Applied Physiology

investigates acute and adaptive responses of organisms to environmental, biological, pathological and/or therapeutic stimuli at the behavioral, system, organ, tissue, cell and molecular levels. Systems of focus among our faculty include the neuromuscular, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, and conditions of focus include aging, heat stress and low-back pain. Both human and animal models are studied.

Faculty experts: David Russ

Biomechanics and Motor Control

The study of biomechanics and motor control lends insight into how human movement occurs. Biomechanics involves the study of forces and joint motions that create movement, and focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Motor control is the study of neuromotor control of movement, and focuses on the neuromuscular system. Within this field, researchers study the etiology of overuse musculoskeletal injuries as well as the effect of musculoskeletal and neurologic injuries on movement. Additionally, the influence of interventions, such as balance and gait retraining, is also studied.

Faculty Experts: Irene Davis, Patricia Teran Wodzinski, Seok Hun Kim, Doug Haladay, Jeannie Stephenson, Amanda Tritsch

Environmental Medicine

Research projects in this area include the effects of heat stress and hydration in both occupational/industrial and athletic settings. The purpose of this research line is to explore the potential effects of heat stress and hydration status on metabolic heat storage and heat strain, examine the efficacy of cooling methods and various heat acclimatization schedules, and determine the influence of the environment on physiological and psychological measures. The overarching aim is to decrease the risk of exertional heat stroke, other heat illnesses and exertional conditions, and prevent sudden death in active populations by ensuring athletes and workers can safely exercise and work in extreme environments.

Faculty Experts: Rebecca Lopez

Health Services Research

Health services research is defined as a “multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation that studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to health care, the quality and cost of health care, and ultimately, our health and well-being.” Source

Our focus is on measurement of health outcomes and patient centered care. We are particularly interested in the measurement of treatment outcomes for patients with low back pain and how patient preferences and values are incorporated into clinical decisions regarding their care. Health services research is defined by AHRQ as a “multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation that studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to health care, the quality and cost of health care, and ultimately, our health and well-being.”

Faculty Experts: Doug Haladay, M. Jason Highsmith

Technology and Rehabilitation

Technology and rehabilitation research investigates innovative technologies applied to rehabilitation for a person’s functional recovery and independence after injury or illness. Rehabilitation robotics, wearable device, assistive technology, virtual reality, and machine learning are among the areas of research used for these purposes. Researchers analyze the potential benefits of different technologies for rehabilitation assessment and treatment through interdisciplinary collaborations among rehabilitation therapists, rehabilitation engineers, and other health care providers.

Faculty Experts: Seok Hun Kim, M. Jason Highsmith

Other Scholarly Areas

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is the study of student learning in clinical and didactic environments to create or enhance teaching methodologies and practices to optimize the acquisition of student knowledge, skills, and abilities. Results are disseminated publicly through professional conferences and/or peer-reviewed discipline-specific journals. Researchers explore topics such as the development of clinical reasoning skills, preceptor development, and transition to practice.

Faculty Experts:  Melissa Lazinski, Bini Thomas, Gary Cohen