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 5:3

Increasing Home Exercise Program Adherence for Physical Therapy Clients with Balance and Dizziness Problems in Cheyenne, WY

Emma Stayduhar, SDPT

College of St. Scholastica – Duluth, MN

Study Design: Analysis of compliance rates for outpatient clinics in Cheyenne was conducted using a survey. Information about compliance rates, barriers to compliance, barriers to follow-up, and other clinical limitations were compiled. The survey also gave physical therapists a chance to detail relevant methodological successes. The finalized paper was distributed to all participating Cheyenne clinics.

Objectives: The high value of Home Exercise Plans (HEPs) paired with the low level of compliance is a problem. The objective of this research is to identify barriers to adherence and determine effective strategies to increase compliance to HEPs for elderly patients with balance issues.

Background: Physical therapy intervention can improve balance in adults sixty-five years of age and older1,2. Client adherence to exercise prescription can largely determine success3. Adherence rates for elderly clients with balance issues are low in both the short and long term1,2,4. Personal and environmental barriers rather than motivators appear to predict adherence.

Methods and Measures: Review of adherence studies by Forkan et al.4 and Sluijis et al.3 contributed significantly to the development of this research study. Personal interviews conducted with two experts in the field, Dr. Holly Girmus, PT, DPT and Dr. Kathy Blaire, PT, DPT, OCS, helped to establish direction and focus for research. A unique survey was formulated for the purposes of this study to collect data on HEP adherence for patients in Cheyenne, WY. The survey was distributed to seven therapy centers in Cheyenne and was completed by sixteen licensed physical therapists.

Results: The therapists involved in this study perceived the fear of falling to be the greatest barrier to client adherence to HEP, followed by poor health and weakness. Eighty-seven percent of respondents used only print material as the format for HEPs. While 93% of respondents reported using graded exercise in their treatment plan, a lesser 70% reported the use of graded exposure. There is minimal use of audio-visual material and computer-based tools for HEP prescription. Finally, physical therapists (PTs) in Cheyenne are actively getting their clients into exercise facilities and group classes.

Conclusion: Realistic strategies to increase compliance must address issues on two fronts: the time and financial limitations of the physical therapist and barriers unique to the client. Recommendations of this research study include increased use of graded exposure, diversification of HEP material to include dynamic technologies, and increased transition to group classes and personal training. These strategies offer cost effective solutions to low client adherence without imposing unattainable demands on the therapist workload.

The Impact of Physical Therapy on Pain and Disability Associated with Knee Osteoarthritis A Critical Review on Literature

Carla Sy Enriquez, PT, DPT, OCS, DAAPM; Edilberto A. Raynes, MD, PhD – Candidate

Dominican College; Tennessee State University College of Health Sciences

Study Design: Knee osteoarthritis is an extremely common musculoskeletal disorder of the lower extremity that results in significant physical impairment and functional limitations. The resulting pain and disability associated with knee osteoarthritis impacts various components of physical function including treatment satisfaction and patient/client quality of life. Therefore, the need to know the efficacy of currently existing interventions in the physical rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis is essential in the clinical decision-making process involved in the implementation of plan of care for effective management and successful treatment outcomes. This paper also highlights the scientific methods involved in the search of existing literature to capture highly relevant information in the critical analysis of physical therapy treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

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Gerald L Francis Center

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