Physical Therapy Commons^™

After-Hours Respiratory Physiotherapy For Intubated And Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: An Australian Perspective, Lisa Van Der Lee, Anne-Marie Hill, Shane Patman

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

Introduction: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common reason for admission to an intensive care unit for intubation and mechanical ventilation, and results in high morbidity and mortality. The primary aim of the study was to investigate availability and provision of respiratory physiotherapy, outside of normal business hours, for intubated and mechanically ventilated adults with CAP in Australian hospitals.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, mixed methods online survey was conducted. Participants were senior intensive care unit physiotherapists from 88 public and private hospitals. Main outcome measures included presence and nature of an after-hours physiotherapy service and factors perceived to influence …

The Effect Of Complex Falls Prevention Interventions On Falls In Residential Aged Care Settings: A Systematic Review Protocol, Jacqueline Francis-Coad, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Debbie Nobre, Chiara Naseri, Anne-Marie Hill

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of complex falls prevention interventions on fall reductions in the residential aged care population, implemented at two or more of the following levels: organization, facility or resident.

Specifically the review question is: What is the effect of complex falls prevention interventions on falls in residential aged care settings?

Can A Web-Based Community Of Practice Be Established And Operated To Lead Falls Prevention Activity In Residential Care?, Jacqueline Francis-Coad, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Caroline Bulsara, Debbie Nobre, Anne-Marie Hill

Physiotherapy Papers and Journal Articles

The aims of this study were to evaluate establishing and operating a web-based community of practice (CoP) to lead falls prevention in a residential aged care (RAC) setting. A mixed methods evaluation was conducted in two phases using a survey and transcripts from interactive electronic sources. Nurses and allied health staff (n = 20) with an interest in falls prevention representing 13 sites of an RAC organization participated. In Phase 1, the CoP was developed, and the establishment of its structure and composition was evaluated using determinants of success reported in the literature. In Phase 2, all participants interacted …

Somatosensory Deficits In Post-Acl Reconstruction Patients: A Case-Control Study, Johanna M. Hoch, William O. Perkins, Jonathan R. Hartman, Matthew C. Hoch

Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction: Diminished cutaneous detection thresholds have been identified in patients with multiple orthopedic conditions, and these phenomena may occur in postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in lower extremity cutaneous detection thresholds exist in post-ACLR patients when compared with healthy controls. Methods: Fifteen individuals who were post-ACLR and 15 individuals who had no history of knee injury participated. Light touch cutaneous detection thresholds were assessed at 4 locations on the foot and ankle (first metatarsal, fifth metatarsal, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus). Nonparametric statistics examined group differences between the …

The Effect Of An Interprofessional Registered Nurse-Physical Therapist Team On Reducing Prescribed Opioid Dependence In Patients With Chronic Lower Back Pain, Amber Chesney, Stephanie Jan, Amanda Pedrazoli, Brandon Simmons, Kaylene Woods, Nicole Yeats

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Long-term prescribed opioid use for chronic pain is shown to reduce recovery potential and increase risk for dependence, which is contributing to the nationwide opioid crisis. There is a need for an innovative, multidisciplinary approach to address prescription opioid dependence. We propose implementation of a community-based interprofessional registered nurse-physical therapist team (IRNPTT) focused on reduction of opioid dependence in adult patients with chronic lower back pain.

The Effects Of Low-Intensity Therapeutic Ultrasound On Measurable Outcomes: A Critically Appraised Topic, Sarah Daniels, Gabriela Santiago, Jennifer Cuchna, Bonnie Van Lunen

Ellmer School of Nursing Faculty Publications

Therapeutic ultrasound (US) is a popular modality among health care professionals and is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. A new technology has been established to allow for the miniaturization of the US unit. Patients receive treatment with the device secured to them, eliminating the portability constraint of traditional US units. Early studies suggest that this portable unit can deliver low-intensity acoustic energy achieving the same temperature increase and pain relief that come from traditional US units, in a more versatile and patient-friendly manner. Clinical Question: What effects does low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) have on measurable outcomes? Summary …

Effect Of Self-Determination, Motivation, And Dispositional Optimism With Physical Therapy In Geriatric Patients, Leslie Yaneth Urias-Bodnar

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Older people are frequently faced with physical conditions that require treatment. A better understanding of the components of engagement relating to the outcomes of treatment was the focus of the study. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether there was an association between the independent variables of optimism, pessimism, motivation, and self-determination and their impact on the dependent variable of achieving physical activity goals in 86 geriatric patients, ages 65 to 80 receiving physical therapy services. The theoretical framework of self-determination, motivation, optimism, and pessimism was assessed by using two self-report questionnaires, The Self-Determination Scale and The …

Evaluation Of Program Satisfaction, Quality Of Life, Strength, And Fall Risk Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults Participating In A Community Exercise Program: Part 2, Marissa Adolphson, Roy Nelson, Jenna Wyffels

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Bone Builders is an exercise program that incorporates both lower and upper extremities and is specifically designed for the older adult population. It was originally created for those that wanted to reduce their risk of osteoporosis, but currently there is no evidence that demonstrates these effects. However, exercises that are completed in the class are those that target causes of fall risk such as strengthening of hip abductors and balance activities. Participants have also reported that benefits of the class include improved balance, increased energy and mobility, and social support. Our study consisted of testing the …

Meniscectomy Of A College Athlete, Aaron Bakker

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to describe the case of an athlete who sustained a meniscus injury and his subsequent course of physical therapy.

Case Description: The patient in the study is a 20 year old college football player seen by physical therapy following a left knee arthroscopic lateral meniscectomy. He injured his knee while cutting to change direction during football practice.

Intervention: Initial treatment for the patient started off as basic body weight resistance along with modalities and ice to reduce inflammation. Each week he progressed from bodyweight to weighted resistance activities and …

Physical Therapy Interventions Following Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: Early Mobility In The Acute Care Setting, Ashley Hickox

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Approximately 2.5 million individuals suffered from a TBI in the year of 2010. Many individuals who suffer a TBI are hospitalized for extended periods of time. Studies have shown that extended intensive care can result in deleterious and long-lasting side effects. Early mobility has been utilized to combat effects and has been shown to be safe and effective.

Purpose: To examine early mobility use as applied with respect to this case, a patient with a severe, acute TBI.

Case Description: The patient was a 26 year old male who sustained a TBI following a boat accident. …

Physical Therapist Professional Appearance: From The Patients' Perspective, Brock Clements, Kelsey Decamp

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

No abstract provided.

The Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale And Its Use In The Stepping On Program To Determine The Relationship Between Balance Confidence And Fall Risk, Erin Yankovec

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Due to the high incidence of falls in the elderly population, there is a continued need to develop intervention strategies and prevention programs to help reduce the risk of fall related injuries. Stepping On is a 7 week program designed to reduce falls and build confidence in older adults. Participants are educated on balance and strengthening exercises along with information on home hazards, community mobility, safe footwear and equipment, coping, and many other topics to help reduce falls.

Purpose: To determine if group education and exercise classes, like Stepping On, improve balance confidence levels, if balance confidence …

Effectiveness Of The Stepping On Program In Fall Prevention Measured By The Four Stage Balance Test (Fsbt), Jenna Goecke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Falls are a leading cause of injury for older adults. Stepping On is one of many fall prevention programs in which individuals who have a fear of falling can participate. Stepping On is a 7 week multifactorial fall prevention program for community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. The program implements an exercise program and addresses education on mobility safety in the community and home. The program addresses how different fall risk factors impact function including diet, medication, vision, balance, and strength.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to measure pre- and post-program fall risk with the …

A Case Study: Adhesive Capsulitis After Breast Cancer Surgery, Kelsey Kratzke

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to outline the physical therapy interventions and factors affecting rehabilitation of a patient with adhesive capsulitis following breast cancer surgery.

Case Description: A 65 year-old female, with limited range of motion in the right shoulder and right anterior chest pain, was seen at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Past medical history included unilateral right mastectomy, right lymph node dissection, and chemotherapy. The physical therapy examination and patient history led to the diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder and fibrosis of the anterior chest wall musculature.

Plan of Care …

Physical Therapy Treatment Of Upper Back, Neck, And Shoulder Pain: A Case Report, Lauren A. Graham

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Neck, shoulder, and upper back pain may be caused by a number of different pathologies and can decrease a patient's functional ability and participation in their daily life. The purpose of this case study is to describe the use of strengthening, stretching, manual therapy, and neuroscience of pain education for decreasing pain in a patient with chronic neck, thoracic, and shoulder pain.

Case Description. The patient was a 69 year old female who had been experiencing neck, shoulder, and upper back pain for 8 months with an insidious onset. She was functionally limited and experienced …

Evaluation Of Fall Risk, Functional Mobility, And Quality Of Life Changes Of Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease Participating In A Community Exercise Program: Part Ii, Lauren Trudel, Courtney Mcdonald, Brittany Bleichner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: As a person ages, the risk of a fall increases. Parkinson Disease (PD) is most commonly seen in the elderly population, which presents with symptoms such as bradykinesia, decreased balance, tremors, postural instability, and muscle weakness. These symptoms are associated with an increase in falls; therefore, a person with PD is more susceptible to falls than the average elderly individual. Exercise has been shown to combat those symptoms affecting people with PD. This study is an extension of a previous study, which examined the effect of a community based exercise program, for people with PD, on quality of …

Evaluation And Treatment Of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: A Case Report, Melanie Fuller

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) affects 40 to 60% of the US population and is primarily prevalent in 35 to 45 year old females. It involves a multitude of anatomical structures including bilateral temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and numerous muscles affecting the TMJ. Examination and treatment of TMD generally requires a whole person approach due to the complexity of involved structures. The purpose of this case study was to educate physical therapists in TMD and pro vide intervention options.

Case Description: The patient was a 36-year-old female referred to physical therapy by her oral surgeon. She presented …

Extension-Based Exercises In Conjunction With Manual Therapy And Strengtheing For Acute Low Back Pain With Associated Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Marcé Schultz

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case in which extension-based exercises derived from the method of mechanical diagnosis and treatment (MDT) in correlation with manual therapy and strengthening were applied to a patient with acute low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy.

Case Description: I present the case of a female patient who worked as a certified nursing assistant and injured her back while attempting to transfer a patient. Workmen's compensation was filed and the patient was referred to physical therapy. Through an extensive historical intake and examination procedure, we determined that …

Effectiveness Of The Timed Up And Go (Tug) Test In Assessing Fall Risk In Community-Dwelling Elders Participating In The Stepping On Program, Megan Shanahan

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) is intended to predict fall risk through assessment of balance, functional mobility, and gait in community-dwelling adults age 65 and older. The Stepping On program aims toward fall prevention through education, exercise, and shared experiences among participants. Previous evidence has displayed positive, significant results for Stepping On and the TUG, indicating use of the assessment to track participants' progress in the program.

Objective: The purpose of this study was: 1) to determine if the Stepping On program decreases fall risk in community-dwelling elderly individuals as measured by the TUG test, 2) …

Pulmonary Recovery Positions Increase Emg Activity In Accessory Respiratory Muscles, Shelby Carlson, William Hunt, Joshua Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is predicted to be the third leading cause of death worldwide between 2020 and 2030. Smoking continues to be the primary cause of this disease, which is associated with about 80% of all COPD deaths. Signs and symptoms of COPD can be debilitating; however pulmonary recovery positions may be taught to improve breathing capabilities in impaired individuals. Literature suggests techniques for pulmonary recovery may involve supporting the upper extremities, supporting the head, and leaning forward. The purpose of the current study was to …