Physical Therapy Commons^™

Wearable Sensor Efficacy In Detecting Deviations From Normal Gait Patterns: Normative And Mock Pathologic Gait, Kacey Bisienere, Jessica Maddox, Cicely Fabiano

DPT Capstones

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of the Smart Wireless Motion Sensors (SWMS) in detecting deviations or abnormalities in gait between normative and traumatic brain injury (TBI) data.

Subjects: We recruited participants from the faculty and students in the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. Inclusion criteria for participation in the study consisted of (a) current faculty and staff in UTEP’s DPT program, (b) 18 years old or older, (c) ambulatory, (d) no history of TBI or any other condition affecting gait and (e) English speaking. Participants were …

Dry Needling As An Alternative Physical Therapy Treatment For Patients With Cervicogenic Headaches: A Systematic Review, Justin Esparza, Bianca Magallanes, Alexis Mendez

DPT Capstones

Background: There has been an increase in prevalence in cervicogenic headaches (CGH) which is commonly accompanied by neck pain, decreased cervical range of motion (ROM), and other symptoms related to neck movement.

Purpose: The objective of this systematic review was to compare manipulation/mobilization versus dry needling (DN) to determine which treatment is most effective in improving pain intensity, ROM, and frequency in individuals with CGH.

Methods: Current literature was retrieved from a search using Pubmed and EBSCO (Medline) databases. The following keywords were used to guide searches: “cervicogenic” “headache” “neck pain” “dry needling” “manipulation” “mobilization” “manual therapy”. After filtering, 10 …

Effectiveness Of Telehealth Physical Therapy Compared To In-Person Physical Therapy On Pain And Disability In Patients With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Case Series, Leslie Porras, Andres Fernandez, Sebastian Garcia, Troy Belcher

DPT Capstones

Background: Physical therapy is a successful treatment option for non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP). Telehealth physical therapy (TPT) is a beneficial treatment option for various musculoskeletal conditions, but its effectiveness in treating NCLBP remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of TPT compared to in-person physical therapy (IPT) on pain and disability in patients with NCLBP.

Methods: Data were extracted from electronic medical records of adults with NCLBP who received care between June 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021. Patients included males or females who were 18 years or older, had NCLBP, and received …

Do Esports Gamers Differ From Non-Esports Gamers In Posture, Pain, And Range Of Motion?, Erick Sorto, Kendall Pieper, Ronald Ramon

DPT Capstones

Objective: The purpose of this research study is to compare posture, pain and range of motion (ROM) between young adult eSports gamers and non-esports gamers with similar sitting hours throughout an average week.

Methods: Subjects were recruited using social media and physical posts that included a screening survey. In total, 13 potential subjects were screened and 12 met the eligibility criteria. A total of four subjects were recruited to be assessed. Subjects were placed in either the eSports (N=2) or Control group (N=2) based on screening. Subjects were measured for ROM, posture, and pain characteristics. Independent sample t-tests and Pearson’s …

The Effects Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding On The Balance Of A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case Study, Liliana De Castro

DPT Capstones

Objective: Therapeutic riding is an emerging tool used by rehabilitation professionals to treat individuals with disabilities. Although recent studies suggest important benefits for this population, the groups represented, and the outcomes studied, in existing literature are limited. Namely, current scholarship focuses on individuals with cerebral palsy, or measures therapeutic outcomes linked to cognitive function in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The purpose of this case study is to highlight the gross motor benefits that this intervention provided for a child with autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: The subject was a 12-year-old boy who was diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorder. …

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic And A Physical Therapy Program On Students’ Health Outcomes, Kristin Moreno, Caitlyn Ferguson, Vanessa Garcia

DPT Capstones

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of everyday life including school, fitness regimens, and social interactions. The purpose of this study is to understand how COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular and mental health of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students as they progress through the program.

Materials and Methods: Data collection occurred in 16 DPT students over a total of 3 visits from 2020 – 2022. Outcome measures included VO2max, Venous Occlusion Plethysmography (VOP), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A RM-ANOVA with pairwise comparisons was utilized. Significance was set prior at an α level of …

Comparison Of Aquatic And Land-Based Rehabilitation In Post-Stroke Patients For Balance And Gait: A Systematic Review, Guillermo Mota, Halil Rodriguez, Edgar Hinojosa, Rebeca Baeza

DPT Capstones

Introduction. Cerebral vascular accidents (CVA), or stroke, can lead to impairments in strength, range of motion (ROM), balance, cognition, sensory integrity, and motor function. These several impairments all contribute to a decline in dynamic and static balance among stroke patients. Traditional rehabilitation for stroke involves land-based therapy (LB) techniques addressing impairments within each individual patient. Aquatic therapy (AQ) has also been utilized for rehabilitation in stroke and has been found to be beneficial among stroke patients. The purpose of this Systematic Review (SR) is to compare the effect of AQ and LB therapies on balance and gait. The rehabilitation programs …

The Efficacy Of Mirror Therapy On Lower Extremity Function, Gait, And Balance In Hemiparetic Individuals Post-Stroke: A Systematic Review, Van Tran, Mauricio Calvo, Valerie Fairley

DPT Capstones

Objective: Common residual impairments of the lower extremity following a stroke include hemiparesis, inability or difficulty with walking, decreased walking speed, or decreased balance with ambulation. Mirror therapy is a recognized intervention for stroke rehabilitation that aims to facilitate functional motor recovery of a paretic limb. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of mirror therapy in combination with conventional stroke rehabilitation interventions on lower extremity function, gait and balance in hemiparetic individuals recovering from stroke.

Methods: A systematic search of the current literature was performed using MEDLINE, PEDro and PubMed to identify studies concerning mirror therapy …

Treatment Of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: A Case Study, Baylee Ann Reiser

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive and debilitating disease that can lead to bony involvement or deformity. Common symptoms of PTTD include medial ankle and foot pain and acquired flat foot deformity. The purpose of this case study is to examine physical therapy interventions in a patient with chronic PTTD.

Case Description. This case study describes the 15-week physical therapy management in an outpatient clinic for a 34-year-old female with unstaged PTTD presenting with pain, decreased range of motion, strength deficits and muscle imbalance, impaired balance, and impaired gait. The patient lived a …

Rehabilitation Of A Patient Diagnosed With Dermatomyositis In A Skilled Nursing Facilty: A Case Report, Chance D. Halvorson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Dermatomyositis is a disease of unknown origin that results in skin rashes and muscle wasting that can lead to significant respiratory issues and loss of function. This case report describes the response following functional training in a bedridden patient who recently reported to a skilled nursing facility.

Case Description: The patient was a 78-year-old male who was previously diagnosed with dermatomyositis that rapidly progressed after being hospitalized for over 4 months. The patient had a complicated past medical history and a difficult socioeconomic background.

Intervention: The plan of care was focused around promoting independence …

The Correlation Between The Season Of Birth And Early Child Development In Healthy Children: Evidence From The Midwestern Region Of The United States: A Pilot Study, Elizabeth G. Bodensteiner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Research has been conducted in countries like Japan and China assessing the impact of various factors on gross motor development. One variable that has been researched and discussed within studies in other countries is the relationship between gross motor development and birth season. This study aimed to address the impact of birth season on gross motor development, specifically within the Midwestern region of the United States. There is limited research regarding this topic within the Midwestern region of the United States.

Materials and Methods: Parents of 114 children completed self-reports on their children’s gross and …

Association Of Generalized Joint Hypermobility And Occurrence Of Musculoskeletal Injury In Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy Students, Katie A. Harris

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background: Previous studies have found a higher rate of hypermobility among physical and occupational therapy students compared to the rate of hypermobility within the general public. Hypermobility has been linked to increased injury rates. This raises the question of the influence hypermobility has on injury type and recurrence.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to examine the rate of hypermobility and injury history among physical and occupational therapy students. The injury type and frequency of those with hypermobility was compared to those without hypermobility to determine if there was a relationship. The Foot Posture Index was used …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Treatment Of Patient With Spondylosis: A Case Study, Paige B. Kropuenske

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: In the United States low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes for individuals to reach out to health care professionals. LBP is often associated with a diagnosis of spondylosis. Spondylosis is present in about 80% of peoples in the United States. The prevalence of spondylosis continues to increase without a definite cure or form of treatment. Overall, exercise and intervention have proven to decrease symptoms of pain of those with spondylosis. However, success of treatment may see large variables in success. Further research into specific treatment interventions may be warranted to decrease chronic …

Periacetabular Osteotomy With Tibial Derotation And Fai Repairs As A Treatment For Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia In An Athlete: A Case Study, Marlie M. Maanum

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: This case study details a 16-year-old patient following periacetabular osteotomy surgery with labral repair and tibial derotation. In reading this case, you will learn about interventions performed and ideas to consider for any patient hoping to return to sports following orthopedic procedures.

Case Description: Throughout the rehabilitation there was a large focus on the patient returning to sports, specifically basketball. The physical therapy prescription focused on mobility and strengthening of the entire lower extremity due to this surgery’s aggressive nature at the ankle and hip joint. It is accepted throughout the orthopedic world that there …

The Effect Of Physical Therapy Intervention On Fatigue, Balance, Depression And Quality Of Life In Clients Following Medical Treatment For Cancer: A Pilot Study, Mckenna N. Johnson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

People who are diagnosed with cancer and undergo radiation or chemotherapy treatment are at great risk for developing long-term side effects such as fatigue, balance deficits, depression, and decreased quality of life months and even years following treatment. With approximately 16.9 million people in the United States with a history of invasive cancer, and an expected steady increase in this number in the coming years, a better understanding of these side effects and how they can be treated would be instrumental for health care professionals. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of exercise intervention on fatigue, …

Memory In Motion: Dance And Movement Therapy In Older Adults With Alzheimer's And Related Dementia, Ashley Picard

Senior Honors Projects

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is caused by progressive neurodegenerative changes in the brain that alters one’s memory, attention, and language. As cognitive function decreases, people with dementia experience deficits in mobility, resulting in muscle stiffness and rigidity that debilitates their personhood. Therefore, an appropriate approach that creates a stimulating, pressure-free environment to encourage those with Alzheimer’s to move can help them have a renewed quality of life, positive behavior changes, and decreased anxiety. More specifically, incorporating dance-based exercises that utilize rhythmization, cognitive integration, social inclusion, and improvisation can be a holistic and practical approach …

Association Between Rural Background And Physical Therapist Practice Location, Caitlin Parker, Jace-Anne Sharp

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis To examine the association between physical therapists’ rural background and their decision to practice in a rural setting. We hypothesized that years of rural upbringing and size of hometown would be related to rural practice. Number of Subjects 257 physical therapists who graduated from one of two physical therapy programs in the Western United States between 2000 and 2020. Materials and Methods A survey was emailed to 19 physical therapy schools consisting of questions regarding participants’ background, demographics, and job history. We collected total number of years of practice and total years of rural practice. Length of practice varied, …

The Effects Of Exercise Training On Gait In Adults With Down Syndrome, Anna Lois Aquino, Sandra Daugherty, Alex Palko

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: Down syndrome (Ds) is a genetic disorder in which the individual carries an extra copy of chromosome 21 resulting in mental and physical disabilities and risk of major health conditions. A high prevalence of gait pattern dysfunction occurs in adults with Ds due to muscle hypotonia, ligamentous laxity, joint hypermobility, and altered development of musculoskeletal structure, which often lead to increased falls and fear of falling. The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters between adults with Ds and age-matched controls, as well as studying the effects of a 12-week Ds-specific …

Lumbopelvic Biomechanics And Muscle Performance In Individuals With Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation: Implications For Lower Back Pain, Jason Ciccotelli

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many people with lower extremity amputation (LEA) experience lower back pain (LBP). The amount of pain they experienced can be debilitating and severely interferes with activities of daily living. Previous studies have explored LBP in populations without LEA, and the evidence is also growing within the limb loss population. However, the mechanism for the high prevalence of LBP after LEA remains unclear. The lower back muscles, specifically the multifidi muscles, play an important role in stabilization of the spine during motion, and LBP has been associated with decreased mobility in patient populations, but the degree of dysfunction in the spinal …

Cortical Effects Of Wrist Tendon Vibration During An Arm Tracking Task In Chronic Stroke Survivors: An Eeg Study, Dylan B. Snyder, Scott A. Beardsley, Allison S. Hyngstrom, Brian D. Schmit

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The purpose of this study was to characterize changes in cortical activity and connectivity in stroke survivors when vibration is applied to the wrist flexor tendons during a visuomotor tracking task. Data were collected from 10 chronic stroke participants and 10 neurologically-intact controls while tracking a target through a figure-8 pattern in the horizontal plane. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure cortical activity (beta band desynchronization) and connectivity (beta band task-based coherence) with movement kinematics and performance error also being recorded during the task. All participants came into our lab on two separate days and performed three blocks (16 trials …