Student Research Conference

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The Effect of an Organic Chemistry Card Game on Students' Ability to Differentiate Between Elimination and Substitution Reactions
Organic Chemistry as a whole is a notoriously difficult course, with some universities reporting attrition rates of 40% or higher in their undergraduate organic chemistry courses (Grove, Hershberger, & Bretz, 2008; Horowitz, Rabin, Brodale, 2013; Paulson, 1999). This research project investigated the use of a multimodal card game as an effective study aid at the collegiate level of education: specifically in the context of an organic chemistry course, in helping students differentiate between substitution and elimination reactions.This instructional aid was designed to encourage group discussion and debate regarding possible chemical syntheses, while incorporating various levels of Bloom’s taxonomy and multiple VARK learning styles. There were 46 participants in this study from two different sections of organic chemistry courses at Marymount University. These students participated in one of three practice sessions wherein they learned how to play the card game and completed pre and post surveys and quizzes for data analysis. Data analysis identified that there were statistically significant improvements both in students’ self-rated survey responses and quiz scores related to their understanding of elimination and substitution reactions. Therefore, researchers concluded that incorporating this multimodal card game as a study tool within the context of a review session had a significant and positive affect on student learning.
The effect of isolation precautions on patient participation in physical therapy
Background and Purpose Research has shown that isolation precautions have adverse effects on patients’ mental well-being, satisfaction and safety. Specifically, patients have been found to have an increased rate of anxiety, depression, falls, pressure sores, and have decreased time spent with health care workers. Although isolation precautions have been deemed necessary for infection control, these are preventable risks. Given that these patients are confined to their rooms, their experience of physical therapy can be very different from a patient who is able to work on gait and endurance training throughout the hospital. The purpose of this case report is to identify if isolation precautions affect patients’ participation in physical therapy. Case Description Three patients under isolation precautions were compared to a control group of three similar patients who were not in isolation to identify if any differences existed. The Pittsburgh Rehabilitation Participation Scale (PRPS) and the Hopkins Rehabilitation Engagement Rating Scale (HRERS) were used to rate patients’ level of participation in PT. Outcomes Both the PRPS and the HRERS found that the patients in isolation participated less than those who were not in isolation, although the results were not statistically significant given the small sample size. Discussion Physical therapy may be a powerful tool in minimizing adverse effects associated with isolation precautions and this information should challenge physical therapists to recognize this population’s vulnerabilityand further promote their participation in PT.
The Effects of a 6 Week Ankle Specific Neuromuscular Training (NMT) Program on Chronic Ankle Instability, Post Modified Brostrom-Gould Procedure: A Case Report
Background and Purpose: Lateral ankle sprains are a common sport related injury seen by clinicians and therefore warrants the need for a more comprehensive post-sprain rehabilitation protocol.Studies show that inadequate strength and response of the supportive ankle musculature poses the greatest risk for recurrent ankle sprains, necessitating the need for proprioceptive based functional rehabilitation programs.The purpose of this case report is to detail the effects of a6 week proceptive ankle specific NMT program on ankle stability and mobility,in a post-surgical patient who has had chronic ankle instability (CAI). Case Description: A24 year old female, who had a history of chronic ankle sprains, sustained a grade 3 ankle sprain after falling incorrectly. The patient took part in the 6 week program to address her persistent right ankle instability, pain, swelling and tenderness. Outcomes: The Foot & Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) was used to measure lower extremity strength and endurance as it relates performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and sports. The singe leg stance (SLS) test used to measure static balance. Manual muscle testing (MMT), range of motion (ROM), and gait patterns were also tracked and assessed in conjunction with primary outcome measures. Discussion/Conclusion: NMT was performed over a period of six weeks, at a frequency of two sessions a week with each session lasting 45 minutes. The date collected from each outcome measure, suggests that an ankle specific NMT strengthening program for post-surgical patients with chronic ankle instability maybe beneficial.
The Efficacy of Trunk Stabilization Exercises for a Stroke Patient with Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Background and Purpose: Patients are routinely referred to physical therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation. Research widely supports the use of trunk stabilizing techniques and exercises in order to improve the functional mobility and tolerance of patients stroke. Trunk stabilization techniques are also supported in therapeutic research regarding multiple sclerosis (MS). There is no research that discusses the use of trunk stabilization techniques for a stroke victim who is also diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Trunk stability is often evaluated upon initial patient admission in order to establish the individual’s baseline, and to determine if trunk stabilization techniques should be used in treatment. This case report will evaluate the effectiveness of a trunk stabilization training intervention in a sub-acute stroke patient with MS. Case Description:This case report describes a 78-year-old African-American male one-month post right-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with a 40-year history of MS. The patient arrive to the rehabilitation facility at such an extremely low level of mobility and function that many tests were not completed until the second and third week of stay. Primary impairments were: generalized deconditioning, left sided paresis, left sided neglect and bilateral knee flexion contractures. Outcomes:The primary outcome measures used were the Physical Performance and Mobility Exam (PPME), in order to test the patient’s independence with basic mobility, and the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). The patient was so impaired that he scored a zero on each exam. After four weeks of daily combined therapy, his trunk stability and overall mobility improved significantly despite scoring zero on PPME and TIS upon discharge. Discussion:Are aggressive trunk stabilization techniques and exercises effective in a post stroke patient who also suffers from advanced MS? This patient made significant changes in his postural stability, however the changes were not detectable in either the PPME or the TIS. Current trunk and postural stability outcome measures may not be sensitive enough to detect early core strength gains.

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