Center for Physical Therapy Research Mission Statement

The mission of the Center for Physical Therapy Research (CPTR) is to promote readiness through cutting-edge research and the advancement of evidence-based practice related to musculoskeletal conditions, the #1 cause of disability among active duty service members in the Department of Defense. CPTR accomplishes this mission by integrating the results of clinical, biomechanical, and basic science research to develop optimal prevention and treatment strategies for beneficiaries of the military healthcare system and the overall population. CPTR is a primary venue for producing our clinical scientists and leaders of tomorrow through faculty directed student-assisted research projects affiliated with the US Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy.

Research Focus Areas:

• Development of clinical prediction rules to match patients to optimal interventions

• Understanding the effects of muscular fatigue on underlying joint motion

• Understanding the effects of manipulation on joint pain, joint motion and function

• Understanding the role of trunk musculature on joint stability and prevention of low back pain

• Understanding the influences of psychosocial considerations on disability

• Understanding the role of running shoes and injury prevention

Technologies Available:

• Digital Fluoroscopic Videos: Fluoroscopic system designed to assess the underlying arthrokinematics

• Ultrasound Imaging: Provides dynamic imaging of the musculoskeletal system in order to design treatment programs that optimize muscular recovery

• Surface Electromyographic (EMG): Provides quantification of underlying muscular activity for evaluation and the design of effective treatment programs

• Unweighting Device: Used for assessment of the ability to use unweighting to improve post-operative treatment, gait training, lumbar stenosis, and returning to run programs to improve rehabilitative programs.

• Foot Pressure Sensors: Assesses foot pressure during gait and the effectives of shoes on pressure distribution

• Cardiorespiratory Assessment: Pulmonary function analysis

Collaboration:

CPTR collaborates with Brooke Army Medical Center and Wilford Hall Medical Center in the San Antonio area and other military treatment facilities throughout the Department of Defense and around the world for clinical studies. CPTR also partners with the Military Performance Laboratory at Brooke Army Medical Center, which provides us access to a state-of-the-art motion analysis laboratory. Research collaborations have also formed between CPTR and the Army Amputee Research Initiative and the Spine Research Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Promoting Readiness Through Research-