Physical Therapy Commons^™

Technical Note: What Exercises Are Appropriate For Managing Back Pain In Persons With Lower Limb Amputation?, M. Jason Highsmith, Shawn Farrokhi, John M. Mayer

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Individuals with lower extremity amputation (LLA) have high rates of low back pain (LBP) and related disability. The purpose of this technical note is to discuss considerations and provide initial recommendations about what exercises may be appropriate for management of LBP in persons with LLA. Five commonly prescribed motor control and strengthening exercises (cat-camel, curl-up, bird dog, side bridge, and Roman chair extensor exercise) were examined for use in the LLA population. Each exercise seemed to be safe and appropriate for use in persons with LLA yet required additional considerations for use in this population. For example, some of the …

Reliability And Validity Of Trunk Flexion-Extension Angular Velocity Measurement In Healthy Young Adults Using Ai-Enhanced Motion Capture, Joga Katayama, Kai Tennan, Sakino Harada, Aoi Hirata, Hayato Shigetoh, Junya Miyazaki

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: Openpose is a motion capture system that uses artificial intelligence. This study aimed to verify the reliability and validity of motion angular velocity using Openpose in trunk flexion-extension movements (TFEM) and compare Openpose with methods that use accelerometers and marker measurements. Methods: Fifty healthy young participants were included in the study. The TFEM tasks were performed. Motion analyses were performed using accelerometers, markers, and the Openpose software. To examine the reliability and validity of the angular velocity of motion, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (1,1) and ICC (1,3) for each maximum flexion and extension angular velocity. …

Fostering Future Professional Contemporary Collaboration, Rene'e M. Huth, Jordan M. Tucker

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Collaborative teamwork needs to be fostered early and often to meet contemporary practice ideals. This qualitative phenomenological designed study’s purpose was to investigate student physical therapists (SPTs) and student physical therapist assistants' (SPTAs) perceptions of an intraprofessional online activity reflective of contemporary home health and telehealth settings. A convenience sample of 25 SPTs from one program and 24 SPTAs from another program met synchronously online to view a video case of an ambulatory patient with dementia, develop a plan of care, and discuss appropriate interventions reflective of practice in Virginia. Following interactions, students wrote reflections on their experiences that were …

A Quasi-Experimental Study Examining The Effects Of A Proprioceptive Rehabilitation Protocol For The Cervical Spine On Balance And Function Using A Laser Head Light In Older Community Dwelling Individuals, Vern M. Swanson Jr., M. Samuel Cheng, Leah Nof, Eric Shamus, Phd

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Falls continue to be a major health issue when considering health risks for older individuals. The multi-factorial nature of falls in older adults leads to an overwhelming number of causal factors. Cervical joint position sense and joint position error could be additional factors that could influence the fall risk of older individuals. This research examined the effects of a proprioceptive rehabilitation protocol for the cervical spine using a laser head set in older community dwelling individuals. Methods: Sixty (60) subjects were purposively assigned into an experimental and a control group. Control group subjects were given a general lower extremity …

Assessment Of Physical Therapy Students’ Self-Efficacy And Accuracy Measuring Blood Pressure Using A Low-Fidelity Task Trainer, Daniel C. Dale, Deborah M. Wendland, Tiffany Haney

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if use of a task trainer in physical therapy education improves the self-efficacy and accuracy of students when assessing blood pressure measurements. Methods: Participants from consecutive cohorts of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students (38 students per cohort) participated in the first semester of their first year of study in a DPT program. The study was conducted concurrently with the course in which the measurement of blood pressure and pulse rate are typically taught. In addition to traditional classroom instruction and lab practice for both groups, the experimental group also had …

Prevalence Of Burnout Among Doctor Of Physical Therapy Faculty, Liana Wooten, Kim Dao, Melissa Burgemeister, Angela Spontelli Gisselman

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Objective: Growing numbers of physical therapy (PT) educational programs (PTEPs) creates a challenge in recruiting and retaining faculty, potentially having negative ramifications for PT education. Burnout may be contributory as it has known physiological, psychological, and behavioral consequences in numerous clinical and academic populations, creating widespread negative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate burnout prevalence among PT faculty. Methods: Eligible participants, including current full and part-time PTEP faculty members in the United States with emails listed on public-facing program websites, were emailed study information and a link to the consent and survey. Consenting participants completed a Qualtrics survey consisting of …

Development And Validation Of A Home-Based Exercise Program Integrated With Patient Education Based On The Health Belief Model For Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Amirah Mustapa, Alia Alghwiri, Haidzir Manaf

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a comprehensive approach that integrates an exercise routine with patient education based on the health belief model (HBM) approach to promote effective exercise in this population. Method: A 3-phase study was conducted. In Phase I, two comprehensive scoping reviews were performed to develop the program. An initial draft of the program consisted of exercise protocols and HBM-based education. In Phase II, nine experts were chosen to further develop and refine the program’s content by providing feedback and validating it using the content validity index (CVI) and the Patient Education …

Modified Shuttle Walk Test In Chronic Health Conditions: A Literature Review, Manish Prannath Shukla, Gaurav Chhabra, Ashish Shankarrao Deshmukh Dr

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Background: The Modified Shuttle Walk Test (MSWT) is widely utilized to assess exercise capacity across various chronic health conditions. This literature review synthesizes evidence from studies evaluating the MSWT's reliability, validity, and clinical applicability in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis, obesity, hypertension, and asthma. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases for studies published between 2006 and 2022. Eligible studies were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Data extraction focused on study objectives, methods, participants, outcomes, and quality assessment. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The MSWT demonstrated …

The Effectiveness Of Verbal Instruction For Reducing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk, Kazuna Ichikawa, Hironobu Kuruma, Sian Knott

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are serious for athletes because healing can take approximately 6–12 months. Some studies have suggested that verbal instruction can help reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. Verbal instruction is divided into two categories: internal focus (IF) verbal instruction and external focus (EF) verbal instruction; however, the optimal type of ACL instruction to prevent injury is unknown. No verbal instructions explicitly focus on the pelvis or trunk, even though proximal control or ACL injury prevention are considered significant. This study aimed to determine whether IF verbal instruction focused on proximal control of the trunk and …

Age-Related Balance Control Changes In Constrained-Speed Gait During A Concurrent Cognitive Task, Raymond Chong, Victoria Moore, Hope Brown Sampson, Heather Spears, Manh-Cuong Do

Asian Journal of Physical Therapy

Background: During walking, the center of mass (CoM) oscillates up and down in the sagittal plane. In the late-stance phase, as the CoM descends, its vertical velocity decreases before foot contact, indicating active neural balance control, which we refer to as CoM braking. Young adults tend to increase braking while maintaining step length and speed when performing a cognitive task, such as subtracting numbers. In contrast, older adults maintain consistent braking by reducing step length and speed. This study examined the effects of walking at constant self-selected, slower, or faster speeds on CoM braking and cognitive performance. Methods: Healthy young …

Optimizing Long Covid Outcomes: Insights From A Survey Of U.S. Occupational Therapists, Malachy J. Clancy, Phd, Otr/L, Bcpr, Robert Dekerlegand, Pt, Mpt, Phd, Ccs

Department of Occupational Therapy Posters and Presentations

Background & Purpose

• Upwards of 15% of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop “Long COVID” with persistent physical, cognitive, and/or mental symptoms potentially amendable to occupational therapy.
• Variability exists in the rehabilitation approach for individuals receiving occupational therapy for this novel condition.
• Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and other evidence-based resources exist to help standardized rehabilitation; however, it is unknown if occupational therapists (OTs) are aware of these resources and applying them in the management of individuals with Long COVID.
• We surveyed OTs in the contiguous United States (U.S.) to explore their awareness and application of Long COVID CPGs along with …

Two-Year Follow-Up Of Gait And Postural Control Following Initiation Of Recombinant Human Tripeptidyl Intracerebroventricular Enzyme Replacement Therapy In Two Atypical Cln2 Patients, Rahul Soangra, Marybeth Grant-Beuttler, Harriet Chang, Raymond Y. Wang

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to premature mortality. Ambulatory CLN2 patients typically receive standard of care treatment through biweekly intracerebroventricular (ICV) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) involving recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase 1, known as cerliponase alfa (Brineura^®, Biomarin Pharmaceuticals). This study longitudinally assessed the impact of ICV cerliponase alfa ERT on gait, and postural control across a two-year span in two siblings diagnosed with atypical CLN2 disease. Both participants, ID01 (18 years and 8 months old at enrollment) and ID02 (13 years and 3 months old at enrollment), exhibited symptomatic characteristics …

The Effects Of Vestibular Rehabilitation Interventions On Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review, Christopher Farrell, Eduard Turner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Background: Vestibular rehabilitation is known to be effective in the treatment of vestibular dysfunction. While patients with Parkinson's disease have both central and peripheral vestibular dysfunction, there is little information regarding the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation for the treatment of these individuals.

Study Design: Systematic Review

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Results: The interventions identified in this study resulted in improved Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dizziness Handicap Questionnaire (DHI) scores.

Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation improves balance and subjective dizziness in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Incorporating Mindfulness Techniques In Therapeutic Practices To Impact A Patient’S Pain Perception, Abigail E. Masters

2025 Honors Symposium

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of individuals and leads to substantial healthcare costs, with estimates in the U.S. ranging from $560 billion to $635 billion annually. Traditional pain management heavily relies on opioid prescriptions, which, while effective in the short term, have contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis due to risks of addiction and dependency. As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative, non- pharmacological approaches to pain management, including mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). MBIs have been increasingly recognized for their ability to help patients modulate pain perception and improve overall well-being. This study …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …

Physical And Perceived Effects Of The Menstrual Cycle On Female Athletes, Talia E. Casarella, Alyssa M. Quiteles, Emily E. Liddick, Madelyn R. Swarthout, Rebecca J. Turner

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the physical and perceived effects of the menstrual cycle on female athletes’ performance during training and competition.

Hypothesis: The researchers hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in performance based on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Methods: This study used EBSCO Academic Search Complete and Science Direct, focusing on peer-reviewed articles from the last 10 years. Search terms included: (exercise or physical fitness or physical activity) AND (menstrual cycle or period or menstruation or menses or follicular phase or luteal phase) AND (female athletes or women athletes or athletic …

Gait During Community Ambulation And Laboratory-Based Walking In People With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Prokopios Antonellis, Jae W. Lee, Peter C. Fino, Margaret M. Weightman, Siting Chen, Margaret Stojak, Mark E. Lester, Carrie W. Hoppes, Leland E. Dibble, Laurie A. King

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Gait impairments are common in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), presenting in the acute phase and often persisting in subtle ways over time. Despite the prominence of laboratory gait evaluations, a comprehensive understanding of gait deficits post-mTBI necessitates the examination of various gait domains in real-world environments. Assessing gait during a community ambulation task (CAT) may capture real-world challenges and influence focused interventions or rehabilitation in individuals with mTBI.

Research Question: The aim of the study was to compare gait performance across independent gait domains in individuals with and without mTBI using wearable sensors during both the …

Caregiver Perceptions Of Gobabygo Car Usage, Sierra L. Hays, Erin L. Hefner, Richelle Gray, Carrie Smith-Bell

Graduate Student Scholarship

This qualitative study aims to understand caregiver perceptions of their child’s play using a modified ride-on toy car (MROC). Caregivers of children with disabilities participated in a semi-structured interview and a photo-elicitation interview to better understand their beliefs, attitudes, values, and feelings about their children’s play with a MROC. A directed content analysis was used based on constructs of the model for the Process for Establishing Children’s Occupations (PECO; Wiseman et al., 2005). Most constructs of the PECO model, including stages of play and influences on play, were identified within the caregivers’ descriptions of children's play with the MROC. Additional …

Exploring Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences With Athletic Trainers And Work-Related Injury, Stephanie H. Clines, Rubie Gaudette, Amanda Wheeler, Jennifer Ostrowsk

Athletic Training Faculty Publications

Law enforcement is an emerging clinical setting for athletic trainers (ATs), yet little is known regarding law enforcement officers (LEOs) perceptions of the profession. This qualitative study following a general inductive approach explored LEOs' experiences with musculoskeletal injury and their interactions with ATs. Seven officers (N = 7) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged: (1) roles and responsibilities of ATs, (2) education and training, and (3) impact of injury on LEOs. While participants viewed ATs positively, they demonstrated limited understanding of the profession's scope and expertise. Participants commonly described managing musculoskeletal injuries on their own due to …

Acute Influence Of Gum Chewing On Gait And Balance Measures In People With Parkinson's, Pamela Marie Durr

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The overarching aim of this dissertation was to investigate the acute effects of gum chewing on functional measures of gait and balance and their associations to pupillometry in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwP). A total of 27 PwP and 27 age-matched controls underwent three trials (baseline and then a randomized no gum and gum trial) to assess gait and balance and their relationship with pupillometry and, on a second day, ten of the PwP and ten controls returned within 7-14 days for repeat testing to investigate the test-retest reliability of pupillometry alongside gait and balance measures. Results: Significant improvements in …