Physical Therapy Commons^™

Reduced Oxidative Capacity Of Skeletal Muscle Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Adult Ageing, Ian R. Lanza, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jane A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Skeletal muscles support posture and locomotion, thermoregulation, cardiorespiratory function, metabolic health and other important aspects of life. Muscles generate chemical energy by synthesizing ATP through the creatine kinase reaction, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation (oxphos), the latter of which produces the majority of ATP in the cell. Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondrion, which is structured as a reticulum located near the ATPases responsible for powering the cross-bridge cycle, calcium pumps and membrane homeostasis (Glancy et al., 2015). Energy production in mitochondria is accomplished by coupling the oxidation of reducing equivalents (NADH, FADH₂) in the electron transport chain (ETC) …

The Interplay Between Pulse Width And Activation Depth In Tens: A Computational Study, Alexander Guillen, Dennis Q Truong, Yusuf O Cakmak, Sheng Li, Abhishek Datta

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been a commonly used modality to relieve aches and pain for over 40 years. Commercially available devices provide multiple therapy modes involving a different combination of frequency and pulse width with intensity. While frequency sets sensation, intensity helps determine tolerability, longer pulse width is reported to induce a feeling of deeper stimulation. In fact, longer pulse width has been empirically shown to deliver current into deeper tissues, but in context of other electrical stimulation modalities. The goal of this study was to unpack the relationship between pulse width and activation depth in TENS. …

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …

Evaluation Of Therapist Modeling To Decrease Latency To Exercise Initiation, Darci L. Davis, Kayla Randall

Honors College Theses

Patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other adverse health events (e.g., hip surgery) often require physical therapy (PT) to restore baseline function. However, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia may have difficulty engaging in therapy due to deficits in attention, imitation skills, and motor performance. Enhancing participation in this population is essential for achieving functional recovery and return to baseline status. This study aimed to determine whether systematic model prompting could decrease latency to compliance and increase the level of completion of therapeutic exercises in short-term rehabilitation settings. A multiple-baseline single-case design with time-lagged and staggered …

Understanding And The Perceived Value Of Contemporary Pain Neuroscience Education Among Occupational Therapy Students, Sue E. Curfman, Elicia Dunn Cruz, Diana A. Harrison, Will J. Best, Kathryn Schmidt

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Chronic pain is a leading cause of global disability, yet occupational therapy education often lacks sufficient coverage of multidisciplinary pain management approaches. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the level of understanding of contemporary pain neuroscience in occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of instructional techniques to improve their knowledge of contemporary pain neuroscience; and 3) explore their perceptions of pain neuroscience and its implications for their future roles. This pre-post test within-subject experimental design study, involving 39 OTD students, assessed the impact and perceptions of a two-hour pain education module. The revised Neurophysiology …

Building Community-Engaged Capacity To Advance Telerehabilitation Services For Patients With Chronic Disease And/Or Disability, Ka-Chun Siu, Brad Dexter, Andrew Lindemeier, Karen Hux, Dipika Aggarwal

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose:

This report was developed to capture insights from clinicians, patients, and families who have experienced or delivered telehealth services over the past four years. The rapid rise of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities, but as the initial surge subsided, its continued application in physical therapy has become less clear. This report explores what has worked well in telerehabilitation, identifies ongoing challenges, and provides actionable recommendations to bridge gaps in service delivery. By reflecting on these experiences, this work aims to inform the development of sustainable models that will advance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, …

Reducing Appointment No-Shows In An Occupational Medicine Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Diana S. Torres, Cynthia D. Linkes

Nursing Faculty Publications

Abstract

Background: Appointment no-shows in occupational medicine delay recovery, disrupt workers’ compensation processes, and undermine employer trust. A South Texas clinic reported an average 11% no-show rate over 16 months—above the ≤8% benchmark—resulting in an estimated $379,406 in lost revenue. Contributing factors included inconsistent reminder practices, unverified contact information, and language barriers within a predominantly Spanish-speaking population.

Objective/Project Aim: This project aimed to reduce no-shows to ≤8% by implementing a structured, bilingual, multimodal reminder system that improved patient adherence and operational efficiency without increasing staff workload.

Methods: Guided by the “Getting To Outcomes” 10-Step framework, interventions included …

Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Post Stroke Patients: Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jeslin Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Individuals who suffer from post-stroke effect face loss of function in mobility and quality of life. Mobility issues lead to changes in walking patterns, strength ability, daily independence, and more. Resistance training is an effective rehabilitation method used to test improve recovery by enhancing well-being, reducing spasticity, and increasing control. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of resistance exercise on post-stroke patient's recovery and return to activities of daily living. A systemic literature review using databases, key terms, and various strategies. Databases used consisted of UCF Libraries, PubMed, Google Scholar, SagePub, Medline, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. These …

Prediction Of Snatch And Clean And Jerk Performance From Physical Performance Measures In Elite Male Weightlifters, Ingo Sandau, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study aimed to build a valid model to predict maximal weightlifting competition performance using ordinary least squares linear regression (OLR) and penalized (Ridge) linear regression (penLR) in 29 elite male weightlifters. One repetition maximum (1RM) or 3RM test results of assistant exercises were used as predictors. Maximal performance data of competition and assistant exercises were collected during a macrocycle in preparation for a competition. One repetition maximum snatch pull, 3RM back squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM snatch; and 1RM clean pull, 3RM front squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were …

Understanding The Impact Of Admissions Variables On Admissions Diversity: A Single Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Review, Michael Bourassa, Allison Bourassa, Saurabh Mehta

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The U.S. physical therapy workforce lacks diversity, largely influenced by healthcare program admission procedures that affect student diversity and, in turn, the profession itself. This study aimed to characterize applicants' demographic and educational profiles applying to a single accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program and examine factors associated with admission outcomes when considering race.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from 1,409 applicants to the U.S. Doctor of Physical Therapy program from 2017 to 2022. Data from pre-admission applications encompassed demographic details, overall grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, average professional reference scores, …

Physiotherapy Experiences Of Injured Immigrant Workers In Quebec: An Intersectional Perspective, Victoria Gómez, Debbie Ehrmann Fieldman, Daniel Côté, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Amelia León, Maxi Miciak, Maud Morin, Sara Saunders, Tatiana Orozco, Anne Hudon

Études primaires

Purpose: Immigrant workers are more likely to suffer work-related injuries compared to native-bornCanadians. Their physical rehabilitation usually involves physiotherapy. This study sought to betterunderstand the experiences of injured immigrant workers receiving compensation and physiotherapytreatments.Materials and methods: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive descriptivemethodology. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 compensated immigrant workersabout the physiotherapy services they received. Transcripts were analyzed thematically and with anintersectional lens.Results: Two major themes were identified: 1) complex pathways to physiotherapy, and 2) key pillarsof physiotherapy experiences. The first theme demonstrates that a lack of familiarity with the healthand compensation systems, delayed access to …