Physical Therapy Commons^™

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, …

Inpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Post-Operative Quadriparesis Following Posterior Cervical Lamenectomy And Fusion: A Case Report, Kayla A. Christopherson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Spinal hemangioblastoma are benign tumors that compress the surface of the spinal cord. Surgical resection of the hemangioblastoma with a posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion technique is one treatment option. This form of treatment can lead to poor outcomes such as post-operative quadriparesis although rare. The following case study depicts physical therapy interventions use to treat a patient with post-operative quadriparesis for posterior laminectomy and fusion of C6-T2.

Case Description: The patient was a 77-year-old female with complex past medical history and multiple comorbidities. She received inpatient physical therapy for 31 days before transferring to …

Conservative Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of Patient With Atraumatic Anterior Sternoclavicular Joint Subluxation: A Case Report, Fallon N. Hill

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Introduction: Atraumatic Anterior Subluxations of the Sternoclavicular Joint (SCJ) are a rare upper extremity injury that may cause range of motion (ROM) and strength deficits to the shoulder joint due to pain and feelings of instability. There are a variety of approaches for management as with SCJ subluxations, but atraumatic anterior displacements respond mostly to conservative management or masterly neglect.

Case Description: The patient was a 63-year-old female with an atraumatic anterior subluxation of her right side. The patient did not qualify for surgical or physician intervention and was referred to physical therapy for conservative treatment and pain …

A Golf Fitness Program To Develop Clinical Skills In Student Physical Therapists: A Program Proposal, Development And Recommendations For Implementation., Derek Ferebee

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

PROBLEM: Golf is a fast-growing sport that is played by people all around the world of all ages and skill levels. The complexity of the golf swing and varying skill levels of participants leads to increased risk for injury. Acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries can occur to the lumbar spine, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. The injuries are common among amateur, intermediate, and professional golfers. Studies show that the overall rate of injury in golfers is 15-20%. This is a surprisingly high amount of injuries for a low-impact sport. Physical therapists are an important healthcare provider for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries. …

A Case Report Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Jonathan Tyre

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a medical condition with no known cause. Incidence of this condition is 1 to 2 per 100 000 people in the United States. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the person’s nervous system and demyelinates nerves in a person’s body.

Case Description: The patient is a 64-year-old male who received physical therapy services following a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The condition came on with insidious onset and the patient had no signs or symptoms prior to his diagnosis. The patient was evaluated and treated by my clinical …

Case Report Of A 42-Year-Old Male Affected By Plantar Fasciitis, Jenna Baumgartner

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Plantar fasciitis is an irritation of the plantar fascia that causes increased pain and inflammation of the area. Plantar fasciitis affects nearly 1 in 10 people in their lifetime with a high likelihood of reoccurrence. There can be multiple causes but physical therapy (PT) can be crucial for the reduction of pain and return of function. Due to high likelihood of reoccurrence, it is the goal to give patients the tools that they need to self-treat when they experience another bout of plantar fasciitis.

Case Description: The patient was a 42-year-old male who had pain in …

The Effects Of Blood Flow Restriction On Electromyography Activity Of Proximal And Distal Upper Extremity Musculature, Nicole Mazour, Lauren Savageau, Michael Leonhardt, Samuel Helgeson

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Purpose/Hypothesis: Blood flow restriction therapy (BFR) has become a popular means of strength training and intervention used by physical therapists, athletic trainers and body builders. BFR allows for high intensity resistance training at a low intensity training level. It has been shown that BFR increases muscular hypertrophy and strength due to the vascular occlusion that occurs during BFR application. When performing BFR a pressurized tourniquet cuff is applied to the proximal portion of the selected limb. Individuals complete exercise between 20-40% of their 1 repetition maximum (RM) while utilizing the BFR cuff for improvements in muscular strength. Most BFR …

Outpatient Physical Therapy Management Of A Patient With Right Hamstring Strain Injury: A Case Report, Tina M. Belgarde

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose: Hamstring injuries are the most common muscle strains in competitive sports. Insufficient rehabilitation may be attributed to a high occurrence of recurrent hamstring injuries in athletes. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy following a Grade 2 right hamstring injury and discusses the outcomes experienced by the patient.

Case Description: The patient was a 51-year-old Caucasian female athlete who received 6 outpatient physical therapy treatments. She presented with a Grade 2 right hamstring injury after hearing a pop while competing in a tennis tournament.

Interventions: The therapy provided emphasized the use of …

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 …