Student Research Poster Presentations showcase innovative research by Misericordia students across all disciplines.
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The Impact of Robotic-Assisted Ambulation on the Cardiopulmonary System: A Systematic Review
Alexandrea Steele, Zachary Johnson, Alanna O'Malley, Laurie Brogan, and Nicole Evanosky
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The Impact of Hormonal Contraceptives on Cardiovascular Health and VO2max: A Systematic Review
Tara Sweeney and Jason Winters
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Computed Tomography Angiography: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Dante Vitali
A Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic stenosis). Aortic valve stenosis is the most commonly acquired valvular heart disease. Instead of traditional open-heart surgery, a TAVR involves threading a catheter through blood vessels to deliver and implant a new valve. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of blood vessels, organs, and other soft tissues in the body. It is commonly used to visualize the coronary arteries, aorta, and other vascular structures. A CTA TAVR is the choice imaging method for pre-TAVR patients as it is done to evaluate and plan for the procedure to be done. This is due to the number of TAVR procedures surpassing the number of traditional surgical aortic valve replacements. A CTA TAVR study evaluates the aortic valve, aorta and iliofemoral arteries to ensure the selection of appropriate candidates, prosthesis types, and treatment approach.
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The Effects of a Walking Program on Physical Activity and Quality of Life in an Underserved Community
Alexa Wagner and Audrey Campbell
Background: In line with the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) vision statement and recently published research statements, this study was devised to understand if it is possible to develop a population health program in collaboration with a local university’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, local housing department, and health department.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to implement and investigate the effects of the Walk With a Doc (WWAD) program on the physical activity level and quality of life in an underserved community. The secondary aims of this study were to measure and describe the number of steps and blood pressure at each session of each participant. Further, the researchers planned to use the feedback questionnaire at the conclusion of the study to assist in the development of a sustainable program.
Study Design: An experimental pre-test and post-test design with subjects serving as their own controls.
Methods: Participants were recruited for an 8-week program. The WWAD program entails walking and weekly education related to various health topics. Participants were recruited from a low-income housing unit in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be eligible for this non-randomized, non-blinded study.
Measurements: EQ-5D-5L, PTHLA
Conclusions: The work demonstrates the successful implementation of a population health-level physical therapy collaborative intervention in an underserved community. Lessons learned will be applied to future work. Further research must be done to support generalizability.
