Browsing by Author "Fling, Brett W., committee member"
Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Open Access A smart-device based motor function battery(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Monaghan, Patrick G., author; Tracy, Brian L., advisor; Fling, Brett W., committee member; Stephens, Jaclyn, committee memberGrowth in the older population will increase the overall impact of age-related neurological disorders. Aging and neurological conditions share features such as impaired motor function and physical dysfunction including reduced muscle strength and power, slowness of movement, increased movement variability and balance dysfunction. Successful performance of daily activities and maintenance of mobility is key to independence and quality of life. Therefore, tracking changes in physical function is critical in gauging quality of life. However truly quantitative measures of physical capacity often require the use of expensive, lab-based equipment. Smart devices contain sensitive tri-axial accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure acceleration and rotation and offer a more cost-effective, portable yet still quantitative means of physical assessment. The purpose is to describe an iPod Touch-instrumented test battery designed to assess features of physical and motor function often shared by normal aging and age-related movement disorders. We have been assessing the correlation between measures taken from expensive lab devices and the iPod Touch smart device for a variety of movements. We developed and tested a multi-item smart device-based battery of motor tasks that addresses motor variability, slowness and postural instability across a range of young, healthy college students. By changing the location of the device we can assess upper and lower limb movement speed and power, hand tremor, or postural control. We have also used previously validated lab devices concurrently with the smart device, which allows us to correlate the results between devices to assess the extent of the association between devices. Outcomes such as peak acceleration and variability of movements can be obtained. Generally, the smart device demonstrated strong correlations with the lab grade sensors for all motor tasks. Furthermore, the smart device was also correlated with the accelerometer across a large range of speed and variability. Strong correlations were seen in ballistic arm and leg tasks, tremor, and postural control assessments. This finding suggests that the smart device can sufficiently assess a broad range of functional capacity. This battery can then be used to study populations exhibiting motor impairment, ranging from older adults, to neurological patients. Using the sensors on the smart device, this testing can be administered remotely and inexpensively by non-experts, providing cost-effective, mobile, user- and patient-friendly physical function testing. More importantly, accessibility of testing is increased while retaining quantitative precision. This should aid in quantifying disease progression and response to pharmacological or exercise/rehabilitative intervention, with the goal of improved function and quality of life in those with impairment.Item Open Access Merging yoga and occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Swink, Laura A., author; Schmid, Arlene A., advisor; Atler, Karen E., committee member; Fruhauf, Christine A., committee member; Fling, Brett W., committee memberPurpose: The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a fall risk self-management program for people with Parkinson's disease (Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson's Disease [MY-OT for PD]), conduct a feasibility and pilot study, and analyze outcomes following the MY-OT for PD program. Method: This dissertation includes three studies. Study One was a qualitative study which focused on the adaptation of a program originally designed for individuals with chronic stroke (i.e. Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy) and development of a new program to specifically meet the needs of people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) (i.e. MY-OT for PD). To complete Study One, we conducted a focus group with PwP and nine expert interviews. Study One results led to the creation of Stage 1 manuals to guide the MY-OT for PD program. In Study Two, we completed the 8-week (14-session) MY-OT for PD program and focused on feasibility and pilot testing. Feasibility was assessed related to the process, resources, management, and scientific basis of the program. The following outcome measures were collected: five fall management scales, concern about falling, balance, balance confidence, and self-reported falls. Study Three was a mixed-methods analysis of health-related quality of life following the MY-OT for PD program. The quantitative outcome was a HRQoL standardized assessment specifically for PwP. The qualitative data were collected via two focus groups with participants after the program in which participants were asked about eight HRQoL domains from the quantitative assessment. Results: In the qualitative development study, three themes were identified related to revision of the MY-OT program (and development of Stage 1 manuals): revisions to the guiding model, revisions to content, revisions to delivery. We outlined changes to the manuals in relation to each theme and developed a new guiding model (the PD Fall Risk Model), altered manual content, and altered delivery aspects of the manual to create the PD-specific MY-OT for PD Stage 1 program manuals. We then implemented and tested the 8-week, 14-session MY-OT for PD program. Eighteen participants enrolled, one dropped out during the control period, and 17 participants completed an average of 12.82/14 sessions. Improvements were seen on all outcome measures, and significant differences were seen between the control and intervention periods on one of the fall management scales and balance, with significantly greater scores improvements during the intervention period as compared to the control period. HRQoL results were mixed because quantitative results showed no significant differences in HRQoL following the MY-OT for PD program, while qualitative results showed noted improvements in all HRQoL domains. Conclusion: MY-OT for PD is one promising program that decreased the number of self-reported falls during the intervention, improved balance, and participants reported improvements in HRQoL. In order to complete future trials, MY-OT for PD would need to be modified based on participant feedback and analysis of outcomes following the feasibility and pilot testing in Studies Two and Three.Item Open Access Merging yoga and occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease improves fatigue management and activity and participation measures(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Hill, Heather M., author; Schmid, Arlene A., advisor; Atler, Karen E., committee member; Fling, Brett W., committee memberIntroduction: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the influence of a fall-risk management intervention, Merging Yoga and Occupational Therapy for Parkinson's Disease (MY-OT-PD), on fatigue and activity and participation measures, as well as examine the relationship between fatigue and activity and participation measures in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This mixed methods study included 17 participants with PD. Participants took the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Measure of Participation and Activities Screener (IMPACT-S) at three separate eight-week intervals: baseline (followed by an eight-week control period), pre-intervention, and post-intervention. Focus groups were completed at the conclusion of the study to qualitatively explore participants' perception of the intervention related to their fatigue and activity and participation levels. Results: Fatigue and activity and participation measures were significantly correlated (r = 0.76). Activity and participation measures (IMPACT-S) significantly improved after the intervention (p = 0.012). Four themes related to fatigue and/or activity and participation emerged following qualitative analysis including: 1) managing fatigue: paying attention and acting accordingly; 2) creating mindfulness in daily activities; 3) giving and receiving within a community; and 4) strengthening relationship to self and others. Conclusion: Participants experienced improvement in activity and participation measures as well as perceived fatigue management after engagement in a community-based, fall-risk management program, MY-OT-PD.Item Embargo Targeting proteostatic maintenance and mitochondrial function with phytochemical compounds in models of brain and skeletal muscle aging(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Walsh, Maureen Ann, author; Hamilton, Karyn L., advisor; Fling, Brett W., committee member; Moreno, Julie A., committee member; LaRocca, Thomas J., committee member; Santangelo, Kelly S., committee memberThere is a growing population of older adults (>65+ years) worldwide that is projected to increase in coming decades, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity. Specifically, age is the number one risk factor for chronic diseases like sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and function, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. The twelve hallmarks of aging are a collection of cellular changes that drive the aging process. Two highly interconnected hallmarks of aging that drive the development and progression of sarcopenia and neurodegeneration are loss of proteostasis (protein homeostasis) and mitochondrial dysfunction. While progress has been made in understanding the etiology of chronic diseases, treatments for age-related chronic diseases affecting skeletal muscle and the brain are lacking. One reason for the lack of effective treatments in humans is the absence of preclinical animal models that recapitulate human aging. However, our group previously identified the Hartley guinea pig as a novel model of brain and skeletal muscle aging. We then treated these guinea pigs with a phytochemical compound to delay the onset and/or slow the progression of brain and skeletal muscle aging. Through the experiments in this dissertation, I observed that: 1.) phytochemical compounds, branded as Protandim, can improve mechanisms of proteostasis independent of changes in mitochondrial respiration in muscle precursor cells; 2.) the phytochemical compound, branded as PB125, can improve mechanisms of skeletal muscle proteostasis in the Hartley guinea pig; 3.) PB125 can also decrease neuroinflammation in the Hartley guinea pig; and 4.) despite the lack of declines in hippocampal mitochondrial respiration with age, Hartley guinea pigs exhibit decreased mitochondrial efficiency. Collectively, this dissertation builds on prior work suggesting that the Hartley guinea pig is a valuable model to test preclinical interventions.Item Open Access The integration of yoga into occupational therapy practice for people with multiple sclerosis(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2020) Candray, Haylee A., author; Schmid, Arlene A., advisor; Atler, Karen A., committee member; Fling, Brett W., committee memberThe purpose of this study was to fill a research gap, by providing initial insight into the use of yoga in occupational therapy practice (OT) for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). More specifically, this study aimed to answer how and why occupational therapists (OTs) integrate yoga into clinical practice for PwMS. Eight OTs, residing across the United States, completed an online survey and semi-structured telephone interview. Telephone interviews were transcribed verbatim and inductively open coded. Themes, answering the questions of how and why OTs use yoga for PwMS, emerged through thematic data analysis including: (1) OT and yoga are a natural and complementary fit; (2) holistic benefits for clients beyond therapy; (3) leveraging personal ties to yoga; and (4) use of yoga is dependent on client factors and clinical environment. Since OTs use activities to promote health and well-being, yoga may be appropriate for PwMS because its use is context- and client-centered and allows for shared engagement in a meaningful activity for clients and therapists. Furthermore, as yoga and OT together are a natural and complementary fit, OTs use of yoga may be holistically beneficial to PwMS during and after being discharged from occupational therapy. Future research needs to establish the efficacy of integrating yoga into clinical OT practice as well as qualitatively assess PwMS' experience of engaging in yoga during occupational therapy.Item Open Access The role of landing foot orientation on linear traction in stop and stop-jump tasks(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Taylor, Laura Thistle, author; Reiser, Raoul F., II, advisor; Fling, Brett W., committee member; Blanchard, Nathaniel, committee memberIntroduction: The incidence of lower extremity injury has been shown to be greater on artificial turf (AT) than on natural grass across a variety of sports. Injury risk and performance are influenced by the traction characteristics of the foot-surface interface shortly after initial foot contact. The foot's orientation relative to the ground upon landing potentially contributes to these traction characteristics. Although landing foot orientation has been shown to be predictive of lower extremity injury risk on hardcourt surfaces, it remains unclear if foot orientation influences landing ground reaction forces and traction on AT. This information could contribute to modifications in athlete technique, cleat design, and surface characteristics to optimize athlete performance and reduce injury risk. The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine how foot orientation upon landing on AT during stop and stop-jump tasks influences linear traction and foot loading characteristics. Secondary goals were to investigate differences in landing strategy between males and females and the effect of subsequent task demands between the two movements. Methods: Twenty-nine collegiate club-level or higher athletes (15 females) accustomed to competing on AT participated. A third-generation AT was prepared over a foam shock pad to manufacturer specifications with a sand base and crumb rubber performance infill. Isolated panels were secured over two side-by-side force platforms. Subject kinematics were measured using optical capture with reflective markers. Subjects performed six acceptable trials of a stop task and a stop-jump task. Each limb was analyzed separately from initial foot contact through the landing phase. The representative average trial of each subject was used to determine differences between the limbs and sexes within and between each movement. Individual trials were used to explore the relationships between the initial foot progression angle and traction. Due to the limited number of forefoot landings for the two analyzed movements, correlations were only performed on the initial foot progression angles ranging from rearfoot to flatfoot. Results: This investigation is especially novel since most reported literature on foot orientation has been conducted on hardcourt surfaces, not on AT. We found that initial foot progression angle was strongly correlated with the horizontal displacement of the foot before the cleat fully engaged with the AT but had limited influence on early ground reaction forces. We found no differences in initial foot progression angle between sexes or between movements, although horizontal ground reaction forces were greater for males than females and greater for the stop task compared to the stop-jump task. Conclusion: Landing foot orientations, ranging from rearfoot to flatfoot, contribute to the horizontal movement across AT. The relationship between horizontal foot movement on AT and injury risk needs to be further analyzed, specifically by examining the joint loading mechanics at the ankle, knee, and hip.