Functional Electrical Stimulation For Foot Drop: A Narrative Review, Garrett R. Watson

Honors Thesis

Foot drop (FD) is a neuromuscular impairment that limits ankle dorsiflexion during walking. It often leads to unsafe gait patterns, increases the risk of falls, and reduces independence. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has emerged as a promising rehabilitation tool that activates muscles or nerves to improve foot clearance and support motor recovery. Unlike passive devices such as ankle-foot orthoses, FES promotes active neuromuscular engagement and may foster long-term improvements through neuroplastic adaptation. This narrative review examines the causes and clinical consequences of FD and evaluates the role of FES in restoring functional mobility. Key topics include FES technologies, stimulation parameters, …

Identification Of Subtypes Of Post-Stroke And Neurotypical Gait Behaviors Using Neural Network Analysis Of Gait Cycle Kinematics, Andrian Kuch, Nicolas Schweighofer, James M. Finley, Alison Mckenzie, Yuxin Wen, Natalia Sánchez

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Gait impairment post-stroke is highly heterogeneous. Prior studies classified heterogeneous gait patterns into subgroups using peak kinematics, kinetics, or spatiotemporal variables. A limitation of this approach is the need to select discrete features in the gait cycle. Using continuous gait cycle data, we accounted for differences in magnitude and timing of kinematics. Here, we propose a machine-learning pipeline combining supervised and unsupervised learning. We first trained a Convolutional Neural Network and a Temporal Convolutional Network to extract features that distinguish impaired from neurotypical gait. Then, we used unsupervised time-series k-means and Gaussian Mixture Models to identify gait clusters. We tested …

Variance In Heart Rate Variability Between Healthy And Concussed Individuals, Sebastian Herrera Vargas, Joonsuk Choi

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Heart-Rate Variability (HRV) is the interval between each individual heartbeat, from p-wave to p-wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG). In general, a high HRV indicates that a person has a healthy heart with effective stress management skills. This value means that one branch of the nervous system is not overpowering the other, sympathetic vs parasympathetic–for example. Generally, HRV is related to vagal tone, the ability for your body to activate the parasympathetic system and relax when imminent danger is not present. However, when someone is concussed, the entirety of their autonomic regulation can be affected such that their HRV is altered. …

Preliminary Study: Minimizing The Gap Between Pre-And Post-Spaceflight, Caleb E. Scheideger, Louis A. Diberardino

Aurora

Long-duration space missions pose significant challenges to astronaut health, primarily due to the detrimental effects of microgravity on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This research proposal aims to address the critical gap between pre- and post-spaceflight physiological conditions, focusing on the marked decline in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Existing countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, are insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, highlighting the need for novel solutions. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) emerges as a promising intervention, capable of eliciting muscle contractions to maintain function and mitigate atrophy. By integrating NMES into existing exercise regimens, we hypothesize …

Surf's Up! The Benefits Of Surf Therapy For Individuals With Disabilities, Isabella Leggett

Senior Honors Projects

Surf therapy is a structured intervention that utilizes elements of the ocean and surfing to improve health. It is an increasingly popular sport for development focused on enhancing mental, physical, and social well-being. While research demonstrates that surf therapy is beneficial for all people, most research aims to gather the impact of surf therapy on children and adolescents with developmental disabilities, veterans with mental health disorders, and people with traumatic brain injuries or physical disabilities. The International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO) is a non-profit organization with surf therapy practitioners and researchers who work to advance surf therapy as an evidence-based …

The Role Of Ect In Ocd: A 10-Year Review (2014-2024), Mariana Sales, Tainiz Polanco, Amy Nguyen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects up to 2.5% of the population with significant impacts on everyday functioning and relationships. First-line treatment includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and cognitive behavioral therapy; however, studies have found that up to 40-60% of patients do not respond to SSRIs. ECT is an alternative approach that has demonstrated limited efficacy in OCD.

Objective: The current review aims to summarize the results of published work between 2014-2024 to assess the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of OCD.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using eight studies from 2014-2024 to assess the effectiveness of ECT …

Effect Of A Mindfulness State Induced By Marconi Union’S Weightless On Perceived Loneliness: A Pilot Study, Ayman Khatib, Richard Jermyn, Judith Lightfoot

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Loneliness is associated with increases in risk for cardiovascular disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, there is an urgent need for treatments that can help reduce loneliness. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness techniques may help reduce the experience of loneliness. Digital sound therapy that incorporates biofeedback can help individuals enter a mindfulness state with minimal effort by simply listening to sound. One song titled Weightless by Marconi Union has been called the most relaxing song in the world with the capacity to reduce anxiety by 65% and equivalent to midazolam6. We hypothesize that watching the “Weightless” …

Unbridled Healing: Identifying The Barriers Of Equine-Assisted Therapy, Sally A. Hamm

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite the documented benefits of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) for mental health conditions, this complementary approach remains underutilized. This qualitative study investigated barriers preventing wider EAT implementation by examining challenges faced by clients, facilities, and volunteers. Data collected through open-ended surveys from 33 participants and the researcher's autoethnographic observations revealed eight common barriers: Accessibility (48 mentions), Money (43), Time (30), Awareness (23), Physical Factors (13), Relationships (13), Risk (13), and Weather (7). Clients identified financial constraints as their primary barrier, particularly insurance limitations. Facilitators struggled most with accessibility challenges, including lack of resources, trained staff, suitable horses, and appropriate facilities. Volunteers …

Inequities In The Rehabilitation Process Of Musculoskeletal Injuries In Maine, Devon A. Grant

Thinking Matters Symposium

Since 2016, Maine’s population has grown as a result of migration and a welcoming of refugees. Changes in state demographics influence the population’s and individuals’ social determinants of health (SDOH) (ie., “where people live, learn, work, and play”) and health literacy (ie., a person’s ability to find, understand, and use information to inform health-related decisions). This project aims to identify the health inequities or disparities throughout Southern Maine in the care of injuries to the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle, as well as explore factors that influence the healthcare outcomes of athletes in surrounding communities. This study …

Psychological Treatment Behind The Walls:Insights From The Inside, Rogelio Serrano

Psychology Division Scholarship

Repeated eras of mass incarceration, criminalization of marginalized communities, and substance use policies have created a revolving door of justice involved populations. The ever-increasing prison population has repeatedly become the largest contingency of mental health clientele for an overburdened mental health system. Those who work with formerly incarcerated individuals in the community often don’t know the unique set of challenges faced by practitioners within the system. Increased understanding and coordination of care can offer opportunities for sustained recovery and reduced levels of recidivism. In this presentation participants will learn about the unique insights on mental health treatment that can be …

Gray Matter Morphology And Pain-Related Disability In Young Adults With Low Back Pain, Jo Armour Smith, Rongwen Tain, Isaac Chrisman, Kelli G. Sharp, Laura M. Glynn, Linda R. Van Dillen, Jesse V. Jacobs, Steven C. Cramer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Structural neuroplasticity in the brain may contribute to the persistence of low back pain (LBP) symptoms and the disability associated with them. It is not known if structural adaptations are evident early in the lifespan in young adults with LBP. This study compared gray matter in cortical sensorimotor regions in young adults with and without persistent LBP and identified gray matter and clinical predictors of pain-related disability. Eighty-two individuals with and without a history of LBP participated. Peak and average gray matter density in cortical sensorimotor regions of interest was quantified using voxel-based morphometry. Pain-related disability, pain intensity, pain duration, …

Introduction To Neuropathy: A Foundational Guide To Understanding Neuropathy, Emilie-Grace King

OTD Capstone Projects

This project centers on the development of a deliverable titled Introduction to Neuropathy: A Foundational Guide to Understanding Neuropathy at Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit organization that provides support to individuals impacted by cancer. The initiative aimed to increase awareness and understanding of peripheral neuropathy—a common and often debilitating side effect of treatments related to cancer and other diagnosis —among club members, including patients, survivors, and caregivers. Through collaboration with clinical professionals, Gilda’s Club staff, and members of Gilda’s Club, educational materials were curated and presented in an accessible format tailored to the needs of a diverse audience. …

Physiotherapy In Community-Based Rehabilitation In Middle And Low-Income Countries: A Scoping Review, Er D. Petil Jr., Napoleon R. Caballero

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is a widely recognized approach to address the rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical therapy (PT) plays a crucial role within CBR programs. This study aimed to synthesize the current state of literature regarding the integration of PT in CBR programs in LMICs across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, examining key characteristics, reported outcomes, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, focusing on studies published in the past decade. Data were extracted and synthesized in matrix format to compare and contrast findings across the …

Examining The Features Of Former Research Regarding Substance Abuse Treatment, Autumn Gonzales

Posters - 2025

“Drug misuse is one of the major social, legal, and publichealth challenges in the modern world” (Nutt et al., 2007). This study explored the characteristics of former research on substance abuse treatment approaches and treatment settings. Past literature showed short-term treatment can be beneficial depending on what works best for the individual and studies have shown short-term treatment has helped individuals with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). However, long-term treatment is the preferred method for individuals as it has a lower chance of relapse. A small systematic review was conducted from which data were coded of former published articles. A frequency …

Optimizing Interventions For Major Depressive Disorder And Provider Burnout: Self-Speak Exercise Dosing (Sed), Laureen Maloney-Gepfert

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

ABSTRACT

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is ranked highest among mental illnesses in the United States (US) and significantly contributes to the mental health care crisis. Patients experience resistance to pharmacologic interventions, side effects, co-morbidities, and mental health provider shortages. Subsequently, 33 % of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMIs) are being redirected to Primary Care Providers (PCPs). Concurrently, prescriber mental health is in crisis. Growing workloads for physicians and Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) have increased provider burnout syndrome (BOS). Major Depressive Disorder and BOS are positively affected by exercise, Cognitive Restructuring (CR), and Behavioral Activation (BA). Sports medicine and psychology research shows …

Construct Validity, Test-Retest Reliability, And Inter-Rater Objectivity Of The Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (Scas), Jon Sundan, Håvard Lorås, Monika Haga

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study aimed to investigate the construct validity, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of a newly developed and comprehensive instrument for assessment of children’s swimming competence. The Swimming Competence Assessment Scale (SCAS) consists of six consecutive test items (entry, swim on front, surface dive, float, swim on back and exit) that aligns with the Norwegian curricular standard of swimming competence. The exploratory factor analysis retained a unidimensional model, supporting one underlaying statistical dimension with acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.79). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between test and retest ranged from .84 to .98, and .97 for the total score. Strong …

"Feel For The Water": What Is It, Really?, Robert Keig Stallman, Kristine De Martelaer

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The phrase, 'feel for the water,' is commonly used. But what does it really mean? The traditional idea of this 'feel' focuses on the sensation of touch and use of the hands to produce propulsion. But what about water resistance? Mastering a feel for how to reduce resistance is equally important as the unique relationship between aquatic propulsion and resistance is of great importance. While being in the water, the effects of gravity and buoyancy also need to be perceived by the learner and taught by the instructor. Reflection on the effects on propulsion-resistance and gravity-buoyancy requires relevant exercises to …

Water Orientation Skills And Basic Safety And Swimming Skills Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kelle L. Murphy, Min Liu

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is the leading cause of death among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study examined water orientation (i.e., comfort level), water safety, and beginning swimming skills of individuals with ASD of ages ranging from 3 to 13 years using the Aquatic Orientation Checklist (AOC) (Kilian et al., 1984). Data were collected during consecutive Fall and Spring semesters. A total of 23 children (n = 15 boys; n = 8 girls) volunteered for the study. Lessons were conducted twice a week for 10 weeks continuously and each lesson was 45 minutes in length. Overall, the swimming program had …

A Preventionist Framework For Reducing Drowning: A Case For Parenting Interventions, Miriam G. Clark, Linda Quan, Patricia Chamberlain

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is preventable but still claims the lives of over 300,000 people worldwide every year. The purpose of this theoretical review paper is threefold: 1) discuss the theoretical framework for a multi-faceted system of prevention; 2) discuss the importance of parenting, a crucial area where current drowning prevention research is falling short in this multi-faceted approach; and 3) discuss how evidence-based practices from psychosocial parenting research could be used to create drowning prevention interventions that support parents to implement water safety practices in their families. Practical ideas for integrating psychosocial parent interventions with drowning prevention knowledge are discussed. Such interventions …

A Review Of Key Music Therapy Approaches To Unlocking Recovery From Stroke And Traumatic Brain Injury, Bethany Woolman, Nina Mourao, Joshua K. Elliott, Shizue Mito, Ney Alliey-Rodriguez

Research Symposium

Background: Strokes and traumatic brain injuries are neuronal injuries that can impact the motor, sensory, and cognitive abilities of an affected individual, and may necessitate therapy of multiple forms to regain back total or partial functionality and independence in their daily lives. Music assists in stimulating multiple brain regions, and when incorporated into rehabilitation, it has the potential to impact stroke and traumatic brain injury recovery. This literature review focuses on the efficacy of two novel music therapy approaches, melodic intonation therapy (MIT) and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), on recovery from aphasia and restoration of gait, respectively, to assess whether …