Tag: Capstones

Bryce Branagan-Franco

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), which is also known as Runner’s Knee or anterior knee pain, is one of the most common overuse injuries in the lower extremity. PFPS is commonly found in individuals who are involved in high impact athletic activities, and is especially common in female athletes.Though it is known for being one of the most common knee injuries, no one has been able to specify its main cause. PFPS is normally treated by rest, ice, medication, taping, physical therapy and in severe cases surgery. Though there are many different ways to treat PFPS, treatment is not always guaranteed to work and can potentially end an individuals career in their particular sport or activity. This presentation will examine multiple studies, in order to shine light on possible causes of PFPS and will briefly discuss treatment methods.

EXSC 425 Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

PFB 103

Noon – 12:30 PM

Back to the schedule

Haley Cochell

Compassion Fatigue in Counseling Professionals

“There is a cost to caring.” With these striking words, Figley (1995) exposed a darker side to the counseling profession in opening his chapter on compassion fatigue in counseling professionals. He assigned the term compassion fatigue to the counseling field to describe a set of adverse symptoms that professionals may experience in the course of their work. Researchers have demonstrated that some compassion fatigue symptoms are comparable to those of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (e.g., intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, nightmares, migraines). Researchers have also identified the development of self-doubt as a recurrent symptom of compassion fatigue, e.g., over half the participants in one study reported signs of self-doubt. Conversely, many professional counselors report confidence-building personal outcomes derived from their professional engagement with clients, e.g., satisfaction, fulfillment, and other positive emotions or responses; these positive outcomes are known as compassion satisfaction. Researchers have recognized the positive role of compassion satisfaction in the lives of professional counselors; compassion satisfaction may buffer the adverse effects of compassion fatigue. Moreover, researchers have found evidence to support several protective factors that professionals may use to prevent or address compassion fatigue in a healthy manner. There is critical need for further study of compassion satisfaction, as well as exploration of the impact of gender and racial/ethnic differences and religious/spiritual commitment on the experience of compassion fatigue in counselors. Such studies may aid professionals in taking care of themselves so that they may continue to provide caring and effective services for their clients.

PSY 499

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 103

1:30 – 2:00 PM

Back to the schedule

Trevyn DuBois

The Effects of Dog Owner’s Personality on Dog Behavior

The bond between dogs and people is well documented. Many different factors can affect this important relationship, which could include a variety of different aspects of dog behavior as well as human behavior. In the current study, the link between owner personality traits, specifically extraversion and neuroticism, and dog behavior was measured. Twenty-three dog-owner dyads were recruited from a local area pet store. Participants completed a Big Five personality traits scale that measured extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Participants were asked to get their dogs to sit using only commands (no food or physical manipulation were allowed). The number of commands given and the latency to sit were recorded. There was no relationship between owner’s extraversion and number of commands needed for the dog to sit, but there was a statistically significant negative correlation between dog’s latency to sit and owner’s neuroticism. Those dogs that took less time to sit had owners who scored higher on the neuroticism trait. Particular owner personality traits do appear to play a role in dog behavior.

PSY 499 Capstone

Nani Skaggs

PFB 103

1:00 – 1:30 PM

Back to the schedule

Macie Gale

Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Methods of Concussed Football Players

Of all sports played in the US, American football is the sport associated with the greatest number of traumatic brain injuries, and also has the largest number of participants. However, due to players’ reluctance to admit concussion, these statistics may even be underestimated. In order to fully understand this epidemic one needs to consider the biomechanics involved in the injury. This presentation aims to explain the biomechanics of concussion, shine light on the incidences of reoccurring injuries, and will conclude with modern rehabilitation techniques.

EXSC 425 Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

PFB 103

11:30 AM – Noon

Back to the schedule

Alleya Harris

The Effect of Lower Limb Biomechanics on Lower Back Pain

Link theory states that structures further from the ground (such as the hips and back) are affected by the lower limb’s structure and ability to handle force efficiently. It is this theory that fuels the model for low back pain (LBP) which implicates the feet in causing biomechanical disruptions that lead the back to hurt. However, the research published about this theory is vastly divergent. For the sake of this discussion, three different views are singled out. The first is in support of the model that the feet cause LBP based on evidence from trials performed in practical treatment settings. The second also affirms the model although more cautiously. In this case the evidence comes from studies done in laboratory settings. The third negates the model based on studies performed in laboratory settings that provide evidence that clearly disproves any correlation. This presentation aims to give an encompassing view of the topic by including representative research supporting each of the different viewpoints and also to reveal that, in the end, each individual’s case is different and needs to be thoroughly evaluated.

EXC 425 Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

PFB 103

10:00 – 10:30 AM

Back to the schedule

Garrett Kraal

The Biomechanics of the Running Gait and Hamstring Injuries

Different types of hamstring injuries can be seen in many different sports and activities, sports such as track and field, soccer, football and rugby are the leaders amongst them. The prevalence and occurrence of hamstring muscle injuries can be very frustrating due to their prolonged effects, slow rehabilitation and high re-occurrence rates. There is much controversy surrounding the question why hamstring injuries display these attributes. Gait analysis can help us understand the hamstring muscle complex a little better. Gait analysis methods have enabled us to prevent muscle injuries and improve post-injury rehabilitation methods. The purpose of this talk is to investigate the anatomical/biomechanical characteristics of the hamstring muscle complex (HMC) using gait analysis. The presentation will explain where and when in the gait cycle hamstring injuries are likely to occur, the types of contractions taking place, quadriceps/hamstring torque ratios in reference to the HMC, as well as running economy.

EXSC 425 Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

PFB 103

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Back to the schedule

Kayla Morgan

Philosophy and Care of the Soul

In any society, there is evidence that supports the notion that humans are susceptible to suffering whether it be physically, mental, or spiritually. However, as many ancient philosophers taught, philosophy could be the key to releasing ourselves from the oppressive weight that is called life. In essence, philosophy could become a therapy or medicine for our souls that could lessen our internal turmoil and external strife. In effect, Philosophy could become an effective therapeutic approach to doctoring our souls through the rebirth of beliefs and the liquidation of our inaccurate perceptions. In this presentation, different approaches to the therapeutic side of philosophy will be explored, as seen in different philosophical works. For instance, important thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle will be included as well as those individuals who represent major philosophical practices and thought like Stoicism and Epicureanism. Overall, the aim of this study was to better explore how one might change their beliefs, meditate on who they are, be mindful, practice a practical everyday philosophy, pursue knowledge, truth, and meaning, and ultimately care for their souls.

IDS 499 Capstone

Mick Bollenbaugh

PFB 114

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Back to the schedule

Ana Ortiz

Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adulthood as Potential  Outcomes of  Trauma in Childhood

Childhood trauma is a continuous and prevalent problem in US society, creating a ripple effect in the physical and mental health of individuals later in adulthood. In 2012 alone, there were 3.4 million referrals made on behalf of children who were abused or neglected. Researchers have found that children who experience trauma, e.g., sexual, physical, or verbal abuse, and/or neglect, are more likely to become obese or develop eating disorders as adults. Sixty-one percent of American adults are considered obese, one in 200 American women suffer from anorexia, and two to three in 100 American women suffer from bulimia. Furthermore, researchers have found that the specific type of abuse experienced in childhood correlates with the level of severity in individuals’ eating disorders or obesity. Finally, the paper will present the findings of researchers exploring the role of Depressive Disorder in the lives of adults struggling with obesity and eating disorders.

PSY 499 Capstone

Mary Ann Winter-Messiers

PFB 103

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Back to the schedule

Marsha Poischbeg

Subacromial Bursitis in Overhead Athletes

Shoulder injuries are extremely common in overhead athletes. One of the most common injuries, especially in volleyball players, is subacromial bursitis or subacromial impingement syndrome. This injury is accompanied by pain and a limited range of motion. However, if subacromial bursitis is not treated in the early stages, chronic pain and permanent structural damage to the shoulder can develop. This review provides insight into the mechanisms of this injury as well as treatment methods. These methods include steroid injections, taping methods and exercises that are be beneficial in returning the athlete to play at their full potential. The final piece of this review looks at preventative measures which can be taken to avoid such injury.

EXC 425 Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury

Heike McNeil

PFB 103

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Back to the schedule