Physical Therapy Commons^™

Reduced Lower Extremity Strength, Altered Muscle Activation, And Unchanged Kinetics During Single-Leg Squatting In Males With Patellofemoral Pain Versus Pain-Free Males: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Lisa T. Hoglund, Amy H. Amabile, Thomas Alexander Hulcher, Victoria K. Polansky, Erin L. Dopke

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral pain is frequently a cause of reduced quality of life in physically active males. The cause of patellofemoral pain is theorized to include aberrant biomechanics during weight-bearing activities. Altered biomechanics of females with patellofemoral pain have been reported, but there is a dearth of research for males with this condition. This study aimed to compare males with and without patellofemoral pain for hip and knee joint moments and muscle activation during single-leg-squatting and proximal muscle strength.

METHODS: Twenty males with patellofemoral pain and 20 pain-free males aged 20-39 years performed single-leg-squatting while motion, ground reaction force, and proximal …

Acute Intermittent Hypoxia And Acute Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia Elicit Cortico-Diaphragmatic Plasticity In People With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury, Alysha Bogard, Michela Mir, Tommy Sutor, Jessica Dunn, Kathryn Cavka, Arian Vistamehr, Hannah Snyder, Joseph Welch, Jayakrishnan Nair, Gina Brunetti, Gordon Mitchell, Emily Fox

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Respiratory impairment is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting the need for interventions that improve breathing function. In people with SCI, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) elicits respiratory motor plasticity and improves inspiratory function. However, in uninjured people facilitation of corticospinal diaphragm motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude occurs only when AIH is combined with mild hypercapnia (acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia; AIHH). It remains unclear whether AIHH similarly enhances diaphragm corticospinal excitability after SCI. We tested the hypothesis that AIHH increases diaphragm MEP amplitude and reduces MEP onset latency in individuals with chronic SCI, whereas …

Respiratory Muscle Training Reduces Painful Swallowing And Opioid Use During Radiation Therapy For Head And Neck Cancer: A Matched Pair Analysis, Andrew D. Ray, Chi-Chen Hong, Nicolas F. Schlecht, Han Yu, Kristopher Attwood, Kent L. Nastiuk, Bryan A. Spinelli, Ann Marie Flores, Hillary Jacobson, Julia Fulfaro, M. Jeffrey Mador, Austin J. Iovoli, Mark K. Farrugia, Anurag K. Singh

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiation therapy (RT) are at increased risk for symptoms of oral mucositis (OM), opioid use, and declines in physical function, outcomes that contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to determine the effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) on OM and opioid use, as well as functional performance in patients with HNC receiving RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT).

METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 18 years of age with stage I to IV HNC being treated with RT or CCRT receiving a home-based respiratory muscle training (RMT) (n …

At-Home Stroke Neurorehabilitation: Early Findings With The Neuroexo Bci System, Juan José González-España, Lianne Sánchez-Rodríguez, Maxine Annel Pacheco-Ramírez, Jeff Feng, Kathryn Nedley, Shuo-Hsiu Chang, Gerard E Francisco, Jose L Contreras-Vidal

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Democratized access to safe and effective robotic neurorehabilitation for stroke survivors requires innovative, affordable solutions that can be used not only in clinics but also at home. This requires the high usability of the devices involved to minimize costs associated with support from physical therapists or technicians.

Methods: This paper describes the early findings of the NeuroExo brain-machine interface (BMI) with an upper-limb robotic exoskeleton for stroke neurorehabilitation. This early feasibility study consisted of a six-week protocol, with an initial training and BMI calibration phase at the clinic followed by 60 sessions of neuromotor therapy at the homes of …

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Of Daxibotulinumtoxina For Injection For The Treatment Of Upper Limb Spasticity In Adults After Stroke Or Traumatic Brain Injury, Atul T Patel, Michael C Munin, Ziyad Ayyoub, Gerard E Francisco, Rashid Kazerooni, Todd M Gross

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A is a first-line pharmacotherapy for adults with upper limb spasticity (ULS). However, reemergence of symptoms within 12 weeks of treatment is common and longer-lasting treatments are needed.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three doses of DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection (DAXI) for treatment of ULS in adults with stroke or traumatic brain injury.

Intervention: Intramuscular injections of placebo (N = 24), DAXI 250 U (N = 22), DAXI 375 U (N = 19), or DAXI 500 U (N = 18) to the suprahypertonic muscle (SMG) and other muscle groups.

Design: Randomized, …

Development Of A Personalized Conversational Health Agent To Enhance Physical Activity For Blind And Low-Vision Individuals, Soyoung Choi, Jooyoung Seo, Ashwath Krishnan, Sanchita Kamath, Justin Haegele

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Background: With the advancements in mobile health (mHealth) technologies, sighted individuals can benefit from mobile apps and wearable devices to more easily manage their physical activity (PA) and wellness data through intuitive touch gestures and effective data visualizations. However, for blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals, these conventional interaction methods are often challenging, not only limiting their ability to use these technologies but also potentially diminishing their motivation to adopt them to support health-promoting behaviors. We aimed to develop a health monitoring application called Personalized and Conversational Health Agent (PCHA) that supports BLV individuals with self-monitoring and management of their PA …

Clinician Perspectives On Virtual Reality Use In Physical Therapy Practice In The United States, Danielle T. Felsberg, Jared T. Mcguirt, Scott E. Ross, Louisa D. Raisbeck, Charlend K. Howard, Christopher K. Rhea

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

The primary goal of physical rehabilitation is to assess movement impairments and restore function to improve overall quality of life. Virtual reality (VR) may provide the optimal environment to promote these goals due to its motivating and modifiable nature which can be difficult to accomplish through traditional real-world therapeutic methods. Current research of VR for rehabilitation has demonstrated that VR interventions can produce clinically meaningful change in motor outcomes. Despite this, adoption and usage of VR by physical therapy professionals is unclear due to the limited research in this area. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Progressive Mobility Protocol Among Adult Icu Patients, Clayton Chroust

DNP Projects

Background: Many intensive care unit (ICU) patients are critically ill and require ventilator support, and they often do not receive any progressive mobility interventions until after they are liberated from the ventilator or receive transfer orders out of the ICU. Current literature suggests that patients in the ICU face deconditioning, increased ventilator days, development of deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolism, muscular atrophy, and increased days in the ICU which can be attributed to a lack of mobility. Current evidence-based research identifies that utilization of a progressive mobility protocol is one way to improve patient outcomes and reduce …

A Case Report Of Long-Latency Evoked Diaphragm Potentials After Exposure To Acute Intermittent Hypoxia In Post-West Nile Virus Meningoencephalitis, Joseph F. Welch, Erica A. Dale, Jayakrishnan Nair, Paul W. Davenport, Emily J. Fox, Gordon S. Mitchell

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

We present a case report of a 42-year-old female with post-West Nile virus meningoencephalitis who exhibited unique, long-latency diaphragm potentials evoked by transcranial and cervical magnetic stimulation after exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). The subject was recruited for a study investigating AIH effects on respiratory motor function in healthy individuals. She had contracted West Nile virus infection 5 years before assessment that resulted in hospitalization and persistent allodynia but was not reported to the research team. During the study, transcranial (TMS) and cervical (CMS) magnetic stimulation were performed before and 30-60 min after a single presentation of AIH [15, …

Position- And Sex-Related Differences In Sagittal And Frontal Plane Concentric Isokinetic Hip Muscle Peak Torques And Agonist-Antagonist Ratios, Lisa T. Hoglund, Matthew C. Schiffino, James E. Freels, Isabella G. Romano

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Hip muscle weakness is associated with many musculoskeletal conditions and athletic injuries. Isokinetic testing is often performed to measure a patient's strength or to assess treatment response. Patient sex and positioning during isokinetic strength testing may influence peak torque production and the agonist-antagonist peak torque ratios. However, different test positions are used clinically and in research to measure hip muscle strength. It is unknown how patient test position or sex impacts test results.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether concentric isokinetic peak torques of sagittal and frontal plane hip muscles differ when tested in recumbent …

Utilization Of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy With A Former Triathlete After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report, Christopher Keating, Stephanie Muth, Pt, Phd, Cameron Hui, Lisa T. Hoglund

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that limits function and reduces quality of life. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a surgical procedure that replaces the joint surfaces to address anatomical changes due to knee OA. While TKA improves symptoms and function, postoperative impairments are common, including reduced quadriceps strength. Blood flow restriction (BFR) may be a viable option for patients following TKA, as it can improve strength with a minimal amount of joint loading compared to traditional strength training. The purpose of this case report is to describe the impact of BFR use in an individual …

African American Patients Have A Higher Probability Of Cognitive Impairment After Incident Stroke: An Analysis Of National Electronic Health Record Data, Alicia Zha, Chenguang Zhang, Gen Zhu, Xinran Huang, Sahar Anjum, Yashar Talebi, Sean Savitz, Hulin Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) and stroke are diseases with significant disparities in race and geography. Post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) can be as high as 15-70 % but few studies have utilized large administrative or electronic health records (EHR) to evaluate trends in PSCI. We utilized an EHR database to evaluate for disparities in PSCI in a large sample of patients after first recorded stroke to evaluate for disparities in race.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of Cerner Health Facts® EHR database, which is comprised of EHR data from hundreds of hospitals/clinics in the US from 2009-2018. We …

Examining The Differences In Functional Outcomes For Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury After Acute Rehabilitation And Subacute Rehabilitation: A Review Of The Literature, Michael Rangel, Ashley Kakkanatt

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of morbidity in the US [1-4]. Studies suggest TBI patients’ enrollment in a rehabilitation program strongly predicts social reintegration. The structure and outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation programs, including acute and subacute rehabilitation, are not well-delineated [5-7].

DESIGN

A structured review of current literature was conducted. Articles were screened using the search string: (post-traumatic brain injury OR post-TBI OR traumatic brain injury OR TBI) AND (acute rehabilitation OR subacute rehabilitation) AND (outcomes OR functional outcomes) NOT (outpatient OR outpatient populations) NOT (pediatric OR pediatric populations). Articles were limited to 1990 …

Greater Number Of Weekly Stairs Climbed Is Associated With Lower Low Back Pain Prevalence Among Female But Not Male Physical Therapists, Amy H. Amabile, Sharon L. Larson, Lisa T. Hoglund, John P. Guarnieri, Maureen Mcdonald, Madeline R. Reich

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

INTRODUCTION: Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers …

Rehabilitation Interventions For Physical Capacity And Quality Of Life In Adults With Post-Covid-19 Condition: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis., Dimitra V Pouliopoulou, Joy C Macdermid, Emily Saunders, Sue Peters, Laura Brunton, Erin Miller, Kieran L Quinn, Tiago V Pereira, Pavlos Bobos

Physical Therapy Publications

IMPORTANCE: Current rehabilitation guidelines for patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) are primarily based on expert opinions and observational data, and there is an urgent need for evidence-based rehabilitation interventions to support patients with PCC.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the findings of existing studies that report on physical capacity (including functional exercise capacity, muscle function, dyspnea, and respiratory function) and quality of life outcomes following rehabilitation interventions in patients with PCC.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic electronic search was performed from January 2020 until February 2023, in MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Clinical Trials Registry. Key terms that were used to identify potentially …

Students' Attitudes, Beliefs And Perceptions Surrounding 2slgbtqia + Health Education And Inclusiveness In Canadian Physiotherapy Programs, Codie A Primeau, Holly T Philpott, Kyle Vader, Janelle Unger, Christina Y Le, Trevor B Birmingham, Joy C Macdermid

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Patients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + report negative experiences with physiotherapy. The objectives were to evaluate student attitudes, beliefs and perceptions related to 2SLGBTQIA + health education and working with individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQIA + in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Canada and to evaluate physiotherapy program inclusiveness towards 2SLGBTQIA + persons.

METHODS: We completed a nationwide, cross-sectional survey of physiotherapy students from Canadian institutions. We recruited students via email and social media from August-December 2021. Frequency results are presented with percentages. Logistic regression models (odds ratios [OR], 95%CI) were used to evaluate associations between demographics and training hours …

Spatial Characteristics Of Reactive Stepping Among People Living With Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, Matthew G Heffernan, Jae Woung Lee, Katherine Chan, Janelle Unger, Susan Marzolini, Timothy N Welsh, Kei Masani, Kristin E Musselman

Physical Therapy Publications

Objective: Compare the spatial characteristics of reactive stepping between individuals with chronic motor incomplete spinal cord injuries (iSCI) and able-bodied (AB) individuals.

Design: Cross sectional.

Setting: Lyndhurst Centre.

Participants: Twelve individuals with iSCI (3 males, 53.6 ± 15.2 years old) and 11 age- and sex-matched AB individuals (3 males, 54.8 ± 14.0 years old).

Interventions: The Lean-and-Release test was used to elicit reactive stepping. A horizontal cable, attached at waist height, was released when 8-12% body weight was supported in a forward lean position. Participants underwent up to 10 Lean-and-Release trials in a session. Kinematic and …

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 …

The Effect Of Dual-Task Testing On The Balance And Gait Of People With Lower Limb Amputations: A Systematic Review, Humberto Omana, Edward Madou, Manuel Montero-Odasso, Michael W. Payne, Ricardo Viana, Susan W. Hunter

Physical Therapy Publications

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effect of dual-task testing on the balance and gait of people with lower limb amputations (PLLA).

LITERATURE SURVEY: Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched in duplicate (inception to December 1, 2020).

METHODOLOGY: Inclusion criteria: participants were adults with transtibial, knee-disarticulation, transfemoral, or bilateral lower limb amputations; balance or gait was paired with a secondary task; and studies were peer-reviewed and published in English. Two authors independently reviewed articles and consensus was required. A standardized data extraction sheet was used to gather study relevant information in duplicate. …

Co-Contraction Of Ankle Muscle Activity During Quiet Standing In Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Is Associated With Postural Instability, Kai Lon Fok, Jae W Lee, Janelle Unger, Katherine Chan, Kristin E Musselman, Kei Masani

Physical Therapy Publications

Previous findings indicate that co-contractions of plantarflexors and dorsiflexors during quiet standing increase the ankle mechanical joint stiffness, resulting in increased postural sway. Balance impairments in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) may be due to co-contractions like in other individuals with reduced balance ability. Here we investigated the effect of co-contraction between plantar- and dorsiflexors on postural balance in individuals with iSCI (iSCI-group) and able-bodied individuals (AB-group). Thirteen able-bodied individuals and 13 individuals with iSCI were asked to perform quiet standing with their eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Kinetics and electromyograms from the tibialis anterior (TA), …

Reporting Of Harm In Randomized Controlled Trials Of Therapeutic Exercise For Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review, Johan Von Heideken, Sana Chowdhry, Joanna Borg, Khara James, Maura D. Iversen

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) recommends reporting adverse events (AEs) and dropouts (DOs) with their definitions. The purpose of this study was to identify how AEs and DOs were reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of therapeutic exercise for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Data sources were the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PUBMED, and CINAHL. Databases were searched to identify RCTs of therapeutic exercise for Knee OA published from January 1, 1980, through July 23, 2020. Researchers independently extracted participant and intervention characteristics and determined whether a clear statement of and reasons for AEs and DOs existed. The primary …

The Effect Of First-Time 4-Wheeled Walker Use On The Gait Of Younger And Older Adults, Humberto A. Omana, Edward Madou, Alison Divine, Walter Wittich, Keith D. Hill, Andrew M. Johnson, Jeffrey D. Holmes, Susan W. Hunter

Physical Therapy Publications

INTRODUCTION: The 4-wheeled walker is intended to enhance balance and gait for older adults. Yet, some research suggests that walking aids increase falls risk. An understanding of the influence of age with walker use on gait performance is required.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of initial 4-wheeled walker use on spatiotemporal gait parameters between younger and older adults.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional, repeated-measures.

SETTING: Community-dwelling.

PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five younger (age: 26.5 ± 4.1 years) and 24 older (age: 68.5 ± 10.5 years) adults participated. Younger adults were aged 18 to 35 years, whereas older adults were 50 years or older. Included were people …

The Effect Of Dual-Task Testing On Balance And Gait Performance In Adults With Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review, Humberto Omana, Edward Madou, Manuel Montero-Odasso, Michael Payne, Ricardo Viana, Susan W. Hunter

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) are susceptible to balance, gait and cognitive impairments. Importantly, diabetes affects executive function, a set of cognitive processes critical to everyday cortical function and mobility. Reduced executive function is a risk factor for falls in people with DM. Dual-task testing, the completion of two tasks at once, enables the examination of the cognitive-mobility relationship. A synthesis of the literature on the effects of dual- task testing on the balance and gait of individuals with DM has not been performed.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on the effect of dual-task testing on balance and …

Physiological Factors Of Female Runners With And Without Stress Fracture Histories: A Pilot Study., Therese E Johnston, Colleen Dempsey, Frances Gilman, Ryan Tomlinson, Ann-Katrin Jacketti, Jeremy Close

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Female runners are at increased risk of stress fractures (SFs) compared with men. Literature is lacking with regard to best practice for preventing and treating SFs in women. The purpose of the study was to compare physiological measures and running-related factors between women of various ages and running abilities with and without a history of running-related SFs.

HYPOTHESIS: Women with and without SF histories will differ with regard to medical and menstrual history, bone health, body composition, nutrition, and running history.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2.

METHODS: A total of 20 female runners with …

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 …

Reactive Stepping After A Forward Fall In People Living With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Or Disease, Katherine Chan, Jae Woung Lee, Janelle Unger, Jaeeun Yoo, Kei Masani, Kristin E Musselman

Physical Therapy Publications

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the reactive stepping ability of individuals living with incomplete spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) to that of sex- and age-matched able-bodied adults.

SETTING: A tertiary SCI/D rehabilitation center in Canada.

METHODS: Thirty-three individuals (20 with incomplete SCI/D) participated. Participants assumed a forward lean position in standing whilst 8-12% of their body weight was supported by a horizontal cable at waist height affixed to a rigid structure. The cable was released unexpectedly, simulating a forward fall and eliciting one or more reactive steps. Behavioral responses (i.e., single step versus non-single step) were compared …

Quantifying Balance Control After Spinal Cord Injury: Reliability And Validity Of The Mini-Bestest, Katherine Chan, Janelle Unger, Jae Woung Lee, Gillian Johnston, Marissa Constand, Kei Masani, Kristin E Musselman

Physical Therapy Publications

Context/Objective: Incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) causes deficits in balance control. The Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (mini-BESTest) is a comprehensive measure; however, further testing of its psychometric properties among the iSCI population is needed. We evaluated the mini-BESTest’s test-retest reliability, and concurrent and convergent validity among individuals living with iSCI for more than one year.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Rehabilitation hospital.

Participants: Twenty-one individuals with chronic motor iSCI (14 females, mean age 56.8 ± 14.0 years).

Interventions: None.

Outcome Measures: Participants completed the mini-BESTest at two sessions spaced two weeks apart. At the second session, participants …

Modulation Of The Hoffmann Reflex In The Tibialis Anterior With A Change In Posture., Janelle Unger, Justin W Andrushko, Alison R Oates, Doug W Renshaw, Trevor S Barss, E Paul Zehr, Jonathan P Farthing

Physical Therapy Publications

Hoffmann (H-) reflex amplitudes in plantar flexor soleus muscle are modulated by posture, yet dorsiflexor tibialis anterior (TA) H-reflex parameters have sparingly been studied. The purpose was to investigate modulation of the TA H-reflex when postural demands are increased from sitting to standing. In this study, data from 18 participants (Age: 25 ± 4 years, Height: 170.9 ± 9.5 cm, Weight: 75.9 ± 17.2 kg) allowed comparison of two experimental conditions involving different postures (i.e. sitting and standing). Maximal amplitude of the TA H-reflex (H_max) as a percent of the maximal M-wave amplitude (M_max) …

Intensive Balance Training For Adults With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries: Protocol For An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial., Janelle Unger, Katherine Chan, Carol Y Scovil, B Catharine Craven, Avril Mansfield, Kei Masani, Kristin E Musselman

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Impaired reactive balance control can lead to increased falls in people with neurological impairments. Perturbation-based balance training (PBT), which involves repetitive exposure to destabilizing external perturbations, improves the ability to take reactive steps in older adults and individuals who have had a stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to investigate whether PBT or conventional intensive balance training (CIBT) results in greater improvements in reactive stepping ability in individuals with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI).

DESIGN: The design consists of an assessor-blind randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of 2 balance training programs (PBT and CIBT) matched for training duration …

Reliability, Validity, And Agreement Of The Short-Form Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale In People With Lower Extremity Amputations., Katherine Fuller, Humberto Adolfo Omaña Moreno, Courtney Frengopoulos, Michael W Payne, Ricardo Viana, Susan W. Hunter

Physical Therapy Publications

BACKGROUND: Clinicians use the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale to understand balance confidence. A short-form Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, was developed using the six most difficult tasks from the original Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale; however, short-form the short-form scale psychometrics and agreement with the original scale have yet to be explored in people with lower extremity amputations.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative and absolute reliability, construct validity, and agreement of the short-form Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale.

STUDY DESIGN: Test-retest with a 2-week interval.

METHODS: Analysis for relative reliability and internal consistency was intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's

RESULTS: The short-form Activities-specific …