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  Stopping The Progression Of Periodontal Disease With Laser Therapy

  Sarah Almukhtar, Autumn Baker, and Joann Moulton

  
  

  A thorough execution of bacteria is not necessarily achieved by non-surgical periodontal instrumentation alone, so it is likely that optimal healing may not take place. Numerous studies have reported on the uses of laser therapy in conjunction with nonsurgical instrumentation. In periodontal laser therapy, the fiber optic tip is placed at the top of the periodontal pocket to remove the diseased tissue that lines the pocket. This is done... Read More

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  Wash Your Hands... And Brush Your Teeth!

  Michelle Desjardins, Sarah Desrochers, Emma Heyland, and Joann Moulton

  
  

  COVID-19 has become a novel pandemic increasing rapidly all over the world. Periodontal disease and COVID-19 share many of the same risk factors such as age, gender, and systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Although not many studies exist on periodontal disease (PD) and COVID-19 due to it being a new and emerging topic, many studies suggest key links between the two. Maintaining superior oral health is especially important... Read More

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  Cranberry Extract’s Potential To Reduce Streptococcus Mutans

  Eliza Estey, Baylee Flemming, Emma Graves, Julia Hamilton, and Courtney E. Vannah

  
  

  Streptococcus mutans is the most prominent cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity due to strong adhesion properties. Reducing the leading cariogenic bacteria in dental caries is important for the longevity of natural teeth. The anti-adhesion effects from cranberry derivatives could be helpful in reducing the amount of S. mutans. This literature review aims to determine whether cranberry extract based mouth rinse is effective in reduction of the S. mutans... Read More

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  Effects Of Polyphenols On Periodontitis

  Scott Roberts, Noah Sawtelle, Emma Nelson, Marayah Hynes, and Joann Moulton

  
  

  Pharmacological agents have been used for centuries to treat or cure diseases. Foods, herbs, and extracts can produce similar pharmacological effects, one being polyphenols. This extract in particular exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. One cellular study stated the biofilm forming capacity and viability of periodontitis pathogens can be significantly altered by dietary polyphenols. Each year 2.8 million people in the United States are diagnosed with an antibiotic resistant bacterial... Read More

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  Exparel Versus Bupivacaine: Outcomes, Advantages, And Costs

  Jessica Duraney

  
  

  Research poster comparing two local anesthetics, bupivacaine and Exparel (liposomal bupivacaine). The use of these drugs in various regional techniques, specifically for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and abdominal surgeries, is discussed. Research shows that adequate pain control is associated with increased patient satisfaction, faster rehabilitation, mobilization, reduced hospital stays, and ultimately decreased hospital costs. Due to the many disadvantages of opioids, such as ileus, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, tolerance,... Read More

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  Protecting The Oral Health Of Those Who Protected Us

  Taylor Acheson, Jessica Daniels, Peyton Janelle, Anne Murphy, and Melissa Rocha

  
  

  Research poster addressing the question: What oral health programs in long-term care facilities improve oral health outcomes? The need for effective oral hygiene programs in long-term care (LTC) veterans facilities is crucial due to the rise in the elderly population, as well as untreated caries in older adults. As a state, Maine has 15% of older adults with untreated caries, 41% with gingivitis, 14% with periodontal diseases, and 2.7%... Read More

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  Physical Therapy Management Of Low Back Pain In A Young Female With Ankylosing Spondylitis Associated With HLA-B27 Antigen: A Case Report

  Jake Adkins

  
  

  Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis characterized by chronic inflammation of the axial skeletal system that causes back pain and loss of mobility with strong potential for slow, eventual spinal fusion. It affects 0.2-0.5% of the United States population and has no known cure, yet greater than 60 genetic components are involved. HLA-B27 is a genetic component highly correlated with AS. Its presence creates inflammatory response at... Read More

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  Return To Golf In A 71-Year-Old Female After A Mako Robotic-Arm-Assisted Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

  Katelyn Austin

  
  

  Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the elderly. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) have been increasing in prevalence at a rate of 30% each year. Robotic-arm-assisted UKAs increases the accuracy of implant positioning compared to traditional techniques which helps with a quicker recovery. Little literature on UKAs, but total knee arthroplasty (TKA) interventions should focus on knee range of motion (ROM), strengthening, gait training, icing, and... Read More

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  Physical Therapy Interventions To Increase Independence With Functional Mobility For An Older Individual With Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report

  Eleni Bautz

  
  

  Spinal stenosis includes narrowing of the spinal canal which can affect nerves and other structures that pass through. Symptoms commonly associated with spinal stenosis are pain and paresthesia into the lower extremities. Spinal stenosis is diagnosed through patient history, clinical findings, and/or physical tests. Literature supports the use of physical therapy (PT) for conservative treatment in decreasing signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis The purpose of this case report... Read More

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  Rehabilitation And Prosthetic Training For An Individual With Bilateral Lower Extremity Amputations Due To Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Case Report

  Morgan Bessette

  
  

  Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a condition in which there is a disruption of blood flow to the extremities. Common causes of PVD include: hypertension (HTN), smoking, cardiac disease and/or diabetes. 12 to 20% of the population greater than 60 years old are affected by PVD. PVD can cause intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI) and is therefore the most common cause of lower extremity amputation (LEA). Individuals... Read More

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  Effects Of Sleep Hygiene In The Hospital

  Tina Bhakta, Paxton Arsenault, Maya Ahluwalia, and Rachel Coats

  
  

  Research poster by UNE Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy students investigating the definition of and recommendations for good sleep hygiene, the limitations of the hospital setting on attainment of sleep hygiene, and the benefits of sleep hygiene for hospital patients.

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  Oral Versus Intramuscular Cobalamin Treatment In Megaloblastic Anemia: A Single-Center, Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label Study

  Tiara Bianco and John Wironen

  
  

  Research review poster of article:
  Bolaman, Z., Kadikoylu, G., Yukselen, V., Yavasoglu, I., Barutca, S., & Senturk, T. (2003). Oral versus intramuscular cobalamin treatment in megaloblastic anemia: a single-center, prospective, randomized, open-label study. Clinical therapeutics, 25(12), 3124–3134. doi:10.1016/s0149-2918(03)90096-8

  UNE Physician Assistant students reviewed research whose purpose was to compare the treatments of PO versus IM cobalamin for patients with megaloblastic anemia due to a cobalamin deficiency in terms of cost... Read More

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  Regaining Independence In Ambulation For A Visually Impaired Patient With Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report

  Brandon Bourgoin

  
  

  Rhabdomyolysis is a myopathic condition with an acute onset that causes a rapid degradation of muscle tissue. It causes a significantly elevated release of creatine kinase (CK), a muscle enzyme that is a cellular component in healthy muscle tissue, into the blood stream. Common causes include muscle trauma (injury/strenuous activity), drug/alcohol abuse, medications, toxins, infections, and extended periods of immobility. Hallmark signs/symptoms include muscle pain, swelling, weakness, and dark... Read More

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  Differences In Mechanics Between First And Second Drop Vertical Jump Landings

  Kirsten Buchanan, Irene S. Davis, Devin A. Finnegan, Brooke I. Flaherty, Jordan G. Lamb, Elisabeth M. Michaud, and Bryan J.M. Raksnis

  
  

  A drop jump and landing, followed by another maximal jump and landing, has been used when assessing injury risk utilizing the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). Vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) and knee excursion are also commonly analyzed during a drop vertical jump. Previous studies have assessed initial drop vertical jump landing mechanics without assessing the second landing from the subsequent vertical jump. Additionally, analyzing landing mechanics based on... Read More

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  The Role Of Periodontal Disease In Lymphatic Function

  Kristen Carlisle, Hanna Marie, and Haley Taylor

  
  

  Research poster addressing the question: Does periodontal disease affect lymphatic function? Gingival lymphatic vessels drain interstitial fluid and transport immune cells to lymph nodes but despite this, it is unknown how the lymphatic system impacts periodontal disease in humans. In light of this, studies have been observed on animals with the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), a growth factor known to be increased in periodontal patients. VEGFC is... Read More

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  Physical Therapy Intervention For An Elderly Patient With Comorbidities Following Surgical Fixation Of A Femoral Neck Fracture: A Case Report

  Yu-min Chou

  
  

  More than 300,000 elderly people over age 65 required hospitalization due to hip fracture in 2016. More than 95% of hip fractures are the result of falls. Strength training programs are suggested for geriatric patients with surgical fixation following hip fracture. Returning to prior level of function and quality of life is the primary goal of rehabilitation for geriatric patients recovering from a hip fracture. Complex comorbidities such as... Read More

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  Interdisciplinary Administration Of LSVT-BIG By A Physical Therapist And Occupational Therapist On A Patient With Parkinsonism: A Case Report

  Shelby Clare

  
  

  The clinical diagnosis of parkinsonism is “the presence of at least two of the four cardinal signs: resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.” Symptoms often lead to limited functional mobility. Patients who have unilateral bradykinesia with hypokinesia, changes in gait, balance, and decreased quality of life have positively responded to Lee Silverman Voice Technique (LSVT) BIG treatment according to Rehabilitation Research and Practice. LSVT-BIG focuses on increasing movement... Read More

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  Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Of A Patient Following A Pontine Stroke With Limited Recorded Medical History: A Case Report

  Russell Curl

  
  

  795,000 strokes occur annually in the United States, or one every 4 seconds. Impairments following a stroke may include deficits in strength, coordination, sensation, and language skills. Expected impairments of pontine strokes include hemiplegia, sensorimotor dysfunction, ataxic hemiparesis, and dysarthria. There is little current research on pontine strokes. The purpose of this case report is to outline the physical therapy plan of care and response to treatment for a... Read More

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  Functional Mobility Interventions For A Bariatric Patient With Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Report

  Jakub Cwalinski

  
  

  Necrotizing Fasciitis is a life threatening soft tissue infection that is characterized by a rapid spreading infection of the subcutaneous tissue. Symptoms include red or purple skin in the affected area, severe pain, fever, and vomiting. Typically, the infection enters the body through a break in the skin such as a cut or burn. Surgical debridement is the mainstay of treatment for necrotizing fasciitis. Intravenous antibiotics are started immediately... Read More

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  Gut Bacterial Tyrosine Decarboxylases Restrict Levels Of Levodopa In The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease

  Bailey D'Antonio and Laura Yamagata

  
  

  Research review poster of article:
  van Kessel, S.P., Frye, A.K., El-Gendy, A.O. et al. Gut bacterial tyrosine decarboxylases restrict levels of levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Nat Commun 10, 310 (2019) doi:10.1038/s41467-019-08294-y

  UNE Physician Assistant students reviewed research whose purpose was to analyze the effect of levodopa-metabolizing bacteria at its primary site of absorption, the jejunum, and further use this information to understand the variability in L-DOPA dosage... Read More

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  Blood Flow Restriction Therapy And A Comprehensive Home Exercise Program Following An ACL And Meniscal Repair: A Case Report

  Kathryn DeMoor

  
  

  Every year in the United States, up to 60 per 100,000 people sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Medial meniscus tears have been reported in roughly 60% of the ACL tear population, while lateral meniscus tears have been reported in approximately 30%. Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) has shown improved strength and muscle hypertrophy with low load exercises by occluding blood flow at the proximal thigh. A minimally... Read More

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  Conservative Management Of A Massive Rotator Cuff Tear And Partial Tear Of The Long Head Of The Biceps: A Case Report

  Jessica Diggins

  
  

  A rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a common injury to the shoulder musculature that increases in prevalence with age. RCT’s can be classified into five categories determined by the muscular involved: Type A: supraspinatus & superior subscapularis; Type B: supraspinatus & entire subscapularis; Type C: supraspinatus, superior subscapularis & infraspinatus; Type D: supraspinatus & infraspinatus tears; Type E: supraspinatus,infraspinatus & teres minor. Massive RCT is classified as >5cm in... Read More

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  Oncologic And Orthopedic Rehabilitation For A Pancreatic Cancer Survivor Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Revision: A Case Report

  Kelsey Dumond and Amy J. Litterini

  
  

  An estimated 80% of cancer survivors undergoing chemotherapy or radiation to manage their cancer will experience cancer-related fatigue (CRF). The majority of cancer survivors are elderly – a population frequently affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Physical activity is the most recommended and evidence-based non-pharmacologic intervention for CRF. Strong evidence exists for lower-extremity resistance and functional exercise following Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Evidence suggests utilization of targeted exercise prior to extensive... Read More

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  Gait, Strength, And Balance Training For A 43-Year-Old Male Following Acute Right Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke: A Case Report

  Victoria Dwyer

  
  

  A cerebrovascular accident, commonly known as a stroke, is caused by an ischemic or hemorrhagic event affecting arteries that lead to the brain causing them to burst or be occluded. The middle cerebral artery is the most commonly occluded artery involved in a stroke. The four most common risk factors involved in having a stroke are: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and pervious strokes. Common impairments associated with... Read More

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  Treatment Approach For Traumatic Myositis Ossificans Using Ultrasound And Stretch Protocol: A Case Report

  Paul Eo

  
  

  Traumatic Myositis Ossificans (MO) can happen at any age, but the highest prevalence occurs in young active males after trauma (60-75% are traumatic). MO can occur from repetitive minor trauma, which is common in horseback riders who develop MO in the adductors and shooters who present with MO in their deltoid. Patients with MO commonly present in the clinic with signs and symptoms of pain, a palpable mass, and... Read More