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 4:2

Impact of Stress Management Coaching for Graduate Students in a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Amanda M. Zweir, SPT; Maureen Stevens, SPT; Mary Lou Galantino, PT, PhD, MSCE; Michael Frank, PhD.

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey— Pomona, NJ

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(2)28-39.

Study Design: The purpose of this study was to determine the acute and long term impact of a coaching program for doctoral physical therapy students. A mixed methods approach was used to explore a stress management and life skills enhancement coaching program implemented during the first year of graduate school. We hypothesized that the intervention would reduce students’ perceived stress and be sustained throughout the following year of the DPT program. Objectives: Determine the impact of a 7 session wellness coaching program for doctoral physical therapy (DPT) students in order to reduce perceived stress. Background: Research shows that academic concerns are the major stressors in graduate physical therapy programs as students deal with emotional, financial, and social stressors. Curriculum stresses, inadequate stress management strategies, and a lack of concern for personal wellness have been reported in the literature however, no studies have explored the use of stress management wellness coaching for DPT students. Methods and Measures: Twenty first year graduate students were recruited from an accredited DPT program and received 7 weekly 75 minute group coaching sessions during their first semester. The group completed pre-post surveys for three consecutive semesters on measures of stress and self-efficacy: Student Stress Scale (SSS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Exercise Self-Efficiency Scale (ESES). Coaching sessions included visualization techniques, breathing, yoga, and discussion. Qualitative questions included the subjective experience of participants throughout the coaching intervention. Results: SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze a multivariate, three semesters by two measurement levels (pre and post) for the 3 primary dependent measures. When the trend components of the interaction were decomposed the linear by linear component was dominant indicating a consistent decrease over time. The PSS showed reliable efforts for all the component variables, semester, pre-post and the interaction. The interaction also showed a strong linear by linear affect consistent with the findings of the SSS. No changes were found with ESES. Positive frequency of responses was noted in the qualitative responses to greater stress management and personal well being throughout the DPT curriculum. Conclusion: Preliminary results of a 7-week wellness coaching program demonstrated improvements in the areas of perceived student stress and were sustained for one year after intervention. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results of this study.

Investigating the Associations between Core Strength, Postural Control and Fine Motor Performance in Children

Rachel Burnett SPT; Nicole Cornett SPT; Gina Rekart SPT; Betsy Donahoe-Fillmore PT, PhD, PCS; C. Jayne Brahler PhD; Susan Aebker DHS, OTR/L; Megan Kreill MS, OTR/L

University of Dayton—Dayton, OH
Montgomery County Educational Service Center—Dayton, OH

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(2)40-47.

Study Design: Quantitative design including statistical analysis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between core strength, postural control, fine motor precision and integration, specifically in typical children in the first and third grades, ages 6-10. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine if there was an association between BMI and fine and gross motor ability in this same population. Background: The relationship between core strength, postural control and fine motor skills in children is not well understood. The assumption that trunk stability and control are necessary for the maturation of manual dexterity has influenced the development of therapeutic treatment methods. This is based on the idea that postural control and balance are the ability of the body to maintain its position in space for the purpose of stability. Methods and Measures: 113 children were tested using the strength, balance, precision, and integration subtests of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition (BOT-2). Age, height, weight, percent body fat, and activity information were obtained. Results: An association was found between the subscales of strength and integration, integration and precision, and precision and balance. Significant associations were also found between BMI and the gross motor subtests. Conclusion: This study was among the first to examine the association between core strength, postural control, and fine motor skills. Further research is needed to determine if fine and gross motor skill attainment is correlated when a specific intervention is administered.

Improving Confidence and Competence for First Year Physical Therapy Students through a Focused Blood Pressure Educational Program

Dustin Lahman, PT, DPT; Hadley Low, PT, DPT; Sonya Lee Irons, PT, DPT, CCS; Julie Ekstrum, PT, DPT, CCS

ProCare3 Physical Therapy—Omaha, Nebraska
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital—Norfolk, Virginia
Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital—Lincoln, Nebraska
Creighton University—Omaha, Nebraska

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(2)48-58.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental Background: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students must be prepared for a role in prevention and wellness, especially if participating in service requirements, such as health fairs, during their entry level education. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine if a focused educational program on blood pressure (BP) screening, including measurement and counseling, would improve confidence and competence of first year doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students. Methods/Measures: Thirty-one DPT students participated in a two hour educational program including lecture, case study discussion, and skills practice. Competency was assessed by requiring five BP measurements within ± five mmHg on five different individuals. All participants completed a 10 question pre-/post-survey evaluating attitude toward the role of physical therapy (PT) in BP counseling at health fairs (questions 1-4) and confidence in measuring a BP while counseling individuals (questions 5-10). All participants also completed a 10 question pre-/post-quiz testing their knowledge of the information presented. Results: All participants demonstrated competence in accurately measuring a BP. Survey results in attitude toward the role of PT in BP screening at health fairs significantly changed (Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test, p<.0002). Survey results for confidence in taking a BP significantly increased (Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test, p<0.001). Quiz results reflecting didactic knowledge significantly improved (Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test, p<0.001). Conclusions: This educational program increased confidence and competence in first year DPT students for both BP measurement and ability to counsel those with abnormal BP.

Patterns of Lower Extremity Injury in USA Male Collegiate Rugby Club Players

Matthew Lee, PT; Jocelyn Beckett Bond, PT; Amanda Johnson Keatts, PT; Melissa Johnson, PT; Corrie A. Mancinelli, PT, PhD

West Virginia University School of Medicine Department of Human Performance Division of Physical Therapy—Morgantown, WV

Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2011:4(2)59-67.

Study Design: a prospective descriptive study. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe frequency, nature and circumstance of lower extremity injuries at the collegiate club sport level for rugby in the United States. Background: The majority of rugby injury reports focus on Australian footballers and British elite rugby teams, but the research involving collegiate level rugby club players in the United States is very limited. Methods and Measures: Twenty-nine male collegiate rugby club players (18-35 years of age) were recruited for participation. The McManus Rugby Union Injury Report form was used to collect data regarding injuries that prevented participation in practices and games throughout the rugby season. A descriptive analysis of the data gathered was performed. Results: Eighty percent of all injuries occurred during the first full month of the regular playing season. The ankle was the most commonly injured body part (40 % of all injuries). Two-thirds of all injuries occurred in the non-dominant lower extremity and during contact with another player. The forward position was found to be most vulnerable (72% of all injuries). The majority of injuries occurred on hard terrain (87%) and during the second half of play (71%). Conclusions: US collegiate rugby club players demonstrate lower extremity injury patterns similar to that of elite rugby athletes. US collegiate rugby clubs should consider field terrain and avoidance of fatigue as two modifiable variables to prevent injury.

Gerald L Francis Center

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