Volume 10:1

JSPTR FAQ
What is JSPTR?
The JSPTR is an open access, peer-viewed on-line journal encompassing all aspects of clinical and basic research studies related to physical therapy. JSPTR's mission is to encourage student collaboration in advancing the profession by developing evidence-based research. JSPTR began in 2008 at Elon University by Dr. Randall Lazicki and Dr. Stephen Bailey, as a venue for physical therapy students to participate in the journal process. Today, JSPTR is managed entirely by Elon DPT students under the supervision of a faculty member.

What is a reviewer? What is a Pod?
As a reviewer, you will be joining a pod (reviewer team), which is made up of 3-7 students. These students can all be from your program or programs from across the country. Your Pod will be responsible for reviewing recently submitted articles and determining if they meet the criterion for publishing. Your Pod will have a deadline of 1 week to complete the review process.

What is the time commitment for a reviewer?
The time commitment can vary depending on the number of articles we receive and how many pods we have available. Typically, we say ~20 mins/month
What is the duration of the position?
As a reviewer, the minimum duration is a year, but you can choose to stay on until you graduate from your DPT program.
How do I apply to be a reviewer?
Click on the home tab. This will take you to the home page scroll to the bottom to the heading "Want to get involved? Join a Pod!" 
Under the heading click on "Contact Pod Coordinator Board Member"
That will take you to a contact page where you can fill out your information and you're done!
What categories of Manuscripts do you accept?
We accept Research Reports, Case Reports, Case Studies, Case Series, Literature Reviews. For more information on each category please go to our Contribute Tab.

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Volume 10:1

Physical Therapy Clinical Decision Making, Intervention, and Outcomes of a Patient with Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Retrospective Case Report

Melissa Koehl, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT; Roberta O’Shea, PT, DPT, PhD; Amy Nagel, PT, DPT; Dale Schuit, PT, PhD, MS

Department of Physical Therapy, Governor’s State University, IL

Abstract

Study Design: Single-subject case design.

Background: Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is believed to be a result of altered proprioception secondary to cervical spine pain and/or dysfunction. There currently are no validated clinical tests or clinical prediction rules to accurately identify CGD, however, there are published physical therapy clinical decision-making guidelines available.

Case Description: The patient was a 66-year old woman referred to PT with the medical diagnosis of dizziness. A detailed history and thorough examination revealed that the patient had signs and symptoms consistent with CGD.

The clinical hypothesis was confirmed using a test-retest approach following a trial of manual therapy addressing the identified cervical spine dysfunction. Additional interventions included stretching, postural re-education, gaze stabilization, and proprioceptive training.

Outcomes: Immediately following the initial treatment, the patient no longer reported dizziness during active seated neck rotation, which helped confirm clinical hypothesis of CGD. After six PT sessions, the patient reported complete resolution of dizziness during daily activities. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory score improved from 56/100 to 0/100, and the global rating of change (GROC) score was +6, representing “a great deal better.

Conclusion: A test-retest method following a trial of manual therapy may be useful to confirm the clinical hypothesis. A multimodal approach combining musculoskeletal and somatosensory training was successfully implemented for this patient.

Effects of Circuit Training on Return of Physical Function in a Patient Recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report.

Thomas L. Christ, SPT, MS; Niamh M. Tunney, PT, DPT, MS

Department of Physical Therapy, Mercer University Atlanta, GA

Abstract

Study Design: Case study.

Objectives: The purpose of this case report was to describe the effects of circuit training on gait function, strength, endurance, and balance with an individual later in the recovery phase from GBS.

Background: Individuals recovering from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) experience a broad range of functional impairment with recovery often taking six months to two years. Limited evidence exists on exercise parameters for restoration of functional impairments.

Case Description: A 68-year-old women diagnosed with GBS presented to outpatient physical therapy six weeks after hospital discharge and one week after home health therapy discharge. Outpatient physical therapy was provided two times a week for nine weeks. Interventions were designed around a circuit with the patient performing each of 4-6 exercises once before repeating them for a second set.

Results: Improvements in FGA (10/30 to 21/30), gait velocity (0.65m/s to 1.04m/s), five times sit to stand (17.59s to 15.4s), 6MWT (290 meters to 336 meters) and ABCs (50% to 70%) following nine weeks of skilled physical therapy were noted.

Conclusion: Results suggest circuit training interventions may be beneficial for restoring gait function, strength, endurance, and balance in the outpatient rehabilitation setting for a patient recovering from GBS. Further research is warranted.

Gerald L Francis Center

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