Physical Therapy Commons^™

Physical Therapists' Knowledge And Perceptions Of Patient Care Team Meeting Styles In The Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting, Neisha Dickman, Christine Ritsema, Brenda Warner

Masters Theses

This study was designed to analyze what types of team meetings are being utilized for patient care in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. It was also designed to look at physical therapists' knowledge of the criteria that differentiates the interdisciplinary team approach from the multidisciplinary team approach. A perceptual questionnaire was sent to physical therapists involved in the inpatient rehabilitation setting in the State of Michigan. Only 1.7% of the physical therapists are involved in a true interdisciplinary team. The other respondents reported that their teams have some characteristics of both the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team approach. However, when asked what …

The Psychological Types Of Physical Therapy Administrators, Heather Despres, Kelly Myers, Sue Woods

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution of psychological types among physical therapy administrators. Our random sample was taken from the membership roster of the Section on Administration of the American Physical Therapy Association. We used the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to assess psychological types and a demographic questionnaire to collect data on the administrators.; The most common psychological types among the participants (n = 45) were found to be ISFJ, ESFJ, ISTJ, INTJ, and ENTJ, respectively. Although no explicitly predominant type was found, a clear preference toward judging (J) was noted.

An Analysis And Prediction Of A Patient-Focused Health Care Delivery System On The Practice Of Physical Therapy, Stephen M. Rood

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to look at physical therapy's role within a new health care delivery system called patient-focused care (FCC). It supplies information on the status of our current health care industry and offers overwhelming support on requests for change. There is a comprehensive, comparative analysis of the current health care delivery system and that of the new experimental patient-focused health care delivery system. It offers a comparison of six major components in each model, such as physical structure, reporting structure, and process and procedures in job description, plans of care, scheduling, and cross training. Finally, …

Normative Data Of Cervical Spine Range Of Motion In The Elderly, Lisa J. Caspers

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purposes of this study were to develop normal values for cervical active range of motion and to determine whether age and gender affect cervical active motions. Sixty-one independent elderly individuals (36 females and 25 males), whose ages ranged from 60 to 90 years, voluntarily participated in this investigation. Six cervical active motions: flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation, were taken by one physical therapist with the CROM device. Generally, between age groups, mean AROM values indicated losses in all cervical motions, with the exception of flexion. Among male and female subjects, extension, left …

Intertester Reliability Using The Cybex Edi 320® Inclinometer, Schawnn M. Decker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The American Medical Association (AMA) currently accepts range of motion measurements, particularly spinal measurements obtained by an inclinometer, as reliable and accurate. Reproducibility of intra-subject results are considered high, but intertester reliability has not been addressed.

With the help of three physical therapists trained in the use of the Cybex EDI 320® inclinometer, 10 subjects were tested on three consecutive days by each tester to obtain measurements of lumbar flexion, corresponding hip flexion, lumbar extension, corresponding hip extension, and lateral flexion. Straight leg raise measurements were also obtained for validity measurements as requested by the AMA.

Results of this study …

Progressive Resistive Weight Training And The Deconditioned Elderly Patient, Blaine Fercho

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical conditioning to improve levels of functional independence is a key rehabilitation process for many elderly adults. This Independent Study is a review of published information concerning exercise for the elderly population with special attention focused on progressive resistive weight training. The inclusion and participation in exercise has been shown to provide many benefits for improving physiological systems' functioning, and also reduce the systems' natural age decline. Exercise participation is therefore highly beneficial; whether it is aerobic, weight training, or recreational activity. Progressive resistive weight training provides the gains of a strengthening program and allows for endurance/aerobic training through the …

Qualifications, Roles, Advanced Competencies, And Job Descriptions For Physical Therapy Services In The Public School/Educational Setting, Anne G. Putbrese

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The North Dakota Physical Therapy Association, the state professional organization for physical therapy practice, asked several of its members involved in the area of pediatric practice to develop guidelines for physical therapy practice in the public school setting in North Dakota. Eleven physical therapists met to give input on developing these guidelines. A list of topics to include in the guidelines was generated, and several therapists volunteered to research and develop one or several of the topics on the list. This independent study report developed information on the topics of qualifications, roles, advanced competencies, and job descriptions for physical therapy …

A Review Of Two Pelvic Osteotomies Used In The Management Of Congenital Hip Dislocation, Marcia A. Wehe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This paper is a literature search of two common pelvic osteotomies used in the treatment/management of congenital hip dislocation. The Chiari and Salter procedures are reviewed along with their use in restoring normal hip joint, congruency, indication for use, and success rates. The Chiari procedure displaces the acetabulum medially and has the best results in children over four years of age or when the acetabulum is too small for the femoral head. A Salter procedure redirects the entire acetabulum and is optimal for subluxations one and one-half years to adult or dislocations one and one-half to six years.

A Guideline To Preemployment Screening, Jeanne M. Hall

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This paper presents a literature review of ways to reduce the cost of Worker's Compensation Claims. Years reviewed are 1976 through 1992. Methods reviewed in this paper include preemployment screening, preplacement screening, job analysis, Ergonomics as it relates t o preemployment screening, and the legal aspects of preemployment/replacement screening. Guidelines are given for formulation of preplacement screening.

A Comprehensive Back Education Program In Industry, Julie L. Hamalainen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic low back pain is not a new phenomenon plaguing the medical community. Eighty percent of the adult population will at some time be affected by low back pain. Back pain is the leading cause of compensable injury in industries nationwide, with related cost projections ranging from 16-30 billion dollars per year being spent on health care, workers' compensation, and lost work time.

The industrial community has been responding to these facts with various programs. Literature supports programs with a comprehensive approach versus those with a limited or more narrow focus. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the …

The Motor Control Theory And How It Is Being Incorporated Into Present Physical Therapy Curricula, Laurie Toulouse Jung

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Motor Control Model or Theory is a conglomeration of recent studies by professionals and scientists from a wide variety of fields. This theory on motor control consists of concepts and ideas that can be used by therapists to treat neurologically impaired patients. Its theories are different from the traditional Facilitation Model theories which are based on Rood, Brunnstrom, PNF, and NOT. Because the Motor Control Theory is a new and valuable tool for physical therapists to use in the clinic, it is important that it be introduced to present and future physical therapists.

The purpose of this study was …

Progression Of Vascular Disease In The Diabetic Lower Extremity, Kathleen Reinecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Diabetes mellitus is a major health care issue affecting thousands of people each year. As medical research strives for a better understanding of diabetes, the life expectancy of diabetics is increasing, and the complications associated with this disease process become more evident. Vascular disease has specific clinical manifestations as related to diabetes. It is the progression of arterial insufficiency in the vascular disease of diabetics that will be discussed in this study. The risk factors identified in diabetic vascular disease are presented as is their overall effect in the disease process. Current concepts of noninvasive vascular testing in the diabetic …

The Foot, Our Base Of Support, Sandra G. Lunde

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study was to consolidate information on biomechanics of the foot and ankle and the possible effects on the rest of the body of faulty mechanics. A literature search and specialized continuing education contributed to improved working knowledge of the significance of variations of the normal biomechanics. The physical therapist relates to the patient through complaints of foot pain, or through foot evaluation to get to other sites of pain. A thorough evaluation process, shoe recommendations, stretching, and/or strengthening exercises, and orthotic evaluation are the results of study.

Guidelines For Physical Therapy Practice In An Educational/School Setting: Documentation, Sara N. Masilko

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to thoroughly review the various documentation requirements and uses in both clinical and educational settings, with the final outcome being to establish the documentation portion of the Guidelines for Physical Therapy Practice in the Educational/School Setting for the State of North Dakota.

A thorough search was made of national and state level requirements, educational setting guidelines from other states, and the uses of the problem-oriented medical record.

A good understanding of the problem-oriented medical record format is invaluable as a communication tool which can be effectively applied in either setting. The use of monthly …

Muscleworks: A Computer-Assisted Study Tool For Muscle Function And Anatomy, Neil H. Otto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This independent study report reviews the advantages and disadvantages of computer assisted instruction (CAl), the criteria for justifying CAl development and examples of CAl in anatomy. Basic information regarding representative software packages is provided. A detailed description of MuscleWorks, the author's Appleworks-based data base of the muscular system is given, which includes justification, applications, and step-by-step instructions for most effective use. Sample questions and answers are provided. Printouts of each screen display utilized in the given examples are also furnished.

The author concludes that no other software package closely resembling MuscieWorks is currently being marketed, and that use of the …

Interexaminer Reliability Of The Mckenzie Algorithm For The Evaluation Of Cervical Pain, Eric Rikio Sakamoto

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interexaminer reliability of the McKenzie algorithm. Thirty-one subjects (25 females and 6 males), ages 20 to 77, with reported neck pain participated in this study. Each subject was examined twice by two McKenzie trained physical therapists. The subjects were evaluated separately utilizing standard McKenzie Cervical Assessment formats and procedures. Upon completion of the assessment, each therapist used an adapted McKenzie cervical algorithm to classify each patient into one of the possible syndromes (Postural, Dysfunction, or Derangements 1-7). Only five diagnostic categories contained enough data to accurately examine reliability and, therefore, coefficient …

Systemic Joint Hypermobility And Maximum Mandibular Opening, Ted D. Thomas

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether people with generalized joint hypermobility also demonstrate hypermobility at the temporomandibular joint. In addition, an attempt was made to determine the relationship between general joint mobility, gender, temporomandibular joint symptoms, and oral parafunction.

Forty-seven physical therapy students worked in pairs under supervision to measure and record: 1) the Beighton hypermobility criteria, 2) maximum mandibular range of motion, and 3) a questionnaire of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and oral parafunctional habits.

The mean Beighton score for males was 1.21 and for females 2.14. Twelve out of the forty-seven subjects (15.5%) had a Beighton …

A Comparison Of Concentric And Eccentric Resistance Training On Muscle Hypertrophy, Mark A. Romanick

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

This study was undertaken to determine whether concentric or eccentric muscle action was more likely to induce muscle hypertrophy when exposed to a prolonged heavy resistance exercise program. Fifteen males and 14 females who were not currently or recently involved in a heavy resistance training program for the lower extremities were selected for the study. One group (n = 10) exercised in a concentric fashion, another group (n = 9) exercised in an eccentric fashion, and a third group (n = 10) served as a control group, performing no resistive exercise. The exercising subjects performed three sets of 10 repetitions …

Specificity Of Discharge Exercise Programs And Behavioral Contracting For Physical Therapy Patients, Kevin L. Spooner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Adherence to discharge home exercise programs has statistically shown poor results. The purpose of this independent study is to review present-day discharge exercise programs for physical therapy, and to offer alternatives for better adherence (or compliance) and effectiveness.

A brief history of physical therapy and exercise programs is reviewed to outline the progression of the two topics. Behavioral contracting is a strategy used by health professionals to improve patient/client adherence to health regimes. The patient/client signs a contract indicating they will follow the guidelines outlined in their discharge exercise program.

Presently, the most optimal discharge exercise program involves specificity of …

Pediatric Physical Therapy Assessment In North Dakota, Joellen W. Roller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Pediatric Physical Therapists in the state of North Dakota have developed Guidelines of Practice. As part of this process, there was a need for a through review of the assessment and evaluation information used by pediatric therapists. This independent study report should fill that need. By reviewing the literature, information was gathered on how to assess evaluation instruments and the scope information a review of of was two the instrumentation available. This then organized into five categories with or three tests in each category. A total of 14 standardized tests are reviewed. A description of each test is provided, …

Development, Validation, And Reliability Evaluation Of A Functional Classification System, Christine S. Eixenberger

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Due to accountability, cost/benefit, and third party payers, it was necessary to develop an objective measurement of functional abilities of rehab patients. In Part I of the research, "Development of a Functional Classification System for a Rehabilitation Unit at St. Alexius Medical Center," a Functional Classification System (FCS) was developed and edited; however, the validity and reliability of the new FCS had to be justified.

Forty-seven patients admitted onto the St. Alexius Rehabilitation Unit between November 1992 and January 1993 were evaluated using version three of the FCS and objectively scored. Validity was tested between admit, discharge, and goal scores …

Providing Physical Therapy Services In The Least Restrictive Educational Environment, Judy E. Bahe

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Federal legislation has mandated free appropriate public education for all children with disabilities. Physical therapy is included as one of the related services which must be provided, if needed, to assist students with disabilities to benefit from the educational programs. This creates unique challenges for the physical therapist, who traditionally has provided services in a medical model rather than an educational model. The American Physical Therapy Association has published policies and guidelines for providing physical therapy services in the educational environment; however, each state is encouraged to adapt the guidelines to meet individual needs.

This paper provides a general review …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome In The Absence Of Rotator Cuff Tear, Pat R. Carter

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Shoulder impingement syndrome is believed to be the most common cause of shoulder pain in adults, and the major shoulder problem in sports medicine. It develops in a progressive manner to bind the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa beneath the coracoacromial arch superiorly and the upper humerus inferiorly. If left untreated, rotator cuff degeneration and eventual partial or complete tears of the tendons may result.

This report focuses on stage 1 and 2 of impingement syndrome, excluding calcific tendinitis and known rotator cuff or biceps tears. Through a search of the literature, normal and pathologic anatomy and biomechanics will be …

Determination Of Eligibility For Physical Therapy In The Public School Setting, Margaret Ann Borkowski

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1991 (IDEA) includes physical therapy as one of the related services which may be necessary for a student with disabilities to benefit from special education. The determination of eligibility is therefore an important part of the provision of physical therapy in a public school setting. This study investigates how this determination is made across the United States and makes recommendations for physical therapists in the state of North Dakota.

This study consists of a literature review (including medical and educational journals) and two surveys. The requirements for special education and related services under …

Electromyographic Biofeedback Training For Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Literature Review, Kayla K. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate the clinical effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training of the vastus medialis oblique and the vastus lateralis for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome, and to evaluate the symptoms and etiology of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The literature review will also identify the advantages of closed chain knee exercise in comparison to open chan knee exercise specifically in relation to the patellofemoral joint. A treatment hierarchy of closed chain knee exercise used in combination with electromyographic biofeedback is presented within the research proposal. The research proposal compares open chain biofeedback assisted exercise to …

Plyometrics, Cynthia K. Flom

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Plyometrics are a form of exercises in which an isometric-type overload, using the myotatic (stretch) reflex, is produced by means of an eccentric (lengthening) contraction, with the muscle being fully stretched immediately preceding the concentric (shortening) contraction. How fast the muscle switches from an eccentric to a concentric contraction will determine the athlete's power. The goal behind plyometric exercise is to train the nervous system to react with maximum speed to the lengthening of muscle and to develop the muscle's ability to shorten rapidly with maximal force. Plyometrics are first found in the literature in 1966 containing the work done …

A Critical Review Of The Sacroiliac Joint, Lori Hefta

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to provide information regarding the anatomy, function, and evaluation of the sacroiliac joint. Primary emphasis was given to the relevance of anatomy and function of this complex and unique joint. Arthrokinematics of the jOint were discussed relevant to functional movements. Evaluation of the sacroiliac joint continues to be questioned regarding reliability of clinical models, and future research in this area is encouraged.

Cigarette Smoking And Low Back Pain, Cindy G. Broden

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

The purpose of this independent study is to define presently existing theories linking cigarette smoking and low back pain. It also provides a detailed description of nicotine and its physiological and psychological effects.

There are four theories outlined in this study which could serve as explanations for the correlation of cigarette smoking and low back pain. The first is the chronic cough associated with smoking. This cough increases mechanical stress including higher disc pressures and poor union and healing following spinal fusion surgery. The second theory deals with the vascular changes caused by nicotine which decreases vertebral blood flow and …

Exercise In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Christy R. Hokanson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Before 1980, the effects of exercise on people with rheumatoid arthritis was considered negative, even though no research substantiated this belief. Medical professionals prescribed rest and passive exercise as the activity level for people with rheumatoid arthritis. So, the patients rested and developed many of the problems associated with inactivity. This resulted in more disability and less people with rheumatoid arthritis in the work force.

This paper is a literature search which examines current research on exercise in rheumatoid arthritis. It attempts to answer many of the questions asked about exercising with rheumatoid arthritis. Discussed are the topics of deconditioning, …

A Review Of Functional Assessment Instruments, Kristen N. Weich

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Formalized functional assessment, in the form of data that is uniform and complete, is desirable for objective and explicit documentation of functional improvement. A variety of functional assessment instruments are currently being utilized in the field of medical rehabilitation. However, there is not professional clarity as to which functional assessment instrument is optimal.

The concept of functional assessment is described. An overview of existing functional assessment instruments is presented. Criteria for evaluating the adequacy of functional assessment instruments is discussed.

There is no one best approach to assessing physical function. No instrument is perfect for all patients or all situations. …