Concluding remarks : entrepreneurship in low and moderate income communities

Community development

The Rhetoric of Self-Fashioning in the Works of Anna Cora Mowatt.

Anna Cora Mowatt, the subject of this study, was a nineteenth century American author, actress, playwright, novelist, and poet. The purpose of this study is to investigate the rhetoric of surviving artifacts of Mowatt\u27s life in order to explore the ways in which Mowatt created a public self through these works. Mowatt\u27s nonfictional Autobiography of an Actress, her novel Mimic Life, her experience with mesmerism, her comedy Fashion, and her poem My Life are examined in depth along with the context of each creation within contemporary Victorian society. The course of Mowatt\u27s self-fashioning was not smooth. She did not choose a clear cut plan and follow it consistently. Her life and works reflect a constant process of negotiation, sometimes even involving the simultaneous playing of conflicting roles. Mowatt was successful in her quest to create through rhetorical/textual strategies an authoritative voice in her varied works. In these works, Mowatt fashioned a public voice for herself without appearing to her auditors to be a cunning, manipulative, usurper of masculine power. Stephen Greenblatt\u27s definition of the process of self-fashioning is used. Self-fashioning is the process of shaping of a distinctive personality, a characteristic address to the world, a consistent mode of behaving. The term self-fashioning suggests representation of one\u27s nature or intention in speech or actions. Appendices include a chronology of Mowatt\u27s life and career, a listing of significant contemporary events and a selected list of contemporaries in Literature and Drama

Effects of a Falls Prevention Program for Individuals Post-Stroke in Guyana: An International Collaboration Protocol

Background. Falls related to stroke have a negative impact on physical mobility, overall health, quality of life, and fear of falls. In Guyana, falls are accepted as a normal part of life and there is little to no research on the impact of a falls prevention program on decreasing both falls and fear of falling in the post-stroke population in this country. Objectives. This international collaboration protocol will determine the ability of a falls prevention program to decrease falls and fear of falling in individuals post-stroke in Guyana. Design. This is a within subjects design, with exercises based on the individuals’ walking abilities. Setting. The study will be conducted at the Palms Rehabilitation Department in Georgetown, Guyana. Physical therapists in Guyana will perform all data collection and interventions. The data analysis will be performed at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania by physical therapy students. Participants. Twenty individuals who have a history of stroke and who score less than 45/50 on the Berg Balance Scale. Intervention. The multifactorial exercise intervention program will focus on common post-stroke impairments such as static and dynamic balance and strength. These exercise interventions will be delivered by trained physical therapists 1 time a week for 8 weeks. Participants will report any falls throughout the program to the physical therapists. Participants will also be asked to perform a home exercise program (HEP) to increase frequency of exercises. Measurements. The primary outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of the interventions will be the Berg Balance Scale, 5 Times Sit to Stand and the Short FES-I. Limitations. The short time frame of the interventions and the frequency of sessions (once a week), as well as the participants’ ability to attend sessions due to travel limitations including cost of travel. Participant adherence to HEP between treatment sessions could also potentially impact the results of the study.https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/research_posters2022/1038/thumbnail.jp

Comparison of Psychological Response between Concussion and Musculoskeletal Injury in Collegiate Athletes

The psychological response to musculoskeletal injuries has been well documented, however, research on the psychological response to concussion is limited. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) have recently been used to assess the psychological recovery of concussions. Although some studies indicate that psychological response is different for musculoskeletal injuries and concussion, there is currently not enough information to indicate this difference occurs at specific clinical milestones. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological responses of student-athletes who have been diagnosed with a concussion to those of athletes diagnosed with musculoskeletal injuries with similar recovery duration. Fifteen collegiate athletes who sustained a musculoskeletal injury were recruited and matched with 15 previously collected concussion participants. The main outcome measures were the scores of POMS constructs: tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, fatigue-inertia, depression-dejection, vigor-activity, confusion-bewilderment, and total mood disturbance and STAI (state anxiety only). Two-way MANOVAs was run to determine the effects of group and time on POMS and STAI constructs. There were no significant interactions identified, but follow-up ANOVAs identified a main effect for time for most POMS subscales, with POMS scores improving over time in both groups. Analyses also revealed that tension-anxiety, vigor-activity and the STAI were not affected by time or group. The findings of this study, that both groups' psychological response to injury improves over time and at similar clinical milestones suggests reduction in sports and team related activities may play a substantial role in the psychological response to either concussion or musculoskeletal injury

Pelvic Tilt Disparities and Lower Extremity Strength and Mobility Differences in Collegiate Wrestlers

ABSTRACT The presence of excessive anterior pelvic tilt (PT) prior to performing loaded structural movements such as a squat or deadlift may be detrimental. However the ability to move from a neutral spine into a slight anterior PT during these movements may be beneficial for postural control, but this capability and relationship to hip function is under-represented in the literature. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the ability to move into an anterior PT, hip and hamstring range of motion (ROM), hip strength, and y-balance test (YBT) scores in Division I wrestlers. METHODS: Twenty-two collegiate wrestlers completed a PT test, YBT, hip and hamstring ROM, and hip strength tests during pre-season after clearance by the team physician. Wrestlers were divided into: 1) those that could perform an anterior PT without compensation (PT-N; n = 11; age 19.7 ± 1.6 y; height: 175.3 ± 8.4 cm; mass: 79.4 ± 26.1 kg), and 2) those showing mobility or stability concerns during the PT test (PT-C; n = 11; age 19.6 ± 1.7 y; height: 176.5 ± 4.6 cm; mass: 73.8 ± 10.4 kg). Total hip ROM on the right (R) and left (L) was measured by summing internal and external rotation measured using a goniometer. Hip adduction and abduction strength was measured using a dynamometer, and calculated relative to body weight. The standardized YBT approach included measures of leg length to determine a composite score for both legs. Hamstring ROM was measured using the sit-and-reach test (SRT). Data were recorded using mean ± standard deviations. RESULTS: PT-N had higher total ROM than PT-C in the R hip (78.2 ± 11.1o vs 74.1 ± 8.8 o), L hip (72.9 ± 10.8 o vs 71.5 ± 8.8o), and SRT scores (39.4 ± 4.3 cm vs 33.5 ± 8.3 cm). PT-N had greater relative strength than PT-C for R hip adduction (44.6 ± 10.5 vs 40.7 ± 11.1 kg), L hip adduction (42.5 ± 9.7 vs 39.1 ± 11.8 kg), and L hip abduction (40.3 ± 14.3 vs 36.0 ± 6.8 kg), however these differences were muted relative to body weight. PT-N had higher composite YBT scores on the R leg (95.2 ± 8.5 vs 92.4 ± 4.8 %) and L leg (97.1 ± 9.1 vs 90.9 ± 4.4 %). CONCLUSION: In collegiate wrestlers sufficient hip mobility, motor control, and hip symmetry may be related to optimal postural control at the hip when flexing under heavy load. Further research with a larger sample size and baseline measures of PT is recommended to examine these trends in more detail

Hip Strength Disparities in College Soccer Players: Implications for Injury Risk and Conditioning Practices

The Y-balance Test (YBT) has been used to identify potential risk factors associated with lower extremity injuries (LEI), while mobility and strength assessments are often used to monitor progress following an injury. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore differences in YBT scores along with lower body mobility and strength in Division I male soccer players who have reported a LEI in the last 12 months (LEI-Y) compared those without reported injuries (LEI-N). METHODS: Twenty-eight male soccer players (age: 20.7 ± 1.8 y; height: 183.8 ± 7.1 cm; mass: 78.5 ± 6.7 kg) completed pre-season evaluations which included YBT, hip strength, hamstring flexibility, and hip and ankle range of motion (ROM). All players were cleared for testing by the head athletic trainer and team physician and had no current LEI precluding them from participating. However, players self-reported if they had experienced a lower extremity injury or surgery in the prior twelve months. Hip adduction and abduction strength was evaluated using a dynamometer and calculated relative to body weight. Hip and ankle ROM were measured using a goniometer, and hamstring flexibility was measured using the sit-and-reach test. The YBT scores and leg length were used to determine a composite score for each leg. Data was presented as means ± standard deviations. RESULTS: For LEI-N, there were no notable imbalances in right to left side comparisons for hip adduction strength (44.8 ± 6.8 vs 43.5 ± 7.5 %) or hip abduction strength (49.2 ± 5.3 vs 49.0 ± 9.1 %). In the LEI-Y group, there was a discernible difference between the right and left side for hip adduction strength (43.7 ± 7.8 vs 41.4 ± 6.1 %) and hip abduction strength (48.4 ± 8.3 vs 45.1 ± 6.3 %). Relative hip strength and ankle ROM scores were also lower overall in the LEI-Y group compared to the LEI-N group, but no such trends were observed for YBT composite scores, hip ROM, or hamstring flexibility. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the LEI-Y group had greater bilateral imbalance in lower limb strength, lower hip strength, and lower ankle ROM scores compared with those without injury history. Future research is recommended to evaluate the impact of injury on these markers and examine their associations with future injury risk

Lower Extremity Injury and Y-Balance Scores in Division I Women’s Soccer

The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a functional, portable assessment used to examine stability and mobility in the lower extremities (LE). However descriptive YBT data and how scores may compare across healthy and previously injured women’s soccer players is scarce but in demand. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the difference in YBT scores in female collegiate-level soccer athletes with and without a recent history of LE injury. METHODS: Twenty-two Division I female soccer players completed a YBT during pre-season. All of the subjects were cleared for testing by the head athletic trainer and the team physician and had no current LE injury precluding them from participating. Players were also asked to self-report if they had experienced a lower extremity injury or surgery in the prior twelve months, which divided the sample into two groups – those who did report having a LE injury in the past 12 months (LEI; n = 13, age = 19.9 ± 1.4 y, height = 166.9 ± 6.9 cm) and those who did not (LEI-N; n = 9, age = 19.8 ± 1.7 y, height = 169.2 ± 7.9 cm). Standardized approaches were used for the YBT to obtain scores for all three directions (anterior, posterior medial, posterior lateral) for both legs, along with the measurement of right and left leg length to determine a composite score for both legs. Descriptive statistics were calculated as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: The LEI group had a lower YBT composite score compared to the LEI-N group on the left side (86.0 ± 26.6 vs 90.04 ± 9.1 %) and the right side (85.2 ± 26.4 vs 87.2 ± 8.0 %). CONCLUSION: YBT screening during pre-season may help identify ongoing imbalances in soccer players with a prior LE injury, even after they have been cleared to practice or condition by the sports medicine team. However, ongoing research is needed comparing YBT scores prior to the injury to further support the use of the YBT in this manner

Force Plate Determined Jump Height, Braking Symmetry, and Reactive Strength Index in Collegiate Athletes

Many athletes are required to perform high intensity (HI) movements unilaterally and bilaterally. Force plate technology can measure is capable of quantifying performance during HI movements, such as vertical jump (VJ), as well as any asymmetries involved in the movement, but limited data using this modality is currently available. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present descriptive data of VJ height, left and right leg braking symmetry (L/R-S), and modified reactive strength index (mRSI) during a no-hand countermovement VJ (CMJ) measured using a force plate on male (M) and female (F) Division I athletes. METHODS: Forty-nine M lacrosse players (MLAX; age: 20.0 ± 1.6 y; height: 182.0 ± 6.3 cm), 28 F lacrosse players (WLAX; age: 19.5 ± 1.6 y; height: 165.7 ± 3.8 cm), 31 M baseball players (BB; age: 20.0 ± 1.7 y; height: 183.1 ± 9.8 cm), 19 F softball players (SB; age: 19.7 ± 1.6 y; height: 169.8 ± 7.0 cm), 7 M tennis players (MTN; age: 20.6 ± 1.5 y; height: 181.8 ± 8.9 cm), and 11 F tennis players (FTN; age: 20.1 ± 1.3 y; height: 163.7 ± 8.9 cm), completed a no-hands countermovement VJ test on a force plate system. Jump height, L/R-S (0 being symmetrical, negative values indicate more force applied through the right foot and more positive indicates the same for the left foot), and mRSI were recorded using mean ± standard deviation. VJ testing was conducted during pre-season following physician clearance. RESULTS: VJ height for M was highest in BB (40.2 ± 7.3 cm) and lowest in MTN (33.8 ± 3.9 cm). VJ height for F was highest in SB (26.3 ± 4.3 cm) and lowest in WTN (23.3 ± 5.3 cm). The largest discrimination between L/R-S was seen for M in BB (-5.5 ± 13.9) with the smallest in MLAX (-1.29 ± 14.45). For F the largest L/R-S was seen in WTN (-2.86 ± 15.34) and the smallest in SB (0.44 ± 7.09). BB had the highest mRSI (0.50 ± 0.08) and MTN had the lowest (0.36 ± 0.12) in M. SB had the highest mRSI in F (0.36 ± 0.05) with WTN showing the smallest (0.29 ± 0.15). CONCLUSION: The differences seen in VJ data between sports and gender may be explained by the specific demands placed on the body during competition. This data may be able to provide strength and conditioning coaches and other sports medicine professionals insight into common trends related to explosive power and L/R-S in each sport to provide more specialized training to address potential asymmetries and target VJ goals

Strength and Mobility Measures in Division I Female Volleyball Student Athletes Across Different Positions

Shoulder internal and external rotation and hand grip measures are commonly used to evaluate upper extremity mobility and strength in college athletes. However, positional differences and their impact on these scores are rarely considered, therefore further research is needed in sports such as volleyball where information on these potential trends is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify possible differences between strength and mobility measures in female volleyball student-athletes whose responsibilities include hitting (predominantly overhead roles) versus those who are primarily passers and diggers (non-overhead roles). METHODS: Thirteen Division I volleyball student-athletes who volunteered to participate in this study were divided into two groups - hitters (H; age = 19.6 ± 1.5 y, height = 180.7 ± 6.7 cm) and passers (P; age = 19.3 ± 1.2 y, height = 172.0 ± 10.0 cm). Players were tested on their shoulder range of motion (ROM) for internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), and flexion using a goniometer. Total ROM was identified as a sum of IR and ER. Hand grip strength was measured in the dominant hand using a hand grip dynamometer. All testing was completed by certified healthcare professionals prior to preseason following clearance by the team physician. Descriptive statistics were calculated as mean ± standard deviations. RESULTS: H had higher total ROM than P in both the right arm (158.6 ± 65.8° vs 144.1 ± 65.8°) and left arm (165.0 ± 67.8° vs 155.7 ± 69.7°). H had higher flexion than P in the right, dominant arm (176.9 ± 7.9° vs 171.5 ± 18.7°), but similar flexion in the left, nondominant arm (180.1 ± 5.6° vs 180.7 ± 3.4°). H and P both had higher than average values for shoulder ROM compared to published normative data. Hand grip strength was also higher in H compared to P (31.6 ± 6.2 kg vs 26.1 ± 2.5 kg). CONCLUSIONS: H displayed greater total ROM in both arms, a higher flexion ROM in their dominant arm than P as well as greater strength in their dominant arm. This emphasizes the importance of mobility and strength in their positional demands, and the need for shoulder stability. This information provides strength and conditioning coaches preliminary information on possible foci for training and areas where further research is still needed

Relationship Between the Y-Balance Test and Lower Extremity Strength and Mobility in Collegiate Lacrosse Players

Lacrosse players must make quick directional changes, often on one leg while under force. This demands strength, mobility, and motor control throughout the kinetic chain. The Y-Balance test (YBT) has been used to gauge motor control in athletes. Still, more research on the relationship between the YBT and lower extremity (LE) mobility and strength in lacrosse players is needed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between YBT scores, hip range of motion (ROM), ankle dorsiflexion, hip abduction (ABD) and adduction (ADD) strength, and passive and active thoracic rotation in male college lacrosse players. METHODS: Fifty Division I male lacrosse players (age: 20 ± 1.6 y; height: 182.0 ± 6.3 cm; weight: 83.2 ± 6.0 kg) performed a YBT including measures of leg length to determine a composite score for the right and left leg (YBT-R and YBT-L, respectively). Thoracic spine active rotation (TS-AR), passive rotation (TS-PR), and range of motion (ROM) at the hip (sum of internal and external rotation) for each limb was measured with a goniometer. Ankle dorsiflexion was assessed using a clinometer instrument. Hip abduction (ABD) and adduction (ADD) strength was measured using a dynamometer and calculated relative to body weight. Hamstring flexibility was measured using the sit-and-reach test. All players were cleared for testing by the team physician and had no current LE injury precluding them from participating. Descriptive statistics were calculated as mean ± standard deviation and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated. The level of significance was set at p \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: YBT-R (but not YBT-L) was significantly correlated with TS-AR to the right and left (r = 0.41 and r = 0.31, p \u3c 0.05), and with the sit-and-reach test (r = 0.28, p \u3c 0.05). Both YBT-R and YBT-L were significantly correlated with hip ROM on the right only but with both right and left ankle dorsiflexion (p \u3c 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: YBT scores on the right and left side were related to thoracic spine, hip, and ankle mobility, but not to hip ADD and ABD strength in collegiate male lacrosse players. Hip rotation measures could reflect capabilities for single-leg balance, stability, and proprioception and could improve YBT performance, however further research incorporating alternative LE strength measures is recommended