Physical Therapy Commons^™

The Effects Of An Analgesic (Biofreeze®) On The Motoneuron Pool Excitability Of The Soleus Muscle, Desiree R. Barth

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on the Hoffman reflex and motor response with an analgesic (Biofreeze®). Design: The study was a 2X6 design. The independent variables in this study were treatment and time. The dependent variables were the H-reflex (volts) and the M response (volts). Treatment was randomly assigned to control for the effects of order. Setting: This study took place in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory located in the Health and Human Performance Building at Indiana State University. Subjects: 14 volunteers who were physically active and had no known neurological problems. Measurements: Skin and …

Difference In Transverse Plane Scapular Position Of Professional Baseball Players Relative To Baseball Field Position, James M. Syms

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this study was to identify the variation of the scaption angle of professional baseball players among field position played. Subjects consisted of 109 minor league professional baseball players reporting for the 2002 spring training season, who were under contract with the Anaheim Angels professional baseball organization. Subjects reported to a sports medicine/physical therapy clinic for their 2002 spring training pre-participation physical examination. The scaption measurements were taken as a component of the examination.

Goniometric measurements were taken with the players in a relaxed standing position. Players were instructed to remain looking forward, roll their shoulders forward three …

Time To Task Failure Differs With Load Type When Old Adults Perform A Submaximal Fatiguing Contraction, Sandra K. Hunter, Ludovic Rochette, Ashley Critchlow, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Young adults exhibit a longer time to task failure when performing a submaximal isometric contraction by pushing against a force transducer (force task) than when supporting an equivalent inertial load (position task). The purpose of this study was to compare the time to failure for old adults when they performed a force task and a position task with the elbow flexor muscles. Eighteen old adults (72 ± 4 years) performed the force and position tasks at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force until task failure. The time to task failure was briefer for the position task (10.6 ± 6.1 min) …

The Effect Of Positioning On Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity As Evaluated With Surface Electromyography In Normals, Karen R. Whitter-Brandon

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Physical therapists who treat patients with urinary incontinence commonly utilize sEMG biofeedback. Practitioners compare resting tone, maximal contraction, and muscle endurance measures before and after pelvic floor exercise instruction to determine intervention and demonstrate progress. There is little research that supports the use of biofeedback in positions other than supine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of positioning on pelvic floor muscle activity as measured by surface electromyography (sEMG) in supine, sitting, and standing. Subjects were healthy nulliparous and multiparous women, 23-74 years old, with no symptoms, history, diagnosis, or treatment of incontinence. Subjects were randomized …

The Effect Of Electrical Stimulation On Blood Flow In Chronic Wounds In Patients With And Without Diabetes, Daryl J. Lawson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background and Purpose. Only 3% of the U S population is afflicted by diabetes, yet one of the most common chronic wounds is the diabetic ulcer. Decrease in blood flow may be one reason why only 31% of neuropathic diabetic ulcers heal in 20-weeks. The purpose of this investigation was to compare healing rates and blood flow of chronic stage III and IV wounds in people with diabetes and those without diabetes over four weeks of treatment. Blood flow was measured before, during, and after stimulation using one of two different electrical stimulation waveforms in a 32°C room.

Subjects …

The Effect Of Posterior Versus Anterior Glide Joint Mobilization On External Rotation Range Of Motion Of Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis, Andrea J. Johnson

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Study Design: Repeated measures, randomized comparison of two treatment groups.

Objective: To compare effectiveness of two manual therapy procedures, posterior and anterior glide joint mobilization, for improving external rotation in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

Background: Joint mobilization procedures are often used by physical therapists to treat the accessory motion impairments associated with shoulder adhesive capsulitis. However opinions differ regarding the value of posterior versus anterior glide mobilization. especially for improving external rotation.

Methods and Measures: Subjects with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis exhibiting a specific external rotation range deficit, were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. For …

Feasibility Of Electromyography-Triggered Neuromuscular Stimulation As An Adjunct To Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, Stacy L. Fritz, Yi-Po Chiu, Matthew P. Malcolm, Tara S. Patterson, Kathye E. Light

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this case report is to explore the feasibility of electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (EMG-stim) as an adjunct to constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT).

Case Description. The patient was a 72-year-old man, 10 years poststroke, who did not meet traditional CIMT criteria. The EMG-stim was applied to the wrist extensors of the patient's weaker arm for one half of the CIMT training hours.

Outcomes. The intervention was feasible for this individual. Improvements were observed in motor behavior, quality and amount of use, muscle activity, wrist range of motion, and reaction time of the more-affected extremity. These improvements …

Plyometric Training Considerations To Reduce Knee Injuries, Erik Meira, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Strength and conditioning programs can serve a role in the prevention of injuries. Athletes who are at risk for a serious knee injury may benefit from a plyometric training program. The program that a high school coach develops or implements should be evidence based and address lower-extremity strength and biomechanical techniques.

In-Season Functional Shoulder Training For High School Baseball Pitchers, Jason Brumitt, Erik Meira, Greg Davidson

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The overhead throwing motion is used in numerous sports including track, football, and baseball. Among these sports, the baseball pitch is unique in the demands placed upon the shoulder. The forces created in the shoulder can potentially lead to pathology affecting the athlete's career. To enhance performance and decrease the risk of injury, it is important that the athlete participate in a year-round periodized program. Inappropriate or deficient training combined with the stress that the shoulder experiences during a season can lead to strains, impingement, tendon or labral tears, and instabilities.

Obesity: Prevalence, Theories, Medical Consequences, Management, And Research Directions, C. Wilborn, J. Beckham, B. Campbell, T. Harvey, M. Galbreath, P. La Bounty, E. Nassar, J. Wismann, R. Kreider

Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Obesity: Prevalence, Theories, Medical Consequences, Management, And Research Directions, C. Wilborn, J. Beckham, B. Campbell, T. Harvey, M. Galbreath, P. La Bounty, E. Nassar, J. Wismann, R. Kreider

Pharmacy

No abstract provided.

Rabbit Knee Joint Biomechanics: Motion Analysis And Modeling Of Forces During Hopping, David L. Gushue, Jeff Houck, Amy L. Lerner

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Although the rabbit hindlimb has been commonly used as an experimental animal model for studies of osteoarthritis, bone growth and fracture healing, the in vivo biomechanics of the rabbit knee joint have not been quantified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic and kinetic patterns during hopping of the adult rabbit, and to develop a model to estimate the joint contact force distribution between the tibial plateaus. Force platform data and three-dimensional motion analysis using infrared markers mounted on intracortical bone pins were combined to calculate the knee and ankle joint intersegmental forces and moments. A statically …

A Comparison Of The Effects On Throwing Velocity Of Straight Plane Versus Diagonal Plane Shoulder Exercises On 18-30 Year Old Non-Athletes, Jason Allred, Kevin O'Brien, Peter Tran

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in throwing velocity exhibited by subjects placed in a straight-line resistance-training group, a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) resistance-training group, and a control group in order to compare benefits between training programs. Subjects were comprised of 42 college students between the ages of 18 and 30. The subjects were placed in one of the three experimental groups (straight-line resistance-training, PNF resistance training, and control) using Theraband™ elastic tubing. Each subject's overhand throwing velocity was measured on two separate occasions separated by 8-weeks of training. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to …

Overcoming Barriers In Fitness Equipment For Persons With Physical Disabilities, Collin Wiggins, Thomas Carson, Aaron Sorvig

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Americans today are generally inactive, and the incidence of physical inactivity is even higher among those with disabilities. Many advances have been made in recreational sports facilities; however, insufficient information regarding equipment selection or equipment design remains, and thus may limit the active participation of the physically disabled at most colleges/universities. The purpose of this study was to determine guidelines for identifying types of equipment, accommodations, and funding sources available to provide those with physical disabilities an adequate and equal means of improving their fitness level.

Facilities chosen to participate in this study are registered college/university recreation centers with the …

The Effect Of Participation In Organized Soccer On Fitnessgram Scores In 11-12 Year Old Girls, Gale G. Dockstader, Kristin R. Naplin, Keli N. Waterworth, Lyndsey M.R. Ziemer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: Childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate throughout the United States and has been associated with multiple health complications such as heart disease and diabetes. Due to these increasing rates and health effects, there is a need to determine effective methods to measure physical activity as well as promote physical activity. One form of determining a child's level of fitness is through the Fitnessgram. This study was designed to determine if formally testing fitness levels with the Fitnessgram in 11-12 year old girls participating in organized soccer is correlated with changes in fitness levels from pre-season to post-season, …

The Effectiveness Of Semi-Rigid Custom Made Foot Orthotics In Correcting Abnormal Foot Positions, Kimberly Austin, Chris Gietzen, Bonnie Nostdahl, John Sayler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Researchers have been trying to understand the complexity of foot biomechanics for over 100 years, and this has lead to an increase in more sensitive technology. Abnormal foot biomechanics are commonly corrected using orthotics. Pressure mapping systems, such as the Force Sensitive Application (FSA) and Teckscan, are becoming more prevalent in both clinical settings and in research to assist clinicians in making proper fitting orthotics. FSA allows clinicians the ability to measure the amount of pressure on patients' feet with and without orthotics. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of semi-rigid custom foot orthotics in correcting …

The Effects Of Hypermobility On Static And Dynamic Balance In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Laura Elbert, Teresa Tostenrud

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A significant percentage of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students have been found to exhibit signs of systemic hypermobility. Hypermobility can be defined as joints displaying excessive range of movement. Balance is an integral aspect of the job tasks of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists and involves collaboration of muscles, joints, ligaments, and the proprioceptive input they collectively provide. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of hyper mobility on static and dynamic balance in a population of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy students at the University of North Dakota.

Seventy nine physical therapy and occupational therapy …

An Electromyographic Study Of The Quadriceps And Hamstrings Recruitment During Two Closed Kinetic Chain Activities, Linda K. Hanson, Shauna T. Salz, Suzanne L. Steffes

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Knee pain and injury are a commonly seen diagnosis in physical therapy practice. Closed kinetic chain activities are frequently used to treat these diagnoses, because of their safety and functional properties. However isolation of specific muscles is difficult with closed kinetic chain exercises. The researchers chose to further study closed kinetic chain exercises in order to compare traditional closed kinetic chain exercises with a recently developed closed kinetic chain device. The purpose of this study is to assess EMG activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings during two different closed kinetic chain activities of the knee, one a traditional method and …

Electromyographic (Emg) Analysis Of Trunk Muscles At The Point Of Puck Contact During Slap And Wrist Shots Of Female Ice Hockey Athletes, Lon Donald, Kristi Kjellgren, Jodi Young, Michael Young

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The number of female hockey players has increased significantly in the last decade. The first recorded female hockey game was in Ottawa in 1889. Since that time, hockey has spread into the United States .. Today, USA Hockey, Inc. reports 40,000 registered females and the Canadian Hockey Association has 55,000 female hockey players. Despite the rising popularity of the sport among females, there is little research specifically related to female hockey players.

Golf, tennis, and hockey swings utilize similar rotational components about the trunk. Trunk rotation is controlled and produced by the erector spinae, external oblique and rectus abdominus muscles. …

An Electromyography (Emg) Study Of Two Dynamic Surfaces: Hippotherapy And Swiss Ball, Melissa J. Metcalf, Roslyn J. Muller, Tanya L. Schimek, Erica H. Wheeler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The use of horseback riding as a therapeutic intervention has been used since the fifth century, B.C.1 It has been proposed that the physical benefits of horseback riding include: improved posture, balance, muscle strength, decreased spasticity, improved gait patterns, and coordination. Unfortunately, at the current time, hippotherapy, the use of horses in physical therapy intervention, has been poorly documented due to little objective research. The purpose of this study was to provide an objective measure of children's postural muscle activity through the use of electromyography (EMG) and electrogoniometry on two dynamic surfaces. Data was analyzed for differences in postural muscle …

Survey Of The Use Of Pedometers And Knowledge Of Caloric Intake And Expenditure, Tera Bahl, Holly Freudenberg, Tara Hynek, Lynae Jost

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, medical professionals are searching for ways to combat this epidemic. One of the first steps is to assess the activity levels and eating habits of those who are obese and look for ways to modify these two areas in order to assist the obese individual in achieving a desirable and healthy weight. The purpose of this study is to determine if pedometer use, gender, or body mass influence one's knowledge of caloric consumption and expenditure.

Subjects and Methods. 253 questionnaires were sent out to randomly selected faculty and staff …

Effects Of Ankle Taping On Postural Stability, Jessica Brown, Andrea Foley, Michelle Hager, Andrea Kresel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Ankle taping is a common practice used to support the ankle joint after injury when engaging in activities. Balance is a crucial component of athletic performance that relies on input from the vestibular, somatosensory, and visual systems. Proprioception plays a role in the somatosensory portion of balance and postural control. Ankle taping, which is used to improve performance, may alter a person's proprioception, balance, and postural control.

The purpose of this study is to determine if ankle taping has an effect on postural control in an individual free of chronic or acute ankle dysfunction. Thirty-two subjects were tested on a …

Factors That Influence The Utilization Of Fitness/Recreation Facilities By Individuals With Physical Disabilities, Brenda Finley, Kristen Lindstrom, Jennifer Lorengo, Brandi Muir

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This research project was designed to provide well ness/fitness facilities, particularly the upcoming Wellness Center at the University of North Dakota (UND), with useful information to make facilities more accommodating to all individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that influence participation in physical activity among people with physical disabilities and to investigate the types of accommodations and modifications that fitness facilities have in place.

Six individuals with physical disabilities participated in the focused interview portion of this study. Participants suggested modifications concerning physical activity for staffing, additional equipment, and other specific adaptations. The majority of …

The Effectiveness Of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training On Muscle Activation And Gait With Normal Subjects, Malanie A. Hanson, Cherron M. Kingzett, Amanda M. Klempel, Jenny M. Silbernagel

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate gait kinematics of individuals without pathological impairments. Through the use of electromyography (EMG), the firing of muscles was analyzed during ambulation using the partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT). Video motion analysis (VMA) was also used to look at the movements of the lower extremities and the pelvis. Using both of these tools, it was determined if there was a significant change in muscle firing and movements in normal individuals during ambulation with weight support compared to normal weight-bearing.

Methods: Four subjects (3 female, 1 male) were recruited …

An Evaluation Of The Ability Of Physical Therapy Students At The University Of North Dakota To Make Ethical Decisions, Russell B. Fox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapists are faced with many ethical dilemmas in the work place. Therefore, it is important for a physical therapy student to have the ability to make sound ethical decisions. However, there are no classes required by the physical therapy department in ethics at the University of North Dakota. The purpose of this study is to examine the ability of physical therapy students and the faculty at the University of North Dakota to make ethical decisions.

During the summer of 2004, the Defining Issues Test II (DIT-2) was administered at the University of North Dakota. The DIT-2 is a structured …

Perceptions Of Physical Therapy Faculty On The Inclusion Of Spirituality In Physical Therapy Education, Janice C. Pitts

Dissertations

Problem

The physical therapy profession currently does not require the integration of spirituality in patient care in the physical therapy curriculum, and it is unclear how physical therapy faculty and practitioners view its inclusion. There is limited research literature on the integration of spirituality in the field of physical therapy or within its academic environment.

Method

The study utilized standard survey research methodology to gather data relating to spirituality and its inclusion in a physical therapy curriculum. Five participants from each of 101 sampled programs received a survey instrument along with instructions and consent form disseminated through electronic mailing. Data …

Relationship Of Urinary Incontinence To Hysterectomy And Episiotomy, Elizabeth Oakley, Debra Buchtel, Rachel Atanosian, A. Lynn Millar

Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a problem that affects women of all ages. Research has identified many risk factors for the development of UI but is inconclusive regarding the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and the development of UI symptoms. Physical therapists are emerging as primary care providers which increases the importance of attention to and knowledge of risk factors facilitate timely screening and care for women at risk or who have UI signs and symptoms. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between episiotomy and hysterectomy and incidence of urinary incontinence. SUBJECTS: The subjects included …

Influence Of Aging On Sex Differences In Muscle Fatigability, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare time to task failure for a sustained isometric contraction performed at a submaximal intensity with elbow flexor muscles by young and old men and women. Twenty-seven young (14 men and 13 women, 18–35 yr) and 18 old (10 men and 8 women, 65–80 yr) adults sustained an isometric contraction at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction torque until target torque could no longer be achieved for ≥5 s. Young adults were stronger than old adults (66.8 ± 17.9 vs. 47.7 ± 18.1 N·m, P < 0.05), and men were stronger than women (69.8 ± 17.9 vs. 47.1 ± 15.3 N·m, P < 0.05), with no interaction between age and sex (P > 0.05). Time to task failure was longer …

Men Are More Fatigable Than Strength-Matched Women When Performing Intermittent Submaximal Contractions, Sandra K. Hunter, Ashley Critchlow, In-Sik Shin, Roger M. Enoka

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to compare the time to task failure for a series of intermittent submaximal contractions performed with the elbow flexor muscles by men and women who were matched for strength (n = 20, 18–34 yr). The fatigue task comprised isometric contractions at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque (6-s contraction, 4-s rest). The MVC torque was similar for the men and women [64.8 ± 9.2 (SD) vs. 62.2 ± 7.9 N·m; P > 0.05]. However, the time to task failure was longer for the women (1,408 ± 1,133 vs. 513 ± 194 s; P …

The Effectiveness Of A Physical Therapy Intervention For Children With Hypotonia And Flatfeet, Charmayne G. Ross

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy using Cascade orthotics and an exercise program for children with hypotonia and flatfeet. Subjects: Thirty-seven children, aged 18 months to 5 years, who demonstrated developmental delays and hypotonia with flatfoot dysfunction, participated in this study. Methods: Three groups (control, orthotic, and orthotic-exercise) were studied. The orthotic- exercise group practiced bilateral heel lifts besides wearing the orthoses. An arch index was used to assess the width of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) pre/post interventions. Gait parameters (velocity, step-length, single-limb support, and cadence) were assessed four times in …