Augusta University has a comprehensive biomedical sciences research agenda with signature
programs in movement science, inflammation, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular
diseases.
Physical therapy faculty are involved in research related to human movement science,
sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation, educational delivery systems and cardiovascular
health. The department also houses three research labs with activities directed by
PT faculty. For more information about the department's research resources and faculty
research interests, visit the following links.
Biochemistry Lab »
Director: Chandramohan Wakade, MBBS
State-of-the-art equipment for biochemical analyses
Musculoskeletal Performance Lab
Director: Lori Bolgla, PT, PhD, ATC
Equipped to examine muscle activation using non-invasive, clinically-based techniques
Muscle Physiology Lab
Director: Kate Kosmac, PhD
Dr. Kosmac’s research aims to understand mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise, aging, frailty and disease. In addition to gene and protein analysis, Dr. Kosmac’s lab uses histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) methods to visualize cell populations and structure elements in situ within human and rodent skeletal muscles under varying conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Kosmac%20K%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=31697594.
Margaret Blagg, PT, DPT, WCS
Gender-specific health concerns and the role of physical therapy in the conservative management of these conditions. Incontinence, dyspareunia, and infertility are my primary interests
Lori A. Bolgla, PT, PhD, ATC
The influence of the hip on patellofemoral pain syndrome etiology
Megan Mobley, PT, DPT, WMS
Early intervention of scar management in a patient population with catastrophic burn injuries
Audrey Johnson, PT, PhD, DPT
Colleen Hergott, PT, DPT, GCS, C/NDT
Fall prevention, physical activity, and health promotion for older adults
Malorie Novak, PT, DPT, PhD
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning including lifelong learning, student outcomes, and innovation in teaching; resilience and grit
Vanessa Everett, PT, DPT, GCS
The impact of various prosthetic training interventions and balance strategies on adult lower extremity prosthetic users.
Dustin Cox, DPT, Ph.D., LSVT, CLT
Pain management and health care programming
Ashley Fox, DPT, OCS
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) and impact of exercise on the sympathetic nervous system as measured by pupilometry
Valerie Hogan, DPT, Ph.D.
Ankle instability rehabilitation; use of Alter-G antigravity training for prosthetic users