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Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

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Faculty Research in Physical Therapy

Whitworth University's physical therapy faculty are clinician-scholars advancing the science and practice of rehabilitation through innovative research and teaching. Their projects in areas such as neurorehabilitation, exercise physiology and fall prevention ensure students learn from experts actively shaping the future of physical therapy.

In the classroom and in practice, Whitworth's physical therapy faculty bring extensive professional experience and specialized training.

We have APTA board-certified clinicians in:

  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Orthopedic rehabilitation
  • Pediatric rehabilitation
  • Geriatric rehabilitation

We also have fellowship-trained faculty in orthopedic rehabilitation and academic leadership.

Our physical therapy faculty has worked in a variety of settings, including:

  • Outpatient orthopedics
  • Inpatient rehabilitation
  • Inpatient acute care
  • Home health
  • Pediatric acute care
  • Outpatient neurorehabilitation

Our physical therapy faculty is performing a variety of new physical therapy research, with grants supporting some of that research.

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Faculty Research Areas

  • Blood Flow Restriction Training

    Faculty investigator: Dominic Severino, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

    • Severino, D.J., Severino, L.A., Sibley, S. & Moore N. "The Integration of Blood Flow Restriction Strengthening and Orthopedic Manual Therapy in the Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case Series," poster presentation; 2022 annual meeting, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists; San Diego, Calif.
    • Severino, D.J.,  Severino, L.A., Sibley, S. & Moore N. "The Management of Lumbar Spine Spinal Stenosis Using Orthopedic Manual Therapy and Blood Flow Restriction Strengthening Interventions: A Case Report," poster presentation; 2021 annual meeting, American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists; Cleveland, Ohio.

  • Clinical Reasoning

    The focus of this research is to explore the development of clinical reasoning skills in both clinicians and entry-level physical therapy students.

    Faculty investigator: Kevin Helgeson, PT, DHSc; Jonathan Hook, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

    • Hook, J.C., O’Malley, B. & Shepherd, M. "Multimodal Approach to Physical Therapy Management of Meralgia Paresthetica: A Case Report," poster presentation; Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; February 2022; San Antonio, Texas.
    • Helgeson, K.M. & Smith, A.R. "Developing Clinical Reasoning Skills in Entry-Level PT Students Using the ICF as a Framework," presentation; Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; February 2018; New Orleans, La.

  • Exercise Physiology

    Faculty investigator: Ernest Ofori, PT, M.S., Ph.D.

    • Frimpong, E., Ofori, E. K., Kaoje, Y. S., Ababio, E. & Dzudzor, B. (2019). "Muscle Damage and Repeated Bout Effect From High Intensity Non-Eccentric Exercises," Journal of Exercise Physiology, 22(5); online.

  • Holistic Admissions

    This research looks at the Impact of a holistic admissions review process in a doctor of physical therapy program.

    Faculty investigator: Carrie Hawkins, PT, DPT, Ph.D.

    • George, D., Bayliss, J., Crompton, J., Durham, A., Gallivan, S., Hawkins, C., Wright, A., Weaver, J., Berg-Carramusa, C., Both, A., English, L., Hofmeyer, E., Lee, K., McCallum, C. & Quinn, B. "Needs Assessment of Clinical Educators," manuscript; accepted by Journal of Physical Therapy Education, fall 2023.
    • Hawkins, C., Ennis, E. & Quinn, S. "Impact of Holistic Admissions Process on NPTE Outcomes," poster presentation; Education Leadership Conference, American Council of Academic Physical Therapy; October 2023; Philadelphia, Pa.

  • Interprofessional Education

    This research investigates the value of interprofessional education within health sciences curriculum.

    Faculty investigator: Paul Werhane, PT, DPT, CCS; Jonathan Hook, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT

    • Helgeson, L., Fermin, S.L., Werhane, P. & Hook, J.C. "Framing an Interprofessional Culture of Learning Across Healthcare Programs," poster presentation (accepted); Innovation Summit For Health Professions Education; June 2022; Creighton University; online. 

  • Interventions for Fall Prevention

    This research area focuses on determining optimal strategies for adoption and implementation of balance exercises in pre-existing community and clinic-based physical activity programs for older adults. 

    Faculty investigator: Lizzie Choma, PT, DPT, GCS, Ph.D. Candidate

    • Choma, E.A., Treat-Jacobson, D.J., Keller-Ross, M.L., Wolfson, J., Martin, L. & McMahon, S.K. (2023). "Using the RE-AIM Framework to Evaluate Physical Activity-Based Fall Prevention Interventions in Older Adults With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review," Translational Behavioral Medicine; 13(1):42-52; doi:10.1093/tbm/ibac072. 
    • McMahon, S.K., Macheledt, K., Choma, E.A., Lewis, B.A., Guan, W., Wyman, J.F. & Rothman, A.J. (2023). "Rethinking How and When to Report Descriptions of Behavior Change Content Within Interventions: A Case Study of an Ongoing Physical Activity Trial (Ready Steady 3.0)," Translational Behavioral Medicine; doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibac092.
    • Choma, E.A., Mays, R.J., Mizner, R.L. & Santasier, A.M. (2020) "Patient Perspectives of Ankle-Foot Orthoses for Walking Ability in Peripheral Artery Disease: A Qualitative Study." Journal of Vascular Nursing; 38(3):100-107; doi:10.1016/j.jvn.2020.07.004.

  • Neurorehabilitation

    This research area focuses on evaluating the effect of conventional and novel interventions on outcomes of cognitive functions, balance control, cardiovascular and physical fitness in the young, geriatric and neurocognitively-impaired populations. 

    Faculty Investigator: Ernest Ofori, PT, M.S., Ph.D.

    • Ofori, E. K., Subramaniam, S., Wang, S. & Bhatt, T. (2021). "Kinematic Analysis of Dance-Based Exergaming: A Cross-Sectional Study," Journal of Dance Medicine & Science; 25(3), 200-214.  
    • Ofori, E. K., Frimpong, E., Ademiluyi, A. & Olawale, O. A. (2019). "Ergometer Cycling Improves the Ambulatory Function and Cardiovascular Fitness of Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Journal of Physical Therapy Science; 31(3), 211-216. 
    • Ofori, E. K., Subramaniam, S., Wang, S. & Bhatt, T. (2019). "Kinematic Analysis of Dance-Based Exergaming: Effect of Song Pace on Center of Mass and Joint Mobility," Journal of Physical Therapy Science; 31(9), 708-716. 
    • Ofori, E. K. (2014). "Effect of Optogenetic Stimulation on Neuroplasticity of the Embryonic Chick Motor System," Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

  • Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness

    This research investigates the effects of early interventions related to PPPD education, anxiety management and vestibular therapy.

    Faculty Investigator: Dawn Fitzgerald, PT, DPT, NCS

    • Fitzgerald, D. "Prehabilitation to Minimize Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) Risk in Meniere’s Disease Pre- and Post-Gentamicin," poster presentation; 2022 annual conference, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy; October 2022; Minneapolis, Minn.

  • Physical & Cardiovascular Fitness & Geriatrics

    This research investigates the effects of alternative interventions on the cardiovascular system in the geriatric population.

    Faculty investigator: Ernest Ofori, PT, M.S., Ph.D.

    • Somayaji, K., Frenkel, M., Tabaza, L., Visotcky, A., Ruck, T. K., Ofori, E. K., ... & Kulinski, J. (2022). "Acute Effects of Singing on Cardiovascular Biomarkers," Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, Volume 9.
    • Kulinski, J., Ofori, E. K., Visotcky, A., Smith, A., Sparapani, R., & Fleg, J. L. (2022). "Effects of Music on the Cardiovascular System," Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine; 32(6), 390-398. 
    • Ofori, E. K., Subramaniam, S., Wang, S. & Bhatt, T. (2019). "Kinematic Analysis of Dance-Based Exergaming: Effect of Song Pace on Center of Mass and Joint Mobility." Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 31(9), 708-716. 
    • Ofori, E. K. (2020). "Dance-Based Exergaming in Older Adults: Examining Effect on Movement Kinematics and Physical Function," doctoral dissertation, University of Illinois at Chicago.

  • Primary Care Provider

    This research area investigates the role of a physical therapist as a primary care provider.

    Faculty Investigator: Dave Robbins, PT, DPT, Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT

    • Robbins, D.P. & Pickens, B. (2022). "Occult Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in a Recreational Cyclist," JOSPT Cases, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy.
    • Thelen, M.D., Tragord, B.S., Sutlive, T.G., Robbins, D.P., Schiferl, R., Demsher, K., Hall, B., Godin, A.D. & Anstead, K. "Demonstration and Evaluation of Physical Examination Techniques Intended to Identify Proximal Femoral Bone Stress Injuries," The Medical Journal, Per 22-01/02/03, 66-73; PMID: 34940971. 
    • Reese, J.M., Fisher, S.D. & Robbins, D.P. (2012). "Exertional Rhabdomyolysis: Attrition Through Exercise, a Case Series and Review of the Literature," Journal of Special Operations Medicine; 12(3): 52-56; PMID: 23032321. 

  • Wearable Technology

    This research area focuses on the usage of wearable technology for assessment of health outcomes in rehabilitation.

    Faculty investigator: Dave Robbins, PT, DPT, Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT; Ernest Ofori, PT, M.S., Ph.D.

    • Robbins, D., Werhane, P., Hook, J.C. & Fermin, S.L. "Differences in Activity, Health, Sleep, Stress and Depression in Graduate and Undergraduate Health Science Students," platform presentation (accepted), Education Section at Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; Boston, Mass.; February 2024.  
    • Robbins, D., Werhane, P., Hook, J.C. & Fermin, S.L. "Comparing Self-Reported Vs. Objectively-Measured Activity, Sleep, Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Undergraduate and Graduate Students," poster presentation (accepted); Education Section at Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; Boston, Mass.; February 2024. 
    • Ofori, E. K., Wang, S. & Bhatt, T. (2021). "Validity of Inertial Sensors for Assessing Balance Kinematics and Mobility During Treadmill-Based Perturbation and Dance Training," Sensors, 21(9), 3065. 
    • Robbins, D.P., Hathcock, J.A., Holcomb, W.J., Overton, M. & Jacobs, A. (2020). "Feasibility of Using a Wearable Accelerometer to Detect Patterns of Gait Under Normal and Reduced Load Conditions," presentation; Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; February 2020; Denver, Colo.; abstract published, Journal of Orthopadic and Sports Physical Therapy, online; 50(1): CSM81–CSM177; doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.50.1; CSM81. 
    • Robbins, D.P., Cobian, D.G., Yack, H.J. & Williams, G.N. (2017). "Low-Cost Wearable Accelerometers Detect Significant Asymmetries in Lower Extremity Mechanics After ACL Reconstruction," platform presentation; Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; February 2017; San Antonio, Texas; abstract published, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy; 47(1), A50. 
    • Robbins, D.P., Cobian, D.G., Yack, H.J. & Williams, G.N. (2017). "Measurement of Single-Leg Vertical Hop Height After ACL Reconstruction Using Wearable Accelerometers," platform presentation; Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association; February 2017; San Antonio, Texas; abstract published, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy; 47(1), A50. 

Why Is Physical Therapy Research Important for Students?

Joining a physical therapy program where faculty is performing new physical therapy research is important for PT students. At Whitworth, you learn from expert faculty and may have the opportunity to complete PT research alongside faculty.

Benefits of PT research for students include:

  • Exposure to evidence-based practice (EBP): Physical therapy faculty research exposes DPT students to the latest evidence and advancements in the physical therapy field. This exposure will help you understand the importance of basing clinical decisions on scientific evidence rather than solely on tradition or anecdotal experience.
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills development: Engaging with faculty research fosters critical thinking and analytical skills. Through PT research, you will learn to evaluate research methodologies, interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions – essential skills for evidence-based clinical practice.
  • Understanding physical therapy research methods: Faculty research provides DPT students with opportunities to understand various research methodologies and techniques used in physical therapy research. This understanding is invaluable if you want to pursue your own research projects to contribute to the physical therapy field.
  • Integration of theory and practice: Through involvement in physical therapy faculty research, DPT students can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and its practical application in clinical settings. This integration will enhance your understanding of how research findings can inform and improve clinical practice.
  • Professional development: Participation in faculty research projects allows DPT students to develop professionally by honing skills such as conducting literature reviews, data collection, statistical analysis and scientific writing.
  • Networking opportunities: Collaborating with faculty members on PT research projects provides DPT students with networking opportunities within the academic and professional physical therapy community. Building these connections can open doors for mentorship, career guidance and potential research collaborations in the future.

Get Started on Your Physical Therapy Degree

Are you ready to take advantage of the new physical therapy research our faculty is conducting? Start your journey at Whitworth by requesting information or applying today. 

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