Physical Therapy Commons^™

Extensor Hallucis Longus Focal Dystonia In A Patient With Parkinson’S Disease: A Case Study, Jessika Truax, Linda Bobo, Keilea Sumrall

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder that affects a person’s ability to produce dopamine and control motion of the body. PD affects 1% of people over the age of 65, but the disease can occur earlier and later in life. The uncontrollable movement of any body part involved with PD is referred to as a tremor. Pathophysiology of PD causes the thalamus to have a decreased activation of the frontal cortex, thus decreased motor activity. Patients commonly have dystonia mostly in the foot resulting in striatal toe. Optional pain relief is a tenotomy of the extensor hallicus …

Breaking Barriers: Disparities Among Minority Collegiate Athletes In Concussion Reporting, Josette Villanueva, Melissa Long

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Concussions are a serious concern in sports medicine because of their potential long-term effects on cognitive and neurological health. However, many athletes, especially those from minority groups, hesitate to report symptoms due to fears of being sidelined, pressure to keep playing, and challenges like limited access to education, language barriers, and distrust in healthcare systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the barriers to concussion reporting among Division I collegiate athletes, with a particular focus on demographic differences, particularly racial and ethnic disparities. The goal was to identify key factors that hinder self-reporting and to propose strategies …

Hyoid Bone Fracture In A Division 1 Football Player: A Conservative Management Case Study, Kynnedy Louis, Andrew Crane, Mark Knoblauch, Layci Harrison

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The hyoid bone plays an important role in speaking, swallowing, and supporting the tongue. Hyoid bone fractures account for 0.002% of all fractures and are typically seen in cases dealing with strangulations or a blunt force trauma such as occurs from vehicle accidents or martial arts injuries. Signs and symptoms of hyoid fractures can include dyspnea, pharyngeal tear, or subcutaneous emphysema, and if not recognized early can significantly damage the airway. Patient Information: A 23-year-old male collegiate football player sustained blunt trauma to the anterior part of his neck due to a tackle forcing the helmet chin strap against …

Sleep And Stress Experienced By Collegiate Baseball Players During A Fall Season, Andrew R. Gallucci, Katie M. Lee, Eric Rash, Jeremy A. Bigalke, Jason R. Carter

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: College students are notoriously poor sleepers due to academic and social demands. Collegiate athletes have additional athletic responsibilities that can also affect sleep. During a season, baseball players experience prolonged bouts of high intensity activity that increase the need for recovery and sleep. Athletes can also experience higher perceived stress levels, a factor also known to impact sleep. Reduced sleep quality and quantity during a competitive season can impede recovery and decrease performance. The present study sought to determine the relationships between sleep [Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Sleep Onset Latency (SOL), Awakenings] and stress over a …

Impressions And Gastrointestinal Tolerance Of An Electrolyte Hydration Beverage Among Individuals Participating In Collegiate Baseball, S. Andrew Cage, Alexander Jacobsen, Brandon Warner, Jessie Gibson, Derek Lege, Robert French

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Context: Performing physical activity in numerous environmental conditions often results in mild to moderate dehydration. Dehydration can be problematic for the physically active population, as it can lead to decreases in physical and cognitive performance. This places emphasis on making sure individuals are properly hydrated during exercise. One of the barriers to appropriate hydration behaviors that has been identified in physically active individuals is a dislike of available hydration options. This highlights the need for sports medicine professionals to provide physically active individuals with appealing hydration options. Currently there is a lack of research exploring the flavor appeal of hydration …

Overcoming Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In A Young Athlete: A Case Study, Cormia Lewis, Christina Fry, Mark Knoblauch, Layci Harrison

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a rare and complex condition caused by the compression of neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet. TOS is estimated to affect 3 to 80 individuals per 1,000,000 annually, with neurogenic TOS accounting for approximately 95% of cases. Athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions are at higher risk due to increased stress on the brachial plexus. Diagnosis can be challenging as symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness, often mimic other conditions such as nerve entrapment or tendon pathologies. Treatment for TOS typically begins with a conservative approach, including postural correction and strengthening, activity modification, …

Trust, Culture, And Conversation: How Athletic Training Leaders Navigate High-Stakes Interactions, Nicole A. Wilkins, Ashley B. Thrasher, Ericka P. Zimmerman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Engaging in difficult conversations is central to leadership growth and requires sustained effort to refine and strengthen these skills. Leaders not only need to navigate the complexities of their role within an organization, but also the intersectionality of interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, structural hierarchies, and the nuanced environments that influence how communication occurs. Furthermore, leaders must adapt to role expectations that shift across clinical, academic, and administrative contexts, adjusting their approach to engaging in conversations based on these complexities. As part of a larger research project examining difficult conversations, this portion of the study explored how leaders in athletic …

Integrating Wearable Technologies Into Athletic Training: Bridging Innovation And Clinical Practice, Michael Douglas

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Athletic training is entering a transformative period driven by the convergence of wearable technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced biomechanical modeling. Historically, wearable technology in sport was primarily used for performance tracking, including workload monitoring, heart rate assessment, and movement quantification. However, advances in sensor accuracy and data analytics have expanded the clinical relevance of wearable systems, allowing athletic trainers to monitor fatigue markers, movement asymmetry, and neuromuscular control patterns that inform injury risk and rehabilitation progression. Wearable sensor technologies provide objective data that can support clinical decision-making when integrated with traditional evaluation methods.¹Despite these advancements, wearable technologies present persistent …

Performance On The Timed Single-Leg Step-Down Test Is Correlated With Hip And Knee Biomechanics As Measured By 3d Markerless Motion Capture, Ghislain Aminake, Anthony Drazick, Christ Focht, Chloe Roy, Emily Clark, Savannah Knighton, Edward Austin, Jeremy Burnham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The timed single-leg step-down (SLSD) test is widely used in clinical and sports settings to assess lower extremity function and injury risk, yet the specific biomechanical determinants of performance on this test remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between performance on the timed SLSD test and hip and knee biomechanics captured by a markerless 3-D motion-analysis system. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy high school athletes with no recent history of lower extremity injury completed a 60-second timed single leg step down test. The number of quality SLSD repetitions (REPS) constituted their SLSD score. …

Athletic Trainers’ Motivations For And Satisfaction With Transition To The Physician Practice Setting, Abigail G. Overstreet, Nicolette A. Harris, Cailee E. Welch Bacon

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

An increasing number of athletic trainers are transitioning from traditional settings, such as secondary schools, colleges, universities, and professional sports, to physician practice. Although research suggests athletic trainers may be changing settings in search of better working conditions, little is known about their motivations for and satisfaction with the setting transition. The objective of this research was to explore athletic trainers’ motivations for and satisfaction with transition to the physician practice setting. A qualitative design was used to collect and interpret data. Eleven certified athletic trainers (6 women, 5 men; age 1⁄4 38.5 6 10.0 years) who transitioned from a …

Improving Entry-Level Athletic Training Student Confidence In Emergency Care: A Pilot Study, Michele Pye, Cade Watts, John Hunt, Kimberly Pritchard

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Immediate and emergency care is essential to athletic training education and clinical practice. Athletic training students (ATS) may have limited exposure to emergencies during their clinical experiences, which can undermine their confidence. AT educators can improve ATS confidence and clinical reasoning using a simulation-based, learner-centered SNAPPS approach. SNAPPS consists of Summarizing the history and findings, Narrowing and Analyzing the differential diagnoses, Probing peers about uncertainties or confusion, Planning management, and Selecting case-related knowledge gaps for self-directed learning. This empowers students to control the learning environment while adding realism to encounters. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine …

Recurrent Lateral Patellar Dislocation After Mpfl Repair With Subsequent Tibial Tubercle Anteromedialization And Concomiant Mpfl Reconstruction, Jacob Hardy, Anthony Thomas Drazick, Joshua Pratt, Jeremy M. Burnham

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Patellar instability is a common knee pathology, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with reported incidence rates ranging from 7 to 77 per 100,000 person-years. Following an initial patellar dislocation, recurrence rates have been reported as high as 86%, particularly in patients with underlying anatomic risk factors. Identification of the multifactorial contributors to patellar instability is critical to guide appropriate management and prevent recurrent episodes. Common pathoanatomic factors associated with recurrent instability include trochlear dysplasia, patella alta, lateralized tibial tubercle, coronal or torsional malalignment, and abnormal patellar shift. This case report describes a patient who presented with a chronic …

Shared Steps To Independence: Qualitative Exploration Of A 4:1 Collaborative Pediatric Clinical Education Model, Kathryn E. Sawyer, Megan B. Flores, Elizabeth M. Ardolino

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: As demand for pediatric clinical placements increases, innovative supervision models are needed to expand capacity while supporting student learning. Grounded in situated learning and Communities of Practice theory, a 4:1 collaborative clinical education model was designed with four students to one clinical instructor (CI). This study explored how participation in this 4:1 collaborative pediatric clinical education model influenced physical therapy students’ learning, professional identity development, and clinical practice. Method: A qualitative study using a social constructivist paradigm was conducted. Nine Doctor of Physical Therapy students who completed a 4:1 collaborative pediatric clinical placement participated in semi-structured interviews immediately following …

Effects Of Mindfulness-Based Intervention On Stress And Anxiety In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students: A Prospective Cohort Design, Kelli J. Brizzolara, Kathy Shirley

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The demanding nature of physical therapist (PT) education often leads students to experience very high stress levels, which can negatively impact both their academic performance and overall wellbeing. Mindfulness-based intervention programs have been used to decrease stress and anxiety in the general population. However, there is limited evidence of their use with Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a brief mindfulness-based intervention on stress and anxiety in DPT students. Methods: Thirty-seven DPT students completed an 8-week mindfulness program, including daily individual mindfulness sessions (10 minutes) and …

Agreement Of Chatgpt With Clinical Practice Guidelines For Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment, Alessandra N. Garcia, Brian Neville, Bradley Myers, Lori Leineke, Karlyn Green

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This cross-sectional study evaluated whether Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) GPT-3.5 and GPT-4O provide treatment information consistent with high-quality clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: High-quality CPGs published in the past decade were identified via PubMed and PEDro, with the search updated on November 11, 2024. Guidelines were appraised using the AGREE II tool. GPT-3.5 and GPT-4O were queried with common treatment-related questions, and their responses were compared to CPG recommendations. Two independent reviewers conducted a thematic content analysis of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4O responses using a deductive–inductive codebook, iteratively refined through consensus, to identify major themes/subthemes, …

What Numbers Don't Tell Us: Can Sociodemographic Factors Identify Grit, Resilience, And Imposter Phenomenon In Hybrid Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students?, Benton Lindaman, Marlena Calo, Brandon Ness, James Smoliga, Moyo B. Tillery, Suzanne Trotter, Liana Wooten, Shefali Christopher

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To determine whether routinely collected sociodemographic admissions criteria (e.g., first-generation status, race, government assistance, youth employment) could serve as proxies for non-cognitive traits such as grit, resilience, and imposter phenomenon in hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year students (N=100) across three accelerated, hybrid DPT programs. Students completed validated instruments measuring grit (Grit-O), general resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), academic resilience (Academic Resilience Scale), and imposter phenomenon (Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale) during their first semester. Sociodemographic data were obtained from admissions applications. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests and …

The Phases Of Variation In Physiotherapy Management Of Organophosphate Poisoning Patients: A Case Series, Manish P. Shukla, Sachin A. Chaudhary, Hemant Deshpande, Nikita Gupta

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Organophosphate (OP) poisoning presents a significant challenge in healthcare, with varying severities requiring adaptive management strategies. This case series examines the physiotherapy management of three patients with different levels of OP poisoning severity: mild, moderate and severe. The study highlights the crucial role of physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary care of OP poisoning patients and demonstrates the need for phase-specific interventions tailored to individual patient needs. Method: The severe case required prolonged mechanical ventilation and intensive care, with physiotherapy progressing from passive techniques to active mobilization over 15 days. The moderate case showed faster recovery, allowing for earlier initiation of …

Firearm Violence Prevention: Analysis Of Physical Therapy Political Action Committee Financial Contributions And Congressional Voting, Kim D. Dao, Edward P. Mulligan, Michael Siegel, Liana Wooten

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) declared firearm violence a public health crisis in 2019. This investigation aimed to understand relationships between the amount of APTA political action committee (PTPAC) donations received by a federal candidate and (1) their voting records on FV prevention legislation; and (2) their voting records on other APTA-supported legislation. Methods. Data pertaining to the identification and amount of PTPAC donations to federal Congressional candidates during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles were gathered from the public resource, Open Secrets. Public voting records were compiled on firearm and other APTA-supported legislation. Results. 222 candidates received …

The Sympathetic And Clinical Effects Of Dry Needling To The Thoracolumbar Junction Multifidi: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Nicole Clark, Cheryl J. Hill, Joshua Cleland, Thomas Massie, Shane Koppenhaver

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the neurophysiological effects of dry needling (DN) to the thoracolumbar junction multifidi when compared with a placebo. The secondary objective was to determine if there is a relationship between post-treatment pain and disability and the magnitude of sympathetic nervous system activity. Methods: Participants were eligible if they had low back pain, limited flexibility in at least one hamstring, and had not previously received DN. Participants completed the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Disability Index, underwent pressure pain threshold testing, and were randomized to a DN or sham …

Staying Strong In Practice: Reducing Musculoskeletal Risks In Dentistry, Leslie Hovda Dpt

Metro Denver Dental Society Articulator Magazine

Dentistry’s physical demands and static postures put providers at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), especially in the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. This article Dr. Leslie Hovda, outlines practical ways to reduce strain through proper equipment use, posture optimization and preventive self-care. Applying the “MEDS” approach: mindfulness, exercise, diet, and sleep, can extend career longevity for dental professionals.

Improving Equity Within The Holistic Admission Process Through Race-Neutral Holistic Review: A Before And After Cross-Sectional Study, Megan Eikenberry, Kylie Scott, Jaime González, Josh Subialka, Lacey Frankland, Patrice Ayala, Mark Kargela, Byron Russell

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Introduction: The US Physical therapist (PT) workforce lacks racial and ethnic diversity, which may contribute to health disparities. Holistic review (HR) admission methods may improve workforce diversity by evaluating applicants' academic metrics, experiences, and personal attributes. Holistic review processes must adapt following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling prohibiting race-based admission criteria.

Review of literature: Holistic review criteria are program-specific and align with institutional and programmatic goals. While HR is shown to improve student body diversity, most PT education programs heavily emphasize academic metrics, which may disadvantage racial and ethnic minority (REM) applicants from acceptance. This study examines the racial and …

Stroke Increases Motor Output Variability During Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contractions Of Knee Extensor Muscles In Adults, Zhilun Zhou, Stephanie Christine Wolfe, Brian Schmit, Matthew J. Durand, Sandra Hunter, Allison Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Greater motor output variability (MOV, inconsistency and unsteadiness) during submaximal tasks post stroke is associated with poorer motor performance. However, little is known about MOV during maximal tasks and relationships with clinical measures of motor performance among stroke survivors. This study determined inconsistency (across discrete attempts) and unsteadiness (within a single attempt) during knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) in stroke survivors and neurotypical controls. Forty-three stroke survivors (28 female) and 31 age-matched neurotypical controls (15 female) performed a minimum of five knee extension MVICs with paretic and non-paretic legs (stroke) or dominant leg (controls). Inconsistency was calculated as …

A Scarring Experience: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation As A Palliative Approach In Colorectal Cancer Survivorship, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Mary Garcia, Leanne Jackson

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a case study and discussion of pelvic floor rehabilitation in its palliative utility specifically for colorectal cancer survivorship which will be presented at the MD Anderson Survivorship Research Retreat conference.

Upper Extremity Return To Sport Functional Testing: A Systematic Review, Marisa Pontillo, Eric Bellm, Patrick Barber, Matthew L. Gauthier, Casey A. Unverzagt, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Upper extremity return to sport (RTS) assessments are not standardized with respect to which metrics to use, if the metrics are appropriate for all populations and levels of competition, and what constitutes good or poor test performance. Subsequently, clinicians may utilize suboptimal metrics to evaluate RTS readiness, or forgo objective criteria altogether. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties (reliability, agreement/measurement error, hypothesis testing/construct validity, criterion/predictive validity, responsiveness) of upper extremity functional tests used to assess RTS readiness.

Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, with all studies included assessed via the PEDro scale. Literature …

Differences And Changes In Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Of German And Japanese Students Before And After Short-Term Exchange Programs, Kazumasa Nakagawa, Yuko Takahashi, Melanie Zwiorek

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Since 2012, a Japanese and a German university have conducted exchange programs. This study examined the effects of a short-term exchange program in 2023, focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Nine Japanese students and nine German students completed a 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program using a 5-point Likert scale. We performed cross-tabulations and analyzed differences between countries and pre- and post-program changes using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. The results suggest that even a short-term exchange enhanced Japanese students’ confidence in intercultural interactions and encouraged German students to reflect on their own culture. However, Japanese students showed lower …

A Scarring Experience: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation As A Novel Palliative Approach In Colorectal Cancer Survivorship, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Leanne Jackson, Mary Garcia

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a discussion of the novel approach of pelvic floor rehabilitation in its utility specifically for colorectal cancer survivorship which will be additionally presented at the MD Anderson Survivorship Research Retreat conference.

The Impact Of Physical Activity And Diet On The Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 In The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review, Benjamin M. Latey, Dustin Bowers, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: Clinical Perceptions And Use In Physical Therapy Practice, Robert Dekerlegand, Malachy Clancy, Alison Bell, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is an innovative technology that is reshaping healthcare with potentials ranging from improved efficiency to advancing personalized medicine.¹
• Ensuring the appropriate use of GenAI in teaching and learning has expanded in academia to also ensure graduates can competently use and partner with this technology in their fields.^2-4
• GenAI needs to be both accepted and adopted for these initiatives to translate into professional practice.
• Use of GenAI in physical therapy (PT) is being explored5,6and though therapists appear to understand aspects of this technology, current perceptions and actual use of GenAI in practice …

Exercise Testing And Training For Individuals With Cystic Fibrosis, Najlaa Zayed Alotaibi

ETDs from 2020-2029

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disease that impacts multiple systems (e.g., respiratory system). Hence, routine cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is recommended to track the disease progression in people with CF. Besides the benefits of exercise testing, exercise training is also beneficial for long-term wellness. It is recommended that people with CF engage in at least 30–60 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 days a week. However, despite the significance of exercise testing and training for people with CF, CPET and exercise training are underutilized in international CF centers. According to the literature, the majority of international CF centers use …

Analysis Of The Effect Of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (Ndt) On Gross Motor Function In Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review, Haunan Naja Izdihar, Aditya Denny Pratama

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Effectiveness of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) in Children with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Background:
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) is commonly used in pediatric rehabilitation to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy, particularly those with spastic diplegia.

Methods:
This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Seven studies published between 2018 and 2024 were identified through electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Crossref.

Results:
The included studies reported improvements in gross motor function, posture, balance, and daily functional independence following NDT, particularly when combined with other therapeutic interventions. However, outcome measures and …