Physical Therapy Commons^™

Feasibility And Preliminary Efficacy Of Uneven Terrain Gait Training In Lower Limb Prosthesis Users, Gabriel Bacani, Dawn Ruby, Sara Hazen, Katie Bricarell

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Lower limb prosthesis users (LLPUs) often feel less confident walking in their day-to-day lives. Even with rehabilitation, some individuals do not develop the skills and confidence needed to walk across different terrains. Walking practice on varied terrains may be a method for increasing skill and confidence. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of implementing an uneven terrain training program for LLPUs. Three LLPUs completed a series of 12 training sessions on an uneven terrain treadmill. Participants walked for up to 12 trials per session with each bout lasting up to 2 minutes. The terrain increased in …

Ethical And Legal Concepts For Pt, Clarence Chan

Open Educational Resources

This course introduces the topics of medical ethics and legal issues as applied to physical therapy practice. Students will have the opportunity to apply legal and ethical theories and concepts to analyze and discuss issues faced by healthcare practitioners. Ethical and legal standards set forth by the legal system in the United States, the Standard of Practice of New York State, and the American Physical Therapy Association core ethics documents will be explored. Students will also become familiarized with the various aspects of administrative, financial, quality improvement, and personnel management information as related to health care practice in the United …

Blue Light Therapy Improves Sleep Quality And Or Sleep Disturbances In Those With Concussions: A Critically Appraised Topic, Bradlee Wells, Audrey Meche, Aric J. Warren

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that cause problems such as headaches, dizziness, dazed or confusion, difficulty remembering or concentrating, but one of the most common complications that can occur from concussions are sleep disturbances/disorders. About 90% of those affected by TBI reported some type of sleep disturbance that include insomnia, frequent wakefulness after onset sleep, poor sleep quality, increased need for sleep, and/or daytime sleepiness that may possibly interfere with daily living activities. Previous evidence suggests that daily blue wavelength light therapy (BLT) may be effective at reducing fatigue and improving sleep in patients recovering …

Comparing Lower Extremity Kinematics Using Trazer And Inertial Motion Capture Systems, Gabriella Juoza-Clark Spt, Joellen Carter Spt, Nikki Stam Spt, Kevin Robinson Pt, Dsc, Ocs

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: This study assessed the validity of a non-immersive body motion tracking system (TRAZER) as an alternative to using Inertial Measurement Units (IMU)-based motion capture (MyoMotion) for lower extremity kinematic analysis. Methods: Twenty healthy participants (10 females, 10 males) with a mean age of 24.03 years (range: 20-33 years) and a mean BMI of 25.15 kg/m² (range: 18.45-32.23 kg/m²) performed double and single-leg squats. Data Analysis: Kinematic data from TRAZER and MyoMotion IMUs were compared using a mixed two-way ANOVA. Results: No significant differences were observed in knee flexion data across all movements (p > 0.05) and knee abduction during the …

Management Of Patients Post-Stroke: An Evidence Update, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Neurocognitive Multitask Activities On A Novel Lower Extremity Functional Performance Test, Sidney M. Stoddard, Logan Hill, Bryan L. Riemann, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: To examine the effects of incorporating (1) a neurocognitive reactive component and (2) a neurocognitive multitask component on performance degradation of a single-limb hop functional performance test.

Design: Randomized within-subject design of 32 healthy young adults.

Methods: Participants performed 3 randomly assigned variations of the single-limb T-Drill Hop Test (TDHT). The time to complete each test was recorded. The reactive TDHT (R-TDHT) consisted of the TDHT with a flashing light, indicating the "T" intersection hop direction. The neurocognitive reactive-recall TDHT (RR-TDHT) incorporated the R-TDHT and required participants to observe 5 flashing light colors. Participants then recalled the colors in …

Thriving Through Treatment: A Senior Physical Therapist’S Perspective On Mindset In Cancer Care, Christine C. Masterson

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Mindset plays a pivotal role in the cancer care continuum, influencing not only emotional well-being but also treatment adherence and physical recovery. Drawing on clinical experience as a senior physical therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this Perspective explores how a thriving, wellness-oriented mindset can enhance outcomes for individuals facing cancer. Through case examples and evidence-based discussion, the article highlights how personal resilience, social support, and compassionate care foster post-traumatic growth, reduce complications, and improve engagement in rehabilitation. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to lead this mindset shift, blending technical skill with emotional insight to empower patients. Cultivating a …

The Role Of Psilocybin In End-Of-Life Care: Evidence, Mechanisms, And Guidelines, Mackenzie E. Unsworth, Mary Lou Galantino, Robert Sandoval

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

This article aims to provide a brief overview of the evidence and mechanisms for psilocybin use in EOL care. Additionally, this article will provide guidelines for clinicians to assess patient use and integrate psilocybin into their clinical practice with respect to its current legal status.

Tissue Quality In Early Stages Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Pilot Study, Tyler Almquist, Gabrielle Schroeder, Ian Villegas, David A. Doubblestein

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition associated with breast cancer treatments. Tissue quality assessment, commonly performed using the pitting edema test, can also be quantified with digital tissue tonometry. However, the role of tonometry in early-stage BCRL — classified as Stages 0 and I by the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) — remains unclear.

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to assess the utility of tonometry in early-stage BCRL by evaluating tissue resistance (N), volume (ml), and circumference (cm) in healthy individuals and those with ISL Stage 0 and I lymphedema.

Methods: A convenience sample of females …

Finding A Certified Lymphedema Therapist: Access To Lymphedema Treatment In Minnesota, Emma M. Tsai, Linda Koehler

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Introduction

Lymphedema is a progressive disease that leads to chronic swelling. Lymphedema treatment includes complete decongestive therapy (CDT) provided by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). Locating CLTs can be difficult for patients and providers. Our aims were to 1) describe a method for assessing accessibility of lymphedema treatment in a specific region, and 2) apply this method to a specific region (Minnesota) to describe the lymphedema care in that region.

Methods

This cross-sectional study searched therapist directories on websites related to lymphedema and lymphatic diseases (e.g. lymphedema training programs, professional associations) to assess the current distribution of CLTs in Minnesota. …

Dynamic Overhead Body-Weight Support Improves Walking Performance Following Icu Admission For Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Study, Hillary M. Jacobson, Carolyn Miller, Renee Mckenzie, Bryan Wittmeyer, Andrew Ray

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a commonly treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT), leading to severe weakness and impaired function. Dynamic body weight support systems (DBWS) are a promising rehabilitation tool for enhancing early mobilization in deconditioned patients.

Purpose: Evaluate the integration of DBWS into the rehabilitation plan of a patient recovering from a prolonged ICU stay post-allo HSCT, focusing on mobility and functional recovery.

Case Description: A 55-year-old male, two years post-allo HSCT for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, was hospitalized for 14 weeks due to respiratory distress from pneumonia and lung GVHD, resulting in severe deconditioning. DBWS was introduced …

Artificial Intelligence And The Future Of Oncology Rehabilitation, Christopher M. Wilson

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

While the promise of AI in oncology rehabilitation is remarkable, successful adoption requires balance between enthusiasm and realism. These technologies must be thoughtfully integrated into existing workflows with safeguards for data privacy, accuracy, and clinician oversight. The goal is not to replace clinical judgment or the human connection at the heart of rehabilitation, but to amplify and augment them—restoring time, focus, and compassion to the clinical encounter. With deliberate implementation and continuous evaluation, AI can become a trusted partner in advancing the quality, accessibility, and humanity of oncology rehabilitation practice.

Editorial Board Message, Bryan A. Spinelli

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

With the release of this issue, we would like to announce that Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice have adopted a new publication schedule. Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice will continue to publish 2 issues each calendar year with issues now being released in May and November. The rationale for this change was that our previous publication schedule coincided with the release of the October and April issues of Rehabilitation Oncology, an official publication of APTA Oncology that is a peer-reviewed, indexed resource for advancing oncologic physical therapy practice and cancer rehabilitation. We hope this change will limit the challenges that clinicians …

Cover And Front Matter, Volume 2, Issue 2

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Practice On The Control Of Reach Extent, Faith N. Schroers, Troy M. Herter, Dylan Bruemmer, Takeo Ichiyanagi, Austin Herherington, Michael O'Dpnnell, Janelle Ozorowski, Chad Simmons, Jill Campbell Stewart Pt, Phd

Faculty Publications

The control of reaches to targets that vary in distance involves a combination of anticipatory planning and feedback-based adjustments. However, it is not known if their contributions to the control of reach extent change with repetitive practice. This study investigated the effect of three days of practice on the control of reach extent. Right-hand dominant participants reached with either the non-dominant left arm or dominant right arm to six targets presented in two directions and three distances in a virtual environment. The effect of practice on planning and feedback-based adjustments to control reach extent was examined by determining how well …

From Classroom To Clinic: Innovative Strategies To Develop And Assess Clinical Readiness And Student Success, Megan Frazee, Nicole M. Sleddens, Tessa M. Wells

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Clinical education readiness is a foundational expectation in physical therapist education and a core requirement of CAPTE accreditation. In response to national concerns regarding variability in student preparedness, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy published a set of core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that students should demonstrate prior to beginning full-time clinical experiences. Many of these KSAs emphasize competencies within the affective domain, such as adherence to professional standards and effective communication. Clinical reasoning is also highlighted as a key component essential for clinical readiness. However, these competencies are often underemphasized and difficult to assess prior to clinical …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Clinical Management Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome As A Curriculum Thread To Meet Accreditation Standards In Physical Therapy Education, Sallie W. Rediske, Heidi Shearin, Todd E. Davenport, Melinda W. Maxwell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: ME/CFS is a debilitating, complex, chronic illness that is estimated to affect up to nine million Americans. It requires a paradigm shift in treatment approach to one of energy conservation due to metabolic effects resulting in exercise and activity intolerance. Including clinical management of ME/CFS as a curriculum thread in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is vital for safe and effective care of people with ME/CFS and can help meet accreditation standards. Methods: ME/CFS significantly impacts quality of life. It has been recognized by the World Health Organization since 1969 as a biomedical neurological disorder. Prior to …

Unraveling The Impact Of Spider Cage Therapy On Static And Dynamic Standing Balance In Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Varsha Anbu, Senthil Kumar Natarajan, Jagatheesan Alagesan, Akshaya Venkat, Rekha Chitrada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The intent of this study was to ascertain the efficacy of spider cage therapy for static and dynamic standing balance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Cerebral palsy described as a group of disorders with uneven posture and movement were spastic diplegia is the most prevalent type. Method: This study was a randomized controlled trial that used random sampling and blinded evaluators. Children with diplegic CP aged between 5 and 10 years, with GMFCS levels II-IV, were assigned to spider cage therapy group and conventional …

Patient- And Proxy-Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Pulmonary Hypertension: Study Protocol For A Cosmin-Based Systematic Review, Meredith T. Yeung, Melissa Y. Chan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive disease that significantly affects patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Despite advances in medical therapies, managing PH remains challenging, and the need for practical, patient-centred tools to evaluate therapeutic outcomes is critical. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and proxy-reported outcome measures (proxy ROM) are pivotal in assessing the therapeutic impacts of interventions, including symptom relief, treatment efficacy, and quality of life. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of these tools in PH, hindering their optimal use in both clinical practice and research. This protocol outlines …

Evaluating The Impact Of Sit-On-Top Pelvic Stimulator And Pelvic Exerciser On Pelvic Floor Function And Quality Of Life Among Postpartum Women, Veenakirthika S, Kayathri M, Senthilnathan C.V, Selvaraj Sudhakar, Mohankumar G, Ramachandran S, Senthil Kumar Natarajan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), affecting up to 50% of postpartum women, can lead to conditions like pelvic pain, incontinence, bowel issues, and even prolapse. Standard treatments for PFD include surgical options, medications, and physical therapy. However, non-invasive alternatives, such as sit-on-top pelvic stimulators and pelvic exercisers like Kegel devices, are showing evidence based results for their ability to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve quality of life. This research evaluates the impact of these devices on pelvic floor function and overall well-being in postpartum women. Method: The study was conducted as an experimental trial with 30 postpartum women aged …

Preparedness And Engagement Of Rehabilitation Professionals In Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Ots, Pts, And Slps In Florida, Rebecca I. Estes, Shari Rone-Adams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health professionals, specifically, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are under-recognized and underutilized in disaster management. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, prevalence of engagement, interest level, roles, perceptions, and training of rehabilitation professionals in the disaster management cycle. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to OTs, PTs, and SLPs, licensed in Florida, a convenience sample. Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: Respondents believe that licensed clinicians have a role in disaster management. Respondents had little familiarity, …

Printing The Future: A Collaborative Approach To Integrating 3d Printing In Physical Therapy Education, Amanda L. Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Andreina Lander, Amber Sivalls, Abigail Tong, Tyler Turner, Lauren Butler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Integrating 3D printing into healthcare education presents an opportunity to enhance learning, foster innovation, and address challenges in patient care. This study explores a collaborative approach to incorporating 3D printing into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program through interdisciplinary partnerships with biomedical engineering, architecture, and immersive studio technologies. The study's primary aim was to provide DPT students with hands-on experience in designing and creating 3D printed adaptive devices for individuals with unique healthcare needs while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance innovation and problem-solving. The initiative was structured around a series of pilot projects embedded in the DPT curriculum, focusing …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …

The Feasibility Of Virtual Reality To Provide Visual Feedback To Correct Lower Extremity Biomechanics: A Descriptive Retrospective Case Series, Margaret R. Klausing, Kylie Scott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) to enhance visual biofeedback for patients with lower quarter pain, aiming to improve awareness of faulty movement patterns. Methods: Six patients aged 19-66 (3 males, 3 females), with lower quarter pain involving the ankles, knees, or hips completed one session in an outpatient orthopedic setting using CAREN. The motion capture system projected an avatar onto a 180-degree screen, providing visual biofeedback from sagittal and frontal planes. Joint angles, Knee dominant squat (KDS), and Dynamic Q-Angle (DQA) were compared pre- and post-biofeedback during gait and squats. KDS …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

Cv: Arvie Vitente (Physical Therapy), Arvie Vitente

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education To Prepare Physical Therapy Students For The Workforce, Marianne Hanover, Heather Pederson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) aims to enhance patient care by improving outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE), a teaching approach for IPC, is now mandated in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Although faculty perceptions of IPE in other healthcare fields are documented, studies exploring faculty attitudes in entry-level DPT programs remain limited. In this qualitative study, we investigated how DPT faculty perceive IPE as a means to prepare students for clinical practice. Using Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a guide, we collected data during interviews with PT faculty in DPT programs. Study findings suggest that the advancement of IPE in …

Pain Neuroscience Education In A Telehealth Format: A Case Report, Jason E. Grandeo, Lee Ann Eagler

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Abstract:

Background and Purpose: Describe if pain neuroscience education via telehealth is beneficial for an older adult with persistent pain.

Case Description: A 76 year old female presented with persistent pain in the low back and neck. Pain neuroscience education was delivered via telehealth through book club format and with flash cards.

Outcomes

NPRS improved over the 7 sessions. ROM measures did not show improvement. Fear avoidance belief scores showed significant improvement. The patient reported: “The more understanding about the science behind pain, the more tolerable the pain becomes.”

Discussion:

PNE in a telehealth format is a viable option for …

A Golfer's Guidebook For Prevention And Intervention For Golf Injuries, Brianna A. Martinez, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a guidebook for golfers who can be at increased risk for medial epicondylitis focused on prevention and intervention strategies to support productivity, leisure participation, and self-care.