From the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences…
April 2025 Research Highlights reported by the Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences.
Corey Peacock, PhD, CSCS of the Department of Health and Human Performance, alongside NSU graduate students, published two studies in 2025 examining the impact of rapid weight regain (RWRG) on fight outcomes in UFC and Bellator athletes. His findings showed that fighters in both organizations regained nearly 10% of their body weight after weigh-ins, yet this weight regain did not predict competitive success. For example, a light heavyweight fighter (205 lbs.) could regain around 20 lbs., entering the cage the next day for competition closer to 225 lbs., but this increase in weight did not translate to a greater likelihood of winning.
- Article 1: https://www.cureus.com/articles/328390-the-impact-of-rapid-weight-regain-on-fight-outcomes-in-bellator-mixed-martial-arts-athletes#!/
- Article 2: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ijahsp/vol23/iss1/24/
Lia Jiannine, PhD and adjunct faculty member Cassandra Evans of the Department of Health and Human Performance co-authored a study comparing the accuracy of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to physical fitness. Their findings showed that among women, IPAQ scores correlated with all fitness components except isometric muscular strength, while among men, no significant relationships were found, suggesting that men tend to overestimate their physical activity levels.
Jiannine L, Evans C. The Discrepancy Between Physical Fitness and Self-Reported Exercise: Men vs. Women. JEPonline 2025;(28):27-35. https://www.asep.org/resources/jep-online/
Pradeep Vanguri, PhD, LAT, ATC of the Department of Health and Human Performance co-authored a scoping review on blood flow restriction (BFR) training in the upper extremities alongside NSU medical students, highlighting the collaborative research efforts between health sciences and medical education. The study explores how BFR training can improve muscle hypertrophy and strength as a low-load alternative to traditional resistance training, offering potential benefits for rehabilitation and athletic performance.
Morey J. Kolber, PT, PhD, OCS, CSCSD, TSAC-FD, FNSCA, spoke at the University of Central Florida Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences 5th Annual Conference in Orlando Florida on February 8th, 2025.
Topic: Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine: An Overview for Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science Professionals
This lecture discussed the utilization of platelet rich plasma and stem cell procedures for orthopedic injuries and disorders. A discussion of how exercise-based interventions can be used to manipulate the cellular microenvironment to achieve benefits synergistic to regenerative medicine procedures was presented as well.
Dr. Kolber’s background in regenerative medicine stems from a sabbatical externship he completed in 2018 at the Institute of Regenerative Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida. He has since published clinical studies on stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis and routinely lectures on this topic at national and international conferences.
Kathleen Manella, PT, PhD has published the following article: Title: Transforming Ableism in Physical Therapist Education One Student at a Time: A Case Report of a Student With Blindness
This case report examines the experiences of a unique student with blindness or visual impairment (BVI) in an entry-level physical therapist program. It retrospectively explores perceptions of students, faculty, staff, and clinicians before, during, and after interactions with the student, highlighting ableist assumptions about vision in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education and practice. A significant shift in perceptions suggests that applicant qualifications and essential vision-related functions should be considered in the context of reasonable accommodations, individual characteristics, and lived experiences.
Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, PT, DPT, PhD and Dr. Shilpa Gaikwad, PT, MPTh, PhD coauthored a poster for the Combined Sections Meeting, February 2025, Titled: “Gamification in Classroom Teaching of Neuroscience Content,” and it received the 2nd prize from the Technology Special Interest Group of APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation. The study showed that the use of gamification positively impacted student learning and reinforced important content, with students expressing high levels of satisfaction with the activity.
Dr. Fernandez-Fernandez has published the following book chapter: Fernandez-Fernandez A, Pengelley MB. Neuromuscular Diseases: Muscular Dystrophies and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In: Bloyer M, Shamus E, Catalino T, Miles C. eds. Guide to Pediatric Physical Therapy: A Clinical Approach. McGraw Hill; 2025. (Available at https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=3506§ionid=289147517) This chapter provides an overview of current evidence-based physical therapy management strategies for children with neuromuscular diseases. The chapter includes a rich variety of real clinical case studies to illustrate management across the lifespan, as well as a family-centered perspective.
Training programs for PAs and NPs who desire hospital administrative and leadership positions: A scoping review
In this study, Stacy Laack Valentine, DMSc, PA-C, demonstrated that leadership training programs are available for PAs and NPs interested in administrative leadership roles. PA- and NP-specific programs focus on developing the skills of those desiring these leadership positions. Pertinent aspects of these programs, such as length of time and availability, will affect clinicians when choosing to apply. The variety of different types of programs, such as online, in-person, and fellowships, increases the accessibility to clinicians who are seeking advancement.
Link: AAPA 2024 Poster Abstracts
Sarah Ransdell, PhD and Marilyn Gordon, Ed.D., RDN, CSSD, LDN.
The EAT-26 provides a reliable and valid assessment of eating behaviors among nonclinical college student athletes.
http://www.ijess.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IJESSP24510309.pdf