Physical Therapy Commons^™

Clinical Corner: Pearls From Local Dentists

West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

"Clinical Corner: Pearls from Local Dentists" is a section of the WMDDS Bulletin where local dentists share clinical wisdom for fellow practitioners. This edition's topics include Behavior Guidance in Pediatric Dentistry, occupational pain, and occupational hearing loss

The Effect Of Part-Time Vs Full-Time Integrated Clinical Education On Student Physical Therapists’ Self-Efficacy And Clinical Reasoning, William J. Buchala

Student Dissertations

Integrated clinical education (ICE) varies across Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, particularly in the use of part-time and full-time clinical experiences. Limited research has examined relationships between ICE structure, self-efficacy, and clinical reasoning. The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to examine relationships between part-time and full-time ICE models and self-efficacy and self-assessed clinical reasoning in DPT students. Survey responses were collected from DPT students who had participated in ICE experiences. Self-efficacy was measured using the Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale, and self-assessed clinical reasoning was measured using the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning Scale. Independent-samples …

Practical Insights For Implementing An Intensive Therapeutic Day-Camp For Children With Hemiplegia: Guidelines For Practice, Rachel M. Vaughn, Holly Holland, Kerry Blazek, Jessica Margaret Cassidy

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

This guideline for practice provides practical recommendations for successfully executing a therapeutic day-camp for children with hemiplegia. By drawing from the literature and providing an in-depth explanation of our camp model, we address the challenges clinicians encounter when initiating therapeutic camp programming. A panel of physical and occupational therapists provides a comprehensive program description entailing a detailed explanation of camp programming, the combined therapeutic approach of intensive uni and bimanual training, and sample documents and activities. The program description, including camp attributes in relation to the ICF framework, provides an overview of our day-camp model, which has served children and …

Service Disruptions In Early Intervention Amid Covid-19: Understanding Challenges Faced By Families And Providers, Tiana T. Nguyen, Samantha Mong, Juliana Lainez, Domenique Embrey

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: Infants at risk for developmental delays require early intervention (EI) services to support their development. However, many families face barriers to receiving services, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: This qualitative study examined how COVID-19 impacted access to EI therapy services from the perspectives of families and EI providers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The study aimed to identify existing barriers and new pandemic-specific challenges to inform strategies for improving continuity and quality of EI care during future service disruptions.

Methods: Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with caregivers of eligible infants and EI providers. …

Self-Reported Confidence Of Dpt Students In Assessing And Treating Different Body Regions Within Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy Practice, Scott W. Lowe, Jennifer Wiley

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction

This study examined Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' self-reported confidence in assessing and treating musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions based on body regions. We hypothesized that there would be identifiable differences in self-perceived confidence across the different body regions. Most literature assessing DPT students' readiness for clinical practice has come from the perspective of educators and clinicians, whereas student perspectives have not been reported.

Methods:

The study is a descriptive, observational online survey.  Participants were final-year DPT students in the United States. Participants rated their comfort level in assessing and treating patients with MSK complaints, both in general and specifically …

The Bent Clinician: How Dental Work Is Reshaping Your Spine - And What To Do About It, Kelly Davis Pt, Dpt, Faaompt, Mt

New Orleans Dental Association News

Musculoskeletal disorders affect somewhere between 64 and 93 percent of dental professionals over the course of their careers. Neck pain, shoulder aches, low back fatigue — these aren’t just the cost of doing good work. They are predictable patterns that, with the right understanding, you can absolutely change.

Acute Intermittent Hypoxia And Acute Intermittent Hypercapnic Hypoxia Elicit Cortico-Diaphragmatic Plasticity In People With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury, Alysha Bogard, Michela Mir, Tommy Sutor, Jessica Dunn, Kathryn Cavka, Arian Vistamehr, Hannah Snyder, Joseph Welch, Jayakrishnan Nair, Gina Brunetti, Gordon Mitchell, Emily Fox

Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Papers

Respiratory impairment is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after spinal cord injury (SCI), highlighting the need for interventions that improve breathing function. In people with SCI, acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) elicits respiratory motor plasticity and improves inspiratory function. However, in uninjured people facilitation of corticospinal diaphragm motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude occurs only when AIH is combined with mild hypercapnia (acute intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia; AIHH). It remains unclear whether AIHH similarly enhances diaphragm corticospinal excitability after SCI. We tested the hypothesis that AIHH increases diaphragm MEP amplitude and reduces MEP onset latency in individuals with chronic SCI, whereas …

The Effect Of The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (Lsvt) Big Method Based On Occupation On Older Adult Functional Mobility Balance, Muhammad Luthfi, Kharisma Nur Idalasari

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Balance impairment is one of the major problems commonly experienced by older adults as a result of degenerative processes, leading to an increased risk of falls. Falls may cause fear of recurrent falling, reduced physical activity, loss of physical capability, and may eventually result in disability and psychological consequences such as depression. Structured, occupation-based physical activity has been shown to provide various benefits for older adults, including improving physical function, slowing functional decline associated with degenerative processes, reducing fall risk, and enhancing postural control. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the occupation-based Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG …

The Effect Of Plyometric Training On Leg Muscle Explosive Power In Adolescent Amateur Volleyball Players, Dany Fajar Muhlasin, Fendy Nugroho, Jasmine Kartiko Pertiwi

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: Leg muscle explosive power is a crucial physical component in volleyball, particularly in supporting the execution of smashes and blocks. The ability to generate force rapidly and explosively plays a key role in determining an athlete’s jumping performance. One training method proven effective in enhancing leg muscle explosive power is plyometric exercise. Several recent studies have shown that plyometric training can significantly improve vertical jump performance in adolescent athletes. However, there is still limited research specifically examining the effect of plyometric exercise on jumping explosive power in amateur players aged 14–18 years, indicating a research gap that warrants further …

Pengaruh Rehabilitasi Berbantuan Robot Terhadap Pemulihan Fungsional Setelah Total Hip Arthroplasty: Literature Review, Dian Rahayu Wijayanti, Kholida Nabila, Nadzifa Salsabila Haris Putri, Nur Afrina Azra, Septina Olivia, Farid Rahman

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) remains a gold standard for restoring joint function in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis, yet achieving optimal functional recovery post-surgery remains a challenge. Robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) has emerged as a novel physiotherapy modality offering structured, repetitive, and sensor-driven training that may enhance recovery trajectories. Objective: This literature review aims to identify and synthesise current evidence on the effectiveness of RAR in improving functional outcomes after THA, focusing on gait performance, muscle strength, balance, and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 …

Community-Based Exercise Programs Dalam Mengurangi Fear Of Falling Dan Meningkatkan Quality Of Life Pada Lansia: A Systematic Literature Review, Amirah Hasna Rafifah -, Hanif Maulana, Saffanah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

The global increase in the elderly population presents significant challenges in maintaining independence and quality of life among older adults. One of the most common problems experienced by the elderly is fear of falling, which negatively affects physical activity, balance, and psychological well-being. Community-based exercise programs represent an approach that not only improves physical function but also strengthens social interaction and self-confidence among older adults. This study aims to review community-based exercise programs in reducing fear of falling and improving quality of life among the elderly through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature …

Analisis Perbedaan Pengaruh Mc Kenzie Exercise Dan Post Isometric Relaxation Terhadap Penurunan Nyeri Leher Non Spesifik Pada Remaja, Nabila Ayu Meilya Putri, Saifudin Zuhri, Sugiono -

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: The use of laptops and computers has become an essential part of daily life, especially among adolescents. However, the habit of maintaining a static posture for prolonged periods while using these devices often leads to excessive strain on the neck and shoulder muscles. To address these problems, interventions such as Mc Kenzie exercise and post isometric relaxation can be applied. Objective: To determine the difference in the effects of Mc Kenzie exercise and post isometric relaxation on reducing nonspecific neck pain in adolescents. Methods: This study employed a two-group pre and post-test design conducted from June to July 2025 …

Artificial Intelligence Policy Development In A Hybrid, Accelerated Dpt Program: Planning For Academic Integrity, Jennifaye V. Brown, Keiba Shaw, Otis L. Owens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative forms like ChatGPT, has rapidly grown across higher education. Institutions are developing policies for responsible/ethical use to preserve academic integrity, while acknowledging AI’s role in healthcare to confirm diagnoses and create personalized plans based on social determinants. In physical therapy education, AI can serve a valuable purpose despite documented misuse by Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students during admissions and curricular activities. This paper describes the development of an AI policy following identified misuse and demonstrated knowledge gaps from student orientation essays. Methods: An AI task force was convened. Policy development was guided by …

Artificial Intelligence (Ai) In A Hybrid Dpt Program: Student Opinions On Use, Cheating, And Plagiarism, Jennifaye V. Brown, Keiba Shaw, Otis L. Owens

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: To prepare students with digital competencies needed for modern clinical practice, AI should be responsibly integrated into healthcare education programs. However, concerns exist about students misusing AI for admissions statements and academic assignments. This study examined Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students' perceptions of ChatGPT use and whether they consider its use cheating or plagiarism. Method: This retrospective multi-methods analysis compared two DPT student cohorts' online essay responses to the following questions: 1) Is using AI or specifically, ChatGPT considered cheating and/or plagiarism? and 2) What are students' opinions on ChatGPT use in the DPT curriculum? One hundred forty-seven …

Exploring The Dual Impact Of A Graduate-Led Physical Therapy Experience On Undergraduate Engagement And Graduate Professional Development: A Case Report, Ellie Trubey, Jennifer Bochynski, Michelle Slike

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The significance of connectedness, motivation, and professional identity formation in healthcare education is well documented in recent research. The purpose of this case report is to evaluate the impact of an interactive, peer-led learning experience between graduate physical therapy students and undergraduate pre-physical therapy students. A specific focus is placed on identifying the effect this professional early-exposure event had on each group’s perceived connectedness to the program, motivation to continue studying physical therapy, and a developing professional identity. Methods: Graduate physical therapy students designed and facilitated a hands-on learning session for first-year pre-physical therapy undergraduates. Post-event surveys were used …

“Thrown To The Fire”: Exploring The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Education And Self-Efficacy In New Graduate Physical Therapists, Michael Furtado, Gregory Brusola, Dana Wild

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice, leading to emergency transitions to online learning and interruptions in clinical experiences across the United States. These disruptions raised concerns about their impact on new graduate DPTs' self-efficacy and professional readiness. The current issue addressed by this study is the effect of these disruptions on new graduate self-efficacy and confidence in their professional role. This mixed-method study aimed to assess the extent of clinical education disruption, evaluate its effects on self-efficacy, and explore the lived experiences of new graduate DPTs during the pandemic. Method: A survey …

An Exploratory Study: The Presence Of Imposter Syndrome In New Graduate Allied Health Professionals And Its Relationship To Location Of Practice, Samantha J. Barber, Carol A. Flavell Dr, Moira Smith Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Imposter syndrome (IS) explores the feelings of fraudulence within personal and professional settings. Commonly IS results in impaired self-confidence, and self-perceptions of one’s own abilities, their mental health, and places them at a higher risk of burnout. Imposterism is linked to transitionary periods, such as being newly graduated, and while IS addressed amongst the medical community [doctors and nurses], there is a gap in literature relating to IS amongst allied health professionals (AHPs). Additionally, there is no known literature in which IS presence or severity is explored in relation to an individual’s geographic location. The aim of this study …

Physical Therapists' Perspectives Of Implicit Racial And Ethnic Biases And The Influence On Physical Therapy Practice, Michael Blizniak, Mary Shotwell, Cheryl Kerfeld, Shanda Gore

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Problem: Physical therapy (PT) outcome disparities exist among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Implicit racial and ethnic biases (IREBs) may contribute to these inequities. Understanding IREBs within PT practice is crucial for addressing disparities and helping physical therapists comply with the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics Principles. Purpose: This study examines the role of IREBs in PT by exploring physical therapists' awareness of them and their potential influence on PT practice. Methods: A virtual explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Fifty-one United States physical therapists participated in the …

Fall Risk And Lower Extremity Strength In Diabetic And Non-Diabetic Older Adults: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study, Maimoona Shahid, Yasha Sajjad, Shumail Fatima, Ayesha Tuba, Wajida Perveen, Asim Raza

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Many studies have been conducted on falls in individuals older than 60 years of age with diabetes, so the current study focused on comparing and contrasting the fall risk and lower extremity strength in diabetic and non-diabetic people of 50 years of age and above and early identification of fall risk. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study recruited 210 older adults 50 years of age and older from community dwelling areas. Thirty-one (31) participants were healthy and free of diabetes, while 179 of the same age range were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The study was conducted over a period of …

Agreement Among Experienced Physical Therapist Clinicians In Naming Nystagmus: A Mixed-Methods Study Design, Lori Ann Leineke, Alessandra N. Garcia, Bridget Eubanks

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Labeling nystagmus requires clinicians to consider multiple aspects of its presentation. The extent to which physical therapists (PTs) use consistent terminology for describing nystagmus is unknown. Recommendations for proper terminology exist, but adherence during clinical assessment has not been determined. This study investigated whether PTs with advanced vestibular rehabilitation skills and training consistently use standardized vocabulary to describe nystagmus patterns. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study utilized an online survey methodology, which included eight free-response questions. Participants viewed videos of nystagmus through Infrared or Frenzel goggles and documented their observations. A codebook of responses was created for each question, …