Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

The Effect Of Floss Bands On Elbow Range Of Motion In Tennis Players, Kenna Hodeaux

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Floss bands have been used to improve ROM, restore joint mechanics, and break down adhesive tissue from previously injured musculature, however, there is limited research available and the few research studies have mixed results on the usefulness of floss bands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of floss bands in increasing elbow range of motion (ROM) in tennis players. Twelve elite tennis players (6 female and 6 male) participated in this randomized crossover design study. Subjects attended two separate sessions. Passive ROM measures were taken with a standard goniometer for elbow flexion and extension and forearm …

Training Parents In Descriptive Assessment And Function Identification, Makenzie Sip

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It is often difficult for parents to address their child’s problem behavior. Children with special needs can display more frequent and intense problem behavior. Therefore, professionals need to help parents of children with special needs identify how to decrease their child’s problem behavior. Professionals help to decrease problem behavior by performing assessments called descriptive assessments to identify why the problem behavior is happening, and then using these assessments to create an appropriate plan of how to prevent and respond to the problem behavior. We examined if parents could be taught the skills necessary to perform descriptive assessments and then use …

The Reliability Of The Thoracic Percussion Test, Casey Donaldson, Rey Veloz, Kaylee Waters

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective: To investigate the reliability of the Thoracic Percussion Test (TPT), which is a quick screening tool used by manual therapists to assess hypomobility in the thoracic spine. Participants: 36 healthy subjects (18-60 years old), with or without back pain, and 10 therapists participated in the study. Six of the therapists with less than 5 years clinical experience were considered “novice” and 4 with at least 20 years experience were considered “expert” therapists. Methods: All participants were divided into a morning and an afternoon group. Both groups consisted of 18 subjects and a mix of novice and expert therapists. All …

Can Simple Postural Instructions Modify Running Forms In Recreational Runners, Casey Gray, Matthew Poggemiller, Ian Tracy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Recent research suggests that alteration of trunk angle and foot strike pattern during running may result in beneficial changes that prevent running related injuries due to reduction in vertical ground reaction forces (vGRF). For example, running form emphasizing a forward trunk lean and a midfoot or forefoot strike pattern has been shown to be effective in reducing knee stress and the risks of other impact-related running injuries. In clinical practice however, it is currently unknown if simple postural cues given to runners can elicit motor learning that leads to modification of running form. The purpose of this study was …

The Impact Of Visual Impairments On Mobility Performance In Community-Dwelling Older Adults, Lauren Andrew, Talia Davis, Christian Johnson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Falls are a major concern for elderly adults and can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. Declines in vision with aging may be related to the development of fear of falling (FOF) and impaired mobility. It is possible that impaired vision due to common eye diseases can increase the FOF avoidance behavior and affect mobility function in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation among visual impairment, mobility performance, and FOF avoidance behavior in older adults. Methods: Inclusion criteria for eligible participants were: 50 years of age and older, …

The Effects Of Fatigue On Balance In Individuals With Parkinson's Disease: Influence Of Medication And Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype, Michael Baer, Bradley Klemetson, Diana Scott

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The purpose was to investigate the effects of fatigue on balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Because falls in this population can have deleterious consequences, it is important to understand the influence of fatigue and PD medications on balance. Additionally, since brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to be related to motor performance, we explored its role in balance fatigue. Participants: 27 individuals (age= 65.4±8.1; males= 14, females= 13) with neurologist-diagnosed PD. Of the 27, 13 were genotyped for BDNF as Val/Val, 11 as Val/Met, 2 as Met/Met, and one refused genotyping. Methods: Participants were …

Predictors Of Physical Therapy Non-Treatment Among Patients Scheduled For Treatment Two Times A Day In The Acute Hospital, Sara Bookout, Kyle Ozaki

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Consistent participation in physical therapy treatment is the key to the success of any physical therapy treatment program. Scheduled therapy sessions that do not result in treatment (non-treatment) may cause longer hospital stays and/or poor outcomes. A better understanding of the factors affecting non-treatment could allow proper adjustments to prevent non-treatment by hospital administration, improve patient-therapist interaction, and may result in improved care, greater patient satisfaction, and lower healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of patients that affect physical therapy non-treatment events for patients scheduled for therapy twice a day (BID) in …

Gait And Balance In Alzheimer's Disease: A Retrospective Analysis Across Varying Levels Of Cognitive Impairment, Diana Contreras, Jessica Heim, Jun Nelson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: It was once thought that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affected mostly cognition with minor motor impairment; however, it is becoming apparent that motor impairment may also be a prominent feature. Determining the extent of motor impairments throughout the continuum of cognitive impairment is critical in developing timely interventions for this population. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to gain a greater understanding of motor impairment in AD by exploring the relationships among gait, balance, and falls. Specifically, we explored the association of fall history to measures of cognition and performance-based balance measures in individuals with AD. We hypothesized that …

Fine-Wire Intramuscular Insertion To The Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Does Not Affect Muscle Activation And Performance During High Exertion Spinal Extension Muscle Contractions, James Dimascio, Rebeka Hicks, Matthew Kimber, Kelsey Synder

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) is associated with paraspinal muscle dysfunctions. A method to study the deep lumbar paraspinal muscle activation is with intramuscular electromyography (EMG). However, it is currently unknown how paraspinal muscle performance is affected by the invasive intramuscular insertion and the presence of the fine-wire electrode in the muscle. The purpose of this study was to analyze how insertion of fine-wire EMG into lumbar paraspinal muscle affects the lumbar paraspinal muscle fatigue, endurance, activation, and peak extension torque during high exertion spinal extension exercises. Participants: 20 individuals between the ages of 18-40 participated. The participants …

Measurement Of Anterior Translation Of The Mandibular Condyle Using Ultrasonography, Brooke Laskowski, Danielle Hahn, Christensen J. Hardy

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Study Design: Reliability of clinical measurement. Objectives: To establish a standardized ultrasonographic approach to quantify anterior translation of the mandibular condyle during mouth opening by examining the reliability of imaging acquisition and processing. Background: Restricted mouth opening is a common limitation in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD), however the arthrokinematics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) during mouth opening have not been studied thoroughly. Furthermore, how anterior translation of the mandibular condyle contributes to mouth opening remains unclear. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects without TMD participated. During day 1 of data collection, all subjects performed maximal mouth opening while an examiner placed a …

Use Of Active Video Gaming In Children With Neromotor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review, Robert Manzanares, Lisa Popescu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Active video games (AVG) are gaining popularity as a strategy for improving motor function in children with neurologically-based movement disorders, but there is no consensus regarding AVG’s utility or effectiveness in this population. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine current evidence on the use of AVG to improve motor function in children 2-17 years of age with neurologically-based movement disorders. Methods: Authors followed standard criteria for systematic review conduct and rating quality of evidence including the PRISMA checklist. Databases searched were Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Systematic reviews, randomized control trials, or …

Acute Effects Of Walking On The Deformation Of Femoral Articular Cartilage, Jayson Mcclaren, Skyler Sudweeks

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a progressive loss of the articular cartilage, increasing the amount of friction in the joint, resulting in pain and decreases in mobility and function. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that frontal plane lower extremity (LE) malalignment (e.g., varus, valgus) is associated with onset and progression of OA. Previous studies showed that static loading of 50% body weight at the knee results in more cartilage deformation in those with knee OA compared to healthy controls. As walking produces forces in the knee that are 2-3 times body weight, it may result in …

Examining Effects Of Technology Level And Reinforcer Arrangements On Preference And Efficacy, Audrey N. Hoffman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Applied behavior analysts use reinforcement to enact socially meaningful outcomes with the individuals that they work with. Identifying the ways in which reinforcers function optimally is an important consideration for behavioral research. Preference for reinforcers, and how effective reinforcers are, may change depending upon several factors. Two important factors to consider are how reinforcers are arranged and the technology level of the reinforcers used. Reinforcers can be delivered following every response in a distributed manner or they can be delivered following several responses in an accumulated manner. Additionally, leisure items used as reinforcers can be classified according to technology level, …

Disposition And Success Of Patients Following Discharge In The Acute Setting, Ciera Cortney, Kathryn Lutjens, Kristopher Raines

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Abstract: Background & Purpose: Many patients are seen in the hospital by physical therapists who also help decide where the patient will go after discharge (e.g., home, rehab hospital, skilled nursing facility) with the goal being the safest and best quality of life. Therapists may use different tests and measures along with their own professional judgment to help make a recommendation for a discharge location. The purpose of this study was to examine how PT’s recommendation for discharge location, POMA score, “6-clicks” score, age, diagnosis, and gender determine patient’s fall/readmission status after being discharged by hospital. Subjects: There were 113 …

Pressure Injury Assesment Comparison: Bedside Nurse Vs. Experts, Ali'itasi Kelemete, Brandi Hillock, Casey Snell

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background and Purpose: The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) defines a pressure injury (PI) as, “A localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear.” PIs affect millions of people each year creating a substantial financial burden. Medicare has created policies for reimbursement and reporting of PIs making it financially important for hospitals to correctly assess PIs upon admission. A basic skin assessment to categorize PIs has not been standardized among facilities, resulting in inaccuracies, poor documentation, and gaps in the reporting and quality …

Prevention Of Ankle Sprains, Travis Schomacker

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

Ankle instability is weakness of the ankles due to previous injuries. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), more than 460,000 college athletes play a total of 24 sports. Results from Indiana University showed that 67% of former players claim they suffered a major injury while competing n the collegiate level.

Social Support In Collegiate Athletics: An Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Perceived Social Support Among Injured College Athletes And Its Effect Upon Well-Being Throughout The Rehabilitation Process, Gabriella Bores

Selected Honors Theses

Athletic injuries are increasingly common at the collegiate level. These injuries not only produce physical detriments, but often elicit emotional responses as well. As a result, injured athletes are often facing increased stress and are in dire need of social support throughout the rehabilitation process. This study seeks to add to the amassing literature on the stress-buffer hypothesis and evaluates social support provided by athletic trainers, coaches, teammates, and professors and instructors for injured collegiate athletes. Qualitative findings revealed the most commonly expressed type of social support was emotional support from coaches, teammates, and professors, while tangible support was the …

The Effect Of Three Different Ankle Braces On Vertical Jump Performance In Female College Volleyball Players, Ashley M. Jefferson

Undergraduate Theses

Background/Purpose: Ankle braces are often used to stabilize the ankle joint of an athlete to reduce the risk of initial injury while participating in athletic activity or to protect the joint from re-injury when returning to play. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of application of three different braces on vertical jump performance in collegiate female volleyball players. A secondary aim was to compare participant preference and satisfaction on selected characteristics of each of the three different braces.

Subjects: 31 female varsity/club college volleyball players >18 years of age.

Materials/Methods: Health History Assessment and a dynamic …

Mindfulness Program For Student Athletes, Daniel J. Savory

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

Student athletes face challenging situations during their time at college which can cause their experience to be a negative one if they are not fully supported. This can be due to several factors; most athletes face an immense amount of pressure to succeed in the classroom as well as in their sport. Also, many athletes are moving away from home for the first time and this can be a daunting feeling. They are expected to manage all of these challenges, and if mishandled, it can lead to an overwhelming amount of negative stress resulting in an unsuccessful time as a …

Camping For Children With Cerebral Palsy, Emily Scannell

Honors Theses

Children with cerebral palsy and their families may have needs that make camping difficult or seemingly inaccessible. Through an explanation of the research backing the benefits of camping, this paper makes it clear that camping is a worthwhile activity that can be optimized through modifications. Understanding cerebral palsy and the steps of basic camping activities, it is possible to create modifications to increase family and child wellness while camping. Through a hypothetical case study, a specific look can be had at the ways to prepare for an optimal camping experience- from adapted equipment, to modified preparatory strategies. Through a review …