Research

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is considered one of the premier research institutions in the country, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program is proud to contribute to this reputation. Faculty within the DPT Program conduct research on a variety of topics, and their work spans from basic science to applied clinical research. Faculty are well-respected in their research and clinical fields, and give numerous presentations nationwide and internationally. Students not only have the opportunity to learn from accomplished clinicians, but from individuals who are striving to expand the knowledge base of physical therapy, health, and science in general.

An important component of the DPT curriculum is the research track. Students receive instruction in research design and statistics germane to rehabilitation medicine, and become good “consumers” of published research through a review of articles relevant to physical therapy practice. They also have the opportunity to work with research mentors within or external to the DPT Program. Many students co-author journal publications and present research findings at national and state meetings.

Please visit our individual faculty pages to learn more about specific research projects. See below for a list of our active projects.

Active Projects

Roles of neutrophils and macrophages in recovery of muscle function following single stretch injury in mice.
The effect of mesenchymal stem cells and suramin on single stretch skeletal muscle injury in mice.
Understanding the immediate and long-term changes in muscle-tendon morphology and function following injury and recovery.
Determining if running form modification can serve as an effective adjunct to the standard of care for various running-related injuries.
Using a performance testing battery to track injury-risk and athletic performance in student-athletes.
Looking at bone growth and adolescent exercise.
Studying falls risk in older adults.
Developing a web-based animated exercise library of rehabilitation exercises that can be accessed over the Internet by patients under the care of physical therapists.
Developing and validating of the University of Wisconsin Running Injury and Recovery Index.
Establishing the reliability and validity of two-dimensional measurements for running gait analysis.
Preventing and treating running injuries with stride rate modification.
Developing a patient-centered, web-based intervention to improve work ability of breast cancer survivors.
Investigating the causes and prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Understanding the biomechanical factors that contribute to the development and recurrence of upper extremity muscle-tendon disorders.
Developing a device with Biomedical Engineering students to assist a client post-stroke to play the harp.
Consulting with Biomedical Engineering students to develop a custom mobile arm support device to enable a local child with SMA Type I to access an Ipad.
Developing a traction unit with Biomedical Engineering students to bring to a rehabilitation facility in Honduras.
Designing information technology to be accessible and usable.
Integrating multimedia patient cases into physical therapy education.
Using a multicenter retrospective study of care involving orthopedic, pulmonary and therapy for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
Looking at student perceptions of International Clinical Education experiences vs. domestic clinical internships.
Looking at evidence-based practice of Tai Chi Chuan and applying Tai Chi fundamentals across the continuum of care.
Observing the impact of manual therapy fellowship education on clinical decision-making abilities.
Studying joint manipulation curricula and physical therapist entry-level education.
Looking at the impact of direct access to physical therapy services on costs, resource utilization, and quality of care.
Developing an assessment instrument for student history-taking abilities.
Developing and validating a student assessment tool for patient interviewing and designing a reliability study on this tool with researchers in Australia.
Studying pelvic pain with international PT researchers, and developing a systematic review of exercise for pelvic girdle and low back pain in pregnancy.
Working with WPTA to define autonomous practice in the acute care physical therapy practice environment, and look at perceptions of autonomous practice by physical therapy clinicians in Wisconsin.
Applying cross-age mentoring to empower disadvantaged youth in school and community settings.
Conducting visits with PT, OT, Nursing and Pharmacy students to Capitol Lakes Nursing Home to provide health and wellness screening to seniors one to two times a month.

In Progress

Establishing an alternative spring break service learning project in La Ceiba, Honduras.
Submitting a grant proposal to form a partnership between DPT and Biomedical Engineering students for developing rehabilitation equipment to bring to Honduras.