Browsing by Author "Dierks, Tracy"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Changes in Walking Spatiotemporal Parameters After Therapeutic Yoga in People with Chronic Stroke
    (Iris, 2019) Miller, Kristine K.; Altenburger, Peter; Dierks, Tracy; Mason, Arianne; Van Puymbroeck, Marieke; Schmid, Arlene A.; Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    Walking limitations after stroke can contribute to long-term functional impairments. Walking characteristics such as spatiotemporal step parameters may be associated with these persistent walking limitations. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in specific spatiotemporal walking parameters such as: walking speed; step length; swing time; step parameter symmetry; and double support time in adults with stroke who were participating in a therapeutic yoga intervention. The therapeutic yoga intervention was offered as a post-rehabilitation wellness activity 2 times per week for 8 weeks and was led by a yoga therapist. Spatiotemporal walking data were collected using the GAITRite Walkway System on a sub sample (n=24) of participants in a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of therapeutic yoga for improving balance in adults with chronic stroke. These data demonstrated that therapeutic yoga may have a positive impact on some spatiotemporal walking characteristics such as comfortable walking speed, step length, and double support time, while other spatiotemporal walking characteristics did not change (step parameter symmetry) or change at a significant level (sustained walking speed). The clinical relevance of this study is that participation in therapeutic yoga as a post-rehabilitation wellness activity may have a positive impact on walking characteristics in adults with chronic stroke.
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    Creating an Infrastructure for Professional Development and Mentoring in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    (Office of Academic Affairs, IUPUI, 2017-11-14) Dierks, Tracy; Bayliss, Amy
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    The Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted, Task-Specific Ankle Training in Improving Deficits Across the Three Domains of the ICF in Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)
    (2018-11) Alotaibi, Madawi H.; Arnold, Brent; Altenburger, Peter; Munk, Niki; Dierks, Tracy
    Cerebral Palsy (CP) is considered to be the leading cause of motor disability among children. Children with CP present with multiple physical impairments including decreased strength and range of motion (ROM), increased spasticity, and poor balance and coordination. These impairments often lead to limitations in ankle motor control that impacts balance and gait function, which puts children at a higher risk for developing other problems. In recent studies, robotic devices have been developed to address poor motor control of the upper and lower extremities. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the robot-assisted, taskspecific ankle trainer improve deficits across the three domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in children with CP. Method: This is a quasi-experimental, single group, repeated measure design with four time-testing points through a set training session/protocol. A convenience sample of 5 children with CP were enrolled in the study. All children received 6-weeks of ankle robot training that included two 45-60 minute sessions per week, for a total of 12 sessions. Data from Tardieu Scale of spasticity, Boyd and Graham selective motor control, Pediatric Balance Scale, goniometer, hand held dynamometer, gait mat analysis, accelerometer, LIFE-H for children questionnaires, ultrasound, and robotic evaluation were collected at the different time points (1 week and 1 month pre training and 1 week and 1 month post training). Descriptive statistics and repeated measure (ANOVA) were used with SPSS software for data analysis. Results: All participants showed improvement in 1. Body Function and Structures (ROM, tone, strength, balance, ankle control and performance, and muscle architecture), 2. Activity (gait and activity counts) and 3. Participations over the course of the study. Conclusion: The results revealed the potential of robot-assisted, task-specific ankle training to improve motor performance and capacity at the body function, activity and participation level. Training appeared to have a lasting impact as most gains were maintained one month following training.
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    The Impact of Yoga on Quality of Life after Stroke
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2012-04-13) Schmid, Arlene A.; Van Puymbroeck, Marieke; Miller, Kristine; Altenburger, Peter; Dierks, Tracy; Schalk, Nancy; DeBaun, Erin; Damush, Teresa; Williams, Linda; Chagdes, Stephanie; Dye, Lauren; Moore, Richelle; Racine, Lisa
    Abstract Objective: Evaluate the effect of an innovative 8 week yoga-based rehabilitation intervention on 1) stroke specific quality of life (QoL) and 2) activity and participation scores in veterans with chronic stroke. Rationale/Background: Declines in Quality of Life (QoL), activity, and participation are common after stroke. Such declines are related to increased mortality, dependence, and costs. As more people live with long-term effects of stroke, it is necessary to develop innovative and evidence-based rehabilitation and occupational therapy interventions to improve QoL, activity, and participation in people with chronic stroke. Methods: • Participants- Participants included veterans with chronic stroke (>9 months) who had completed all occupational and physical therapy after stroke, reported some residual disability or functional loss after stroke; and scored >4 out of 6 on the Short Mini Mental Status Exam. • Setting- All data were collected in the Rehabilitation and Integrative Therapy lab at an urban university. • Design- This was a mixed methods pilot study of an 8 week yoga-based rehabilitation intervention. Data were collected before and after the 8 week yoga intervention. Data collection was completed by a trained research assistant. We used paired t-tests and Wilcoxon non-parametirc tests as appropriate to compare group change in scores over the 8-weeks. • Measure(s)- Measures included the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SSQoL) (high score=better QoL) to measure QoL and activity and participation were measured with the ICF Measure of Participation and Activity (IMPACT) (low score=less limitations in activity and participation). Both are valid and reliable instruments. Qualitative comments were collected during focus groups after the intervention. Supportive qualitative comments regarding improved QoL and activity and participation are included. All qualitative comments were reviewed by two researchers, and exemplar quotes are included.