Spotlight on Research

Since 1985 Dr. Deborah Kegelmeyer has been specializing in physical therapy in geriatrics and particularly in patients with Parkinson disease.  Through her experience and years of study she has found that exercise can significantly improve mobility and help with fall prevention in patients with Parkinson disease.  In 2004 she developed a community-based group exercise program that has attracted strong patient and physician support including the formation of a private endowment fund to support the exercise program and faculty research endeavors.  See a recent article in the Dispatch for more information on the exercise program.  In collaboration with neurologists at the Ohio State University Movement Disorders Clinic and an exercise physiologist, Dr. Kegelmeyer is currently developing an innovative new exercise program that she plans to test on patients in the coming year.

Dr. Anne Kloos, who has specialized in physical therapy for neurological disorders since 1984, has been collaborating with Dr. Kegelmeyer on research to determine the effects of exercise on mobility and balance in patients with Parkinson disease. Together, Dr. Kloos and Dr. Kegelmeyer have published several studies related to mobility and balance assessment in patients with Parkinson disease.  (References to abstracts below)  In the future they plan to expand their research to include studies on the effects of exercise or the use of assistive devices, such as walkers and canes, on balance and gait in patients with Huntington’s disease.

Published Research

Kegelmeyer K, Kloos A, Thomas K, Travis L, Wade J, Smolack T.  Documentation of back pain and/or disorders in individuals with Parkinson disease by physical therapist and neurologists. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, December 2006;30(4):220.

Kegelmeyer DA, Kloos AD, Kostyk SK, Thomas KM.  Reliability and validity of the Tinetti Mobility Test for individuals with Parkinson disease.  Movement Disorders 2006; 21: S86.

Kegelmeyer DA, Kloos AD, Kostyk SK, Thomas KM.  Reliability and validity of the Tinetti Mobility Test for individuals with Parkinson disease.  Journal of Neurological Physical Therapy, December 2005;29: 193-194.