Facilities
The Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy occupies two spacious floors in Garrison Hall and maintains a Neurological Procedures Lab and a Therapeutic Pool in the Beckley Building on the ISU Campus.
- Balance Training and Testing Laboratory
- Cardiopulmonary Testing Laboratory
- Cognitive Re-Learning Laboratory
- Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory
- Occupational Function Laboratory
- Splinting Laboratory
- Orthopedic Procedures Laboratory
- Neurological Systems Management Laboratory
- Pediatric Laboratory
- Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinic
- Conference Room
- Locker Room
- Student Prep Room
Balance Training and Testing Laboratory
Normal balance ability is essential for patients to be independent with functional activities and to prevent falls. Physical therapists routinely assess and treat balance impairments in a variety of patients. The balance laboratory at Idaho State University is equipped with a Balance Master System. The Balance Master has a forceplate which is interfaced with a computer. The forceplate is a complex "scale" that measures the degree and the location of body weight on the bottom of a patient's feet. From this information the computer can calculate how much the patient's center of gravity moves. Center of gravity movement can be used as an indicator of balance function. In our department we also measure other indicators of balance performance such as weight distribution, single leg stance time, functional reach, and the Tinetti Balance Test.
Cardiopulmonary Testing Laboratory
Cardiopulmonary function can be compromised in patients directly by disease and also by the accompanying disuse or inactivity. The Cardiopulmonary Laboratory at Idaho State University is equipped with a Quinton Q-Plex Metabolic Testing System. This equipment can measure a variety of physiological variables (oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, respiratory quotient...) at rest and during exercise. This system can also by used for pulmonary function testing. The Cardiopulmonary Laboratory also has an electrocardiograph (ECG) that has the capacity to monitor 12 different views of the heart (leads) simultaneously. Physiological response to exercise can be analyzed during walking or running, leg cycling, stepping, or other activities using this equipment. The Cardiopulmonary Laboratory also has equipment for measuring blood pressure, respiratory muscle strength, expiratory flow rate, and arterial oxygen saturation.
Cognitive Re-Learning Laboratory
The cognitive relearning laboratory provides computers, assistive software, and ergononimially correct work spaces. Occupational therapy students learn ways to modify the environment, provide assistive technology, and teach adaptive strategies for everyday life.
Electromyography (EMG) Laboratory
The detection and measurement of the electrical activity associated with muscle contraction is called electromyography or EMG. The departmental EMG lab is equipped with a Noraxon Myosystem 2000 computerized surface EMG collection system and has the capability of recording and analyzing 8 channels of EMG output through surface electrodes attached to the skin. Surface EMG is generally used to measure and monitor muscles during functional movements to determine the amount and pattern of muscle recruitment and to detect whether muscular dysfunction exists. Our EMG system has been in place since 1994 and has been used to collect numerical data for a variety of research projects. It also provides us with the opportunity to examine muscle function in the patients who visit the Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinic.
Occupational Function Laboratory
The occupational function laboratory functions as both a classroom and a laboratory for student education. It is also used for client intervention through the Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinic. This space has excellent technological capabilities including PowerPoint and a Smart Board. The occupational function laboratory is equipped with a fully functioning Activities of Daily Living Suite, which includes kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities. This area is furnished with a variety of adaptive equipment designed to make certain tasks easier for those with disabilities.
Splinting Laboratory
The splint lab contains a workstation for splint construction. Splints are made from low temperature plastics and may improve a person's function, protect or immobilize joints, and prevent or correct deformity. The splinting workstation is supplied with a variety of splinting materials, heating pans and guns, cutting tools and dynamic components. This room may also be used for didactic classwork and is fully equipped with PowerPoint and internet access.
Orthopedic Procedures Laboratory
The Orthopedic Procedures Laboratory at Idaho State University provides the space and equipment for entry-level physical and occupational therapy students to develop skills in the examination and treatment of patients who have musculoskeletal disorders. Students learn to perform manual evaluation techniques, diagnostic tests and measures, and musculoskeletal treatment interventions. Instrumentation includes a full array of thermal modalities and electrical stimulators, equipment for measuring strength and range of motion, mechanical traction, gait training devices, mechanical compression and bandaging supplies.
Neurological Systems Management Laboratory
Pediatric Laboratory
The Pediatric Procedures Laboratory has a unique observation room that allows parents or faculty to observe a treatment session without being obtrusive. The pediatric lab is outfitted in swings, bolsters, mat and toys designed to foster growth and development in children and learning among OT and PT students.
Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinic
The Idaho State University Physical and Occupational Therapy Clinic has been developed specifically to provide students with the opportunity to observe and participate in clinical applications of the didactic components of their degree programs. The clinic provides students the opportunity to observe and participate in patient care activities and apply skills learned during the academic semester. Students have the opportunity collaborate with their classmates and faculty supervisors to provide quality patient care services. In addition, students will gain supervisory skills in the clinic by serving as mentors to junior students in the program. The clinic receives patient referrals from the Idaho State University Student Health Center, local medical facilities, physicians and other sources in the community. Patients can also access the clinic through self-referral. Population seen in the clinic primarily present with orthopedic and musculoskeletal impairments, though the practice is not limited to orthopedics.
If you would like to receive PT or OT treatment at our clinic, click here for more information.
Conference Room
Locker Room
Students are provided with lockers and a changing room for convenience in handling their busy academic lifestlye. The DPOT is located near Reed Gymnasium, which offers a full range of exercise machines, classes, tennis, and a lap pool.
Student Prep Room
The student prep room is a student space that provides computer and printer access for use during clinic hours as well as for studying. The prep room also has a library resource area with many professional books and journals.