Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Use Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation As An Assessment Of Corticospinal Excitability In Individuals With Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, Elizabeth Cornforth

Theses and Dissertations

Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common, disabling, chronic vestibular disorder whereby individuals experience symptoms of non-vertiginous dizziness, unsteadiness, and sway or rocking that are present most hours of the day, most days of the week. Individuals with PPPD have been noted to have an increased burden of dizziness and reduced quality of life compared to other dizziness diagnoses. The cause of PPPD is not well understood which can lead to years of diagnostic testing, failed therapies, and poor symptom management. It is important to understand PPPD pathophysiology so that optimal treatment interventions can be developed for this disorder to …

Senescent Fibroblasts In Aging And Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sara B. Palega, Aiwei Y. Borengasser, Yan Y. Sanders

Microbiology & Molecular Cell Biology Faculty Publications

Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic lung diseases, including Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a fatal and incurable disease characterized by progressive fibrotic remodeling. Age-associated structural alterations, impaired regenerative capacity, and dysregulated cellular signaling collectively create a pro-fibrotic microenvironment. A central driver of this pathological shift is the accumulation of senescent cells, which undergo irreversible growth arrest and develop a robust pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Emerging evidence identifies senescent lung fibroblasts as critical mediators of IPF pathogenesis. These cells promote excessive extracellular matrix deposition, myofibroblast differentiation, and tissue stiffening, while simultaneously impairing epithelial regeneration. Together, these effects …

Reimagining Occupational Justice Beyond Anthropocentrism: A Humane Education Approach To Occupational Therapy Education, Macy Sutton

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Occupational therapy positions itself as a holistic, justice-oriented profession, yet many of its theories, practices, and educational standards reflect Eurocentric values and assumptions. Even occupational justice, the disciplinary concept specifically concerned with advancing a more just world, is steeped in coloniality. Critical scholars have increasingly critiqued particular oppressive structures embedded in the field, such as ableism and white supremacy; however, anthropocentrism remains largely unchallenged. In the occupational justice literature, anthropocentrism operates primarily through omission; that is, animals are absent from most scholarly works. This gap is significant because anthropocentrism contributes to prejudice, oppression, and discrimination not only toward animals and …

A Narrative Review Of The Central Neural Control Of Swallowing And Its Implications For Dysphagia Rehabilitation, Kuo-Chang Wei, Tyng-Guey Wang, Ming-Yen Hsiao

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Swallowing is controlled by a distributed neural network spanning the brainstem central pattern generator, subcortical modulatory circuits, and cortical regions responsible for volitional planning and sensorimotor integration. Evidence from lesion studies, neuroimaging, and neurophysiology demonstrates that dysphagia arises from disruptions at different nodes of this network, producing lesion-specific impairment profiles rather than a uniform swallowing deficit. This network-based perspective has shifted rehabilitation from predominantly compensatory management toward mechanism-driven interventions aimed at restoring physiological function. Behavioral skill-training and resistance-based exercises harness motor learning and cortical plasticity, whereas neuromodulatory approaches—including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), pharyngeal electrical …

Experience And Barriers In Pediatric Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Quantitative Survey Study, François-Xavier Brajot, Ai-Ju Wu, Pao-Chuan Torng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Purpose: Despite an important need for health care services targeting pediatric dysphagia, there exist a number of barriers to doing so, including workforce competence. The current study surveyed practicing Speech-Language Pathologists to determine (1) the importance of pediatric dysphagia in their caseload, (2) the adequacy of existing educational resources, and (3) perceived barriers to providing quality care in Taiwan.

Methods: An anonymous survey was completed by Speech-Language Pathologists working in Taiwan. Responses were analyzed with respect to current work setting, experience, preparation, and perceived barriers.

Results: Survey results from 122 respondents indicated that the pediatric dysphagia caseload is unexpectedly low …

Bridging The Gap Between Function-Based And Iddsi Standards In Dysphagia Care, Chien-Hui Cheng

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

No abstract provided.

A Scoping Review Of Non-Instrumental Dysphagia Screening Tools: Building Flowcharts To Guide Tool Selection, Yu-Chun Chang, Ming-Jhuan Wang, Shu-Fen Siao, Yu-Juan Xu, Meng-Shan Wu, Tyng-Guey Wang, Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen

Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Selecting an appropriate non-instrumental dysphagia screening tool is a complex process. This scoping review aimed to identify dysphagia screening tools with established reliability and validity, and to develop administrator-based flowcharts to guide tool selection across different clinical populations. A scoping review was conducted using studies identified in CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Our search was guided by five keywords: “dysphagia,” “deglutition,” “screening,” “test,” and “measure.” Original studies about the development and validation of non-instrumental dysphagia screening tools were selected. Six reviewers were involved in the review process, and at least two reviewers independently completed each step of …

Healthcare Provider Perspectives On A Clinical Decision Tool To Support Individualized Exercise Prescriptions And Discussions For Breast Cancer Survivors, Jinani Jayasekera, Oliver W. A. Wilson, Kaitlyn M. Wojcik, Eleanor M. Kerr, Rachelle Brick, David Berrigan, Jennifer Yeong-Shin Sheng, Takeo Fujii, Kathleen Thomas, Henri K. Parson, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Richard L. Street Jr.

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Purpose: We evaluated healthcare providers' current knowledge, practices, and perspectives on a novel clinical decision tool (beta-version) to facilitate individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions in clinical settings.

Methods: We recruited healthcare providers who had treated or provided care to breast cancer survivors aged >= 35-years in the past 12 months. The participants were presented with a tool to provide individualized exercise recommendations considering women's individual, clinical, and contextual characteristics. Validated and reliable pre-existing instruments were used to survey providers' current knowledge, practices regarding exercise discussions, and perspectives on the beta-version (paper-draft) of the novel tool.

Results: The sample consisted of …

Biomechanical Effects Of Exercise-Based Interventions In Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Lara De Vecchi Machado

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide and represents a complex, multifactorial, and heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by substantial interindividual variability in muscle activation patterns, lumbo-pelvic coordination, and movement strategies. Although exercise is widely recommended as a first-line intervention and its clinical benefits are well established, the biomechanical mechanisms underlying functional improvement remain fragmented in the literature and are rarely synthesized quantitatively.

This dissertation conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the biomechanical effects of exercise-based interventions in individuals with CNLBP. A total of 39 studies were included and …

Beyond Weight Loss: Effects Of Trx Suspension Training Combined With Caloric Restriction On Thyroid Function And Mental Well-Being In Obese Hypothyroid Women, Siavash Naddafha, Christopher Taber

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background

The rate of metabolism decreases in hypothyroid patients; hypothyroidism is associated with body mass increases; due to this and other factors, depression, anxiety, and stress increase, which, alongside the disease state and psychological problems, causes the quality of life to suffer.

Objectives

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of caloric restriction along with TRX exercise on body mass, thyroid hormones, and psychological measures in obese and overweight women with hypothyroidism.

Methods

34 women aged 18–50 with hypothyroidism and a body mass index above 25 participated in this study. They were divided into three groups: a …

Planning A Clinical Practice Guideline Revision For A Core Set Of Outcome Measures In Adults Undergoing Neurologic Physical Therapy, Part 2: Determining Stakeholders' Uptake And Recommendations, Jane E. Sullivan, Kristen Potter, Marghuretta D. Bland, Elizabeth Anderl, Wendy Romney, Zeynep Gulen Erkoc, Jennifer Moore

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: To determine the uptake and recommendations for revision of the 2018 Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG): Core Set Outcome Measures for Adults with Neurologic Conditions Undergoing Rehabilitation.

Design: Online Survey

Setting: Online with participants from multiple settings.

Participants: Licensed physical therapists (PT) or physical therapist assistants (PTA) or a non-PT supervisor of PTs and/or PTAs.

Interventions: N/A.

Main Outcome Measures:  An online survey was developed to determine respondents' knowledge, perceived benefits, challenges, gaps, and modifications made to the 2018 CPG as well as to ascertain respondents' recommendations for the CPG revision. Data were analyzed descriptively by respondent role (clinician, educator/researcher, …

Understanding Barriers And Motivators For Fruit And Vegetable Intake In Female Stroke Survivors: A Qualitative Study, Caroline R. Hill, Jack Dalla Via, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Montana Dupuy, Rosanne Freak-Poli, Liezhou Zhong, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Moira Sim, Mandy Stanley, Amanda Devine, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Adequate fruit and vegetable (FV) intake is the foundation of a healthy diet; however, intake is especially low among stroke survivors. This study explores barriers and motivators to FV intake in female stroke survivors and informs strategies to improve well-being.

Methods: Female stroke survivors completed questionnaires and attended either a focus group or an interview, with the resulting transcripts analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Ten female stroke survivors aged (mean [SD]) 66.3 [17.1] years completed the study. Across the focus groups (n = 3) and interviews (n = 2), three themes emerged: (1) “Navigating alone,” reported that survivors …

Assessing The Effects Of A Novel Breathing Exercise On Respiratory, Postural, And Muscular Performances, Tristan P. Wilson

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Breathing exercises are used in both clinical and home settings for a variety of purposes. Their functions range from reducing anxiety and stress to recuperating pulmonary function, depending on the technique and style employed. Existing literature has demonstrated that breathing exercises increase Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and may be able to improve postural stability due to engagement of the diaphragm when regularly practiced.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a novel breathing exercise would be effective in improving respiratory, postural, and muscular function.

Methods: In order to evaluate this claim, a randomized, double-blind, controlled study …

Integrating Hippotherapy Into Interprofessional Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Pilot Study, Bethany H. Wenger

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Background and Significance: Stroke remains a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting over 2.5 million individuals annually. Stroke-related motor and communication deficits often co-occur, increasing challenges for recovery, increasing social isolation, depression, and dependency. Hippotherapy has emerged as a novel treatment approach for neurorehabilitation; however, its application within interprofessional models for individuals with stroke-related motor and communication impairments remains underexplored. This study examines the feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability of an interprofessional intervention using hippotherapy for adults with chronic post-stroke aphasia, the purpose of which is to generate methodological guidance for future controlled trials.

Methods: A non-randomized, single-group …

Enteral Nutrition Guidelines Improve Critically Ill Patients’ Outcomes: A Quasiexperimental Study, Marwa Abdo, Sara Elsayed Hegazy

Nursing

Background: Optimal nutritional support is a fundamental element of treatment for critically ill patients. Adherence to evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines is essential to promote patient care and prevent potential complications. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of enteral nutrition guidelines in improving critically ill patients’ outcomes. Method: A quasiexperimental study evaluated 68 critically ill patients divided into 2 groups. The intervention group received their nutrition based on the evidence-based enteral nutrition guidelines, while the control group received their nutrition based on the unit’s routine care. The study was conducted in the surgical intensive care units of Mansoura Emergency Hospital in Egypt. …

Acute Lower Leg Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Increases Leg Blood Flow And Exercise Capacity In Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease, Thomas K. Pellinger, Catherine B. Neighbors, Joshua C. Hefta, Patrick H. Luo, Carl B. Suarez, Erotokritos T. Varlas, Grant H. Simmons, Brett J. Wong

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

We tested the hypothesis that two different durations of lower leg transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) increase post-TENS popliteal artery blood flow (PABF), popliteal vascular conductance (PVC), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Seven subjects (5 male, 2 female) with PAD (67.9 ± 7.4 years; claudication: ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.90) participated in three randomized treatment sessions: control or bilateral TENS (3.0 Hz burst mode, 250 µs) for either 15 or 45 min. PABF (Doppler ultrasound) was measured before and after treatment. 6MWD and time/distance to claudication onset were measured 25 min post-treatment during each session. PABF, PVC and 6MWD increased after both 15 and 45 min of TENS (P < 0.05, post-TENS vs. pre-TENS baseline/control). Our preliminary results suggest that as little as 15 min of lower leg TENS increases leg blood flow and exercise capacity in individuals with PAD.

Effects Of Exercise Interventions On Motor Coordination In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dcd): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Changhui Peng, Jinrong He, Kai Xu, Xueping Wu, Dandan Wang, Lei Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Exercise interventions are recognized as an established therapeutic approach for children with DCD. This review aims to quantify the effectiveness of exercise interventions and examine the influence of potential moderating factors on outcomes. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from inception to November 1, 2025. All studies were rigorously screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2 and ROBINS-I. Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges’ g (g) and pooled under a random-effects model, and potential moderators were examined through subgroup and regression analyses. Results A …

Aerobic Exercise Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) In Sub-Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Christopher P. Mackay, Suzanne Kuys, Mia Schaumberg, Li Ann Leow, Sandy Brauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key neurotrophin due to its role in neuron process outgrowth, plasticity, and neuronal survival. Aerobic exercise can induce BDNF release and may ultimately maximize post-stroke recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to determine if a program of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise increased concentrations of BDNF in subacute stroke survivors compared to usual care. Methods: A parallel-group, RCT was undertaken in people with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation. Participants were randomly allocated to usual care (control group) or usual care plus an 8-week program of moderate-high intensity treadmill walking (3 x 30 min sessions per week) (experimental …

Do Combined Resistance And Aerobic Exercise Programs Cause An Interference Effect In Women With Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review And Network Meta-Analysis, Pedro Lopez, Anderson Rech, Maria Petropoulou, Caroline B. Silveira, Talita Molinari, Cindranne Torres Muller, Priscila Casara, Francesco Bettariga, Favil Singh, Régis Radaelli

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Exercise medicine has gained significant recognition owing to its demonstrated benefits throughout the breast cancer treatment continuum. While resistance exercise (RE) promotes improvements in lean mass and muscle strength, aerobic exercise (AE) enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, with several studies investigating both exercise modes in patients with breast cancer. However, because of an effect often referred to as interference effect, it is hypothesised that combining resistance and aerobic exercise (COMB) may compromise gains in lean mass and muscle strength and other outcomes in cancer populations. Objective: This study aims to investigate the presence of an interference effect from prescribing COMB compared …

A Survey Of Australian Healthcare Practitioners’ Perspectives On Goal Setting In Occupational Rehabilitation, Grace Redden, Christopher J. Stevens, Jodie Cochrane Wilkie, Syeda Farah Zahir, Christian Swann

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Nearly half a million Australians experience workplace injury or illness each year, and return-to-work rates have declined, particularly for psychological conditions. Practitioners use goal setting to structure return-to-work planning and are directed by national guidance to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals. How practitioners apply these criteria across different injuries and illnesses is not well understood. This study examined practitioners’ perspectives on goal setting in workers’ compensation rehabilitation in Australia, with a focus on SMART goals.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of Australian healthcare practitioners who treated physical conditions, psychological conditions, or both, was conducted. Quantitative data …