Toward scientific dissemination of undergraduate thesis in physical therapy programs – a cross-sectional study

Background The execution of undergraduate thesis is a period in which students have an opportunity to develop their scientific knowledge. However, many barriers could prevent the learning process. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the scientific dissemination of results from undergraduate theses in physical therapy programs and verify the existence of barriers and challenges in the preparation of undergraduate thesis. Second, to investigate whether project characteristics and thesis development barriers were associated with the dissemination of undergraduate thesis results. Methods Physical therapists who graduated as of 2015, from 50 different educational institutions, answered an online questionnaire about barriers faced during the execution of undergraduate thesis and about scientific dissemination of their results. Results Of 324 participants, 43% (n = 138) of participants disseminated their results, and the main form of dissemination was publishing in national journals (18%, n = 58). Regarding the barriers, 76% (n = 246) of participants reported facing some difficulties, and the main challenge highlighted was the lack of scientific knowledge (28%, n = 91). Chances of dissemination were associated with barriers related to scientific understanding and operational factors, such as the type of institution, institutional facilities, and involvement with other projects. Conclusion Scientific knowledge seems to be a determining factor for the good development of undergraduate theses. In addition, it is clear the need to stimulate more qualified dissemination that reaches a larger audience. Changes in operational and teaching factors may improve the undergraduate thesis quality. However, the importance of rethinking scientific education within physical therapy programs draws attention.

Students' Perceptions of Clinical Education during a Global Pandemic

Introduction Clinical education is an essential component of allied health programs. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic had significant impacts on clinical education. The central purpose of this research was to recognize student perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on their face-to-face clinical experiences during the global pandemic. Methods A Qualtrics survey was sent to 80 physical therapist assistant students whose clinical education was affected during the 2019 to 2020 academic year. Subjects were asked about the following: factors that influenced their decision to complete clinical rotations during the pandemic; perceptions of learning, safety, and stress under these conditions as well as perceptions of the effectiveness of clinical preparatory activities. Results Twenty-six responses to the survey were received and analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonpaired t-tests calculated for each scaled survey item to compare groups. A majority (83.3%) of the respondents reported graduation followed by professional experience (58.3%) as extremely important factors of consideration for participation in clinical education. Personal safety (33.3%) ranked the lowest of the extremely important factors. In preparing for the clinical experience, 75% reported that individual or small group meetings with the faculty member were extremely helpful. The majority of students (78.26%) strongly agreed that they learned a great deal from the clinical experiences under global pandemic; however, 52.17% reported they found the clinical experiences to be stressful. Conclusion During the global pandemic, students placed greater value on interpersonal, trusted relationships when seeking information. Even though students felt stressed during their clinical education, they perceived that learning did occur. As the impacts of COVID-19 remain, physical therapy programs can use this data to recognize areas that require increased support and preparation for students' clinical experiences to encourage an impactful and sustainable future in clinical education.

The Effects of Exergames on Muscle Architecture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Muscle architectural parameters play a crucial role in the rate of force development, strength, and sports performance. On the other hand, deteriorated muscle architectural parameters are associated with injuries, sarcopenia, mortality, falls, and fragility. With the development of technology, exergames have emerged as a complementary tool for physical therapy programs. The PRISMA 2020 statement was followed during the systematic review and meta-analysis. CENTRAL, CINAHL, PROQUEST, PubMed, and OpenGrey databases were searched last time on 22 September 2021. In total, five controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Twelve weeks of virtual dance exercise (Dance Central game for Xbox 360®) showed a medium effect on the improvement of hamstrings (g = 0.55, 95% CI (−0.03, 1.14), I2 = 0%) and the quadriceps femoris muscle cross-sectional area (g = 0.58, 95% CI (0.1, 1.00), I2 = 0%) in community-dwelling older women. Additionally, a four-week virtual balance-training program (the ProKin System) led to significant increments in the cross-sectional areas of individual paraspinal muscles (14.55–46.81%). However, previously investigated exergame programs did not show any medium or large effects on the architectural parameters of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in community-dwelling older women. Distinct exergame programs can be used as a complementary therapy for different prevention and rehabilitation programs.

Factors Influencing Student Success in a Graduate Clinical Neuroscience Course: A Survey Study

Date Presented Accepted for AOTA INSPIRE 2021 but unable to be presented due to online event limitations. The purpose of this study is to explore factors that may influence student success in a graduate clinical neuroscience course using a survey. Success in a neuroscience course may be supported with prior science coursework and additional resources such as a tutor, visuals, and other supplementary materials. OT and physical therapy programs may consider implementing a neuroscience course that provides additional resources in order to facilitate student success. Primary Author and Speaker: Cassie A. Baus Additional Authors and Speakers: Dianna Lunsford, Kristin Valdes

Ergonomic Intervention on Physical Therapy Programs Decrease Pain and Disability Level on Subject with Myogenic Low Back Pain: A Case Report

Introduction: Myogenic Low Back Pain is an uncomfortable pain on the lower back, often caused by musculoskeletal disorders resulting in pain and disability. This case report aims to review ergonomic intervention on physical therapy program on myogenic low back pain. Case description: A 45-years-old man working as a roof tile craftsman complained of pain in the lower back area and already felt it for 1 month ago. The pain did not radiate to the leg. The patient has no neurological signs and symptoms. Patient-reported that he had experienced the same incident about 9 times in the last 3 years ago. The patient always performed bending motion and lifting the roof tile every day. The patient has been visited physical therapy and received ergonomic intervention and physical therapy programs such as core stability exercise, soft tissue mobilization and modalities for seven weeks. Following the ergonomic intervention and therapeutic exercise application, the Visual Analogue Scale score decreased from 6 to 0. The Modified Oswestry Disability Index score gradually decreased from 60% disability to 0% disability. The patient no longer complained of MLBP and was able to lift the roof tile well. Conclusion: After a seven-weeks physical therapy treatment session, the patient did not feel pain and can perform forward bending. Modified Oswestry Disability Index score improved and demonstrated improved lifting the roof tile without any complaints. We concluded that the ergonomic intervention combined with physical therapy programs effectively decreased pain and disability level on a subject with MLBP

Exploration of Grit and Emotional Intelligence and Success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Background: Higher education programs that admit students to sequential curricula incur a substantial financial loss when an enrolled student fails to continue in the program for whatever reason. In many instances, the seat cannot be filled, and valuable tuition dollars often over $90,000 per student is lost to the institution. In addition to financial loss, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs are required to report and explain rates to the Commission for Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Admission committees at Doctor of Physical Therapy programs seek candidates that will be successful in the program and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore relationships of non-cognitive characteristics (grit and emotional intelligence) and Grade Point Average (GPA) in the first year of a DPT program with the intent to potentially identify students who might benefit from remediation/intervention to prevent attrition. Methods: Forty-two students in the first year of a Doctor of Physical Therapy program completed the Grit scale and the Mayers-Salovey Emotional Intelligence test early in the fall semester of year one. Results: There were no significant relationships between grit or emotional intelligence and academic success in the first year of a DPT program. Conclusions: The current study provides preliminary information related to non-cognitive factors of grit and emotional intelligence and success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Professional and Personal Physical Therapist Development through Service Learning in Collaboration with a Prisoner Reinsertion Program: A Qualitative Study

There is a great concern whether Physical Therapy students upon completion of their educational program are ready and equipped with the requisite skills to construct and implement a successful patient intervention with culturally diverse groups. The purpose of this study is to describe the professional and personal physical therapist development of Physical Therapy students after participating in Solidarity Activities in Collaboration with a Prisoner reinsertion program as a service-learning course. A qualitative approach was used. A convenience sample of twenty physical therapy students doing service learning and one teaching professor were included. Student diaries were analyzed. Semi-structured interviews were done to explore five students’ and the professor’s judgements. Internal and external observations and filling out structure field-notes were also used as data triangulation in order to build the conceptual model. The main findings include that the application of knowledge and practice of skills in different environments are the most important skills attained with this service learning. Five key themes emerged from the data analysis, namely: application of knowledge, adaptation to different environments, improving communication with patients, assisting people and providing treatment with self-confidence. A recommendation is that Physical Therapy programs include workplace practice in different environments to enhance the development of professionalism among students.

QIGOON SYSTEM AND YOGA THERAPY AS A MEANS OF PHYSICAL REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION

The article considers the features of the etiopathogenesis of hypertension and the use of methods and means of physical therapy, which combine diet therapy, exercise therapy, swimming, therapeutic massage, physiotherapy, cardio, etc. However, existing physical therapy programs do not have a holistic approach to restoring the health of people with hypertension, so the article explores alternative approaches to the use of health programs for the rehabilitation of patients with hypertension, in particular, the Qigong system and yogatherapy. The developed program of physical rehabilitation for hypertension allows to reduce the index of the area of ​​hypertension, which increases the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment, has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional and physical condition of the patient, helps to normalize blood pressure, accelerates recovery and recovery.

Combined physical therapy for diabetic angiopathy

Background. The problem of diabetic angiopathy is characteristic of countries even with a high level of development of medicine. The high frequency of complications of diabetes with high biological and social significance determines the need for their correction. The purpose of the work was to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment for patients with diabetic angiopathy through the combined use of therapeutic exercises and functional electrical stimulation of the lower extremities. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted, in which 90 patients (63 men and 27 women) with an established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes took part. Results. It was found that the use of therapeutic gymnastics and training walking on a treadmill and functional neuroelectrostimulation of the lower extremities increase the motor capabilities of patients due to the analgesic effect, improved neurogenic control of vasoconstriction of arteriovenous anastomoses and increased capillary blood flow. Conclusion. Functional electrical stimulation method can be effectively used in physical therapy programs for patients with diabetic lower limb angiopathies at the inpatient and outpatient stages.