Optimize Conference 2026
2026 Optimize Conference Research Platform Presentations:
Effectiveness of Truama-Informed Care Curriculum in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Education Program. Sydney Roset, DPT, PhD; Melissa Allen, DPT, PhD; Maritza Dominguez, MPT, PhD; Charlotte Yates MPT, PhD; Leah Lowe DPT, PhD.
Physical Therapy Management of a Tactical Athlete with a Thoracic Spine Injury – A Case Report. Andrew Swatzell, SPT; Annemieke Corbitt, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT; Nthan Musso, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS; Charles Healy, PT, DPT, OCS; Jessie Zimmerman, PT, DPT, OCS, DN-cert.
Briding the GAP – Integrating Mental Health into Physical Therapy Practice for Older Adults. Jenna Kester, SPT; Ashton Moore, SPT; Caty Royal, SPT; Abigail Everett, SPT; Mieke Corbitt, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT; Ruth Ann Mathis, PT, PhD.
Community-Integrated Interprofessional Education in Adaptive Brain Injury Wellness: A Mixed-Methods Program Evaluation.
Perception is Reality: Exploring the Relationship Between Burnout and Engagement Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students. Hunter Finney, EdD, DPT; Usenime Akpanudo, EdD; Kimberly Flowers, EdD; Ruth Ann Mathis, PhD, PT.
2026 Optimize Conference Research Poster Presentations:
Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation on Empathy and Bias Toward Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease. Melissa Allen, PhD, DPT, PT; Ruth Ann Mathis, PhD, PT; Tyler Goodpasture, PT, DPT.
Balancing Strain and Motivation: Predictors of Burnout and Engagement Among Dr. of Physical Therapy Students. Hunter Finney, EdD, DPT; Usenime Akpanudo, EdD; Kimberly Flowers, EdD; Ruth Ann Mathis, PhD, PT.
The following are a few recent publications of research completed by UCA Physical Therapy Faculty.
Dr. Odom, Dr. Yates and Dr. Lowe recently published in the American Journal of Pediatrics. Odom, B. H., Yates, C., Lowe, L. (2025). Pediatric Wound Dressings Overview and Considerations for Management. American Journal of Pediatrics, 11(4), 237-243. Pediatric Wound Dressings Overview and Considerations for Management.
Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Taylor along with former UCA faculty member, Dr. Steven Tucker, recently published an article in the International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. Effects of open versus closed kinetic chain shoulder resistance exercise training on torque and power: a randomized controlled trial. WS Tucker, JP Fletcher, JD Taylor, SA Engle. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 32 (12), 1-12.
Dr. Fernando Castillo, UCA PhD Graduate and DPT Class of 2020 alumnus has published an article in the International Journal of Sports Medicine with Dr. Charlotte Yates, PT, PhD, PCS, and Dr. Leah Lowe, PT, PhD, PCS in the April 1st issue. Castillo F, Yates C, Escola K, Williams DK, Lowe L. Clinical Assessment of Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait when performing a Visuospatial Cognitive task. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2025. 20(4): 45-52.
Dr. Brian Odom, an Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department, recently had a book chapter published in the Text and Atlas of WOUND DIAGNOSIS and TREATMENT, 3rd edition. His chapter was titled “Pediatric Wounds” and the chapter focused on pediatric skin development, common wound etiologies seen in children, and applying the elements of best wound management in the pediatric population.