Carrick Institute Research Articles

GAIT AND STABILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN A PATIENT WITH CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY FOLLOWING FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGIC INTERVENTIONS

Event Abstract Back to Event GAIT AND STABILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN A PATIENT WITH CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY FOLLOWING FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGIC INTERVENTIONS Jacob Plasker1* and Susan Esposito1 1 Life University, United States Background: A 35 year-old female presented with marked gait disturbances following a fall. Cervical MRI revealed evidence of cord compression from C5-C7 with increased signal indicating degenerative changes. Foot-drop was evident along with severe spasticity of the entire right lower extremity making unassisted ambulation difficult. She reported right hand weakness and that she frequently dropped small items. Gait analysis revealed decreased right arm swing that improved with dual tasking. Other findings included a right grade three finger-tapping test, a functional impairment in rapid alternating movements of the right upper extremity, and complete inability to perform heel-to-shin test on the right due to spasticity. Point localization accuracy was noticeably impaired in both right extremities. Ocular abnormalities included bilateral hypometric saccades, decreased gain of pursuits bilaterally, and inability to hold constriction on light reflex testing bilaterally. Lower extremity myotatic reflexes were 3+ bilaterally and were associated with a midline trunkal titubation. Methods: Patient’s treatment protocol consisted of variable resistance exercises of the right lower extremity and left brain eye exercises. Gait therapy consisting of serial subtraction by threes while listening to rhythmic music through headphones in the right ear. Point localization therapy was also utilized on both the upper and lower extremity. She was treated once a week for three months. Results: The patient was able to ambulate unassisted and more confidently. Spasticity in her right lower extremity was markedly reduced. Her finger tapping grade was reduced to 1. Pupillary light reflex held for two seconds bilaterally. Point localization errors decreased from approximately 4 to 1.5 inches, and the patient was able to perform heel to shin testing. Myotatic reflexes remained unchanged at 3+, but the amplitude of the simultaneous titubation was markedly decreased. Conclusions: In this case we saw marked improvements in functional gait outcomes that were achieved even in the presence of gross anatomical degeneration. More research into the mechanism underlying these processes is warranted. Acknowledgements Special thanks to the instructors at the Carrick institute and Life University for their guidance and commitment to first class education and training. Keywords: Functional Neurology, Cervical myelopathy, Gait Disorders, Neurologic, Neurorehabilitation, Clinical Neuroscience Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Plasker J and Esposito S (2015). GAIT AND STABILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN A PATIENT WITH CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY FOLLOWING FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGIC INTERVENTIONS. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00038 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 31 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Mr. Jacob Plasker, Life University, marietta, ga, 30060, United States, jplasker@student.life.edu Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Jacob Plasker Susan Esposito Google Jacob Plasker Susan Esposito Google Scholar Jacob Plasker Susan Esposito PubMed Jacob Plasker Susan Esposito Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Brain-based Clinical Approach to a Patient with Post Concussive Syndrome and Dysautonmia

Event Abstract Back to Event Brain-based Clinical Approach to a Patient with Post Concussive Syndrome and Dysautonmia Matthew M. Antonucci1, 2, Chris M. Sass1, 2* and Brian J. Sass1, 2 1 Plasticity Brain Centers, United States 2 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States Presentation A 22 year old female visited our clinic in Atlanta, GA from 8/22/2015 to 8/25/2015. She presented with the main complaint of severe exhaustion/fatigue, anxiety, fogginess, visual disturbances, sound sensitivity, dizziness, and headaches. Assessment The main physical exam findings were as follows: Her blood pressure increased from 106bpm to 122bpm from supine to standing, with an exacerbation of symptoms upon standing as well. The right eye developed a down beating nystagmus during passive head rolls, and fundiscopical exam revealed an ocular bobbing response (2 Hz) in the vertical plane in darkenss. The patient had a right efferent pupillary defect, observed only during the indirect light response. A small amplitude tremor was observed on the left side with the arms in a wing beating position. Pinwheel responses were increased on the right face and left body distributions. Sound lateralized to the right ear during Weber’s test. During vertical pursuit activity with the eyes, saccadic intrusions were present. Right finger tap testing was given a grade III with hesitations. The patient elicited exaggerated plantar responses with a withdrawal response on the right. Otoscope exam revealed vegetation on both tympanic membranes. During gait, the patient had a decreased right arm swing with left UE cantilever response that switched to the right side during dual tasking. CAPS balance scores with eyes closed and on a perturbed surface had a stability score of 48%. She fell with her eyes closed and head extended. Impression She exhibited the signs and symptoms associated with a post concussive syndrome complicated with a centrally maintained vestibulopathy and dysautonomia. Intervention Based on the above findings, we started a course of treatment including tilt table therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, eye exercises, and repetitive peripheral somatosensory stimulation. The treatment comprised of chair rotations, gaze stability with head movements, and iPad exercises. Outcome At the end of our 4 day treatment, she had complete resolution of her dysautonomia symptomatology, normal finger tapping bilaterally, improved gait, as well as improvements energy, balance, independent activities. She did not fall during CAPS testing and her stability score with eyes closed on a perturbed surface improved to 72%. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Dr. Frederick Carrick and the Carrick Institute of Graduate Studies for the training and clinical neuroscience. The authors would like to also thank Dr. Marc Ellis for the temporary utilization of his facilities for which this patient was seen and treated. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Kelsey Brenner, Dr. Stuart Rutledge, Dr. Lon Kalapp, Dr. Eduardo Fontana, Dr. Ben Berendt for their assistance in patient treatment References N/A Keywords: TBI, Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, posturography, Brain Injury, neurological rehabilitation, dysautonomia, POTS Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Clinical aspects of TBI and Neurodegeneration Citation: Antonucci MM, Sass CM and Sass BJ (2015). Brain-based Clinical Approach to a Patient with Post Concussive Syndrome and Dysautonmia. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00085 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 10 Sep 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Chris M Sass, Plasticity Brain Centers, Orlando, United States, sasschr1@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Matthew M Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Matthew M Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Scholar Matthew M Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass PubMed Matthew M Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

TREATMENT OF POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME (PCS) WITH HEMI-NEGLECT FOLLOWING MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (mTBI) IN A HOCKEY PLAYER: A CASE STUDY

Event Abstract Back to Event TREATMENT OF POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME (PCS) WITH HEMI-NEGLECT FOLLOWING MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (mTBI) IN A HOCKEY PLAYER: A CASE STUDY Frederick R. Carrick1, 2*, Benjamin R. Behrendt1, 3* and Amber Rayo3 1 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States 2 University of Cambridge (BCMHR-CU), Senior Research Fellow of Bedfordshire Centre for Mental Health Research, United Kingdom 3 NeuroWorks Healthcare LLC, United States Background: A thirty-seven-year-old professional male hockey player was referred our clinic for ongoing left-sided hemi-neglect syndrome which stemmed from repeated concussions/mTBI injuries during play. Main concussions include: slap shot to his infraorbital area and an elbow blow to his posterior head. His symptoms were perceived as ongoing fogginess, visual field reduction, instability (especially feeling of falling backward), incoordination on stairs, depression, left-sided hemi-neglect including: motor and sensory loss, and stiffness. Methods: Diagnostic, pre/post assessments were performed with videonystagmography (VNG), computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) and neurological physical examinations. Examination confirmed a post concussion syndrome with centrally maintained vestibulopathy. Oculomotor programs, left-sided manipulation procedures, specific hockey drills and complex motor skill training were introduced with a graduated vestibular/brain based protocol utilizing multi-axis labyrinthine and otolithic stimulation (increasing duration and including pitch) over a six-day period intensive multi-day therapy. Results: Stability scores improved mainly with ability to maintain an upright stance with head positioned in extension on a perturbed surface during CDP; improving 47.6%, VNG testing revealed improved oculomotility, on-ice hockey accuracy and drills improved with less fatigue, and left-sided neglect symptoms improved. Conclusion: A brain based rehabilitation program to recalibrate central structures may be used to help improve functional outcomes in individuals who suffer PCS and mTBI. Authors suggest further investigation into this treatment in sports-related concussions. Keywords: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), post concussion syndrome (PCS), Vestibular Rehabilitation, Off Vertical Axis Rotation (OVAR), sports concussion, Hockey Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Clinical aspects of TBI and Neurodegeneration Citation: Carrick FR, Behrendt BR and Rayo A (2015). TREATMENT OF POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME (PCS) WITH HEMI-NEGLECT FOLLOWING MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (mTBI) IN A HOCKEY PLAYER: A CASE STUDY. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00041 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Prof. Frederick R Carrick, Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920, United States, drfrcarrick@gmail.com Dr. Benjamin R Behrendt, NeuroWorks Healthcare LLC, Marietta, GA, United States, drben@neuroworkshealthcare.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Amber Rayo Google Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Amber Rayo Google Scholar Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Amber Rayo PubMed Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Amber Rayo Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

RETURN TO PLAY FOR A HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PERSISTENT POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND HEMI-NEGLECT FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI): A CASE STUDY

Event Abstract Back to Event RETURN TO PLAY FOR A HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PERSISTENT POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND HEMI-NEGLECT FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI): A CASE STUDY Frederick R. Carrick1, 2*, Benjamin R. Behrendt1, 3 and Thomas Schmid4 1 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States 2 Senior Research Fellow of Bedfordshire Centre for Mental Health Research in association with the University of Cambridge (BCMHR-CU), United Kingdom 3 NeuroWorks Healthcare LLC, United States 4 Private Practice, Switzerland Background: A twenty-four year-old professional male hockey player was referred to our clinic approximately one-year post injury. He suffered a TBI (comatose for two weeks with initial Glasgow Scale 3) which included significant musculoskeletal and soft tissue damage (multiple vertebral and rib fractures, liver contusions) after being struck by an automobile as a pedestrian. While he regained function after extensive rehabilitation, he continued to have persistent right hemi-neglect. Methods: Diagnostic pre and post assessments were performed with videonystagmography (VNG), computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) and neurological examinations confirmed a centrally maintained vestibular syndrome. Oculomotor exercises, specific on-ice hockey drills and complex motor skill training were introduced in concert with a graduated vestibular/brain based protocol utilizing multi-axis labyrinthine and otolithic stimulation (increasing duration and including pitch) over fourteen days in a multi-day treatment montage. Results: His balance, station and gait improved to normal range. Stability scores improved overall; specifically, with ability to maintain an upright stance with head in extension on a perturbed surface during CDP revealing 54.7% stability improvement, visual accuracy improved during VNG testing, hockey exercises were more accurate and drills improved. He also had fatiguability during everyday activity, as well as, on-ice hockey drills. Conclusion: Oculomotor therapy, complex motor skill training and vestibular integration utilizing multi-axial labyrinthine and otolithic stimulation may help athletes return to play. Further investigation in this therapy to help individuals with persistent post concussive symptoms associated with centrally maintained vestibular syndromes is warrented. Keywords: Post concussion syndrome, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Hemi-Neglect Syndrome, whole body rotation, Off Vertical Axis Rotation (OVAR), vestibular therapy, vestibulopathy Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Clinical aspects of TBI and Neurodegeneration Citation: Carrick FR, Behrendt BR and Schmid T (2015). RETURN TO PLAY FOR A HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PERSISTENT POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME AND HEMI-NEGLECT FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI): A CASE STUDY. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00063 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 29 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Prof. Frederick R Carrick, Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920, United States, drfrcarrick@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Thomas Schmid Google Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Thomas Schmid Google Scholar Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Thomas Schmid PubMed Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Thomas Schmid Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Recalibration of oculomotor and cerebellar activity to reduce low back pain in a professional tennis player

Event Abstract Back to Event Recalibration of oculomotor and cerebellar activity to reduce low back pain in a professional tennis player Frederick R. Carrick1, 2*, Benjamin R. Behrendt1, 3 and Susan Esposito4 1 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States 2 Senior Research Fellow of Bedfordshire Centre for Mental Health Research in association with the University of Cambridge (BCMHR-CU), United Kingdom 3 NeuroWorks Healthcare LLC, United States 4 Life University, Department of Chiropractic Sciences, United States Background: On-going moderate low back pain (LBP) in a sixteen-year-old world class professional tennis player received neurological care at our clinic. Methods: MRI, CT, and X-RAY findings of his low back were inconclusive except for mild posterior disc bulging at L3/4, L4/5 and L5/S1. Neurological examination revealed abnormal cerebellar output and oculomotor breakdown. Notably, there was right hyperopia, which was reduced with vestibular-ocular head movements (VOR); left coractasia; left accommodation spasm; slower rightward saccades and hypermetric leftward saccades with irregular phase profile and normal re-fixation; initial gaze-shifting downward produced retrocolic activity during normal viewing and during tennis. Cerebellar findings included slower alternating hand movements on the left; sluggish myotatic stretch response (MSR) in his left brachioradialis and left achilles; a right patellar MSR which was pendular. He was treated with multi-axial rotation to affect the vestibular apparatus, brainstem and cortical connections, oculomotor therapy, laser therapy and manual manipulation of joint mechano-receptors. Results: After fourteen days in a multi-day treatment program aberrant eye movements improved: He was able to maintain gaze holding; pursuits at 0.01 Hz were within more normal range; optokinetic responses during saccades improved; his accommodation spasm was absent; spontaneous facial movement was abated; retrocolic neck reactions diminished; V:A ratios improved; low back pain was relieved. Conclusion: Intensive multi-day therapy which incorporates therapies (vestibular, occult-motor, mechanoreceptor stimulation) to improve the reflexogenic systems may help alleviate impairments in athletes. This tennis player’s symptoms were improved and he was able to return to play. The authors recommend further investigation into the utilization of a multi-modal vestibular, ocular and motoric programs to correct performance among athletes. Keywords: Tennis, Low Back Pain, vestibular therapy, Off Vertical Axis Rotation (OVAR), reflexogenic, oculomotor, Eye therapy Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Carrick FR, Behrendt BR and Esposito S (2015). Recalibration of oculomotor and cerebellar activity to reduce low back pain in a professional tennis player. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00045 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Prof. Frederick R Carrick, Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920, United States, drfrcarrick@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Susan Esposito Google Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Susan Esposito Google Scholar Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Susan Esposito PubMed Frederick R Carrick Benjamin R Behrendt Susan Esposito Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

ABSTRACT: IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE CONCUSSIONS

Event Abstract Back to Event ABSTRACT: IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE CONCUSSIONS Matthew Antonucci1, 2*, Chris M. Sass1, 2 and Brian J. Sass1, 2 1 Plasticity Brain Centers, United States 2 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States Background: A 20 year old, male, former high school football player, with a history of 3 concussions, presented with fogginess, sluggishness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, head pressure, and headache of 2-year duration. Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC) severity score was 31/138. Standard Assessment of Cognition (SAC) was scored at 27/30. Trails A (TA) and Trails B (TB) had scores of 22.7 sec and 40.3 seconds respectively; Trails B-A Difference (TB-A) was 17.6 sec. Simple Reaction Time (sRT) and Choice Reaction Time (cRT) latencies were 290 and 366 milliseconds respectively. Static (SVA) and Dynamic (DVA) Visual Acuity was -0.26 LogMAR and -0.06 respectively. Methods: A five-day, multi-modal program of neurological rehabilitation was administered three times per day, for 45 minutes per session. Each session consisted of electrical somatosensory stimulation, neuromuscular reeducation exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, off-vertical axis rotation, and eye exercises. Results: Following the course of treatment, the patient had an overall decrease in GSC severity (-77.4%), increased SAC score (+11.1%), decreased TA time (- 4%), decreased TB time (-15.9%), decreased TB-A time (-31.3%), decreased sRT latency and cRT latency (-5.5% ,-5.5%), and increased SVA and DVA (+38.5%, +400%). Conclusion: Short duration, multi-modal, intensive programs of neurological rehabilitation may be a viable method to improve neurological function, and reduce symptoms in patients with protracted post-concussive disorders. Further investigation in this area is warranted. Keywords: Cognition, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, concussion, TBI Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Antonucci M, Sass CM and Sass BJ (2015). ABSTRACT: IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER WITH MULTIPLE CONCUSSIONS. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00051 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Matthew Antonucci, Plasticity Brain Centers, Orlando, Florida, United States, mantonucci@carrickinstitute.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Scholar Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass PubMed Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

A CASE OF COMPLETE SYMPTOM RESOLUTION AND IMPROVEMENT IN COGNITION IN A 71 YEAR OLD MALE WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE FOLLOWING A 1-WEEK MULTI-MODAL NEURO-REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Event Abstract Back to Event A CASE OF COMPLETE SYMPTOM RESOLUTION AND IMPROVEMENT IN COGNITION IN A 71 YEAR OLD MALE WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE FOLLOWING A 1-WEEK MULTI-MODAL NEURO-REHABILITATION PROGRAM Matthew Antonucci1, 2*, Chris M. Sass1, 2 and Brian J. Sass1, 2 1 Plasticity Brain Centers, United States 2 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States Background: A 71-year-old male presented with a gradual decline in ability “to think, reason, do work, and remember names of people”. He had also noticed a heightened sense of emotionality, cognitive decline, headaches, and neck stiffness. Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC) severity score was 59/138. Standard Assessment of Concussion (SAC) was scored at 15/30 including decreased orientation, decreased immediate word recall, and absence of delayed word recall. Trails A (TA) and Trails B (TB) had scores of 39.7 sec and 103.2 seconds respectively. Methods: A five-day, multi-modal program of neurological rehabilitation was administered three times per day, for approximately 45 minutes per session. Each session consisted of electrical somatosensory stimulation, neuromuscular reeducation exercises, vestibular-ocular rehabilitation, off-vertical axis rotation, and eye exercises. Results: Following the course of treatment, the patient had a complete decrease in GSC severity to a 0/138 (-100%); increased SAC score to 23/30 (+34.8%) with improved immediate recall, delayed recall and full orientation; no change in TA time 40.4 sec, and decreased TB time 68.6 sec (-33.5%). Conclusion: Short duration, multi-modal, intensive programs of neurological rehabilitation may effectively reduce symptoms, improve orientation, concentration, speed and fluid attention as well as other cognitive abilities of individuals experiencing cognitive decline in the geriatric population. The SAC may also be an effective way to measure pre and post intervention cognitive function in the geriatric population. Further research into high intensity, short- duration, multi-modal neurological rehabilitation for geriatric cognitive decline is indicated. Keywords: Cognition, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Geriatrics, Aging Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Antonucci M, Sass CM and Sass BJ (2015). A CASE OF COMPLETE SYMPTOM RESOLUTION AND IMPROVEMENT IN COGNITION IN A 71 YEAR OLD MALE WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE FOLLOWING A 1-WEEK MULTI-MODAL NEURO-REHABILITATION PROGRAM. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00058 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Matthew Antonucci, Plasticity Brain Centers, Orlando, Florida, United States, mantonucci@carrickinstitute.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Scholar Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass PubMed Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

ABSTRACT: IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE MEASUREMENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PRTOTRACTED CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS

Event Abstract Back to Event ABSTRACT: IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE MEASUREMENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PRTOTRACTED CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS Matthew Antonucci1, 2*, Chris M. Sass1, 2 and Brian J. Sass1, 2 1 Plasticity Brain Centers, United States 2 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States Background: An 18 year old, high school, male hockey player, with a history of 7 documented concussions, presented with symptoms of headache, “brain fog”, and sluggishness. Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC) severity was a 14/138. Standard Assessment of Cognition (SAC) was scored at 21/30. Trails A (TA) and Trails B (TB) had scores of 22.3 sec and 51.8 seconds respectively; Trails AB Difference (TB-A) was 29.5 sec. Processing Speed (PS) score was a 52/80. Choice Reaction Time (cRT) latency was 462 milliseconds. Methods: A four-day, multi-modal program of neurological rehabilitation was administered three times per day, for one hour per session. Each session consisted of electrical somatosensory stimulation, neuromuscular reeducation exercises, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, off-vertical axis rotation, and eye exercises. Results: At the end of four days of treatment there was complete resolution of symptoms; GSC severity (-100%). The patient had an increased SAC score (+28.6%), decreased TA time (-19.3%), decreased TB time (-25.3%), TB-A decreased (-29.8%), increased PS score (+21.2%), and decreased cRT latency (-21.2%). Conclusion: Short duration, multi-modal, intensive programs of neurological rehabilitation may be a viable method to improve neurological integrity and performance in individuals with protracted concussive deficits. The authors suggest further investigation into short duration, multi-modal, intensive approaches to restoring neurological function in individuals suffering from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Keywords: Keywords: performance enhancement, Vestibular Rehabilitation, balance, Visual Acuity, Cognition Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Antonucci M, Sass CM and Sass BJ (2015). ABSTRACT: IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE MEASUREMENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PRTOTRACTED CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00046 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 29 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Matthew Antonucci, Plasticity Brain Centers, Orlando, United States, mantonucci@carrickinstitute.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Scholar Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass PubMed Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

A CASE REPORT OF NEUROLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING MILD HEAD TRAUMA IN AN 11 YEAR OLD GIRL USING MULTI-MODAL CONSERVATIVE THERAPIES

Event Abstract Back to Event A CASE REPORT OF NEUROLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING MILD HEAD TRAUMA IN AN 11 YEAR OLD GIRL USING MULTI-MODAL CONSERVATIVE THERAPIES Gregory F. Ploger1* 1 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States Background: An athletic 11 year old female lost consciousness after a backward fall. After 14 months, she still suffered intense headaches (3 per week) with nausea, photofobia, diplopia, astenia, difficulty concentrating and reading, and “fogginess”. She showed poor gaze holding, pursuits with decreased gain and multiple intrusions, saccades that were hypermetric to the right, hypometric to the left, with increased latencies and head movements. TrailsA and B were 52 and 90 seconds, respectively. Methods: Specific eye exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, and somatosensory exercises were administered, then checked for efficacy over a 2 hour period using changes in profiles of saccadic position, velocity and latency as parameters. The patient was given exercises to perform at home. Saccades were re-evaluated periodically and exercises modified accordingly. Results: After three months, gaze holding, pursuits and saccades were normalized, the patient was virtually headache-free (1/month) and reported no difficulty in concentrating or reading, nor fogginess, nor light sensitivity. TrailsA and B improved by 54% and 51%, respectively. Saccadic latencies remained slightly above 200 msec, but velocity and position profiles were significantly improved. Conclusion: Specific, multi-modal conservative therapy may be effective in improving neurologic function following mild brain trauma. More research is needed to establish to what extent changes in saccades reflect improved overall central integrity. Conflict of Interest: This author declares that this research was conducted in the absence of any financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Keywords: Cerebral concussion, Concussion-mild, Rehabilitation, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Saccades, gaze stability, Saccadic eye movements Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Ploger GF (2015). A CASE REPORT OF NEUROLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING MILD HEAD TRAUMA IN AN 11 YEAR OLD GIRL USING MULTI-MODAL CONSERVATIVE THERAPIES. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00073 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 11 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Gregory F Ploger, Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, Cape Canaveral, FL, United States, gregory.ploger@gmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Gregory F Ploger Google Gregory F Ploger Google Scholar Gregory F Ploger PubMed Gregory F Ploger Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE MEASUREMENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PROTRACTED CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS

Event Abstract Back to Event IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE MEASUREMENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PROTRACTED CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS Matthew Antonucci1, 2*, Chris M. Sass1, 2 and Brian J. Sass1, 2 1 Plasticity Brain Centers, United States 2 Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies, United States Background: An 18 year old, high school, male hockey player, with a history of 7 documented concussions, presented with symptoms of headache, “brain fog”, and sluggishness. Graded Symptom Checklist (GSC) severity was a 14/138. Standard Assessment of Cognition (SAC) was scored at 21/30. Trails A (TA) and Trails B (TB) had scores of 22.3 sec and 51.8 seconds respectively; Trails AB Difference (TB-A) was 29.5 sec. Processing Speed (PS) score was a 52/80. Choice Reaction Time (cRT) latency was 462 milliseconds. Methods: A four-day, multi-modal program of neurological rehabilitation was administered three times per day, for one hour per session. Each session consisted of electrical somatosensory stimulation, neuromuscular reeducation exercises, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, off-vertical axis rotation, and eye exercises. Results: At the end of four days of treatment there was complete resolution of symptoms; GSC severity (-100%). The patient had an increased SAC score (+28.6%), decreased TA time (-19.3%), decreased TB time (-25.3%), TB-A decreased (-29.8%), increased PS score (+21.2%), and decreased cRT latency (-21.2%). Conclusion: Short duration, multi-modal, intensive programs of neurological rehabilitation may be a viable method to improve neurological integrity and performance in individuals with protracted concussive deficits. The authors suggest further investigation into short duration, multi-modal, intensive approaches to restoring neurological function in individuals suffering from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Keywords: performance enhancement, Vestibular Rehabilitation, balance, Visual Acuity, Cognition Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Antonucci M, Sass CM and Sass BJ (2015). IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS AND COGNITIVE MEASUREMENTS IN A HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH PROTRACTED CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00059 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Matthew Antonucci, Plasticity Brain Centers, Orlando, Florida, United States, mantonucci@carrickinstitute.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Google Scholar Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass PubMed Matthew Antonucci Chris M Sass Brian J Sass Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Auditing the Office for Learning and Teaching Resource Library

The Australian government Office for Learning and Teaching’s (OLT) Resource Library (http://www.olt.gov.au/resources) is a key means of disseminating the outcomes from projects funded by itself and its predecessor organisations, the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) and the Carrick Institute. In order to apply the recommendations and resources emanating from these projects, it is vital that educators and other stakeholders are aware of, and effectively able to use, the Resource Library. Based on anecdotal evidence indicating a lack of awareness of the Resource Library and problems with consistently being able to search for and retrieve relevant resources from the database, the OLT commissioned a project to formally evaluate the Library and redesign it to improve access and usability. This paper reports on the project’s progress, including the results from a questionnaire completed by 117 higher education stakeholders.

An Interprofessional Collaborative Student-Run Clinic by Dental, Nursing and Medical Faculty and Students at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for Refugees

Abstract Introduction Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Australia defines interprofessional education (IPE) as Occasions when two or more professions learn with, from, and about each o...

Australian Learning and Teaching Council projects in the Mathematical Sciences: A retrospective

Since 2004, the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) and its predecessor, the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, have funded numerous teaching and educational research-based projects in the Mathematical Sciences. In light of the Commonwealth Government's decision to close the ALTC in 2011, it is appropriate to take account of the ALTCs input into the Mathematical Sciences in higher education. We overview altc projects in the Mathematical Sciences, as well as report on the contributions they made to the discipline. References P. Adams, J. Alcock, M. Bulmer, et al., A new enabling technology for learning and teaching quantitative skills . Report to the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2008. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-new-enabling-technology-learning-uq-2006 P. Broadbridge and S. Henderson, Mathematics for 21st century engineering students . Report to the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 2008. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-mathematics-21st-century-melbourne-2006 G. Brown, Review of education in mathematics, data science and quantitative disciplines . Report to the Group of Eight Universities, 2009. http://www.go8.edu.au/__documents/go8-policy-analysis/2010/go8mathsreview.pdf Content Without Borders , online resource repository, http://oer.equella.com/ S. Jones, B. Yates and J. Kelder, Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Project: Science Learning and Teaching Academic Standards Statement . Report to the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2011. http://www.olt.gov.au/system/files/altc_standards_SCIENCE_240811_v3.pdf H. MacGillivray and T. Wilson, Quantitative diversity: disciplinary and cross-disciplinary mathematics and statistics support in Australian universities . Report to the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2008. http://www.olt.gov.au/resource-quantitative-diversity-mathematics-qut-2008 H. MacGillivray, Learning support in mathematics and statistics in Australian universities: A guide for the university sector . Report to the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2008. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-quantitative-diversity-disciplinary-qut-2006 D. Mallet, M. Nelson, A. Porter, et al., Discipline Network: Australian Mathematical Sciences Learning and Teaching Network . Australian Learning and Teaching Council project abstract listing, 2011. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-discipline-networkaustralian-mathematical-sciences-learning-and-teaching-network-2011 K. Matthews, P. Adams, S. Belward, C. Coady, L. Rylands, N. Pelaez and K. Thompson, Quantitative skills in science: curriculum models for the future . Australian Learning and Teaching Council project abstract listing, 2011. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-quantitative-skills-science-curriculum-models-future-uq-2010 A. Porter and C. Silveri, Building leadership capacity for development and sharing of mathematics learning resources across disciplines and universities . Australian Learning and Teaching Council project abstract listing, 2011. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-building-leadership-capacity-uow-2007 M. Sharma, W. Rifkin, S. Beames, et al., Fostering institutional and cultural change through the Australian network of university science educators . Australian Learning and Teaching Council project abstract listing, 2011. http://www.olt.gov.au/project-fostering-institutional-and-cultural-change-through-australian-network-university-science-ed T. Vu, A national discipline-specific professional development program in the mathematical sciences . Report to the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, 2011. http://www.olt.gov.au/system/files/resources/LE9-1248_Macquarie_Wood_Final%20Report%202011.pdf

Learning outcomes for interprofessional education (IPE): Literature review and synthesis

As part of a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative we searched the literature to explore defined learning outcomes for interprofessional education between 1988, when the last WHO technical report on interprofessional education was published, and 2009. We describe and synthesize findings from 88 citations over this 21 year period. There is a variety in the way learning outcomes are presented but there are many similarities between specific outcomes and/or objectives. Papers describing educational interventions do not always include specific outcomes or objectives. Our findings have been integrated into a list of learning outcomes with six categories for further debate and discussion. This project is part of a wider initiative initiated by the WHO in 2007 to review the current position of interprofessional education worldwide. It is also a sub-project of a learning and teaching grant funded by the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching within Australia. In this paper we use the CAIPE definition of interprofessional education: “Occasions when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care” (Barr, ).

Australian pharmacy programme experiential placements: comprehensive planning for assessment and evaluation

Experiential placements are increasingly recognised as an essential component of university programmes, providing students with real‐world contexts to apply their knowledge and to develop practical skills and personal attributes. In Australia, professions such as pharmacy have traditionally developed experiential placement programmes within state and territory regulatory requirements and situations. The evolution of national competency and accreditation frameworks provide opportunities for collaborative approaches, including consideration of experiential placements. A research study was conducted in 2007 using Australian Government Carrick Institute funding to map experiential placements across Australian pharmacy programmes. Based on university interviews and programme mapping, consultations with over 250 participants and handbook analysis, various structures and approaches for university experiential placements were evident. In relation to learning and assessment tasks, some universities use some elements of planning process. In these, objectives are linked to pre‐placement preparatory and placement learning tasks and there are opportunities for student negotiation of assessment tasks and criteria. However, in relation to assessment and explicit criteria, links to the competencies of the profession and to more generic skills were generally vague. While student evaluations of experiential placement programmes were usually evident, a systematic evaluation process involving various stakeholders including transparent processes and feedback regarding the impact on future programme planning was not present. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive planning and scaffolding of learning related to competency and other outcomes, including relevant assessment tasks and explicit criteria based on graduated descriptors during experiential placements.

Paramedic Education: Developing Depth through Networks and Evidence-Based Research - Reflections Twelve Months On

The research project; Paramedic education: developing depth through networks and evidence-based research was funded by the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) in 2007. The ALTC (formerly Carrick Institute) was established by the Federal Coalition government to encourage research and innovation in university based education.

Editorial 5.1

We welcome you to the first edition of JUTLP for 2008. This special edition is focussed on meeting the needs of practice through an examination of changes in assessment at the institutional, faculty, course and subject level. The Special Edition was prompted by a roundtable 'Assessing student learning: Using interdisciplinary synergies to develop good teaching and assessment practice' in Sydney on Tuesday 6th September, 2007 sponsored by the Carrick Institute (now renamed the Australian Learning and Teaching Council). The forum hosted 45 people from around Australia and New Zealand to discuss strategies for improving assessment in the higher education sector. Participants, and those who expressed an interest in the Forum, were invited to develop papers and submit them for consideration in this special issue.

Equity, Diversity and Student Engagement in a Law School - A Case Study Approach

ALPN is a Carrick Institute funded initiative involving 22 of Australia’s Law Schools designed to significantly improve the methodology and supervisory arrangements for law postgraduate research degrees. The discipline of Law has relatively few higher degree research enrolments, limited supervisory capacity, and has not previously worked together to encourage improvements in supervision practice. ALPN makes available supervisory training, multiple qualified expert supervisors across institutions, methodological and statistical support and promotes modern collaborative supervisory strategies across Australian Law Schools.