Publications

Abstract

• Purpose: The profession of physical therapy has historically relied on manual facilitation to improve motor control strategies and performance in persons rehabilitating from a stroke, yet there is insufficient evidence to support its use during functional task training. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of integrated cueing (verbal and manual) and verbal cueing approaches during sit-to-stand training on midline alignment & muscle activation in chronic stroke survivors. Methods: Twenty-one chronic right-brained stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly assigned to the Integrated Cueing or Verbal Only group and outcome measures were recorded using an 18-Camera Motion Capture System, force plates, and surface electromyography (EMG). Results: Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in symmetry toward the midline after thirty training repetitions. Significant improvements in muscle activation were found in two muscle groups on the affected side of the body in the Integrated Cueing group, gastrocnemius and rectus femoris. Conclusion: Both the Verbal Only and Integrated Cueing groups made significant progress toward more symmetrical movement, yet more significant changes in the activation of hemiparetic extensor muscles were seen in the Integrated Cueing group. These findings support the use of manual cueing in movement activation and performance during the training of functional tasks. (11/2024) (link)
• Effect of Progressive Gaze Stability Exercises on the Severity of Symptoms of Chronic Motion Sensitivity and Occupational Engagement Among Young Adults: A Qualitative Study Dragana Krpalek, PhD, OTR/L; Shilpa B. Gaikwad, PT, MPTh, PhD; Eric G. Johnson, PT, DSc, MS-HPEd, NCS; Todd C. Nelson, PT, DPT, MBA, NCS; Noha S. Daher, DrPH, MSPH OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of chronic motion sensitivity and progressive gaze stability exercises on engagement in meaningful occupations. METHODS: We used a qualitative study design. After participation in a 6-week progressive gaze stability or sham exercise program to address symptoms of mild to moderate motion sensitivity, 19 adults engaged in focus group discussions. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data: the effect of chronic motion sensitivity on engagement in meaningful occupations, associated emotional responses, self-management strategies, and program effectiveness. The results suggest that progressive gaze stability exercises were more effective than sham exercises in reducing symptoms of motion sensitivity and facilitating occupational engagement. CONCLUSION: This study was limited by a short time frame and a small sample size. Future studies are needed with long-term follow-up and a larger sample size. The findings suggest that progressive gaze stability exercises have a role within occupational and physical therapy practice to promote occupational engagement. (11/2020)