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The genetic disorder Down syndrome (DS), clinically known as Trisomy 21, is characterized by the presence of either a part or full extra copy of chromosome 21. When compared with children of typical development, children with DS consistently score lower on gross motor skill tasks. Balance specifically is one of

The genetic disorder Down syndrome (DS), clinically known as Trisomy 21, is characterized by the presence of either a part or full extra copy of chromosome 21. When compared with children of typical development, children with DS consistently score lower on gross motor skill tasks. Balance specifically is one of the hardest skills for individuals with DS (especially children) to acquire, and neglecting to train balance early on can predispose individuals with DS to further movement instabilities, injuries, social struggles from activity limitations, and an overall lack of independence. One of the more unique forms of physical activity that requires a large amount of both static and dynamic balance is ballet. Dance-specific therapy has been shown to improve gross motor control functioning and specifically balance in a variety of populations with neuromuscular condions, but the research around ballet-specific therapy for those with DS is lacking. The purpose of this pilot study was to further investigate the effects of ballet-specific training on balance ability and general motor functioning in young students with DS as measured by the Four Square Step Test (FSST), Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and the gross and fine motor domains of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale lll (VABS lll). It was hypothesized that participation in the 6-week summer cohort of Ballet Arizona’s Adaptive Dance Program would lead to improved scores on the PBS and VABS lll and decreased test times in the FSST. Improvements were observed for all measures for both participants (sample size n=2), except for P1's FSST, which increased in post-testing by 2.25s. Due to the study design, no conclusive statements can be made about whether the ballet program was responsible for the improvements observed in post-testing. More rigorous research with larger sample sizes (>30) is warranted to more fully understand the impact of an adapted ballet program on the balance ability of young individuals with DS. However, the program is still recommended for young individuals with DS because of the benefits it provides outside of motor skill development.
ContributorsMitrovic, Jelena (Author) / Peterson, Daniel (Thesis director) / Holzapfel, Simon (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2022-12
Description
Many children with disabilities need physical therapy treatment but it can be difficult to instruct patients with restricted or limited communication. Most exercise cards and depictions used in communicating instruction to pediatric special needs patients are not representative of children with disabilities. This project aimed to create inclusive physical therapy

Many children with disabilities need physical therapy treatment but it can be difficult to instruct patients with restricted or limited communication. Most exercise cards and depictions used in communicating instruction to pediatric special needs patients are not representative of children with disabilities. This project aimed to create inclusive physical therapy exercise cards depicting children with disabilities. The goal of these cards was to help communicate instructions and motivate children to perform their exercises in clinical settings. The exercise selection was based on observations from working with children with disabilities in a pediatric physical therapy clinic. As a result, photos of children with developmental disabilities were taken performing exercises and subsequently made into cards and provided to physical therapists (PT). The PT’s used the cards for at least a week and reported on their functionality. The feedback from PT’s regarding the use of exercise cards in therapy sessions was overwhelmingly positive. With the positive feedback from the PT’s, the cards will be published and donated to pediatric physical therapy clinics in Arizona.
ContributorsMack, Sarah (Author) / Hart, Teresa (Thesis director) / Broman, Tannah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2024-05
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Description

Physical therapy modalities are passive tools that are used in physical therapy clinics, beside the exercise program and manual therapy, that promote blood flow, decrease inflammation, and improve range of motion and function. Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice, and heat were analyzed in this review. The purpose of this quantitative review

Physical therapy modalities are passive tools that are used in physical therapy clinics, beside the exercise program and manual therapy, that promote blood flow, decrease inflammation, and improve range of motion and function. Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, ice, and heat were analyzed in this review. The purpose of this quantitative review is to use the research that has been conducted over the past 30 years to determine if physical therapy modalities are effective at decreasing inflammation, increasing range of motion and function, decreasing pain, and to draw a conclusion about whether or not they should still be used on patients today. Systematic reviews and meta analysis were analyzed and compared to qualitative surveys and patient/therapist surveys conducted in this study to determine if ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, and heat were effective. The results showed that both electrical stimulation and ultrasound were effective for decreasing pain, increasing functionality, and decreasing inflammation (Ashrafi, 2017; Bistolfi, 2018; Ferronato, 2017; Fuentes, 2010; Haile, 2021; Yu, 2015). However, the types of injuries, frequency, and duration of the modalities used still need to be further researched to understand how to maximize the effectiveness of these modalities. Ice therapy was significantly effective at decreasing inflammation, while heat therapy was significantly effective at decreasing pain, both in the short term (Wang et al., 2021).

ContributorsMillon, Victoria (Author) / Hollingsworth, Rachel (Thesis director) / Cataldo, Donna (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2021-12
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Description
Physical therapy patients still receive their plan of care onto a piece of paper when there are hundreds of engaging physical therapy exercise videos on the internet. These exercise videos are way more appealing to watch and physical therapists should consider delivering Home Exercise Programs (HEP) digitally. There are apps

Physical therapy patients still receive their plan of care onto a piece of paper when there are hundreds of engaging physical therapy exercise videos on the internet. These exercise videos are way more appealing to watch and physical therapists should consider delivering Home Exercise Programs (HEP) digitally. There are apps and online services such as Physioadvisor, Physprac app, Anterior Cruciate Ligament repair app, and work-out apps for people to create their own plan of care and are easily accessible with any electronic device. Most people are receiving information and learning through a lit screen anyways so it may only be a matter of time before people start using these resources instead of a physical therapist. Physical Therapists need to provide better resources for their patients and an app may be all they need. Figures of the results of the Qualtrics survey both Physical Therapists and Patient responses and were provided. A data analysis of each question and responses were interpreted to determine whether patients and physical therapists would like to use a physical therapy app as part of their rehab program. A Physiotherapy research journal with Switzerland researchers conducted a case study in a hospital and determined whether a HEP app testing was effective for patients to utilize.
ContributorsChang, Cheng H. (Author) / Holzapfel, Simon (Thesis director) / Peterson, Daniel (Committee member) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor, Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description

Accessing adequate healthcare, particularly essential services like physical therapy, presents a significant challenge for individuals with Down syndrome. This demographic often encounters obstacles such as limited accessibility, scarce resources, and a lack of tailored solutions that specifically address their unique needs. The resulting disparity leads to inconsistent care and suboptimal

Accessing adequate healthcare, particularly essential services like physical therapy, presents a significant challenge for individuals with Down syndrome. This demographic often encounters obstacles such as limited accessibility, scarce resources, and a lack of tailored solutions that specifically address their unique needs. The resulting disparity leads to inconsistent care and suboptimal healthcare experiences. Recognizing the importance of eliminating these barriers is crucial to create a more inclusive healthcare environment for individuals with Down syndrome. Rainbow Monster Madness serves as a multifaceted solution to the social determinants of health that significantly impact individuals with Down syndrome. The game's design directly tackles several of these determinants by offering accessible, engaging, and family-centered therapy. In terms of healthcare access and quality, the game empowers parents to actively participate in their child's therapy, ensuring the correct administration of exercises and the consistent provision of quality care. The game's design addresses neighborly and built environment determinants by providing an accessible and inclusive therapy option that can be implemented within the comfort of one's home. This approach fosters a sense of safety and familiarity for children undergoing therapy, promoting a more relaxed and conducive environment. Additionally, Rainbow Monster Madness encourages social community engagement by fostering a collaborative atmosphere between parents and children during therapy sessions. This collaborative approach creates a supportive and engaging environment, positively impacting the overall therapeutic experience. Adhering to the principles of Self-Determination Theory, the game cultivates intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being among children with Down syndrome. This approach enables active engagement in therapy and contributes to their overall health and well-being. The exercises included in Rainbow Monster Madness are carefully selected to cater to the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome. This regimen combines muscle-strengthening, cardio, and balance exercises, tailored to this specific population. The modification of exercises and thematic design ensures that children remain enthusiastic about their therapy, ultimately promoting better adherence and more effective results. In summary, Rainbow Monster Madness represents a comprehensive solution to the multitude of challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome in accessing healthcare. Simultaneously, it addresses the broader social determinants of health, thereby fostering a healthier and more inclusive future for this deserving population.

ContributorsAnderson, Lyndsey (Author) / Montalvo, Alicia (Thesis director) / Miossi, Lindsey (Committee member) / Hoffner, Kristin (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics (Contributor) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor)
Created2023-12