Physical Therapy Commons^™

Influence Of Female Hormones On The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Heather Stone

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Since 1972 the number of female athletes has increased more than 600% to a total of 1.9 million athletes. Unfortunately, "the quest for equal opportunity in sports has led many female athletes to equal opportunity for injuries, especially injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)." For reasons that are still somewhat unclear the ACL injury rate is two to eight times higher for females compared their male counterparts. One intrinsic risk factor, which has devoured attention in recent years, is the influence female hormones have on the structure and integrity of ACL.

The purpose of this independent study was to …

A Comparison Between Edema And Lymphedema, Janelle Sunnarborg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The terms edema and lymphedema are often used interchangeably but treatment approaches for these forms of swelling differ. The purpose of this paper is to compare the treatments for edema and lymphedema, provide a background in the anatomy of the circulatory system and discuss signs, symptoms, and causes of swelling. Management of edema is directed toward its cause but physical therapy treatment may also be appropriate. Lymphedema remains a risk for years following initial injury, therefore, preventative measures are especially important to address, to decrease the occurrence of cellulitis.

Physical therapy treatment for edema and lymphedema include elevation, compression, exercise, …

Emg Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Christine Wellner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the fatigue component in trunk musculature following a simulated 9 hole round of golf by analyzing the EMG output of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus and abdominal oblique muscles during the golf swing.

Four males, ages 22-26 performed 5 EMG monitored golf swings with a driver prior to and following a simulated 9 hole round of golf. The data was subjected to analysis by the Fast Fourier Transformation to determine median frequency.

The results show that a significant shift in median frequency occurred, signifying muscle fatigue, in 2 of the 4 subjects …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Jeremy Zimney

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

The Relationship Of Female Reproductive Hormones To Lumbopelvic Pain And Musculoskeletal Injuries In The Female Athlete, Christina M. Aksamit

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The increased participation by females in athletics over the past decade, both competitively and leisurely, has brought attention to the number and severity of acquired injuries. Females tend to suffer a greater number of injuries than their male counterparts, and low back pain is also more prevalent in this population. Research is just beginning to focus on female athletes as their own separate entity. The female reproductive hormones have been targeted as a possible cause of many injuries secondary to the chemical and physical changes that occur with their fluctuations.

The purpose of this literature review is to identify the …

Three-Dimensional Kinematics Of The Overarm Throwing Motion In Children Ages 2 To 7, Katherine A. Hagen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Throwing is a meaningful play activity that encourages social interaction, develops the sequencing of motor skills, and signals the onset of toddlerhood. Little published data clearly documents the three-dimensional kinematics of the progression of the overarm throwing motion in children. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) To explore the biomechanical differences in the overarm throwing techniques of children between the ages of two and seven, and 2) To compare the kinematics of dominant versus non-dominant arm throws in children between the ages of two and seven.

Methods: 1) Nine children, 6 males and 3 females, …

The Association Of Generalized Joint Hyperlaxity And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury, Betty Hestekin

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Joint hyperlaxity is a condition characterized by excessive range of motion in joints. Generalized joint hyperlaxity has been associated with musculoskeletal pain. In addition, hyperlaxity has been linked to greater incidences of injury in the high level athlete. However, there is no published data available to assess if hyperlaxity places the general population at a greater risk of incurring musculoskeletal injury.

This study researched the association of generalized joint hyperlaxity and occurrence of musculoskeletal injury in the non-athlete. Subjects were 55 volunteers from a pool of physical therapy students. The subjects completed a survey indicating activity level and injury history. …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During Exercise In Traditional And Modified Positions, Rebecca Lee. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder rehabilitation commonly overlooks the influence of scapular muscles in providing the stability necessary for the shoulder to function properly. When considering muscles acting on the scapulothoracic articulation, literature suggests that the lower trapezius is a key stabilizer of this articulation. Traditionally, the lower trapezius is exercised while the patient is in a prone position with the humerus abducted 1450 while performing forward elevation. Unfortunately, repeated overhead activity has been proven to increase the incidence of shoulder impingement. In an effort to avoid exercising the lower trapezius in a position that would compromise the shoulder complex, a modified position of …

Strain-Counterstrain: Rationale, Methodology, And Utilization Within The Practice Of Physical Therapy, Jacquelyn Knodle

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to take a closer look at the technique of strain-counterstrain in order to provide the reader with information regarding the history, scientific rationale, methodology, and utilization of this technique within in the realm of physical therapy. Strain-counterstrain was developed and refined by Lawrence Jones. Jones' technique is largely based on Irvin Korr's model, which sites the muscle spindle as the primary cause of somatic dysfunctions. The principles of strain-counterstrain as set forth by Jones have been well established throughout literature. However, several variations of the technique do exist. Within literature strain-counterstrain has been …

The Effects Of An Accelerated Physical Therapy Protocol On Patients Receiving Standard Open Rotator Cuff Repairs: An Outcome Study, David J. Kohns

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcomes of patients who have undergone physical therapy treatment following rotator cuff surgical repair. Sixty-eight rotator cuff repairs performed between September 1995 and .Iuly 1999 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, North Dakota were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 59 patients with rotator cuff repairs who met the criteria for this study, there were 34 males (57.6% of the cases) and 25 females (42.4% of the cases) included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 64.3 years, ranging from 38 to 80 years, with a median age …

Quadriceps And Hamstring Strength In Individuals With Total Knee Arthroplasty, Brooke J. Powers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently, there are over 120,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKA) performed yearly in the United States with total hospital and physician expenses for each procedure ranging from $25,000 to $30,000. Majority of individuals who undergo a TKA continue to exhibit lower extremity strength deficits specifically quadriceps and hamstring weakness. Clinicians and physical therapists question if these individuals receive the level of rehabilitation necessary for the return of quadriceps and hamstring strength.

The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the logistics of setting up a study to determine if there was a significant difference between the strength of the involved …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Chantel J. Helling

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to evaluate variables/criteria available for the admissions process and identify which prove to be the strongest predictors of academic and clinical success in the University of North Dakota Professional Physical Therapy Program. It is also intended to review the current admission processes being utilized and look for new indicators of success that may be beneficial to this curriculum.

The subjects utilized in this study are physical therapy students (excluding the Western Interstate Commission of Higher Education enrolled students) admitted from the years of 1991 - 1995. Data were first extracted from student files by …

The Effects Of Electromagnetism For The Treatment Of Multiple Sclerosis, Michele A. Morse

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Electromagnetic treatment is one of the highest utilized nontraditional therapeutic methods in the medical field. Scientific research has proposed that people experience improvement in the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) from such treatment. This independent study is a literature review that probes into the proclaimed benefits that a low frequency electromagnetic field posses on the biological system. In order to support or negate these claims, literature and studies explaining how and why this concept is feasible is researched and presented. The review focuses on the effects of the low frequency external electromagnetic field at the cellular level and on central …

Patient Satisfaction Of Physical Therapy Treatment Of Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions, Jennifer Norberg

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Urinary incontinence has been categorized as a pelvic floor dysfunction. There are four main types of incontinence: stress, urge, overflow, and mixed. Pelvic floor dysfunctions have had success with non-surgical treatments. Treatments include biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and pelvic floor muscle exercises.

This study was designed to analyze patient satisfaction with the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions by a physical therapist. Surveys were mailed out to discharged participants from a participating facility. The participants were asked to complete and return the survey by mail. The surveys were anonymous, and the responses were kept confidential. Thirty-four surveys were returned out of fifty-five …

Cervicogenic Headache: A Manual Therapy Approach, Mollie Pharris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The cervical spine was first suggested as an origin for headache almost 200 years ago. Since then, the etiology of headaches arising from the cervical spine has remained controversial and confusing. Cervicogenic headache is often confused as tension or common migraine headache, therefore presenting a great diagnostic .and therapeutic challenge for the physical therapist. The clinical physical therapist must have a strong background in anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine in order to assess and determine the involvement of the cervical spine as a primary or secondary factor in the individual's complaint of headache. This knowledge is also necessary …

An Electromyographic And Video Motion Analysis Study Of Sprinters At Varying Speeds And Inclines, Christine Ann Rygh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Athletes desire to succeed in their respective sport. Several training programs claim to enhance athletic performance by loading specific muscles and joints needed for increased speed, power, and strength in a sport specific manner. One such training regimen is the Frappier Acceleration® program, in which the core element involves sprinting on a treadmill at varying speeds and inclines. The purpose of this study is to describe muscle activity and joint motion while running on a treadmill at different speeds and inclines.

Eleven males between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two years of age ran on a treadmill at five different …

Predictors Of Academic Success In The University Of North Dakota Master Of Physical Therapy Program, Sherry Sisneros

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to the fact that the number of positions available in the University of North Dakota's Physical Therapy program is few yet the number of qualified applicants is many, the admissions committee has the responsibility to be selective in their process to ensure the most qualified students are admitted. In order to determine the most qualified students, one needs to determine the possible variables that predict not only academic, but clinical success as well.

Data was gathered from 145 students who attended the UND-PT program with admit years of1991-1995. Traditional descriptive and analytical statistics were utilized to describe applicants, outcomes, …

A Comparison Study Of Depression In The Elderly: Traveling South Versus Staying In The Midwest For The Winter, Sandra M. Zieffler

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Depression is the primary mental health disorder in the elderly (people 65 years old and older). As the elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population in the United States, an increasing number of elders will be affected by this illness. The purpose of this study was to compare depression in the elderly between those who stay in the Midwest (Minnesota or North Dakota) year-round and those who travel south for all or part of the winter. A four-page self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 227 people thought to be at least 65 years old. The questionnaire consisted of background …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Regranex (Becaplermin) Gel 0.01% On The Treatment Of Wounds, Melissa Wood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

REGRANEX (becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB]) Gel 0.01% is a topical gel used for the treatment of chronic lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers (8 weeks or longer). It contains growth factors to aid in healing by promoting the formation of granulation tissue. Becaplermin[rhPDGF-BB] is the only growth factor to show clinical efficacy and to be approved by the FDA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this topical gel to speed the closing of wounds and/or production of healthy granulation tissue.

To accomplish this evaluation, a chart review was done at Altru Health Systems. A list of names of patients …

Outcome Study Of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Of Patients With Patellar Femoral Dysfunction, Thomas D. Henke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was conducted to assist St. Alexius Medical Center's Institute of Sports Medicine in the analysis of physical therapy outcomes for patients who underwent patellofemoral surgical procedures including lateral retinacular release, vastus medialis oblique advancement, and tibial tubercle transfers. A review of data collected by the physical therapists at St. Alexius was performed and statistically analyzed to determine the efficacy of outcomes both clinically and functionally. This outcome analysis will assist current and future practice patterns by providing a basis for clinical effectiveness. The results of this study will be a useful resource for the facility as a guide …

Three-Dimensional Kinematics Of The Overarm Throwing Motion In Children Ages 2 To 7, Jacalyn R. Breidenbach

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Throwing is a meaningful play activity that encourages social interaction, develops the sequencing of motor skills, and signals the onset oftoddlerhood. Little published data clearly documents the three-dimensional kinematics ofthe progression of the overarm throwing motion in children. The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) To explore the biomechanical differences in the overarm throwing techniques of children between the ages of two and seven, and 2) To compare the kinematics of dominant versus non-dominant arm throws in children between the ages of two and seven.

Methods: 1) Nine children, 6 males and 3 females, were classified …

An Electromyographic Study Of Lower Trapezius Muscle Activity During Exercise In Traditional And Modified Positions, Erika Engelstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder rehabilitation commonly overlooks the influence of scapular muscles in providing the stability necessary for the shoulder to function properly. When considering muscles acting on the scapulothoracic articulation, literature suggests that the lower trapezius is a key stabilizer of this articulation. Traditionally, the lower trapezius is exercised while the patient is in a prone position with the humerus abducted 1450 while performing forward elevation. Unfortunately, repeated overhead activity has been proven to increase the incidence of shoulder impingement. In an effort to avoid exercising the lower trapezius in a position that would compromise the shoulder complex, a modified position of …

The Effects Of Balance Training In Normal Young Adults As Assessed By The Neurocom Balance Master, Steve Dingmann

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Balance is a skill that is essential for most activities of daily living (ADL) including participation in any athletic activity, whether competitive or recreational. When assessing balance, it is very important to have normal balance baselines in order to serve as a guideline for comparison, especially when returning an athlete to competition. Additionally, given the importance of balance in athletics, it would seem important to determine if people with normal balance can improve their balance in order to enhance performance and decrease the risk of injury during sports.

The purpose of this study was to establish balance baselines on the …

Emg Analysis Of Trunk Musculature Following A Nine Hole Round Of Golf: The Fatigue Factor, Nicole Garrett

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Four male subjects were tested using EMG spectral analysis to determine if muscle fatigue occurs in the trunk musculature after a simulated nine hole round of golf. The mean frequency of the gluteus maximus, abdominal obliques, and the erector spinae were studied. A significant difference in mean frequency change was noted, therefore supporting the idea that the muscles tested may indeed fatigue during a round of golf. The author supports the use of golf exercise programs for the prevention of injury. Strengthening and endurance exercises should include these trunk muscles since they appear to fatigue after a simulated nine hole …

Cardiovascular Disease Within Native American Populations, Leslie J. Harris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Native American populations have been experiencing a rise in chronic illnesses and social pathologies. The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary provider of health care to a majority of Native Americans. Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death among Native American men and women in a majority of tribes. Despite efforts by the IHS this once uncommon disease rapidly increasing in native American groups. Many believe that the acculturation of western lifestyles and changes in diet are contributing factors to the increase in heart disease. They contend that the cause lies in the prevalence of associated risk factors …

Physical Therapy Student Learning Styles And Their Preference For Teaching Methods And Instructional Activities, Valerie Gwen Olson

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

.

The Role Of The Academic Physical Therapy Department Chair As Perceived By Physical Therapy Teaching Faculty And Chairs, Wayne Louis Perry

Dissertations

Problem

The purpose o f this study was to determine the roles, responsibilities, and characteristics o f the physical therapy department chair as perceived by physical therapy unit administrators and teaching faculty in accredited, entry-level physical therapy programs.

Method

The research population consisted o f current administrators and teaching faculty who work at least half time in accredited physical therapist education programs. The data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and ANOVAs with post hoc tests where appropriate.

Results

The results o f this study indicate that physical therapy unit administrators tend to be older, more experienced, carry higher …

Effects Of Electrical Stimulation On Wound Closure In Mice With Experimental Diabetes Mellitus, Habiba A. Thawer, Pamela E. Houghton, Luther Kloth, Anna Butryn

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) on the closure of full-thickness excisional wounds in mice with type-1 experimental diabetes mellitus (DM). Alloxon monohydrate (100mg/kg) was used to induce experimental DM in mole CD-1 mice (n = 88). Full-thickness skin excisions (1cm²) in diabetic (urine glucose > 0) and non-diabetic (urine glucose = 0) mice were administered 1, 3, or 5 treatments of ES (200μs, 200 Hz) for 15 minutes, at 0 (sham), 5, 10, or 12.5 volts. Alloxon injection resulted in a positive urine glucose test in 48 mice yielding …

Four Clinical Tests Of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: The Association Of Test Results With Innominate Torsion Among Patients With And Without Low Back Pain, Pamela Levangie

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between innominate torsion (asymmetric anteroposterior positioning of the pelvic innominates) and the Gillet, standing forward flexion, sitting forward flexion, and supine-to-sit tests. Subjects. A sample of 21- to 50-year-old patients with low back pain (n=150) and a comparison group of patients with upper-extremity impairments (n=138) were recruited from outpatient physical therapy facilities. Methods. The association of single and combined test results with innominate torsion (calculated from pelvic landmark data) and with presence or absence of low back pain were estimated via odds ratios, sensitivities, specificities, and predictive …

Visual-Vestibular Habituation And Balance Training For Motion Sickness, Rose Marie Rine, Michael C. Schubert, Thomas J. Balkany

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Background and Purpose. This case report describes physical therapy for motion sickness in a 34-year-old woman. The purpose of the report is twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the literature regarding motion sickness syndrome, causal factors, and rationale for treatment and (2) to describe the evaluation and treatment of a patient with motion sickness.

Case Description and Outcomes. The patient initially had moderate to severe visually induced motion sickness, which affected her functional abilities and prevented her from working. Following 10 weeks of a primarily home-based program of visualvestibular habituation and balance training, her symptoms were alleviated and she …