Physical Therapy Commons^™

Gynecological Factors Related To Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Women, Melissa Tuominen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Current literature has just begun to look at gynecology and obstetrics beyond the point of pregnancy and into the realm of sports medicine. Clinical research is starting to determine that female athletes may be predisposed to musculosketal injuries because of regular hormonal fluctuations. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between ACL injuries in females and a specific phase of their menstrual cycle. Survey's were mailed to 52 female patients who had undergone ACL reconstructive surgery within the past year. Twenty-five (48%) of the women completed and mailed back the survey. A majority of …

The Effect Of Various Shoulder And Elbow Positions On Grip Strength, Melanie Wentz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study investigated the effect of various shoulder and elbow positions on grip strength in 42 subjects. Both dominant and non-dominant upper extremities were tested using the Jamar dynamometer. The subjects were tested in the following positions while standing: 1) 90 degrees shoulder flexion and 90 degrees elbow flexion, 2) 90 degrees shoulder flexion and full elbow extension, 3) 90 degrees shoulder abduction and 90 degrees elbow flexion, and 4) 90 degrees shoulder abduction and full elbow extension. A repeated-measures ANOVA showed that shoulder and elbow position does significantly (p<.05) affect grip strength. A significant difference between genders was found for each position and hand dominance was significant (p<.05) for position 2. Both males and females were strongest with their shoulder in 90 degrees of flexion. The findings suggest that 90 degrees of shoulder flexion may be more of a position of function than 90 degrees of abduction. When measuring grip strength, position of testing and gender are two important variables to consider when trying to help patients attain their highest grip strength score.

Evaluating The Effects Of A Stretching Routine On The Peak Torque Of The Hamstrings, Christopher Thorson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Stretching has long been an accepted method of enhancing one's performance in most athletic events. However, while there has been other research performed on the subject of stretching benefits, there has been very little research found in the area of muscle performance being positively affected by stretching. In this study, 19 male subjects between the ages of 18 and 25 with no previous knee pathology volunteered to have their knee flexion torque tested on a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer. They were tested once with prior hamstring stretching and once without prior hamstring stretching. There was no significant difference found between the …

Tensile Properties Of The Autogenous Quadruple-Stranded Semitendinosus-Gracilis Graft Used For Reconstruction Of The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, James E. Swanton

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to further enhance the knowledge of autogenous tissues around the knee which are used for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens were used to conduct this experiment. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons, as well as the bone-patellar tendon-bone complex, were excised and prepared for testing. The semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were doubled and fashioned into a quadruple-stranded graft. The tissue units were then individually fixated in a tensile testing apparatus and tested to failure. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and compare our data with similar studies to …

Aquatic Physical Therapy Techniques For Neurologic Symptoms, Jennifer Skjefte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Aquatic physical therapy (APT) has been defined as a comprehensive therapeutic approach that benefits a person physically, emotionally, and psychologically through active participation in an individualized pool program. The purpose of this study is to review the literature regarding aquatic therapy and neurologic symptoms to provide physical therapy students and professionals with techniques and exercises that can be used to treat persons who present with neurologic disorders.

The history of hydrotherapy, the relative properties of water, the contraindications, precautions, and indications of aquatic exercise, and the definitions and treatments of specific neurologic symptoms will be addressed. The symptom specific techniques …

Hamstring Tendons As Autograft Replacements In Acl Reconstructions: A Review Of The Literature, Jason Anderson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hamstring tendons have gained a great deal of acceptance in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in the 1990's, but some misconceptions concerning the ability of hamstring grafts to successfully replace ruptured ACLs still exist. More surgeons are using hamstring tendons to reconstruct ACL-deficient knees because their harvest does not disrupt the extensor mechanism of the knee. Enthusiasts of the hamstring graft believe that it promotes quicker return of quadriceps strength and knee range of motion without a prevalence of postoperative pateIIofemoral symptoms.

The purpose of this review is to dispute the concerns that exist concerning the initial tensile strength, …

A Review Of Periodization Of Strength And Its Clinical Implications To Physical Therapy, John Andrew

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently no literature or studies in the physical therapy profession explore the use of periodization of strength principles. Therefore, the purpose of this independent study will be to perform a literature review of periodization of strength and how these training concepts are applicable to physical therapy.

Periodization is a strengthening technique which varies the training stimulus so that continuous gains in strength are accrued. The general progression of training is from low intensity and high volume to high intensity and low volume. To achieve these changes in intensity and volume the number of sets, repetitions, and load is periodically changed. …

The Effectiveness Of The Lateral Retinacular Release On Decreasing Pain And Increasing Stability In The Patellofemoral Joint, Celeste M. Hansen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The lateral retinacular release is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures used to treat patellofemoral pain and instability. The purpose of this pilot study is to provide insight into the effectiveness of the lateral retinacular release for decreasing patellofemoral pain with activity and increasing knee stability. A survey \vas sent to 21 patients who had undergone the LRR that addressed the following issues: reason for surgery, stability and pain following surgery, return to prior activities, and the presence of physical therapy before and after surgery. The results from this pilot study identified the following areas of concem: a …

Physical Therapy Outcomes In Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, Tammy Reis

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 anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A retrospective review of data gathered by the physical therapists at this facility was performed and statistically analyzed to ascertain the clinical and functional effectiveness of treatment. This outcomes analysis will assist in illumination of practice patterns and provide a measure of clinical effectiveness for The St. Alexius Institute of Sports Medicine. The results of this study will be useful as an internal measure as well as an informative tool for …

The Effects Of Exercise On The Elderly Population: A Literature Review, Angela M. Thoreson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The population of those 65 years old or older has increased dramatically over the past several decades and will continue to grow well into the 21 st Century. This change in U.S. demography has also led to an increased interest in geriatric medicine and the implications physical activity has on the social, medical, and economical aspects of treating this patient population.

Research has shown that people who participate regularly in aerobic activity have lower mortality and morbidity rates, even if an exercise program is started later in life. Moderate exercise has been proven to be an important part of treatment …

A Survey: Frequency Of Spondylolysis Or Spondylolisthesis In Young Athletes, Kara D. Dewhirst

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this survey research is to survey male and female high school varsity track athletes regarding the occurrence of low back pain, and then correlating the occurrence of a spondylolysis and/or spondylolisthesis with athletic involvement in the sport of track. A questionnaire was sent to 115 high school varsity track athletes in varsity track programs in the state of North Dakota. Only those athletes who participate in high jump, pole vault, discus, shot put, javelin, and 400M sprints or shorter were asked to take part in the survey.

The survey results were unable to answer the research question …

Theoretical And Practical Considerations For Enhancing Power To Improve Athletic Performance, Douglas A. Herron

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Power is of extreme interest to coaches and athletes alike because of the crucial role it plays in athletic performance. This independent study examines the essence of power and attempts to describe its components in detail as they relate to various sporting events and explores theoretical and practical considerations for anaerobic power augmentation using mathematical arguments as a basis for the suggested changes to traditional training protocol.

Specifically, this study suggests changes to traditional resistance training protocol during the power phase of a mesocycie by decreasing the percentage of the maximal lift from 90% through 95% to 60% through 85%. …

Influences Of The Menstrual Cycle On Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Jennifer Hieb

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a common but many times untreated contributor to low back pain. The female population in particular is more likely than their male counterparts to injure the sacroiliac joint. A factor that may predispose the female population to injury is the fluctuating levels of hormones a female progresses through during a normal menstrual cycle. The purpose of this pilot study is to review the literature regarding sacroiliac joint anatomy, pathology and dysfunction and to determine whether enough evidence exists correlating sacroiliac joint injuries with a specific time of the menstrual cycle to warrant further investigation. Data was …

The Effect Of An Accelerated Protocol On Patients Receiving Rotator Cuff Repair: An Outcome Study, Jerret Hopstad

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to establish the outcome of rotator cuff repair and rehabilitation for St. Alexius Medical/Bone and Joint Center, Bismarck ND, using standardized measurement which both third-party payers and providers can utilize. Thirty-seven rotator cuff repairs (36 patients) performed between September 1995 and December 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. One subject was excluded because therapy was completed outside of St. Alexius Physical Therapy. There were 22 males (61 percent of cases) and 13 females (14 shoulders) included in the study. The average age patient was 62.06 years, ranging from 38-80 years, with a median age of60.5. The …

The Effect Of Hippotherapy On Sitting Balance In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Theresa A. Jurgens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Hippotherapy programs have grown rapidly since 1969, when the first center opened in the United States. Despite the growing enthusiasm for hippotherapy in North America, research regarding the efficacy of hippotherapy is not well documented. Literature that pertains to the therapeutic benefits of hippotherapy consists primarily of descriptive articles containing subjective reports of riding instructors, riders, parents, and therapists. Hippotherapy is proposed to develop neuromuscular control, facilitate posture, elicit righting and equilibrium reactions, provide vestibular input, and improve psychological wellbeing. While these descriptive articles have identified variables to be empirically studied, few investigators have documented the therapeutic effects of hippotherapy. …

An Electromyographic Study Of Forward And Backward Walking In Normals And In Subjects Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Christopher C. Kraemer

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy strives to incorporate innovative and efficient protocols for rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgeries. Research supports the benefits of closed kinetic chain exercises (distal segment of extremity is fixed) over the traditional open kinetic chain exercises (distal segment not fixed). It is theorized that backward walking on inclined surfaces will recruit the knee musculature to a greater extent than forward walking, but there is little research to support this theory. The purpose of this study was to utilize electromyography during treadmill walking to analyze the muscle activity in the lower extremity of individuals were normal and who …

Physical Therapy Awareness And Referral Patterns Of Physicians In North Dakota, Cathy M. Mcmahan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Recent trends in healthcare reinforce the idea that interdisciplinary teams are essential for quality patient care. Optimal team function requires respect and communication among team members as well as knowledge of their roles. The purpose of this ·study is to assess physician knowledge and referral patterns of physical therapy.

Subjects in this study included 200 physicians of varying specialty areas from North Dakota. Physician knowledge and referral patterns were assessed through a questionnaire. Results were analyzed according to descriptive and analytical statistics, and were shared with University of North Dakota faculty and the North Dakota chapter of the American Physical …

Exercise And Pregnancy: A Guide For Health Care Professionals, Stacy L. Ripplinger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Health and fitness has become nationwide trends resulting in people of all ages making wiser choices regarding nutrition and exercise. Pregnant women are also participating in this fitness revolution to help ease the discomforts of pregnancy, maintain fitness levels, and regain their shape after delivery. These women often turn to health care providers, including physical therapists, for guidance. The purpose of this independent study, accomplished by a review of the literature, is to provide physical therapists and general health care practitioners an overview of maternal body changes, nutritional requirements, and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy, and how these factors …

A Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Michael Schielke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this review is to explore the literature regarding sacroiliac joint motion in an attempt to ascertain the extent of movement possible, to describe relevant sacroiliac joint anatomy and joint function, and to review assessment and treatment techniques used with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Sacroiliac joint motion and function have been the subject of much controversy among clinicians who treat low back pain. Because of its location, orientation, and morphology, the sacroiliac joint is a difficult joint to visualize clearly with radiographic procedures, which increases the problems in diagnosis of sacroiliac joint pathology. Although the arthrokinematics of the sacroiliac …

An Outcomes Comparison Of Treatment Of Cervical Dysfunction By Strain/Counterstrain Or Mckenzie's Exercises, Heather Sorum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Manual therapy techniques such as Strain/Counterstrain and McKenzie's exercises must be formally studied and scientifically proven in order to receive reimbursement from third party payers. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and outcomes of SCS and McKenzie protocol on cervical somatic dysfunction by performing a chart review. Twenty-six adult subjects who were previously diagnosed with cervical somatic dysfunction were included (McKenzie group n=10, SCS n=16). Subjects were not significantly different in age, sex, or cause of dysfunction. Results: paired sample t tests showed a significant reduction in pain for the SCS group (p<.05). The SCS group had a shorter treatment duration, fewer treatments, and lower cost although ANOV A showed that they were not statistically less than the McKenzie group. Paired samples t test showed a significant improvement in all cervical motions except extension for the SCS group (p<.05). Based on the results of this chart review, the SCS protocol is as effective as the McKenzie protocol in treating cervical somatic dysfunction, and SCS is effective in treating pain and increasing cervical ROM for patients with cervical dysfunction.

The Physiological And Biomechanical Causes Of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness And Subsequent Methods Of Intervention, Jonathan Stevens

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a common problem affecting many people with active lifestyles - from teenagers all the way to ,the elderly. DOMS is soreness arising from strenuous activity, and peaking in intensity 24-48 hours after the cessation of the activity. DOMS is commonly seen in the clinic and can often hinder a patient's progress in therapy.

, It is well documented in the literature that eccentric exercises promote an increase in the frequency and intensity of DOMS, however, research regarding the metabolic and structural changes of the affected muscles and subsequent effective preventative and treatment strategies are …

Personality And Practice Settings, Glen K. Teramoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The field of physical therapy has had substantial growth this decade and is considered one of the best career choices. One reason for this growth is the implementation of physical therapy in new settings. Physical therapists are no longer restricted to the traditional hospitals and rehabilitation settings as choices. Today, physical therapists can choose to practice in more dynamic settings such as the public school system, sports acceleration and rehabilitation facilities, aqua-therapy, hippotherapy, and industrial facilities. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between personality traits and the practice settings for the University of …

1998 Touro College School Of Health Sciences Yearbook, Touro College School Of Health Sciences

Yearbooks and Newsletters

1998 Touro College School of Health Sciences Yearbook

Effects Of Prenatal Drug Exposure On Neurobehavioral Functioning In Young Infants, Yvette Blanchard, Patricia E. Suess, Marjorie Beeghly

All PTHMS Faculty Publications

In the newborn period, infants prenatally exposed to cocaine and other drugs show low scores on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Beyond that period, research is limited on the effects of prenatal drug exposure on neurobehavioral functioning. In this study we compared infants exposed to cocaine and other drugs and control infants from low socioeconomic backgrounds on measures of neurobehavioral functioning during neuromotor assessment at 1, 4 and 7 months of life. None of the measures of neurobehavioral functioning showed any significant group differences. This study did not support the hypothesis of disrupted neurobehavioral functioning beyond the neonatal period in …

A Comparison Of A Traditional Training Program To The Sports Acceleration Program® In Improving An Athlete's Speed, Quickness, Agility, Strength, And Power, Brian Borchardt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare a traditional training program to the Sports Acceleration Program® (SAP) in regards to the ability to improve an athlete's speed, quickness, agility, strength and power.

Methods. Twenty-four high school football players from Fargo South High (FSH)(Fargo, ND) participated in this study. Ten subjects served as the control group and participated in the FSH summer strength and conditioning program. The remaining 14 subjects were included in the experimental group and participated in the SAP. All subjects underwent seven weeks of training in their respective programs, precluded and followed by testing on performance …

Physical Therapy Evaluation Techniques For Determination Of Psychological Factors Affecting Low Back Pain, John Brandt

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain continues to represent the leading musculoskeletal cause of disability in the United States and is the most frequently reported condition for which people receive outpatient physical therapy. In several of these instances, evaluation reveals no known pathological cause for a patient's symptoms. Studies have shown that psychological factors can play a role in the presentation of low back pain. In order to effect treatment, assessment tools are needed that can be utilized by physical therapists to identify the presence of these psychological factors. The purpose of this literature review is to outline methods of assessment that the …

A Comparison Study Of Strength Training Outcomes Between Progressive Resistive Training And Regressive Resistive Training, Carrie Brossart

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in strength training outcomes between the progressive resistive program and the regressive resistive program. The subjects consisted of 14 students at the University of North Dakota. They were randomly assigned to either the progressive or regressive group and performed their respective training two times per week for five weeks. Each subject was tested prior to beginning the program and after finishing the program. These pretest and posttest values were compared to determine strength gains. A paired samples t-test was used to determine that each group had significant …

Availability Of Physical Therapy Treatment For Urinary Incontinence Patients In A Rural State, Jennifer Currier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical therapy is a useful conservative treatment option for individuals portraying Urinary Incontinence (VI). Physical Therapists (PTs) are not utilizing it as often as they could. Documentation of resources available in rural states is particularly lacking. The purpose of this study is to investigate and document the availability of physical therapy services for individuals with UI in the state of Wyoming. It will also establish the geographical areas in the state where UI treatment is an option and the areas were a void is noted.

Subjects for this study included all licensed Physical Therapists in Wyoming. The PTs knowledge and …

Electromyographic And Kinematic Analysis Of Hockey Skating, Kari Jo Guttormson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

A limited amount of research has been done on the hockey treadmill and on the response of hockey players to individualized exercise programs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate muscle activity and joint motion of the trunk and knee of hockey players skating on a hockey treadmill.

METHODS: Seven male subjects, ages 18 to 25 years, were tested skating at 8 Mph on 0 percent and 30 percent grades on the treadmill. Electromyographical (EMG) data was collected from the following muscles: Rectus femoris, biceps femoris, adductor longus, gluteus maximus, rectus abdominus, and erector spinae. Motion analysis equipment was used simultaneously.

RESULTS: There was …

Effects Of Managed Care On The Professional Autonomy Of Board Certified Physical Therapy Specialist's Practice, Cami Diezel

Department of Physical Therapy Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: Identify perceptions of professional autonomy of Board Certified Physical Therapy Specialists (BCPTS) who practiced in managed care environments.

Guiding questions: Do BCPTS perceive an increase in professional autonomy as a specialist than as a generalist? How do the perceptions of professional autonomy vary among each specialization? What variables affect perceptions of professional autonomy among BCPTS?

Method: Two-hundred BCPTS throughout the country were randomly chosen as participants. One-hundred-eight respondents were used as subjects.

Data analysis: Frequency distributions and Pearson's correlation coefficient statistic were utilized.

Results: Majority of respondents reported no increase in professional autonomy as a specialist. Greater than three-quarters …