UF Physical Therapy Alumni Nominated for Research Award

Four spring 2013 graduates of The University of Findlay were nominated for an award through the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association at the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) in February.
Ron Lasley (Shepherdsville, Ky.), Chris Seybert (Kokomo, Ind.), Doug Mitchell (Canandaigua, N.Y.) and Vineet Kaul (Rochester Hills, Mich.) graduated from the University’s weekend doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program in the spring of 2013.
While studying at The University of Findlay, they participated in a faculty directed research course series with Jean Weaver, PT, assistant professor of physical therapy, to conduct research on the following topic: The Difference in Return-to-Work Outcomes Amongst Injured Workers with Back Sprains and Strains Who Received PT During Modified Work Duty Compared to Workers Who Received PT While They Were Off Work.
The research abstract was submitted to the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev., through the Orthopedic Section last May. After review, the group’s poster was nominated for a poster award due to its “exemplary abstract.”
The group did not receive the award, however, the therapists were deeply honored to be nominated. More than 10,000 physical therapists attended CSM, and hundreds of posters were submitted. Only 18 posters were nominated for the award.
The research study supported previous studies where injured workers with low back sprains and strains had a faster full duty return-to-work when working in modified work duty while recovering versus being off work. In contrast, the study revealed the injured worker who performed modified work duty may have greater reported low back pain disability than workers who are able to be off work during recovery.  The researchers concluded that physical therapists need further clarification of best practice in return-to-work strategies to minimize long-term low back pain disability in injured workers so those workers are able to continue being productive.