PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2022, Arts and Sciences: Psychology

After stroke, physical therapists must determine when an individual requires assistance (e.g., physical support) to complete a task and when an individual can execute a motor skill with less assistance. The decision about the amount of support to provide is often based on deviations of movement patterns from expected “norms.” In standing postural control, for instance, a therapist may provide steadying support with the intent to minimize postural fluctuations, even when support is not required to maintain standing balance. When therapists view deviations from norms as “incorrect” in individuals with stroke, they make an assumption that neurotypical individuals exemplify idealized movement patterns and that any variation from that comparator represents an error in performance. “Variability as error” is a pervasive clinical assumption, but it contrasts with the complexity science perspective that motor variability is not just randomness. Variability in motor performance is now understood as an expression of flexibility, allowing an individual to select a motor strategy to fit a given context. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of physical therapist postural assistance during the practice of an upper-limb task on task performance and underlying motor control patterns in individuals with stroke. It was hypothesized that providing unnecessary assistance (postural stabilization) during practice would result in (a) faster improvements in task performance but (b) reduced immediate retention and more limited transfer; and (c) reduced task-sensitive postural control adjustments at transfer and following practice. Individuals with chronic stroke (n = 23) who were independent in standing balance participated. Participants stood on a force plate while immersed in a virtual scene displaying an anterior target. They aimed to position a virtual laser pointer (via handheld device) in the target. All participants then engaged in a practice period whe (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Michael Riley Ph.D. (Committee Member); Tehran Davis (Committee Member); Paula Silva Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Experiments

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2020, Anatomy

With a prevalence surpassing 80 million, stroke is a prominent cause of patient mortality and disability world-wide. The majority of strokes are ischemic in etiology, caused by cerebrovascular occlusion that deprives the brain of oxygen and glucose. The consequential continuous activation of excitatory neurotransmitter receptors, intracellular calcium accumulation, inflammation, and reactive oxygen species proliferation ultimately result in neuronal death. Beyond the ischemic brain insult, a growing body of evidence points to far-reaching pathophysiological consequences of acute ischemic stroke. Shortly after stroke onset, impairments to immune, autonomic, and motor pathways lead to dysfunction across organ systems. These end organ abnormalities play a major role in the morbidity and mortality of acute ischemic stroke and argue for the classification of stroke as a systemic disease. As the leading global contributor to disability, stroke necessitates rehabilitation to facilitate functional recovery. Yet despite the need for evidence-based therapies, little attention has been given to the neuromuscular response following ischemic stroke. Motor units are comprised of a single lower motor neuron axon and all myofibers it innervates. Though not directly injured by the central stroke lesion, lower motor neurons rely on cortical input for motor communication at the neuromuscular junction. To that end, we aimed to (a) characterize the impact of ischemic stroke on the neuromuscular system and (b) explore potential therapeutic modulation of stroke-induced alterations at the neuromuscular interface. Through in vivo longitudinal study, we investigated muscle contractility and identified a reduction in plantarflexion tetanic torque of the stroke-affected hindlimb. We also tested motor unit functionality and discovered that stroke significantly reduced motor unit number estimation. Rather than an actual loss of motor units from denervation, our subsequent investigation of neu (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Eileen Kalmar PhD (Advisor); Shahid Nimjee MD, PhD (Advisor); W. David Arnold MD (Committee Member); Cameron Rink PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Anatomy and Physiology; Medicine; Neurobiology; Neurology; Neurosciences; Pathology; Physical Therapy; Physiology; Rehabilitation; Therapy

BS, Kent State University, 2017, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies

Assistive technology devices are being utilized more frequently in classrooms for accommodations and modifications, especially for students with disabilities. These devices can be high technology devices containing batteries, or low technology devices which may be inexpensive and do not require batteries to be used. Throughout the thesis, the use of high technology devices and low technology devices is specified to introduce the idea of integrating devices into general education and special education classrooms. Furthermore, resources are provided regarding learning more about specific devices, how to further implement technology in the classroom, and catalogs to buy devices.

Committee: Robert Cimera Dr. (Advisor); Sloane Burgess Dr. (Committee Member); Annette Kratcoski Dr. (Committee Member); Natasha Levinson Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Special Education