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We talked to former guests Todd Watson & Jessica Graning from Western Carolina University about a study they were doing. They were guests of the show when they were launching the study which looks at transversus abdominus strength in dancers. We talked about the results and where their research is going next.
We also talked to some of our teammates on the Aureus medical staffing team. They work to find PT’s jobs across the country in all settings. We answered some FAQ’s that they get often from students looking to try #TravelPT.
Todd’s Bio:
Education
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University (2002)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Residency/Fellowship, University of St. Augustine (2000)
- Bachelor of Science and Master of Physical Therapy, Idaho State University (1989 & 1991)
Experience
Dr. Watson joined the Department of Physical Therapy in fall 2002 as assistant professor in orthopedic physical therapy. Dr. Watson has continued to practice orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy while teaching and conducting his research agenda. He received his certification in manual therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 1999. He became a Diplomat of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and was Board Certified as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) in 1999, and re-credentialed in 2009. He also became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in 1999, and again re-credentialed in 2009. Dr. Watson participates in the Western Carolina University (WCU), Doctor of Physical Therapy student run pro-bono clinic (MAP-PT), and takes students to Central America (Honduras) each year on a two-week medical mission international travel course.
Primary Teaching Responsibilities
Dr. Watson is the principal instructor for Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy I & II (PT 951 & 952), co-instructor with Dr. Ashley Hyatt for Physical Therapy Science II (PT 812) and co-directs a doctoral project with Dr. Jessica Graning (PT 899).
Areas of Research Interest
Together with Dr. Jessica Graning, he has completed a recent study demonstrating improved measures of dance, balance and muscle performance following an intensive 9-week core stability program. They are currently conducting a study examining incidence and prevalence rates of injuries affecting competitive collegiate dancers. He also has a line of research examining the nature and impact of injury prevention programs designed to train individuals to activate their transversus abdominis during upright loaded functional tasks (with Dr. Sue McPherson).
Recent Publications
- Watson T, Graning J, McPherson S, Carter E, Edwards J, Melcher I, Burgess T. Dance, balance, and core muscle performance measures are improved following a nine-week core stabilization training program among competitive collegiate dancers. Int J Sports Phys Ther. Under Review.
- McPherson S, Watson T, Pate L. Establishing immediate reliability of ultrasound imaging measurements of transversus abdominis in asymptomatic adults performing upright loaded functional tasks in clinical context without delayed recorded measurement. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35:1681-1691. doi:10.7863/ultra.15.09065.
- McPherson S, Watson T. Training of transversus abdominis activation in supine with ultrasound biofeedback translated to increased transversus abdominis activation during upright loaded functional tasks. Phys Med Rehab. 2014;6(7):612-623. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2013.11.014.
- Watson T, McPherson S. Getting off the mat: lumbar stabilization training in standing using ultrasound imaging. J Yoga Phys Ther. 2013;3:147. doi:10.4172/2157-7595.1000147.
- McPherson S, Watson T. Reproducibility of ultrasound measurement of transversus abdominis during loaded, functional tasks in asymptomatic young adults. Phys Med Rehab. 2012;4(6):402-412; quiz 412. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.02.014.
- Watson T, McPherson S, Fleeman S. Ultrasound measurement of transversus abdominis during loaded, functional tasks in asymptomatic individuals: Rater reliability. Phys Med Rehab. 2011;3(8):697-705. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.03.015. Epub 2011 Jul 13.
Recent National Presentations
- McPherson S, Watson T, Pate L, Ripley-Moffit R, Ferraro, S, Sloop K, Ulrich B. Can immediate reliability of ultrasound imaging measurements of transversus abdominis in asymptomatic adults performing upright loaded functional tasks be established in clinical context without delayed recorded measurement? Paper presented at: APTA NEXT Conference; June 2016; Nashville, TN.
- Graning J, Watson T, Carter E, Edwards J, Burgess T, Melcher I. Does a nine-week core stabilization training program improve measures of balance and performance among competitive collegiate dancers? A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Paper presented at: APTA NEXT Conference; June 2016; Nashville, TN.
- Graning J, Watson T, Melcher I, Carter E, Edwards J, Burgess T, Allison A. Do collegiate dancers receiving transversus abdominis (TrA) activation training in standing immediately improve in single leg balance and pirouette ability? Paper presented at APTA NEXT Conference; June 2015; National Harbor, MD.
- Graning J, Watson T, McPherson S. Using ultrasound imaging to enhance physical performance in collegiate female dancers. Paper presented at: 2nd International Conference on Radiology and Imaging; September 2014; Raleigh, NC.
Personal
Dr. Watson resides in Asheville with his wife Moriah, and two daughters and his hobbies include distance running, travel, and scuba diving.
Jessica’s Bio:
Education
- BA – Exercise and Sports Science – UNC Chapel Hill – 2000
- DPT – Physical Therapy – Duke University – 2003
Experience
Dr. Jessica Graning joined the Department of Physical Therapy in spring 2011 as Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education and assistant professor in pediatrics and professional practice. Prior to this appointment, she worked as a pediatric physical therapist at Mission Children’s Hospital (2003-2011). Dr. Graning plays an active role in the Carolina Clinical Education Consortium serving on the organization’s Executive Council (secretary) and co-chair of the Clinical Faculty Advisory Board. She also serves on the Mountain Area Probono Physical Therapy (MAPPT) Advisory Board, supervises students in the MAPPT clinic, and provides consultation for pediatric clients (in collaboration with other faculty members). In addition, she has made several national presentations with faculty and students in the Department of Physical Therapy at NCPTA and APTA NEXT meetings.
Primary Teaching Responsibilities
Dr. Graning teaches Pediatric PT I (PT 926), Pediatric PT II (PT 927), Professional Practice I (PT 895), Professional Practice II (PT 896) and clinical education courses (Clinical Practicum I-IV). She also co-directs a doctoral project (PT 899) in the Physical Therapy Department with Dr. Todd Watson.
Areas of Research Interest
Together with Dr. Watson, she has completed a recent study demonstrating improved performance on measures of dance, balance and muscle performance following an intensive 9-week core stability program. They are currently conducting a study examining incidence and prevalence rates of injuries affecting competitive collegiate dancers. She is also collaborating with faculty at Winston-Salem State University Department of Physical Therapy on a study that examines student confidence and performance across acute care courses and various curricula.
Peer Reviewed Publications
Watson T, Graning J, McPherson S, Carter E, Edwards J, Melcher I, Burgess T. Dance, balance, and core muscle performance measures are improved following a nine-week core stabilization training program among competitive collegiate dancers. Int J Sports Phys Ther. Under Review.
Presentations
- Graning J, Watson T, Carter E, Edwards J, Burgess T, Melcher I. Does a nine-week core stabilization training program improve measures of balance and performance among competitive collegiate dancers? A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Paper presented at APTA NEXT Conference; June 2016; Nashville, TN.
- Graning J, Watson T, Melcher I, Carter E, Edwards J, Burgess T, Allison A. Do collegiate dancers receiving transversus abdominis (TrA) activation training in standing immediately improve in single leg balance and pirouette ability? Paper presented at APTA NEXT Conference; June 2015; National Harbor, MD.
- Graning J, Watson T, McPherson S. Using ultrasound imaging to enhance physical performance in collegiate female dancers. Paper presented at 2nd International Conference on Radiology and Imaging; September 2014; Raleigh, NC.
Personal Category
Dr. Jessica Graning resides in Cullowhee with her husband Ben, and three sons. She also coaches the nationally ranked WCU Dance Team.
260 – Jimmy McKay – Communication is Currency – APTA NSC IGNITE talk 2017