Physiotherapy Commons^™

The Readiness Reset: Sleep, Stress, And Pain Management For Tactical Performance, Lauren Fried

Tactical & Occupational Performance Conference

Tactical professionals operate in high-demand environments where sleep disruption, chronic stress, and persistent pain are often normalized, but these factors significantly affect readiness, resilience, and long-term performance. This session explores how sleep, stress, and pain interact at the physiological and neurological levels to influence decision-making, recovery, injury risk, and operational effectiveness in first responders and military personnel.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how nervous system regulation, circadian rhythms, and pain perception affect both physical and cognitive performance under stress. Drawing on current research and applied human performance principles, this session highlights practical, field-applicable strategies that tactical professionals and …

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Case Report In Post-Tibial Orif Patient, Olufemi Akinleye Akintunde, Leah Guzzardo, Kerstin Palombaro

Capstone Showcase

Background and Purpose

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is one of the most common causes of anterior knee pain, which can be idiopathic or insidious. Despite this, another cause of patellofemoral pain is a secondary complication from tibial fractures and surgeries. Post-Tibial Open Reduction Internal Fixation: patients undergo a period of knee immobilization, altered weight-bearing status, and quadriceps dysfunction.  This causes quadriceps atrophy, altering the knee's biomechanics. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate the rehabilitation strategy and prognosis of this set of patients.

Case Description

A 44-year-old woman who had a right tibial ORIF developed anterior knee pain one-month …

Effectiveness Of A Task-Oriented Exercise Program In Managing Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report, Daphne N. Olipas

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition that commonly affects adolescents characterized by an abnormal multiplanar curvature of the spine. This condition may result in postural imbalance, trunk asymmetry, and limitations in functional activities. Exercise-based interventions are designed to enhance spinal stability, promote postural awareness, improve respiratory function, and support participation in daily activities. This case report aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured therapeutic exercise program for a person diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. The intervention program includes core stabilization exercises, postural re-education, breathing exercises, and functional training.

Case Description: A 14 year-old female was referred to …

Investing In Limb Preservation: A Case Report In Avoiding Bilateral Amputation In A Vasculopathy Patient, Stephanie N. Campbell, Craig J. Verdin, Heather V. Tran, Nikita Gambhir

Research Symposium

Background: Limb salvage and prosthetics play vital roles in restoring function and mobility for patients with severe injuries or metabolic conditions. Limb salvage involves surgical techniques aimed at preserving a limb rather than resorting to amputation, while prosthetics provide artificial devices to replace lost limbs. Key considerations for limb salvage include restoring a functional foot, maintaining patient independence, minimizing hospitalizations, and avoiding bilateral lower limb amputations.

Case Presentation: The patient, already at single-limb status, presented with a necrotic heel ulcer, exposed calcaneus, and necrotic Achilles tendon. After vascular optimization, the risks and benefits of final aggressive measures were discussed, leading …

Eccentric-Emphasis Exercise Program For Supraspinatus Partial Tear In Retired Police Officer An Intervention Case Report, German Eduardo Isea Fernandezx

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Eccentric exercise has been shown to reduce pain in patients with multiple comorbidities, orthopedic surgeries, and neurologic conditions, while providing safety for greater loading during resistance training. The purpose of this case report is to describe changes in function and pain of a patient with a partial rotator cuff tear, following rehabilitation exercises focusing on eccentric action.

Case Description: A 65 y/o retired police male officer who presented right shoulder pain secondary to a partial tear of the supraspinatus tendon. The case reported mild to severe pain under the visual analog scale (VAS) of 75mm that …

Functional Recovery Of A Patient In Her Home Environment Following A Stroke Using Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Task-Specific Training: A Case Report, Andrea L. Crawford-Perry

Capstone Showcase

Abstract Background and Purpose: Stroke is a growingly common disability that affects an individual’s bodily function, activity and participation levels and thus impacts the whole livelihood of that individual. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Task-specific Training have been shown to improve the overall functional recovery of a patient and affect neuroplasticity. Most studies tend to compare the individual effect of these techniques; hence the purpose of this case report is to describe how both PNF and task-specific training are used to improve the functional recovery of a patient in her home environment following an acute stroke. Case Description: The patient …

Bowel Clean Out Prior To Intrathecal Baclofen Pump Implantation: Effects On Acute Post-Operative Gastrointestinal Complications, Amanda Lindenberg, Sathya Vadivelu, Brittni Walton, Matthew J. Mclaughlin

Research Days

Background: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps have been used for management of spasticity and dystonia There is limited data on immediate post-operative complications such as GI adverse events after surgery for ITB pump related procedures. This study aimed to compare patients who underwent a pre-operative bowel cleanout to those who did not and the relationship with post-operative nausea, vomiting and constipation requiring an escalation of their bowel regimen.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Pediatric acute care hospital.

Participants: All patients who underwent new ITB pump and/or catheter placement from January 2015-December 2022.

Interventions: Preoperative bowel clean out. Main

Outcome Measure: Quantity …

Examining The Differences In Functional Outcomes For Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury After Acute Rehabilitation And Subacute Rehabilitation: A Review Of The Literature, Michael Rangel, Ashley Kakkanatt

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of morbidity in the US [1-4]. Studies suggest TBI patients’ enrollment in a rehabilitation program strongly predicts social reintegration. The structure and outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation programs, including acute and subacute rehabilitation, are not well-delineated [5-7].

DESIGN

A structured review of current literature was conducted. Articles were screened using the search string: (post-traumatic brain injury OR post-TBI OR traumatic brain injury OR TBI) AND (acute rehabilitation OR subacute rehabilitation) AND (outcomes OR functional outcomes) NOT (outpatient OR outpatient populations) NOT (pediatric OR pediatric populations). Articles were limited to 1990 …

A Literature Review Of Current Treatments For The Hypermobility Subtype Of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, John Gericke, Mary Zsolway, Chelsea Reyes, Pooja Patel, Saad Ahmed, Julia Hwang, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare pharmacologic intervention, neurocognitive therapy, physical therapy, and orthotics in treating the hypermobility subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and determine which has the most positive effect on symptoms.

Introduction: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is an inheritable connective tissue disorder which results from a genetic mutation that alters the body’s ability to produce collagen. The most common subtype of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is hEDS, which leads to hypermobility and hyperextensibility and can cause frequent joint dislocations.

Methods: A review of literature was performed to compare each treatment based on reported results. The types of studies reviewed …

Idiopathic And Neuromuscular Scoliosis In A Female College Basketball Player Requiring Spinal Correction Surgery, Magan Kim

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

The purpose of this report is to present the case of a 20-year-old female collegiate basketball player who was diagnosed with a combination of idiopathic and neuromuscular scoliosis. Patient underwent thoracic spinal fusion surgery when she was 15 to resolve her extreme scoliosis. The uniqueness of this case stems from the athlete’s urgency to have to undergo a life-altering spine operation and still be able to successfully contribute to a collegiate basketball team. Athletic trainers should be knowledgeable and aware of how to maintain treatment/rehabilitation for athletes with scoliosis, operative or non-operative. Scoliosis should no longer be a reason to …

Posteriormedial Ankle Impingement In A Male Division I Ice Hockey Player: A Case Report, Bethany Thompson

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

The purpose of this case report is to present the case of a 21 year old male Division I collegiate hockey player’s injury during their season, resulting in posteriormedial ankle impingement of the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament, osteochondral lesion of the talus, and tenosynovitis of the tibialis posterior. The patient’s injury did not require surgery; however, they did complete a rehabilitation plan with a physical therapist and receive a cortisone injection. The patient had a positive outcome due to the athletic trainer sending the patient for immediate diagnostic imaging after initial consultation. The patient was able to continue participation in …

Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Spasticity Interventions, Zola Lopeman

Symposium of Student Scholars

Muscle spasticity is a common spinal cord injury sequela that causes muscle stiffness, spasms, and painful involuntary contractions. Spasticity can result in difficulty walking, deformed joints, lack of head control, and impairment performing activities of daily living. Spasticity is dynamic and often requires a multifaceted approach to manage symptoms and achieve patient goals. The leading treatment for spasticity is oral Baclofen. Additional treatment methods include electrical stimulation and phenol injections. Oral baclofen is frequently prescribed in combination with these.

Research suggests SCI induced spasticity can cause changes in the muscle. Thus, it is important to assess neural and muscle impacts …

Physical Therapy Adherence: An Exploration Into Motivation, Keith Rader

Capstone Showcase

A major problem in the field of physical therapy is the lack of patient adherence to home exercise program prescriptions. Non-adherence to these exercise programs is as high as 70% according to the research. There must be an underlying mechanism because the type of non-adherent patients is not exclusively based on condition or injury. Past research has centered around two fields of thought for motivation, self-determination and self-efficacy, as well as practitioner intervention to increase these psychological principles in patients. Self-determination is present because while doing physical therapy exercises is not intrinsically enjoyable, patients can be extrinsically motivated by their …

Interpreting Patient Reported Outcomes In Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review, Shgufta Docter, Zina Fathalla, Michael Lukacs, Michaela Khan, Morgan Jennings, Shu-Hsuan Liu, Dong Zi, Dianne Bryant

Western Research Forum

Background: Reporting methods of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) vary in orthopaedic surgery literature. While most studies report statistical significance, the interpretation of results would be improved if authors reported confidence intervals (CIs), the minimally clinically important difference (MCID), and number needed to treat (NNT).

Objective: To assess the quality and interpretability of reporting the results of PROMs. To evaluate reporting, we will assess the proportion of studies that reported (1) 95% CIs, (2) MCID, and (3) NNT. To evaluate interpretation, we will assess the proportion of studies that discussed results using the MCID or the effect sizes and how …

Does Improved Physical Function Following A Nustep® Seated All Extremity Exercise Intervention Reduce The Fear Of Falling And Improve Quality Of Life In Older Adults With Fear Of Falling Living In Community Care Homes?, Navjot Gill, Denise Connelly

Western Research Forum

Background:

Decreased physical activity associated with fear of falling invokes a dangerous cycle of more fear, reduced activity and falls. NuStep is a seated all-extremity recumbent cross trainer which provides safe and efficient exercise training.

Hypotheses/Objectives:

The objectives of this study are to:

i. improve physical function and mobility of older adults living with a fear of falling with a NuStep;

ii. assess change in self-reported fear of falling and quality of life before and after the exercise intervention; and

iii. determine whether there is a relationship between exercise-related improved physical function/mobility with change in fear of falling and/or quality …

Psychometric Properties Of Standardized Balance Confidence, Fear Of Falling, And Falls-Efficacy Measures In People With Lower Limb Amputations, Jack Y. Wang, Susan W. Hunter, Ricardo Viana, Jeffrey D. Holmes, Michael Payne

Western Research Forum

Background:

In Canada, >50% of community-dwelling lower limb amputees (LLA) fall at least once each year, a rate that is almost twice that of community-dwelling older adults. While the physical consequences of falls may be readily apparent, psychological sequelae that follow may be just as, if not more, detrimental than an actual fall itself. Current measures of balance confidence show no change in LLA following discharge from rehabilitation. The limited detectable change may be due to content validity challenges of the measures as they were not developed for the unique challenges faced by LLA.

Objectives:

1) Review items from standardized …

Chronic Ankle Instability And Hip Muscle Function: A Systematic Review, Lindsay Carroll

Graduate Student Research Symposium

Purpose/background

The connection between hip strength and knee function is widely accepted in rehabilitation. The beginnings of evidence supporting a connection between the hip and ankle in people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) causes clinicians to question how the hip and the ankle may interact in this population. The purpose of this review is to provide a cohesive summary of the current available evidence examining hip muscle function in people with chronic ankle instability so that clinicians are better able to treat these patients.

Methods

An electronic search of PubMed was performed to locate studies published in peer-reviewed journals that …

P19. Head Impacts In Youth Soccer Are Comparable To American Football, Alexandra B. Harriss, Aakash Naik, Dave Walton, James P. Dickey

Western Research Forum

Head Impacts in youth soccer are comparable to American Football

Alexandra Harriss¹, Aakash Naik¹, David M. Walton², James P. Dickey¹

School of Kinesiology¹, School of Physical Therapy², Western University, London, Canada

Background: Research has unequivocally demonstrated that females and youth soccer players are at a significant high risk of concussion. Recently, concerns for “heading” have been raised due to possible adverse neurological effects. While head impact accelerations and rotations have been investigated in American football, head impacts in youth soccer have not been rigorously studied. The purpose is to …

Perceptions Of Adherence To Clinical Practice Guidelines For Low Back Pain Treatment Of Physical Therapy Students And Recent Graduates, Emiangeliz Gonzalez Luna

Digital Repository: Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence

This study aims to analyze possible factors that can affect perceptions towards adherence of clinical practice guidelines for low back pain treatment of current and past physical therapy students. An original survey was created to measure demographics, current knowledge of guidelines, influential resources, and perceptions about adherence to these guidelines.

Physiotherapy To Enhance Active Ageing, Yee Hung, Priscilla Poon

International Conference: Overcoming Challenges in Active Ageing

No abstract provided.