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UNC Division of Physical Therapy

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Congrats to HMSC PhD and DPT alumni CJ Duppen on her recent publication under the guidance of Dr. Mike Lewek!

This pilot study explored whether practicing gait initiation specifically could improve the first step in people with Parkinson disease. The results showed that task-specific gait initiation training improved first-step performance, while continuous walking training did not—highlighting the potential importance of practicing the specific movement you want to improve.

Read the full paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42789437/ by @uncphysicaltherapy

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a day ago

New Research publication in Clinical Rheumatology! The study explored the relationship between kinesiophobia and physical activity participation in individuals with axial spondyloarthritis. Fear of movement may be an important barrier to physical activity for people living with axial spondyloarthritis; Helping people with axial spondyloarthritis stay active may mean paying attention to fear of movement as well as physical symptoms.

Research like this helps us better understand the factors that can influence movement and participation for individuals living with rheumatic conditions! by @uncphysicaltherapy

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7 days ago

Three third-year students were recently awarded preceptorships through the Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Under the guidance of mentors Dr. Hiral Master and Dr. Louise Thoma, each student will pursue an individual research project focused on the impact of rheumatic disease and the role physical therapy can play in maintaining function, promoting independence, and preventing decline.

We’re proud to see our students pursuing research opportunities and being recognized for their potential to contribute meaningful evidence to the field. by @uncphysicaltherapy

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12 days ago

A Human Movement Science Curriculum (HMSC) PhD student, Joel Thompson, was recently awarded the program’s Louis and Eleanor Duquette Human Movement Science Scholarship. Thompson is a 4th year graduate student studying under the guidance of Division of Physical Therapy faculty Dr. Louise Thoma.

Joel’s research seeks to improve health and limit functional decline among people with rheumatic diseases. Specifically, he is investigating how people with axial spondyloarthritis recognize, monitor, and respond to disease exacerbations between clinical visits, with the goal of informing future interventions that support self-management and timely access to appropriate exercise, rehabilitation, and lifestyle resource.

The quality and trajectory of his work has been recognized through the 2025 American College of Rheumatology Emerging Investigator Award in Health Services Research, the 2026 UNC Health Sciences Student Research Excellence Award, and selection for the 2026 Association of Rheumatology Professionals Outstanding Student in Rheumatology Award.

We are thankful to the Duquette family who support this scholarship that reflects their commitment to higher education by aiding a doctoral student in the field of human movement science. by @uncphysicaltherapy

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17 days ago

14 members of the UNC PT program’s Class of 1993 came to Chapel Hill for a self-organized reunion this past weekend! They spent time on campus and around Chapel Hill reconnecting and exploring what PT education looks and feels like today. More than 30 years after graduating, it was a wonderful reminder of the lasting connections made through UNC PT and the community that continues long after graduation. #GDTBATH by @uncphysicaltherapy

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20 days ago

Students and faculty attended the 5th Annual Sports Medicine Institute Conference with this year’s theme of Pediatric and Adolescent Musculoskeletal Health.

Hiral Master led a session on using wearable technology to inform care and motivate patients.

The conference was a great opportunity for our students to engage with current clinical research, learn from experts in the field, and deepen their understanding of evidence-based practice. by @uncphysicaltherapy

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23 days ago

New Research!

Current DPT faculty member Karen McCulloch (HMSC PhD ’04) collaborated with Johna Register-Mihalik (HMSC PhD ‘10) and her prior student Brittany Ingram (HMSC PhD ’24) to explore provider perceptions of current concussion care practices for active-duty service members as part of Dr. Register-Mihalik’s Active Rehabilitation study.

This work highlights current approaches to concussion care and identifies opportunities to improve rehabilitation practices for active-duty service members. by @uncphysicaltherapy

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a month ago

We are proud to welcome the UNC DPT Class of 2029 at this year’s Professionalism Ceremony. This milestone marks their entry into the profession of physical therapy and a shared commitment to excellence, service, and lifelong learning.

Congratulations to the Class of 2029—we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish as future leaders in health care! #GDTBATH by @uncphysicaltherapy

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New research! A new publication, “Corticomuscular Coherence in Post-Stroke Motor Function and Recovery”, examines corticomuscular coherence as a potential biomarker of motor function and recovery following stroke. The study explored differences in brain–muscle connectivity between neurotypical and post-stroke individuals.

We would also like to recognize Dr. Cassidy’s former PhD student, Dr. Rachana Gangwani, PT, PhD, who is the first author on this project. She graduated from our Human Movement Sciences Program in 2024, and we are proud to see her continued contributions to research!

Congratulations to all the authors on their publication of this important work! 🎉 by @uncphysicaltherapy

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a month ago

Join us this Wednesday for Coffee & Connections!

Kick off the new school year by meeting new faces, getting to know students across different years of the program, and connecting with faculty.

Whether you’re new to the program or returning for another year, we’d love to see you there! by @uncphysicaltherapy

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a month ago

Michele Langford is the Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Organizational Effectiveness at UNC Health and is a UNC-trained physical therapist (BS ‘87). She recently spoke at the UNC Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) Orientation for incoming medical and health sciences students.
Michele reflected on UNC’s commitment to serving the state of North Carolina, through patient care, training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and advancing innovative research. The UNC Health system goes beyond care delivery and plays an important role in educating, innovating, and improving health across our state.
She also shared how much of her work on an organizational level mirrors the skills she developed in physical therapy: gathering subjective and objective data, creating a thoughtful assessment, and developing a plan of action to achieve meaningful outcomes. Physical therapy emphasizes teamwork, thoughtful communication, systems thinking, and helping others to be the best versions of themselves, all of which she continues to apply in her work as a leader at UNC Health.
Michele’s story is a great reminder that the skills we develop as physical therapists can extend far beyond the clinic and into leadership, healthcare systems, and our communities. by @uncphysicaltherapy

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2 months ago

Bridging professions, enhancing patient care: A UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy pharmacist introduces DPT students to the world of pharmacology!

First year DPT students received a two-part lecture on introduction to pharmacology from Dr. Shelby Tungate Lopez, PharmD, CPP, BCACP, MPA, a faculty member in the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, as part of their Pathology & Pharmacology course. by @uncphysicaltherapy

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2 months ago