Physical Therapy Commons^™

A Case Report: Factors Influencing The Care Of A Critically Ill Patient In The Icu Following Medical Management Of A Benign Parasagittal Meningioma, Lucas Keller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Primary brain tumors will affect 23,890 adults in the US in 2020. Many of these patients will require an intensive care unit (ICU) if resection is the chosen course of treatment. Early mobility has been shown to reduce negative effect of ICU stays in patient ability and long-term outcomes.

Case Description. This report describes the 4-week inpatient physical therapy management of a 69-year-old female who is 6 months post left cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and presented to the ICU with shortness of breath, severe continuous frontal headaches, and a reduction of regained strength from her CVA in …

Pattern Of Recovery And Outcomes Of Patient Reported Physical Function And Pain Interference After Ankle Fusion: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Jessica M. Kohring, Jeff Houck, Irvin Oh, Adolf S. Flemister, John P. Keptz, Judith F. Baumhauer

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Research on outcomes after ankle fusion focuses on basic activities of daily living, fusion rates, and gait parameters. Little has been reported on the patient’s perspective after surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the change in patient reported physical function and pain interference after ankle fusion surgery to guide patient expectations and improve provider communication.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) data in 88 ankle arthrodesis procedures performed from May 2015 to March 2018. The PROMIS Physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) measures were collected …

The Epidemiology Of Pediatric Sports And Recreational Injuries Reporting To The Emergency Department In Grand Forks, Nd, Erin Larson, Kameron Mcnary

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Sports and recreation injuries are common despite efforts to make sports and recreational activities safe through rules of play and the use of safety equipment. Analyzing the injuries that result and the associated mediating factors can help to assess whether more effective preventive measures can be instituted.

Methodology: Medical records from an upper Midwest regional medical center were examined for sports and recreational injuries in youth (0-19 years of age) who reported to the emergency room during the years mid 2010 to mid 2015. Data from 2011 to 2014 was evaluated to have a complete number of years for …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hamstrings And Quadriceps Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Shawn Danielson, Logan Flegel, Nathan Mertens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this pilot study was to see if there was a difference in the amount of electromyographic (EMG) activity in the quadriceps (vastus medialis and vastus lateralis) compared to the amount of EMG activity in the hamstrings (biceps femoris and semitendinosus) muscles in active male and female subjects during vertical jumping and landing. In addition, we looked at the amount of knee flexion that occurred shortly after landing from a vertical jump.

Methods. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxont TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. EMG data was recorded …

The Β3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Mirabegron Improves Glucose Homeostasis In Obese Humans, Brian S. Finlin, Hasiyet Memetimin, Beibei Zhu, Amy L. Confides, Hemendra J. Vekaria, Riham H. El Khouli, Zachary R. Johnson, Philip M. Westgate, Jianzhong Chen, Andrew J. Morris, Patrick G. Sullivan, Esther E. Dupont-Versteegden, Philip A. Kern

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND. Beige adipose tissue is associated with improved glucose homeostasis in mice. Adipose tissue contains β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs), and this study was intended to determine whether the treatment of obese, insulin-resistant humans with the β3-AR agonist mirabegron, which stimulates beige adipose formation in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SC WAT), would induce other beneficial changes in fat and muscle and improve metabolic homeostasis.

METHODS. Before and after β3-AR agonist treatment, oral glucose tolerance tests and euglycemic clamps were performed, and histochemical analysis and gene expression profiling were performed on fat and muscle biopsies. PET-CT scans quantified brown adipose tissue volume and …

The Effects Of Somatosensory Input On Gait In Individuals Post-Stroke, Victor Hung, Amanda Reilly, Rachel Wood, Nikita Yuskov

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Stroke is a leading cause of disability that results in various neurological deficits, one of which is hemiplegia. This deficit alters the gait cycle, resulting in decreased propulsion force by plantar flexor muscles, decreased activation of dorsiflexor (DF) muscles, and increased coactivation of antagonistic ankle muscles. Stroke also leads to altered somatosensory input which results in decreased balance and gait speed, ultimately increasing fall risk. Therapies targeting increased somatosensory input have been shown to be beneficial in stroke as well as other neurological populations. However, no known studies have investigated the acute effects of local vibration to …

Potential Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Rebecca Soito

Senior Honors Projects

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is associated with progressive motor deficits and paralysis of the muscles that control limb movement, swallowing, and breathing. As ALS progresses, the muscles responsible for fine and gross motor functions are affected and motor skills decline. Typical life expectancy of people with ALS is 2-5 years after symptom onset. The most common cause of death for individuals with ALS is respiratory failure. There is no current curative treatment for ALS but symptoms can be managed through multidisciplinary care. The …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation In A Patient With Guillain-Barre Syndrome With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report, Daniel P. Torok

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a lower motor neuron autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the myelin sheaths of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). GBS results in generalized weakness and sensory deficits of the extremities and trunk; in severe cases it may impact cranial nerves, respiratory musculature, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The purpose of this case study is to describe the physical therapy interventions used for a patient diagnosed with GBS and the results from those interventions.

Case Description. This case study describes the 9-week acute care Physical Therapy management of a 51-year-old transgender female diagnosed with …

Effects Of Pole Walking On Adults With Parkinson's Disease Following 6 Weeks Of Training, Kathleen Dennison, Taylor Jamison

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects motor planning and motor function. Symptoms associated with this disease include bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor, and postural instability. These symptoms are often accompanied by gait disturbances including decreased step length, arm swing, and gait velocity, as well as diminished trunk rotation and postural instability all which make functional mobility increasingly difficult. Conventional walking has been shown to be an effective physical activity to maintain mobility and improve function and overall fitness. Specifically, walking speed has been identified as a crucial predictor for fall risk which is why clinicians have …

Electromyographic (Emg) Activity Of The Hip Abductors During Various Hip Exercises, Heather Harrower, Natalie Murphy, Trista Saulter, Katelyn Voll

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study was to record, compare, and analyze muscle recruitment patterns during different hip abduction exercises. This was done by examining the patterns for gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and tensor fascia latae when performing the following exercises: Standing hip abduction with a blue resistance band around bilateral ankles, sidelying hip abduction utilizing constant effort to move a small, medium, or large ball up and down the wall, and basic sidelying hip abduction with no ball. All exercises were done with participants' dominant lower extremity.

Case Description: Fifteen, healthy, University of North Dakota Physical Therapy …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Allie Erdmann, Amber Klein

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Prior research has shown that physical and occupational therapy students have a higher prevalence of hypermobility than that which is seen within the general population. Throughout the literature, the rates of injury are greater in those with hypermobile joints. It has also been found that females have higher rates of hypermobility than males. Given this information, a secondary question arose regarding whether or not hypermobility and injury (initial or recurrence) are directly related to one another.

Purpose: The intent of conducting this study was to evaluate physical therapy and occupational therapy students for hypermobility while concurrently assessing for their …

Grit And Perceived Stressors As Predictors Of Academic Success In First And Second Year Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Abigail Thomas, Jamal Ibnelhaj

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this longitudinal study was to identify any correlations between grit scores, perceived stress levels, academic success (GPA), and demographics (age) among doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students at the University of North Dakota (UND). Grit was assessed using the 12 item Grit scale (Grit-O) from Angela Duckworth. Perceived stress was assessed using the IO item perceived stress scale (PSS).

Methods: The Grit-O and PSS scales were distributed to first year DPT students at UND by the primary investigator. 154 students consented to participate in the study, 102 first year students and 52 second year …

Traumatic Hip Dislocation In High School Athlete Case Report, Mckenzie Klocke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Traumatic hip dislocations occur when the head of the femur is forced out of the acetabulum causing disruption to the musculature, vasculature, and other tissue surrounding the hip joint. Although dislocations are not the most prevalent injury to the hip, they are a severe injury and require immediate medical attention, as well as rehabilitation post reduction. There is a lack of literature regarding physical therapy treatment of traumatic hip dislocations, especially in the adolescent population. The purpose of this case study is to describe the athletic youth population most affected by traumatic hip dislocations and to offer …

Review Of The Status Of Oncologic Physical Therapy In North Dakota: A Definitive Study, Sarah Biberstine, Arianna Larson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Physical therapy is often reported as an under-utilized resource in oncology care. When utilized, physical therapy intervention addresses multi-dimensional symptoms experienced by individuals with a cancer diagnosis. This study examines the following questions: What is the status of physical therapy in North Dakota’s oncology team? What is the working knowledge of the physical therapist on oncologic rehabilitation? Do professional programs provide adequate knowledge to evaluate and treat oncologic patients and their symptoms? The purpose of the study is to determine if the physical therapy intervention received by individuals in North Dakota with a current of previous diagnosis …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Tibia Fracture And Secondary Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus -- A Case Report, Kevin Hansen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Falls are a major health care concern for the older adult. Injmies related to falls in the geriatric population are not uncommon. Furthermore, individuals with brain disorders are going to be even more susceptible to falls. The purpose of this study was to examine the outpatient physical therapy (PT) rehabilitation of a patient who fell and sustained a right tibial fracture with a past medical history of a brain disorder.

Case Description: This case report describes the outpatient PT management of a patient who presented with a right tibia shaft fracture, post-operative right tibia intramedullary …

Emg Analysis Of Latissimus Dorsi, Middle Trapezius, And Erector Spinae Muscle Activity During Return To Neutral Phase Of Spinal Rotation, Stephen Erlandson, Nathan Hasunuma, Landon Uetz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Rotation of the spine is a common movement used to perform activities of daily living and sports performance, and contributes to a large percentage of low back injuries. Performance of spinal rotation for the rehabilitation and prevention of future back injuries should be considered, as low back pain is the second most common reason for a physician visit. Muscles that are involved in rotation of the spine have been studied, but the Latissimus Dorsi (LD) has limited research on the influence of spinal rotation. The LD muscle is one of the largest back muscles and influences many movements of …

The Collaboration Of Music Therapy And Physical Therapy: A Case Study For Rehabilitation Treatment Of A Patient With Chronic Stroke, Kaci Hemmesch, Taylor Kunz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and nearly 800,000 people suffered from a stroke last year alone. Even though two-thirds of those people had survived, many of the survivors were left with a number of activity limitations and participation restrictions. The research is extensive in the realm of physical therapy interventions and how it can help with those disabilities, but truly lacks the knowledge behind the effects of a collaboration of music therapy with physical therapy.

Case Description: This case study follows an 85-year-old woman with lasting chronic impairments from a …

The Effect Of Barefoot Running On Navicular And Pelvic Drop: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sarah Bunde, Christopher James, Kathryn West

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Gaining knowledge of the change in navicular drop of the foot and pelvic movement in response to barefoot running training may allow sports medicine professionals, coaches, athletes, and others in the healthcare field to decrease the amount of injuries that may be caused by these motions. The effects of rearfoot strike pattern (RFSP) versus a forefoot strike pattern (FFSP) in determining the impact on navicular drop and pelvic movement is lacking in literature. Due to the increased correlation of hip movement and lower extremity injuries, the purpose of this study was to determine if barefoot running with …

The Effectiveness Of A 7-Week Fall Prevention Program For Community Dwelling Older Adults, Karlee Mccloud, Kayla Sendelbach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Every year millions of adults over the age of 65 experience a fall. Falls cost healthcare and individuals financial distress, decrease self-confidence, and can cause injuries. Balance and strength deficits contribute to increasing an individual's fall risk. Studies have shown the efficiency of community-based exercise and education programs on reducing the risk of falling. The Stepping On Program utilizes a group setting to educate on falls and risks, strength and balance exercises, home safety, vision, coping after a fall, and community mobility. Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program that has been proven to reduce falls by 31 …

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Following A Thoracic To Sacroiliac Spinal Fusion: A Case Report, Ragen Wilson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case study described the 9 week outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation process of a 75 year old female following a posterior thoracic spine (T9) to sacroiliac (S 1) spinal fusion as a result of adult degenerative scoliosis and prolonged back pain (Type 1 ). The purpose of this case report was to describe the overall outpatient physical therapy management of this post-operative fusion.

Description. The patient presented to physical therapy with decreased mobility, decreased function, decreased balance, lower extremity strength deficits, pain, and loss of independence.

Intervention. Initially, treatment occurred in a therapeutic pool and then progressed …

Perceptions Of Risk For Stress Fractures: A Qualitative Study Of Female Runners With And Without Stress Fracture Histories., Therese E Johnston, Jeremy Close, Phil Jamora, Susan F Wainwright

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVES: To gain insight into perceived factors related to bone health and stress fracture (SF) prevention for female runners and to understand their experiences within the medical community.

DESIGN: Cohort qualitative study.

SETTING: University health system.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty female runners, 20 who had SF histories and 20 age-and-running-distance matched women without SF.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women participated in audiotaped qualitative semi-structured interviews. For women with a SF history, questions sought their perspectives on factors that they felt contributed to SF, experiences with the medical community, and changes made post SF. For women without a SF history, questions sought perspectives on …

Parent Perception Of Effectiveness Of Educational Materials, Rachel Conti, Youstina Gerges, Amy Gladis, Amanda Off, Lauren Paxton, Jerret Schunk, Susan Ronan

Annual SHSP Student Research and Scholarship Day

No abstract provided.

Electromyographic Analysis Of Muscle Activity Of Serratus Anterior Muscle: Pilot Study, Shelby Fruechte, Shenae Lacroix, Tyler Trumble

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this study is to record electrical activity (electromyographic or EMG) from the serratus anterior during three different commonly applied methods to determine which method produces the most EMG activity.

Methods. Eleven male subjects voluntarily participated in the experiment. All of the subjects were healthy, active college students with no prior history of shoulder or scapular injuries. EMG was tested on right serratus anterior parallel to muscle fibers. MVC was taken in 3 different testing positions to compare EMG during a push up with a plus.

Outcomes. There were significant findings following the tests and data analysis. …

Electromyographic Activity Of Hip Abductor Muscle During Jumping And Landing: Pilot Study, Chloe Coleman, Jairica Christjohn, Ryan Keller, Carly Jo Schroer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to see if there is a difference in the electromyographic (EMG) activity in the hip abductor muscles (right gluteus medius) with regard to knee valgus in free standing vertical jump and landing. Both male and female participants were analyzed.

Methods: Six subjects (2 male, 4 female) in good physical condition with no previous knee pathologies participated in the experiment. EMG activity was recorded using a Noraxon TeleMyo DTS telemetry unit with a sampling rate of 1 kHz. The EMG data for the gluteus medius muscle activity and knee valgus was recorded …

Physical Therapy And Music Therapy Collaboration For The Treatment Of Chronic Stroke: A Case Study, Jamie Ronning, Kayla Smith

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and purpose: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Following a stroke, individuals may suffer from a number of severe and lasting adverse effects. Although there is current research to support the use of physical therapy (PT) and music therapy (MT) individually during stroke rehabilitation, few studies have examined collaboration of these two disciplines. The purpose of this case study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined PT and MT interventions for strength, balance, gait, and functional activity in an adult with chronic stroke.

Case description: The client is a 51-year-old …

Holistic Lifestyle Counseling By Physical Therapists: Current Practice And Barriers To Improvement, Savannah Grogan

Honors College Theses

Context: Unhealthy lifestyle habits are a significant risk factor for chronic disease and death in the United States of America. The healthcare system is largely focused on symptom-management and disease treatment with seemingly little regard for prevention, but physical therapists are particularly well-placed to improve patients’ health through lifestyle counseling and modification. Objectives: To assess the current state of holistic health promotion among physical therapists and to identify barriers to improving these practices. Design: An electronic survey was completed by physical therapists in and around the state of Kentucky. Descriptive statistics were used to assess participant demographics and the state …

Relative Contribution Of Arms And Legs Through Repetitive Assisted Sit-To-Stand Motion In Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, Abd Aziz Musfirah

Student Works (2020-2029)

Sit-To-Stand (SitTS) exercise is one of important prerequisites to achieve some functional independence goals in everyday life especially for individuals undergoing rehabilitation In general, the execution of SitTS in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients involves motor function in both upper and lower extremities. The use of arm support in particular is a very significant element while executing SitTS movement for SCI population. In addition, application of functional electrical stimulation (FES) onto the quadriceps muscles is one of the prescribed management for incomplete SCI to improve muscle action for simple lower limb movements. However, the relative contribution of upper and lower …

Physical Therapy Nontreatment Events With Primary Physical Therapist, Stephen Johnson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Physical therapy improves prognosis reduces stay and is generally helpful in aiding recovery from a wide range of ailments. Nontreatment rates occur for multiple reasons and are also related to the personalities of physical therapists.

Methods: We used data from a research project involving physical therapy at an acute care facility in our community. Our study focused on the retrospectively determined primary physical therapist for each patient. We used the chi-squared tests to compare nontreatment rates between days of the week and disease type and the reasons for nontreatment events. Repeated-measure models were used to evaluate the effect of …

Giving Credence To The Experience Of X-Linked Hypophosphatemia In Adulthood: An Interprofessional Mixed-Methods Study, Melissa Hughes, Carolyn Macica, Catherine Meriano, Maya Doyle

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare X-linked dominant metabolic bone disease, often diagnosed in childhood but causing increasing physical debilitation and pain in adulthood. Physical comorbidities of XLH in adulthood include pervasive and early-onset degenerative arthritis, mineralizing enthesophytes and osteophytes, osteomalacia and pseudofracture, dental abscesses, and hearing loss.

Methods: This mixed-methods analysis included physical findings, diagnostic imaging, occupational and physical therapy assessments, and semi-structured interviews by social work to understand the functional outcomes and lived experience of XLH in adulthood, through connections between qualitative data obtained by social work and occupational therapy with the quantitative findings from other disciplines. …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Falls In Adults 1 Year After Total Hip Arthroplasty For Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study, Susan W. Hunter, Pavlos Bobos, Lyndsay Somerville, James Howard, Edward M Vasarhelyi, Brent Lanting

Physical Therapy Publications

Total hip arthroplasty is very successful in alleviating the pain from osteoarthritis. However, deficits in lower limb strength, gait, and balance after surgery has identified this group at risk of falls. Considering the high number of people annually receiving a total hip arthroplasty, further elaboration of factors associated with falls is needed to refine fall prevention guidelines. The objective was to examine the prevalence and circumstances of falling and the risk factors associated with falling in older adults in the first year after total hip arthroplasty surgery. This was a cross-sectional study involving 108 individuals (age of 72.4 ± 6.5 …