Physical Therapy Commons^™

Fetal Tissue Transplantation In Parkinson's Disease: A Literature Review, Kathleen Thompson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurological disorder. It affects the central nervous system by depleting the basal ganglia of dopamine. To date, the standard treatment is drug therapy to replace the lacking dopamine. However, this treatment is problematic as there are many side effects to the drugs. Also, this treatment does not effect the progression of this disease. Therefore, drug therapy becomes continuously less effective in treating PD. For this reason, new forms of therapy are being researched for the treatment of advanced PD. One of the most recent therapeutic interventions is fetal tissue transplantation.

The purpose of …

Physical Therapists' Perceived Risk For Contracting The Hepatitis B Virus, Patricia Rohrs, Jill Slagal

Masters Theses

This study was designed to determine whether physical therapists' perceived risks for contracting hepatitis B had a significant effect on the acceptance or rejection of the hepatitis B vaccine. Knowledge and compliance with Universal Precautions was also explored.; The sample consisted of 122 physical therapists employed by general hospitals in Michigan which were greater than 200 beds with five or more therapists on staff. The participants completed a 26 item questionnaire.; The results indicated that 100% of the respondents were aware of the hospital's Universal Precautions policies. Only 22.5% did not always carry them out in cases where they should. …

A Survey Of Clinical Applications And Outcome Assessment Procedures For Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization Exercise Training, Brenda Engels, Carrie Patterson, Mary Beth Sawinski

Masters Theses

The San Francisco Spine Institute (SFSI) Dynamic Lumbar Muscular Stabilization (DLMS) Program is a comprehensive, non-operative treatment approach to lumbar spine dysfunction. This program is implemented in physical therapy clinics nationwide.; The purpose of this study was to compare DLMS treatment concepts and methods used by Michigan rehabilitation professionals with the SFSI protocol. Forty-nine clinicians were interviewed using a questionnaire developed by the investigators. The areas surveyed included: clinicians' rationale for use and implementation of DLMS training, and clinicians' assessment of patient functional outcomes.; The survey responses suggest that clinicians focus on orthopedic evaluation parameters and low back pain management …

Postural Sway In Elderly Females During The Six Sensory Conditions Of The Clinical Test For Sensory Interaction In Balance, Selena Horner, Gregory Vidro, Deborah Wildenhaus

Masters Theses

This study was designed to quantify postural sway in healthy elderly females during the Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance. Sixteen females who ranged in age from 65 to 83 participated. Each individual performed three trials of the test on the Balance Master{dollar}\sp\circler{dollar}, which recorded percent postural sway area. Sway values from the third trial were used in data analysis.; Using a repeated measures ANOVA (F(5,75) = 33.38, p {dollar}<{dollar}.01), statistical significance was found between conditions. The post hoc Tukey's determined increased postural sway in conditions 5 and 6 (M = 1.8175 and 1.7425 respectively, p {dollar}<{dollar}.05). Results indicated postural sway increased with intersensory conflict (altered somatosensation and altered or eliminated vision) leading to the conclusion that healthy elderly females relied heavily on somatosensory and visual input for maintenance of standing balance.

Entry-Level Master's Vs Bachelor's Degree In Physical Therapy: Employers' Perspectives On Hiring And Promoting, Michele Elisa Klukos, Tracy Errol Mobley, Melissa Ann Monken

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a perceived advantage among employers in holding a particular entry-level degree in physical therapy when seeking employment or when being considered for promotion to an administrative/supervisory position. The investigators tested two separate hypotheses: (1) There is no perceived advantage among employers in holding an entry-level master's degree when seeking employment as a staff physical therapist, and (2) There is a perceived advantage among employers in holding an entry-level master's degree when being considered for promotion to an administrative/supervisory position. The investigators sent a questionnaire to the director/supervisor of rehabilitation …

The Effect Of Immobilization On Grip Strength And Pinch Strength In Normal Subjects, Bonni L. Kinne

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a one-week period of immobilization resulted in a significant decrease in the grip strength and/or pinch strength of normal subjects.; The participants in this investigation were right-handed females between the ages of 21 and 45. Throughout the one-week period between the pre-test and post-test, each subject assigned to the experimental group had her left hand immobilized in a cast. During the pre-test and post-test, all of the subjects had their left hands tested for grip strength and pinch strength. A separate unpaired t-test was then calculated for grip strength measured with …

A Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Mark Daugherity

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Low back pain is one of the leading causes of lost productivity at work and disability in the United States. There are many factors thought to be involved in this diagnosis. These include intervertebral disc problems, mechanical dysfunctions, muscle sprains, ligament strains, and infectious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis. One area often overlooked in the diagnosis of low back pain is the sacroiliac joint. There is much controversy surrounding the function of this joint. Although some clinicians question if there is any movement at all, many manual therapists evaluate this area in their daily practice and believe that …

Motor Skills And Mental Practice: A Tool For Physical Therapy, Kari L. Drevecky

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this Independent Study is to review the literature concerning mental practice and its effects on motor skill performance and retention as important within the field of physical therapy. The study of mental practice as concerned with physical therapy is important as this .modality is not often included in patient treatment programs, despite its potential applications. The content of this paper will consist of. definitions, theoretical explanations, effectiveness of mental practice, and the effects of individual differences on mental practice. The primary research questions were: (1) What is mental practice? (2) How does mental practice work? (3) Does …

The Delineation Of Factors Influencing Physical Therapists To Accept A Position At A Rural Hospital In Michigan, Jon A. Cummings, Matthew E. Flynn, E. J. Miller

Masters Theses

This descriptive study seeks to identify the primary factors influencing physical therapists to accept a position as a physical therapist (P.T.) at a rural hospital in the state of Michigan and is designed to enhance the body of knowledge regarding rural hospital recruitment of physical therapists. Of the 63 rural hospitals in Michigan, (rural as defined by the Michigan Hospital Association), 55 agreed to participate in this study. One hundred and twenty-three questionnaires were distributed. Eighty-three were completed and returned to obtain a 67% response rate. Frequency distribution, cluster and factor analysis, coefficient alpha, multivariate analysis of variance and the …

The Effect Of Semi-Rigid Foot Orthotics On Subtalar Joint Subluxation And Pain During Three Gait Velocities, Lynnelle A. Gelinske

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It has been established that foot orthotics can effectively control the amount of maximal calcaneal eversion while walking. However, there are conflicting studies about the successfulness of foot orthotics in regulating rearfoot motion during running. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of standard vertical semi-rigid foot orthotics in controlling subtalar joint subluxation (ST JS) and pain during three gait velocities. The study was also completed to ascertain whether any correlations existed between 8T JS and the static lower extremity measurements of tibio-fibular varum, gastrocnemius flexibility, and navicular drop. The results of this study revealed that pain …

Subjective Functional Knee Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructive Surgery, Malissa K. Hauser

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

It is established in the literature that primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knee is achieved through means of reconstructive surgery. However, with continuing advances in both the surgical technique performed and, consequently, the rehabilitation program implemented following reconstruction, the need for ongoing research becomes essential in evaluating the long-term effectiveness of such changes. Currently, the longterm follow-up studies available on ACL reconstructive surgery report information through means of clinical evaluation and objective testing measures with little or no emphasis on the value of the patient's subjective responses. The purpose of this study is to determine the …

Plantar Fasciitis: Etiology And Treatment, Todd M. Leingang

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plantar fasciitis is a repetitive injury which causes microtrauma to the attachment of the plantar aponeurosis at the medial calcaneous of the foot. This condition is most prevalent among athletes involved in running sports, but can also occur in a sedentary individual who is overweight. Traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and passive modalities, are helpful in temporarily reducing inferior heel pain. However, recurrence of this condition is common because the potential biomechanical causes of plantar fasciitis are often left unidentified. The purpose of this study is to review the anatomical structures and the biomechanical functions …

Open Versus Closed Kinetic Chain Exercise In The Lower Extremity, Christine Krantz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study is a literature review comparing and contrasting the advantages of closed kinetic chain exercise over open kinetic chain exercise. It is the purpose of this study to show that open kinetic chain exercise may not be the safest or the most functional way to rehabilitate the lower extremity. It is also the purpose to show the specific advantages of using closed kinetic chain exercise over open kinetic chain exercise to protect the integrity of the ACL deficient or reconstructed knee by decreasing anterior shear forces, increasing joint compression, increasing joint proprioception, increasing muscular joint compression, and increasing the …

Iontophoresis In Physical Therapy: A Review Of The Literature, Kurt Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Currently iontophoresis is used by many physical therapists on a variety of pathological conditions. Therefore, therapists must have a thorough understanding of this modality as to provide the best, most efficient care possible to our patients.

The purpose of this study is to provide clinicians with a review of the available literature on iontophoresis in physical therapy. The history and principles of iontophoresis are briefly discussed, followed by a review of the clinically performed studies. This section includes studies related to pain and range of motion, tissue repair, movement of fluids, and other diagnoses. Animal and in vitro experimental studies …

Physical Therapy Management Of Rodeo Injuries, Edith Ann Ready

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The sport of rodeo is a high risk event. Each event presents unique dangers creating opportunity for injury. The high injury rate calls for medical intervention for these athletes. However, there are a limited number of publications and research relative to medical care for rodeo athletes.

The purpose of this paper is to inform physical therapists about the sport of rodeo, its members, mode of injury and atmosphere surrounding this sport. By increasing awareness, physical therapists will have a better understanding of rodeo and the special challenges it presents.

Several key points will be discussed. The history of rodeo, as …

Physical Therapists' Views On Patient Selection, Assessments, And Treatment Techniques For Children Following Selective Posterior Rhizotomy, Tamara Peden

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Selective posterior rhizotomy (SPR) is a surgical technique that attempts to reduce spasticity by severing sensory nerve roots that fire abnormally. Controversy arises when the procedure is used as an alternative management for spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. The literature cites mixed opinions regarding patient selection, treatment protocols, assessments, and outcomes. A random selection of 500 pediatric physical therapists belonging to the American Physical Therapy Association were surveyed. Responses were received from 237 therapists for a response rate of 47.7%. The results of the survey show that the majority of the therapists worked in nontraditional facilities (defined as school …

The Exercise Component Of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Thomas H. Olson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among all persons in the United States today. Many other people suffer from heart problems or conditions and are fortunate enough to survive. For those who do have nonfatal initial heart problems and complications, exercise will be a significant part of their follow up comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program.

The cardiac rehabilitation program is determined by many medical professionals all of whom carry various responsibilities and participate in particular stages of a patient's overall program. The physical therapist is a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team and is generally in charge of the …

Hypermobility And Specific Joint Pathology In Young Competitive Gymnasts, Jonathon M. Weiss

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to study the prevalence of hypermobility in young, competitive gymnasts and (2) to determine if the presence of hypermobility predisposes the athlete to particular joint pathologies. Subjects included 44 female members of the American Gold Gymnastics Club in Fargo, ND. These athletes were divided into three training groups based on age and skill level. All athletes were screened for systemic hypermobility by utilizing the Beighton scale. Lumbar extension, wrist extension, and navicular drop (referred to as range of motion values) were also measured on each subject. Parents and the athletes filled out …

A Review Of Noninvasive Tools Used For Measuring Flexion Of The Lumbar Spine, Mary E. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study is to compare the reliability, validity, and ease of administration for various noninvasive tools used for measuring flexion of the lumbar spine. A synopsis of several clinical techniques is offered: Schober's technique, modified Schober, modified modified Schober, fingertip to floor, modified fingertip to floor, goniometer, single inclinometer, double inclinometer, and flexicurves. The results were variable for the different techniques with each having its own inherent advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the clinician can weigh the information presented when choosing a technique. It appears that a true gold standard has yet to be described. Therefore, it is …

The Effects Of Microcurrent Stimulation In The Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylitis, Justin G. Feeser

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS) is a modality that is quickly gaining popularity in the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. At this time, there is a lack of literature, especially well controlled clinical studies, to support its use. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the effects of MENS in the treatment of a common musculoskeletal dysfunction, lateral epicondylitis. Approximately ten subjects with a diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis were assigned either to group A, receiving MENS and conservative treatment (education, home exercise program, ice, and counterforce bracing), or group B, receiving sham MENS and conservative treatment. Subjects were …

A Literature Review Of The Team Approach In The Cardiac Rehabilitation Process, Kristin Nelson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Teamwork is a term that is now commonplace in the provision of health services for all people. Variations of this team are widely used, such as multidisciplinary teams and inter-disciplinary teams. A health care team is a group of persons, each possessing particular expertise, who have a common purpose and goal. Teams including professionals, such as nurses, doctors, physical therapists, social workers, and other staff, depending on needs and local resources, are now commonplace in hospital and community services. The purpose of this independent study is to review the literature regarding collaborative team approaches to cardiac rehabilitation. Included in this …

Nonoperative Treatment Of Shoulder Instability In The Throwing Athlete, Whitney A. Meier

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

An increase interest of the shoulder complex has led to additional knowledge through research and enhancement of rehabilitation for various shoulder disorders. Shoulder injuries are common for overhead sporting activities, such as pitching. The pitching mechanism combines a high level of neuromuscular coordination between the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic muscles. The intricate balance and timing of these muscles is necessary to allow full mobility and to maintain the dynamic stability throughout the entire throwing motion. Any deficiency in muscular strength or timing can affect shoulder function and potentially cause shoulder instability.

Rehabilitation and nonoperative management of shoulder pain due to instability …

The Use Of Lower Extremity Functional Electrical Stimulation In Spinal Cord Injured Patients, Michelle Mccrory

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating, life-altering injury that presents a variety of rehabilitative and long-term medical management challenges. Not only must the inability to ambulate, which is generally of primary concern to the patient, be addressed, but also the inherent degenerative and deconditioning effects of SCI which may ultimately lead to various secondary complications.

Recently, functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been the subject of a variety of research concerning the rehabilitation of individuals with SCI. FES is a means of activating alpha motor neurons to stimulate muscular contraction and elicit a therapeutic or functional effect.

The purpose of …

Functional Knee Bracing: Effects And Efficacy, Lisa A. Philion

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Functional knee braces are intended to provide stability to the unstable knee joint. The purpose of this literature review is to examine available research on functional knee braces in order to summarize their effects and efficacy.

Research indicates that the most effective brace for controlling abnormal knee motions would be a custom designed shell brace with rigid straps and a polycentric hinge. However, individual characteristics of the wearer must also be considered.

Subjective research indicates that functional knee braces improve function and provide support for the unstable knee. However, these findings do not correlate with objective findings.

Results of biomechanical …

The Effect Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding Compared To Traditional Physical Therapy On Range Of Motion, Tone, Pulmonary Function, And Balance In Children With Cerebral Palsy, Rene Roze

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Therapeutic horseback riding programs have grown rapidly since 1969, when the first center opened in Michigan. Although therapeutic riding is a growing adjunctive therapy procedure, the claims that the program facilitates musculoskeletal and physiological improvements have never been objectively examined against a control group. The purpose of this independent study was to measure the effect of therapeutic horseback riding compared to traditional therapy on range of motion, pulmonary function, balance and muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy.

Twelve children underwent assessments according to the repeated measures design. Six children who received traditional therapy served as a control group, while …

Shoulder Pathology In The Pitching Athlete: A Review Of Mechanics Involved In Throwing And Conservative Management, Conny C. Randolph

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The pathological shoulder in the pitching athlete offers a unique challenge to the therapist. Most often, the injury relates to the throwing motion itself. Therefore, for the therapist to efficiently diagnose and treat this patient population, they must be familiar with the normal biomechanics associated with pitching, and be familiar with the structures that are commonly stressed or injured during various phases of the pitch.

Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to outline the normal biomechanics associated with the pitch, review common pathologies as they relate to the stresses imposed by the pitch, and discuss current concepts regarding the …

Factors Related To Functional Recovery After Cns Injury, Traceylin B. Sales

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Factors that act either directly or indirectly, such as the age of the person, the time of injury, the site and size of location, mechanisms of neural repair, therapeutic intervention, and general medical and family support have been suggested to contribute to the overall motor and functional recovery of an individual. This paper is a literature review of these influential factors, with emphasis on restoration of functional skills. Overall, findings have been consistent to some degree. Generally, the more severe and dense the injury, the resulting increase in behavioral and motor deficits. Neural mechanisms of repair have been found to …

A Retrospective Look At The Use Of Manual Therapy, Susan Adele Sollom

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Manual Therapy (MT) has been used extensively since the origin of the Physical Therapy profession and includes massage, traction, exercise, stretching or compression of soft tissue, range of motion tests, manual muscle tests, palpation, joint mobilization and manipulation. Interest and enthusiasm for MT has especially grown among clinicians and educators in the last decade. However, despite its common use, research and documentation involving the efficacy and reliability of MT are extremely rare. Many techniques and concepts have yet to be justified. These concepts need to be critically tested, discussed, and revised, and the profession needs to be challenged to show …

A Literature Review Of Strengthening And Injury Prevention Techniques As Related To High School Athletes, Matthew Miller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

In the U.S. an estimated 20-25 million youths participate in high school athletics yearly. Of these, nearly 30% will be forced to miss part or all of the season due to injury. It has been speculated that through proper training, many of the injuries seen may be reduced or eliminated. However, most coaches do not have an extensive anatomical and physiological background to provide athletes with these correct training techniques. Although athletic trainers have expertise in this area, they are only employed in approximately 10% of the high school systems in the U.S.

Much of the research to date on …

Rehabilitation Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparison Of Traditional And Accelerated Approaches, Michael S. Wanbaugh

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Rehabilitation following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction has become an area of controversy in recent years. Most clinicians have used the traditional rehabilitation protocols which correlate mobility, weightbearing, and strength training with the bio-mechanical and surgical constraints of graft fixation and healing. However, a trend towards the use of accelerated protocols is more evident today. The accelerated approach stresses activity and weightbearing in the early periods of the rehabilitation process following the reconstructive surgery. The proponents of the accelerated protocol believe that earlier activity will enhance the healing of the graft without causing an increase in knee instability.

The purpose …