Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Impact Of Onboarding During Transition To Practice For Newly Credentialed Athletic Trainers, Ashley B. Thrasher, Stacy E. Walker, Julie M. Cavallario

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

As new athletic trainers (ATs) transition into their roles, some employers provide extensive orientation and onboarding to assist with the transition to practice (TTP); however, onboarding practices are inconsistent. Understanding how onboarding affects TTP can help employers implement impactful onboarding tactics.

Objective

Examine how the onboarding experience impacted the TTP and the effects of the process on individuals.

Design

Grounded theory.

Setting

Secondary school, hospital/clinic, college/university.

Patients or Other Participants

Seventeen newly credentialed, employed ATs who had graduated from professional masters' programs (11 female, 6 male; age = 25.6 ± 2.2 years) participated in this grounded theory study.

Data …

Understanding Injury-Related Fear In Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Qualitative Approach, Ashley M. B. Suttmiller, Julie M. Cavallario, Shelby E. Baez, Ryan S. Mccann

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Context

The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) is used to identify injury-related fear (IR-Fear) in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and is a predictor of poor health outcomes. Limited knowledge beyond quantitative scores necessitates a deeper, qualitative understanding of IR-Fear to reduce the burden of fear within CAI patients.

Objective

To explore the perceptions and experiences that influence IR-Fear within the CAI population.

Design

Consensual qualitative research.

Setting

Individual semistructured video conference interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Nine participants with CAI were selected as a follow-up from a web-based questionnaire investigating the fear-avoidance model. Potential participants were contacted based …

The Importance Of Trunk Motion In Wearable Based Infant Spontaneous Movement Analysis, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The characteristics of spontaneous movements in infants are essential for the early detection of neurological pathologies, with the Prechtl method being a widely recognized approach. While the Prechtl method is effective in predicting motor risks, its reliance on the evaluator’s expertise limits its scalability, particularly in low-income areas. In such contexts, the use of inertial sensors combined with automated analysis presents a promising accessible alternative; however, more research is necessary to get results comparable to those of the Precht method. This research aims to determine the more important metrics of trunk and limbs to assess spontaneous movement in healthy infants …

Cognition Is Associated With Daily-Life Mobility In People With Parkinson’S Disease, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Introduction: Cognitive impairment is common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mobility is also impaired in people with PD and functional mobility often requires cognitive dual-tasking to navigate complex environments in daily life. We hypothesized that visuospatial and executive cognitive dysfunction in people with PD will be associated with digital measures of mobility in daily life. Since freezing of gait (FoG) is associated with both cognitive dysfunction and mobility impairments, we also examined the influence of FoG on the cognitionmobility relationship. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the association between cognition and dailylife mobility in PD and the influence …

Responsiveness Of Promis Measures For Hip, Knee, And Shoulder Arthroplasty, Ryan Jacobson

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Objectives: In hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty, there is evidence that using a broader set of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures beyond Physical Function and Pain Interference might improve assessment of patient outcomes. However, the utility and responsiveness of PROMIS domains measuring anxiety, fatigue, sleep, and social participation have been minimally investigated in arthroplasty. This retrospective study aimed to determine the 1) responsiveness of seven PROMIS domains and 2) association between change scores for all seven domains and MCID improvement in Physical Function and/or Pain Interference.

Methods: PROMIS domains of Physical Function, Pain Interference, Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Sleep …

The Use Of Virtual Reality To Improve Gait And Balance In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

(1) Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs balance and postural control, gait, overall motor function, and mood, and involves the gradual degradation of several physiologic systems. With limited treatments available, physical therapy (PT)-based exercise is the nonpharmacologic measure of choice. There is a growing interest in using virtual reality (VR) gaming when rehabilitating patients with various acute brain injuries and neurological disorders. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine randomized controlled trials comparing VR-based rehabilitation programs versus traditional PT at improving gait and balance. (2) Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register …

Personalized Versus Fixed Tactile Cueing In Parkinson’S Disease: Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial On Gait Automaticity, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background

Gait automaticity, the ability of the brain to control locomotion with minimal use of executive-attentional resources, is altered in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, we showed that step-synchronized tactile cueing improved gait regularity and freezing of gait in PD; however, it is not known if this cueing mode also improves gait automaticity. Thus, this study investigates the effects of step-synchronized tactile cueing (versus fixed cueing) on gait automaticity in the laboratory and during daily life.

Methods

This is a pilot, randomized, double-blinded study where sixty participants with PD will be randomized into one of two, cueing interventions: 1) …

Prevalence Of Stress Urinary Incontinence In Female Strength Athletes, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a symptom during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, but a high prevalence of SUI is experienced in sports involving running and jumping. Objectives: Identify the scope of the problem of SUI in women participating in strength sports, movement patterns that elicit SUI, and the impact on quality of life in female athletes with SUI. Study Design: Survey mixed methods with qualitative focus groups. Methods: The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and a sport-specific and obstetric/gynecological history questionnaire were sent to women who are United States citizens, age 18-65, and members …

Weight Stigma In Physical And Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background: Weight stigma describes the negative attitudes held toward people with obesity. Weight bias stereotypes have been previously reported in physicians, physician assistants, nurses, registered dieticians, psychologists, and students enrolled in healthcare professional education programs. Physical and occupational therapists (PTs and OTs) are healthcare providers who evaluate and treat individuals across their lifespan. A PT or an OT who harbors weight bias may create an environment where the patient may fail to optimize their rehabilitation recovery. The first purpose of this scoping review was to identify the prevalence of weight bias in PT and OT clinicians and students. The second …

Therapy-Based Strategies To Support Tummy Time In Infants Post-Hospital Discharge: A Scoping Review Protocol, Ketaki Inamdar, Sonia Khurana

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Tummy time is essential for infant development, yet many caregivers face significant challenges with adherence due to behavioral and contextual barriers. While numerous tummy time interventions exist, a limited understanding of their behavioral components hinders effective replication and implementation. This scoping review aims to identify multidisciplinary interventions used to promote tummy time in infants aged 0–12 months, evaluate their impact on adherence, developmental and health outcomes, and examine the behavior change techniques employed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, a comprehensive search will be conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science Core Collection, …

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 …

Effects Of Tecar Therapy With Conventional Physical Therapy In Patient With Knee Osteoarthritis (Oa): A Case Report, Mitzi Joy O. Fernandez

Capstone Showcase

Background and Purpose: Transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy is a relatively new form of technology used as an adjunct for the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. Several studies have found its beneficial effects in reducing pain and improving quality of life in numerous orthopedic conditions. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common causes of global disability and pain, with accompanying complaints of morning stiffness, limitation of motion, knee buckling, swelling and inflammation, muscle weakness, functional limitations, and bony enlargement that affects the activities of daily living, occupation, and leisure activities. The purpose of this case report is …

Developing A Gpt-Based Virtual Training System For Medical Undergraduates' History Taking In Stroke Rehabilitation, Chao-Yu Hsu, Ching-Lin Hsieh, Jeng-Cheng Wu, Wen-Hsuan Hou

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Background: Effective history taking in stroke rehabilitation requires comprehensive assessment skills, yet opportunities for medical undergraduates to practice such skills remain limited. Virtual patients (VPs), especially those powered by large language models (LLMs), offer a promising solution. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a GPT-based virtual training system for functional assessments in stroke rehabilitation history taking.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed in which VPs were modeled on a clinical stroke case and 10 core domains of functional assessments in stroke rehabilitation were integrated. A virtual examiner (VE) module provided automated scoring and feedback. Phase 1 evaluated the reliability …

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, …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Baseball Pitchers: There’S More To Assess Than The Arm, Matthew L. Gauthier, Casey A. Unverzagt, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Injuries are commonplace in the overhead athlete, with many occurring to the shoulder and elbow. The increasing prevalence of injuries to the shoulder and elbow has been discussed at length in recent years, with increased research focus being placed on arm care for rehabilitation and prevention strategies. Even though the pitching motion is well-established as a whole-body kinetic chain movement, most attention in rehabilitation and prevention efforts is often placed on the upper extremity. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to highlight the impact the lower extremity and trunk have on the upper extremity during the throwing motion, better …

Indirect Calorimetry: The Effects Of Overfeeding And Underfeeding Mechanically Ventilated Patients, Hailee Schirm

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research focuses on the effects of overfeeding and underfeeding mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU and how indirect calorimetry plays a role in improving patient outcomes. Research was pulled from eight peer reviewed sources written within the last ten years to support this statement. It includes multiple types of studies including but not limited to a retrospective cohort study, meta-analysis, review, and deterministic cost-sequences analysis. Indirect calorimetry measures carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption to calculate energy expenditure and determine the number of calories needed to sustain one’s body. This allows us to determine the number of calories a …

Perceived Shoulder Discomfort In Adolescent Swimmers, Abigail Daniel

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Competitive swimming is a sport that athletes traditionally start at a young age, training for many years to build up an aerobic base, learn the best techniques of the sport, and gain experience racing. While this increases the ability to perform and adapt to training in the sport, it also can lead to shoulder tightness, soreness, and even injury. PURPOSE: To investigate any correlation between the perceived shoulder discomfort of adolescents to flexion and extension measurements. METHODS: Participants (N=25) were recruited in person from a swimming club. Swimmers were between 13-18 years old and varied in participation level from recreational …

Effects Of Exercise On Cognitive Performance, Autumn Bailey

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research project “Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Performance” will be conducted with the purpose of determining the relationship between exercise and cognitive performance. The relationship between injury and cognitive performance will also be investigated. In order to investigate these relationships 60 participants who are current students at the University of Akron will be asked to complete three cognitive assessments, one while at rest, one while riding an exercise bike, and one following the completion of exercise. The results of these three assessments will be compared to determine the relationship between cognitive performance in all three states. Participants will include …

Empowering Caregivers Through Occupational Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach To Adolescent Mental Health Education, Shannon Grace Ring

Occupational Therapy Capstones

Purpose: This scholarly project aimed to create an evidence-based toolkit for caregivers of adolescents currently completing partial hospitalization programming (PHP). Adolescents enrolled in PHP have experienced severe disruption in their daily functions. Adolescent mental illness is a public health concern due to its prevalence, early onset, and the impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities (Ghandour et al., 2019). Mental health disorders during adolescence can affect development by interfering with the ability to function in daily settings and achieve social, emotional, cognitive, and academic milestones (Ghandour et al., 2019). Many adolescents are also exposed to risk factors, including …