Knee osteoarthritis affects approximately 25 million adults. In severe cases, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the most common solution. TKA is effective at addressing pain and reducing continued degeneration of articular cartilage. However, effective physical therapy (PT) following TKA is vital for a full functional recovery. Despite the importance of PT, half of patients never achieve a full functional recovery. Decreases in proprioceptive feedback, severe atrophy, and pain inhibition all likely contribute to the variability in effectiveness. Surface electromyography-based biofeedback (sEMGBF) may allow clinicians to address some of these barriers by supplementing proprioceptive feedback and targeting small muscle contractions before eventually increasing the contraction requirement. Using a between group design, we compare the effectiveness of sEMGBF (7) to neuromuscular stimulation (NMES) (6), and a control group (6) in recovery following TKA. Effectiveness was evaluated across 4 metrics (quadriceps strength, range of motion, functional improvement, and quality of life) in a pre-test/post-test fashion. At the statistical level this study suggest that sEMGBF leads to greater improvements in quadriceps strength relative to the NMES and control group. Additionally, visual analysis suggests that sEMGBF may also lead to greater improvements in range of motion, and functional improvement relative to the NMES and control …

Tinnitus, or the perception of sound in the absence of external acoustic stimuli, is a common condition that impacts approximately 10-15% of the United States population, with similar prevalence rates reported in other countries. Current diagnosis of tinnitus relies on case history and audiometric testing, which depend on responses provided by the patient. To date, there is no objective test that can be used for tinnitus diagnosis, despite the high prevalence and significant financial impacts of this condition. Cortical auditory evoked potentials have shown promise in their ability to assess not only the integrity of the auditory system, but also higher level preattentional and cognitive processing. For this study, the pitch-matched tinnitus frequency was used to evoke an auditory late response. Double oddball paradigms with the tinnitus frequency as the deviant stimuli were also used to evoke a mismatch negativity and P300 to determine where along the auditory pathway biomarkers of tinnitus may exist. The results of this study suggest that when the tinnitus frequency is incorporated into paradigms designed to produce cortical auditory evoked potentials, differences exist between participants with tinnitus and matched controls without tinnitus. Individuals with tinnitus exhibit smaller MMN amplitudes and area under the curve and …

This study will extend the current body of knowledge about how accessible and affordable information communication technologies (ICT; smartphones, tablets, and computers) can foster social interaction and reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults aged 55 plus. The first study is a systematic literature review of existing studies on ICT and the willingness of older adults to use technology. The second study is quantitative research that investigates the trust and reasoning of older adults using ICT, like smartphones, tablets, and computers that foster social interaction and the level of technological ownership. The second study is conducted using research data through surveys conducted by Pew Research Center on behalf of Princeton University. Finally, the third study explores the level of ownership of technology and methods to reduce social isolation using ICT. The effectiveness of smartphones, tablets, and computers that foster social interaction were reviewed to create a sense of community to reduce social isolation.

Some people experience cumulative advantages or disadvantages at birth and during their lifespan that determine future life course outcomes. Health disparities and systemic inequity can define a negative trajectory for some minority and underserved communities. Without intervention, such inequity can spiral and eventually affect more and more areas of an older person's life, much like cumulative disadvantages. This research proposes that older adults can improve their situation through targeted support factors that systematically improve lifespan areas. Eventually, more adults can experience the cumulative advantage effect as life progresses. The dissertation consists of a systematic literature review to evaluate literature that isolates degree-level education as a predictor of successful retirement transition planning. This foundational information is used as a basis for identifying constructs in two follow-on studies of the longitudinal National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Wave 9 public dataset. We explore factors supporting readiness for retirement and retirement transition in later life using data of older adults aged 65+. Multiple regression, exploratory factor analysis, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) are used to gain a multi-angle view. The results showed that degree-level education influences higher salaries, improved healthcare access, and financial literacy. In addition, old age has …

Loss is an inevitable part of life. The actual process of grieving is unique and can be hard to quantify. Grief interventions can address the relationship quality and attachment status between the griever and the deceased and how memories are interpreted and carried into the present and future. This three-essay dissertation explores variations of loss and the factors that contribute to a resilient recovery.