Physical Therapy Commons^™

Stroke Increases Motor Output Variability During Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contractions Of Knee Extensor Muscles In Adults, Zhilun Zhou, Stephanie Christine Wolfe, Brian Schmit, Matthew J. Durand, Sandra Hunter, Allison Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Greater motor output variability (MOV, inconsistency and unsteadiness) during submaximal tasks post stroke is associated with poorer motor performance. However, little is known about MOV during maximal tasks and relationships with clinical measures of motor performance among stroke survivors. This study determined inconsistency (across discrete attempts) and unsteadiness (within a single attempt) during knee extension maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) in stroke survivors and neurotypical controls. Forty-three stroke survivors (28 female) and 31 age-matched neurotypical controls (15 female) performed a minimum of five knee extension MVICs with paretic and non-paretic legs (stroke) or dominant leg (controls). Inconsistency was calculated as …

A Scarring Experience: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation As A Palliative Approach In Colorectal Cancer Survivorship, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Mary Garcia, Leanne Jackson

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a case study and discussion of pelvic floor rehabilitation in its palliative utility specifically for colorectal cancer survivorship which will be presented at the MD Anderson Survivorship Research Retreat conference.

Upper Extremity Return To Sport Functional Testing: A Systematic Review, Marisa Pontillo, Eric Bellm, Patrick Barber, Matthew L. Gauthier, Casey A. Unverzagt, George J. Davies

Physical Therapy Faculty Publications

Background: Upper extremity return to sport (RTS) assessments are not standardized with respect to which metrics to use, if the metrics are appropriate for all populations and levels of competition, and what constitutes good or poor test performance. Subsequently, clinicians may utilize suboptimal metrics to evaluate RTS readiness, or forgo objective criteria altogether. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties (reliability, agreement/measurement error, hypothesis testing/construct validity, criterion/predictive validity, responsiveness) of upper extremity functional tests used to assess RTS readiness.

Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, with all studies included assessed via the PEDro scale. Literature …

Differences And Changes In Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Of German And Japanese Students Before And After Short-Term Exchange Programs, Kazumasa Nakagawa, Yuko Takahashi, Melanie Zwiorek

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Since 2012, a Japanese and a German university have conducted exchange programs. This study examined the effects of a short-term exchange program in 2023, focusing on intercultural sensitivity. Nine Japanese students and nine German students completed a 24-item Intercultural Sensitivity Scale before and after the program using a 5-point Likert scale. We performed cross-tabulations and analyzed differences between countries and pre- and post-program changes using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. The results suggest that even a short-term exchange enhanced Japanese students’ confidence in intercultural interactions and encouraged German students to reflect on their own culture. However, Japanese students showed lower …

A Scarring Experience: Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation As A Novel Palliative Approach In Colorectal Cancer Survivorship, Aryan Dowlatshahi, Leanne Jackson, Mary Garcia

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

This is a discussion of the novel approach of pelvic floor rehabilitation in its utility specifically for colorectal cancer survivorship which will be additionally presented at the MD Anderson Survivorship Research Retreat conference.

The Impact Of Physical Activity And Diet On The Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 In The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review, Benjamin M. Latey, Dustin Bowers, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Generative Artificial Intelligence: Clinical Perceptions And Use In Physical Therapy Practice, Robert Dekerlegand, Malachy Clancy, Alison Bell, Erin Pletcher, Travis Pollen

Department of Physical Therapy Posters

Background and Purpose

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is an innovative technology that is reshaping healthcare with potentials ranging from improved efficiency to advancing personalized medicine.¹
• Ensuring the appropriate use of GenAI in teaching and learning has expanded in academia to also ensure graduates can competently use and partner with this technology in their fields.^2-4
• GenAI needs to be both accepted and adopted for these initiatives to translate into professional practice.
• Use of GenAI in physical therapy (PT) is being explored5,6and though therapists appear to understand aspects of this technology, current perceptions and actual use of GenAI in practice …

Exercise Testing And Training For Individuals With Cystic Fibrosis, Najlaa Zayed Alotaibi

ETDs from 2020-2029

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disease that impacts multiple systems (e.g., respiratory system). Hence, routine cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is recommended to track the disease progression in people with CF. Besides the benefits of exercise testing, exercise training is also beneficial for long-term wellness. It is recommended that people with CF engage in at least 30–60 minutes of aerobic exercise 3 days a week. However, despite the significance of exercise testing and training for people with CF, CPET and exercise training are underutilized in international CF centers. According to the literature, the majority of international CF centers use …

Analysis Of The Effect Of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (Ndt) On Gross Motor Function In Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review, Haunan Naja Izdihar, Aditya Denny Pratama

Jurnal Vokasi Indonesia

Effectiveness of Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) in Children with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Background:
Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) is commonly used in pediatric rehabilitation to improve motor function in children with cerebral palsy, particularly those with spastic diplegia.

Methods:
This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Seven studies published between 2018 and 2024 were identified through electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Crossref.

Results:
The included studies reported improvements in gross motor function, posture, balance, and daily functional independence following NDT, particularly when combined with other therapeutic interventions. However, outcome measures and …

Interprofessional Collaboration In Inpatient Rehabilitation For Patient With Thiamine Deficiency-Related Sensorimotor And Cognitive Deficits – Case Report, Christina Thomas, Tahreem Hashmi, Joanne Delgado-Lebron, Rania Massad

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: We aim to describe the clinical presentation, interprofessional management, and functional outcomes of a patient with thiamine deficiency. Problem: Thiamine deficiency can result in peripheral polyneuropathy and cognitive deficits that limit function and participation. Despite deficits that warrant interprofessional neurorehabilitation, previous reports focus narrowly on medical management. Case: A 36-year-old female was admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with a diagnosis of Guillain Barre. She underwent evaluation by the interprofessional team that revealed cognitive deficits inconsistent with Guillain Barre. Further medical workup identified a thiamine deficiency. Comprehensive treatment included supplementation managed by the physiatrist; promotion of motor learning and neuroplasticity to …

Fear Of Falling: A Collaborative Approach To Treatment, Alexandra Uhren, Celeste Delap, Kate Jansen

Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration

Purpose: Physical Therapy (PT) and Behavioral Health (BH) often overlap in patient care; however, collaborative treatment is always not utilized by providers. This case study details the interdisciplinary treatment of a 69-year-old female with a fear of falling; emphasizing the importance of interprofessional collaborative care in treating Fear of Falling (FOF) in individuals at risk for fall-related injury with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and PT interventions.

Problem: FOF is common among older adults and can result in physical, psychological, and social consequences (Lee & Tak, 2023; MacKay et al., 2021). Patients at risk of fall-related injury experience decreased self-confidence in …

National Survey Of Physical Therapists’ Participation As Health Educators In Physical Activity Promotion Among Older Adults, Casey Nicole Mokres

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Physical inactivity among older adults remains a major national and global public health concern linked to preventable morbidity, mortality, and rising healthcare costs. Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to promote physical activity (PA) through health education, yet their engagement in this role is not well defined. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined associations between clinical practice factors—years of experience, board certification status, and practice setting—and three domains of the theoretical domains framework (knowledge, skills, and behavioral regulation) related to PA promotion among older adults. The framework guided identification of behavioral and contextual factors influencing therapists’ delivery of PA promotion interventions. Data …

Enhancing Stroke Recovery: A Proposal To Implement Self-Efficacy Strategies In Rehabilitation, Ariana M. Allen, Elliott P. Mcneely

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Self-efficacy is a critical predictor of rehabilitation success in stroke survivors, influencing motivation, therapy adherence, and functional recovery. This study will investigate the current use of structured self-efficacy enhancement programs (SEEPs) by healthcare professionals in post-stroke rehabilitation settings. Guided by Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory, this proposal outlines a study that will include a comprehensive literature review and suggestions for further research. It will explore the frequency and methods of SEEP use, including goal setting, motivational feedback, and graded task planning. Data would be analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings are expected to identify usage patterns, barriers, and opportunities to …

From Fog To Function: An Occupational Therapist's Guide To Evaluating And Treating Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments, Lauren E. Toner

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cancer – related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common side effect of cancer treatment that interferes with cancer survivors’ occupational performance, independence, and quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, CRCI remains under recognized and inconsistently addressed within oncology care. About 70% of individuals diagnosed with cancer report cognitive changes during or after treatment, yet many do not receive treatment. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to evaluate and treat functional cognition, activities of daily activities, instrumental activities of daily living, and client centered goals, positioning them as key providers in addressing CRCI. However, limited occupational therapy specific resources have hindered …

Advancing Interprofessional Communication: Preliminary Outcomes Of A Novel Collaboration Framework In A Student Head Injury Clinic, Natalia Noce, Kelly Ann Pena, Susan Paparella, Andrew Lynch, Erin Keller, Aaron Dallman, Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

When healthcare providers practice interprofessional practice, care improves, and medical errors are reduced. Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) principles and the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Patient Performance and Safety (TeamSTEPPS®) frameworks are utilized in healthcare education to develop interprofessional collaborative practice skills, but there is little understanding of how these skills change over time. We sought to evaluate the development of interprofessional collaborative practice skills by examining graduate occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology students' first-hand reports of their experiences over time in an interprofessional head injury clinic. We employed an applied interpretive qualitative research approach longitudinally collecting …

Early Cerebral Palsy Risk Screening Through Wearable Accelerometry In Infants Under Nine Weeks, Ryan Jacobson, Pablo Burgos

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The General Movement Assessment (GMA) according to Prechtl’s method has the best predictive value for early detection of Cerebral Palsy (CP) in infants under 5 months of age. However, access to specialists in this assessment is scarce, particularly in lower and middle-income countries. The main objective was to determine the better accelerometric features for distinguishing spontaneous movements of infants with risk factors for CP (RF), and healthy controls (HC), under 9 weeks. We carried out a cross-sectional study. General movements (GMs) were recorded in 48 infants under 9 weeks of age, 12 RF and 36 HC, using an instrumented assessment …

Integrating Ai-Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging Into A First-Semester Dpt Course: A Mixed-Methods Study Of Learner Perceptions And Palpation Self-Efficacy, Michael Morgan, Jeb Helms, John Imundi

Health Professions Education

Purpose: Accurate palpation skills and three-dimensional anatomical understanding are foundational outcomes of entry-level physical therapist education; however, novice learners often struggle to translate static anatomical knowledge into applied palpation experiences. Ultrasound imaging (USI) offers real-time visualization of living anatomy, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced features may further support novice learners by scaffolding anatomical orientation. The purpose of this study was to examine first-semester Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) learners’ perceptions of AI-enhanced USI integration related to anatomical understanding, palpation self-efficacy, engagement, and perceived relevance to future practice.

Method: A single-group convergent mixed-methods study was conducted with 60 first-semester DPT learners in …

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity Among Children And Adolescents With And Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Xiao Liang, Raffy C.F. Chan, Justin A. Haegele, Sean Healy, Richard H. Xu, Chang Liu, Ming Chen, Minghui Li, Hui Zhang, Cindy H.P. Sit, David H.K. Shum

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose

Physical inactivity is a health concern for children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) as it directly increases their risk of developing various health problems. Evidence on differences in accelerometer-assessed physical activity between children and adolescents with and without NDDs is inconclusive. And age- and body mass index (BMI)-related effects on physical activity remain unclear.

Methods

The systematic literature searches were performed in 6 databases up to March 2025. Methodological quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Hedges' g was used to express the effect size index with 95 % confidence interval …

The Impact Of An Aquatic Exercise Program On Self-Reported Balance And Confidence On Perceived Fall Risk: A Pilot Study, Antoney Labuschagne, Wesley Hopper, Bailey Watson, Alexis Ignatin, Ashtyn South, Whitney Dupree, Natalie Michaels

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Background: Each year, thousands of people experience one or more episodes of falling, that lead to a lasting impact in function and participation in daily life. Education regarding fall prevention is often focused mainly on the older adult population, but falls can happen at any age. Fear of falling and pain-related fear exists among adults at any age. The focus of this research study was to determine if participation in an aquatic exercise program that focused on balance, core body strength, and cardiopulmonary endurance could be utilized to alleviate the fear of falling and improve performance. Methods: Eight participants completed …

Statins For Primary Prevention Of Variceal Bleeding In Cirrhosis: A Scoping Review, Jason Brumitt

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

Background/Objectives: Variceal bleeding (VB) is a major complication of cirrhosis, marking a progression from a compensated to a decompensated stage of the disease. Previous research has suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called statins, may have therapeutic benefits for those living with cirrhosis, though their exact benefits and role have yet to be elucidated. This scoping review evaluates the potential role of statins in the primary prevention of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis, and if there exists a difference between hydrophilic and lipophilic statins for this indication. Methods: Publications from the last 10 years with primary or secondary outcomes …