Physical Therapy Commons^™

Low Back Pain In Police Officers, Jennifer Gwyn Arts

Masters Theses

Low back pain (LBP) is something that police officers deal with on a daily basis. The purpose of this research was to explore whether police officers have a higher incidence of LBP than the general population and to explore what factors officers believe contribute to the LBP they experience. Surveys were made available to all police departments in Kent County and all sworn officers were asked to participate. The difference between LBP experienced by police officers (60.2%) and that experienced by the general population (60-90%) was not found to be significant. The top two answers given by officers as to …

Review Of Quick Reference Dictionary For Massage Therapy And Bodywork, John Stephen Brantley

Faculty & Staff Research & Creative Activity

No abstract provided.

A Retrospective, Descriptive Study Of Shoulder Outcomes In Outpatient Physical Therapy, A. Lynn Millar, Philip A. Jasheway, Wendy Eaton, Frances Christensen

Faculty Publications

Study Design: A retrospective, descriptive study of clients with shoulder dysfunction referred to physical therapy. Objectives: To (1) describe the clinical and functional outcomes of clients with shoulder dysfunction following outpatient physical therapy, and (2) to compare the outcomes by type of shoulder dysfunction. Background: Although individuals with shoulder dysfunction are commonly referred to physical therapy, few large descriptive studies regarding outcomes following physical therapy are available. Methods and Measures: Data for 878 clients (468 female, 410 male) were retrieved and analyzed. This database was developed between 1997 and 2000 and included 4 outpatient facilities from 1 healthcare system in …

Effects Of Sprint Training On Extrarenal Potassium Regulation With Intense Exercise In Type 1 Diabetes, Alison R. Harmer, Patricia A. Ruell, Michael J. Mckenna, Donald J. Chisholm, Sandra K. Hunter, Jeanette M. Thom, Norman R. Morris, Jeff R. Flack

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Effects of sprint training on plasma K⁺ concentration ([K⁺]) regulation during intense exercise and on muscle Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase were investigated in subjects with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) under real-life conditions and in nondiabetic subjects(CON). Eight subjects with T1D and seven CON undertook 7 wk of sprint cycling training. Before training, subjects cycled to exhaustion at 130% peak O₂ uptake. After training, identical work was performed. Arterialized venous blood was drawn at rest, during exercise, and at recovery and analyzed for plasma glucose, [K⁺], Na⁺ concentration ([Na⁺]), catecholamines, …

Top 10 Positional-Release Therapy Techniques To Break The Chain Of Pain, Part 1, Timothy E. Speicher, David O. Draper

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Positional-Release Therapy (PRT) is a treatment technique that is gaining popularity. The purpose of this two-part column is to briefly explain the theory and application of PRT. Then, we will present our top 10 list of what we think are the most commonly treated tender points by athletic therapists, five in Part 1 and five in Part 2, along with general tips, patient self-treatments, and adjunctive techniques.

PRT, originally termed strain–counterstrain, is a therapeutic technique that uses tender points (TPs) and a position of comfort (POC) to resolve the associated dysfunction. Essentially, PRT is the opposite of stretching.

PRT is …

Eating Disorder Programming In Four-Year College Recreation Wellness Centers, Tiffany Jean Anderson, Amanda Lynn Gulka

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Eating disorders are more prevalent in the college-age group when compared to the lifetime prevalence. Because of this increased prevalence, college recreation/wellness center staff should be aware of their clients in terms of the increased risk for eating disorders. College wellness/recreation centers, while serving the campus community, also serve the individuals within this community diagnosed with or at-risk for an eating disorder. Through survey research, we show who is employed at wellness/recreation centers, what type of training they receive regarding eating disorder, how this training is provided along with its content, and what method of public awareness on eating disorders …

Muscle Activation In Individuals Who Are Status-Post A Stroke During Over Ground, Treadmill, And Body Weight Supported Gait: A Comparative Study, Rhonda L. Breitbach, Kelly L. Malmin, Beth M. Nordmark, Jennifer A. Pederson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate individuals who are status post stroke during ambulation over ground, on a treadmill without support, and on a treadmill with partial body weight support (PBWS) to determine if there are any differences in muscle activation of major muscle groups in the lower extremity.

Subjects: Two subjects were recruited for this study. Subjects were included if they were over the age of 50 years, could fulfill a two-hour time commitment, and walk independently with or without the use of an assistive device. Subjects were excluded if they have had surgery or an …

An Electromyographic Study Of Upper Trapezius, Lower Trapezius, And Serratus Anterior Muscle Activity During Traditional And Modified Muscle Testing Positions, Jace Everett, Mike Fowler, Jason Haak, Robby Luck

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the muscle activity of the shoulder joint force couple induced by the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior to determine if they are more effectively recruited during the traditional exercise position of forward shoulder elevation in 145° of shoulder abduction versus a modified position of shoulder external rotation while in 80° of shoulder abduction and 90° of elbow flexion

Methods: Nine participants took part in this randomized study in which EMG data was collected during 4 exercise trials of 10 repetitions each on the right shoulder. EMG activity was monitored …

Balance Comparison Of Open- And Closed-Back Shoes, Tiffany Hemberger, Sara Henderson, Eric Loiland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A growing number of healthcare professionals have been choosing to wear an open-back shoe rather than a traditional closed-back shoe in the workplace. Healthcare professionals incorporate dynamic balance and quick reactions during direct patient interaction. The purpose of the study was to determine if dynamic balance would be affected in healthcare professionals when wearing open-back shoes versus closed-back shoes.

Thirty-two healthcare professionals or students of healthcare professions (28 females and 4 males) were recruited for this study. Subjects ranged in age from 20 to 62 years (mean age 28.2 years), with the majority being physical therapists or physical therapy students. …

Role Of Z-Coilª Shoes On Plantar Pressure Forces During Short Distance Walking, Tyler Volle, Michael Rider, Brett Jenks, Benjamin Deubner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The Z-CoiL ® company has marketed a shoe that is advertised to decrease pressure and attenuation of forces on the foot, ankle, and other lower extremity joints. Evidence based studies, however, are lacking in support of this claim. The purpose of this study was to compare the peak pressure distributed onto the bottom of the foot from heel strike to midstance when walking bare foot, using a personal athletic shoe, and using a Z-CoiL ® shoe.

Subjects: Thirty subjects without any current history of orthopedic pathologies were examined in this study. Fourteen subjects were excluded from final data analysis, …

Variations In Emg Activity In Lower Leg Musculature With Use Of The Biomechanical Ankle Platform System (Baps), Carrie Carpenter, Andrea Lund, Jodi Sailer, Slinde Jessie

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle sprains account for 17% to 20% of all injuries in most sports. Other ankle conditions such as posterior tibialis tendon disorder and Achilles tendinosis are quite common in the nonathletic population and require many of the same interventions. Some of these interventions include range of motion, stretching, strengthening and proprioception. Many studies have shown that strength and proprioceptive training are the intervention of choice for those with lateral ankle instability. Many of these studies have supported the use of BAPS in improving proprioception among individuals with lateral ankle instability, however there is only one study examining the use of …

The Short-Term Effects Of Magnetic Insoles On Pain And Function In A Population With Lower Extremity Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study, Janice Holth, Sarah Barendt, Jennifer Surma

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

Muscle Activation During Simulated Patient Transfers: Preliminary Study Of Experienced Versus Novice Patient Handlers, Benjamin Mitchell, Patrick Septon

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Back injuries are a common problem in providing health care and manually transferring patients can be a cause of back injuries. Because of this fact, there has been a need for research looking into safe methods for manually transferring patients. The intent of this study was to compare muscle recruitment patterns of novice and experienced health care professionals during a simulated patient transfer. By comparing the muscle activity of the experienced group to that of the novice group, we hoped to see differences that could be used to refine training techniques, thus increasing the safety of novice health care …

Lumbar Spine Extension Mobility Increases With Longer Participation In Football, Matthew Linback, Nicole Nord, Kari Pedersen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Football players are known to develop lumbar spine pathologies, especially extension pathologies (Le., spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis). This study examined the possibility of increased mobility in the lumbar spine with increased exposure to football, possible correlating the increased motion with lumbar spine pathologies. Extension of the lumbar spine in college football players was measured and the results of two groups were compared: those who had completed one or two years of eligibility versus those who had completed three or four years. The influence of the collision nature of football on lumbar extension was examined.

Subjects: Thirty-nine male collegiate football players …

Motion Analysis Of A Back Handspring, Sarah Knoll, Jaclyn Minar, Melissa Moos

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the joint angles and segmental motion of gymnasts during a back handspring in a tumbling series. The difference in lower extremity motion of the individual gymnasts with different levels of experience was compared.

Subjects: 13 gymnasts were recruited by gymnastics coaches at Red River Valley Gymnastics. Only subjects with qualifications of being competitive in USA Gymnastics program, varying in levels 5-10, were included. Subjects were required to be able to perform a tumbling series consisting of a round off, a back handspring, and a back tuck-salto on a floor exercise mat …

Effect Of Instruction On Emg Activity Of The Rectus Abdominis During A Crunch On A Swiss Exercise Ball, Tina J. Boyer, Suzanne S. Hammer, Tyler L. Jepson, Eric G. Thompson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the benefit of instruction from a physical therapist in participant performance of an abdominal crunch on a Swiss ball, determined through electromyography (EMG) of the rectus abdominis.

Subjects: Our subjects included male (n=15) and female (n=15) college students between the ages of 18-50 years old. Exclusion criteria included a history of low back pain, prior spine surgery, pregnancy, previous formal instruction of crunches on a Swiss ball, and an allergic reaction to rubbing alcohol. Instrumentation: EMG biofeedback was used to test rectus abdominis muscle activity. This activity was transmitted by a …

Effectiveness Of Pressure Biofeedback In Activation Of Transversus Abdominis During The Abdominal Draw-In Maneuver, Jenni L. Freie, Jan L. Kruse, Amanda M. Kvien, Kimberly M. Rzeszutko

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Study Design: Repeated Measures Design.

Objectives: To compare the recruitment of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique during the performance of the supine abdominal draw-in maneuver with the use of pressure biofeedback and without the use of pressure biofeedback. Muscle recruitment will be measured through the use of surface electromyography (EMG).

Background: Surface EMG reliability and validity is reported for transversus abdominis.

Methods: Thirty-nine healthy subjects of the ages 18 to 54 were tested. The subjects were instructed and performed practice trails of the supine draw-in maneuver with and without pressure biofeedback prior to data collection. EMG muscle activity was …

Influences On Health Related Quality Of Life In Community Dwelling Adults Aged 60 Years And Over, Hilary Beth Greenberger

Theses and Dissertations

Interest in patient-reported health care outcomes such as health related quality of life (HRQL) has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Typically, HRQL has been conceptualized as having at least three domains: physical, psychological, and social functioning. Although research has attempted to identify factors that influence HRQL,few studies have simultaneously examined how various factors impact HRQL in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a causal model to identify factors influencing HRQL. The constructs and observed variables hypothesized to influence HRQL included medical burden, housing satisfaction, socioeconomic status,religion/spirituality, age, gender, and marital status.Three hundred …

The Role Of Lower Leg Muscle Activity In Blood Pressure Maintenance Of Older Adults, Michelle M. Masterson, Amy L. Morgan, Christine E. Multer, Daniel Cipriani

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose. Age-associated muscle weakness, postural instability, and orthostatic hypotension have been identified as contributing factors to falls , but the relationships among them are not clear. Therefore, the purpose of this study, a two-way factorial design, was to investigate the differences in lower extremity (LE) muscle activity, blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR) between young and older individuals in an upright position. Methods. Ten young males (20-24 yrs.) and 10 older males (65-82 yrs.) stood for 15 minutes while BP, HR, and LE electromyography (EMG) were recorded at one minute intervals . A two-way ANOVA was used …

Effect Of Keyswitch Design Of Desktop And Notebook Keyboards Related To Key Stiffness And Typing Force, Marcia J. Bufton, Richard W. Marklin, Mark L. Nagurka, Guy G. Simoneau

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This study aimed to compare and analyse rubber-dome desktop, spring column desktop and notebook keyboards in terms of key stiffness and fingertip typing force. The spring-column keyboard resulted in the highest mean peak contact force (0.86N), followed by the rubber dome desktop (0.68N) and the notebook (0.59N). All these differences were statistically significant. Likewise, the spring-column keyboard registered the highest fingertip typing force and the notebook keyboard the lowest. A comparison of forces showed the notebook (rubber dome) keyboard had the highest fingertip-to-peak contact force ratio (overstrike force), and the spring-column generated the least excess force (as a ratio of …

Rehab Exercise Prescription Sequencing For Shoulder External Rotators, Jason Brumitt, Erik Meira

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Overhead athletes are susceptible to shoulder injuries. One component of a complete rehabilitation program is a systematic exercise prescription for the shoulder's external rotators. An overhead athlete should be progressed from basic rehab exercise positions to dynamic, sport-specific positions prior to returning to sport.

Wound Debridement With 25 Khz Ultrasound, Margaret Mccarty Stanisic, Barbara Provo, David L. Larson, Luther C. Kloth

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Several methods of wound debridement are described in the literature and are available to health care providers who specialize in wound management. Methods include the use of sharp surgical instruments; mechanical methods, such as whirlpool and pulsed lavage with suction; proteolytic and collagenolytic enzymes; autolysis; and sterile fly larvae (maggots). The use of surgical debridement is generally considered the most efficient method when performed by a skilled physician, who may in one session use his or her discretion to excise some viable tissue along with necrotic tissue in the wound. Sharp debridement performed in a clinical setting is a less …

Variability Of Motor Unit Discharge And Force Fluctuations Across A Range Of Muscle Forces In Older Adults, Brian L. Tracy, Katrina S. Maluf, Jennifer L. Stephenson, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Variability of motor unit discharge is a likely contributor to the greater force fluctuations observed in old adults at low muscle forces. We sought to determine whether the variability of motor unit discharge rate underlies the fluctuations in force during steady contractions across a range of forces in young (n = 11) and old (n = 14) adults. The coefficient of variation (CV) for discharge rate and force were measured during a force-matching task as the first dorsal interosseous muscle performed isometric contractions. The recruitment thresholds of the 78 motor units ranged from 0.04% to 34% of maximal …

A Comparison Of Outcomes After 8 And 12 Weeks Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Michael Fillyaw, Kim Hasegawa, Mary Anne Riley, Burton D. Tepfer

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Purpose: To compare changes in functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, functional status, and depression in patients after 8 weeks (24 sessions) and 12 weeks (36 sessions) of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: A prospective sample of 31 participants in our PR program completed outcome measures prior to and during the eighth and twelfth weeks of the program. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and a stairs climbing test (ST) measured functional exercise capacity. Perceived dyspnea (PD) was measured with a 6-20 scale. The Pulmonary Function Status Scale (PFSS) measured functional status, and the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) measured depression. Results : Statistically significant …

Muscle Endurance Is Greater For Old Men Compared With Strength-Matched Young Men, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose was to compare the time to task failure for a sustained isometric contraction performed at a submaximal intensity with the elbow flexor muscles by young and old men who were matched for strength. Eight young men (18–31 yr) and eight old men (67–76 yr) sustained an isometric contraction at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque until the target torque could no longer be achieved for at least 5 s. The maximal torque exerted at the wrist was similar for the young and old men before the fatiguing task (65.9 ± 8.0 vs. 65.4 ± 8.7 N·m; P …

Isokinetic Knee Strength In Females With Fibromyalgia, Flora F. Shafiee

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Objectives: To compare knee flexors and extensors muscle strength, total work, and power between females with fibromyalgia (FM) and matched healthy controls.

Methods: This is the first study to measure knee muscle power and total work in females with FM. Thirty-one females with FM and thirty-one healthy females completed isokinetic testing of knee flexors and extensors of their dominant leg using a Cybex Norm Isokinetic Dynamometer. Two knee muscle groups (flexors and extensors) at two angular velocities (607sec and 1807sec) were tested for both groups. Both muscle groups were assessed continuously using five reciprocal concentric-concentric cycles, followed by five eccentric-eccentric …

Central Somatosensory Changes And Altered Muscle Synergies In Subjects With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency, Carol Courtney, Rose Marie Rine, Penny G. Kroll

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

To clarify the mechanisms of compensation in subjects with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency (ACL-D), we examined proprioception, quadriceps strength, somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and muscle responses during gait in varied combinations of speed and incline. Seventeen subjects with ACL-D were grouped by functional level and report of giving way. Seven subjects without ACL-D served as a control sample for muscle response measures. ACL-D subjects with quadriceps weakness experienced giving way and could not resume sport activities. Those without weakness fell into one of two groups: (1) copers, who had full return to previous activity and no giving way despite proprioceptive …

Knee And Hip Angle And Moment Adaptations During Cutting Tasks In Subjects With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency Classified As Noncopers, Jeff R. Houck, Andrew Duncan, Kenneth E. De Haven

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Study Design: Two-factor mixed-design study, with factors including group (control and noncoper) and task (sidestep, crossover, and straight).

Objectives: To compare the knee and hip joint angles and moments of control subjects and subjects with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knee classified as noncopers, during a sidestep, crossover, and straight-ahead task.

Background: Subjects with ACL deficiency primarily note difficulty with cutting tasks as opposed to straight-ahead tasks. Yet, previous studies have primarily focused on straight-ahead tasks.

Methods and Measures: Fifteen subjects with ACL deficiency classified as noncopers, based on the number of giving-way episodes (1) and global question of …

The Importance Of Athletic Training Students Performing On-Field Evaluations, Amisha Patel

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Context: It is unclear the frequency with which athletic training students perform on-field evaluations. Objective: The purpose of this study is to: (1) quantify the frequency senior ATSs observe, assist, and perform on-field evaluations during their clinical rotations; and (2) assess the senior ATSs perceptions of their experiences during on-field evaluations. Design: A 28-item survey entitled Survey of Senior Level Athletic Training Students Perceptions of Quality and Quantity of On-Field Evaluations During Clinical Rotations was developed based on a comprehensive literature review. The survey was grouped as follows: 3 demographic questions, 8 Likert scale statements, 9 "check all that apply", …

An Electromyographic Assessment Of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles During Core Stability Exercises, Alicia Marleina Osuna

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Clinicians often use Swiss balls in exercise regimens to recruit activity of the paraspinal musculature. However, we do not know if muscle activity differences exist while performing an exercise on a stable or unstable surface. Design and Settings: A 1 X 2 factorial with repeated measures design guided this study. The single within-subjects factor was a core stability exercise with 2 levels: a stable condition (chair) and an unstable condition (Thera-band® exercise ball). The dependent variables were the integrated electromyography (I-EMG) amplitude of the left and right lumbar paraspinal musculature. Subjects: Sixteen moderately active and healthy male subjects (age: …