Physical Therapy Commons^™

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 …

The Feasibility Of Virtual Reality To Provide Visual Feedback To Correct Lower Extremity Biomechanics: A Descriptive Retrospective Case Series, Margaret R. Klausing, Kylie Scott

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) to enhance visual biofeedback for patients with lower quarter pain, aiming to improve awareness of faulty movement patterns. Methods: Six patients aged 19-66 (3 males, 3 females), with lower quarter pain involving the ankles, knees, or hips completed one session in an outpatient orthopedic setting using CAREN. The motion capture system projected an avatar onto a 180-degree screen, providing visual biofeedback from sagittal and frontal planes. Joint angles, Knee dominant squat (KDS), and Dynamic Q-Angle (DQA) were compared pre- and post-biofeedback during gait and squats. KDS …

A Case Series: Effectiveness Of Nintendo Ring Fit In Improving Balance And Stability Deficits After Recovery From Acl Reconstruction, Emma C. Lord, Melissa A. Tolbert, Whitley J. Stone

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 10, 2025. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a gaming system in improving balance, strength, and power after recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Existing bilateral deficits were also assessed among patients.

Four participants between the ages of 18-24 years were recruited for this case-control study. Participants must have had an ACLR in the last 2 years, been discharged from formal physical therapy, and have a continued history of participating in physical activity at least three times a week. Participants were assigned to either the …

Cv: Arvie Vitente (Physical Therapy), Arvie Vitente

Rehabilitation and Health Sciences Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Faculty Perceptions Of Interprofessional Education To Prepare Physical Therapy Students For The Workforce, Marianne Hanover, Heather Pederson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) aims to enhance patient care by improving outcomes. Interprofessional education (IPE), a teaching approach for IPC, is now mandated in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula. Although faculty perceptions of IPE in other healthcare fields are documented, studies exploring faculty attitudes in entry-level DPT programs remain limited. In this qualitative study, we investigated how DPT faculty perceive IPE as a means to prepare students for clinical practice. Using Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a guide, we collected data during interviews with PT faculty in DPT programs. Study findings suggest that the advancement of IPE in …

Pain Neuroscience Education In A Telehealth Format: A Case Report, Jason E. Grandeo, Lee Ann Eagler

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

Abstract:

Background and Purpose: Describe if pain neuroscience education via telehealth is beneficial for an older adult with persistent pain.

Case Description: A 76 year old female presented with persistent pain in the low back and neck. Pain neuroscience education was delivered via telehealth through book club format and with flash cards.

Outcomes

NPRS improved over the 7 sessions. ROM measures did not show improvement. Fear avoidance belief scores showed significant improvement. The patient reported: “The more understanding about the science behind pain, the more tolerable the pain becomes.”

Discussion:

PNE in a telehealth format is a viable option for …

A Golfer's Guidebook For Prevention And Intervention For Golf Injuries, Brianna A. Martinez, Lesley Khan-Farooqi Phd, Otd, Otr

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The purpose of this capstone project was to create a guidebook for golfers who can be at increased risk for medial epicondylitis focused on prevention and intervention strategies to support productivity, leisure participation, and self-care.

Mechanisms For The Age-Related Increase In Fatigability Of The Elbow Flexor Muscles In Healthy Adults, Blaine E. Arney, Andrew Kuplic, Mitchell D. Adam, Christopher W. Sundberg, Sandra Hunter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

The mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles during dynamic contractions are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of supraspinal and contractile mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the elbow flexor muscles. Twenty-eight young (23.2 ± 2.6 years; 14 females) and 32 older adults (72.6 ± 5.6 years; 15 females) performed 80 maximal velocity contractions at 20% of maximal isometric strength. Voluntary activation and muscle contractile properties were assessed before and immediately following the fatiguing exercise using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical stimulation. Fatigability (% reduction in …

Impact Of A Focused Best Practice Workshop On Athletic Trainer Confidence, Jaclyn B. Arduini, Jennifer L. Volberding, Zachary A. Murray

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Athletic trainers are required to be proficient in emergency management skills, without review these skills may decay creating a potentially dangerous knowledge gap. Confidence measures of emergency management skills were taken before and after a workshop to determine if they changed due to the review of material. All 11 confidence measures increased post workshop, seven significantly, including rectal temperature, hemostatic agents, external hemostatic modalities, in-line stabilization, measurement and application of a cervical collar, football and other equipment removal. ATs should aim to incorporate emergency management review into continuing education choices.

Examining Burnout Among Athletic Trainers Employed In The College And Secondary School Settings, Stephanie M. Singe, Dayna Liu, Alexandrya Cairns

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Burnout continues to be an important concern for athletic trainers working traditional employment settings. The purpose of this study was to compare the secondary school and collegiate settings in relation to burnout. Both secondary school and collegiate athletic trainers participated in a self-reported, online cross-sectional design (Qualtrics) to collect data on their experiences with burnout. Data collection occurred during the second week of October 2023 and ceased during the early weeks of November. Collegiate athletic trainers reported moderate burnout overall (54.56 ±15.89) on the CBI whereas secondary school athletic trainers reported low burnout overall (46.67 ±16.57). On the personal-related burnout …

Use Of An Electronic Dynamometer Following Pitching To Identify Fatigue In Softball Pitchers, Bethany L. Hansberger, Peter Lisman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

This study used a case-series design to collect in-game fatigue measures for collegiate softball pitchers immediately after pitching during the competitive season. Five softball pitchers (age = 19.8 ± 1.5 years; height = 169.9±6.1 cm; body mass = 79.1±22.6 kg) from one Division I program were recruited. Isometric internal and external rotation, scaption, and grip strength measures were collected using an electronic dynamometer at the beginning and conclusion of the fall non-traditional season, and at the beginning of preseason in January. Strength measures were also obtained during the competitive season at the conclusion of pitching in a game and compared …

Suturing Education For Athletic Trainers: An Evidence-To-Practice Review, Morgan K. Webb, Brett T. Heim, Allyson E. Ritchey, Kenya Moore, Zachary K. Winkelmann

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Teaching suturing skills to medical students is a critical component of their education. Implementing suturing into a comprehensive framework is developed from how professors teach the skill. Suturing is a required skill by the General Medical Council that all medical students must have, and how it is being introduced to new students is changing. This review aimed to summarize different educational interventions and determine the most efficient and cost-effective way to teach future suturing skills. The original systematic review included 25 articles in the final data synthesis. Fourteen studies were randomized control trials, six were quasi-experimental, and five were observational. …