Anatomic donor surgeries increase self-efficacy in physical therapy education: Use of live versus recorded viewing.

Anatomy serves as a foundational course in physical therapy education, but, due to its early placement in the curriculum, may have limited clinical application at that point of a student's education. Thus, augmenting a standard dissection course with surgical procedures can enhance the clinical relevance and knowledge of the anatomical structures involved in those surgeries. Doctor of Physical Therapy students viewed a variety of cadaveric orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeries performed by a surgeon. Students unable to participate live viewed the recorded surgeries. Participants completed a 10-point Likert scale survey, developed by the researchers, pre- and post-viewing, on self-efficacy of knowledge, patient intervention and communication. Data analysis revealed improved self-efficacy of knowledge of the anatomy and the surgical procedures, confidence in treating patients undergoing those surgeries, and confidence communicating with surgeons, regardless of whether students viewed the surgeries live or recorded. Students participating in this experience expressed a clear value enhancement on their education. Programs should feel confident that this type of experience in the curriculum, whether live or recorded, will have a positive effect on student self-efficacy as related to the relationships and pertinence of anatomical structures involved in the surgeries, the surgical procedures, treating patients having undergone those surgeries, and interprofessional communication.

Wearable gait device for stroke gait rehabilitation at home.

BACKGROUND: Hemiparesis is a common disabling consequence of stroke that leads to abnormal gait patterns marked by asymmetries in step length, stance, and swing phases. Asymmetric gait patterns are correlated with decreased gait velocity and increased susceptibility to falls that can lead to serious injuries and hospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: In this single group, before and after study, treatment with the iStrideTM gait device, designed to improve the gait patterns of individuals with hemiparesis, is adapted to the home environment. Previously tested in clinical settings, this study investigates if using the iStrideTM gait device within the home environment can provide safe and effective gait treatment for individuals with hemiparetic gait impairments caused by stroke. METHODS: Twelve 30-minute sessions of walking on the device were administered in each participant's home environment. Twenty-one participants who were more than one-year post-stroke received the treatment. The Ten-Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Assessment, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale were performed before and one week after treatment. Safety, treatment plan compliance, and subjective responses were also recorded during the study period. RESULTS: Results demonstrate statistically significant improvement on all five outcome measures from before treatment to one week after the last treatment session (p < 0.01) using two-tailed paired t-tests. 76% of participants improved beyond the small meaningful change or minimal detectable change on three or more outcome measures. 67% of participants improved clinically in gait speed and on at least one of the fall risk assessment inventories. 81% of the participants were able to perform the treatment in their home without assistance before the end of week three. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the iStrideTM gait device can facilitate effective, safe, and home-accessible gait treatment opportunities for individuals with hemiparesis from stroke.