Physical Therapy Commons^™

The Use Of Tens To Help Manage Post-Mastectomy Pain, Alyssa B. Carey, Amanda Giarratano, Verena Gorgi, Lauren Vera

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been demonstrated to be an effective non-pharmacological adjunct for postoperative pain management in thoracic surgeries. However, few studies have examined its benefits in managing post-mastectomy pain. This study found that TENS provided positive effects on postoperative pain control, which were associated with improved physical and psychological outcomes. Overall, TENS appears to be a safe and effective modality for managing acute postmastectomy pain.

Whole-Body Vibration As An Adjunctive Modality For Radiation-Induced Fibrosis In Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: A Physical Therapist’S Perspective, Carla Steinberg

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Occupational Therapy Interventions For Pediatric Patients With Cancer And Avascular Necrosis: A Case Report, Lucy Weathers, Sandra Murphy, Michael Neel, Raul Riberio

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Background: Avascular necrosis (AVN) is a rare disease that can be caused by cancer treatment. AVN can affect multiple joints, which can disrupt one’s ability to perform daily activities. Rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy, are used to improve a patient’s quality of life through skilled conservative interventions that improve daily task engagement. Occupational therapists are trained to address functional deficits experienced by pediatric patients with cancer and may play a key role in treating patients who have AVN. This case report describes the role of OT in addressing self-care for a patient experiencing early multifocal AVN. …

Individualized Aerobic Exercise Prescription As Part Of A Comprehensive Physical Therapy Treatment During Systemic Chemotherapy: A Case Report, Veronica Griesemer

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is commonly seen in cancer survivors. Multiple treatment modalities for breast cancer can cause cardiotoxicity during or even decades after treatment. Aerobic exercise has been well documented to treat non-cancer-related CVD; however, research regarding optimal dosing within the cancer population is needed. This case report discusses the examination, evaluation, and treatment of a patient with breast cancer receiving potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapy.

Case Description: This patient presented with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, elevated heart rate, and shortness of breath when climbing the stairs after completing systemic chemotherapies doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. She was preparing to start paclitaxel treatments and …

The Relationship Between Fatigue And Quality Of Life For Patients Participating In A Cancer Survivor Program, Madge Suzanne Tinsley, Marie Vazquez Morgan, Elizabeth Disbrow, Carol Crooms

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Introduction: The purpose of this chart review was to examine differences in fatigue and quality of life following cancer treatment based on gender, race, age, cancer type, and referral for rehabilitation services.

Methods: Ninety-one patient charts were reviewed for demographic variables, cancer type, rehabilitation referral, and baseline scores on the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and Reintegration to Normal Life Index (RNLI). Group differences were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, and correlations between fatigue and quality of life were assessed using Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05).

Results: Participants included 65 females (71%) and 26 males (29%), with 73% identifying as Black, 26% …

Impact Of Lymphedema Treatment Act Implementation On Lymphedema Therapists’ Compression Garment Practices, Sarah Stolker, Karla T. Washington, Kimberly Karr, Andrew Amari, Kyle A. Pitzer

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Purpose: Lymphedema management requires routine use of compression garments to stabilize limb volume and diminish infection risk. The 2024 Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA) established Medicare coverage for these essential medical supplies. However, this legislation introduced structural challenges to clinical workflows for lymphedema therapists, who traditionally perform measuring, ordering, and fitting. This study evaluated contemporary practices in compression garment fitting, procurement, compensation patterns, and policy-driven impacts on therapist workload and stress.

Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory survey of US lymphedema therapists evaluated the impact of the LTA on clinical workflows. The survey assessed weekly time spent on garment-related tasks, workflow changes since …

Demonstrating Competence In Oncology Rehabilitation: Credentials, Clinical Preparation, And Professional Trust, Christopher M. Wilson

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Every rehabilitation professional will inevitably provide care for people living with and beyond cancer across acute care, outpatient settings, inpatient settings, and home care and within the community. Yet, many clinicians report feeling underprepared or unqualified to address the complex effects of cancer and its treatments. Continuing education, mentorship, and clinical experience remain important routes to professional development, but advanced credentials can offer a structured pathway for developing knowledge and skills and an external recognition of this preparation. This perspective discusses the potential value of specialization or board certification for rehabilitation professionals and other pathways for skill and knowledge attainment …

Editor's Message: About This Issue, Bryan A. Spinelli

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

In this issue, we are pleased to publish the President’s Message, two research reports, two case studies, a research round-up, and a clinical perspective. In the President’s Message, Dr. Wilson discusses the role that advanced credentials and mentorship can play in enhancing professional development and fostering interprofessional trust.

Cover And Front Matter, Volume 3, Issue 3

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Reliability And Validity Of Upper Extremity Neurocognitive Reactive Tests In Collegiate Athletes, Matthew L. Gauthier, Marisa Pontillo, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objectives: Neurocognitive function is vital in sports, but evidence supporting neurocognitive reaction testing in upper extremity return-to-sport testing is limited. This study's purpose was to quantify measurement properties of upper extremity reactive testing in collegiate athletes, hypothesizing acceptable measurement properties for clinical use.

Design: Cross-Sectional Study.

Setting: Collegiate athletics.

Participants: Sixty-three healthy athletes (25 females, age = 20.8 ± 1.6 years, BMI = 25.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2; 38 males, age = 20.8 ± 1.6, BMI = 25.7 ± 2.6 kg/m2).

Main outcome measure(s): Successful touches and average reaction time on the Upper Extremity Reactive Closed Kinetic Chain Test (UERCKCT) and …

Sedation Minimization And Early Mobility To Prevent Intensive Care Unit Delirium, Alana M. Kugelard

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize current evidence on sedation minimization, early mobility, and multicomponent care bundles for the prevention of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium in critically ill adults. ICU delirium is a common and serious complication associated with increased mortality, prolonged mechanical ventilation, extended ICU and hospital length of stay, and long-term cognitive impairment, making it a significant safety and quality-of-care concern. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and the Cochrane Library, with search terms including “ICU delirium,” “sedation minimization,” “light sedation,” “early mobilization,” and “ABCDEF bundle.” Filters included adult populations, peer-reviewed studies, randomized controlled …

Improving Fall Risk Assessment In Inpatient Rehabilitation, Sarah B. Flick, Aaliyah Garcia, Trista Hamblin

Scholars Week

This evidence-based practice project examines how fall-risk assessment can be improved for patients in inpatient rehabilitation by incorporating rehabilitation-specific functional factors into the existing assessment process. A review of four research studies identified toileting, transfers, ambulation, cognition, previous falls, and functional limitations as important considerations for fall-risk identification. The project proposes a structured functional review to supplement current assessment tools, with a phased implementation plan using staff education, a pilot program, and ongoing evaluation to support patient safety and individualized fall-prevention interventions.

From Zoom To The Room: A Practical Model For Holographic Instructor Presence In Multi-Campus Dpt Education, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Brad Dexter

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Role Of Perceived Control Over Falls In Older Adults, Kanjanaporn Tantrongphak, Kanthee Anantapong, Duangporn Suriyaamarit

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Falls among older adults constitute a significant public health challenge, often leading to severe physical injuries, reduced independence, and a diminished quality of life. Perceived control, a critical psychological construct, plays a significant role in sustaining physical health, cognitive function, and overall life satisfaction and is strongly associated with positive health outcomes. This review aims to examine the role of perceived control in fall risk among older adults. Concern about falling (CaF) is a prevalent psychological factor that influences fall risk by impacting behaviors linked to physical activity, balance, and adaptive responses. Perceived control theory provides a framework for understanding …

Editors' Note: From Scientific Discourse To Clinical Competence: Preserving Human Accountability In The Age Of Generative Ai, Arvie Vitente, Rolando Lazaro

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

From Anatomy To Safe Action: The A2d And Scope-D Frameworks For Teaching Clinical Reasoning And Referral Communication In Physical Therapist Education, Arvie Vitente, Pamela Taylor, Christopher Dela Rosa, Art Lubinski

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction. Physical therapist learners may accurately recall anatomy yet struggle to translate it into testable hypotheses, recognize discordant findings, select proportionate actions, and communicate uncertainty within scope. Existing frameworks address clinical reasoning or structured communication, but limited guidance connects anatomy-based hypothesis testing directly to patient-centered referral communication when findings do not fit. This theory piece pairs Anatomy-to-Decision (A2D) with SCOPE-D to address that curricular gap.

Methods. Integrative conceptual design drew on literature concerning physical therapist clinical reasoning, illness scripts, cognitive load, dual-process reasoning, hypothesis-oriented patient management, safety screening, and communication of diagnostic uncertainty. These foundations were translated into features intended …

Interrater Reliability Of Software Optimized Movement Assessment With Traditional Methods And Video-Based Functional Movement Screen Scoring And Compensatory Movement Identification, Joshua Paul Verdillo, Nj Ermina, Tanya Mariel Capilla, Russel James Balane, Evriel Prince Apura, Daryl Reymon Apla-On, Ressyl Love Salvador

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a seven-part movement assessment used to identify injury risks caused by faulty biomechanics. There are three barriers in traditional FMS assessments that could affect the tool’s validity: the subjectivity of human scores that could cause bias, the need for in-person evaluations which limit access for remote patients, and the requirement of specialized training to use the tool, which makes it less accessible. This study investigates the effectiveness of SOMA, an AI-based web application that uses the MediaPipe framework to automatically assess (FMS) performances.

Methods: This study employs a quantitative, cross-sectional, comparative design to …

Resources For The Caregiver And Older Adult, Riley Kiernan

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Resources

This resource guide is intended to support older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals in accessing local community resources throughout York and Cumberland County, Maine. It provides information on medical equipment loan closets, home health care agencies, aging-in-place resources, disease-specific education, and resources specific for caregiver support. By bringing these resources together in one location, the guide can help reduce barriers to accessing necessary services, promote safety and independence in the home, and provide caregivers with support in navigating new responsibilities. This information may also be useful to other healthcare professionals when educating patients and families, facilitating community referrals, and supporting …

Average Performance And Performance Variability On A Brief Functional Fine Motor Test Reflect Distinct Behavioral Constructs In Aging, Chung-Fu Sun, Kyle B. Tomlin, Jennapher Lingo Vangilder, Andrew Hooyman, Alexandra M. Reed, Jessica L. Trevino, Sydney Y. Schaefer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Prior work in older adults has developed a brief functional fine motor test, which involves repeated timed trials of an upper-limb task. Performance has been associated with global and domain-specific neuropsychological tests as well as putative markers of Alzheimer’s disease when scored using variability in trial time; however, the extent to which task performance depends on motor ability has not been established nor quantified. This retrospective study examined whether mean trial time and trial time variability (measured as intrasubject standard deviation in trial time) were differentially associated with standard assessments of motor and cognitive function. Forty-eight older adults with no …

Joy To The Rehabilitation World: A Call To Incorporate Enjoyment Into Clinical Practice, Cristina Colón-Semenza, Raymond Jones, Winston Kennedy

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Although multiple academic disciplines recognize the motivational power of joy, rehabilitation professionals have, historically, underemphasized this construct in clinical practice. In addition, many clinicians report persistent challenges in motivating patients to adhere to prescribed exercise regimens. In response, there is growing advocacy for integrating affective-based interventions into practice. This overview aims to 1) raise awareness among rehabilitation professionals about the role of joy in physical rehabilitation, 2) illustrate how joy influences physical activity engagement and recovery outcomes, 3) outline evidence-based strategies for enhancing joy in clinical settings, and 4) introduce validated measures of joy suitable for use in practice. By …

Identification Of Current Ai Usage In The Fields Of Exercise-Related Professions And The Requirement Of Ai Experience As A Hiring Criterion: A Preliminary Study, Michelle Stehman, Matthew Hankinson

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing within exercise-related professions, raising the question of whether college curricula for these professions should include AI education. This study aimed to evaluate current AI usage and to discover the priority of AI skills for hiring managers among exercise-related professionals. Section one of the questionnaire included questions about current use of AI within exercise-related professions (N = 65), and section two was specific to hiring managers and their position on AI skills as a hiring requirement (n = 32 completed this section). The main outcome of this study was that 32% of exercise-related professionals …

Parkinson’S Report Cards For Rural Communities: Bridging Access To Care For Behavior Change And Fall Risk Reduction, Jamie Haines, Emily Schubbe, Brooke Alexander, Lachane Ballard, Chin-I Cheng

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: People with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) in rural communities face delayed diagnosis and limited access to specialized care, and lower self-efficacy for disease management. A physical therapist designed the Parkinson’s Report Card Program (PRCP) to provide improved access to symptom monitoring, feedback, education, and follow-up support every six months for one year, aiming to enhance disease management when access to specialized care is challenging. This study evaluated the impact of the Report Card Program on non-motor symptoms, physical function, care-seeking behaviors, and self-efficacy in three rural communities in Michigan. Methods: Twenty-eight participants completed assessments at baseline, 6 months, and 1 …

The Investigation Of Ground Reaction Forces To Validate Progression Of Plyometric Exercise: A Pilot Study, Bradley Bechard, Brett Walker, Peter Leno

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. Current approaches lack research toward rehabilitation of the lower extremity following injury regarding progression and the effects of ground reaction forces (GRFs) along the kinematic chain. A typical physical therapy protocol demonstrated the patients initially performing non-weight bearing, or open chain exercises followed by walking and running activities. This initial pilot study entertained the need for a more “seamless” progression of exercises to bridge the gap of GRFs when rehabilitating a weight bearing joint from walking-to-running in healthy individuals. Methods. 10 plyometric exercises were chosen for the study following careful review of evidence-based literature and researched protocols for strength …

The Impact Of A Board Preparatory Platform On First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates, Shuying Lin, Melanie Lauderdale, Alyssa Bradford, Michael Brown, Kimberly Holt, Madelaine Palen, April Coward, Evan Warnick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, …

Balancing The Clinic And The Classroom: Perspectives Of Health Sciences Faculty On Clinical Practice Engagement, Derek B. Charles

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of faculty within a College of Health Sciences at a public university who engage in clinical practice. Specifically, it examined the perceived benefits, barriers, and institutional factors that influence faculty participation in clinical care alongside their academic responsibilities. Methods: An online survey was distributed via Qualtrics to full- and part-time faculty members across multiple departments in the College of Health Sciences. Data included Likert-scale responses evaluating perceptions of clinical engagement, as well as open-ended questions eliciting qualitative feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data. Participants’ comments …

Knowledge Of Alzheimer’S Disease-Related Dementia In Down Syndrome: A Cross-Section Survey Of Rehabilitation Graduate Students, Alan F. Smith, Abigail R. Donaway

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease–related dementia, often presenting with behavioral and functional changes rather than early memory impairment. Rehabilitation professionals may observe these changes across the lifespan; however, preparedness during professional training is unclear. This study examined graduate student knowledge of dementia in individuals with Down syndrome across rehabilitation disciplines. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to graduate students in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy programs in the United States (N = 322). Outcomes included factual knowledge, recognition of stage-related characteristics, and familiarity with diagnostic and care considerations. …

Females With Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability, Jean L. Mccrory, Corrie Mancinelli, Kate Harrison, Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, Krystal L. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and …

Predictors Of Clinical Performance On The Revised Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0, Derrick F. Campbell, Nancy G. Hellman, Felicity Macahilig-Rice, Sean E. Witkin, Mansoor Alameri

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the 12 performance criteria from the revised American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument 3.0 (PT CPI 3.0) on predicting Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student clinical performance outcomes during clinical education experiences. The PT CPI 3.0 was revised in 2023 to measure DPT student clinical performance. Identifying predictors for clinical performance may help flag students who struggle to meet or fall below performance expectations.

Method: A convenience sample of 693 DPT students from a large U.S. multi-campus program during Fall 2023 clinical education experiences participated. Using an …

Beyond Walking: Exploring Functional Use Of Exoskeletons In The Home Environment, Sue D. Dahl-Popolizio, Adam M. Story, Thomas Hartman, Lacee Andrews, Jennifer Radziak, Angela Zhu, Joelly Lobato De Faria Otd, Ms, Otr/L

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This pilot study was completed to determine whether individuals with paraplegia can perform activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in their homes using a personal exoskeleton. The physiological effects of using an exoskeleton for these tasks were investigated as well. Methods: In this mixed-methods observational study, participants with paraplegia were observed using an exoskeleton to complete ADLs and IADLs in their homes. Performance and satisfaction with performance were measured before and after home exoskeleton use with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The level of importance of completing ADLs and IADLs to the …

Beyond Tuition: Understanding The Financial Impact Of Full-Time Clinical Education On Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students, Michelle L. Donahue

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The physical therapy literature has explored the cost and affordability of a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education; however, academic and clinical educators may lack a nuanced understanding of the costs students incur to complete their full-time Clinical Education (CE) experiences. This study explored expenses beyond course credits during a full-time CE experience. As this was the first exploratory study on this topic, the aim was to gather information from a diverse sample of participants about the costs associated with a CE experience and the perceived financial burden. Method: A survey was developed and administered to collect quantitative and …