Physical Therapy Commons^™

Computational Approaches For Diagnosing Neurological Impairments And Restoring Functional Movement, Serhii Bahdasariants

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Movement is the primary means by which the nervous system converts intention into interaction with the environment. Voluntary limb motion enables standing, walking, reaching, and grasping—actions that underpin self‑care, communication, and economic participation. When diseases or injuries disrupt the pathways that couple neural commands to muscle forces—whether through cortical stroke, spinal cord injury, or peripheral nerve damage—mechanical outcomes such as weakness, loss of coordination, and ultimately reduced mobility emerge. These impairments cascade into secondary complications, increased dependence on caregivers, and diminished quality of life. Quantifying how the lesion alters the mechanics of movement is therefore essential for designing targeted interventions …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Progressive Mobility Protocol Among Adult Icu Patients, Clayton Chroust

DNP Projects

Background: Many intensive care unit (ICU) patients are critically ill and require ventilator support, and they often do not receive any progressive mobility interventions until after they are liberated from the ventilator or receive transfer orders out of the ICU. Current literature suggests that patients in the ICU face deconditioning, increased ventilator days, development of deep vein thrombosis, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolism, muscular atrophy, and increased days in the ICU which can be attributed to a lack of mobility. Current evidence-based research identifies that utilization of a progressive mobility protocol is one way to improve patient outcomes and reduce …

The Impact Of Professionalism Education And Formative Feedback In Doctor Of Physical Therapy Students Utilizing The Abbreviated Cpi Feedback Form In The On-Campus Clinic Environment, William L. Scott

Dissertations

Problem

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) developed the Clinical Performance Instrument (CPI) to assess the professional behaviors required for a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student to be considered "entry level" in their clinical training. Feedback from our clinical partners has indicated that, historically, students from the Andrews University DPT program have scored lower than students from other programs in several areas of the CPI during their clinical experiences. According to subjective reports from our clinical partners, these areas included safety, professional behavior, accountability, communication, and critical thinking. These five areas have been the focus of our efforts in …

Case Report: Multifactorial Intervention For Safe Aging In Place, Ashwini Kulkarni

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity in older adults, particularly those with multiple comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach addressing physical, psychological, and environmental factors is essential for reducing fall risk and supporting aging in place. This report evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, multifactorial approach in managing high fall risk in an older adult with diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Methods: A 72-year-old woman with a recurrent history of falls participated in an 8-week intervention as part of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) balance and falls prevention credential program. This study was conducted in Virginia Beach, USA, at the …

The Landscape Of Virtual Reality Use In Mobility Rehabilitation From 2010-2023: A Scoping Review, Danielle T. Felsberg, Reza Pousti, Charlend K. Howard, Scott E. Ross, Louisa D. Raisbeck, Jared T. Mcguirt, Christopher K. Rhea

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Significant advancements in virtual reality (VR) technology have occurred in the past decade, allowing clinical researchers to take advantage of these reduced barriers to explore the use of VR in patient populations. This scoping review on VR interventions to improve mobility in adults and children focuses on the literature from 2010-2023. A total of 2736 articles were screened and 126 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were conducted in inpatient clinical settings (n = 41) and investigated VR interventions to improve balance (n = 118). Less immersive (n = 108) products such as Nintendo Wii or Xbox …

Comparing Immersive And Nonimmersive Clinical Experiences In Athletic Training Education: Effects On Student Engagement And Confidence, Julie M. Cavallario, Shana Pribesh, S. E. Walker

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

With the shift to a graduate-level professional degree in athletic training, it was hypothesized that immersive clinical experiences (ICEs) would be more effectively integrated into curricula than non-ICEs (N-ICEs) and better prepare students for practice.

Objective

To longitudinally compare clinical engagement opportunities in ICEs versus N-ICEs and assess if these opportunities are associated with changes in student confidence in performing related tasks.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal, time-diary study using a Web-based survey. Patients or Other Participants: Fifty-three first-year, master’s-level athletic training students from 21 programs.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Participants reported their type of clinical experience (ICE, N-ICE, or none), the …

Athletic Trainers' Perspectives On Resources And Preparation Needed For Successful Salary Negotiation, Kimberly R. Detwiler, Cailee E. Welch Bacon, Indigo B. White, Leanne E. Jones, Julie M. Cavallario

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

Many athletic trainers (ATs) work under high stress, long hours, and low pay. These conditions often lead ATs and athletic training students to leave the profession. Previous studies show that over half of ATs do not negotiate salary, often because they feel the offer is fair or fear losing the job. Additional support is needed to help ATs prepare for negotiations, as current resources are limited.

Objective

This study explored ATs’ views on the resources need to prepare for salary negotiations during the hiring process.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual video interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty-eight participants …

How Many Trials Are Needed For Consistent Clinical Gait Assessment?, Charlend K. Howard, Christopher K. Rhea, Jacquelyn R. Moxey, Kyle Langerhans, Paphawee Prupetkaew, Brittany S. Samulski

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Background: Clinical assessment of gait typically consists of patients walking a few trials at various speeds while the clinician assesses performance. Unfortunately, there is no clear guidance on how gait changes across trials, leaving clinicians uncertain about the optimal number of trials needed to observe consistent (non-variable) performance. To address this issue, we examined gait performance from a large dataset of older adults who participated in a community-based comprehensive fall risk assessment. Methods: Community-dwelling, older adults (n = 340; 70.8 ± 7.4 years; 120 men, 220 women) performed gait trials under two conditions: preferred and maximum walking speed. …

Effect Of Trauma Type And Trauma Burden On Self-Efficacy For Physical Exercise In Military Veterans, Kaley E. Davis, Meghan M. Bennett, Cecilia J. Hillard, Jeffrey Whittle, Zeno Franco, Rachel E. Bollaert, Jacklynn M. Fitzgerald

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

United States (U.S.) military veterans experience significant physical health problems. Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing daily physical activity, are often considered the first course of action in treatment for the general public. However, veterans report low levels of physical activity, often due to perceived barriers to engaging in exercise. Trauma exposure type and cumulative trauma burden may be differentially associated with exercise attitudes and behaviors.

Methods

We surveyed U.S. military veterans on perceived self-efficacy to overcome barriers to engaging in exercise and physical activity levels. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the type of traumatic event exposure and cumulative …

Contemporary Normative Values For Five Common Static Standing Tasks On Firm And Compliant Floor Surfaces In Children Two To Thirteen Years, Nancy Darr

Funded Scholarship

Background/Objectives: Static upright tasks, including standing unsupported (SU), eyes closed (SEC), feet together (SFT), tandem (TS), and single limb (SLS), are routinely examined in children and are included in many norm-referenced measures. Existing normative values for these standing tasks may not apply to contemporary children and have not been established across wide age ranges. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate developmental trajectories of and relationships between four static standing positions (SPs [SU, SFT, TS, SLS]) in children aged 2 through 13 years who are developing typically. The effects of altered sensory input, including floor surface (firm and …

Influence Of Virtual Reality On Lower Extremity Joint Kinematics During Overground Walking, Hunter Derby, Nathan Conner, Adam C. Knight, Harish Chander

Funded Scholarship

The inability to regain balance following a trip-induced event is one of the leading causes of falls and fall-related injuries in older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to expose individuals to realistic environments with minimal injury risk compared to real-world exposures. The purpose of this study was to compare lower extremity joint kinematics during overground walking when exposed to real and virtually generated trip obstacles. A total of 14 healthy participants [7 male, 7 female; age: 23.46 ± 3.31 years; height: 173.85 ± 8.46 cm; mass: 82.19 ± 11.41 kg; shoe size (men’s): 9.03 ± 2.71 s] were …

Rebuttal: Reduced Oxidative Capacity Of Skeletal Muscle Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Adult Ageing, Ian R. Lanza, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jane A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

We thank Drs Marcinek and Ferrucci for their perspective on the inevitability of age-related declines in skeletal muscle oxidative capacity (Marcinek & Ferrucci, 2025). We agree that mitochondria have numerous roles in the cell beyond provision of chemical energy, many of which may be altered by ageing, but our focus in this debate is entirely on its role in energy production.

Perspectives Of Midwives And Nurse Practitioners In Kentucky On Exercise Counseling During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study, Madhawa Perera, Taniya S. Nagpal, Maire M. Blankenship, Dano Tolusso, Jordyn Cox, Dilini Prashadika, Mark Schafer, Rachel A. Tinius

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Healthcare professionals are in an optimal position to deliver exercise information to pregnant women, yet previous research suggests this seldom happens. Midwives and nurse practitioners, who may have more time with pregnant women, are particularly well suited for this role.

Objectives

This qualitative study examined the exercise advice and counseling provided by midwives and nurse practitioners in Kentucky, focusing on the barriers they face.

Methods

Twenty-one midwives and nurse practitioners were recruited until the sample size reached saturation. A survey with open-ended questions was distributed to potential participants in regional hospitals, universities, and professional associations. The framework method was …

Age-Related Differences In Eye Movements And The Association With Archimedes Spiral Tracing Performance In Young And Older Adults, Brittany Heintz Walters, Wendy E. Huddleston, Kristian M. O'Connor, Jinsung Wang, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Kevin G. Keenan

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Age-related hand motor impairments may critically depend on visual information though few studies have examined eye movements during tasks of hand function in older adults. The purpose of this study was to assess eye movements and their association with performance while tracing on a touchscreen in young and older adults. Eye movements of 21 young (age 20–38 years; 12 females, 9 males) and 20 older (65–85 years; 10 females, 10 males) adults were recorded while performing an Archimedes spiral tracing task, a common clinical assessment sensitive to age-associated impairments in hand function. Participants traced an Archimedes spiral template on a …

Reduced Oxidative Capacity Of Skeletal Muscle Is Not An Inevitable Consequence Of Adult Ageing, Ian R. Lanza, Christopher W. Sundberg, Jane A. Kent

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Skeletal muscles support posture and locomotion, thermoregulation, cardiorespiratory function, metabolic health and other important aspects of life. Muscles generate chemical energy by synthesizing ATP through the creatine kinase reaction, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation (oxphos), the latter of which produces the majority of ATP in the cell. Oxidative phosphorylation occurs in the mitochondrion, which is structured as a reticulum located near the ATPases responsible for powering the cross-bridge cycle, calcium pumps and membrane homeostasis (Glancy et al., 2015). Energy production in mitochondria is accomplished by coupling the oxidation of reducing equivalents (NADH, FADH₂) in the electron transport chain (ETC) …

The Interplay Between Pulse Width And Activation Depth In Tens: A Computational Study, Alexander Guillen, Dennis Q Truong, Yusuf O Cakmak, Sheng Li, Abhishek Datta

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been a commonly used modality to relieve aches and pain for over 40 years. Commercially available devices provide multiple therapy modes involving a different combination of frequency and pulse width with intensity. While frequency sets sensation, intensity helps determine tolerability, longer pulse width is reported to induce a feeling of deeper stimulation. In fact, longer pulse width has been empirically shown to deliver current into deeper tissues, but in context of other electrical stimulation modalities. The goal of this study was to unpack the relationship between pulse width and activation depth in TENS. …

Psychological Techniques For Athletes With Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review, Nicole L. Williams

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Musculoskeletal injuries and recovery from them play a vital role in both the physical and psychological wellbeing of the public. Existing research has been conducted primarily within the athlete population with rehabilitation from these injuries having a profound impact on the physical and mental health. One of the most frequent psychological responses related to sports injuries is a trauma response, which has been shown to hinder the rehabilitation process and to increase the likelihood for reinjury upon return to play. Embedded within the many inputs to trauma responses to these injuries are psychological distress reactions, in particular fear connected to …

Evaluation Of Therapist Modeling To Decrease Latency To Exercise Initiation, Darci L. Davis, Kayla Randall

Honors College Theses

Patients recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other adverse health events (e.g., hip surgery) often require physical therapy (PT) to restore baseline function. However, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia may have difficulty engaging in therapy due to deficits in attention, imitation skills, and motor performance. Enhancing participation in this population is essential for achieving functional recovery and return to baseline status. This study aimed to determine whether systematic model prompting could decrease latency to compliance and increase the level of completion of therapeutic exercises in short-term rehabilitation settings. A multiple-baseline single-case design with time-lagged and staggered …

Understanding And The Perceived Value Of Contemporary Pain Neuroscience Education Among Occupational Therapy Students, Sue E. Curfman, Elicia Dunn Cruz, Diana A. Harrison, Will J. Best, Kathryn Schmidt

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Chronic pain is a leading cause of global disability, yet occupational therapy education often lacks sufficient coverage of multidisciplinary pain management approaches. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the level of understanding of contemporary pain neuroscience in occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of instructional techniques to improve their knowledge of contemporary pain neuroscience; and 3) explore their perceptions of pain neuroscience and its implications for their future roles. This pre-post test within-subject experimental design study, involving 39 OTD students, assessed the impact and perceptions of a two-hour pain education module. The revised Neurophysiology …

Building Community-Engaged Capacity To Advance Telerehabilitation Services For Patients With Chronic Disease And/Or Disability, Ka-Chun Siu, Brad Dexter, Andrew Lindemeier, Karen Hux, Dipika Aggarwal

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Purpose:

This report was developed to capture insights from clinicians, patients, and families who have experienced or delivered telehealth services over the past four years. The rapid rise of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities, but as the initial surge subsided, its continued application in physical therapy has become less clear. This report explores what has worked well in telerehabilitation, identifies ongoing challenges, and provides actionable recommendations to bridge gaps in service delivery. By reflecting on these experiences, this work aims to inform the development of sustainable models that will advance clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, …

Reducing Appointment No-Shows In An Occupational Medicine Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project, Diana S. Torres, Cynthia D. Linkes

Nursing Faculty Publications

Abstract

Background: Appointment no-shows in occupational medicine delay recovery, disrupt workers’ compensation processes, and undermine employer trust. A South Texas clinic reported an average 11% no-show rate over 16 months—above the ≤8% benchmark—resulting in an estimated $379,406 in lost revenue. Contributing factors included inconsistent reminder practices, unverified contact information, and language barriers within a predominantly Spanish-speaking population.

Objective/Project Aim: This project aimed to reduce no-shows to ≤8% by implementing a structured, bilingual, multimodal reminder system that improved patient adherence and operational efficiency without increasing staff workload.

Methods: Guided by the “Getting To Outcomes” 10-Step framework, interventions included …

Effects Of Resistance Exercise On Post Stroke Patients: Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jeslin Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Individuals who suffer from post-stroke effect face loss of function in mobility and quality of life. Mobility issues lead to changes in walking patterns, strength ability, daily independence, and more. Resistance training is an effective rehabilitation method used to test improve recovery by enhancing well-being, reducing spasticity, and increasing control. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of resistance exercise on post-stroke patient's recovery and return to activities of daily living. A systemic literature review using databases, key terms, and various strategies. Databases used consisted of UCF Libraries, PubMed, Google Scholar, SagePub, Medline, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost. These …

Prediction Of Snatch And Clean And Jerk Performance From Physical Performance Measures In Elite Male Weightlifters, Ingo Sandau, Kristof Kipp

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

This study aimed to build a valid model to predict maximal weightlifting competition performance using ordinary least squares linear regression (OLR) and penalized (Ridge) linear regression (penLR) in 29 elite male weightlifters. One repetition maximum (1RM) or 3RM test results of assistant exercises were used as predictors. Maximal performance data of competition and assistant exercises were collected during a macrocycle in preparation for a competition. One repetition maximum snatch pull, 3RM back squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were used to predict the 1RM snatch; and 1RM clean pull, 3RM front squat, 1RM overhead press, and body mass were …

Understanding The Impact Of Admissions Variables On Admissions Diversity: A Single Doctor Of Physical Therapy Program Review, Michael Bourassa, Allison Bourassa, Saurabh Mehta

Health Professions Education

Purpose: The U.S. physical therapy workforce lacks diversity, largely influenced by healthcare program admission procedures that affect student diversity and, in turn, the profession itself. This study aimed to characterize applicants' demographic and educational profiles applying to a single accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program and examine factors associated with admission outcomes when considering race.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed data from 1,409 applicants to the U.S. Doctor of Physical Therapy program from 2017 to 2022. Data from pre-admission applications encompassed demographic details, overall grade point average (GPA), prerequisite GPA, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, average professional reference scores, …

Physiotherapy Experiences Of Injured Immigrant Workers In Quebec: An Intersectional Perspective, Victoria Gómez, Debbie Ehrmann Fieldman, Daniel Côté, Dahlia Kairy, Marie Laberge, Amelia León, Maxi Miciak, Maud Morin, Sara Saunders, Tatiana Orozco, Anne Hudon

Études primaires

Purpose: Immigrant workers are more likely to suffer work-related injuries compared to native-bornCanadians. Their physical rehabilitation usually involves physiotherapy. This study sought to betterunderstand the experiences of injured immigrant workers receiving compensation and physiotherapytreatments.Materials and methods: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive descriptivemethodology. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 10 compensated immigrant workersabout the physiotherapy services they received. Transcripts were analyzed thematically and with anintersectional lens.Results: Two major themes were identified: 1) complex pathways to physiotherapy, and 2) key pillarsof physiotherapy experiences. The first theme demonstrates that a lack of familiarity with the healthand compensation systems, delayed access to …

A Case Report Of Long-Latency Evoked Diaphragm Potentials After Exposure To Acute Intermittent Hypoxia In Post-West Nile Virus Meningoencephalitis, Joseph F. Welch, Erica A. Dale, Jayakrishnan Nair, Paul W. Davenport, Emily J. Fox, Gordon S. Mitchell

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

We present a case report of a 42-year-old female with post-West Nile virus meningoencephalitis who exhibited unique, long-latency diaphragm potentials evoked by transcranial and cervical magnetic stimulation after exposure to acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH). The subject was recruited for a study investigating AIH effects on respiratory motor function in healthy individuals. She had contracted West Nile virus infection 5 years before assessment that resulted in hospitalization and persistent allodynia but was not reported to the research team. During the study, transcranial (TMS) and cervical (CMS) magnetic stimulation were performed before and 30-60 min after a single presentation of AIH [15, …

Occupational Therapy Using Cbt To Improve Work Productivity In Schizophrenia: A Case Study, Artha Nisa Thohiroh Triyantari, Reza Nur Arsyi, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon, Zulfa Khoirunisah, Putri Dirgantara, Purnama Betty R. Sitorus

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that often impairs an individual's social and occupational functioning, including productivity-related activities. Patients with schizophrenia frequently face challenges in maintaining employment or running an independent business due to cognitive and emotional disturbances affecting their adaptive skills. This single-case study integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into occupational therapy to enhance productivity in a schizophrenia patient through an entrepreneurial activity—independently opening a coffee shop. The study subject is a 50-year-old male diagnosed with schizophrenia undergoing psychosocial rehabilitation at RSJ Dr. Soeharto Heerdjan. The CBT-based intervention was designed to develop adaptive thinking patterns and occupational skills through …

Enhancement Of Functional Ability In Supraspinatus Tendinitis Using Ultrasound And Isotonic Exercise: Case Study, Tu Lidya Ike Putri, Christabelle Aurelia

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Supraspinatus tendinitis is an inflammation of the supraspinatus tendon caused by the supraspinatus muscle tendon overlapping with the caput longus bicep tendon so that friction and repetitive pressure occur over a long period of time and result in damage to the supraspinatus muscle tendon and supraspinatus tendinitis occurs. Characterized by complaints of pain around the shoulder followed by limitation of motion in the shoulder joint. The clinical question arises "can the application of ultrasound and isotonic exercise reduce pain and functional ability improvement?". To be able to answer this question, an evidence search was conducted on 3 data bases, namely …

Perbandingan Konservatif Fisioterapi Dengan Core Stability Exercise Pada Kasus Nyeri Punggung Bawah, Angria Pradita, Nurul Halimah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

ABSTRACT: Low back pain is a major complaint caused by multifactorial conditions. The most common factors of low back pain complaints are due to age, occupation and gender. This study aims to compare the differences in therapeutic effects of conservative physiotherapy with the provision of electrotherapy, namely; microwave diathermy combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), core stability exercise techniques and a combination of electrotherapy with core stability exercise (CSE). This type of research is quasi experimental with a pre-post test design in a population of 90 low back pain patients who seek treatment at the Physiotherapy clinic. By using …