Physical Therapy Commons^™

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation And Quadriceps Strength Following Patellar Fracture And Open Reduction Internal Fixation Surgery: A Case Report, Chelsea Hussey

Case Report Posters

Patellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all fractures and are most common in people who are 20 to 50 years old. Comminuted patellar fractures occur when the bone shatters into three or more pieces and is usually caused by a direct blow to the knee. Open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery is typically needed if the bone is broken into three or more pieces near the center of the patella. Quadriceps weakness is common following this type of injury and surgery, and the literature reflects varying opinions as to what is the best method for regaining strength. The purpose …

Balance And Gait Training To Reduce Fall Risk In A Patient With Bilateral Foot And Hand Deformities Secondary To Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report, Kirsten Bombardier

Case Report Posters

Each year, one out of three adults over the age of 65 sustains a fall. Although the risk of suffering a fall increases with age, falls are not an unavoidable aspect of the aging process. Fall risk can be heightened in patients with medical comorbidities that impact the physiological senses which help maintain balance. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lining of the joints and causes painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The fall incidence rate in individuals with RA is 0.62 falls per person per year as compared …

A Three-Week Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy Plan Of Care For A Child With Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Case Report, Brandie Schmierer, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

The benefits of physical therapy (PT) on gross motor function and general strength in children with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy (CP) are well documented. There have been no firm conclusions that have determined the optimal duration and intensity of PT interventions for patients with spastic quadriplegia CP. CP occurs as a result of a brain injury associated with birth. Worldwide the prevalence of CP was 1.5 to 3.0 per 1,000 live births in 2009. Previous research demonstrated that PT intervention in children with CP improved gross motor function and strength, decreased the assistance required for mobility, and decreased step length …

Use Of A Task-Oriented Approach In The Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient Following A Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Stroke: A Case Report, Erika Derks

Case Report Posters

3.4% of the 600,000 strokes that occur annually in the United States are cerebellar strokes. Despite the rarity of cerebellar strokes, their impact can cause severe acute neurological morbidity. The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) supplies the inferior portion of the cerebellum. PICA infarct can lead to deficits in gait and postural stability, coordination, and Cognition and attention. The task-oriented approach has been demonstrated as an effective intervention for patients with cerebrovascular accidents, but limited research has been done on its use in patients with cerebellar stroke. The purpose of this case report was to provide an overview of the …

Functional Mobility Management Of A Patient With Adult-Onset Hereditary Proximal Motor Neuropathy Following A Tibial Fracture: A Case Report, Timothy Lira, Amy J. Litterini

Case Report Posters

This patient was clinically appealing and complex because of the combination of an acute fracture due to an injurious fall and significant past medical history (PMH) of both the rare condition of adult-onset hereditary proximal motor neuropathy (AHPMN) and congestive heart failure (CHF). The chronic co-morbidities created the need for an innovative approach to treatment sequencing to potentially mitigate the risk for excessive fatigue, such as positional grouping of interventions and prescribed rest periods. This unique opportunity to document the physical therapy (PT) management of a patient with the combination of both rare and chronic conditions makes this case a …

Trunk Control And Standing Tolerance Of A Patient With Paraparesis As A Result Of Transverse Myelitis And Mycotic Aneurysm Rupture: A Case Report, Ashley Tomaswick

Case Report Posters

Transverse myelitis is a condition where a segment of the spinal cord becomes inflamed. This results in impairments below the level of the inflammation, including paraparesis or paraplegia, autonomic dysfunction, and/or pain. Cerebral mycotic aneurysms are a form of brain injury where an artery bursts and diminishes blood supply to the brain. The resulting impairments vary depending on the area of the brain affected. The purpose of this case report was to describe the interventions provided to a patient with paraparesis as a result of transverse myelitis and multiple cerebral mycotic aneurysm ruptures to progress toward achieving his goals of …

Clinical Reasoning And Intervention Selection For A Patient With Lower Extremity Weakness Following Acute Alcoholic Polyneuropathy: A Case Report, Sarah Uzel

Case Report Posters

Alcoholic polyneuropathy is a sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy. APN usually affects individuals over 40 years old with a history of chronic alcoholism. Most cases occur chronically over several months. Acute cases of APN may develop over the course of weeks. Symptoms of APN include paresthesia and paralysis. There are a variety of suspected mechanisms for etiology for APN. Literature is sparse in relation to physical therapy management and interventions for a patient with acute alcoholic polyneuropathy. The purpose of this case report was to describe the clinical reasoning behind interventions selected for a patient with acute alcoholic polyneuropathy in the acute …

Acute Care Outcome Measures In A Patient Status-Post Right Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka) Following A Left Tka Staged Five Weeks Apart: A Case Report, Stephanie Sanderson

Case Report Posters

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures in the U.S. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common reason for a total knee arthroplasty. Cartilage and bone is removed from the distal end of the femur and proximal end of the tibia and is replaced with metal alloy components that recreate the joint surface. Some evidence suggests that staging bilateral TKA within three months of each other may increase the patient’s risk for mortality and complications. The purpose of this case report was to document acute care outcome measures in a patient who underwent bilateral TKA …

Use Of Therapeutic Exercise, Functional Endurance And Gait Re-Training In A Deconditioned Patient With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report, Ellen Forslund

Case Report Posters

The human body requires oxygen-rich blood in order to work efficiently. During respiration, air passes from the nose and mouth and into the alveoli of the lungs. When air reaches the alveoli, oxygen passes into the capillaries as carbon dioxide moves out of the capillaries, otherwise known as gas exchange. Respiratory failure may occur when there is a lack of oxygen passing from the lungs into the blood (hypoxemic), or if the lungs cannot remove carbon dioxide from the blood (hypercapnic). Chronic respiratory failure is caused by conditions such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injuries, or …

Vestibular Rehabilitation For A 17-Year Old Female With Post-Concussion Symptoms: A Case Report, Elizabeth Mosley

Case Report Posters

Post-concussion syndrome is defined as a group of symptoms occurring after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can last weeks, months, or years. The diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome is not well agreed upon, but does include at least three of the following symptoms: headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, concentration or memory difficulty, and intolerance of stress or emotion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.7 million Americans experience TBI annually. The purpose of this case report is to describe the physical therapy management using vestibular rehabilitation of an adolescent female with post-concussion symptoms two months post-injury.

Evaluation And Treatment Of A Patient Diagnosed With Adhesive Capsulitis Classified As A Derangement Using The Mckenzie Method: A Case Report, Ashley Bowser, Brian T. Swanson

Case Report Posters

The McKenzie Method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) is supported in the literature as a valid and reliable approach to spine injuries. It can also be applied to the peripheral joints, but has not been explored through research to the same extent. A previous case series detailed the use of MDT in the shoulder; however, the application of MDT in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis has not been previously reported in the literature. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the assessment, intervention, and clinical outcomes of a patient diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, who was classified as having …

Improving Process And Enhancing Parent And Therapist Satisfaction Through A Coordinated Intake Approach, Sharla Piecowye, Devona Gibson, Janis Carscadden, Kayla Ueland, Gregory Wells, Scott Oddie

Patient Experience Journal

Recent research indicates that, in Canada, approximately one in five children entering school are not meeting age appropriate milestones in physical, social, language, or cognitive development. Even where support services are available families often face barriers in accessing these. With the goals of improving access to programs, reducing barriers and increasing consistency and efficiency, a new Coordinated Intake Approach (CIA) was developed for families accessing Children’s Rehabilitation Services. It was expected that the CIA would result in 1) parents finding the intake process more satisfactory and easier to complete, 2) therapists feeling more supported and satisfied and 3) a decrease …

Application Of A Short-Term Aquatic Physical Therapy Program For A Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain And Radiculopathy: A Case Report, Marc Asta

Case Report Posters

Chronic low back (CLBP) pain is a common referral to outpatient PT. Radiculopathy has the potential to contribute to back pain. Aquatic PT is utilized at select sites to treat patients with various debilitating conditions. Aquatic PT has been shown to improve quality of life, disability and pain. There is limited understanding on the short-term effects of aquatic PT. Must work within the confines of approved PT visits by local and national insurance companies. The purpose of this case report was to investigate if six physical therapy visits with aquatic intervention for a patient with chronic low back pain and …

Neuromuscular Strengthening Exercises Following Acl And Meniscal Repair In A 15 Year Old Female Athlete With Generalized Knee Laxity: A Case Report, Alyssa Gardner, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

Adolescent females are 4-6 times more likely to sustain a non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury compared to their male counterparts. Generalized knee laxity decreases dynamic knee stability and significantly increases the odds of an ACL injury 5-fold. It is crucial to return the surgically repaired knee to its former function. However, it is just as vital to direct attention to the uninjured knee with joint laxity. Research has found that those who have torn one ACL are six time more likely to tear the contralateral ACL. There is currently a lack of research that directly addresses intervention programs that …

Primary Care Fall Risk Assessment For Elderly West Virginians, Vivian M. Minkemeyer, Matt Meriweather, Franklin D. Shuler, Saurabh P. Mehta, Zain N. Qazi

Orthopaedics

West Virginia is ranked second nationally for the percent of its population .65 years of age. The elderly are especially susceptible to falls with fall risk increasing as age increases. Because falls are the number one cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the West Virginia elderly, evaluation of fall risk is a critical component of the patient evaluation in the primary care setting. We therefore highlight fall risk assessments that require no specialized equipment or training and can easily be completed at an established office visit. High quality clinical practice guidelines supported by the American Geriatric Society recommend yearly …

Current Concepts Of Muscle And Tendon Adaptation To Strength And Conditioning, Jason Brumitt, Tyler Cuddeford

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Injuries to the muscle and/or associated tendon(s) are common clinical entities treated by sports physical therapists and other rehabilitation professionals. Therapeutic exercise is a primary treatment modality for muscle and/or tendon injuries; however, the therapeutic exercise strategies should not be applied in a “one-size-fits-all approach”. To optimize an athlete’s rehabilitation or performance, one must be able to construct resistance training programs accounting for the type of injury, the stage of healing, the functional and architectural requirements for the muscle and tendon, and the long-term goals for that patient. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to review the muscular and …

Pain Response After Maximal Aerobic Exercise In Adolescents Across Weight Status, Stacy Stolzman, Michael E. Danduran, Sandra K. Hunter, Marie K. Hoeger Bement

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Pain reports are greater with increasing weight status, and exercise can reduce pain perception. It is unknown, however, whether exercise can relieve pain in adolescents of varying weight status. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adolescents across weight status report pain relief after high-intensity aerobic exercise (exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH)).

Methods

Sixty-two adolescents (15.1 ± 1.8 yr, 29 males) participated in the following three sessions: 1) pressure pain thresholds (PPT) before and after quiet rest, clinical pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire), and physical activity levels (self-report and ActiSleep Plus Monitors) were measured, 2) PPT were measured with a …

A Review Of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation And Multimodal Neuroimaging To Characterize Post-Stroke Neuroplasticity, Angela M. Auriat, Jason L. Neva, Sue Peters, Lara A. Boyd

Physical Therapy Publications

Following stroke, the brain undergoes various stages of recovery where the central nervous system can reorganize neural circuitry (neuroplasticity) both spontaneously and with the aid of behavioral rehabilitation and non-invasive brain stimulation. Multiple neuroimaging techniques can characterize common structural and functional stroke-related deficits, and importantly, help predict recovery of function. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) typically reveals increased overall diffusivity throughout the brain following stroke, and is capable of indexing the extent of white matter damage. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides an index of metabolic changes in surviving neural tissue after stroke, serving as a marker of brain function. The neural …

A Progressive Physical Therapy Plan Of Care For A Patient With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Following Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report, Paige Blasco, Kirsten Buchanan

Case Report Posters

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is an inherited neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in genes that produce proteins involved in the structure and function of either the myelin sheath or the peripheral nerve axon. The slow degeneration of the nerves results in a decreased ability to communicate with their distant targets leading to symmetric distal muscle atrophy and weakness, hand and foot deformities, and sensory loss. There is currently no treatment that reverses or stops the progression of the disease; however, there are physical therapy (PT) interventions that reduce the level of disability in individuals with CMT. Research has shown that interval …

Faculty And Student Perceptions Of A Physical Therapy Professional Behavior Mentoring Program, Ethel Frese, Cheryl Cavallo, Kelly Hawthorne, Ginge Kettenback, Barbara Yemm

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Mentoring is a process and a relationship between a novice and an expert that fosters intellectual, personal, and professional growth. The purposes and scope of this article are to describe 1) the structured professional development component of a comprehensive mentoring program for students in a physical therapy program; and 2) the perceptions of faculty and students regarding this mentoring program. Method: Faculty and students completed electronic questionnaires developed specifically for each group. Results: Return rate was 54.50% (N=286) for physical therapist students and 100% (N=18) for physical therapy faculty. Student positive ratings regarding the mentoring program exceeded 89.00%. Additionally, …