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.

Volume 4:1

The Effects of an Independent Exercise Program on an Adolescent with Cerebral Palsy

Kathryn L. Chambers SPT, Jenny R. Kemp SPT, and Daryl Lawson PT, DSc.

Elon University – Elon, NC

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(1)1-9.

Introduction: The purpose of this case report was to examine a 4-week independent, community exercise program and the outcome measures on a person with Cerebral Palsy. This case study follows a repeated measures design. Case Description: The participant was assessed at baseline for all outcome measures (aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, flexibility, strength, body composition and quality of life). She was given an independent exercise program designed based on the impairments found at the initial evaluation. She performed the program independently at her local gym. Outcomes: Four week follow-up demonstrated increases in health related quality of life for both the parent and the teen, lower extremity showed an increase in strength except right hip extension and all upper extremity motions showed an increase in strength. Conclusion: A person with CP can continue their own independent exercise program, which may provide more long-term improvements in strength, quality of life and life-long increases in function.

Public Perception of Physical Therapist Scope of Practice

Kacie Rognlie PT and Yvonne Searls PT, PhD

University of Kansas Medical Center – Kansas City, Kansas

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(1)10-17.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the public’s knowledge about accessing a physical therapist and the services they provide. Background: With states across the country moving towards consumers having direct access to physical therapists, there is a need to investigate consumers’ knowledge of the profession. Currently, there is a lack of studies examining what the public knows about the scope of physical therapy (PT) practice. Methods and Measures: A survey was designed to collect information from the public on their exposure to PT, knowledge of the level of education required by physical therapists, understanding of access to physical therapists, and awareness of 22 various interventions. 115 people over the age of 18 were randomly selected for survey in seven community events and locations. Analysis was performed using SPSS 16.0. Analysis of variance for simple linear regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to discern if there were predictability, associations and differences respectively, between awareness of interventions, physician referral and perceived level of physical therapist education to the surveyed person’s age, gender, exposure to PT, or level of education. Numerical frequency analysis was done to understand the public’s experience with PT and correct recognition of the scope of PT practice. Results: Pearson’s correlation revealed respondent level of education is associated to knowledge of the scope of PT. Level of education was identified as a significant predictor of the ability to recognize PT scope of practice with higher educational levels being more knowledgeable. Education level contributed 4.8% of the variability in responses. The highest knowledge of PT was in the practice areas of musculoskeletal (90.0%), functional mobility (88.4%), neurological (79.9%), and pain management (75.7%). The public was less aware of areas such as cardiopulmonary (64.3%), pediatrics (53.9%) and integument care (18.7%). The highest level of exposure to PT was through second hand information (57.9%) presented by the media, physicians, acquaintances who were patients or common knowledge. Interestingly, 30.5% of respondents reported having received PT. Conclusion: The results show the public lacks complete knowledge about PT. The lack of knowledge is multi-factorial, but education level is associated with awareness of the profession. Additionally, potential patients are unsure how to access physical therapists. The profession could benefit from better educating the public on its entire scope of practice.

Necrotizing Fasciitis and Physical Therapy Management

Andrea T. Konja, SPT

Wayne State University – Detroit, MI

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(1)18-27.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening infection resulting in radical loss of tissue. The immediate management of the infection involves aggressive surgical debridement of the infected region. Understanding the management of the infection is needed to assist with the immediate wound management and determine appropriate precautions during early rehabilitation. This paper describes the implications of tissue healing for post radical surgical debridement secondary to necrotizing fasciitis. A patient case is presented to illustrate and discuss infection control, tissue recovery from a major infection, and the implications for prognosis and goal setting. The patient was informed and gave consent to have the information from this case used for research purposes. Currently, there is limited literature regarding necrotizing fasciitis and rehabilitation.

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