Waters College of Health Professions faculty and students present research at national conference

Seven Georgia Southern University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) faculty members and 16 students in the Waters College of Health Professions recently attended and presented research at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. “With more than 17,000 attendees, the conference provided exposure for the program,” noted Elizabeth Varner, clinical education assistant in the University’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. “It also offered the opportunity for continuing education about current research and best clinical practices.” DPT assistant professors Haley Worst, DPT, and Nancy Henderson, DPT, presented “Development and Reliability Testing of the Dynamic Agility Lateral Performance Test for Rehabilitation Progression and Criteria for Return to Sport.” The research was conducted in collaboration with Georgia Southern colleagues George Davies, DPT, and Ryan Decarreau, DPT, who is also a physical therapist for the U.S. Army. Under the guidance of DPT faculty Andi Beth Mincer, Ed.D., David Bringman, DPT, Frank Glenn, Ph.D., James Karnes, Ph.D., Davies, Worst and Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology Professor Bryan Riemann, Ph.D., the following students participated in the conference:

• Lauren Herman, Alaina Mann, Katelyn Minick and Ally Wilson presented “Effects of Gyroscopic Training on Scapulothoracic Functional Stability and Upper Extremity Power”
• Nathanial Van Dyke, Julia Ash, Johnny McLean and Donnie Gay presented “Comparison of the Reliability of Vertical Ground Reaction Forces during Single-Leg Hop Test for Distance and Alternating Limb Crossover Hop Test for Distance in Normal Subjects”
• Tyler Broering, Reece Fair, Drew Johnson and Nick Lamb presented “Quantifying Ground Reaction Forces for Double and Single Leg Plyometric Exercises in a Horizontal, Gravity Minimized Position”
• Tyler Adams, Joseph Brown, Gunnar Mendiola, Ryan Sullivan and Cody Williams presented “Correlation Between the Spirit Bike Maximal Power Output and Other Lower Extremity Power Output Tests”
• Amber Buchanan, Niki Cail, Tara Cameron and Brooke Crum presented “Efficacy of a Computerized Knee Simulation Model on Developing Manual Therapy Skills in Physical Therapy Students”

Students received funding through the Graduate Student Council and the DPT program to assist with costs related to the conference. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences prepares students for the growing fields of rehabilitation sciences, physical therapy and communication sciences and disorders. To learn more about the Waters College of Health Professions, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/chp. Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving more than 27,000 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Savannah, Statesboro, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.