Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Diabetes Knowledge: What Do College Students Know, Abdoulaye Diallo, Roy K. Chen, Mohammed Mozadded Hossen, J. Luna, Diana Paz, Eva Arjona

School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling Faculty Publications

This study investigates students’ knowledge about diabetes, with a focus on academic disciplines and gender. Data were collected from 218 students enrolled at a large public university. Descriptive statistics were employed, and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. The results showed that, while participants seemed to have some knowledge about diabetes, they generally lacked specific content information about the disease. Female students outperformed male students in diabetes knowledge. Rehabilitation counselor educators can offer an invaluable service by covering the topic of diabetes in their courses and curricula. They can consider incorporating specific information about diabetes that can better prepare …

Creating An Interactive Virtual-Reality Game As A Method For Vestibular Rehabilitation, Jessica Kaganskiy

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Virtual reality is an innovative form of technology that has been used more and more in vestibular rehabilitation therapy programs for individuals with chronic balance problems. Blender and Unity game engines were used to create a 3D interactive virtual reality video game intended for Oculus devices in order for individuals to utilize the game to perform vestibular rehabilitation exercises. The activities in the video game are based on the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises commonly used in vestibular rehabilitation. The exercises target eye movement, head movement, stretch movement, and bilateral coordination; repetitive motion is used to help train and treat the individual’s vestibular …

Assessing The Efficacy Of Physical Prehabilitation On A Total Knee Arthroplasty, Zen S. Miyashiro

University Honors Theses

Prehabilitation is a rather new method of approach to the physical therapy setting in which patients attend therapy sessions to prepare for their upcoming surgery. Researchers hypothesize that if patients enter a procedure with higher levels of strength and function, they will be able to recover from their surgery quicker and more successfully. This literature review assesses different approaches that numerous studies have taken with regards to prehabilitation for patients about to undergo a Total Knee Arthroplasty. Majority of the studies conclude that there needs to be further research done to yield consistent results. Based on what has been done, …

Framing An Interprofessional Culture Of Learning Across Healthcare Programs, Loriann Helgeson, Smokey L. Fermin, Paul Werhane, Jonathan Hook

Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship

Innovation Summit for Health Professions Education Virtual Conference, June 23-24, 2022: Poster Presentation: Framing an interprofessional culture of learning across healthcare programs.

Self-Perceived Social Communication Perspectives Of Autistic Young Adults: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study, Aieshea L. Banks

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Social communication differences in autistic individuals have historically been viewed as disordered due to a comparison to the social behavior of the predominate nonautistic neurotype. Such comparison has led to a variety of social communication challenges that result in a variety of cognitive and affective reflections in autistic adults. The study aimed to explore two specific concepts: 1) the self-perceived challenges related to social communication and interaction of autistic young adults and 2) the cognitive and affective impact of their social communication challenges. This study explores the perspectives of 15 autistic young adults who are conversation-level verbal communicators. Individual semi-structured …

The Impact Of Clinical Education And Other Factors On The Slp’S Productivity In Medical Settings, Jennifer St. Clair

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

BACKGROUND- The US is experiencing a shortage of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) which is expected to continue and even increase in the next 10 years. In order to address this, possible causes and solutions were investigated. One possible cause is the assumed productivity drop of medical setting SLPs who are providing clinical education to a student. This study compared productivity percentages before and during the provision of clinical education to quantify the specific impact on productivity. In addition, clinical educator and facility factors were investigated to determine their potential effect on productivity during this time.

METHODS- Ninety-five participants completed …

The Effects Of Fear On Biomechanics In Healthy And Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructed Individuals, Robert I. Dudley

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a prevalent and debilitating injury arising from aberrant biomechanics during landing or deceleration tasks. While the mechanism of injury is known, rates of ACL injury and reconstruction remain high. A potential explanatory factor for the high rate of injury is kinesiophobia, which has been associated with poor outcomes and deleterious biomechanics during dual-limb tasks in ACL reconstructed (ACLr) females. Unfortunately, findings have been limited to dual-limb tasks and correlational analyses. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to examine the relationship between kinesiophobia and movement during dual- and single-limb tasks, and to …

Identifying Gait Pathology After Acl Reconstruction Using Temporal Characteristics Of Kinetics And Electromyography, Naoaki Ito, Jacob J. Capin, Ashutosh Khandha, Thomas S. Buchanan, Lynn Snyder-Mackler

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose

Asymmetrical gait mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with the development of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis. Current measures of gait mechanics have focused heavily on peak magnitudes of knee kinematics, kinetics, and joint contact forces but have seldom considered the rate of knee loading, cumulative knee load, or the timing of motor input surrounding peaks. The purpose of this study was to introduce and describe novel metrics of gait using temporal characteristics of kinetics and EMG to identify neuromuscular deficits of the quadriceps in patients after ACLR.

Methods

Gait mechanics were assessed 6 months (n = …

Total Knee Arthroplasty Assessments Should Include Strength And Performance-Based Functional Tests To Complement Range-Of-Motion And Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, Jacob J. Capin, Michael J. Bade, Jason M. Jennings, Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Jennifer E. Stevens-Lapsley

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Range of motion (ROM) and pain often define successful recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but these routine clinical outcomes correlate poorly or not at all to functional capacity after TKA. The purpose of this Perspective is to underscore the importance of muscle strength and performance-based functional tests in addition to knee ROM and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to evaluate outcomes after TKA. Specifically: (1) muscle strength is the rate-limiting step for recovery of function after TKA; (2) progressive rehabilitation targeting early quadriceps muscle strengthening improves outcomes and does not compromise ROM after TKA; (3) ROM and PROs fail to …

Walking Improvement In Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury With Exoskeleton Robotic Training (Wise): A Randomized Controlled Trial, Dylan J Edwards, Gail Forrest, Mar Cortes, Margaret M Weightman, Cristina Sadowsky, Shuo-Hsiu Chang, Kimberly Furman, Amy Bialek, Sara Prokup, John Carlow, Leslie Vanhiel, Laura Kemp, Darrell Musick, Marc Campo, Arun Jayaraman

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Study design: Clinical trial.

Objective: To demonstrate that a 12-week exoskeleton-based robotic gait training regimen can lead to a clinically meaningful improvement in independent gait speed, in community-dwelling participants with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI).

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation or research institute.

Methods: Multi-site (United States), randomized, controlled trial, comparing exoskeleton gait training (12 weeks, 36 sessions) with standard gait training or no gait training (2:2:1 randomization) in chronic iSCI (>1 year post injury, AIS-C, and D), with residual stepping ability. The primary outcome measure was change in robot-independent gait speed (10-meter walk test, 10MWT) post 12-week intervention. Secondary …

Covid-19 And Transition To Distance Learning: Perspectives Of Postsecondary Teachers In Kenya, James Ogechi Kereri, Grace Moraa Kennedy, Dovison Kereri

Faculty Publications

Several countries have transitioned to online and/or virtual learning to minimize the impact of Covid-19 on education. In Kenya, schools were closed for the better part of 2020 and reopened back on relying on an online mode and/or virtual learning. However, very little is known about the impact of such transition on postsecondary educators. Therefore, this research aims to bridge this gap by investigating the impact of online and/or virtual learning transition on postsecondary educators based on age, gender, location, and academic rank. Using a nationally distributed web-based survey, the study utilized data from 117 educators across Kenya who participated …

Effects Of Tai Chi On The Quality Of Life, Mental Wellbeing, And Physical Function Of Adults With Chronic Diseases: Protocol For A Single-Blind, Two-Armed, Randomised Controlled Trial, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Johnny Lo, Sadie Geraghty, Angela Wei Hong Yang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Quality of life (QoL), mental wellbeing, and physical function are often diminished among people with chronic disease. Tai Chi is a moderate form of exercise that may be effective in improving chronic disease management. This protocol paper outlines a trial to determine the therapeutic effects of a Tai Chi program on chronic disease management. Methods and analysis This study will be a pilot, interventional, single-blind, two-armed, randomised, parallel, and controlled trial involving a 12-week Tai Chi program for Australian adults. Forty people aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with one or more chronic disease from general community will be …

Human-Robot Interaction Torque Estimation Methods For A Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robotic System With Uncertainties, Juan C. Yepes, Santiago Rúa, Marisol Osorio, Vera Z. Pérez, Jaime A. Moreno, Adel Al-Jumaily, Manuel J. Betancur

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Lower limb rehabilitation robot (LLRR) users, to successfully conduct isotonic exercises, require real-time feedback on the torque they exert on the robot to meet the goal of the treatment. Still, direct torque measuring is expensive, and indirect encoder-based estimation strategies, such as inverse dynamics (ID) and Nonlinear Disturbance Observers (NDO), are sensitive to Body Segment Inertial Parameters (BSIPs) uncertainties. We envision a way to minimize such parametric uncertainties. This paper proposes two human–robot interaction torque estimation methods: the Identified ID-based method (IID) and the Identified NDO-based method (INDO). Evaluating in simulation the proposal to apply, in each rehabilitation session, a …

Faculty Perspectives On Interprofessional Collaborations Between Occupational Therapy And Industrial Design: A Qualitative Ethnographic Inquiry, Kimberly S. Mollo, Madalyn Peterson, Rebecca Brown

Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers

Incorporating a user-centred approach to universal design solutions improves functionality and access for a more diverse group of individuals to engage with end products within everyday environments successfully. Interprofessional collaborations between industrial design and occupational therapy are one approach that integrates a user-centred universal design perspective throughout the design process, as occupational therapists have unique expertise in understanding how individuals participate in activities and engage with everyday products and environments. This qualitative ethnographic inquiry explored faculty perspectives (n=5) involved in interprofessional academic collaborations between design and occupational therapy at the university level in the Northeastern United States. Five themes emerged: …

Feasibility And Effectiveness Of A Prehabilitation Program Prior To Breast Cancer Surgery: A Critically Appraised Topic, Emma Choi, Alissa Lee, Kayla Woods, Morgan Mills, Carol Houston

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our project is to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a prehabilitation (prehab) program for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery as compared to only receiving post-surgical rehabilitation. Our clinical mentor has recently obtained certification as a lymphedema specialist and is assisting with the opening of an outpatient mastectomy clinic through the Methodist University systems. Through our research process, we critically appraised two Level II articles, two Level III articles, and one Level IV article. Positive outcomes related to the feasibility were identified, however there is limited significant evidence supporting the effectiveness of the intervention. We recommend using …

Effect Of Botox And Therapy On Spasticity In Cerebral Palsy: A Critically Appraised Topic, Rachel Bray Mot/S, Tatum Cabot Mot/S, Peyton Clark Mot/S, Cameron Goodman Mot/S, Tarason Moore Mot/S, Claire Napier Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy often experience upper limb spasticity. Research has shown Botox injections in combination with occupational therapy can reduce the effects of spasticity in the upper limb. This literature review aims to determine how long is the appropriate duration of occupational therapy to administer after Botox injections to see decreased spasticity in the upper limbs.

Effects Of Sensory Intervention On Neurological Development In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paulina Bullard Mot/S, Emma Gadberry Mot/S, Siham Sherif Mot/S, Virginia Strawn Mot/S, Courtney Travis Mot/S, Delaney Weller Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The final portfolio contains four research articles from both national and international journals. Study designs include a randomized clinical trial, a randomized control trial, a systematic review and meta-analysis, and an integrative review. All studies relate directly to components of the evidence-based practice question and will be used to recommend sensory intervention for neurological development of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). One of the articles describes statistically significant effects. One of the articles describes both statistically significant and non-statistically significant effects of sensory intervention on neurological development of premature infants in the NICU. The other two …

Group Therapy For Adults With Hip Replacements, Riley Burford Mot/S, Hillary Talley Mot/S, Elizabeth Seals Mot/S, Alishah Pirwani Mot/S, Tylan Wakefield Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

The purpose of our critically appraised topic is to synthesize the best current evidence regarding the feasibility of group occupational therapy and outcomes related to ADL performance. The final portfolio contains a total of four research articles. Study designs include two randomized control trials, one cohort design, and one systematic review. All studies related directly to the PICO question and were used to determine best evidence for the feasibility of group therapy of the older adult population who have hip replacements in a rehabilitation setting.

The Effects Of Air-Cell Based Cushions On Pressure Relief For Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic, Audrey Carr Mot/S, Olivia Hamby Mot/S, Hailey Hanson Mot/S, Olivia Kincaid Mot/S, Molly Mcwilliams Mot/S, Anna Pollan Mot/S

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

Most acute care level patients with a SCI are dependent in performing pressure relief. Research was appraised and synthesized to answer the question: Are air-filled cushions effective for reducing pressure and development of pressure ulcers among adults with a spinal cord injury who are unable to independently perform pressure relief?

Effect Of Early Mobilization On Length Of Hospital Stay In Covid-19 Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic, Ashlee Hodges, Anna Claire Briscoe, Anna Beth Willoughby, Carlton Hubbard, Nathan Smith

Master of Occupational Therapy Student Critically Appraised Topics

For this project, we created a critically appraised topic to study the effects of early mobilization on length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients in the ICU.