Research

Husson's Physical Therapy department is strongly committed to fostering the scholarship of both faculty members and students within the program. All full-time faculty members are actively engaged in original research leading to the dissemination of new knowledge. Together, the faculty have over 80 peer-reviewed publications and over 150 published abstracts. Students in the professional phase of the PT program have a unique opportunity to assist faculty members in research projects. The Physical Therapy program believes that for students to be able to function as evidence-based practitioners, they must understand the research process and that there is no better way to do this than to be involved in original research projects. Students are involved in all phases of the research process including designing the project, collecting and analyzing the data, and disseminating the findings of the research through presentations and publications. Many graduates of Husson's Physical Therapy program have been involved in national presentations and have published in PT-related journals as a result of their involvement in research at Husson.

Husson has two labs dedicated to faculty and student research. Each lab contains state-of-the-art equipment for the assessment of human performance. This equipment includes: clinical-grade treadmill, body weight support system, 6D force platform, isokinetic testing machine, portable metabolic cart, 10 channel EMG system, electrogoniometers, two ergometers, and multiple force transducers.

Below is a summary of Physical Therapy faculty members current research interests along with recent publications and presentations.

Cheryl Adams P.T., D.Sc., M.H.S., O.C.S.

Cheryl’ s research interests and studies inform her teaching. Her principle topics of scholarly inquiry are best practices in teaching/enhancing student learning, physical agents, and orthopedic physical therapist practice. She has recently collaborated with Dr. Wayne Scott in projects examining for an optimal waveform of electrical stimulation for torque output of the quadriceps muscle.

Selected Scholarship

• Scott W, Adams C, Cyr S, Hanscom B, Hill K, Lawson J, Ziegenbein C. Electrically elicited muscle torque: Comparison between 2500-Hz burst-modulated alternating current and monophasic pulsed current. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther , 2015;45(12):1035-1041. Epub 10 Nov 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5861
• Adams CL. A comparison of student outcomes in a therapeutic modalities course based on mode of delivery: Hybrid versus traditional classroom instruction. Journal of Physical Therapy Education, 2013;27(1)20-34.
• Adams CL, Glavin K, Hutchins K, Lee T, Zimmermann, C. An evaluation of the internal reliability, construct validity, and predictive validity of the Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument (PT CPI). Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2008;22(2):42-50.
• Recent Presentations
• Adams C, Scott W, Casey A, Gott A, Noyes K, Qualey E. Electrically elicited muscle torque: Monophasic square wave pulses vs. burst modulated biphasic square wave pulses. Poster presented at CSM 2016, Anaheim, CA. Abstract published online in conference proceedings
• Adams, C, Amiot A, Hiltz L, Johnson A, Moore JA, Wedge, E. To CPM or not to CPM: A systematic review of the literature. Poster presented at CSM 2015, February 2015, Indianapolis, ID. Abstract published online in conference proceedings
• Scott W, Adams C, Cyr S, Hanscom B, Hill K, Lawson J, Ziegenbein C. Electrically elicited muscle torque: Russian stimulation versus optimized monophasic square wave pulses. Poster presented at CSM 2015, Indianapolis, ID. Abstract published online in conference proceedings
• Scott W, Adams C, Cross C, Danie K, Deabay T, West S. Electrically-elicited muscle torque: Russian stimulation versus monophasic square wave pulses. Presented at CSM 2014, Las Vegas, NV, February 4-6, 2014. Abstract published online in the conference proceedings
• Invited Speaker: Adams C, “Communication and Perceptions Between Generations”, within Clinical Supervision and Precepting: A Positive Experience for All, a HICHEP conference for local clinical preceptors, Friday, October 12, 2012, Dyke Family Business Center, Husson University
• Adams C, Glickman L. A comparative evaluation of teaching methods and student perceptions in an entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT ) Course. CSM 2011, February 2011, New Orleans, LA, abstract published online in conference proceedings
• Adams C, Barker J, Booth H, Jewell A, Labbe J, Souza T, Spindel R, Thibodeau J, Whitman, A. An exploratory survey of physical agents use in outpatient physical therapy clinics. PT 2010, the Annual Conference of the APTA, June 16-19, 2010, Boston, MA, abstract published online in conference proceedings

Arthur Schwarcz B.Sc. M.A., P.T., Ph.D., A.T.C.

Art's research is focused on the investigation of treatment techniques employed by orthopaedic physical therapists. Recent projects have examined the effects of eccentric exercise on joint range of motion and an exploration of knowledge and application in physical therapists of the specificity of exercise for tissue regeneration.

Selected Scholarship

• “Seated Cervical Manual Traction as a Screening Tool to Identify Cervicothoracic Involvement in Patients with Shoulder Pain: A Pilot Study”, at the Maine Physical Therapy Association Spring Conference, April 29, 2014.
• “The effects of psychotropic medications on patient outcomes in physical therapy”, Husson University Research Conference, April 25, 2013. This poster presentation has been accepted at the 2014 APTA Annual Combined Section Meeting, February 3-7, 2014. 
• “Effects of Cervical Traction in 30 Degrees of Side Flexion Patients with Suspected Cervical Pathology, Husson University Research Conference, April 19, 2012.
• “Effects of Cervical Traction in 30 Degrees of Side Flexion on a Patient with Suspected Cervical Pathology: A Case Report”, Husson University Research Conference, April 28, 2011. 
• “The Effects of Four different Combinations of Spatting and Ankle Supports on Inversion and Eversion PROM before and after Exercise”, at the 61st Eastern Athletic Training Conference in Boston, January 10, 2009.  
• “The Effects of End Range Eccentric Training on Hamstring Strength and Flexibility”, at the Maine Physical Therapy Association Spring Conference, April 5, 2008.

Wayne Scott, Ph.D.

Selected Scholarship

• Scott WB, Adams C, Cyr S, Hanscom B, Hill K, Lawson J, Ziegenbein C. Electrically-elicited muscle torque: Russian stimulation versus optimized monophasic square wave pulses. In Review JOSPT
• Scott W, Adams C, Cross C, Danie K, Deabay T, West S. Electrically-elicited muscle torque: Russian stimulation versus monophasic square wave pulses. Presented at the American Physical Therapy Association: Combined Sections Meeting February 2014, Las Vegas, NV. 
• Poster Presentation: Scott WB, Jandreau J, Johnston C, Papsadora M, Papsadora T, Salotto R. Long pulse durations and electrically-elicited muscle torque. American Physical Therapy Association: Combined Sections Meeting, February 2014.
• Scott WB, Flora K, Kitchin BJ, Sitarski AM, Vance JB. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation pulse duration and maximum tolerated muscle torque.Physiother Theory Pract. 2014;30(4):276-81.
• Scott WB, Causey JB, Marshall TL. Comparison of maximum tolerated muscle torques produced by 2 pulse durations. Phys Ther. 2009;89:851-57.

Ben Sidaway B.Sc., M.A., M.S., Ph.D., P.T.
Ben has an extensive background in both applied and basic research in motor control, motor learning, and biomechanics. His current research focuses on the use of motor control and learning principles in treating clinical populations. In some of his most recent research, he has examined ways in which to improve gait and skill learning in people with Parkinson's disease.

•  Sidaway, B., Bonenfant, D., Jandreau, J., Longley, A., Osborne, K., & Anderson, D.  (2015).  The role of head position and prior contraction in manual aiming. Acta Psychologia, 154, 10-13.  
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001691814002303 doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2014.10.009
• Anderson, D., & Sidaway, B. (2013). Kicking biomechanics: Importance of balance.  Lower Extremity Review, 5(7), 55-59. 
  http://lermagazine.com/article/kicking-biomechanics-importance-of-balance
• Sidaway, B., Bates, J., Schlagenhaufer, J., Thompson, B., Wilkes, D.  (2012). Interaction of feedback frequency and task difficulty in children’s motor skill learning. Physical Therapy. 92(7), 948-57. 
  http://www.physicaltherapyjournal.com/content/92/7/948.full.pdf+html doi: 10.2522/ptj.20110378 
• Sidaway, B., Euloth, T., French, H., Piskura, M., Clancy, J., & Aide, A. (2012). Comparing the reliability of a trigonometrical technique to goniometry and inclinometry in measuring ankle dorsiflexion. Gait & Posture, 36, 335-339.  
  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966636212001294.  doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.01.019
• Sidaway, B. Ahn, S., Boldeau, P., Griffin, S., Noyes, B., Pelletier, K. (2008).  A Comparison of manual guidance and knowledge of results in the learning of a weight-bearing skill. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 32, 32-38. 
  http://journals.lww.com/jnpt/Fulltext/2008/03000/A_Comparison_of_Manual_Guidance_and_Knowledge_of.6.aspx doi: 10.1097/NPT.0b013e318165948d

Sondra Siegel P.T., Ph.D. 
Sondra's research interests are focused on the examination of treatment techniques for the patients with neurological lesions including the efficacy of body weight support in improving gait in patients with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.  

Selected Scholarship

• Siegel S., Dunphe S, Gerrish T, Haggerty D, Marean C, McCullagh M, Stout B.  A comparison of two pain control methods following total knee arthroplasty: Exparel injection and Marcaine infusion. Accepted for presentation at Combined Section of the APTA, Indianapolis, Indiana, Feb 2015. Also presented at Husson University Research and Scholarship Day, April 2014
• Siegel S, Butterfield C, Ireland K, Marceau A, Worcester R. Influence of the Foot-  up ankle brace on gait parameters and stair climbing in people with foot drop. Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA, Las Vegas, Feb, 2014. Also presented at Husson University Research & Scholarship Day, April 2013
• Siegel S, Chaney J, Christopher K, Nicknair A, Perkins K, Pillsbury L.  The use of a harness system for balance training in elderly fallers, Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA, Chicago, Feb 2012. Also presented at Husson University Research & Scholarship Day, April 2011
• Siegel SG, (2010) Book Review of Management of Spinal Cord Injuries: A Guide   for Physiotherapists. Churchill Livingstone, 2008, in Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy, 34:50-51
• Siegel, S. Impact of a single problem-based learning course on problem-solving,   and attitudes toward self-directed and lifelong learning. Platform presentation for American Physical Therapy Association meeting, San Antonio, June 2008. 

Kimberly Steinbarger P.T., M.H.S.

Selected Scholarship

• Morren, K., Steinbarger, K., Rodrigue, C., Piccirillo, K., Liberatore, M., McDonald, A. Student perspectives on the content of Physical Therapist Student social media posts. Research and Scholarship Day 2015, Husson University, Bangor, ME, April 2015.
• Morren, K., Steinbarger, K.,  Ellis, A., Harrison, J., Courtemanche, M., Weeks, R.,Brissenden, A. Clinical Instructor perspectives on the content of Physical Therapist Student social media posts. Platform presentation 2015 APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, February 2015.
• Morren, K., Steinbarger, K., Sylvain, L., Dickey, E., Buck, C., Woodman, A. Physical therapy clinical instructors: Perspective on the use of social media and interactions with students. Poster presentation 2013 APTA Combined Sections meeting, Las Vegas, NV, February 2013
• Morren, K., Steinbarger, K. The effectiveness of a brief social media and e-professionalism educational session for physical therapy students. Poster presentation 2013 APTA Combined Sections meeting, Las Vegas, NV, February 2013 
• Morren, K., Steinbarger, K., Greeley E., Dempsey, C., Kaplan, S., Reusch, S. Social media policy in physical therapist education programs. Poster presentation, Research and Scholarship Day 2012, Husson University, Bangor, ME, April 19, 2012.

Cathy Stucker D.P.T.

Selected Scholarship