Use of machine learning to identify prognostic variables for outcomes in chronic low back pain treatment: a retrospective analysis.

Objectives: Most patients seen in physical therapy (PT) clinics for low back pain (LBP) are treated for chronic low back pain (CLBP), yet PT interventions suggest minimal effectiveness. The Cochrane Back Review Group proposed 'Holy Grail' questions, one being: 'What are the most important (preventable) predictors of chronicity' for patients with LBP? Subsequently, prognostic factors influencing outcomes for CLBP have been described, however results remain conflicting due to methodological weaknesses.

Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study examined prognostic risk factors for PT outcomes in CLBP treatment using a sub-type of AI.

Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy Association.

Unlabelled: Research agendas play an important role in directing scholarly inquiry in a field. The Research Agenda for Physical Therapy From the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) outlines research priorities that are vital to advancing physical therapist practice and the profession. The development of the research agenda included multiple iterative steps and feedback from stakeholders.

Effects of Dancer-Specific Biomechanics on Adolescent Ballet Dancers' Posture En Pointe and Factors Related to Pointe Readiness: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: There are no universally accepted requirements or uniform protocols to determine when dancers can safely commence dancing en pointe (shod relevé). The purpose of this study was to examine dancer-specific biomechanics of adolescent pointe dancers and explore factors that may help determine pointe readiness.

Methods: Dancers (n=26; median age 14 yrs [IQR=13-16]) were stratified into two groups based on the ability to stand on the pointe shoe box as per a plumb line (Group 1: on the box; Group 2: not on the box) during parallel, shod relevé.

Understanding Acceptability, Barriers, and Facilitators to Clinical Implementation of the on Track Developmental Monitoring System for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Qualitative Study.

Aims: On Track Developmental Monitoring System (DMS) is a novel series of tools to assist in shared-decision making, guide rehabilitation intervention based on functional ability levels, and promote episodic care service models. Further understanding of the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of On Track DMS in clinical settings is critical. The purpose of this study was to understand clinician perspectives of the acceptability of On Track DMS and to identify potential implementation barriers and facilitators within pediatric physical therapist practice.

Applications of Biomechanical Foot Models to Evaluate Dance Movements Using Three-Dimensional Motion Capture: A Review of the Literature.

Dance movement requires excessive, repetitive range of motion (ROM) at the foot-ankle complex, possibly contributing to the high rate of injury among dancers. However, we know little about foot biomechanics during dance movements. Researchers are using three-dimensional (3D) motion capture systems to study the in vivo kinematics of joint segments more frequently in dance-medicine research, warranting a literature review and quality assessment evaluation.

The effectiveness of post-professional physical therapist training in the treatment of chronic low back pain using a propensity score approach with machine learning.

Rationale: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability in the United States creating substantial hardships through negative social, financial, and health effects. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) accounted for above half of patients treated in physical therapy (PT) clinics for LBP. However, research shows small benefit from PT in CLBP treatment.

Regional Differences in School-Based Physical Therapy Practice for Students Who Made Progress on 2 Outcome Measures.

Purpose: This study examined whether regional differences exist in the provision of school-based physical therapy services for students who achieved positive progress and explored relationships between student outcomes and school-based physical therapy.

Methods: Physical therapists developed student goals using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) and administered the School Function Assessment (SFA). Therapists documented activities, interventions, and type of service delivery provided weekly.

Therapists' Perceptions of Participating in a Large Research Study: Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Practice.

Clinician participation in research is important to expand clinical research. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of such participation. The purpose of this survey-based study was to describe school-based physical therapists' perceptions of the impact, benefits, and challenges of research participation.

Regional Differences in School-Based Physical Therapy: Examination of Therapist and Student Characteristics, Service Delivery, Activities, Interventions, and Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to examine regional differences in school-based physical therapy practice focusing on the attributes of the school-based physical therapists and students; service delivery approaches, activities, and interventions; and student outcomes. Recognition of regional practices may decrease unnecessary variations, and assist with therapist clinical decision making and efforts to implement evidence-informed practice.A secondary data analysis of the PT COUNTS data was performed to compare physical therapist and student attributes; service delivery, activities, and interventions; and student outcomes across the Northeast, Southeast, Central, and Northwest regions of the United States.

Efficacy of Lower Extremity Cycling Interventions for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: To systematically examine the efficacy of lower extremity cycling interventions for youth with intellectual disability (ID).

Methods: Seven databases were searched from March 2000 to October 2019 for English-language articles on cycling interventions for youth with ID. The American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine guidelines were used for assigning levels of evidence and grading study quality.

School-Based Physical Therapy Services: Predicting the Gap Between Ideal and Actual Embedded Services.

Purpose: To ascertain the variables predicting the gap between ideal and actual practice in embedding school-based physical therapy services.

Methods: School-based physical therapists completed an online survey estimating ideal and actual practice of embedding physical therapy services. Predictive modeling was used to determine whether disability, interventions, goals, families, teachers, workload, billing, and/or contracts predicted the gap between estimated ideal and actual practice.

Relationship of School-Based Physical Therapy Services to Student Goal Achievement.

Purpose: To explore the relationships of school-based physical therapy services to student goal achievement.

Methods: One hundred nine physical therapists and 296 students participated in a practice-based study. Therapists formatted goals using goal attainment scaling and evaluated goal achievement.

Longitudinal Change in Common Impairments in Children With Cerebral Palsy From Age 1.5 to 11 Years.

Purpose: This project aimed to determine whether change occurs over time for impairments of balance, range of motion, endurance, and strength of children with cerebral palsy, by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.

Methods: Measurements were completed in 77 children at 2 sessions (T1, T2) on average 5.8 years apart.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: To explore the relationship between rehabilitation therapies and development in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study involving 656 children with CP (mean age [SD] 6y [2y 8mo] at study entry; 1y 6mo-11y 11mo; 287 females, 369 males), and their parents. Children were assessed two to five times over 2 years by therapists using standardized measures of balance and walking endurance.

Description of School-Based Physical Therapy Services and Outcomes for Students with Down Syndrome.

Students with Down syndrome (DS) receive school-based physical therapy (SBPT), however little data exists regarding services and outcomes. Using a prospective observational cohort study our aim was to explore SBPT activities and interventions, and students' goal achievement of 46 students with DS, tracked by 17 physical therapists (PTs). PTs provided on average 24.

Validity of the Early Activity Scale for Endurance and the 6-Minute Walk Test for Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe Early Activity Scale for Endurance (EASE) scores and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distances of children with cerebral palsy (CP) by functional ability level, sex, and age and to examine the convergent validity of the 2 tests.

Methods: A total of 708 participants with CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to V, completed the EASE, and 376 of the study participants (3-12years), GMFCS levels I to III, completed the 6MWT.

Results: Children with CP vary in EASE scores and 6MWT distances based on GMFCS level and, to a lesser extent, age.

Developmental Trajectories and Reference Percentiles for Range of Motion, Endurance, and Muscle Strength of Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently present with secondary impairments in spinal alignment and extremity range of motion, endurance for activity, and muscle strength. Creation of developmental trajectories for these impairments will help guide clinical decision-making.

Objective: For children in each level of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) this study aimed to: (1) create longitudinal developmental trajectories for range of motion (Spinal Alignment and Range of Motion Measures [SAROMM]), endurance (Early Activity Scale for Endurance [EASE]), and functional strength (Functional Strength Assessment [FSA]); and (2) develop age-specific reference percentiles and amount of change typical over 1 year for these outcomes.

Modified Ride-on Cars as Early Mobility for Children with Mobility Limitations: A Scoping Review.

: This study aims to systematically examine and map current available evidence describing the benefits of modified ride-on car use for young children with mobility limitations and identify potential applications to occupational and physical therapy practice while illuminating gaps in knowledge to be explored in future research. : An electronic database search, manual search of bibliographies, contact with existing networks and organizations were used to identify all relevant literature. Studies addressing modified ride-on toy use by children ≤6 years old with identified mobility delays were included.

Developmental Trajectories and Reference Percentiles for the 6-Minute Walk Test for Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to document longitudinal developmental trajectories in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distances and to develop age-specific reference percentiles for children across different Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.

Methods: A TOTAL OF: 456 children with cerebral palsy ages 3 to 12 years of, GMFCS levels I to III participated. Children's motor function was classified on the GMFCS, and children completed the 6MWT 2 to 5 times in 2 years.

Longitudinal trajectories and reference centiles for the impact of health conditions on daily activities of children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: First, to describe the impact of health conditions on daily activities over time in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to create age-specific reference centiles. Second, to determine the amount of change typical over a 1-year period, across Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels.

Method: A prospective, cohort design, with five assessments over 2 years, involved 708 children with a confirmed diagnosis of CP participating in the On Track Study (396 males, 312 females; mean age 6y [SD 2y 7mo]; range 18mo-12y at first assessment; 32.

Description of the Services, Activities, and Interventions Within School-Based Physical Therapist Practices Across the United States.

Background: Students with disabilities receive school-based physical therapy services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. Little research exists regarding therapy services in schools.

Objective: This study explored the school-based services that students received and the activities and interventions that physical therapists implemented, and determined if services differed based on the student's functional gross motor ability and age.