Crowell M, Pitt W, Mason J, Posner M, Cameron K, and Goss D

Abstract selected for a podium presentation at 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, California

Shoulder instability is common in active young athletes and military personnel, often requiring shoulder stabilization surgery. Acute post-operative pain is usually managed with opioid pain medications, which have adverse effects that reduce military readiness. Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) has demonstrated promise as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for acute post-operative pain. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the effectiveness of BFA on post-surgical pain and opioid medication usage.

Symsack A, Haynes J, Gaunaurd I, Clemens S, Gruenhagen Lucarevic J, Bennet C, Isaacson B, Pasquina P, Gailey R

Abstract selected for a podium presentation at 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, California

Veterans with lower limb loss (LLL) face many challenges (time and cost) to receive appropriate prosthetic training and exercises that could improve their gait quality and functional mobility. The VA and DoD supported the development of the Mobile Device Outcomes-based Rehabilitation Program (MDORP). MDORP is a comprehensive mobile rehabilitation program that includes a wearable sensor system called the Rehabilitative Lower Limb Orthopedic Assistive Device (ReLOAD). The ReLOAD system assesses gait and provides real-time audio feedback during home walks to correct specific gait deviations and subsequently recommend targeted exercises. The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in mobility, gait quality, and strength for lower functioning Veterans with LLL after completing the 8-week MDOR Pprogram

Miller E, mason J, Pitt w, Crowell M, Wear A, Reilly N, Haltiwanger H, Gonnella M, Goss D

Abstract selected for a podium presentation at 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting 2023 in San Diego, California

Previous research has identified numerous biomechanical variables that may relate to musculoskeletal injury risk. Gait retraining interventions have successfully altered running biomechanical risk factors for overuse knee injury in non-military populations. However, constraints on patient time and frequency of in-clinic visits limits implementation of gait retraining interventions in the Military Health System (MHS). The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to determine the effect of a telehealth gait retraining intervention on the running kinematics in patients with an overuse knee injury.