Misericordia University Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Present Scholarly Research at International and U.S. Professional Conferences, University Symposium

Misericordia University students enrolled in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, along with department faculty members, presented their scholarly research at several international and U.S. professional conferences.

Students Meredith Hartz, Fleetwood, PA, faculty advisor Maureen Rinehimer, PT, PhD, MS, MHS, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy; student Taylor Harnish, Lancaster, PA, and student Katie Tota, Clinton, NJ, shared their research findings in a presentation, “The Effects of Yoga Therapy on Quality of Life in Pediatric Patients with Oncological Diagnoses” at the American Physical Therapy Association's Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy's Annual Conference. 

The scholarly presentation outlined the widespread emotional and physical implications a pediatric oncology diagnosis can have on a patient and their family. Further, it provided evidence-based suggestions on best practice using yoga therapy for pediatric patients with cancer. 

The Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy is a specialty component organization of the American Physical Therapy Association. The mission of the organization is the advance pediatric physical therapy through excellence in advocacy, education, and research. The students shared their doctoral research as a means of supporting this mission. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy students recently presented their scholarly research at the 15^th annual International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM) World Congress. 

DPT student researchers, Emily Hammond, Binghamton, NY; Hayley Witmer, Reinholds, PA; Emma Caldwell, Warren, CT; Abigail Applegate, Lehighton, PA, with faculty advisor Amy Tremback-Ball, PhD, PT, Professor of Physical Therapy, presented their r

esearch findings in a presentation, “Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Intervention for Women with Dysmenorrhea.”

The scholarly presentation outlined the physiological impact of the menstrual cycle and how physical therapy can assist with treating the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Further, it provided suggestions on best practices in treating dysmenorrhea based on research and evidence-based medicine. 

The ISPRM World Congress is the world’s largest international interdisciplinary rehabilitation congress bringing together world experts and leaders in the field to share the latest findings in research and therapies from around of the world, including advances in education, practice, research, and policy. 

Doctor of Physical Therapy students will present their scholarly research at Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in San Antonio, TX. 

Faculty advisor Amy Tremback-Ball, PhD, PT, Professor of Physical Therapy, and DPT student researchers, Sabrina DiTucci, Gouldsboro, PA; Kiley Morrison, Newport, PA, Courtney Portaro, Massapequa, NY; and Samantha Miller, Coplay, PA, will share their research findings in a presentation, “Efficacy of Physical Therapy for Pain Management in Women with Endometriosis.”

The scholarly presentation outlined the impact that endometriosis can have on an individual’s activities of daily living and how physical therapy can assist with treating the symptoms of the disorder. Further, it provided suggestions on best practices in treating endometriosis based on research and evidence-based medicine. 

The Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA is the nation’s largest physical therapy professional meeting. Programming for APTA CSM is designed by APTA's 18 specialty sections and academies. The student research will be presented as part of the Section on Pelvic Health whose members provide the latest in evidence-based physical therapy to advance global excellence in abdominal and pelvic health through practice, innovative education, research, and social responsibility.

Graduate students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Misericordia University recently presented their capstone research projects at the 8th Annual Student Research Symposium: Current Research in Physical Therapy in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.

The 47 students had their doctorate degrees awarded to them at the Misericordia University Winter Commencement Ceremony. The student researchers presented their work before an audience of clinical instructors on subjects that focused on musculoskeletal to neuromuscular disorders.

The two-day symposium in November provided 98 participants with specific learning objectives on 14 student-research groups that addressed topics such as traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, childhood cancer, endometriosis, cerebral palsy, vestibular disorders and more. It also included discussions on the subject matter. Each participant earned continuing education credits for completing the symposium.