Physical Therapy Research at UIndy

Assessment of walking patterns is an important part of a physical therapist evaluation. We are conducting a research study to learn more about how walking patterns change when walking at different speeds and on different surfaces. Complexity of walking patterns will be measured with 3-dimensional motion sensor technology by XSens, Inc. and compared between 24 individuals with chronic stroke and 24 individuals without disability.

• KSPT Faculty: Stephanie A. Miller, PT, PhD, NCS
• External Collaborator: Eric Dugan, PhD, Texas Children's Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine
• UIndy DPT Students: Alia Chowdry, Alyssha Cloud, Emily Cornwell, Molly Fogle, Madeline Kraft, Anna Nisen, Sabrina Porter, Nicole Schaf

We are examining the local and systemic effects of various forms of clinical neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on human skeletal muscle. Changes in microvascular oxygenation and total hemoglobin concentration during and after neuromuscular electrical stimulation with blood flow restriction has most recently been the focus of our research.

• KSPT Faculty: Jim Bellew, PT, EdD, MS
• Internal Collaborator: Trent Cayot, PhD, UIndy Exercise Science
• UIndy DPT Students: Sam Somesan, Sofia Simpson, Joe Northam, Trevor Edgerton, Dawson Labaw

We are examining the feasibility of delivering a cardiorespiratory based home exercise program for adults with chronic moderate to severe TBI, supported with mobile technology. This study will lay the groundwork for investigating which type of delivery for exercise is most effective once formal PT is completed.

• KSPT Faculty: Connie Fiems, PT, DHSc, NCS
• UIndy DPT Students: Madisyn Coudriet, Erin Mack, Alayna Wozniak, Kim Sterrett, Kyleigh Nelson

We are studying the use of performance test measures (FMS, Y-Balance test, Hop testing, Agility testing) along with demographic information to identify HS athletes that are at increased risk of sustaining a lower extremity injury. Varsity athletes have baseline testing prior to the season followed by injury surveillance by the athletic training staff at the school.

• KSPT Faculty: Ed Jones, PT, DHSc
• Internal Collaborator: Jessica Jochum, PhD, Program Director of Athletic Training
• External Collaborator: Community Health Network, Franklin Central High School
• UIndy DPT Students: Alyssa Quinlan, Ben Hodges, Caitlin Casey
• UIndy MSAT Students: Cheyenne Koki, Addison Smith

We are also studying the functional performance of injured athletes at the time that the are released to return to play after a lower extremity injury. Athletes had baseline tests prior to the season and injured athletes are re-tested when released following their injury. Among the items we are examining is determining which is a better comparison of function: The baseline measures of the injured limb or the contralateral limb at time of return to play.

• KSPT Faculty: Ed Jones, PT, DHSc
• Internal Collaborator: Jessica Jochum, PhD, Program Director of Athletic Training
• External Collaborator: Community Health Network, Franklin Central High School
• UIndy DPT Students: Melissa Huff, Hannah Jones, Michaela O'Brien
• UIndy MSAT Students: Jamal Armoush, Amanda Annee

We are investigating the current clinical practice guidelines for various shoulder pathologies related to various conservative and surgical treatment approaches.

• KSPT Faculty: Paul Salamh, PT, DPT, PhD
• External Collaborator: Derek Clewly, PT, DPT, PhD (Duke University); Amee Seitz, PT, DPT, PhD (Northwestern University); Jeremy Lewis, PhD, FCSP (University of Limerick, Ireland and Qatar University, Qatar)
• UIndy DPT Students: Matthew Cornett, Merissa Ross, Chase Wattenbarger