Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita Sharon M. Henry and Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita Deborah A. O'Rourke were recognized in May for their contributions to UVM, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the physical therapy profession.
Sharon M. Henry
Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita
“To love what you do and feel that it matters — How can anything be more fun?” —Katherine Graham
Education:
B.S., 1982; Ph.D., 1994, University of Vermont.
UVM Career:
Assistant Research Physical Therapist, 1986-1991; Clinical Assistant Professor, 1991-1994; Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, 1994-1986; Assistant Professor, 1996-2000; Associate Professor, 2000-2009, Professor 2009 2015. Secondary appointment in the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Associate Professor, 2003-2009 and Professor, 2009-2015.
Key Scholarly Interests:
My primary research interests are motor control of human posture and movement, particularly as they relate to musculoskeletal impairments such as low back pain. My funding from the National Institutes of Health has been directed at examining the neuromotor control strategies that are used by people with low back pain and the effects of selected physical therapy interventions on pain, neuromuscular impairments and function in this population. With my background as a physical therapist and a neuroscientist, I have combined my expertise in neuromuscular measures (including EMG, torque, force and kinematic parameters) with my extensive experience in conducting randomized clinical trials with people with low back pain in order to carry out translational research and improve the care and outcomes for this population.
Publication Highlights:
Jacobs JV, Lomond KV, Hitt JR, DeSarno MJ, Bunn JY, Henry SM. Effects of low back pain and of Stabilization or Movement-System-Impairment treatments on induced postural responses: A planned secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled trial. Manual Therapy (accepted 08/29/2015). [Epub: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2015.08.006]
Henry SM, Van Dillen LR, Tromley AL, Dee JM, Bunn JY. Reliability of novice raters in using the movement system impairment approach to classify people with low back pain, Manual Therapy 2013;18(1): 35-40.
Zielinski KA, Henry SM, Ouellette-Morton RH, DeSarno MJ. Lumbar multifidus muscle thickness does not predict patients with low back pain who improve with trunk stabilization exercises. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Jun;94(6):1132-8.PMID:23228626 (Epub 2012 Dec 7.)
Jones SL, Henry SM, Raasch CC, Hitt JR. Individuals with non-specific low back pain in an active episode demonstrate temporally altered torque responses and direction-specific enhanced muscle activity following unexpected balance perturbations. Exp Brain Research. 2012: 221 (4); 413-426 PMID:22875027.
Henry SM, Fritz JM, Trombley AL, Bunn JY. Reliability of the Treatment Based Classification System for Subgrouping People with Low Back Pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42(9):797-805.
Langevin HM, Fox JR, Koptiuch C, Badger GJ, Greenan-Naumann A, Bouffard NA, Konofagou EE, Wei-Ning L, Triano JJ, Henry SM. Reduced thoracolumbar fascia shear strain in human chronic low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2011 Sep 19;12:203.
Stokes IAF, Gardner-Morse M, Henry SM. Abdominal muscle activation increases lumbar spinal stability: analysis of contributions of different muscle groups. Clin Biomech 26 (2011) 797–803 (October). Epub 2011 May 14. PubMed PMID: 21571410; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3157598
Henry SM, Teyhen DS. Ultrasound imaging as a feedback tool in the rehabilitation of trunk muscle dysfunction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 37(10):627-634, 2007. PMID: 17970410
Henry SM, Hitt JR, Jones SL, Bunn JY. Decreased limits of stability in persons with recurrent low back pain. Clinical Biomechanics 2006 Nov;21(9):881-92. PMID: 16806618
Henry SM, Westervelt KC. The use of real time ultrasound feedback in teaching abdominal hollowing exercises. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 35(6):338-345, 2005. PMID: 16001905
Henry SM, Fung J. Horak FB. Effect of stance width on multidirectional postural responses. J Neurophysiol 85(2):559-70, 2001.PMID:11160493
Henry SM, Fung J, Horak FB. EMG responses to maintain stance during multidirectional surface translations. J Neurophysiol 80: 1939-1950, 1998.PMID: 9772251
Horak F, Henry SM, Shumway-Cook A. Postural perturbations: new insights for treatment of balance disorders. Physical Therapy77(5):517-533, 1997. PMID:9149762
Teaching/Research/Memberships Highlights:
Teaching: I have served the role of the core faculty for the musculoskeletal portion of the Physical Therapy curriculum since 2007. Since the conversion of the program to a DPT program in 2006, I have taught the following courses: PT 221 Tutorial I (foundational scientific bases for examination, evaluation and management of noncomplex, peripheral musculoskeletal problems); PT 212 Skills Lab II [knowledge and skills needed for examination, evaluation and management of noncomplex, musculoskeletal problems (Spine and Lower Quarter)]; PT 222 Tutorial II (scientific bases for examination, evaluation and management of Spine and Lower Quarter musculoskeletal problems); PT 242 Patient Management Skills – 2 (spine and extremities); RMS 213A Movement Science I (EXMS and AT students); PT 318 Movement Science I (DPT students); PT 340 Foundational Skills (DPT students); PT 344 Physical Therapy Evaluation and Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions (DPT students).
Mentoring trainees: I mentored 37 trainees including UVM undergraduates and DPT graduates, and postdoctoral fellows as well as students from other universities, nationally and internationally (where I have (or have had) adjunct appointments. The UVM students were successful in funding their projects garnering over $31,000 in UVM student research awards and they presented their work at scientific national and international conferences consistently.
Research: 52 peer reviewed publications/101 peer reviewed presentations. Funding: UVM Internal Seed Grants as Principal Investigator (PI): $100, 351; Foundation Grants ($61,400) including the first American Physical Therapy Association Post-doctoral Award which funded my post-doctoral work; Federal NIH funding as Principal Investigator ($3,874,248 directs/indirects) which reflects my leadership within College of Nursing and Health Science in the research arena; Canadian funding($507, 578) in collaboration with international colleagues.
Memberships: UVM: Member, Neuroscience, Behavior and Health Transdisciplinary Research Initiative (TRI), Steering Committee 2010-present. Chair, Planning Committee 2015-2016 Scientific Writing Series. Chair, Planning Committee 2012 Macmillan Symposium (“Brainy Side of Exercise”), (Neuroscience, Behavior and Health TRI), 2013. Member, President’s Advisory Council for selection of Interim Provost, 2012. Member, Transdisciplinary Research Initiative Working Group (Neuroscience, Behavior and Health) 2009-2010. Faculty member, Search Committee for Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Science, 2009. Member, University Senate Committee on Research, Scholarship and Graduate Education, 2006-present. Member, Neuroscience Graduate Program, 2006-present. Faculty member, UVM’s Transformational and Restructuring Committee, 2009. Member, Graduate College, 1998-present.
College Committees: Member, Search Committee for COM/Director of Health Services Research, 2013. Chair, Search Committee for Anatomy and Neurobiology Lecturer position, 2013. College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty Standards Committee member, 2001. Senate Nominating Committee UVM, 1997-2001.
Departmental Committees: Chair, Rehabilitation and Movement Science faculty search 2013-2014 (3 positions); 2012-2013 (2 positions); 2011-2012 (1 position); 2009-2010 (2 positions); 2008-2009 (2 positions); 2007-2008 (3 positions). Chair, Rehabilitation and Movement Science Faculty Affairs Committee, 2006-2008. Faculty member, Physical Therapy Chair Search Committee, 2005-2006. Research Committee member, Physical Therapy Department, UVM, 1996-2006. Scientific Review Committee, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, UVM, 1997-2010.
National: American Physical Therapy Association, Sections on Research, Orthopedics and Neurology, 1981-present. Eugene Michel’s Research Forum Planning Committee, 2007-2010. Abstract Review Committee for Neurology Section, APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 1997-2002. Society for Neuroscience, 1989-present. National Athletic Trainers Association, Certified member, 1983-1996.
International: World Congress for Physical Therapy; International Association for the Study of Pain, 2010-present; International Society for Posture and Gait, 1997-present; Co-chair of the Organizing Committee and Local Host for International Society for Posture and Gait, Burlington, VT, 2007; Treasurer, International Society for Posture and Gait, 2007-2012.
Other Professional Experience:
Adjunct faculty appointments: Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI, 2015-2017; McGill University, Montreal, Canada, 2011-present (and 1997-2006); University of Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas, 2012-present; AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand, 2014-present; University of Queensland, Brisbane Australia, 1998-2000. American Physical Therapy Traveling Fellows Program: Hosted two junior faculty from other institutions who came to work with me for short intensive periods so I could mentor their research careers.
Awards and Honors:
Awards: National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Award “Comparative Study of Two Exercise Protocols for Low Back Pain” (My role: PI; $53,167) (1997-1998). North American Spine Society Traveling Research Fellowship Award (PI: $9,400) “Trunk muscle coordination in subjects with low back pain” (My role: PI; 1996). APTA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Award (My role: PI; $40,000) (First recipient of the award)“Neural and Biomechanical Constraints in Postural Control in Healthy and Spinal Cord Injured Subjects,” 1995-1996. Foundation for Physical Therapy Doctoral Research Award (My role: PI; $12,000) “The Role of Somatosensory Information in Constrained Locomotion in Rats” 1992-1994.
National Institutes of Health Awards: National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NIH/NICHHD) (RO1) “Effects and mechanisms of Specific Exercises on Low Back Pain” (My Role: PI; 2009-2012; $1,484,709 directs/indirects). National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NIH/NICHHD) (RO1) “Effects and mechanisms of Specific Exercises on Low Back Pain” (My role: PI) 2003-2008 [1 year no cost extension until 2/09]; $1,874,438 directs/indirects). National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NIH/NICHHD) (KO1) “Low Back Pain: A Motor Control Impairment?” (My role: PI; 1998-2003; $433,334). NIH/National Institutes of Aging National Research Service Award (F32) ($28,600) “Multidirectional Postural Control” 1996-1997.
Honors: State: Vermont Chapter of the APTA Service Award, given annually in recognition of a physical therapist who has contributed greatly to physical therapy in the State of Vermont, 2004. National:
Eugene Michels New Investigator Award, awarded by the American Physical Therapy Association in recognition of my independent research and contributions to the field, 2000.
Community Service:
Lund Family Center, member Program Committee, 2012-present; Co-chair, Children with Special Health Needs, Hearing and Communications Program, Advisory Council, Vermont State Department of Health, 2005-present; Telementor, Women in Technology Project at Vermont Technical College, 1998-1999.
Deborah A. O'Rourke
Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy Emerita
“There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.” — Nelson Mandela
“If we are to achieve a richer culture, we must weave one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” — Margaret Meade
Education:
Dip., 1974, Dalhousie University; B.Sc., 1978; M.Cl.Sc., 1985, University of Western Ontario; M.A., 1996; Ph.D., 2000, University of Vermont.
UVM Career:
Clinical Assistant Professor, 1987-1994; Clinical Associate Professor, 1994-2002, 2009-2014; Assistant Professor, 2002-2009; Clinical Professor, 2013-2016. Physical Therapy faculty, Vermont Interdisciplinary Leadership Education for Health Professionals (VT-ILEHP) Program, 1995-2014.
Key Scholarly Interests:
Health related quality of life in children with disabilities, inter-professional education and practice, pain in children, psychosocial issues in health, trauma informed physical therapy for survivors of torture and trauma.
Publication Highlights:
Tupper SM, Swiggum M, O’Rourke D, Sangster M (2014). Physical Therapy Interventions for Pain in Childhood and Adolescence. In: McGrath P, Stevens SW, and Zempsky W, eds. The Oxford Textbook of Pediatric Pain. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
O'Rourke, D.A., Owen Sands, P., Barnard, P., Potvin, M.C., MacLeod, M., Wilcox, D. (2010). A statewide interdisciplinary journal club to promote evidence-based practice in pediatrics using interactive television. APTA Section on Pediatrics Newsletter, 21 (1), 19.
Engel, J.M. & O’Rourke, D.A. (2007). Chronic pain in children: Physical medicine and rehabilitation In: R. F. Schmidt & W.W. Willis (Eds.) Encyclopedia of Pain (pp. 368-371). Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.
O’Rourke, D.A. (2004). The measurement of pain in infants, children and adolescents: from policy to practice. Physical Therapy, 84, 560-570.
Vargas, C.M., O’Rourke, D.A. & Esfandiari, M. (2004). Complementary therapies for treating survivors of torture. Refuge, 22, 129-137
Vargas, C.M., O’Rourke, D.A. & Esfandiari, M. (2004). A triangle of hope for survivors of torture: integrating psychotherapy and bodywork for chronic pain and cultural loss. Rehab Review, 24, 18-21.
O’Rourke, D.A. & Dennis, R. (2004). Community-based interdisciplinary assessment: Considering the context for a child with spina bifida. In C.M. Vargas & P.A. Prelock (Eds.). Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Their Families: An Innovative Approach to Interdisciplinary Practice (pp. 147-182). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers.
O’Rourke, D.A., Contompasis, S., & Holland, M. (2004). Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Follow-up Clinic: Interdisciplinary developmental assessment for at-risk infants and their families. In C. M. Vargas & P. A. Prelock (Eds.) Caring for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Their Families: An Innovative Approach to Interdisciplinary Practice (pp.115-145). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., Publishers.
Teaching/Research/Memberships Highlights:
Teaching within and across disciplines in the content areas of child development, neurodevelopmental disabilities across the lifespan, pain, psychosocial issues in health and inter-professional practice. Serving as a primary mentor to 21 VT-ILEHP fellows and trainees. UVM Committees: Faculty Senate Curricular Affairs Committee, 2013-2014; Joint Committee on General Education of the Faculty Senate and the Administration, 2009-2011; Instructional Development Programs Committee, 1989-1994. CNHS Committees: Ad hoc committee on Variable Tuition; Curriculum and Planning Committee, Chair, 2010-2013, Member, 2007-2010; Task Force on RPT and Annual Review Guidelines, 2010-2011. DPT program: Curriculum Committee, 2006-2015; Faculty Search Committees, 2013-2015. VT-ILEHP Program Recruitment, Research, Curriculum Committees, 1996-2013. Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (Sections on Pediatrics, Education, Health Policy and Administration) and the Vermont Chapter of the APTA; the American Psychological Association and Society for Pediatric Psychology; the International Association for the Study of Pain (Pediatric Pain and Pain Related to Torture, Organized Violence, and War Special Interest Groups); Society for Research in Child Development; American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.
Other Professional Experience:
International Pediatric Pain Consensus Group Meeting, 2003. Project Harmony Community Connections Program consultation in Petroazavodsk, Russia, 1998.
Awards and Honors:
Vermont Chapter, American Physical Therapy Association, Distinguished Service Award, 2010. Parent to Parent of Vermont, Partners in Care Award, 2002. University of Vermont Outstanding Advisor Award, 1994.
Community Service:
Community Health Center Pro Bono PT Clinic Committee, 2009-2011; Sara Holbrook North End Youth Center Advisory Board, 2002-2004; University of Vermont Medical Center, Compassionate Care Rounds on Disability, Ad hoc planning committee, 2015; Vermont Department of Health (Arthritis Coalition, State Advisory Board Children and Adolescent Workgroup, 2003- 2008; Quality Assurance Technical Workgroup for Children with Special Health Needs Subcommittee, 1997; Ad hoc Advisory Committee on Services for Children with Diabetes, 1995-1997; Vermont Family Network (formerly Parent to Parent of Vermont) Conference Planning Committee Member, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2002 and Supporting Parent, 1994-2008.