Physical Therapy Commons^™

Management Of Patients Post-Stroke: An Evidence Update, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Neurocognitive Multitask Activities On A Novel Lower Extremity Functional Performance Test, Sidney M. Stoddard, Logan Hill, Bryan L. Riemann, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Objective: To examine the effects of incorporating (1) a neurocognitive reactive component and (2) a neurocognitive multitask component on performance degradation of a single-limb hop functional performance test.

Design: Randomized within-subject design of 32 healthy young adults.

Methods: Participants performed 3 randomly assigned variations of the single-limb T-Drill Hop Test (TDHT). The time to complete each test was recorded. The reactive TDHT (R-TDHT) consisted of the TDHT with a flashing light, indicating the "T" intersection hop direction. The neurocognitive reactive-recall TDHT (RR-TDHT) incorporated the R-TDHT and required participants to observe 5 flashing light colors. Participants then recalled the colors in …

The Role Of Psilocybin In End-Of-Life Care: Evidence, Mechanisms, And Guidelines, Mackenzie E. Unsworth, Mary Lou Galantino, Robert Sandoval

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

This article aims to provide a brief overview of the evidence and mechanisms for psilocybin use in EOL care. Additionally, this article will provide guidelines for clinicians to assess patient use and integrate psilocybin into their clinical practice with respect to its current legal status.

Thriving Through Treatment: A Senior Physical Therapist’S Perspective On Mindset In Cancer Care, Christine C. Masterson

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Mindset plays a pivotal role in the cancer care continuum, influencing not only emotional well-being but also treatment adherence and physical recovery. Drawing on clinical experience as a senior physical therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, this Perspective explores how a thriving, wellness-oriented mindset can enhance outcomes for individuals facing cancer. Through case examples and evidence-based discussion, the article highlights how personal resilience, social support, and compassionate care foster post-traumatic growth, reduce complications, and improve engagement in rehabilitation. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to lead this mindset shift, blending technical skill with emotional insight to empower patients. Cultivating a …

Tissue Quality In Early Stages Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Pilot Study, Tyler Almquist, Gabrielle Schroeder, Ian Villegas, David A. Doubblestein

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition associated with breast cancer treatments. Tissue quality assessment, commonly performed using the pitting edema test, can also be quantified with digital tissue tonometry. However, the role of tonometry in early-stage BCRL — classified as Stages 0 and I by the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) — remains unclear.

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to assess the utility of tonometry in early-stage BCRL by evaluating tissue resistance (N), volume (ml), and circumference (cm) in healthy individuals and those with ISL Stage 0 and I lymphedema.

Methods: A convenience sample of females …

Finding A Certified Lymphedema Therapist: Access To Lymphedema Treatment In Minnesota, Emma M. Tsai, Linda Koehler

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Introduction

Lymphedema is a progressive disease that leads to chronic swelling. Lymphedema treatment includes complete decongestive therapy (CDT) provided by a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT). Locating CLTs can be difficult for patients and providers. Our aims were to 1) describe a method for assessing accessibility of lymphedema treatment in a specific region, and 2) apply this method to a specific region (Minnesota) to describe the lymphedema care in that region.

Methods

This cross-sectional study searched therapist directories on websites related to lymphedema and lymphatic diseases (e.g. lymphedema training programs, professional associations) to assess the current distribution of CLTs in Minnesota. …

Dynamic Overhead Body-Weight Support Improves Walking Performance Following Icu Admission For Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Study, Hillary M. Jacobson, Carolyn Miller, Renee Mckenzie, Bryan Wittmeyer, Andrew Ray

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a commonly treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT), leading to severe weakness and impaired function. Dynamic body weight support systems (DBWS) are a promising rehabilitation tool for enhancing early mobilization in deconditioned patients.

Purpose: Evaluate the integration of DBWS into the rehabilitation plan of a patient recovering from a prolonged ICU stay post-allo HSCT, focusing on mobility and functional recovery.

Case Description: A 55-year-old male, two years post-allo HSCT for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, was hospitalized for 14 weeks due to respiratory distress from pneumonia and lung GVHD, resulting in severe deconditioning. DBWS was introduced …

Artificial Intelligence And The Future Of Oncology Rehabilitation, Christopher M. Wilson

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

While the promise of AI in oncology rehabilitation is remarkable, successful adoption requires balance between enthusiasm and realism. These technologies must be thoughtfully integrated into existing workflows with safeguards for data privacy, accuracy, and clinician oversight. The goal is not to replace clinical judgment or the human connection at the heart of rehabilitation, but to amplify and augment them—restoring time, focus, and compassion to the clinical encounter. With deliberate implementation and continuous evaluation, AI can become a trusted partner in advancing the quality, accessibility, and humanity of oncology rehabilitation practice.

Editorial Board Message, Bryan A. Spinelli

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

With the release of this issue, we would like to announce that Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice have adopted a new publication schedule. Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice will continue to publish 2 issues each calendar year with issues now being released in May and November. The rationale for this change was that our previous publication schedule coincided with the release of the October and April issues of Rehabilitation Oncology, an official publication of APTA Oncology that is a peer-reviewed, indexed resource for advancing oncologic physical therapy practice and cancer rehabilitation. We hope this change will limit the challenges that clinicians …

Cover And Front Matter, Volume 2, Issue 2

Oncology Rehabilitation in Practice

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Practice On The Control Of Reach Extent, Faith N. Schroers, Troy M. Herter, Dylan Bruemmer, Takeo Ichiyanagi, Austin Herherington, Michael O'Dpnnell, Janelle Ozorowski, Chad Simmons, Jill Campbell Stewart Pt, Phd

Faculty Publications

The control of reaches to targets that vary in distance involves a combination of anticipatory planning and feedback-based adjustments. However, it is not known if their contributions to the control of reach extent change with repetitive practice. This study investigated the effect of three days of practice on the control of reach extent. Right-hand dominant participants reached with either the non-dominant left arm or dominant right arm to six targets presented in two directions and three distances in a virtual environment. The effect of practice on planning and feedback-based adjustments to control reach extent was examined by determining how well …

From Classroom To Clinic: Innovative Strategies To Develop And Assess Clinical Readiness And Student Success, Megan Frazee, Nicole M. Sleddens, Tessa M. Wells

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

Clinical education readiness is a foundational expectation in physical therapist education and a core requirement of CAPTE accreditation. In response to national concerns regarding variability in student preparedness, the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy published a set of core knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that students should demonstrate prior to beginning full-time clinical experiences. Many of these KSAs emphasize competencies within the affective domain, such as adherence to professional standards and effective communication. Clinical reasoning is also highlighted as a key component essential for clinical readiness. However, these competencies are often underemphasized and difficult to assess prior to clinical …

Neuro Rehab In Rural America: Interprofessional Strategies For Implementing Evidence Based Practice, Stacie Mae Larreau Christensen, Rebecca L. Kinnison, Amy J. Goldman, Colleen Spellman

Posters and Presentations: Physical Therapy

No abstract provided.

Clinical Management Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome As A Curriculum Thread To Meet Accreditation Standards In Physical Therapy Education, Sallie W. Rediske, Heidi Shearin, Todd E. Davenport, Melinda W. Maxwell

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: ME/CFS is a debilitating, complex, chronic illness that is estimated to affect up to nine million Americans. It requires a paradigm shift in treatment approach to one of energy conservation due to metabolic effects resulting in exercise and activity intolerance. Including clinical management of ME/CFS as a curriculum thread in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs is vital for safe and effective care of people with ME/CFS and can help meet accreditation standards. Methods: ME/CFS significantly impacts quality of life. It has been recognized by the World Health Organization since 1969 as a biomedical neurological disorder. Prior to …

Unraveling The Impact Of Spider Cage Therapy On Static And Dynamic Standing Balance In Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial, Varsha Anbu, Senthil Kumar Natarajan, Jagatheesan Alagesan, Akshaya Venkat, Rekha Chitrada

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The intent of this study was to ascertain the efficacy of spider cage therapy for static and dynamic standing balance in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy using Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). Cerebral palsy described as a group of disorders with uneven posture and movement were spastic diplegia is the most prevalent type. Method: This study was a randomized controlled trial that used random sampling and blinded evaluators. Children with diplegic CP aged between 5 and 10 years, with GMFCS levels II-IV, were assigned to spider cage therapy group and conventional …

Patient- And Proxy-Reported Outcome Measures For Use In Pulmonary Hypertension: Study Protocol For A Cosmin-Based Systematic Review, Meredith T. Yeung, Melissa Y. Chan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe and progressive disease that significantly affects patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Despite advances in medical therapies, managing PH remains challenging, and the need for practical, patient-centred tools to evaluate therapeutic outcomes is critical. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) and proxy-reported outcome measures (proxy ROM) are pivotal in assessing the therapeutic impacts of interventions, including symptom relief, treatment efficacy, and quality of life. However, there has yet to be a comprehensive review of the psychometric properties of these tools in PH, hindering their optimal use in both clinical practice and research. This protocol outlines …

Evaluating The Impact Of Sit-On-Top Pelvic Stimulator And Pelvic Exerciser On Pelvic Floor Function And Quality Of Life Among Postpartum Women, Veenakirthika S, Kayathri M, Senthilnathan C.V, Selvaraj Sudhakar, Mohankumar G, Ramachandran S, Senthil Kumar Natarajan

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), affecting up to 50% of postpartum women, can lead to conditions like pelvic pain, incontinence, bowel issues, and even prolapse. Standard treatments for PFD include surgical options, medications, and physical therapy. However, non-invasive alternatives, such as sit-on-top pelvic stimulators and pelvic exercisers like Kegel devices, are showing evidence based results for their ability to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve quality of life. This research evaluates the impact of these devices on pelvic floor function and overall well-being in postpartum women. Method: The study was conducted as an experimental trial with 30 postpartum women aged …

Preparedness And Engagement Of Rehabilitation Professionals In Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Ots, Pts, And Slps In Florida, Rebecca I. Estes, Shari Rone-Adams

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Allied health professionals, specifically, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are under-recognized and underutilized in disaster management. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, prevalence of engagement, interest level, roles, perceptions, and training of rehabilitation professionals in the disaster management cycle. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to OTs, PTs, and SLPs, licensed in Florida, a convenience sample. Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: Respondents believe that licensed clinicians have a role in disaster management. Respondents had little familiarity, …

Printing The Future: A Collaborative Approach To Integrating 3d Printing In Physical Therapy Education, Amanda L. Thomas, Teresa Munecas, Andreina Lander, Amber Sivalls, Abigail Tong, Tyler Turner, Lauren Butler

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Integrating 3D printing into healthcare education presents an opportunity to enhance learning, foster innovation, and address challenges in patient care. This study explores a collaborative approach to incorporating 3D printing into a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program through interdisciplinary partnerships with biomedical engineering, architecture, and immersive studio technologies. The study's primary aim was to provide DPT students with hands-on experience in designing and creating 3D printed adaptive devices for individuals with unique healthcare needs while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance innovation and problem-solving. The initiative was structured around a series of pilot projects embedded in the DPT curriculum, focusing …

Implementation Evaluation Of Blood Flow Restriction In The Rehabilitative Setting, Corbit Franks, Madison Wellborn, Matthew A. Chatlaong, Daphney M. Carter, William M. Miller, Matthew B. Jessee, Robert E. Davis

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Blood flow restriction refers to a training/rehabilitation method consisting of an external pressure system applied to a limb to partially inhibit blood flow to the tissues. Though much research has been conducted concerning the use of blood flow restriction, there is limited research concerning why clinicians may or may not utilize it. Objective: The current qualitative study utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to investigate why clinicians may or may not implement blood flow restriction in the clinical setting. Methods: A semi-structured interview addressing twelve implementation constructs within four domains (Intervention Characteristics, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, and Characteristics …