2023-2024 Capstone Projects
2023-2024 Capstone Project Abstracts
2022-2023 Capstone Project Abstracts
Standardization of Breast Cancer-Related
Lymphedema Limb Circumference and
Volume Calculation
Mentors: Dr. Meredith Wampler-Khun
Summary: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) impacts approximately 65% of women treated for breast cancer. It is common clinical practice to estimate limb volume using circumference measures with frustum calculations of volume. There is a gap in the literature describing which increment of circumference measure is most responsive to change over time. Answering this question will be important to help clinicians select the best increment of measure that will represent treatment progress or worsening of lymphedema over time.
Foot Factors and Demographics of
Pickleball Players
Mentor: Drs. Marcey Keefer Hutchison & Peter Schrey
Summary: Pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the US for five consecutive years, but little research on the sport has been performed to date. Therefore, the overall purpose of the proposed study is to measure foot/ankle strength and function in a variety of pickleball players, comparing data across age, gender, sport experience, and level of skill.
Concussion Outcomes and the Clinical Implications of Patient Demographics
Mentors: Drs. Shannon Compton & Kelsea Hulstrom
Summary: A growing awareness exists in the medical community of neurological symptoms caused by COVID-19 infection. Anecdotally and in published case reports, these neurological symptoms often mimic those reported by individuals who have sustained a concussion. This research aims to determine if a relationship exists between severity of reported symptoms and recent COVID-19 infection for
individuals experiencing concussion.
The Effect of Surface and Shoes on
Trail Running Biomechanics
Mentor: Dr. JJ Hannigan
Summary: Trail running is quickly increasing in popularity, but very little research has been performed on trail runners outside of the lab. Research suggests that running injury risk varies across running surfaces and shoe selection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare running biomechanics between a paved and single-track trail in both a traditional and maximal shoe.
Pickleball for Parkinson’s: Analysis of a Community-Based Program’s Influence on Endurance, Multidirectional Stepping, and Quality of Life
Mentor: Drs. Carol-Ann Nelson & Amy Briley
Summary: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of an 8-week pickleball-based group skills and wellness program in people with Parkinson’s Disease on physical outcome measures (6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, four square step test and Mini-BEST balance test) as well as quality of life.
Professional Experiences of Physical Therapists Who Identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC): Survey Research
Mentors: Dr. Kathryn Lent
Summary: The purpose of this study is to obtain information from physical therapists who identify as Black, Indigenous, or as a person of color about their lived experiences in professional contexts, including in their professional academic, employment, and continuing education roles.
The Effects of Maximal Shoe Firmness and Rocker Design on Running Biomechanics
Mentor: Dr. JJ Hannigan
Summary: While the FORCE Laboratory has done considerable work on running biomechanics in maximal shoes over the past 5 years, we still know little about how the midsole construction of maximal shoes affects running biomechanics and injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare running biomechanics in maximal shoes based on midsole firmness and rocker design.
Comparison of the Effect of Standard of Care Exercise Program to Self-Selected Exercise on Compliance in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Mentors: Drs. Erin Fitzgerald & David Seck
Summary: Current research demonstrates that people with Parkinson’s Disease can have challenges with compliance with exercise programs. This project aims to develop a program based on identifying barriers for individual participants and creating a program tailored to their individual needs with an emphasis on engaging in enjoyable activities.
The Effect of Chronic Ankle Instability on Dynamic Postural Control Strategy
Mentor: Professor Jay Dicharry
Summary: The aim is to examine the link between foot strength and whole-body balance strategies. Do people with better foot strength stabilize their body differently, and how does a history of repetitive ankle sprains impact whole body stability?
Effects of Shoulder Pain on Shoulder Joint Position Sense
Mentor: Dr. David Phillips
Summary: The presence of shoulder pain negatively influences the ability to accurately determine joint position without vision. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of physical therapy rehabilitation to restore proprioception in participants with shoulder pain.