salino, Adam Schreiber

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Faculty Papers

Point/Counterpoint Case Scenario: A 55-year old man presents to a pain clinic upon referral from his primary care physician. His symptom is axial low back pain. His pain started approximately 1 year earlier without a specific inciting event. He denies radiation of pain into the lower extremities. There is no bowel or bladder involvement. There is no directional preference. He reports pain "all the time," with minimal specific exacerbating or relieving factors. There is no medical-legal involvement. His medical history is significant for hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and sleep apnea. He is a divorced father of 2 adult children. He is …