The research efforts of the Physical Therapy department at Hampton University focuses on innovations in curriculum and instruction related to DPT education, rehabilitative interventions that reduce health disparities, and health services research to determine the impact of physical therapy on healthcare delivery and costs.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

2021 American Physical Therapy Association Education Leadership Conference – Education Session

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy; A Review of the Literature and Strategies for Sustainable Change

S. Chris Owens, PT, ScD
Pamela Tucker, PT, DPT
Ayodele Akinremi, PT PhD
Jasmine Omar, DPT
Yolanda Rainey, PT, DPT

Summit Professional Education Webinar 10/10/2022 – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Physical Therapy

S. Chris Owens, PT, ScD

https://blog.summit-education.com/non-ce-courses/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-in-physical-therapy/

The Hampton University Stadiometry Research Lab is focused on investigations to determine the impact of loading, recovery postures and manual physical therapy on lumbar intervertebral disc hydration. A stadiometer is precision measurement instrument which we use to determine differences in spine height which reflect water content in the lumbar intervertebral disc. 

Publications and Presentations:

Owens SC. Intervertebral Disc Hydration Management: An Integrated Biomedical and Biopsychosocial Approach to Low Back Pain. Symposium American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference. October 2020. Virtual.

Rubinic DM, Koo V, Dudley J, Owens SC. Changes in spinal height after manual axial traction or side lying: a clinical measure of intervertebral disc hydration using stadiometry. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2019;42(3):187-194.

Owens SC. A Comprehensive Approach to Patient Examination, Treatment and Management of Low Back Pain. Symposium American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Conference. November 2019. Chicago, Illinois.

 Our Human Patient Simulator Lab has two life-size mannequins that can be programmed with patient case scenarios that allow the simulator to demonstrate a wide range of normal and abnormal physiological responses. Students develop clinical problem solving and critical thinking skills for all aspects of patient assessment, patient monitoring, and clinical intervention. Experiences with the simulators are designed to progress the student from assessment of basic vital signs through patient assessment and treatment of complex patient case scenarios.

2018 Publication – The Effectiveness of Implementation of High-Fidelity Human Simulation Training on Student Perceived Confidence in Managing Patients in Critical Care Environments

Musculoskeletal Differential Diagnosis in Physical Therapy Practice

 “Direct access” is the term describing the ability of a patient to seek treatment from a physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician. Direct access allows physical therapists to practice as primary care providers for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments. A critical element of direct access is the physical therapist’s competence in the area of differential diagnosis.

Publications in this are include:

Owens SC. Clinical examination considerations for an adolescent distance runner with a fibular stress fracture.” Yoga Phys Ther Rehabil. 2018.3(5): 164-167.

https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/clinical-examination-considerations-for-an-adolescent-distance-runner-with-a-fibular-stress-fracture

Owens SC. Examination and Conservative Management of Shoulder Pain: A Case Study Using Systematic Tissue Specific Approach. Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation . Nov 2017.1(1).

https://www.scitechnol.com/peer-review/examination-and-conservative-management-of-shoulder-paina-systematic-tissue-specific-approach-v8GR.php?article_id=6843

Owens SC, Tucker P, Rainey Y, Edmunds B, Shetty A. Student Perceived Competence in Direct Access to Physical Therapy in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at a Historically Black University. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 2014:25(4) 1966-1981.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Instruction

The department has evaluated methods of improving academic outcomes in Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs through investigations of the utility of implementation of a retention efforts and evaluation of quantitative measures used to make admissions decisions. 

2022 American Physical Therapy Association Education Leadership Conference – Poster Presentation

Use of Quantitative Pre-Admission Criteria to Predict Academic Difficulty and Dismissal in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at a Historically Black University

S. Chris Owens, PT, ScD
Yolanda Rainey, PT, DPT Pamela Tucker, PT, DPT
Ayodele Akinremi, PT PhD

2021 American Physical Therapy Association Education Leadership Conference – Platform Presentation

Utilizing HBCUs to Diversify Healthcare Professions: A Focus Group Study on Academic Success

Anderson T, Iriarte S, Allen K, Caudill K, Owens SC

Owens SC, Rainey Y, Tucker P, Edmunds B. Effectiveness of a Retention Program to Improve Performance During the First Semester of a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 2018:29(1) 423-440.

Owens SC, Jui T, Winters Q, Rainey Y, Tucker P. Student perceptions of peer tutoring in a doctor of physical therapy program. JNSAH. 2014;11(12):31 – 41.

https://www.proquest.com/docview/1540097927?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true