Physical Therapy - Research

The first step for all research projects is approval by The University of Scranton Institutional Review Board (IRB)or the Department of Occupational and Physical Therapy Review Board (DRB). Read the IRB Policy Manual to determine which review board is appropriate for your research proposal. The Office of Research Services web site contains the IRB policy manual and downloadable research application forms. Students should consult with their faculty research advisor before submitting an application to the IRB or DRB.

Department of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Review Board Guidelines

Annual Research Night

Research Night is an annual Department of PT event that takes place during the fall semester. Students in the third year of the program present faculty-directed student research as part of the final course in the Scientific Inquiry series. These studies are systematic reviews of scientific evidence on a wide variety of clinically relevant topics. Additional faculty and student research may also be presented as time permits. This yearly event is open to students, faculty, families, and friends. In addition, clinicians can receive continuing education units (CEUs) for attending the event. Yearly event announcements for CEUs can be found on the Clinical Faculty Development Webpage. Below you will find a breakdown of yearly presentations as well as copies of either the presentation and/or the corresponding professional poster. In addition, notations are made for those presented at a national conference including the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting.

Research Night 2021 plus or minus

Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2021

Research Night 2021 Booklet

Neurological

Impact of Community-Based Boxing on Non-Motor Outcomes for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Ileana Armendi, SPT
Christian Huckfeldt, SPT, CSCS
Dylan Kane, SPT, CSCS
Daniela Spagnoli, SPT
Dana Maida, PT, DPT, Board Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, Board Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Long-Term Impact of Community-Based Boxing for Balance and Mobility in Persons with Parkinson's Disease
Christian Huckfeldt, SPT, CSCS
Daniela Spagnoli, SPT
Renee Hakim, PT, PhD
Dana Maida, PT, DPT
Michael D. Ross, PT, DHSc
Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Impact of Physical Activity on Post-TBI Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review
Dominick Algeri, SPT, CSCS
Cristina Cacoilo, SPT
James Curley, ATC, LAT, SPT
Daniel Passafiume, SPT
Nicholas Rodio, PT, DPT
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wearable Sensors for Balance and Mobility in Adults with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review
Lindsay Fitchett, SPT
Sarah Marie Neff Futrell, SPT
Tatiana Mishina, PTA, SPT
Ashley Scoyni, SPT
Renee M. Hakim, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Acute Care

Effectiveness of Supine Cycling Plus Early Mobility Interventions Versus Early Mobility Interventions Alone for Patient in the ICU: A Systematic Review
Brittany Angrosina, SPT
Katey Merenyi, SPT
Taylor Powers, SPT
Janette Scardillo, PT, DPT
Dana Maida, PT, DPT, Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Orthopedics

Effects of Unstable Surface Lower Extremity Resistance Training on Balance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Thomas Helmstetter, SPT
Mark Merli, SPT
Ansis Ramolins, SPT
Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, OCS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Effects on Function and Pain in Adults with Lower Leg Pathology
Christopher Kovacs, SPT, CSCS
Nicholas Linko, SPT
Robert Spitz, SPT
Elijah Walker, SPT
Joshua Prall, PT, EdD, OCS
Peter M. Leininger, PT, PhD, OCS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Health

Impact of Home Health Care on Readmission Rates for Adults Diagnosed with Acute Stroke
Julianne Burrill, SPT, CSCS
Stephanie Creegan, SPT
Paul Sciascia, SPT
Forrest Terpe, SPT
Tracey Collins, PT, PhD, MBA, Board Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Value of Home Health Physical Therapy for Acute Stroke: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Lindsay Fitchett, SPT
Tracey Collins, PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Impact of Home Health Physical Therapy on Readmission Rates in Frail Older Adults: A Literature Review
Ileana Armendi, SPT
Tracey Collins, PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other Topics

The Effectiveness of Complementary/Alternative Medicine For Pain Management In Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review
Colleen Berry, SPT
Nicholas Capobianco, SPT
Bryan Gorczyca, SPT
Jamie Hreniuk, SPT
Renee Hakim, PT, PhD, NCS
Lori Walton, PhD, DPT, MS, MPH(s), CLT
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Anxiogenic Factors in Taking Objectively Structured Clinical Examinations Among Healthcare Students: A Systematic Review
Danielle Higgins, SPT
Meghan Kimball, SPT
Devanshi Shah, SPT
Raven Thomas, SPT
Anthony F. Carusotto, PT, DPT, EdD, CLT, WCC
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Research Night 2020 plus or minus

Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2021, will be presented at APTA Virtual CSM 2021

Research Night 2020 Booklet

Neurological

The Effects of tDCS on Motor Performance in Adults with Ataxia: A Systematic Review
Alaina Evans, SPT
Ashley Genello, SPT
Rachel Kurtz, SPT
Rachel Outten, SPT
Renée M Hakim, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

The Effects of Medical Cannabis on QOL and Movement in Persons with PD: A Systematic Review
Kailyn Angelo, SPT
Kaitlyn Brogan, SPT
Claire Lacon, SPT
Nicole Sanchirico, SPT
Renée M Hakim, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Impact of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) Cycling on Cardiovascular Fitness in Adults with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): A Systematic Review
Katherine Broderick, SPT
Elizabeth Eichenlaub, SPT
Kathleen O'Reilly, SPT
Morgan Rentzheimer, SPT

Janette Scardillo PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Orthopedics

Role of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Assessing Acromiohumeral Distance and Managing Shoulder Pathologies in Physical Therapy
Steven Browning, SPT, CSCS
Erin Ciarrocca, SPT
Bridget Duffy, SPT
Anthony Puglisi, SPT

Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Acute Care

Effects of Music on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure for Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): A Meta-Analysis
Kayla Brown, SPT
Elizabeth DiGiovine, SPT
Emily Harvan, SPT
Amanda Trumpore, SPT
Anthony Carusotto, PT, DPT, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Renée M Hakim, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Impact of Initiating PT in the Emergency Department for Older Adult Fallers: A Systematic Review
Erin Hultberg, SPT
Rachel Kosty, SPT
Lauren Wyant, SPT
Vanessa Zimmerman, SPT
Dr. Dana Maida, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric PT

Home Health

The Use of Smart Homes to Assist Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Kaitlyn Brogan, SPT
Tracey L. Collins PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric Physical Therapy

Impact of Home Health Physical Therapy on Readmission Rates for Individuals with COPD
Michele Calogero, SPT
Michael Frawley, SPT
Stephen R. Kalinoski, SPT
Johanna Levine, SPT
Tracey L. Collins PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric Physical Therapy

The Value of Home Health Physical Therapy for Frail Older Adults: A Literature Review
Kathleen O'Reilly, SPT
Tracey L. Collins PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric Physical Therapy

Pediatrics

The Effect of Rest on Recovery Time in Children with a Concussion: A Systematic Review
Timmy Gray, SPT
Sean McElhare, SPT
Michael Montague, SPT
Jeffrey Sabatini, SPT
Nicholas Rodio, PT, DPT

Other Topics

The Optimal Structure of Reflection During a Health Professional Service Trip: A Systematic Review
Steven Browning, SPT, CSCS
Nicholas Capobiano, SPT
Christian Huckfeldt, SPT

Janette Scardillo PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Technology-Based Adaptation Programs to Reduce Symptoms in Adults with Vestibular Hypofunction: A Systematic Review
Lauren Brogan, SPT
Mary Kate Halligan, SPT
Megan Shannon, SPT
Morgan Windisch, SPT

Janette Scardillo PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Effects of Exercise on Physical Health Outcomes in Adults in Prison: A Systematic Review
Brittany Angrosina, SPT
Lauren Brogan, SPT
Emily Harvan, SPT
Erin Hultberg, SPT
Megan Shannon, SPT
Casey Trezza, SPT
Dr. Dana Maida, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric PT
Nicholas Rodio, PT, DPT

Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Neurologic PT

The Impact of Physical Therapist Delivered Ergonomic Intervention on Employees in a Physically Taxing Workplace
Iain Carey, SPT
Jake Creagh, SPT, CSCS
Janine DeLucia, SPT
Casey Trezza, SPT

Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Josh Prall, PT, DPT, EdD

Research Night 2019 plus or minus

Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2020, presented at APTA CSM 2020 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, CO.

Research Night 2019 Booklet

Orthopedics

The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Adults
Christine Kiefer, SPT
Sophia DiCamillo, SPT
Matthew Aitken, SPT
Holly Hilbrandt, SPT
Dr. Peter Leininger

The Effect of Individualized Training Programs on Functional Movement Screen Scores: A Systematic Review
Alexandra McGivern
Matthew Stallone
Colin Homola
Danielle Maurice
Dr. Nicholas Rodio
Dr. Peter Leininger

Home Health

The Value of Home Health for Individuals Living with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review
Diana Mikula
Marley Szczesniak
Nicole Nemeth
Kierstyn Pieroni
Dr. Tracey L. Collins

The Effect of Home Health Care in Reducing Hospital Readmission for Individuals with Heart Failure
Diana Mikula
Natalia Ochalski
Dr. Tracey L. Collins

Neurological

The Effect of Large Amplitude Movement Training on Quality of Life in Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Elizabeth Prisco
Kayla Hatki
Taylor Ryan
Jamie SanFilippo
Dr. Jennifer Schwartz
Dr. Renée M. Hakim

Recreational Activities Impact on Activity and Participation in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Emily Gilinger
Tyler Huggins
Brian Gargiulo
Josh Taylor
Dr. Renée M. Hakim

Effects of Dry Needling on Muscle Spasticity in Adults with Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review
Rebecca Oliveira
Alyssa Piranio
Conor Coughlan
Thomas J. MacDonald
Dr. Anthony Carusotto
Dr. Renée M. Hakim

Pediatrics

Impact of Kinesiology Tape on Impairments and Function in Pediatric Spinal Pathologies: A Systematic Review
Patrick Brown
Nicole Christiansen
Alysha Grimes
Matthew Harte
Dr. Nicholas Rodio

Bimanual Intensive Training for Upper Limb Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
Victoria Armstrong
Kate Lynn Dugan
Sarah Kuehner
Emily D'Antonio
Dr. Jennifer Schwartz
Dr. Megan Conklin

Other Topics

The Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Endurance in Adults with COPD: A Systematic Review
Julia Franco
Natalia Kucharska
Sarah Murphy
Lauren Turrisi
Dr. Anthony Carusotto
Dr. Renée M. Hakim

Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) and Gait Velocity in Adults with Gait Disorders: A Systematic Review
Jessica Jacko
Natalia Ochalski
Elizabeth Rynar
Charlotte Woelkers
Dr. Renée M. Hakim

Research Night 2018 plus or minus

Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2019, presented at APTA CSM 2019 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.

Research Night 2018 Booklet

Neurological

The Effect of Virtual Reality Training on Balance and Mobility in Adults with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Maura McGowan, SPT
Cory Piening, SPT, LAT, ATC
Lindsay McGraw, SPT
Jamie Christensen, SPT
Renee Hakim PT, PhD, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist in Physical Therapy

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Balance and Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Danielle M Frank, SPT
Sarah Kosik, SPT
Courtney Jo James, SPT
Krista Ziegler, SPT
Renée M Hakim, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
Nicholas Rodio, PT, DPT

Effectiveness of Gait Interventions in Improving Gait in Adults with Ataxia: A Systematic Review

Megan Fasano, SPT
Meghan Goyden, SPT
Lauren Bonitz, SPT
Caroline Segota, SPT
Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Effects of Combined Skilled Aquatic and Land Based Therapy Compared to Land Therapy Alone on Balance and Gait in Adults After a Stroke: a Systematic Review

Gianna Vitolo, SPT
Emily Suchocki, SPT
Colleen Smith, SPT
Megan Manzo, SPT
Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

The Effects of Intramuscular FES on Objective Gait Measures in Adult Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Systematic Review

Matthew L. Wells, SPT
Aaron Oquendo, SPT
Levi Haldeman, SPT
Lisa Jackowitz, SPT
Renée Hakim PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

How Graded Exercise Testing is Being Utilized in the Clinical Management of Concussion: A Systematic Review

Kevin J. Whelan SPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
William O. Wilcox SPT
Alissa N. Zajac SPT
Janette Scardillo PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Orthopedics

The Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy on Physical Performance in Adults as Compared to Standard Physical Exercise and Control Groups: Systematic Review
Gianna Vitolo, SPT
Emily Suchocki, SPT
Colleen Smith, SPT
Megan Manzo, SPT
Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Home Health

The Impact of Home Health Care on Cost Effectiveness Compared to Other Post-Acute Settings in Individuals Status Post Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review
William R. Cavanaugh, SPT, Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist
Nicholas F. Mullery, SPT
John P. Huller, SPT, Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist
Joseph M. Pichiarello, SPT
Tracey L. Collins PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric Physical Therapy

The Use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Patients with Chronic Pain in Home Health Physical Therapy: A Systematic Review
Maura McGowan, SPT
Tracey L. Collins PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric Physical Therapy

The Effect of Home Health Care in Reducing Hospital Readmissions: A Systematic Review
Lindsay McGraw, SPT
Tracey L. Collins PT, PhD, MBA, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric Physical Therapy

Acute Care

The Effects of Early Mobility in Reducing Length of Stay for Adult Patients in the Intensive Care Unit Due to Trauma: A Systematic Review
Stephanie Klug, SPT
Molly Loftus, SPT
Stephanie Zaccaria, SPT
Dana Maida, PT, DPT, Geriatric Certified Specialist
Janette Scardillo, PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Other Topics

The Effect of Equine Related Therapy on Physical and Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults
Cassandra Lucke, SPT
Devin Ryan, SPT
Maria Gentile, SPT
Shannon McSherry, SPT
Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Neurologic PT
Dr. Dana Maida, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist In Geriatric PT

Research Night 2017 plus or minus

100% of Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2018 were accepted to the APTA CSM 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana

Research Night 2017 Booklet

Neurological

The Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Stimulation on Ambulation in Patient with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

Brian Esterle, SPT

Lindsay Fluehr, SPT

Caitlin Liberatore, SPT

Melissa McEnroe, SPT

Dr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCS

The Effect of Augmented Reality Visual Cues on Temporal-Distance Gait Parameters in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

William Connell, SPT