Physical Therapy Research

Research

Augusta University has a comprehensive biomedical sciences research agenda with signature programs in movement science, inflammation, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular diseases.

Physical therapy faculty are involved in research related to human movement science, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, educational delivery systems and cardiovascular health. The department also houses three research labs with activities directed by PT faculty. For more information about the department's research resources and faculty research interests, visit the following links.

RESEARCH LABS

Biochemistry Lab  » 
Director: Chandramohan Wakade, MBBS
State-of-the-art equipment for biochemical analyses

Human Movement Science Lab  » Director: Raymond Chong, PhD
Equipped to study automatic and voluntary motor coordination and adaptations using established and novel experimental paradigms such as surface perturbations, treadmill locomotion, forward fall, obstacle crossing and optical prism adaptation   

Musculoskeletal Performance Lab 
Director: Lori Bolgla, PT, PhD, ATC
Equipped to examine muscle activation using non-invasive, clinically-based techniques

FACULTY RESEARCH INTERESTS

Margaret Blagg, PT, DPT

Gender-specific health concerns and the role of physical therapy in the conservative management of these conditions. Incontinence, dyspareunia, and infertility are my primary interests

Lori A. Bolgla, PT, PhD, ATC

The influence of the hip on patellofemoral pain syndrome etiology

Megan Mobley, PT, DPT

Early intervention of scar management in a patient population with catastrophic burn injuries

Audrey Johnson, PT, PhD, DPT

Learning health system and clinical quality improvement science designed to implement evidence based practices or to de-implement low value care practices for adults in the acute, inpatient environment, especially in the prevention of hospital acquired functional decline.

 

Colleen Hergott, PT, DPT, GCS, C/NDT 

Health Promotion and Fall Prevention for Older adults

Malorie Novak, PT, DPT, PhD

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning including lifelong learning, student outcomes, and innovation in teaching.

Vanessa Everett, PT, DPT, GCS

The impact of various prosthetic training interventions and balance strategies on adult lower extremity prosthetic users.

Lawrence Ramiscal, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, COMT, FAAOMPT

Clinical research and intervention studies that support the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in the treatment of orthopedic conditions particularly in the application of manual therapy and exercise.

Chandramohan Wakade, MBBS  

Biochemistry of immune function in neurologic conditions including stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer and traumatic brain injury