Research—Ongoing Studies

Many of our faculty are involved in experimental research.

Recent Studies

  • Katrina Maluf, PT, PhD.  A basic investigation of persistent inward current-mediated changes in tonic excitability of spinal motor neurons in the upper trapezius muscle of healthy individuals while performing cognitive tasks with different attention demands.  (NIH-1-R21-AR054181, 2007-2009 Pending)
  • Katrina Maluf, PT, PhD.  A clinical study to compare the short-term efficacy of a novel biofeedback intervention on upper trapezius muscle activity during simulated work tasks in individuals with chronic neck and shoulder pain. (Magistro Grant, 2007)
  • Joanne Valvano, PhD, PT. Joanne is currently developing, in conjunction with Dr. Dennis Matthews MD in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and James Carollo PhD at the Center for Gait and Movement Analysis, paradigms to evaluate grip force control in children with neurological disorders. In addition, she is Principle Investigator on a study that addresses the learning of a functional bimanual task by children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. This study is funded by The National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, US Department of Education.
  • Margaret Schenkman PhD, PT. Margaret is in the second year of data collection for a five year study comparing three exercise interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease. This study was funded by the National Institute of Health ($1.125 million total).
  • Betti Krapfl, PT, Jenny Rodriguez, MS, PT, and Denise Stelzner, PT all are collaborating in this study, both in developing adherence strategies and balance and function training programs while treating patients as a part of the study.

Experimental Studies

  • randomized, controlled investigation of physical therapy for individuals with recurrent low back pain
  • the practice of a bimanual motor skill by children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and children with typical development
  • randomized, controlled investigation of three physical interventions for people with Parkinson’s disease