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.