Physical Therapy Program Research Articles

How Integrating the 5 Pillars of Community Practice Can Transform Physical Therapist Education and Reduce Health Disparities.

Patient history assists clinicians in determining the most appropriate tests to identify the symptoms' source and select appropriate interventions. Therefore, a subjective history is an essential component of patient management. When physical therapist practitioners transition into academia, they must understand how the history of the education system may affect learners. Health disparities are related to the lack of workforce diversity and skills in cultural responsiveness, and the education system is critical in addressing the impact of future providers on health disparities. Developing a doctor of physical therapy program to address health disparities requires an analysis of the historical context of the US educational and health care systems, along with traditional components of physical therapist education. This country's education system was built upon a 2-tiered system, where minoritized individuals struggled to overcome barriers imposed by legislation and societal beliefs. Jim Crow laws continued this unequal access to education, and the recent Supreme Court ruling to deny race-based affirmative action continues these inequities. This historical context informed the construction of the College of Saint Mary Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The program's mission led to using less traditional educational approaches; thus, the pillars of practice took form. The 5 pillars evolved to include social determinants, inclusive faculty and student recruitment and retention practices, equitable grading, culturally responsive pedagogy, and community development. The purpose of this paper is to present a historical overview of the US education system and its influence on physical therapist education. Furthermore, it will illustrate how this historical context inspired the 5 Pillars of Community Practice from College of Saint Mary and discuss the challenges and interventions related to these pillars. There are tremendous disparities in educational outcomes and patient services in the United States. Disparities are most significant in those with historically marginalized identities. If those disparities are to improve, a change is required in the people providing care to patients. The best way to accomplish this is by transforming how future providers are educated.

Lumbar spine fusion surgery versus best conservative care for patients with severe, persistent low back pain.

People with severe, persistent low back pain (LBP) may be offered lumbar spine fusion surgery if they have had insufficient benefit from recommended non-surgical treatments. However, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 2016 guidelines recommended not offering spinal fusion surgery for adults with LBP, except as part of a randomized clinical trial. This survey aims to describe UK clinicians' views about the suitability of patients for such a future trial, along with their views regarding equipoise for randomizing patients in a future clinical trial comparing lumbar spine fusion surgery to best conservative care (BCC; the FORENSIC-UK trial). An online cross-sectional survey was piloted by the multidisciplinary research team, then shared with clinical professional groups in the UK who are involved in the management of adults with severe, persistent LBP. The survey had seven sections that covered the demographic details of the clinician, five hypothetical case vignettes of patients with varying presentations, a series of questions regarding the preferred management, and whether or not each clinician would be willing to recruit the example patients into future clinical trials. There were 72 respondents, with a response rate of 9.0%. They comprised 39 orthopaedic spine surgeons, 17 neurosurgeons, one pain specialist, and 15 allied health professionals. Most respondents (n = 61,84.7%) chose conservative care as their first-choice management option for all five case vignettes. Over 50% of respondents reported willingness to randomize three of the five cases to either surgery or BCC, indicating a willingness to participate in the future randomized trial. From the respondents, transforaminal interbody fusion was the preferred approach for spinal fusion (n = 19, 36.4%), and the preferred method of BCC was a combined programme of physical and psychological therapy (n = 35, 48.5%). This survey demonstrates that there is uncertainty about the role of lumbar spine fusion surgery and BCC for a range of example patients with severe, persistent LBP in the UK.

Burnout, Exhaustion, Experiences of Discrimination, and Stress Among Underrepresented and First-Generation College Students in Graduate Health Profession Education.

Mental health disorders are increasing among health profession students. Compounding this, students from underrepresented backgrounds may face additional stressors and challenges. The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the extent to which burnout, exhaustion, experiences of discrimination, and stress exist among students in dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapist professional education programs; (2) determine if there are significant differences by key demographic characteristics (those who are first-generation college students [FGCSs], a member of an underrepresented minority [URM] group, or both); and (3) highlight strategies and solutions to alleviate these challenges identified by students. Cross-sectional survey using a mix of question types of a sample of graduate students from dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs from February to June 2020. Utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey and campus climate and stress survey, mean subscale scores were calculated for the following outcomes of interest: MBI-SS burnout, dimensions of stress, and observed racism. Logistic regressions examined student factors that may help explain these outcomes. Content analysis examined participants' responses to open-ended questions. There were 611 individuals who completed all survey questions. FGCSs were significantly more likely than non-FGCSs to report exhaustion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.50; 95% CI = 1.04-2.16), family stress (aOR: 3.11; 95% CI = 2.13-4.55), and financial stress (aOR: 1.74; 95% CI = 1.21-2.50). URM students reported not feeling supported in their program and mentioned needing additional support, particularly for well-being, from staff and faculty. Findings from this study are consistent with literature that FGCSs experience additional stressors that may lead to burnout and exhaustion. URM students reported not feeling supported in their programs. This study's findings point to the need for leadership and faculty of health professional schools to implement or strengthen current policies, practices, and strategies that support URM students and FGCSs. Research demonstrates that a diverse student body and faculty enhances the educational experience for health professional students, and that diversity strengthens the learning environment and improves learning outcomes, preparing students to care for an increasingly diverse population. However, this study finds that students from underrepresented backgrounds may still experience more burnout, exhaustion, discrimination, and stress than their peers. Programs and policies to support URM students and FGCSs throughout their academic careers can help improve graduation and retention rates, leading to improved workforce diversity.

Attitudes towards research in graduate-entry Australian physiotherapy students: a survey

Purpose: To assess the attitudes towards research in a two-year, graduate-entry Master of Physiotherapy course. Methodology: All students starting (T0) and ending (T1) their degrees in 2020 and 2021 were invited to complete the revised Attitudes Towards Research Questionnaire. This is a three-factor instrument with 13 statements assessing Research Usefulness (four statements, scores ranging from 4 to 28), Research Anxiety (five statements, scores ranging from 5 to 35), and Positive Research Predispositions (four statements, scores ranging from 4 to 28). Each statement was scored using a seven-item Likert scale ranging from ‘Strongly Agree’ (1) to ‘Strongly Disagree’ (7). Student responses between T1 and T0 for factor scores were compared using independent samples t-tests and summarised using mean differences (95% CIs). We defined the minimally important difference as 15% of the scale range. Findings: Ninety-seven percent (n=124/129) of students completed the survey at T0 and 57% (n=79/125) at T1. We found no difference between T0 and T1 in research anxiety (0.2 points, 95% CI: –1.5 to 2.0) and research usefulness (–0.9 points, 95% CI: –1.8 to 0.1), but a significant (although not meaningful) decrease in positive research predispositions between T0 and T1 (–1.7 points, 95% CI –3.2 to –0.2). Research implications: Qualitative research could complement these quantitative findings and provide in-depth reasons for student scores. Practical implications: Educators need more active strategies to improve attitudes and engagement in research-focused subjects to further engage students. Originality/value: This is the first study to document attitudes towards research in an Australian graduate-entry Master of Physiotherapy program. Limitations: There is likely bias (unclear in which direction) at T1 given that 57% of students completed the survey. Surveys were not linked, so group differences were assessed independently. Keywords: Evidence-based practice; research methods; Master of Physiotherapy, UTS Physiotherapy Student surveys (PHYSS) study

The Impact of Graduate Record Exam Threshold Scores in Disqualifying Underrepresented Ethnic-Racial Minority Applicants for Admission to a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

A growing number of graduate-level health professions education programs in the United States are discontinuing the use of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in their admissions requirements amidst concerns that its use puts Underrepresented Racial Minority (URRM) applicants at a disadvantage. This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzes the association between ethnic-racial selection and the reasons for disqualification among applicants to a public Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that used a minimum grade point average (GPA), and Analytic Writing and Quantitative Reasoning GRE minimum threshold scores to qualify applicants. There is evidence across the health professions literature that both GRE scores and GPA are associated with success on licensure examinations and academic performance. However, these variables also tend to disadvantage URRM applicants in gaining admissions to postgraduate health care fields, including physical therapy. All applicants (N = 4,797) to a single DPT program from a 9-year period were included. Racial and ethnic self-selections, GRE scores, and prerequisite GPA were coded for each applicant and classified for meeting qualifying criteria. The URRM applicants were disqualified based on GRE scores alone (P < .001) and in combination of GRE and GPA at a statistically significantly (P < .001) higher rate than Overrepresented Racial Group (ORRG) applicants, although the associations were negligible or weak. Compared with ORRG applicants, URRM applicants were at a statistically significant disadvantage because of the GRE threshold scores requirement. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that use of GRE minimum threshold scores disproportionately reduced URRM applicants in the qualified applicant pool. This investigation can be used as a model to inform holistic admission decisions regarding the use of academic variables to achieve the diversity and success goals of the program.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ФІЗИЧНОЇ ТЕРАПІЇ У ПРОЦЕСІ РЕАБІЛІТАЦІЇ ОСІБ ПОХИЛОГО ВІКУ З ПОРУШЕННЯМ ФУНЦІЙ ХРЕБТА

According to literary sources, osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine is one of the most common diseases. This disease affects 22% of the world's population and ranks first in the group of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The main goal of restorative treatment of elderly patients with cervical and thoracic osteochondrosis is to reduce muscle spasticity, decrease the level of heart rate, arterial systolic and diastolic pressure, reduce pain, facilitate the performance of household tasks, etc. In the program of physical therapy, we included therapeutic physical culture, therapeutic massage, and physiotherapeutic means. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to study of the peculiarities of physical therapy in the rehabilitation process of elderly people with osteochondrosis. Research methods. 28 people (12 men and 16 women) with osteochondrosis of the cervical-thoracic spine took part in the study. The average age of the patients was 64.5 years. The pedagogical experiment was aimed at determining the effectiveness of the program of physical therapy developed by us for elderly people with osteochondrosis on indicators of mobility in the cervical spine, intensity of pain sensations. Results and conclusions. The results of the conducted research indicate the positive impact of classes in the complex program of physical therapy for the elderly with cervicothoracic osteochondrosis. Thus, after the completion of the formative study, we established an improvement in the functional state of the cervical spine in elderly persons with cervical-thoracic osteochondrosis. The average group value of the pain intensity index in patients at the end of the study corresponded to the assessment of «very mild pain», while at the beginning of the study it corresponded to the assessment of «pain above average».

Operative management of chronic isolated rectus femoris rupture with semitendinosus graft and biofiber: A case report

Rectus femoris tear is rare and often overlooked in emergencies. The majority of quadriceps muscle belly injuries can be successfully treated conservatively and for less active, older populations Non-operative management is reasonable. A case report of a 19-year-old male Kabbaddi player who sustained an injury to his rectus femoris muscle belly while playing 5 months back. This young patient did not recover the functional outcome required to get back to running and participating in kabaddi despite 5 months of physiotherapy and non-operative management and had complaints of Pain over midthigh and weakness in quadriceps during hip flexion and knee extension. This leads to Hindrances in Jumping, running, and kicking movements. Tenderness over the midthigh and palpable defect with Pain upon resisted hip flexion or extension was seen.3/5 quadriceps power was noted. Ultrasound and MRI were done to confirm the clinical diagnosis. Operative treatment using the semitendinosus allograft with bio fiber reconstruction system to augment rectus femoris repair allowed immediate full passive flexion of the knee and an early graduated physiotherapy program leading to a return to running and his previous level of sport without any restrictions. Surgical treatment of rectus femoris tear seems to be a good option for Chronic tears.

Occurrence of Body Posture Abnormalities in Overweight and Obese Children Aged 5-6 Years-Pilot Study.

The study aimed to assess the occurrence of body posture disorders and their changes under the influence of a physioprophylactic program in children depending on body weight. In the examined children, the general and segmental body composition and body posture were determined using a physiotherapeutic assessment based on the Kasperczyk method. Mass, overall, and segmental body composition were determined using the bioelectrical impedance method using a TANITA body composition analyzer. The study group of 76 children was divided due to body weight disorders into Group I (n = 51), in which BMI and fat mass values were within the normative limits for age and gender, and Group II (n = 19), comprising children whose body weight exceeded the norm and/or fat mass exceeded normative values. The examined children underwent a physioprophylactic. The program was conducted by qualified physiotherapists for 12 weeks, once a week for 30 min. The therapeutic program was focused on physioprevention of being overweight and the correction of body posture. A distal distribution of fat mass was observed in the examined group. Asymmetry in the sagittal plane was found in 35% of children. No statistically significant differences were found in the presence of asymmetry in the sagittal plane between the groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of posture irregularities between the groups. There were no changes in the weight and body posture of the examined children under the influence of the physiotherapy program. The lack of correlation in the examined group between body weight and posture irregularities in 5-6-year-olds may suggest the acquisition of posture defects as a consequence of the persistence of overweight or obesity.

Effect of aquatic versus conventional physical therapy program on ankle sprain grade III in elite athletes: randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAnkle sprains are the second most common sports injury after knee injuries, with about 85% of them affecting the lateral ankle ligaments. These injuries are particularly prevalent in sports like basketball and volleyball.PurposeTo investigate the effect of Aquatic therapy as an early rehabilitation protocol for elite athletes with acute lateral ankle sprain grade III on back-to-sport time, dynamic balance, pain, Athletic performance, and muscle power compared to land-based exercise training.MethodsThirty elite athletes have ankle sprain grade III with sprain onset from 1 to 7 days, their age ranges from 18–30 years old were recruited. All participants are professional athletes; mainly participating in above-head sports such as volleyball and basketball. The patients were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Group I (control group): 15 patients received a conventional physical therapy program of structured therapeutic exercise program, manual therapy and land-based exercises, in addition to external support, and Group II (Aquatic therapy group): 15 patients received aquatic training. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity, while the dynamic balance was measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test. Athletic performance was measured by HOP Tests (Single, Triple, 6-m, and Cross-over hops) aided by the Agility T-Test (ATT) and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Muscle power was tested by a Single Leg Press. Finally, back to sports time was recorded for each participant in both groups.ResultsThere was a significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for VAS (p < 0.001), single hop (p < 0.001), triple hop (p < 0.001), cross-over hop (p < 0.001), IAT (p = 0.019) and ATT (p < 0.001) of both affected and nonaffected. There was no significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.923), and nonaffected (p = 0.140). There was a significant main effect of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001) except for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.939), nonaffected (p = 0.109), and IAT (p = 0.099). The Star excursion dynamic balance test (SEBT) and Single leg press revealed a significant difference between groups on affected and non-affected sides (p < 0.001*). Lastly and most importantly the back-to-sport time revealed a significant difference in the return-to-sport time in favor of the Aquatic therapy group who returned faster than the control group (p < 0.001*).ConclusionAquatic therapy is more effective than traditional protocols regarding early rehabilitation of acute ankle sprain grade III in Elite professional athletes for reducing pain intensity, improving dynamic balance and athletic performance and power and accelerating their return to sports time. Because aquatic therapy produces better outcomes, it is advised to be included in the rehabilitation programs of athletic patients with acute ankle sprains grade III.

Altruistic values among students of Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, and Health Psychology: a cross-sectional study

Aim – to study the altruistic values of o group of nursing, midwifery, and physiotherapy students, and how these values evolved throughout academic years and across study programs. The study used a descriptive correlational design. The data were collected from students in the bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, midwifery, and physiotherapy, and in the master's degree program in health psychology (students in this program have completed bachelor’s degrees in nursing, midwifery, or physiotherapy). The Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Shkodra “Luigi Gurakuqi”, Albania offers bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, midwifery, physio­therapy and a professional master's degree in health psychology. During the academic year 2022-2023, the number of active students was 756. A total of 457 students participated in this study: 175 from the nursing program, 130 from the midwifery program, 107 from the physiotherapy program, and 45 from master program. Data were collected from December 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023, with an online questionnaire. Two tools were used in this study: a demographic questionnaire and the Altruism Scale used by Űmmet and colleagues. The mean score on the Altruism Scale was 2.9±0.78. A one-way ANOVA revealed that there was a difference in mean altruism score between at least two groups (F (3, 452) = [3.232], p=0.02). Tukey’s HSD Test for multiple comparisons found out that the mean value of altruism was different between the bachelor students in nursing and bachelor students in physiotherapy (p=0.011, 95% CI = [0.0498, 0.5448]). Compared to others, bachelor students in nursing had higher level of altruism and bachelor students in physiotherapy had lower level of altruism. Conclusions: The results showed that it is precisely the feeling of altruism that people have, which made them choose nursing as a profession. Since altruism is so important for the nursing profession, topics related to altruism should be included in nursing curricula.

Dementia content and delivery in physiotherapy curricula: an international study of entry level physiotherapy programmes in Ireland the United Kingdom and New Zealand

ObjectivesPhysical impairments associated with dementia include reduced gait speed, and diminished postural control, which can lead to an increase in falls and hip fractures. Physiotherapy can play a key role in many aspects of dementia care, including falls risk prevention, gait re-education and end of life care. However, there is a lack of dementia education in entry level physiotherapy programmes. The aim of this study was to map the dementia content and delivery in the current undergraduate and entry level physiotherapy curricula in Ireland the United Kingdom and New Zealand. DesignThis cross-sectional survey-based study was distributed via the online survey tool Qualtrics XM. The survey was designed using the map of Kern’s curriculum design framework. SettingHigher educational institutes (HEIs) that offered an undergraduate (BSc) and/or MSc (entry level) physiotherapy programmes in Ireland United Kingdom and New Zealand were included. ParticipantsThe academic lead for dementia education in the HEI was invited to participate in the survey. ResultsOf the 69 eligible HEIs contacted, 49 responded, giving a response rate of 71%. Different sources informed curriculum design, including patient and public involvement, published guidelines and policies and expert clinicians. The time allocated to dementia teaching across the curricula varied, with under half of the programmes only allocating two hours. The lack of service user input was seen as a perceived weakness of many programmes as was the non-standardisation and generalisability of teaching. ConclusionWhilst dementia education is included in many HEI programmes, we need to consider more time, a curriculum that meets learner’s needs and include the patient voice. Further research is needed to develop bespoke dementia curricula specific to physiotherapy. Contribution of the Paper•The findings of this study have identified current strengths as well as weaknesses of entry level physiotherapy programmes in dementia care.•This study highlights what is most and least commonly taught at entry level physiotherapy programmes in dementia care.•More time needs to be allocated to dementia teaching, to reflect the clear work-related educational needs of physiotherapists in both the acute and community care sector.

Equitable Grading Practices in Physical Therapist Education: A Case Report.

To optimize learning in physical therapist education, learners need opportunities to grow from their unique starting points. Traditional grading practices like A to F grades, zero grades, and grading on timeliness and professionalism hinder content mastery and accurate competency assessment. Grading should focus on mastery of skill and content, using summative assessments for final grades, a no-zero policy, and actionable feedback. Equitable grading supports learners from all backgrounds and identities and promotes academic success. This case study provides guidance and recommendations for implementing equitable grading practices in academic physical therapist programs. Over a 2-year period, a doctor of physical therapy program began implementing 5 strategies to create more equitable grading practices: (1) eliminating zero grades, (2) allowing late assignment submissions without penalty, (3) using low-stakes formative assessments throughout the semester, (4) weighing end-of-course assessments more heavily than initial ones, and (5) offering a no-stakes anatomy prep course before matriculation. Outcomes from implementing equitable grading practices varied. Some learners felt increased stress from fewer points opportunities, while others appreciated the reduced anxiety from low-stakes assessments. Some saw multiple attempts for peers as unfair. Faculty faced higher workloads due to detailed feedback and remediation but believed it benefited learners. Median final grades improved in some courses, remained stable in others, and slightly decreased in one. Overall, the changes had minimal impact on most learners' grades but significantly improved outcomes and retention for struggling learners. This case report documents the implementation of equitable grading practices in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, offering valuable insights and recommendations for other institutions aiming to adopt similar practices. Inequity in assessment widens the gap between learners entering professional programs. Equitable assessment practices level the playing field, enabling learners from diverse backgrounds and identities to succeed. Increased diversity benefits everyone, especially patients, by reducing health disparities for historically marginalized groups.

Psoas muscle index and psoas muscle density are associated with functional status in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

The factors affecting lumbar spinal function in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) are still unclear. This study explored psoas major muscle morphology in patients with DLSS and its association with their functional status. A retrospective study was conducted on 288patients with DLSS and 260control subjects. Psoas major muscle evaluation included three morphometric parameters at the L3/4disc level: psoas major index (PMI), muscle attenuation, and psoas major morphological changes (MPM). The association between psoas major morphology and functional status was assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Both female and male patients with DLSS had a higher PMI and lower muscle attenuation. PMI and muscle attenuation were inversely correlated with age in the DLSS group. After multivariable analyses, the PMI and psoas major muscle attenuation were positively correlated with patients' functional status. The PMI and muscle attenuation were positively correlated with functional status in patients with DLSS. These findings have important implications for physiotherapy programs of postoperative rehabilitation and conservative management of DLSS.

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF THE COMBINATION OF HALOTHERAPY AND BREATHING GYMNASTICS IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

Purpose. To date, there is no developed program and in-depth analysis of the complex impact of the effect of the combination of halotherapy and respiratory gymnastics in children with bronchial asthma, and the effect of its application on the disease has not been tracked. For this reason, referring to the successful results of the combined application of physiotherapeutic techniques, natural and reshaped physical factors in the recovery process in bronchial asthma in childhood, the following research goal was set: to implement the combined application of respiratory gymnastics and halotherapy for more effective rehabilitation program and optimal functional recovery in children with bronchial asthma and to track the effect of its impact. Material/Methods. The study was conducted from October 2018 to March 2020 in the city of Razgrad, Bulgaria, in the Resonance after-school training center. Results. The results show that properly conducted respiratory rehabilitation, combining the application of respiratory gymnastics and aerosol therapy, can contribute to the improvement of clinical indicators, reducing the frequency and severity of paroxysmal conditions, improving ventilation indicators, some gas parameters, physical capacity and quality of life. Conclusions. There are objective grounds for asserting that the tested physiotherapy program with an emphasis on respiratory gymnastics and halotherapy has a positive effect on the functional status of children with bronchial asthma and contributes to achieving independence in daily activities and improving their quality of life.

Description of Specialty Practice-10 Years Onward: The Changes in Geriatric Physical Therapy.

An analysis of practice is conducted by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) every 10 years to revalidate, update, and revise the description of specialty practice (DSP) for each specialty. The Geriatric Specialty Council recently conducted an analysis of practice and revised its content consistent with established procedures by the ABPTS. The purpose of this article is threefold: first, to describe the process of the most recent practice analysis; second, to report revisions to the description of specialty practice based on the analysis of practice; and third, to identify elements of practice that define current specialist practice in geriatric physical therapy. A 10-member committee of subject matter experts (SMEs) and a psychometric consultant developed a survey instrument addressing geriatric physical therapy specialty practice areas. The survey was initially pilot-tested and subsequently administered online to a sample of 801 board-certified geriatric clinical specialists. The consultant facilitated the consensus process to determine decision rules in selecting the final competencies describing current geriatric physical therapy specialty practice. A total of 372 respondents fully or partially completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 46.4%. Based on a priori decision rules regarding survey data, consensus of the group of SMEs, and input from the ABPTS, the DSP for geriatric physical therapy specialty practice was revised. Revisions (elimination [-] of prior items and addition [+] of new items) were made in Section 1: Knowledge Areas (-8 and +6), in Section 2: Professional Roles, Responsibilities, and Values (-14 and +4), and Section 3: Practice Expectations (-53 and +28). The revised DSP will be used as the basis for the development of the examination blueprint for the specialist examination in geriatric physical therapy and the curricula for residency programs in geriatric physical therapy.

The impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Dysphagia is a common complication following stroke. It corresponds to the development of pneumonia, which is always associated with bad prognosis, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physical therapy intervention of dysphagia on preventing pneumonia in acute stroke patients. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was carried out on 70 ischemic stroke patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, age ranged from 49 to 65years. They were randomly assigned to two groups (control and study) of equal number. Patients in the control group received oral care and nasogastric tube feeding, while patients in the study group received the same program in addition to the designed physical therapy program (exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation). The intervention program was applied for 40min/session, 1 session/day, and 5days/week for 4weeks. Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS), and stroke associated pneumonia (SAP) control and prevention criteria were used to assess dysphagia and incidence of pneumonia at baseline, after two and 4weeks of intervention for both groups. Before treatment, all patients were susceptible to pneumonia after two and 4weeks of intervention; there were a significant increase in GUSS score in both groups with more improvement in favor of the study group (p<0.05) and a statistically significant increase in incidence of SAP after 2weeks of intervention only in the control group (p<0.05). The results also showed a significant negative correlation between GUSS score and SAP (r=- 0.3662, p=0.0018) IMPLICATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE: adding physical therapy (exercise therapy and neuromuscular electrical stimulation) to oral care and nasogastric tube feeding is effective in improving oropharyngeal dysphagia and decreasing the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Effect of adding retro-walking or whole-body vibration in the routine physiotherapy program on knee functional disability in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study.

Effect of adding retro-walking or whole-body vibration in the routine physiotherapy program on knee functional disability in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study.

Virtual reality training combined with physical therapy program for children with tibial eminence fracture: a randomized controlled trial

Background. Tibial eminence fracture is an injury referred to the interarticular portion of the neighbouring plateau of the tibia. Non-operative treatment is recommended for type I and II. The study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) training combined with a physical therapy program (PTP) in the management of children after tibial eminence fractures. Methods. Forty eight children suffering from tibial eminence fracture (type I and type II). Their age ranged from 7 to 14 years old. The control group (G1) received only a physiotherapy program (PTP) and the experimental group (G2) received the same PTP plus virtual reality (VR) in form of Wii Sport Training. Both groups received the treatment protocol for six successive months (3 sessions per week). Participants were assessed before and after the treatment for six successive months. The outcomes were range of motion (ROM) of knee joint using goniometry, knee pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and balance by Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Results. Post-treatment, there was a a statistically substantial difference in pain, PBS, knee flexion and extension ROM in both groups (P-value &lt; 0.05). Also, there was a statistically substantial difference in PBS and knee flexion ROM between the two groups (P-value &lt; 0.05), favouring the VR group. Conclusions. These findings from this study reveal the value of physical therapy combined with VR in the rehabilitation of children with tibial eminence fractures. Virtual reality used in conjunction with PTP enhances those children’s knee range of motion and body stability.

Virtual reality training combined with physical therapy program for children with tibial eminence fracture: a randomized controlled trial

Background. Tibial eminence fracture is an injury referred to the interarticular portion of the neighbouring plateau of the tibia. Non-operative treatment is recommended for type I and II. The study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) training combined with a physical therapy program (PTP) in the management of children after tibial eminence fractures. Methods. Forty eight children suffering from tibial eminence fracture (type I and type II). Their age ranged from 7 to 14 years old. The control group (G1) received only a physiotherapy program (PTP) and the experimental group (G2) received the same PTP plus virtual reality (VR) in form of Wii Sport Training. Both groups received the treatment protocol for six successive months (3 sessions per week). Participants were assessed before and after the treatment for six successive months. The outcomes were range of motion (ROM) of knee joint using goniometry, knee pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and balance by Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Results. Post-treatment, there was a a statistically substantial difference in pain, PBS, knee flexion and extension ROM in both groups (P-value &lt; 0.05). Also, there was a statistically substantial difference in PBS and knee flexion ROM between the two groups (P-value &lt; 0.05), favouring the VR group. Conclusions. These findings from this study reveal the value of physical therapy combined with VR in the rehabilitation of children with tibial eminence fractures. Virtual reality used in conjunction with PTP enhances those children’s knee range of motion and body stability.

Comparative analysis of two different physiotherapy intervention programs in individuals experiencing chronic lower back pain

Background and objectives. Physiotherapy programs in individuals experiencing chronic lower back pain (CLBP) aim to improve function, disabilities from worsening. As per clinical practice guidelines, many methods are applied, such as the McKenzie method, therapeutic exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), traction, thermotherapy etc. The effectiveness of these methods is supported by a wide range of evidence and studies, making them some of the most diverse and well-established approaches. These physiotherapeutic treatments are combined every day. Therefore, the aim of this research is to provide a comparative investigation on two different physiotherapy programs containing a combination of these treatment modalities in individuals with CLBP. Materials and methods. This research involved 60 patients who were separated into two groups. Group I received the McKenzie treatment method, passive modalities, lumbar traction, and a walking program. Group II received therapeutic exercises, passive modalities, lumbar traction, and a walking program. Both groups underwent treatment for six weeks. Subjects were tested using research instruments at the beginning, at the end of three weeks, and at the end of six weeks of treatment. The evaluation instruments used were the visual analog scale, Finger-to-Floor test, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Results. Pain intensity, functional disability, lumbar flexibility, and self-confidence showed greater improvement after six weeks of treatment in both programs (p &lt;0.0001), without any significant statistical difference among the groups (p &gt;0.05). Conclusions. The data obtained from both groups support the effectiveness of both treatment programs and suggest that they can be considered as options for viable programs treatment for patients with CLBP.