Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Bridging The Evidence Gap: The Role Of Fieldwork Students, Tracey Vause-Earland, Ms, Otr/L, E. Adel Herge, Otd, Otr/L, Faota

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Introduction

Understanding and using evidence in practice improves health care delivery (Lugtenberg, Burgers, & Westert, 2009), reduces errors, and increases professional identity. Despite the call for increased use of evidence in occupational therapy decision making and positive attitudes of therapists toward use of evidence in practice), evidence based practice (EBP) is perceived by clinicians as time consuming and difficult due to lack of knowledge and/or resources (Humphries, et al, 2000; Bennett et al, 2003).

Evaluating The Effects Of Grasp Patterns And Grip Strength On Handwriting Skills, Jennifer Bebey, Ots, Kelsey Engelstad, Ots, Audrey Zapletal, Ms, Otr/L

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background Information

• Handwriting is a critical and complex skill that school aged children acquire over time.
• When a child demonstrates handwriting difficulties, he or she may have challenges with:

Completing written school assignments in a timely fashion,

Taking notes,

Finishing homework,

Completing exams, especially short answer.

• 80% to 85% of occupational therapy referrals in schools are due to atypical grasp pattern, fine motor and handwriting concerns that affect a child’s educational performance.

Evidence-Based Health Literacy Training Program For Occupational Therapy Professionals : Program Development And Evaluation, Cheryl Miller-Scott

Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

This capstone project is a training program development and evaluation project. The purpose of the project was to develop, pilot, and evaluate an

evidence-based health literacy training program for occupational therapy professionals. Occupational therapy strives to be a science-driven profession, which provides client-centered care. Health literacy is a client-centered factor for which occupational therapy professionals require additional training to best serve their clients in all settings and across the lifespan. A review of health literacy literature was used in this project to develop the training program and offers a science-driven approach to this client-centered factor for occupational therapists to better …

Comparison Of Functional Network Connectivity For Passive-Listening And Active-Response Narrative Comprehension In Adolescents, Yingying Wang, Scott K. Holland

Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty Publications

Comprehension of narrative stories plays an important role in the development of language skills. In this study, we compared brain activity elicited by a passive-listening version and an active-response (AR) version of a narrative comprehension task by using independent component (IC) analysis on functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 21 adolescents (ages 14–18 years). Furthermore, we explored differences in functional network connectivity engaged by two versions of the task and investigated the relationship between the online response time and the strength of connectivity between each pair of ICs. Despite similar brain region involvements in auditory, temporoparietal, and frontoparietal language networks …

Understanding Atp-Mediated Vasodilatation In Humans, Anne R. Crecelius, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Negative results, cynicism, the piecing together of puzzles and integrating physiology with experimental approaches are all part of the inspiring and meandering journey on the path to understand ATP-mediated vasodilatation. While it is satisfying to be "right" as scientists, we know sometimes the most important progress occurs when data are surprising or contrary to our original hypothesis. The pursuit of explanations for unexpected findings often leads to the best advancements. The story of how our laboratory came to investigate the underlying vasodilatator pathways of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an example of such a path to our current understanding.

Sensory Electrical Stimulation Improves Foot Placement During Targeted Stepping Post-Stroke, Eric R. Walker, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Proper foot placement is vital for maintaining balance during walking, requiring the integration of multiple sensory signals with motor commands. Disruption of brain structures post-stroke likely alters the processing of sensory information by motor centers, interfering with precision control of foot placement and walking function for stroke survivors. In this study, we examined whether somatosensory stimulation, which improves functional movements of the paretic hand, could be used to improve foot placement of the paretic limb. Foot placement was evaluated before, during, and after application of somatosensory electrical stimulation to the paretic foot during a targeted stepping task. Starting from standing, …

Combination Therapy Of Hyaluronic Acid Mesotherapic Injections And Sclerotherapy For Treatment Of Lower Leg Telangiectasia Without Major Venous Insufficiency: A Preliminary Clinical Study, Tommaso Iannitti, Valentina Rottigni, Federica Torricelli, Beniamino Palmieri

Physiology Faculty Publications

Background. Telangiectasia is the dilation of dermal capillaries mainly due to hypertension and vein insufficiency. Treatments of choice for this condition are sclerotherapy with foam liquid or intradermal fiber optic laser energy delivery. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new therapeutic approach consisting in the use of polymerized hyaluronic acid mesotherapicinjections following sclerotherapy in the areas of the skin affected by telangiectasia in patients without major vein insufficiency. Materials and Methods. A total of 20 women, aged between 19 and 64 years, affected by recurrent lower leg telangiectasia, were included in this study. …

Health, Wellness, And The Pursuit Of Happiness: Common Ground For Adults With Cerebral Palsy And Modern Physical Therapists, Lisa Blumberg, Mary E. Gannotti, Diana J. Larocco, Yvette Blanchard

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Health, wellness, and happiness are important long-term goals for adulthood, especially for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Physical therapists (PTs) can assist individuals with CP realize these goals; however it requires PTs to have a greater understanding of how to apply impairment, functional, or contextual interventions to meet these goals. A critical gap in knowledge exists about perceptions of happiness and health priorities of adults with CP. The purpose of this paper is to describe the beliefs, feelings, and perceptions of happiness and health of adults with CP as compared to adults without CP, specifically PTs.

Sex Differences In Human Fatigability: Mechanisms And Insight To Physiological Responses, Sandra K. Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Sex-related differences in physiology and anatomy are responsible for profound differences in neuromuscular performance and fatigability between men and women. Women are usually less fatigable than men for similar intensity isometric fatiguing contractions. This sex difference in fatigability, however, is task specific because different neuromuscular sites will be stressed when the requirements of the task are altered, and the stress on these sites can differ for men and women. Task variables that can alter the sex difference in fatigability include the type, intensity and speed of contraction, the muscle group assessed and the environmental conditions. Physiological mechanisms that are responsible …

An Interprofessional Consensus Of Core Competencies For Prelicensure Education In Pain Management: Curriculum Application For Physical Therapy, Marie K. Hoeger Bement, Barbara J. St. Marie, Terry M. Nordstrom, Nicole Christensen, Jennifer M. Mongoven, Ian J. Koebner, Scott M. Fishman, Kathleen A. Sluka

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Core competencies in pain management for prelicensure health professional education were recently established. These competencies represent the expectation of minimal capabilities for graduating health care students for pain management and include 4 domains: multidimensional nature of pain, pain assessment and measurement, management of pain, and context of pain (Appendix 1). The purpose of this article is to advocate for and identify how core competencies for pain can be applied to the professional (entry-level) physical therapist curriculum. By ensuring that core competencies in pain management are embedded within the foundation of physical therapist education, physical therapists will have the core knowledge …

Health-Related Quality Of Life In Physically Active Individuals With A History Of Injury, Megan N. Houston

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

Individuals around the globe engage in physical activity for personal interest or general health and fitness. Although participation in regular physical activity is important for general health it also brings with it the risk of injury. Ankle sprains, anterior cruciate ligament tears, and concussions are just a few of the injuries sustained by physically active individuals with long-term implications. With the number of physically active individuals on the rise, sports-related injuries are of growing concern.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a personal evaluation of everyday functioning and well-being. A variety of injuries and health conditions associated with physical activity …

The Stroke-Related Effects Of Hip Flexion Fatigue On Over Ground Walking, Megan M. Rybar, Eric R. Walker, Henry Kuhnen, Daniel R. Ouellette, Reivian Berrios, Sandra K. Hunter, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Individuals post stroke often rely more on hip flexors for limb advancement during walking due to distal weakness but the effects of muscle fatigue in this group is not known. The purpose of this study was to quantify how stroke affects the influence of hip flexor fatigue on over ground walking kinematics and performance and muscle activation. Ten individuals with chronic stroke and 10 without stroke (controls) participated in the study. Maximal walking speed, walking distance, muscle electromyograms (EMG), and lower extremity joint kinematics were compared before and after dynamic, submaximal fatiguing contractions of the hip flexors (30% maximal load) …

Stressor-Induced Increase In Muscle Fatigability Of Young Men And Women Is Predicted By Strength But Not Voluntary Activation, Manda L. Keller-Ross, Hugo M. Pereira, Jaclyn Pruse, Tejin Yoon, Bonnie A. Schlinder-Delap, Kristy A. Nielson, Sandra K. Hunter

Psychology Faculty Research and Publications

This study investigated mechanisms for the stressor-induced changes in muscle fatigability in men and women. Participants performed an isometric-fatiguing contraction at 20% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) until failure with the elbow flexor muscles. Study one (n = 55; 29 women) involved two experimental sessions: 1) a high-stressor session that required a difficult mental-math task before and during a fatiguing contraction and 2) a control session with no mental math. For some participants (n = 28; 14 women), cortical stimulation was used to examine mechanisms that contributed to muscle fatigability during the high-stressor and control sessions. Study two …

Gdnf Content And Nmj Plasticity In Slow And Fast Twitch Myofibers Follows Recruitment In Exercise, Amy Morrison Gyorkos

Dissertations

Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) supports and maintains the neuromuscular system during development and through adulthood by promoting neuroplasticity. GDNF may play a role in delaying the onset of aging and help compress morbidity by preventing motor unit degeneration. Exercise has been shown to alter GDNF expression differently in slow and fast twitch myofibers. The aim of this dissertation project is to determine if different intensities of exercise can promote changes in GDNF expression and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) morphology in slow and fast twitch muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle fibers were analyzed from adult Sprague Dawley rats aged 4 weeks …

Effects Of Graston Technique On Blood Flow In The Upper Extremity, Ashley Nicole Keck

Theses and Dissertations

Context: When musculature around the shoulder is tight, alterations in scapular positioning may result, thus compressing the blood vessels to the upper extremity and decreasing blood flow. Graston Technique (GT) mobilizes the soft tissues to break up adhesions in fascia and lengthens tight musculature. The effect of GT has on blood flow after treatment to the shoulder musculature is unknown. Objective: To determine if GT has an effect on blood flow and pectorals minor length after a single treatment session. Design: Controlled laboratory study with randomization. Setting: University athletic training laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: Sixty healthy subjects (27 male, …

P-12 A Study On The Relationship Between Gre Scores Of Pre-Physical Therapy Students And National Physical Therapy Examination Scores: A Retrospective Study Of One Midwestern Physical Therapy Program, Givan Hinds

Honors Scholars & Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium Programs

Background: This study explored relationships between Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) scores. Methodology: This is a retrospective correlational design utilizing a purposive sample (n = 102) of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from three consecutive cohorts. Correlations were examined between GRE Verbal (GREV), GRE Quantitative (GREQ), and GRE Total (GRET) scores with the NPTE pass rate utilizing a Spearman rho correlation coefficient. Discriminant analysis was used to calculate the cut-off score that would correlate with a passing score of 600 on the NPTE. Results: The results showed a weak, but significant correlation between GREV …

Occupational Therapy For The Elderly, Heung Ian, Irene Chan

International Conference: Overcoming Challenges in Active Ageing

No abstract provided.

Physiotherapy To Enhance Active Ageing, Yee Hung, Priscilla Poon

International Conference: Overcoming Challenges in Active Ageing

No abstract provided.

Traumatic Brain Injury: The Efficacy Of A Half-Day Training For School Psychologists, Susan C. Davies, Ashlyn M. Ray

Counselor Education and Human Services Faculty Publications

The incidence rates of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are increasing, yet educators continue to be inadequately trained in assessing and serving students with TBIs. This study examined the efficacy of a half-day TBI training program for school psychologists designed to improve their knowledge and skills. Results of quantitative and qualitative survey analysis indicated there was little increase in knowledge and skills from pre-training to one-year follow-up, although participants did increase in confidence related to their decision-making abilities in working with students with TBI. The data indicate a need for future study of more effective training models.

A Rehabilitation Program For Lung Cancer Patients During Postthoracotomy Chemotherapy, Amy J. Hoffman, Ruth Ann Britnall, Alexander Von Eye, Lee W. Jones, Gordon Alderink, Lawrence H. Patzelt, Jean K. Brown

Peer Reviewed Articles

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to describe the effects of a 16-week home-based rehabilitative exercise program on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), other symptoms, functional status, and quality of life (QOL) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after thoracotomy starting within days after hospital discharge and continuing through the initiation and completion of chemotherapy.

Materials and methods: Five patients with NSCLC completed the Brief Fatigue Inventory (measuring CRF severity) and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (measuring symptom severity) before and after thoractomy, and at the end of each week of the 16-week exercise program. Additionally, the Medical …