Physical Therapy Commons^™

Psychometric Properties Of Segmental Assessment Of Trunk Control In Infants And Toddlers With Down Syndrome., Megan Flores, Katy Mitchell, Christina Bickley, Carolyn P. Da Silva

Physical Therapy Collection

Purpose: This study investigated infants and toddlers with Down syndrome (DS) to determine: reliability of the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo), concurrent validity of the SATCo with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), and whether age and SATCo score predict GMFM score.

Methods: Eighteen infants and toddlers with DS were tested on the SATCo by 2 physical therapist (PT) raters. One PT rater administered the GMFM. After 2 weeks, PT raters rescored their recorded SATCo sessions. A third PT rater also scored the SATCo videos.

Results: Interrater reliability of the SATCo was moderate to good and …

Use, Perceptions, And Awareness Of Libguides Among Undergraduate And Graduate Health Professions Students, John Carey, Ajatshatru Pathak, Sarah C. Johnson

Publications and Research

Objective–This study investigated usage, perceptions, and awareness of library research guides created using Springshare’s LibGuides among undergraduate and graduate health professions students.

Methods–The researchers recruited 100 health professions students in April 2017 from Hunter College, a senior college within the City University of New York system. Participants were asked to complete a paper survey to ascertain their use, perceptions, and awareness of Springhare’s LibGuides.

Results–Nearly two-thirds of study participants were not aware of library-created LibGuides and 68% had never used this tool. Compared to undergraduates, graduate students were more likely to be aware of LibGuides. The use of LibGuides was …

A Comparison Of Denoising Methods In Onset Determination In Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle Activations During Stance, Jian Zhang, Rahul Soangra, Thurmon Lockhart

Physical Therapy Faculty Articles and Research

One of the most basic pieces of information gained from dynamic electromyography is accurately defining muscle action and phase timing within the gait cycle. The human gait relies on selective timing and the intensity of appropriate muscle activations for stability, loading, and progression over the supporting foot during stance, and further to advance the limb in the swing phase. A common clinical practice is utilizing a low-pass filter to denoise integrated electromyogram (EMG) signals and to determine onset and cessation events using a predefined threshold. However, the accuracy of the defining period of significant muscle activations via EMG varies with …

Ca2+ Dependency Of Limb Muscle Fiber Contractile Mechanics In Young And Older Adults, Laura E. Teigen, Christopher W. Sundberg, Lauren J. Kelly, Sandra K. Hunter, Robert H. Fitts

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Age-induced declines in skeletal muscle contractile function have been attributed to multiple cellular factors, including lower peak force (P_o), decreased Ca²⁺ sensitivity, and reduced shortening velocity (V_o). However, changes in these cellular properties with aging remain unresolved, especially in older women, and the effect of submaximal Ca²⁺ on contractile function is unknown. Thus, we compared contractile properties of muscle fibers from 19 young (24 ± 3 yr; 8 women) and 21 older adults (77 ± 7 yr; 7 women) under maximal and submaximal Ca²⁺ and assessed the abundance of three proteins thought to …

Physical Therapy Management For A 68-Year-Old Female Following Right Breast Lumpectomy: A Case Report, Mackenzie Dumm

Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects

Background and Purpose. This case report describes and evaluates the clinical decision-making process, physical therapy interventions, and clinical outcomes of a patient with upper extremity pain and functional limitations that presented following breast cancer treatment including a right breast lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Case Description. The patient was a 68-year-old female who was diagnosed with breast cancer in the right breast and received post-surgical physical therapy simultaneously with radiation therapy.

Intervention. Physical therapy interventions were developed with an emphasis on low intensity and short duration cardiovascular activity, thoracic mobility, upper extremity strengthening, scapular stabilization, scar tissue mobilization, …

Supplementary Material To The Manuscript Titled: Mobile Phone Sensors Can Discern Medication-Related Gait Quality Changes In Parkinson's Patients In A Real-World Setting, Niklas König Ignasiak, Albert Pierce, Vincent Berardi, Wilford K. Eiteman-Pang, Cyril Rakovski

Physical Therapy Faculty Data Sets

This file contains the data that was used to classify high and low quality gait patterns in patients with Parkinson's disease. Acceleration and gyroscope data was recorded with a conventional smartphone in a real-world environment. High (i.e. ON medication) and low (i.e. OFF medication) quality labels were given by a human observer according to medication intake times.

Evaluation Of Repetitive Jumping Intensity On The Digi-Jump Machine, T. Scott Lyons, James W. Navalta, Whitley J. Stone, Scott W. Arnett, Mark A. Schafer, Laura Igaune

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Cardiorespiratory endurance is an important element of aerobic fitness, particularly in weight management and reducing risk for cardiovascular disease. While there are numerous options for aerobic exercise, rope jumping is often overlooked. In addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, the American Heart Association strongly recommends rope jumping. The first purpose of this study was to determine the steady state metabolic cost of repetitive jumping on the Digi-Jump machine to evaluate whether exercise on this device is more or less strenuous than similar exercise with a jump rope, as demonstrated in previous literature. A second purpose was to determine …

Implementing The Hodgson Red Yellow Green Mobilization Consensus Recommendation In A Medical And Surgical Icu: A Retrospective Study Exploring The Effectiveness Of An Early Mobilization Decision Protocol In Icu, Swati Patel

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Background: More than 4 million people are admitted annually to intensive care units (ICUs). Due to immobility, many ICU survivors experience significant cognitive, psychological, and physically disabling side effects regardless of admitting diagnosis. Multiple studies and quality improvement projects have shown the safety, feasibility, and benefits of early mobilization in the ICU setting. Hodgson et al (2014) published consensus recommendations for safe active mobilization of mechanically ventilated critically ill adults. To date, there is no standardized and simple triage protocol for identifying patients for early mobilization. No study so far has described operationalizing and implementing the Red-Yellow-Green system described …

Association Between Patient Ability In Activities Of Daily Living At Hospital Admission And Key Indicators, Stephanie Rosen, Amber Steele

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Illness and inactivity in the hospital frequently leads to disability that can reduce quality of life and increase costs. Early identification of people with limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) who are at risk for poor outcomes such as increased length of stay (LOS), hospital acquired conditions (i.e., falls and pressure injuries (PIs)), and discharge away from home can facilitate appropriate intervention. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care Inpatient Activity Short Form (AM-PAC IASF), a reliable and valid tool to measure ADL limitations, is scored at admission for all patients in our hospital. The purpose of this study …

Reliability Of The Lateral Reach Test In People With Unilateral Transfemoral Amputations, Stephen Hill, Samantha Leonard, Elizabeth Vianey Trujillo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Lateral reach testing has been established as useful in quantifying stability and fall-risk for older populations without limb loss,1 and has potential for providing useful information about fall-risk, recovery, and rehabilitation of individuals after unilateral trans-femoral amputation. Investigators sought to determine the feasibility and reliability of the Lateral Reach Test (LRT) in people with unilateral trans-femoral amputations. Nine individuals, aged 20-68, with a unilateral trans-femoral amputation were recruited for this study. Two females and seven males participated, and the average height and weight for the group was 167cm and 76kg, respectively. Three participants had right trans-femoral amputations while six had …

Partnering With The Nevada Physical Therapy Association To Improve Pt/Pta Engagement, Rachel Cooklin, Joshua Cooper, Madison Luna

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is the professional organization that represents Physical Therapy and exists to promote the needs of society by advocating access and availability of all Physical Therapy services. The Nevada Physical Therapy Association (NVPTA) is a chapter of the APTA that represents the Physical Therapy profession in Nevada. In 2017, only 38.9% of licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) and 7.9% of licensed Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) practicing in Nevada were members of the NVPTA. Objective: The purpose of this service-learning project was to explore membership trends in the NVPTA, explore why membership amongst PTAs is low, …

Physical Therapy After Amputation In Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Quantitative And Qualitative Interview Study, Amanda Ferraro, Jennifer Gorton, Lindsey Horn, Michaela Kubo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate participation in physical therapy in older adults after lower extremity limb loss. The secondary objective was to examine the associations between physical therapy attendance, fear of falling avoidance behavior, self-perceived prosthetic mobility, and mental well-being. Number of Subjects: 64 Materials and Methods: Community-dwelling older adults with amputation were recruited and individually interviewed. The data collection consisted of four surveys (Physical Therapy after Amputation Patient Perception Survey, Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36v2], Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire [PEQ, mobility group], and Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire [FFABQ]). Participants' demographic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Participant comments were qualitatively categorized. …

Patient, Student, And Faculty Perceptions Of A Student Led Pro-Bono Education And Treatment Based Back School For Uninsured Nevadans, James Tingey, Daniel Tiano, Rebecca Templeton, Meagan Duncan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Importance: To determine feasibility and benefits of student led back school in an underserved population. Perceptions were positive support benefits for all participants. Objective: To evaluate perceived benefits for uninsured participants, students, and faculty with implementation of an evidence based, student led back school. Design: Eight DPT students created curriculum delivered over two days of two-hour classes, one week apart including screening and abbreviated evaluation of LBP, group education, specific exercise selection, and home exercise program assignment. Following first session, analysis performed to improve subsequent sessions. Setting: Cooperative effort between the pro bono clinic, Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, …

Effects Of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation On Gait And Balance Post-Stroke, Leonard Ubalde, Jordon Jacklin, Peyton Hobson, Sara Wright-Avila

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Non-invasive brain stimulation is effective in combination with traditional physical therapy to facilitate motor performance in patients who recently survived a stroke. Current literature has focused on transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation efficacy for improving the completion of fine motor tasks in the upper extremities. However, there is a lack of current evidence regarding the efficacy of this therapy in the lower extremities. Objective: To measure the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on lower extremity clinical outcomes in patients who had a stroke including gait speed, functional reach, and balance. Methods: Randomized control trial in …

The Effectiveness Of Implementing A Collegiate Dance Clinic At The University Of Nevada, Las Vegas, Quinn Williams, Kristin Allman, Matthew Mcarthur, Ryan Yim

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Screenings are commonly employed in athletics to identify deficits in performance with the goal of providing interventions to decrease injury risk; however, their utilization is uncommon in collegiate dance programs. Therefore, the purpose of this service learning project was to address the needs of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) dance program through implementation of an injury screening and prevention clinic for collegiate-level dancers. Four second year Doctor of Physical Therapy students (SPTs) supervised by a clinical faculty member with dance medicine expertise researched, developed, and provided screenings to identify increased risk for dance-specific injuries, and education to decrease …

Brain Volumes And Dual-Task Performance Correlates Among Individuals With Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis, Jon Basterrechea, Daniel Krist, Caitlin Moreland, Morgan Wise

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a prevalent condition characterized by loss of brain volume and changes in cognition, motor function, and dual-tasking ability. Objective: To examine associations between brain volumes, dual task performance, and gait and balance in those with CI to elucidate the mechanisms underlying loss of function. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with CI and compared brain volumes, dual task performance, and measures of gait and balance. Results: Greater cognitive function and combined dual task effect (DTE) is associated with smaller brain volumes. In contrast, greater motor DTE is associated with larger …

Comparisons Of Patellar Bone Mineral Density Between Individuals With And Without Patellofemoral Pain, Chris Khuu, Allina Cummins, Steven Shepherd

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Although bone stress injuries have been reported in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP), especially within the lateral patella, it remains unclear whether persons with PFP exhibit altered patellar regional bone mineral density (BMD). The primary purpose of this study was to compare BMD of the patella (lateral, medial, and total regions) between individuals with and without PFP using quantitative computed tomography (QCT). The secondary aim was to examine the associations between patellar regional BMD and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) alignment. Methods: Ten individuals with retropatellar pain and 10 sex, age, weight, height, and activity matched pain-free controls underwent a QCT …

Patient And Facility Perceptions On The Feasibility Of A Student-Run Pro-Bono Back-School For Uninsured Patients With Low Back Pain, Javier Ascanio-Pellon, Sofia Cruz, Lauren Liebert, Trevor Pacuk

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

A. Background of Knowledge: Nevada ranks 8th highest in uninsured population in the United States. People who are uninsured may be more affected by low back pain (LBP) than their insured counterparts. Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada (VMSN), a non-profit organization, serves uninsured people in Nevada. VMSN partnered with UNLV Physical Therapy (UNLVPT) to provide a back-school for patients. UNLVPT proposed a service-learning model to provide both education and treatment for VMSN patients with LBP. B. Purpose: The purpose of this community-based research project is to create and implement a student-run pro-bono back-school for uninsured individuals with LBP in …

Fall Prevention Service-Learning Project, Alexis Mansoor, Kendra Morrison, Jeremy Nordfelt, Cheng Yang Tu

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The purpose of this service-learning project was to: 1) reduce falls in the Las Vegas, Nevada community by implementing the Stepping On fall prevention program and 2) to investigate the effect of planning and implementing a service learning project (SLP) on physical therapy (PT) students’ education and professional development. Description: Under the supervision of our advisor, we planned and organized this SLP, became certified leaders of Stepping On, recruited and screened older adults using the STEADI fall risk screening tool, and facilitated the program at a local community hospital. We facilitated group discussion and instructed the exercises outlined in …

Dosage, Mode, And Timing Of Acute Care Physical Therapy: A Scoping Review, Brendan Acosta, Bradley Goins

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Aims and Objectives: 1) To synthesize available evidence for mode, dosage, and timing of physical therapy in the acute care hospital setting. 2) To report the evidence about the effects of mode, dosage, and timing of physical therapy in the acute care hospital setting on LOS, associated costs, and PT-related outcomes. Background: Hospital based physical therapy quality depends on providing evidence-based interventions, however, the research regarding dosage, mode, and timing of physical therapy in the acute care hospital setting has not been synthesized for patient populations except for total joint arthroplasties or patients in the ICU. Design: A systematic search …