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- Creator:
- Pardo, Kenneth A.
- Description:
- Background and Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an aerobic exercise program on the treatment of mild (stage I) cubital tunnel syndrome. Subjects. Two female subjects participated in this study. Both subjects were diagnosed with mild (stage I) cubital tunnel syndrome by a physical therapist, who was also a board certified orthopedic specialist. Methods. Two subjects met the inclusion criteria for this study and were given a pre-test to determine baseline symptoms. Baseline tests included a sensory two-point discrimination test, a monofilament sensory test, and a modified McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Each subject also completed a questionnaire that included estimated symptomatic days per week for the 7 day and 30 day periods preceding initial testing. The subjects viewed a short educational video and a low impact aerobics video to be performed at home 3-5 days per week. Subjects were also instructed to wear an elbow splint at night to their tolerance. Each subject kept a daily log describing the quality of their symptoms, the severity of their symptoms, the amount of time the splint was worn, and the amount of exercise performed. At the completion of an eight-week exercise program, subjects were post-tested in the same manner as the pre-test, and completed the questionnaire that included estimated symptomatic days per week. Data was collected and analyzed to determine whether any change in their symptoms occurred during the program. Results. Both subjects reported improvements in the severity of their symptoms as evidenced by MPQ scores. In addition, the estimated average symptomatic days per week for each subject was reduced after participating in the eight-week program. Between the pre-test and post-test, subject #1 improved slightly in both the monofilament and two point discrimination sensory tests. Subject #2 improved slightly in the monofilament sensory test, and declined slightly in the two-point discrimination sensory test. Conclusion. Aerobic exercise appears to have a beneficial effect on the severity of symptoms and light (superficial) touch sensitivity related to mild cubital tunnel syndrome. Results of two point discrimination were inconclusive as both subjects in the study had inconsistent pre and post-test scores. Overall, the results of this study warrant further investigation with a larger sample.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Gunther, Daniel R.
- Description:
- The use of AIDS metaphors in AIDS articles from popular American periodicals is compared and contrasted. Articles from periodicals listed under the AIDS subject headings in the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature for January to March, 1983 are compared with articles for January to March, 1993. Analysis of AIDS Metaphors is divided into categories of crime, death, entity, otherness, plague, sin, war, and those not applicable to the first seven. The thesis hypothesis is that the number of AIDS metaphors per 1000 words is significantly lower in the 1993 articles than in the 1983 articles. Analysis does not support the hypothesis; the null hypothesis is not disproved. In fact, the metaphor rate for the 1993 articles is the same as the rate for the 1983 articles: ten AIDS metaphors per 1000 words written. x Further analysis of the types of AIDS metaphors used is conducted and differences between the 1983 and the 1993 articles are discussed. Of particular note is the high prevalence of AIDS crime metaphors in the 1983 articles, and their subsequent decline in the 1993 articles, and the increase in use of AIDS war metaphors and AIDS personification metaphors in the 1993 articles compared to the 1983 articles. These changes in AIDS metaphor usage appear to reflect changing perceptions about the disease. Specifically, there seems less fear as might be expressed in metaphorical terms of death, plague, or AIDS as a punishment. There also appears to be an expansion in the understanding of AIDS through more neutral personification metaphors and more acceptance of HIV disease as one of many illnesses that are part of human life. However, the continued prevalence of AIDS metaphors and the increase in frequency of war metaphors portends misapplication of metaphorical concepts in society's approach to the disease. It is important, especially for health professionals, to be aware of how metaphorical language regarding a disease like AIDS can reveal concepts and misconceptions about the disease. Further, these metaphorically-based concepts must be closely monitored because their use in policy and treatment decisions may affect individual liberties.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
3. Reliability of center of pressure excursion measurements in subjects with dissimiliar leg preference
- Creator:
- Deisinger, David
- Description:
- Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the response stability of measurements used in the assessment of center of pressure excursion (COPe) during step initiation. A NeuroCom� Balance Master� was used to collect data relating to subjects center of pressure movements. With repeated trials, the variables of interest were compared, and the stability of these variables was assessed. The variables were also analyzed to assess the effects of foot dominance, height, and body weight on the response stability of repeated measurements of COPe. Subjects involved in this study were first tested to establish foot preference. Subjects. Seventeen volunteers, all "normal" adult university students aged 20-40, and displaying "strong" left or right foot preference on initial tests were divided into Group "L" (n=6) and Group "R" (n=11) respectively. Methods. Data were collected "during balanced stance" and during step initiation. Repeated trials were performed and the subjects' COPe was measured while stepping forward with both the dominant and the non-dominant foot. Numerous variables were used to measure and quantitatively describe the center of pressure excursion during step initiation. ANOVA was used to determine response stability of the COPe measurements for each subject, as well as between the two groups. Results. No significant within-subject variability was noted for all measurements of COPe that were examined in this study, suggesting that all measurements of COPe used demonstrated response stability and were not affected by repeated trials. There were few significant effects of foot dominance on the COP excursion measurements between subjects with dissimilar foot preferences. Results also revealed a significant effect of weight on only three, and height on only five measurements of COPe. Discussion. Based on the consistency and high degree of response stability of repeated measures, the investigators recommend the following three measurements of COPe for future studies: the greatest excursion of the COP laterally, the greatest excursion of the COP in the anteroposterior direction, and the angle (in degrees) from the x-axis at the (x,y)coordinate point with the greatest distance from the y-axis in the quadrant of interest. Conclusion. The most stable variables could provide a more empirical way of assessing center of pressure excursions during step initiation. Insights gained could serve as a reference when attempting to identify and overcome step initiation problems. Establishment of the most reliable COPe measurements may provide future studies the tools needed to empirically analyze differences in COPe during step initiation. A larger study sample needs to be done in order to confirm this pilot study.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Teresi, Anthony Steve
- Description:
- In the current environment of decreasing financial resources, health education professionals need to explore new and innovative ways of delivering health information. This project presents an overall conceptual model, including design and content considerations, for a computer-based health information delivery system for Los Angeles Mission College that will enable students to access reliable health information. The model was developed after the following goals were completed: A. Determining the practicality of implementing such a system B. Determining if the gent
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
5. Reliability of center of pressure excursion measurements in subjects with dissimiliar leg preference
- Creator:
- Prokopets, Anatoliy
- Description:
- Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the response stability of measurements used in the assessment of center of pressure excursion (COPe) during step initiation. A NeuroCom� Balance Master� was used to collect data relating to subjects center of pressure movements. With repeated trials, the variables of interest were compared , and the stability of these variables was assessed. The variables were also analyzed to assess the effects of foot dominance, height, and body weight on the response stability of repeated measurements of COPe. Subjects involved in this study were first tested to establish foot preference. Subjects. Seventeen volunteers, all "normal" adult university students aged 20-40, and displaying "strong" left or right foot preference on initial tests were divided into Group "L" (n=6) and Group "R" (n=11) respectively. Methods. Data were collected "during balanced stance" and during step initiation. Repeated trials were performed and the subjects' COPe was measured while stepping forward with both the dominant and the non-dominant foot. Numerous variables were used to measure and quantitatively describe the center of pressure excursion during step initiation. ANOVA was used to determine response stability of the COPe measurements for each subject, as well as between the two groups. Results. No significant within-subject variability was noted for all measurements of COPe that were examined in this study, suggesting that all measurements of COPe used demonstrated response stability and were not affected by repeated trials. There were few significant effects of foot dominance on the COP excursion measurements between subjects with dissimilar foot preferences. Results also revealed a significant effect of weight on only three, and height on only five measurements of COPe. Discussion . Based on the consistency and high degree of response stability of repeated measures, the investigators recommend the following three measurements of COPe for future studies: the greatest excursion of the COP laterally, the greatest excursion of the COP in the anteroposterior direction, and the angle (in degrees) from the x-axis at the (x,y)coordinate point with the greatest distance from the y-axis in the quadrant of interest. Conclusion. The most stable variables could provide a more empirical way of assessing center of pressure excursions during step initiation. Insights gained could serve as a reference when attempting to identify and overcome step initiation problems. Establishment of the most reliable COPe measurements may provide future studies the tools needed to empirically analyze differences in COPe during step initiation. A larger study sample needs to be done in order to confirm this pilot study.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Eden, Jeremiah
- Description:
- Background and Purpose: Functionally, the majority of movements we perform consist of active, multiplanar motions against resistance. With a cervical spine injury, those combined movements become impaired. Although the literature indicates that various types of injuries may be reduced and/or rehabilitated with the performance of sports-specific and/or motion-specific resistance training activities, the majority of rehabilitative techniques for cervical spine dysfunction are uniplanar. Therefore, there is no adequate tool designed to measure neck exercise rehabilitation techniques using multiplanar resistance. The purpose of this study was to develop, construct, and explore the feasibility of an exercise machine for neck rehabilitation L1.at would provide resistance to combined movements of the cervical spine using functional patterns. A second purpose was to measure and analyze combined forces applied to a simulated cervical spine positioned at eight defined points in the available cervical range of motion. Methods: A simulated �human head and neck were constructed in order to precisely quantify the resistance the neck exercise machine provides at selected points in the combined movement pattern. The mechanical head and neck used interchangeable cervical segments to represent four levels in the upper vertebral column. Several measurements of the forces applied to the mechanical head and neck were taken using each of the four levels. The final step was to analyze the planar components of the force applied to the mechanical head and neck with reference to the neutral starting position. Results: Analysis of the forces applied to the simulated cervical head and neck revealed several patterns. As the machine provided multiplanar resistance to the simulated cervical spine, and the cord became more closely oriented to one of the 3 reference planes, an increasing amount of total tension was translated into a force or torque in that plane. Discussion: This study examined the forces being applied to a simulated human head and neck and presented data on how this machine provided multiplanar resistance. Clinically relevant points were discussed as well as future modifications for continued research. Conclusion: As research and modifications continue, the potential for a safe, functional, and measurable neck exercise machine exists.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Nguyen, Anh H.
- Description:
- The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between environmental factors and alcohol-related outcomes (or problems) in young adults, utilizing data of ten counties and two cities in California and to generate hypotheses for future studies. Environmental factors include the availability of alcoholic beverages (on and off premises), the percentage of driver education classes offered by local high schools, median household income, and dollar amount spent on alcoholic beverages (on and off premises). Alcohol-related outcomes include alcohol-related injuries/deaths, public drunkenness, and driving under the influence (felony and misdemeanor). The units of this study were county and city, and the specific age group selected was 18-24 years of age. Simple linear regression was used to study the relationships between the environmental factors and alcohol-related outcomes using the county data set. The city data were analyzed separately using the Z test for proportions to examine the differences between the rates of the independent and dependent variables for the two cities of Oxnard and Ventura. Of the ten counties (Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Orange, Sacramento, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura) included in this study, association was found between the availability of alcoholic beverages on premises and public drunkenness. The availability of alcoholic beverages off premises had strong associations with arrests for driving under the influence (felony), arrests for public drunkenness, and arrests for driving under the influence (misdemeanor). Findings from this present study suggested future studies focus at the individual level on the availability and consumption of alcoholic beverages and alcohol-related problems in the community. Clarification of these relationships might prove useful in development of preventative education.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Rulnick, Sarah J.
- Description:
- Between 1991 and 1992, 10-19 year-olds accounted for one quarter of the more than 38,000 reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Los Angeles County. School-based sexually transmitted/human immunodeficiency virus (STD/HIV) education has been identified as one of the most important approaches to halting the spread of STD/IDV. The purpose of the Los Angeles County Senior High School Principal Survey on STD/IDV Prevention, Services, and Programs, which formed the basis for this thesis, was to determine current and needed STD/HIV education and prevention programs for students enrolled in Los Angeles County high schools, the attitudes of high school principals, and their perceptions of school superintendent, board member, parent, and community attitudes toward these programs. The sample population consisted of 46 Los Angeles County senior high school principals. Participants met two criteria: 1) they were principals in a public senior high school; and 2) their school did not have a condom availability program. The instrument was a cross-sectional survey consisting of a structured telephone interview. Data from the Survey were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, and bivariate, and multivariate tables. A major finding is that most principals in the sample do not consider the spread of HIV or STDs to be a serious problem in their school. In more than half of the schools, principals reported that there had been little or no discussion of condom availability. The most often cited reasons for lack of discussion were general community opposition (59%), and that such a program would conflict with community morals (52%). Half of the principals opposed condom availability in their school due at least in part to a perception that school board members, superintendents, parents and the community were opposed to such programs. However, despite a variety of barriers to implementing additional STD/HIV related programs, nearly one-fourth of the principals in the Survey were receptive to implementing a condom availability program in their district. When asked how the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services could best assist their education and prevention efforts, the principals requested health education materials, funding for programs, and parent and community education programs. By better understanding the attitudes of L.A. County senior high school principals toward existing and needed STD/HIV education and prevention programs, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services STD Program hopes to develop effective programs that meet the needs of schools, thereby reducing adolescent STD/IITV morbidity in L.A. County. This thesis discusses the findings of the Survey, and recommendations for developing effective, school-based STD/HIV education and prevention programs in Los Angeles County.
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Bauer, Deborah Benkert
- Description:
- Exposure to toxic substances in the workplace is a serious causal factor for acute and chronic illnesses. To reduce exposure to environmental toxins in the work-place, the state and federal governments have intervened with statutes to reduce such health hazards. OSHA's "Hazard Communication Standard" (1983) commonly known as the "Worker's Right to Know" law, requires all employers to provide training to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed by means of a hazard communication program. The purpose of this project was to develop such a training program for effective and safe handling, use and disposal of hazardous substances for the nursing staff at a clinic in Santa Barbara. The goals of the project were threefold: to identify all hazardous substances handled, stored or disposed of by the clinic nursing staff, to develop a training model for the inservice instructor to use in training the nursing staff and to develop a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. (See more in text.)
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences
- Creator:
- Reyes, Pilar
- Description:
- Background and Purpose. The Functional Reach, the Limits-of-Stability, and the Timed "Up & Go" tests are clinical measurement tools for evaluating balance. The purpose of this study was twofold. The first aim was to determine the relationship among the three different balance measures. The second was to determine the effect of activity level on the scores of the three different balance tests. Subjects. Fifty-five community-dwelling ambulatory healthy men aged 75 years or older were recruited to volunteer for this study. Methods. For the Functional Reach test, subjects were asked to stand bare-foot on a flat surface next to a 36-inch measuring device affixed to the wall at shoulder height. Subjects were instructed to hold a fisted hand out at a 90-degree shoulder angle and reach as far forward as they could along the length of the yardstick without losing their balance. The dependent variable for the Functional Reach test was the distance reached measured in inches. To perform the Limits-of-Stability test on the Balance Master, subjects were instructed to stand on a fixed force plate facing a computer screen and move their body ( sway) following instructions on the computer screen. The dependent variables for the Limits-of-Stability test were reaction time (seconds), movement velocity (degrees/second), end-point excursion (percent limits of stability), maximum excursion (percent limits of stability), and directional control (percent). For the Timed "Up & Go" test, subjects were asked to rise up from a standard armed chair, walk three meters (1 O feet), turn, walk back to the chair and sit down. The dependent variable for the Timed "Up & Go" test was the time it took to complete the task measured in seconds. The study compared the dependent variables with the subject's self-reported activity level. Data Analysis. Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used to ascertain the correlation among the Functional Reach, the Limits-of Stability, and the Timed "Up & Go" scores. A linear regression test determined the effects of activity level on subject's performance on the three balance measures. Alpha was set at 0.05 (p<0.05). Results. Intra and inter-rater reliability were high for the instruments used in this test. Pearson Correlation Coefficients revealed fair correlations among balance measures. Functional Reach scores correlated with Timed "Up & Go" times (r2=0.18, p~0.01 ), forward maximum excursion score (r2=0.11, p~0.05), and maximum excursion composite scores (r2=0.20, p~0.01 ). Timed "Up & Go" times fairly correlated with reaction time (r2=0.18, p~0.01), movement velocity (r2=0.22, p~0.01), maximum excursion (r2=0.25, p~0.01 ), and end-point excursion (r2=0.08, p_
- Resource Type:
- Thesis
- Campus Tesim:
- Northridge
- Department:
- Health Sciences