Physical Therapy Commons^™

Reliability Of Hand-Held Dynamometry For Measuring Force Production In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Matthew Boom, Elisabeth Preston, Renee Salmon, Louise Ada, Allyson Flynn

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have impaired force production, which is associated with decreased mobility and falls risk. Reliable measurement of force production is important. Design: A repeated-measures, intra- and inter-rater reliability study was undertaken. Participants: 24 people with mild PD were measured by one or two raters. Outcome measures: Isometric force of the major upper and lower limb muscle groups was measured using hand-held dynamometry. Results: Fourteen participants were measured by the same rater on two occasions to determine intra-rater reliability. Ten participants were measured on two occasions by two different raters to determine …

Achilles Tendon Stiffness Of Division 1 Track And Field Athletes, Erin Luken Spt, Sydney Gustaf Spt, Jessica Thum, Drew Peters Spt, Jason Polzin

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Background: No previous research provides data on Achilles tendon (AT) stiffness of Division 1 (D1) track and field (TF) athletes. Limited information is known on what variables influence tendon stiffness in athletes. AT stiffness may have an impact on injury and performance in D1 TF athletes, warranting research. The purpose of this study is to identify if there are factors that correlate with AT stiffness among D1 TF athletes.

Methods: Fifty-one D1 TF athletes voluntarily participated in a cross-sectional study of AT biomechanical measurements at the beginning of the fall season. The MyotonPro was used for measurements at the midline …

Correlation Of Various Heart Rate Measures And Borg Cr10 Ratings Within The First Five Minutes Of Moderate- And Vigorous-Intensity Exercise, Maia Janae Gabrielson Spt, Maddison Elizabeth Hajek Spt, Kiana Lynn Hoff Spt, Rachel Marie Schmitz Spt, Jamie Lynn Schweiss Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Aerobic exercise is a crucial component of an individual’s health regimen. Target heart rate (HR), using HR, percentage of maximum HR, or percentage of HR reserve offers an objective manner to gauge exercise intensity. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) using either the traditional or modified scale (Borg CR10) offer a subjective option for measuring individual exercise intensity. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the relationship of various HR measures with subjective report of exercise intensity via the Borg CR10 scale during the first five minutes of exercise geared towards moderate and vigorous intensity. Thirty-four college-aged participants completed …

The Effects Of Balance Exercises On Lower Extremity Injury Prevention: A Systematic Review, Madason Gene Leif Spt, Bailey James Neises Spt, Zach Thomas Sebern Spt, Ryan John Hanks Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Background: Previous systematic reviews have identified injury risk predictors of sport-related lower extremity (LE) injuries based on exercise programs. There are limited studies indicating the advantage of single-leg balance (SLB) training and its effectiveness in lowering injury rates. Research Question: Investigate which types of balance training were used in effective injury prevention programs. Methods: A systematic review utilizing the SPORTDiscus and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials from the last 10 years that included LE injury prevention, a balance training component and participants aged 10-30. Results: 5 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, comprising 2,926 athletes. Three …

Knowledge, Awareness, And Intercultural Communication Effectiveness Among Us And Egyptian Student Physical Therapists Following An Educational Intervention, Jordyn Ann Bernstein Spt, Alysa Nichole Gregg Spt, Jessica Deanne Schmidt Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Widespread technology has enhanced international collaboration opportunities. In healthcare professions, communication amongst different cultures is an essential skill to help professionals excel in diverse clinical settings. Physical Therapy programs in the US address the need for cultural competence with classroom activities, but direct interactions with student physical therapists (SPTs) from differing countries are rare. The goal of the study was to investigate changes in intercultural communication effectiveness among US and Egyptian SPTs following four educational sessions. Each session featured an educational video about aspects related to physical therapy in each country and was followed by small group discussions, during which …

A Cross-Sectional Cohort Of The Healthy Older Adult Population’S Ability With Left Right Judgment Task, Cody Jay Davis Spt, Aleesha Kristine Kreutzfeldt Spt, Ali A. Kuca Spt, Whitney Anne Smith Spt, Bailey Marie Volmer Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Over 100 million US adults suffer from chronic pain, many older adults. In some cases, chronic pain has been shown to alter a person’s body schema and thus their motor imagery ability. Clinically, a measurement of left/right judgment (LRJ) has been used to measure motor imagery. Evidence suggests differences can be found in individuals’ LRJ reaction times and accuracy for those with pain compared to those without. Limited study has been done in the area of LRJ in an older population. The primary objective of this study is to explore LRJ norms for older adults. The secondary aim is to …

What’S All The Racket? Comparing Physical Health Outcomes Between Pickleball And Tennis In Older Athletes, Megan Doneen Wilson Spt, Ashley Nicole Meldrum Spt, Austin Jeffrey Buchholz Spt, Andrew David Taverna Spt, Michael John Olson Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Background: Pickleball is rising in popularity, especially among older adults. Pickleball boasts psychological and physical benefits to aging athletes. Singles pickleball has been found to approximate brisk walking in metabolic equivalents (METs) at 4.1, while the METs level for singles tennis is 7.0-8.0. The physical health benefits of tennis are known to be positive while those of pickleball are still being explored. With objective differences in MET level it may be surmised that health outcomes might vary between the two sports.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use the Senior Athlete Fitness Exam (SAFE) to quantify and compare …

Impact Of Perfectionism, Social Media, And Sleep Hygiene, On Stress In Students From Health Professions Programs, Dayton Duane Braley Spt, Madisyn Ann Dingmann Spt, Brooke Elizabeth Grussing Spt, Justin Daniel Heinrichs Spt, Trystin Renae Nilson Spt

Physical Therapy Student Research Projects

Title: Impact of Perfectionism, Social Media, and Sleep Hygiene, on Stress in Students from Health Professions Programs

Purpose: Explore the impact and relationships of perfectionism, sleep, and social media on stress in health profession students.

Methods: After IRB approval, 62 health pre-professional/professional students completed this non-experimental survey via Qualtrics. The survey consisted of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), questions about social media usage, and demographic characteristics. Surveys were completed in 2021.

Results: Participant demographics included: 50 female, 12 male; Mean Age (24.16); Program of Study (23 PT, 9 OT, 13 …

Analysis Of Continuous Gait Data Requires Temporal Alignment Of Gait Phases, Elham Alijanpour, Kathryn Riis, Daniel M. Russell

College of Health Sciences Posters

A statistical method for comparing time-continuous curves, such as the kinematics of gait cycles, is statistical parametric mapping analysis (SPM) (Pataky, 2010). According to a recent study, SPM results were sensitive to how each stride's beginning was defined (Honert & Pataky, 2021). Nonetheless, for meaningful comparisons between gait cycles, temporal alignment of phases within a stride may be required (Helwig et al., 2011). With both temporally aligned and unaligned gait data, the goal was to evaluate SPM results for different walking speeds using various gait cycle definitions. Participants in this study were 10 young, healthy adults. To figure out the …

Perception Of Workload And Task Importance During Complex And Dual Task Conditions, Alicia Maul, Cody Lamont, Erin Zurbrugg, Gillian Berry, Katherine Armstrong, Lea Keenantasker, Patricia Eckart, Cindy Zablotny, Theresa Raudsepp, Ryan Jacobson

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Background

• "cognitive processes and movement need to occur concurrently as part of social engagement; voluntary movement is not wholly automatic and when movement occurs, it leads to changing cognitive demands." (McIsaac et al, 2015)

• Current practice for creating dual-task challenges in the clinic include serial subtraction and carrying a glass of water (complex walking task) however these do not always translate to a patient's individualized challenges and goals

• Research has shown that a patient's engagement and performance improves when the task they are performing is meaningful in their lives. (McIsaac et al, 2015)

• Would including items …

Effects Of A Parkinson's Disease Community Exercise Group On Self Reported Promis Measures, Desiray Anderson, Alexis Creighton, Jillian Studer, Tyler Cuddeford

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an upper motor neuron disorder that results in bradykinesia, rigidity, shuffling gait patterns, and balance impairments. Non-motor issues include depression, anosmia, GI issues, pain, and more. Approximately 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every year.

Hypothesis: Self efficacy and satisfaction roles will positively correlate with participation in the 6 week exercise program.

Effectiveness Of Internet Based Treatment Methods For Symptom Management Of Vestibular Disorders: A Systematic Review, Nina Acosta, Rowan Pepe, Samantha Pavolko, Morgan Carline, Devin Conlon

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of internet-based and blended therapy for patients with peripheral, central, or mixed vestibular dysfunction based on current research.

Methods: Medline, CINAHL Complete, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library were searched from September 2022 to January 2023 using the search terms “vestibular,” “internet,” “computer,” “management,” “online,” “self-efficacy,” “vestibular disorder,” “rehabilitation,” “treatment,” “dizziness,” and “phys* ther*.”Studies were included if they used internet-based interventions for patients with diagnosed vestibular dysfunction caused by pure vestibular pathology. Three independent reviewers performed the selection process based on title, abstract, and full-text reading. In total, 8 …

Case Study: Effects Of Virtual Reality On Motor Control With A Child Diagnosed With Spastic Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, Alyssa Madison, Princess Roblete, Maureen Rinehimer

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Background: Cerebral palsy is a neuromuscular disorder that affects a person’s motor control and balance. These individuals have difficulty co-contracting musculature resulting in decreased trunk control, hyper- or hypotonia, lack of body coordination, and sudden contractions when attempting to move. A recent technology that is beginning to be explored within the therapy world is the use of virtual reality (VR) to treat those with cerebral palsy.

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the effect of virtual reality technology with children who have cerebral palsy by focusing on motor control such as: functional reach, functional movements to promote independence, sitting balance, …

Clinical Effectiveness Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Strength, Balance, Quality Of Life And Emotional Well-Being In Those With Visual Impairments: A Protocol Study, Laura Murphy, Nicole Joers, Alyssa Buonavolonta

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

As of 2019, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide are living with some degree of visual impairment according to the World Health Organization. Generic physical therapy has been shown to benefit those with visual impairments. In a 2014 systematic review, researchers analyzed multiple studies that focused on the visually impaired population and their progress on strengthening after participating in exercise programs. They found that the generalized PT helped to improve the performance on tests of physical function in those with visual impairments. There has been minimal research on aquatic therapy and those with visual impairments, yet there have been other …

Effectiveness Of Sensory Integration On School-Age Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Maryssa Hodder, Lauren Cunfer, Saige Miller

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that poses significant effects on an individual’s ability to effectively carry out daily functions; characteristics include hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive behaviors (Dogru; Kadam). ADHD is problematic for school-aged children; children with ADHD lack the ability to integrate sensory information. The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the effectiveness of sensory integration therapy in managing ADHD symptoms in school aged children.

Methods: A search of literature was conducted during September of 2022 and January of 2023. Databases used to complete the search included EBSCO Host, Academic Search Ultimate, …

Effects Of Context Perception And Haptic Feedback On Sway, Andrew Meszaros, Tess Swake, Robin Dorociack, Catherine Enger, Gavin Boen, Alex Johnston, Braedon Miller

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

The purpose of this research is to assess whether framing the context of haptic feedback as an "error" signal or "helpful" signal can impact sway control.

Perturbation-Based Balance Training Added To A Fall Prevention Exercise Program And Its Effect On Fall Risk And Fear Of Falling In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Joseph Espero, Jeremiah Everett, Leanne Gehrke, Sage Goodman, Spencer Hall, Melody Hansen, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Rebecca Dobler, Gabe Haberly

Student-Faculty Research - College of Physical Therapy

Background:

● Falls lead to decreased independence, increased disability, and increased risk of death

● Falls occur in more than one out of four older adults each year

Research Suggests:

● 50 hours of a structured strength and balance exercise program supplemented with fall prevention education over 12 weeks decreases fall risk in community dwelling older adults

● One session of perturbations provided at the appropriate dosage can decrease fall risk by 50%, with multidirectional perturbations having the greatest benefit

Hypothesis:

● Adding one session of perturbation-based training to a structured strength and balance exercise program will reduce the risk …

Usability Evaluation Of A Self-Management Mobile Application For Individuals With A Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Marquise M Bonn, Laura J. Graham, Stephanie Marrocco, Samantha Jeske, Becky Moran, Dalton L Wolfe

Physical Therapy Publications

OBJECTIVE: Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) are common and may result in persisting symptoms. Mobile health (mHealth) applications enhance treatment access and rehabilitation. However, there is limited evidence to support mHealth applications for individuals with an mTBI. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate user experiences and perceptions of the Parkwood Pacing and Planning™ application, an mHealth application developed to help individuals manage their symptoms following an mTBI. The secondary purpose of this study was to identify strategies to improve the application. This study was conducted as part of the development process for this application.

METHODS: A mixed …

Higher Intensity Walking Improves Global Cognition During Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Secondary Analysis Of A Randomized Control Trial, Sue Peters, Keith R Lohse, Tara D Klassen, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Sean P Dukelow, Mark T Bayley, Michael D Hill, Sepideh Pooyania, Jennifer Yao, Janice J Eng

Physical Therapy Publications

Cognitive deficits are common poststroke. Cognitive rehabilitation is typically used to improve cognitive deficits. It is unknown whether higher doses of exercise to promote motor recovery influence cognitive outcomes. Our recent trial, Determining Optimal Post-Stroke Exercise (DOSE), shows more than double the steps and aerobic minutes can be achieved during inpatient rehabilitation versus usual care, and translates to improved long-term walking outcomes. Thus, the secondary analysis aim was to determine the effect of the DOSE protocol on cognitive outcomes over 1-year poststroke. The DOSE protocol progressively increased step number and aerobic minutes during inpatient stroke rehabilitation over 20 sessions. The …

Implementation Of Increased Physical Therapy Intensity For Improving Walking After Stroke: Walk 'N Watch Protocol For A Multisite Stepped-Wedge Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial, Sue Peters, Shannon B Lim, Mark T Bayley, Krista Best, Louise A Connell, Hélène Corriveau, Sarah J Donkers, Sean P Dukelow, Tara D Klassen, Marie-Hélène Milot, Brodie M Sakakibara, Lisa Sheehy, Hubert Wong, Jennifer Yao, Janice J Eng

Physical Therapy Publications

RATIONALE: Clinical practice guidelines support structured, progressive protocols for improving walking after stroke. Yet, practice is slow to change, evidenced by the little amount of walking activity in stroke rehabilitation units. Our recent study (n = 75) found that a structured, progressive protocol integrated with typical daily physical therapy improved walking and quality-of-life measures over usual care. Research therapists progressed the intensity of exercise by using heart rate and step counters worn by the participants with stroke during therapy. To have the greatest impact, our next step is to undertake an implementation trial to change practice across stroke units where …

Premotor And Posterior Parietal Cortex Activity Is Increased For Slow, As Well As Fast Walking Poststroke: An Fnirs Study, Shannon B Lim, Sue Peters, Chieh-Ling Yang, Lara A Boyd, Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Janice J Eng

Physical Therapy Publications

Background and Purpose. The ability to change gait speeds is important for interacting with the surrounding environment. Gait speed modulation poststroke is often impaired and is related to decreased walking independence after stroke. Assessment of brain activation during walking at different speeds can provide insight into important regions for facilitating gait recovery. The purpose is to determine: (1) the symmetry of brain activation as individuals increase or decrease their gait speed, (2) the activation levels in frontal to parietal brain regions during walking at different speeds, and (3) the relationship between an individual’s stroke impairment or their ability to modulate …

Factors Leading To Satisfaction Following A Total Knee Arthroplasty, Scot Bauman

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

One of the most common surgical treatment options for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which utilizes a combination of metal and plastic to resurface the damaged cartilage surfaces of the knee, leading to decreased pain and improved function for the patient. However, despite fairly good subjective scores following surgery, up to 20% of patients report being dissatisfied with their outcome. Previous research has assessed reasons for this high dissatisfaction rate including postoperative range of motion (ROM), preoperative education, and postoperative strength. Nevertheless, there continues to be a paucity in the literature regarding how preoperative function affects …

An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Physical Therapists’ Pyschological Characteristics And Feedback Methods, Dustin Cox

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Providing treatment interventions to clients with chronic pain is a complex task for any professional. Research suggests that clients with chronic pain experience declines in physical, emotional, and psychological quality of life. Client’s that have chronic pain have complex effects from dealing with this condition in their lives. Hashmi and colleagues found that clients with chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting > three months) process pain through the emotional and reward circuitry in the brain. The literature base provides evidence that clients with chronic pain who receive psychologically based interventions along with physical rehabilitation have better outcomes than individuals with chronic pain …

Variation In Organizational Factors Influencing The Implementation Of The Pediatric Annual Physical Therapy Visit, Katherine Anne M. Smith

Dissertations

Hypothesis and Research Question

The research hypothesis is “Organizational Factors influencing the implementation of the Pediatric Annual Physical Therapy Visit (PAPTV) vary by practice setting, geographic location, and experience implementing the PAPTV.” The related research question is “How do organizational factors influencing the implementation of the PAPTV vary by geographic location, practice setting, and therapists experience with the PAPTV?

Problem and Purpose of Research

While health promotion and wellness (HPW) initiatives are widely accepted as beneficial to both the patient and the healthcare system, the rollout of new initiatives is often challenging. The PAPTV has been a significant HPW initiative …

Outpatient Physical Therapists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, And Behaviors Regarding Eating Disorder Screening, Esther Thomas, Morgan Russo, Kara Martin, Kristen Karnish, Audrey Campbell

Student Research Poster Presentations 2023

Background & Purpose: Approximately 9% of Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime1 and these disorders can impact the recovery of patients receiving physical therapy services. Physical therapists (PT) should be aware if a patient has a history of, or current history of an eating disorder or nutritional deficiency as these can negatively impact a patient’s participation and optimal functioning. Minimal research has been performed related to physical therapy and eating disorders. Determining outpatient physical therapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards eating disorders and if they are screening for eating disorders is the first step in furthering research …

Comparison Of Postural Control, Balance And Fall In Copd Patients With Breathing Pattern Disorder, Irfan Ahmad

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Objective Up to 50% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience breathing pattern disorders (BPD). The diaphragmatic dysfunction associated with COPD has been associated with balance impairment, and improved diaphragmatic breathing has been preliminarily associated with improved static balance and marching in place. This study aimed to compare clinical gait and balance measures and the risk of falling between patients with COPD-induced BPD and older adult controls and correlate the severity of BPD to gait and balance measures. Methods Gait and balance of fifty-six patients with COPD and 56 older adult controls were measured using the timed up …

High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation For Upper Extremity Rehabilitation In Moderate-To-Severe Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study, Jordan N Williamson, Shirley A James, Dorothy He, Sheng Li, Evgeny V Sidorov, Yuan Yang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Previous studies found that post-stroke motor impairments are associated with damage to the lesioned corticospinal tract (CST) and hyperexcitability of the contralesional cortico-reticulospinal tract (CRST). This proof-of-concept study aims to develop a non-invasive brain stimulation protocol that facilitates the lesioned CST and inhibits the contralesional CRST to improve upper extremity rehabilitation in individuals with moderate-to-severe motor impairments post-stroke.

Methods: Fourteen individuals (minimum 3 months post ischemic stroke) consented. Physician decision of the participants baseline assessment qualified eight to continue in a randomized, double-blind cross-over pilot trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05174949) with: (1) anodal high-definition transcranial direct stimulation (HD-tDCS) over …

Moving Toward And Accessing Adult-Oriented Rehabilitation Therapy Services For Adults With Lifelong Disabilities: A Tale Of Three Studies, Catherine Gohrband

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

The aim of this dissertation was to explore how adults with a Lifelong Disability (LLD) access and experience rehabilitation therapy services across their lives. Many LLD diagnoses such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida are considered non-progressive; however, there are common challenges that occur as people with LLD become adults, including increased pain, fatigue, and functional loss. Literature addressing the needs of people with LLD to access adult-oriented medical providers has focused primarily on medical transitions, which have described the processes for pediatric patients moving to adult-oriented settings from pediatric settings. Few studies have addressed the rehabilitation therapy needs of …

Blood Flow Restrictive Training Following Medial Patellofemoral Ligament And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Rehabilitation, Richard Watson

Theses and Dissertations--Rehabilitation Sciences

Both patellofemoral dislocation and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures have a significant impact on an athlete’s ability to regain function and return to play. Surgical repair of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and ACL ligament reconstructions result in a sequala of quadriceps weakness. Persistent quadriceps weakness following reconstruction can create a cascade effect of muscular atrophy and weakness resulting in significant knee and leg impairments. An abundance of research has shown that blood flow restrictive training (BFRT) has demonstrated significant results in post-surgical rehabilitation by increasing muscular strength and improving function. What is unclear is the effect of deflating or …

A Complete Workflow For High Throughput Human Single Skeletal Muscle Fiber Proteomics, Amanda Momenzadeh, Yuming Jiang, Simion Kreimer, Laura E. Teigen, Carlos S. Zepeda, Ali Haghani, Mitra Mastali, Yang Song, Alexandre Hutton, Sarah J. Parker, Jennifer E. Van Eyk, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jesse G. Meyer

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Skeletal muscle is a major regulatory tissue of whole-body metabolism and is composed of a diverse mixture of cell (fiber) types. Aging and several diseases differentially affect the various fiber types, and therefore, investigating the changes in the proteome in a fiber-type specific manner is essential. Recent breakthroughs in isolated single muscle fiber proteomics have started to reveal heterogeneity among fibers. However, existing procedures are slow and laborious, requiring 2 h of mass spectrometry time per single muscle fiber; 50 fibers would take approximately 4 days to analyze. Thus, to capture the high variability in fibers both within and between …