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 2020plus or minus
Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2021, will be presented at APTA Virtual CSM 2021
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 TherapyJennifer 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, SPTJanette Scardillo PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury SpecialistJennifer 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, SPTPeter 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, SPTJanette 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, SPTJanette 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, DPTDr. 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, SPTPeter Leininger, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical TherapyJosh Prall, PT, DPT, EdD
Research Night 2019plus 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 BookletOrthopedics
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 2018plus or minus
Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2019, presented at APTA CSM 2019 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.Neurological
Maura McGowan, SPT
Cory Piening, SPT, LAT, ATC
Lindsay McGraw, SPT
Jamie Christensen, SPT
Renee Hakim PT, PhD, Board Certified Neurologic Specialist in Physical TherapyThe Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Balance and Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic ReviewDanielle 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, DPTMegan 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 ReviewGianna Vitolo, SPT
Emily Suchocki, SPT
Colleen Smith, SPT
Megan Manzo, SPT
Peter Leininger, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical TherapyMatthew L. Wells, SPT
Aaron Oquendo, SPT
Levi Haldeman, SPT
Lisa Jackowitz, SPT
Renée Hakim PT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical TherapyKevin J. Whelan SPT, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
William O. Wilcox SPT
Alissa N. Zajac SPT
Janette Scardillo PT, DPT, Certified Brain Injury SpecialistOrthopedics
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 PTResearch Night 2017plus or minus
100% of Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2018 were accepted to the APTA CSM 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana
Neurological
Brian Esterle, SPTLindsay Fluehr, SPTCaitlin Liberatore, SPTMelissa McEnroe, SPTDr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCSWilliam Connell, SPTAlexandra Crowley, SPTCassandra Fitzgerald, SPTSamantha Marri, SPTDr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCSKevin Guenther, SPTAlexandra Nachtman, SPTSean Scully, SPTMaureen Taylor, SPTDr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCSDr. Jennifer Schwartz, PT, DPT, NCSShannon Cranmer, SPTMargaret Mester, SPTElizabeth Palladino, SPTDr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCSOrthopedics
Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy on Increasing Range of Motion and Decreasing Pain in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Shoulder Pathologies: A Systematic Review
David Kearney, SPT
Ryan Lumia, SPT
Evan Siegel, SPT
Scott Szemenyei, SPT
Dr. Peter Leininger, PT, Ph D., OCS, CSCS
The Impact of Using a Unilateral Microprocessor Prosthetic Knee for Individuals with Transfemoral Amputation on Functional Mobility: A Systematic Review
Heather Derenick, SPT
Christopher Falvo, SPT
Tyler Savakinas, SPT
Blaire Wilkie, SPT
Dr. Peter Leininger, PT, Ph D., OCS, CSCS
Dr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCSHome Health
Impact of Home Modifications on the Promotion of Aging in Place by Improving Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Caitlin Counihan, SPT
Amanda Massar, SPT
Kaitlin Mulroy, SPT
Dr. Tracy Collins, PT, Ph.D., GCS, MBACardiopulmonary
Evaluating the Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Gender-Tailored for Women with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review
Rachel Conniff, SPT
Alana Papa, SPT
Angela Parry, SPT
Dr. John Sanko, PT, Ed.D
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Robotic Assisted Stepping to Increase Cardiovascular Fitness in Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Ashley Dole, SPT
Corinne Engel, SPT
Emily Janusko, SPT
Dr. John Sanko, PT, Ed.DAcute Care
Feasibility, Safety, and Functional Impact of Physical Therapy During Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review
Kimberly Kirkpatrick, SPT
Nicholas Longobardi, SPT
Kyle Reavey, SPT
Dr. Dana Maida, PT, DPT, GCS
Dr. Wagner, PT, DPT, MHAOther Topics
The Use of Topical Olive Oil as an Effective Preventative Measure for Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review
Lauren Krasucki, SPT
Jessica Pankey, SPT
Christina Serzan, SPT
Jennifer Vondercrone, SPT
Dr. Tracy Collins, PT, Ph.D., GCS, MBA
Telerehabilitation Compared to Conventional Physical Therapy in Improving Physical Functioning in Community-Dwelling Adults: A Systematic Review
Brian C Lavado, SPT
Margaret K Ortlieb, SPT
Megan R Rohleder, SPT
Dr. Barbara Wagner, PT, DPT, MHA
Dr. Renée Hakim, PT, Ph.D., NCSResearch Night 2015plus or minus
Systematic Reviews from the DPT Class of 2016, presented at APTA CSM 2016 at the Anaheim Convention CenterNeurological
Methods to Promote Exercise Adherence in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Kimberly Townsend, SPT
Kelsey Hunsicker, SPT
Nicole Reale, SPT
Stephen Page, SPT
Dr. Renée Hakim PT, PhD, NCS
Audio file
Effects of Dual Task Training on Balance and Mobility in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Bella Cipriano, SPT
Paige Fleagle, SPT
Van Nguyen, SPT
Alyssa Studwell, SPT
Dr. Renée Hakim PT, PhD, NCS
Audio file
Functional Electrical Stimulation in Combination with Treadmill Training in Improving Gait Among Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Review
Michael Balcon, SPT
Erik Forsberg, SPT
Emily Mossler, SPT
Jamie Shackles, SPT
Dr. Renée Hakim PT, PhD, NCS
Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, PT, NCS
Audio file
Orthopedics
Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling on Myofascial Pain and Range of Motion Associated with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review
Adriana Daley, SPT, CSCS
Jordan Hartey, SPT
Kaitlyn McGrath, SPT
Kristina Zarra, SPT
Peter Leininger, Ph.D., PT, OCS
Audio file
The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Treatment of Adults with Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review
David Domonkos, SPT
Niko Manetti, SPT
Brandon Tunis, SPT
Edward Zdanowicz, SPT
Peter Leininger, Ph.D., PT, OCS
Audio file
Home Health
Does Continuity of Care Affect Physical Therapy Outcomes in the Home Health Setting?: A Systematic ReviewJaclyn Calabrese, SPTMark Cristiano, SPTBrittney Piatt, SPTDr. Tracey Collins, PT, PhD, MBA, GCSAcute Care
Peter Cuviello, SPTKevin G. Kenefick, SPTJonathan Kritz, SPTAmanda Mitteer, SPTDr. Barbara Wagner, PT, DPT, MHADr. Dana Maida, PT, DPT
Other Topics
Kerry Callahan, SPT
Carolyn Clyons, SPT
Christine Moleti, SPT
Sarah Staudenmeier, SPT
Dr. John Sanko, PT, EdD
Audio file
A Systematic Review of Predisposing Biological and Mechanical Factors Related to Non-Specific Low Back Pain in AdolescentsDaniel Sawyer, SPTBrendan Synan, SPTMike Gaeta, SPT, CSCSVincent Signoriello, SPTDr. Renee Hakim, PT, PhD, NCS
Jacqueline Epp, SPTStephanie Fisk, SPTMaureen Gentry, SPTSydney Parker, SPTBarbara Wagner, PT, DPT, MHA