Physical Therapy Commons^™

The Effect Of Physical Therapy Intervention On Fatigue, Balance, Depression And Quality Of Life In Clients Following Medical Treatment For Cancer: A Pilot Study, Elle G. Bryant, Morghan J. Bugge, Riley A. Grube, Megan M. Lacrosse, Hunter M. Lake, Katie J. Leary

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Approximately 18.1 million people living in the United States have survived cancer. The treatment for cancer can be accompanied by many long-lasting residual side effects including fatigue, decreased quality of life, balance deficits, and depression. A current problem that healthcare providers face is understanding these side effects and how to effectively treat the people who experience them.

The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate how cancer treatments affect the human body, specifically with fatigue, balance, quality of life, and depression, and how physical therapy interventions can be used to combat these factors. To assess the effects of physical …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Yoga Vs Traditional Physical Therapy In Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review, Courtney Andrade, Casey David, Grace Hicks-Green, Riley Young

DPT Capstones

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a complex diagnosis causing an increase in disability and decreased quality of life. This condition is defined as having low back pain for more than three months, in which an individual experiences a decline in function due to enduring pain. Several factors contribute to CLBP including core muscle weakness and decreased motor control to allow for lumbar stability. Though CLBP can be treated in multiple ways; this systematic review (SR) investigates the treatment effects of yoga combined with physical therapy (PT) vs. PT alone to measure the disability using the Oswestry Disability Index …

Prevalence Of And Influences For Incorporating Clinically-Relevant Spanish Into Doctor Of Physical Therapy Programs, Daniela Quinones, Deyanira Verdeja Sosa, Megan Giron

DPT Capstones

Introduction. The United States has 63.7 million Hispanic/Latino individuals, and approximately 40% of Spanish speakers have limited English proficiency (LEP). Patient-provider language discordance is a major contributor towards health disparities. Hence, many health professions educators offer clinically-relevant Spanish. The primary study purposes were to: 1) identify the prevalence of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs in the United States that incorporate clinically-relevant Spanish language learning in their curriculum; and 2) describe how DPT programs incorporate Spanish language learning in their curriculum.

Review of Literature. Researchers in a 2014 report identified 12 DPT programs offering Spanish; however, the current prevalence is …

Effects Of Using External Biofeedback In Improving Ankle Kinematics In Those With Chronic Ankle Instability Compared To Conventional Therapy Without External Biofeedback: A Systematic Review, Lachlan Cubbin, Kelli Kirkpatrick

DPT Capstones

I. Introduction: Lateral ankle sprains are amongst the most common injuries to occur in athletes and the general population alike. While most can recover without complications, there exists a considerable risk of recurrent injury which can result in ongoing difficulties related to pain, function, and overall quality of life. This high recurrence rate is due to excessive lateral deviations in the location of pressure-related variables in the foot. Ongoing instability of the foot, known as chronic ankle instability (CAI), results due to these abnormal gait and ankle kinematics which causes significantly greater inversion of the foot during initial contact of …

Bal-A-Vis-X Intervention To Improve Upper Limb Coordination In Children With Disability: A Pilot Study, Marta Boot, Zoe Clark, Kyla Hill, Mckenzie Stefanoff, Betsy Donahoe Fillmore, Trisha Renner, Bo Slutz, Mary I. Fisher

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises (Bal-A-Vis-X) consists of a series of exercises using sand-filled bags and racquet balls. Most of the exercises are completed while standing on a rocker board and heavily rooted in rhythm. The rhythmic patterns are utilized to facilitate focused concentration, crossing midline, motor planning, right/left awareness, eye-hand coordination, balance, bilateral coordination, body and spatial awareness. Only a few published studies have explored Bal-A-Vis-X as an intervention in therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of Bal-A-Vis-X to improve upper limb coordination in children with motor delays.

Number of Subjects: Fifteen children with motor delays …

Postural Control In Young Adults With And Without Recurrent Back Pain: Influence Of Symptom Characteristics, Rachel Berns

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Many individuals with low back pain (LBP) experience episodic symptoms. During symptomatic episodes, individuals with LBP have delayed trunk muscle activation during anticipated postural perturbations, though it's unclear if these postural control changes persist between symptomatic episodes. This study examined anticipatory postural muscle activation in adults with and without recurrent LBP to determine the influence of muscle fatigue and typical symptom characteristics on trunk muscle activation. 55 young adults with a greater than one-year history of recurrent LBP and 30 young adults with no history of LBP were recruited. Electromyography electrodes were placed on their thoracic and lumbar paraspinals, external …

Augmenting Hand And Arm Function For Persons With Hemiparesis, Brooke Stein, Susan Duff, Alison Mckenzie, Bailey Advincula, Isaac An, Annie Jeon, Casey Mcwilliam, Will Potter, Virginia Ruano, Paulina Vokulich, Audrey Howell, Rahul Soangra

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Background. Hand and arm dysfunction due to neural disorders significantly influences quality of life. Activity-based training has been found to improve function. These improvements could be augmented with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) due to the modulatory effect it has on spinal and supraspinal networks. Objective. The primary aim is to determine if a 4-week training program will improve hand and arm function. The secondary aim is to determine if the addition of tSCS to a second 4-week training session will further improve function. Design. This is a pre-posttest, controlled trial for persons 10-75 years of age, >6 months post …

Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes In A Patient With Moderate To Severe Scoliosis: A Case Study, Rachael Dobbs

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction. The purpose of this case study is to discuss the role of physical therapy in patients who have moderate to severe scoliosis and plan to or have undergone a total hip arthroplasty. In evaluating the case of a female with moderate to severe scoliosis who recently underwent a total hip arthroplasty, it will be determined if physical therapy intervention was successful in improving her symptoms and reducing the risk of further complications.

Case Description. Patient is a 70-year-old female who presents to physical therapy evaluation several weeks post total hip arthroplasty. The patient has comorbidities of osteoarthritis and moderate …

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Sustaining Multiple Fractures And A Hemorrhagic Temporal Lobe Contusion Due To An Absent Seizure And Fall: A Case Report, Kylie M. Helgeland

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: A case report for the acute care assessment and treatment of a patient after a seizure and fall that resulted in multiple fractures and a temporal lobe contusion. Every injury has an impact on a patient’s mobility and their ability to perform activities of daily living. Physical therapists need to see each injury and understand how each one can affect the patient and have a barrier on their recovery.

Case description: A 59-year-old female who fell down 3 stairs during an absent seizure resulting in multiple fractures and a temporal contusion. The patient presented with impairments of motor planning, …

The Effects Of Palm Cooling On Power, Strength, And Endurance: An Investigative Study, Klye Henningsgard, Riley Mattheis, Shawn Stolz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Modern day athletes are continuously searching for ways that they can find a competitive advantage over their peers. This study aimed to assess if palm cooling was effective in increasing power, strength, and/or endurance during exercise. After completing a warmup, 24 participants (11 males,13 females; age 22.75 ± 1.36) were assessed on two separate occasions where they performed three separate exercises: vertical jump to analyze power, isometric knee extension to analyze strength, and Queen’s College Step Test to analyze endurance. On the first day of testing, participants were randomly assigned into a cooling or non-cooling group. Thus, completing all three …

The Correlation Between The Season Of Birth And Early Childhood Development In Healthy Children: Evidence From Midwest Region Of The United States, Paige E. Argent, Emma R. Botker, Anna L. Kiffmeyer, Victoria K. Maiz, Alexis N. Pettersen

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: While many different factors may affect early childhood development, one significant factor is the season of birth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the season of birth and early childhood gross motor development in healthy children ages 0-5 years old in the greater Midwest area.

Methods: Parents of 372 children completed self-reports on their children’s gross and fine motor development using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Parents were provided with an online survey version of the ASQ. Data was based upon closed-ended questions and analyzed using the percentages of responses …

Inpatient Rehabilitation And Clinical Decision Making Of A Patient With Severe Stroke And Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report, Kassandra G. Anshutz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are common and are estimated to affect around 795,000 people in the United States every year. Cerebrovascular accidents can be detrimental to one’s health and have a wide range of complications including death and decreased independence. Current evidence-based practice supports exercise and movement through physical therapy to restore function and independence. However, current guidelines do not exist for patients with acute kidney injury during stroke recovery.

Case Description: In this case study, we examine a 63-year-old male with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke further complicated by severe rhabdomyolysis. Upon initial evaluation and examination, …

Efficacy Of Curl Up Task As Abdominal Exercise Program For Diastasis Recti Abdominis, Wendy Chorny, Betsy K. Donahoe-Fillmore, Rio Harrelson, Laney Hulbert, Jessica Westerfield, Mary I. Fisher

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: The separation between the rectus abdominal muscles caused by a widening and thinning linea alba, called diastasis recti abdominis (DRA), contributes to impairments in strength of the abdominal and trunk muscles. DRA is most frequently observed during pregnancy and may recede after childbirth but can be present at 12 months or later after giving birth. The purpose of this study was to determine if a focused 12 or 24 week exercise program improves inter-rectus distance and abdominal strength in women who have given birth.

Number of Subjects: Forty-eight women 27-49 years (mean 37 years) were randomized into a 12 …

Alteration In Resting-State Brain Activity In Stroke Survivors After Repetitive Finger Stimulation, Dorothy He, William A Sikora, Shirley A James, Jordan N Williamson, Louis V Lepak, Carolyn F Cheema, Evgeny Sidorov, Sheng Li, Yuan Yang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of repetitive finger stimulation on brain activation in eight stroke and seven control subjects, measured by quantitative electroencephalogram.

Methods: We applied 5 mins of 2-Hz repetitive bilateral index finger transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and compared differences pre- and post-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation using quantitative electroencephalogram metrics delta/alpha ratio and delta-theta/alpha-beta ratio.

Results: Between-group differences before and after stimulation were significantly different in the delta/alpha ratio ( z = -2.88, P = 0.0040) and the delta-theta/alpha-beta ratio variables ( z = -3.90 with P < 0.0001). Significant decrease in the delta/alpha ratio and delta-theta/alpha-beta ratio variables after the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was detected only in the stroke group (delta/alpha ratio diff = 3.87, P = 0.0211) (delta-theta/alpha-beta ratio diff = 1.19, P = 0.0074).

Conclusions: The decrease in quantitative electroencephalogram metrics in the stroke …

Determining The Concurrent And Predictive Validity Of The Repetitive Step Test In Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Rachel Wells, Evan Callahan, Jacob Greco, Harold L. Merriman, Kurt Jackson

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: The Repetitive Step Test (RST) assesses rapid stepping capability in anterior lateral (AL) and posterior lateral (PL) diagonal directions. This study’s goal was to determine the predictive validity of the RST to identify fallers with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). A secondary objective was to determine concurrent validity of the RST to other established tests. It was hypothesized that those who completed fewer steps with the RST would be more likely to fall and that the RST would predict falls at least as well as the other balance tests.

Materials and Methods: 13 subjects (8 F, 5 M; mean age 70.2 …

Ehealth Cancer-Related Fatigue Intervention Single Arm Study, Anne Fleischer, Samantha Gelhaus, Emily Flohre, Caroline Frazee, Mary I. Fisher, Carrie Pickering

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Cancer related fatigue (CRF), a sense of physical, emotional and cognitive tiredness not relieved by rest, negatively affects function. Prevalence is reported to be 59-100% throughout the care continuum. Exercise and psychosocial interventions are supported as effective treatment options, yet barriers to personalized care include time and distance to travel for care. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized exercise prescribed by physical therapy (PT), and occupational goal setting and tasks prescribed by occupational therapy (OT) on physical function.

Number of Subjects: 16 adults with cancer and fatigue ≥4/10.

Materials and Methods: Over …

Altering The Lower Limb Kinetic Chain: Reliability And Minimum Detectable Change Of Total Support Moment, J Barrios, R Cloud, M Gorski, A Grieshop, A Kinney

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose: 3D joint kinetics are routinely studied in various lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. Often, a condition affecting a joint is associated with altered kinetics at that same joint, such as knee osteoarthritis being associated with reduced knee flexion moments. However, these same-joint alterations may also contribute to altered comprehensive movement patterns of the entire limb in a synergistic manner. A lower limb biomechanical metric that represents this multi-joint kinetic chain synergy is the total support moment (TSM). Indeed, TSM has been found to be altered in knee osteoarthritis, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and partial meniscectomy. Despite this, psychometric studies are …

The Relationship Between Economic Status And Patient Retention In The Physical Therapy Setting In Selected Physical Therapy Clinics And Hospitals Of Negros Oriental: Perspective Of Filipino Physical Therapists, Rey Joshua P. Osorio, Zoscheele Monica G. Pal, Clarice M. Planteras, Raymon D. Ragay, Ginea Marydawn N. Roda, Rapunzel G. Santillan, Niña Mae B. Sequita, Ulrich Tristan Weber

Student Dissertations

Patient retention has always been part of the goals in the medical field, especially in the Physical Therapy setting; there were some studies that depicted a contingent effect on its likelihood with the patients’ economic status. However, the lack of evidence-based studies in PT surrounding these variables have made it difficult to pinpoint the relationship between the two. This study investigated how economic status influences patient retention in physical therapy settings in Negros Oriental, Philippines. It combined quantitative data from surveys on participant demographics, economic status, and patient retention with qualitative insights gathered through semi-structured interviews. The data collected suggested …

Wrist Flexor And Extensor Tendon Stiffness During Functional Grip: A Pilot Study, Kristin Stein, Matthew Stephens, Camryn Yacks, Harold Merriman, Joseph Day

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) quantifies muscle stiffness, a mechanical muscle property that is known to influence muscle function. Gripping is an important functional task and relies on the synergistic actions of the wrist flexors and extensors. To date, there are no studies to quantify tendon stiffness as measured by SWE during a functional task like gripping. The purpose of this study was to quantify differences between resting and submaximal gripping stiffness of the common wrist flexor (CFT) and common wrist extensor tendons (CET). Secondly, we aimed to compare tendon stiffness values between the flexor tendon and extensor tendons …

Effectiveness Of A Talocrural Joint Mobilization On Restricted Dorsiflexion: A Time Series Intervention Analysis, Carly Archambeau, Ceili Kacmarcik, Camryn Yacks

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/Hypothesis: Restricted ankle dorsiflexion (DF) mobility is a common musculoskeletal impairment. For intervention, ankle joint mobilizations are often utilized to address restricted DF. Interestingly, no studies have investigated the short-term effect duration of a joint mobilization intervention on restricted DF. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to observe the initial effectiveness and effect duration of a DF mobilization treatment. DF measures included both a static inclinometer-based weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) as well as dynamic 3D motion capture-based peak ankle DF during a forward step down (FSD) task. We hypothesized that both measures would increase post-mobilization and fade to baseline …

The Use And Accuracy Of Millimeter Wave Radar And Machine Learning For Gait Classification And Monitoring, Mubarak Alanazi, Abdullah Alhazmi, Vamsy Chodavarapu, Kurt Jackson, Meghan Brown, Kara Gnau, Shannon Thiel

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/hypothesis: The ability to monitor human activity remotely may be useful in providing telerehabilitation and measuring real-world rehabilitation outcomes. Current methods of activity monitoring have significant limitations (cost, privacy, ease of use) that can limit their benefit and widespread use. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) and millimeter wave radar (MWR) have allowed for the development of a cost effective and simple way to monitor human movement continuously and remotely while maintaining reasonable privacy. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of ML and MWR to accurately classify and monitor different types of human activity including different …

An Artificial Intelligent Millimeter Wave Radar System For Human Activity Recognition And Monitoring, Abdullah Alhazmi, Vamsy Chodavarapu, Kurt Jackson, Cameron Djukic, Jennifer Jaszek, Anna Brown

University of Dayton Doctor of Physical Therapy Annual Research Symposium

Purpose/hypothesis: The ability to monitor human activity remotely may be useful in providing telerehabilitation and measuring real-world rehabilitation outcomes. Current methods of activity monitoring have significant limitations (cost, privacy, ease of use) that can limit their benefit and widespread use. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) and millimeter wave radar (MWR) have allowed for the development of a cost effective and simple way to monitor human movement continuously and remotely while maintaining reasonable privacy. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of ML and MWR to accurately classify and monitor different types of human activity including falls. …

The Effects Of Implementing An Early Childhood Education Health And Wellness Program In Underserved Elementary Schools In Las Vegas On Student Mentors And Elementary Staff: Anatomy Academy, Alexa Blazek, Amber Berumen Baker, Kevin Chan Shum, Alexander Young

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Academy (AA) is a seven/eight-week program implemented by select University of Nevada, Las Vegas Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to promote health and wellness at a Title I elementary school and help bridge the health education gap that underserved youth populations may be facing. We aimed to assess and improve the overall satisfaction of both the faculty members at the elementary school and the physical therapy students who participated in the program, while enhancing the health education of 5th grade students. Our aim was centered on stakeholders (elementary school administrators) and student mentors (DPT students) having the desire to …

Introduction Of The Anatomy Academy Program To Children In A Rural Elementary School, Rox Aurelio, Madison Dobbs, Nicole Horn, Gianni Terrana

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Children in rural communities experience health and education disparities. Early exposure to health promoting habits can positively impact future health habits. Healthcare providers who grew up in rural areas are more likely to practice in rural areas. Doctor of physical therapy students and physical therapists implemented Anatomy Academy, a service-learning program aimed at promoting healthy living and introducing healthcare occupations, to elementary students in a rural area as this program had previously only been implemented in urban areas. The Biomedical Institutional Review Board at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas approved this study. A 40-minute lesson was delivered weekly for …

Development And Pilot Testing Of A Surface Discrimination Test For People With Lower Limb Amputation, Colin Kruger, Kyle Mcknight, Sharlene Lim, Samuel Straus

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: There is a lack of understanding as to how sensory loss and sensory deficits impact those with LLA. The purpose of this research is to determine the extent to which people with LLA can discriminate between surfaces underfoot, in order to better understand the relationship between people with LLA and their perception of the ground they are walking on. We developed a test to determine which qualities of surfaces may be easier to distinguish.

Methods: 10 unimpaired adults and 2 adults with LLA participated. Participants compared surfaces underfoot that consisted of ceramic, rough tile, gravel, sand, and sandpaper to …

Structural Sensorimotor Adaptations In Young Adults With Low Back Pain, Isaac Chrisman, Jo Armour Smith, Rongwen Tain, Kelli G. Sharp, Laura M. Glynn, Linda R. Van Dillen, Jesse V. Jacobs, Steven C. Cramer

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the largest cause of disability worldwide. There is evidence for regional structural brain adaptation in CLBP. Most studies have investigated middle-aged adults and show decreased grey matter density in pain processing regions. It is not clear if these adaptations are evident early in the lifespan of individuals with CLBP. The purpose of the study was to compare sensorimotor gray matter density in young adults with a history of CLBP with back-healthy controls. 53 young adults with a greater than 1-year history of CLBP and 29 young adults with no history of LBP participated. Clinical …

Relation Between Cognitive Assessment And Clinical Physical Performance Measures After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Prokopios Antonellis, Margaret M. Weightman, Peter C. Fino, Siting Chen, Mark E. Lester, Carrie W. Hoppes, Leland E. Dibble, Laurie A. King

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objectives

To investigate the relation between cognitive and motor performance in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI) and examine differences in both cognitive and motor performance between adults after mTBI and healthy controls.

Design

Multi-center, cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three institutional sites (Courage Kenny Research Center, Minneapolis, MN, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, and University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT).

Participants

Data were collected from 110 participants (N=110), including those with mTBI and healthy controls, who completed cognitive and physical performance assessments.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Outcome Measures

Cognitive assessments involved the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics to evaluate …

An Analysis Of Targeted Physical Therapy Against Medial Epicondylitis, Rylie Howe

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Medial epicondylitis, more commonly known as "golfer's elbow", is a musculoskeletal condition involving the common flexor tendon in the forearm at the attachment point of the medial epicondyle of the humerus bone. The repeated use of this tendon causes inflammation, swelling, as well as other types of straining that results in minute damage that accumulates to the overall strain and complications that come with medial epicondylitis. Targeted physical therapy is the overall recommended treatment for this condition. However, there is limited consensus to the most effective interventions. Mixed methods were used to investigate the possibility of the success of certain …

North Dakota Physical Therapy Workforce And Telehealth Utilization Between 2018-2022, Nicole A. Thomas, Elise J. Bartel, Logan Thomas, Senior, Brendan E. Kalous, Hunter T. Sylte

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Physical Therapists (PT’s) are important healthcare providers for individuals of all ages, ailments, and provide both prevention and care of disease and injury. Traditionally, physical therapists work in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, sports/outpatient clinics, and privately-owned clinics, to name a few. There are approximately 7.2 physical therapists for every 10,000 people nationwide. However, the geographical distribution and practice settings of PT’s can greatly vary throughout each state, county, and region. This varying distribution of PT’s creates one of the biggest limitations surrounding the field of PT which is decreased access to physical therapy services …

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty And The Effects Of Physical Therapy In The Outpatient Setting: A Case Report, Troy L. Huff

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA)is gaining popularity globally for treatment of traumatic and degenerative glenohumeral diseases, as well as for irreparable rotator cuff total shoulder arthroplasty surgeries. The number of these surgeries in 2011 were 22,820 and have jumped to a staggering increase of more than 60,000 a year in 2023. The goal of this case study is to determine the role and effectiveness of physical therapy in a status post RTSA.

Case Description: The patient was a 70-year-old year male who had a right RTSA. The patient had comorbidities of Osteoarthritis of the right shoulder, a failed …