Research Awards, Activities and Events (Last 6 Months)
Awards
Dr. Noelle Moreau
Moreau, N. G., Best Platform Abstract Award, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, Anaheim, CA. February 2026.
Moreau, N. G., Licea, J., Bjornson, K. B., Mercante ,D., Arnold Nominee for Best Scientific Paper. Specificity of Training Effects of a Power-Based Training Program on Rectus Femoris Muscle Architecture in Youth with Cerebral palsy – Comparison to Traditional Approaches. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Top Ten Free Paper Finalist and Gayle G. October 2025.
Moreau, N. G., Bjornson, K. B., Hurvitz, P., Mercante, D., Gayle G. Arnold Award for Best Scientific Paper. Effects of Power Training combined with Interval Treadmill Training on Walking Capacity versus Performance in Real World Setting in Youth with Cerebral Palsy. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, New Orleans, LA. October 2025.
Dr. Rachel Wellons
Wellons R, Dugas C, Goff L, Hauth E, Gerrets A, Schouest E., Award of Best Clinical Poster. Effectiveness of vestibular therapists in instructing the vestibulo ocular reflex X1 exercise. Poster presented at: Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) Annual Conference. October 2025.
Wellons, R., Outstanding Alumni Award, University of
Scranton. Scranton, PA. February 2026.
Publications
Dr. Ngozi Akataobi and Dr. Howe Liu
Liu H. Salem Y, Murphy C, Akotaobi N, Arguello E. Analysis of exercise programs in assisted living facilities – A cross-sectional study. Geriatric Nursing. 2025; Part C: 103685. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.103685.
Dr. Noelle Moreau
Pontiff M.E., Oral, E., Li L., Moreau N.G. Muscle predicts lower extremity power generation during a power leg press test in individuals with cerebral palsy. Clinical Biomechanics (in press), 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2026.106797
Moreau, N. G., Bjornson, K. B., Hurvitz, P., Mercante, D. (Jan. 2026). Power Training Combined with Interval Treadmill Training in Cerebral Palsy: an RCT. Pediatrics (accepted Jan., 2026). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-074493
Presentations
Dr. Katherine Atiyeh
Deshotels G, Henssler H, McInnis M, Velez N, Liu H, Atiyeh K. Efficacy of Core Training in Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, February 2026. Anaheim, CA.
Dr. Howe Liu
Liu H. Applying Yin-Yang Theory in Tai Chi for Older Adults’ Health and Well-Being. (In: Kauffman T, Wang DM, Liu H, Kang N, Wang BL, Wayne P. East Meets West: Tai Chi and Health Promotion - a 2-hour symposium), at 2025 annual conference of Gerontological Society of America in Boston, MA; Nov 12-15, 2025.
Deshotels G, Henssler H, McInnis M, Velez N, Liu H, Atiyeh K. (2026, February 12-14). Efficacy of Core Training in Females with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 2026, Anaheim, CA.
Li H., Salem Y., Miller K., Liu H. (2026, February 12-14). Systematic Review: The Impact of Tai Chi on Health in Type 2 Diabetes and Related Conditions. Will be presented at APTA annual conference, Anaheim, CA.
Luo XT, Tu JK, Liu H, Xing JY, Yang JW, Zhang J, Salem Y, Miller K. (2026, February 12-14). Association Between Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Bone Metabolism Abnormalities in Adults Aged 18–40 Years. APTA annual conference, Anaheim, CA.
Salem Y., Liu H. (2026, February 12-14). Aquatic Exercises for Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Literature. APTA annual conference in Anaheim, CA.
Salem Y., Liu H. (2026, February 12-14). Aquatic Exercise for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review of Literature. APTA annual conference in Anaheim, CA.
Dr. Noelle Moreau
Moreau, N. G., Bjornson, K. B., Greve, K. (2026, February 12-14). “I’ve Got the Power”: A Power-Based Approach for Improving Walking Activity in Cerebral Palsy. Presented as an Educational Session at the Combined Sections Meeting, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy of the APTA, Anaheim, CA.
Moreau, N. G., Bjornson, K. B., Hurvitz, P., Mercante, D. (2026,
February 12-14). Effects of Power Training combined with Interval Treadmill Training on Walking Capacity versus Performance in Cerebral Palsy. Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, Anaheim, CA.
Best Platform Presentation Award
Moreau, N. G., Gainey, C., Lyman, J., Maitre, N., Moran, T., Carey, P., Kwok, C., Colquitt, G. (2025, October 15). Fostering Inclusive Participation in Adapted Sports and Exercise Programs for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: Bridging the Gaps. Presented as a Pre-Conference Course at the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine 79th Annual Conference, New Orleans, LA.
Moreau, N. G., Licea, J., Bjornson, K. B., Mercante, D. (2025, October 15-18). Specificity of Training Effects of a Power-Based Training Program on Rectus Femoris Muscle Architecture in Youth with Cerebral Palsy – Comparison to Traditional Approaches. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Top Ten Free Paper Finalist and Gayle G. Arnold Nominee for Best Scientific Paper.
Moreau, N. G., Bjornson, K. B., Hurvitz, P., Mercante, D. (2025, October 15-18). Effects of Power Training combined with Interval Treadmill Training on Walking Capacity versus Performance in Real World Setting in Youth with Cerebral Palsy. American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, New Orleans, LA. Gayle G. Arnold Award for Best Scientific Paper.
Dr. Thuha Hoang
Lee V, Hoang H. (2025, October 18) Using health humanities to integrate structural thinking in challenging and uncertain times. Presented at: APTA Educational Leadership Conference; October 18, 2025; Kansas City, MO.
Jun H., Kulo V., Burbage A., McBrien S., Hoang T. (2026, April 8-12) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training for Practicing Health Professional: A Scoping Review. American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Rachel Wellons – Award of Best Clinical Poster
Wellons R, Dugas C, Goff L, Hauth E, Gerrets A, Schouest E. Effectiveness of vestibular therapists in instructing the vestibulo ocular reflex X1 exercise. Poster presented at: Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) Annual Conference. October 16-18th 2025.
Dr. Wellons was invited to speak at the 3rd Annual Midwestern Vestibular Rehabilitation Symposium! https://evidenceceu.learnworlds.com/course/3rd-vestibular-symposium-2026
Dr. Kevin Giordano
Giordano KA. (2025, July 16-19). Common Analytical Mistakes in Strength and Conditioning Research – How to Spot Them, How to Interpret Them, and How to Correct Them. July 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association Annual Meeting. Kansas City, MO.
Giordano K.A., Wasserberger K.W., Palasiewicz J. (2026, February 12-14). Fastball Velocity, Injury Risk, and Performance: A Major League Perspective on the Tommy John Epidemic. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 2026. Anaheim, CA. February 2026.
