Kathleen H. Andersen, MS, Instructor, Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 

Trevor Baier, DPT - Athletico, McFarland Clinic, Ames, IA

Amy N. Baker, DPT, OCS, CSCS - Total Rehab, Williamsburg, IA

Kyle Bernard, DPT, CCCS - Performance Therapies, P.C., Coralville, IA

Kurt Boevers, BA - Cedar Falls, IA

Byron E. Bork, PT, MA - Coralville, IA

Molly Camacho, DPT, OCS - Performance Therapies, PC, Coralville, IA 

Leslie R. Carpenter, PT - Iowa City, IA 

Steven D. Clark, PT, MPT, MTC - Kepros Physical Therapy, North Liberty, IA

Wendy Craft, MPT, NCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Amanda Crouch, PT, DPT - Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Adair, IA

Dana L. Dailey, PT, PhD - St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA 

Jordan DeNeve, DPT - Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Clinton, IA

Matt Ehler, PT, ATC - Progressive Rehab Associates, Iowa City, IA

Richard E. Evans, PT, OCS - Iowa City, IA

Stephanie Evans, DPT, OCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Annie Fangman, DPT - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Steve Finn, PT, DPT - Myrtue Medical Center, Harlan, IA

Jeffrey A. Fleming, DPT, ATC, OCS, CSCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Brett Ford, DPT, OCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Carla C. Franck, DPT, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT - Rec Center Physical Therapy, Cedar Rapids, IA

Trevor Franck, DPT - Progressive Rehab Associates, Williamsburg, IA

Kimberly Franzen, DPT - Guttenburg Municipal Hospital, Guttenburg, IA

Jennifer Fuentes, MPT - Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital & Clinics, Gundersen, IA

Robb Gardner, PT, MHL, ATC - Iowa Hospital Association, Des Moines, IA 

Katie Glade, DPT - Audubon County Memorial Hospital, Audubon, IA

Jaclyn Hall, MBA, DPT, CPHQ - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Scott M. Harms, DPT, ATC, CSCS - Performance Therapies, PC, Coralville, IA 

Amy Herdegen, DPT - Pella Regional Health Center, Pella, IA

James B. Holte, PT, OCS, CSCS - Performance Therapies, Coralville, IA 

Michael Horsfield, PT, OCS, ATC, MBA - Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Moline, IL 

Melanie House, DPT, NCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Kristi Huenemann, MOT, OTR/L, CBIS - Clarke County Hospital, Osceola, IA

Masaki Iguchi, PT, PhD - Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan 

Alexas Ihrig, DPT - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Patrick L. Johnston, MPT - VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 

Kris Kaska, MSPT - Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, IA

Mark A. Kaufman, MS, PT, ATC - Atheltico, Oak Brook, IL

Dennis Keefe, PT - Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah, IA

Carol J. Kelderman, DPT - Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, Oskaloosa, IA 

Janine Kelly, PT, CCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Ted Kepros, PT, MPT, MTC - Kepros Physical Therapy and Performance, Cedar Rapids, IA

Lisabeth L. Kestel, DPT, MBA, SCS, ATC - Iowa City, IA 

Nathan R. Kleckner, DPT - Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, Ankeny, IA

Kayla Koch, DPT, OCS - Cherokee Regional Medical Center, Cherokee, IA

Ted Kruse, DPT - Physical Therapy Solutions, Dyersville, IA

Bret Kruthoff, DPT, ECS, ATC, RVT, RCP - Special Medical Services, Charles City, IA 

Joshua Lander, MPT - Burgess Health Center, Onawa, IA

Tami S. Lansing, DPT, ATC - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Katie M. Laubscher, PT, DPT, PCS - UI Health Care Center for Disabilities & Development, Iowa City, IA

Ryan Legg, DPT - Cass County Memorial Hospital, Atlantic, IA

Ken C. Leo, PT, MA - Iowa City, IA 

Amy S. Little, DPT, WCS, CLT - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Troy Loeckle, PT, DPT, RVT, RCP - Special Medical Services, Floyd County Hospital, Charles City, IA

Kathryn E. Lundquist, OTR/L, BT-C - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Shannon E. Matasovsky, DPT - Kepros Physical Therapy, North Liberty, IA

Nicholas Mergen, DPT - Performance Therapies PC, Coralville, IA

Shannon Miers, MPT, PCS, SCS, ATC - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Bruce A. Miller, PT, MA - Iowa City, IA 

Robert Molsberry, BA, MDiv - Iowa City, IA

Nicole Naraine, MS, DPT - Washington County Hospital, Washington, IA

Joe Nelson, DPT, CMPT - Team Iowa Physical Therapy, Iowa City, IA   

Brian Nolta, DPT - Buchanan County Health Center, Independence, IA

Sandra Norby, DPT - Your Hometown Physical Therapy, LeMars, IA

Debra S. Parrott, PT, CCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Amanda Paulson, DPT, OCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Erin E. Pazour, MPT, COS-C - Mercy Home Health, Cedar Rapids, IA 

Brian Peterson, PT - Keokuk County Health Center, Sigourney, IA

Andrew J. Phillips, DPT, Adjunct Associate - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Jason "JD" Pluim, DPT - Orange City Area Health System, Orange City, IA

Jason Putz, MPT - Physical Therapy Solutions, Dyersville, IA

Ronald Ragsdale, DPT - Waverly Health Center, Waverly, IA

Kim Richards-Passini, DPT - Team Iowa Physical Therapy, Iowa City, IA

Kevin Schleich, PharmD, Adjunct Associate - University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Carol Schueller, DPT - UnityPoint - St. Luke's Therapy Plus, Cedar Rapids, IA

Nathanael Seaberg, DPT - Performance Therapies PC, Coralville, IA

Michael A. Shaffer, MPT, OCS, ATC - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Mary L. Shepherd, PT, CVR - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Kolleen C. Shields, PT, MA - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Justin Sipla, PhD - University of Iowa, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Iowa City, IA

Leandra Stuckey, DPT - VA Medical Center, Iowa City, IA

Anne "Annie" Sullivan, DPT - Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons, West Des Moines, IA

Amanda Sweers, DPT - Progressive Rehab Mercy Home Health, Iowa City, IA

Eric Turner, PT, LAT - JET Physical Therapy, Washington, IA

Barbara Van Gorp, DPT, OCS, CSCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA 

Heidi Welch, MPT - Skiff Medical Center, Newton, IA

Jacqueline Wells, DPT, CLT - Davis County Hospital, Kincart PT, Bloomfield, IA

Lilimore Wells, DPT - Rehab Visions Fairfield, Fairfield, IA

Jane Wentzien, MPT - Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison, IA

Staci Whitson, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA - UnityPoint Joines Regional Medical Center, Anamosa, IA

Sara Wielenga, DPT - Sioux Center Health, Sioux Center, IA

Jason Willer, MPT - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Amy Yotty, DPT, NCS - University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa City, IA

Brad Zwart, DPT, OCS - Orange City Area Health System, Orange City, IA

 

Administrative Staff

 

Carol Leigh 
Administrative Services Manager
Address:  1-251 MEB 
Phone:  (319) 335-9792 
Email:  carol-leigh@uiowa.edu

 

Janan Winn
Administrative Services Coordinator
Address:  1-252 MEB
​Phone:  (319) 335-9791
Email:  janan-winn@uiowa.edu  

 

Hilary Wilken
​Administrative Services Specialist
Address:  1-256 MEB
​Phone:  (319) 384-4735
Email:  hilary-wilken@uiowa.edu  

 

Jason Wu, BS, MS 
 Engineer II 
 Address:  1-147 MEB 
 Phone:  (319) 335-9806 
 Email:   jason-wu@uiowa.edu

 

Laboratory Staff

 Dana Dailey, PT, PhD 
 Assistant Research Scientist 
 Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory 
 Email: dana-dailey@uiowa.edu  

 Molly Pacha, MS, ATC, LAT
 Research Associate
 Human Performance and Clinical Outcomes Laboratory
 Email: molly-pacha@uiowa.edu 

 

Complimentary Staff

•  Judy Biderman 
• ​ David Gerleman

 

The Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science is located at 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242 in the Medical Education Building on the University of Iowa Health Sciences Campus.

View Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in a larger map

Mission

The mission of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences is to advance the health of humankind by:

• Excellence in education
• Discovering new knowledge
• Developing leaders in health care and science

Vision

The vision of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences is to be the recognized leader in clinical practice, research and education.

Policy on Human Rights

The University of Iowa brings together in common pursuit of its educational goals persons of many nations, races, and creeds. The University is guided by the precepts that in no aspect of its programs shall there be differences in the treatment of persons because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other classifications that deprive a person of consideration as an individual, and that equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Among the classifications that deprive a person of consideration as an individual are those based on associational preference. These principles are expected to be observed in the internal policies and practices of the University; specifically in the admission, housing, and education of students; in policies governing programs of extracurricular life and activities; and in the employment of faculty and staff personnel. The University shall work cooperatively with the community in furthering these principles. 

Physical Therapy History at Iowa

The program in physical therapy at The University of Iowa started in September 1942 during World War II as an emergency course at the request of the US Army. There were two classes of 8 to 10 student per class trained each year, starting in September and March. Each class spent six months at the University completing didactic work that was followed by six months practical training in the Army. At the end of the year, a certificate of graduation was issued by the University. Dr. David "Shorty" Paul was the program’s first Medical Director and Mrs. Olive Farr was the first Technical Director.

The requirements for admission were those set by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association, namely: graduation from an accredited school in physical education, or two years of approved college training, including satisfactory courses in biology and other sciences. Women between the ages of 19-45 were eligible. No men or nurses could be accepted (Army rules).

After the fourth class completed the course, there was only one class admitted per year.

There was no financial support given by the Army or any other organization, but several University departments gave whole heartedly of their time and effort. No tuition was charged. The course was offered free by the University of Iowa as part of its contribution to the war effort.

The program continued as an Emergency Course until the end of the war. In 1946, due to the shortage of physical therapists, the school continued to train physical therapists. Consultation with Dr. Jacobsen, Dean of the Graduate College, resulted in the courses being placed under the Graduate College. At this time, Iowa was the only school on this level; therefore, very stringent requirements were set up. Only students (men and women) with a bachelor’s degree and required science courses — particularly physics — were admitted. Tuition was charged, and for the first time our students were registered and had the same privileges as other University students. Until this time it had been a hospital-based course. All students were required to pass a national examination administered by the American Registry for Physical Therapists before their certificate from the Graduate College was issued. This exam was discontinued with the arrival of state licensure for physical therapists. The licensure law in Iowa was implemented in 1965.

The class entering in September 1946 was the first to have the opportunity to continue studying for an advanced degree after the certificate. The departments of Anatomy and Physiology offered an MS degree with the major in their departments and a minor in physical therapy. In 1948 the Graduate College approved offering an MA degree in physical therapy. In 2015 the MA degree was changed to physical rehabilitation science.

In these early years the clinical education of the students was completed entirely at University Hospitals, the Veteran’s Hospital, and University Hospital School (now known as the Center for Disabilities and Development). Today we have contracts with over 300 clinical education centers across the United States.

In 1987 the Program was granted approval by the University to offer an entry-level Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree and in 2003 a new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree replaced the MPT. Effective July 1, 2012, the Board of Regents granted Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program department status within the Carver College of Medicine.

There have been 2,375 physical therapy graduates.

PhD Program History

The PhD program was implemented in 1972. At this time the degree was a "Therapeutics" track through the Exercise Science program. In April 1998 the PhD was awarded by the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, and in July 2001 the degree was renamed to a PhD in Physical Rehabilitation Science. The program has awarded 87 PhD degrees. Nearly all of these individuals fill faculty and research roles in Universities throughout the United States.

Message from Richard Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Gary L. Soderberg Endowed Professor, Chair and DEO

Welcome to the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science (PTRS) within the Carver College of Medicine. We offer a highly ranked Doctoral of Physical Therapy degree (DPT) and a research intensive MA/PhD degree in Rehabilitation Science (since 1972). Our multi-level educational department stimulates a “melting pot” atmosphere where outstanding students pursue the professional degree (DPT) and experienced clinicians, engineers, health care providers, and bioscience students return to develop new knowledge in rehabilitation research (MA/PhD). The DPT, MA, and PhD programs promote learning through self-discovery and critical thinking. Graduates are characterized by their ability to solve clinical and scientific problems and become leaders within their profession.

We offer an exciting curriculum organized around a framework that recognizes that human tissues are plastic and have the capacity to adapt through appropriately prescribed activity. Our physical therapeutic treatments are powerful regulators of genes, cells, tissues, and organs which maximizes human performance and overall health. When physical activity is compromised because of pain, fatigue, injury, limited motion, weakness, or impaired central nervous system function, we offer various strategies to resolve these impairments in order to restore healing and healthy activity.

We encourage you to consider your education at the University of Iowa. We proudly offer two excellent educational programs at the doctoral level. Our experienced faculty will provide you with rigorous academic, clinical and research experiences in a state-of-the-art facility. We welcome your inquiry and look forward to helping you achieve your professional goals.

Richard K. Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Gary L. Soderberg Endowed Professor, Chair and DEO  

Director: 

Darren P. Casey, PhD

Contact Information

Location: 

1-155 Medical Education Building

Phone:  (319) 335-9808

Research Summary

The overall focus of the Human Integrative and Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory is to investigate how aging and cardiovascular related diseases affect endothelial and vascular function and to determine how these alterations impact blood flow, exercise tolerance, and overall health.  Additionally, we are interested in how alterations in oxygen availability (e.g., hypoxia and hypoperfusion) influence the regulation of blood flow to contracting skeletal muscle during exercise. 

Current Research Projects

Dietary Nitrates and Compensatory Vasodilation during Hypoxic Exercise - The compensatory vasodilator response to hypoxic exercise is reduced with aging.  A decreased nitric oxide (NO) signaling appears to play a role in the attenuated hypoxic vasodilation observed in older adults.  Recent evidence suggests that nitrite and nitrate metabolism occurs in the blood and various tissues to form NO and thus represents an alternative system for NO generation.  The aim of this project is to investigate the impact of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on the compensatory vasodilator response during hypoxic exercise in young and older adults.

Impact of Aging on Skeletal Muscle Blood Flow Kinetics during Exercise - The objective of this project is to examine the mechanical, endothelial,a nd neural alterations that occur in the skeletal muscle vasculature with aging and how these changes impact blood flow in exercising muscle.  Moreover, this project aims to determine if the alterations in the regulation of flow in contracting muscle of older adults are due to physiological age per se or a result of inactivity and/or disease.

Dietary Nitrates and Vascular Function in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease - The goal of this project is to examine the potential therapeutic benefits of dietary nitrates on vascular function and functional capacity in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).  The study uses a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study design to evaluate whether 8-weeks of dietary nitrate therapy improves vasodilator responsiveness, blood flow to contracting muscle, arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and functional capacity in patients with PAD.

Potential Subjects

We are always seeking volunteers to participate in our research.  We study a wide age range of healthy adults, as well as certain patient populations.  Financial compensation is provided.  If interested in volunteering or would like more information, please call (319) 335-9808 or email physiology-research@uiowa.edu. 

The Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory has had a number of individuals participating in research throughout the years.  Below is a listing of past laboratory members and where they are now.

Yun-Tao Ma, MD, PhD 
https://integrativedryneedling.com/about/our-team/dr-yun-tao-ma/

Marie Hoeger Bement, PT, PhD 
http://www.marquette.edu/physical-therapy/facstaff-bement.shtml

David Skyba, DC, PhD 
https://tun.touro.edu/programs/osteopathic-medicine/faculty--staff/faculty-members-/david-skyba.php

Rajan Radhakrishnan, RPh, PhD 
https://www.mbru.ac.ae/a-z-directory/rajan-radhakrishnan/

Josimari DeSantana, PT, PhD 
https://www.sigaa.ufs.br/sigaa/public/docente/portal.jsf?siape=1656787

Felipe da Silva, DVM, PhD 
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luis_Felipe_Silva2

Takeshi Yokoyama, DDS, PhD 
http://hyoka.ofc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/search/details/K003432/announceList_e.html

Karina Sato, PT, PhD 
https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Karina-L-Sato-2051349145

Masahiko Ikeuchi, MD, PhD
http://www.kochi-ms.ac.jp/kms_e/html/subjects/fm_ortop.html

Yumi Maeda, DDS, PhD 
https://www.forsythfacultyassociates.org/meet-our-team

Marcos DeResende, PT, PhD 
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marcos_De_Resende

Richard Liebano, PT, PhD 
http://www.ppgft.ufscar.br/en/equipe/richard-eloin-liebano/

Lucindo Quintans-Junior, PhD 
https://www.sigaa.ufs.br/sigaa/public/docente/portal.jsf?siape=1467719

Renan Brito, PT 
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Renan_Brito

Morgana DaSilva, PT, PhD 
http://www.unipampa.edu.br/portal/universidade

Luciana Sanada, PT, PhD
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luciana_Sanada

Franciane Bobinski, PT, PhD 
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Franciane_Bobinski

Audrey Leung, MD
https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/audrey-leung

Weiyi Gong, MD, PhD
https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Weiyi-Gong-2047773578

Maria Claudia Fusaro, PT, PhD 
https://bv.fapesp.br/en/pesquisador/65624/maria-claudia-goncalves-de-oliveira-fusaro/

Larissa Resende de Oliveira, PT 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissa-resende-8b9380b3

Ramy Abdelhamid, RPh, PhD
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ramy_Abdelhamid2

Nicholas Gregory, MD, PhD 
https://profiles.stanford.edu/nicholas-gregory

Carolina Carvalho, PT
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Carolina-Carvalho-18/research

Carol G.T. Vance, PT, PhD
https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pt/profile/carol-vance

Dana Dailey, PT, PhD
https://www.sau.edu/dana-dailey

Shinsuke Inoue, MD, PhD 
https://www.aichi-med-u.ac.jp.e.gy.hp.transer.com/su03/su03_2019/su03_2019_01/1208144_5054.html

Nicholas Cooper, PT, PhD
https://www.sau.edu/nicholas-cooper

Lucas Lima, PT, PhD
https://www.mcgill.ca/psychology/people-0/postdoctoral-researchers

Ericka Merriwether, PT, PhD
https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/people/ericka-n-merriwether

Joseph Lesnak, PT, PhD

 

Director

Kathleen A. Sluka, PT, PhD, FAPTA

 

Research Associate

Lynn Rasmussen, BA

Lynn received her BA in Psychology from the University of Iowa. Lynn is our laboratory manager and has been with the team since 2006. She takes care of all operations and is actively involved in mentoring trainees and collecting data. She is currently working on the exercise-induced pain and analgesia studies, A2CPS and the Metabolic Biomarkers in Fibromyalgia study.

  

 

Research Assistant

Sandy Mostaert, BA

Sandy works for the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science as a Clinical Trials Research Assistant and Data Management. Sandy was assigned in 2019 under the direction of Dr. Sluka to assist in clinical trials for pain management. She is currently working on the Fibromyalgia Transcutaneous Electrica Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Physical Therapy study (FM-TIPS), A2CPS, and Metabolic Biomarkers in Fibromyalgia study.

 

Collaborating Professors

Ruth L. Chimenti, PT, PhD

Dr. Chimenti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science whose research focuses on Achilles Tendinopathy. She did a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Sluka and continues to collaborate on ongoing projects. She is working with the FM-TIPS study team. Visit her website for more information on her research in her laboratory.

 

Dana Dailey, PT, PhD

Dr. Dailey has worked with the laboratory since 2006. She received her PhD in 2013 under the direction of Dr. Sluka and has been working with the team on clinical trials. She is currently an Assistant Professor at St. Ambrose University and works on the A2CPS and FM-TIPS projects.

 

Laura A. Frey Law, PT, PhD

Dr. Frey Law is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science whose research focuses on both pain and fatigue. She an Dr. Sluka have been collaborating for years and hold two grants together as MPI to examine biomarkers (A2CPS and metabolomics). Visit her website for more information on research in her laboratory. 

 

Carol G.T. Vance, PT, PhD

Dr. Vance has been working in the laboratory since 1996 on both animal and human studies. She received her PhD in Rehabilitation Science under the direction of Dr. Sluka and is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science here at the University of Iowa. She is currently working on the A2CPS and FM-TIPS projects. 

 

Visiting Scholar

Kazuhiro Hayashi, PT, PhD

Dr. Hayashi received his PT degree from Magoya University and practiced in Japan for several years before he received his PhD in Medical Science from Aichi Medical University under the direction of Takahiro Ushida. He joined the laboratory in July 2020 and is working on the role of purinergic receptors in exercise-induced pain. 

 

Postdoctoral Scholar

Giovanni Berardi, DPT, PhD

Dr. Berardi received his PT degree from Rosalind Franklin University and practiced in Chicago for several years before returning to Marquette University to receive his PhD in Clinical & Translational Rehabilitation Health Science under the direction of Marie Hoeger Bement, PT, PhD. Giovanni joined the laboratory in November of 2020 and is working on the A2CPS and Metabolic Biomarkers for Fibromyalgia projects. 

 

PhD Students

Adam Janowski, DPT

Dr. Janowski received his PT degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago and worked for several years in Chicago before starting his PhD at the University of Iowa in August of 2020. He is working on the role of metabolites in mediated fatigue and pain. 

 

Ashley Plumb (Neuroscience PhD Student)

Ashley Plumb received her bachelor degree in Psychology from St. Ambrose University before joining the Neuroscience PhD program in August 2019. She joined the laboratory in May 2020 and is investigating the role of the descending pain circuitry in the sex differences underlying activity-induced pain. 

 

Angela Smith (Neuroscience PhD Student)

Angela received her bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science from the University of Arizona before joining the Neuroscience PhD program in August 2021. She joined the laboratory in May 2022 and is investigating the role of spinal dopamine in pain chronification.

Research Assistants

• Jonah Pedelty
• Kari Vance

Research Intern

• Greg Bernhard

DPT Research Group

• Brianne Babcock
• Emma Braunbeck
• Kody Brinker
• Emma Brooks
• Jared DeFriend
• Kailey Heemskerk

 

 

Director

Kathleen A. Sluka, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Location

3148 Medical Laboratories
Phone: (319) 384-4442

Research Interests

Dr. Sluka's translational research laboratory focuses on a translational research musculoskeletal pain mechanisms and non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain. These studies involve the use of animal models of muscle pain developed and characterized in Dr. Sluka's laboratory, as well as projects in human subjects. Current research projects involve 1) animal models investigating mechanisms involved in the transition to chronic pain, mechanisms of activity-induced pain, mechanisms of activity-induced analgesia, sex-differences in chronic pain; 2) biomarkers discovery research in several human pain conditions including post-surgical pain, fibromyalgia, ME/chronic fatigue, long-COVID; and 3) implementation of non-pharmacological therapies into clinical practice. Our overall goals are to improve the management of pain for people with a variety of musculoskeletal pain conditions by discovering the underlying mechanisms that lead to the development of chronic pain, discovering new therapies for pain management, and improving the use of currently available treatment for pain.  

Cells of Life

Dr. Sluka has displayed her artwork "Cells of Life" through Project Art at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) and in the sky gallery of the Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building and the Medical Education and Research Facility. You can view her artwork at kathleenslukaart.com.  

Pain Research Forum - Webinar by Dr. Sluka

Dr. Sluka presented a webinar for the Pain Research Forum on November 18, 2016 entitled "Exercise-induced pain and analgesia: role of the innate immune system".  She discusses her latest data showing differences in the immune system between sedentary and physically active animals.  Click to view the video of the presentation and the discussion that followed.  The Pain Research Forum is an interactive web community dedicated to finding treatments for untreatable pain conditions and provides a resource for researchers interested in studying pain.  

Current Projects

Neurobiology of muscle pain.

Goal:  Examine the underlying mechanisms for how exercise can exacerbate pain

These studies involve examining the mechanisms that contribute to exercise induced pain. In people with chronic pain, acute physical activity and exercise can exacerbate their pain. Our laboratory has developed models of chronic muscle pain that involve repeated muscle insults or combining fatiguing stimuli with low-dose muscle insult to produce long-lasting widespread muscle pain. We are currently examining 1) the sex differences in the development of widespread pain, 2) the role of the immune system in the development of exercise-induced pain, and 3) sites, neurotransmitters, and receptors in the brainstem.

Funded by NIH AR073187

Recent References:

• Lesnak JB, Inoue S, Lima L, Rasmussen L, Sluka KA.  Testosterone protects against the development of widespread muscle pain in mice. Pain. 2020;161(12):2898-2908.
• Sluka KA, Frey-Law L, Hoeger Bement M. Exercise-induced pain and analgesia? Underlying mechanisms and clinical translation. Pain. 2018 Sep;159 Suppl 1:S91-S97.
• Merriwether EN, Agalave NM, Daily DL, Rakel, BA, Kolker SJ, Lenert ME, Spagnola WH, Lu Y, Geasland KM, Allen LH, Burton MD, Sluka KA.  IL-5 mediates monocyte phenotype and pain outcomes in fibromyalgia. Pain. 2020;162(5):1468-1482.
• Chimenti RL, Hall MM, Dilger CP, Merriwether EN, Wilken JM, Sluka KA.  Local anaesthetic injection resolves movement pain, motor dysfunction, and pain catastrophizing in individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy: a nonrandomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2020;50(6):334-343.
• Oliveira-Fusaro MC, Gregory NS, Kolker SJ, Rasmussen L, Allen LH, Sluka KA. P2X4 receptors on muscle macrophages are required for development of hyperalgesia in an animal model of activity-induced muscle pain. Mol Neurobiol. 2020;57(4):1917-1929.

 

Exercise-induced analgesia.

Goal:  Examine the underlying mechanisms for how exercise can prevent and reduce pain

Regular physical activity and exercise is an effective treatment for existing chronic pain and can prevent the development of chronic pain.  Our laboratory is examining the underlying mechanisms for how regular physical activity and resistance exercise can prevent the development of pain and reduce existing chronic pain using animal models.  We exercise animals with running wheels to simulate regular physical activity, on a treadmill to simulate a regular exercise program, or with resistance training program and compare these to sedentary animals.  We are currently examining: 1) the central mechanisms underlying this analgesia: sites, neurotransmitters, and receptors in the brainstem, 2) immune mechanisms underlying this analgesia, and 3) role of sex hormones in the analgesia. 

Funded by NIH AR073187

Recent References:  

• Lesnak JB, Sluka KA.  Mechanism of exercise-induced analgesia: what we can learn from physically active animals. Pain Rep. 2020;5(5):3850.
• Sluka KA, Danielson J, Rasmussen L, Kolker SJ. Regular physical activity reduces the percentage of spinally projecting neurons that express mu-opiod receptors from the rostral ventromedial medulla in mice. Pain Rep. 2020;2;5(6):3857.
• Bobinski F, Teixeira JM, Sluka KA, Santos ARS. Interleukin-4 mediates the analgesia produced by low-intensity exercise in mice with neuropathic pain. Pain. 2018;159(3):437-450.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Goal:  Test the effectiveness of TENS for pain during activity in people with fibromyalgia 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological treatment for chronic pain commonly used by physical therapists.  Our laboratory has discovered the underlying mechanisms for how TENS works using animal models and translating these findings into human subjects.  We have discovered that TENS reduces central excitability and increases central inhibition in an opioid-dependent manner.  We have subsequently shown that TENS is more effective for evoked pain such as hyperalgesia and pain during activity, when compared to resting pain.  We recently completed a two-site clinical trial testing the effects of home usage of TENS during physical activity in people with fibromyalgia on a variety of outcomes measures including pain during movement, fatigue, psychosocial variables, function, and quality of life.  We are now performing a progmatic clinical trial determining if application of TENS to standard physical therapy care enhances reduction in movement-evoked pain and promotes adherence to physical therapy exercises.  Visit www.fmtips.org for more details on the study.  

Funded by NIH UH3/UG3 AR076387  

Recent References:

• Vance CG, Zimmerman MB, Dailey DL, Rakel BA, Geasland KM, Chimenti RL, Williams JM, Golchha NM, Crofford LJ, Sluka KA. Reduction in movement-evoked pain and fatigue during initial 30-minute TENS treatment predicts TENS responders in women with fibromyalgia. Pain. 2020;62(6):1545-1555.
• Dailey DL, Vance GCT, Rakel BA, Zimmerman MB, Embree J, Merriwether EN, Geasland KM, Chimenti R, Williams JM, Golchha M, Crofford LJ, Sluka KA. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces movement-evoked pain and fatigue: a randomized, controlled trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020;72(5):824-836.
• Govil M, Mukhopadhyay N, Holwerda T, Sluka K, Rakel B, Schutte DL. Effects of genotype on TENS effectiveness in controlling knee pain in persons with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Eur J Pain. 2020;24(2):398-412.
• Gewandter JS, Chaudari J, Ibegbu C, Kitt R, Serventi J, Burke J, Culakova E, Kolb N, Sluka KA, Tejani MA, Mohile NA. Wireless transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: an open-label feasibility study. Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(5):1765-1774.

Biomarkers of acute and chronic pain.

Biomarkers have become increasingly important in improving diagnosis and prevention of disease, developing novel strategies for treatment of disease, and examining outcomes of effective treatments. 20-50% of individuals with acute pain after surgery will develop chronic pain 6 months later. The Acute to Chronic Pain Signatures Program is a large consortium that aims to determine biomarkers that predict which individuals are likely to transition from an acute postsurgical pain event to chronic pain, and which individuals are likely to be resilient to developing chronic pain. The study is longitudinal of resilence and susceptibility to chronic pain after surgery in 3,600 patients, incorporating a comprehensive set of psychosocial, neuroimaging, genomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics biomarkers prognostic of the transition to chronic pain. We will combine a biomarker validation approach testing extant leading candidates with a discovery science approach aimed at identifying new mechanistic causes of pain and therapeutic targets. Our group serves as the Clinical Coordinating Center for the landmark study. Visit www.a2cps.org for more details on the A2CPS study.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is diagnosed based on symptomology. It is difficult to diagnose an often goes undiagnosed for years delaying effective treatment. Our group recently discovered potential biomarkers in the citric acid cycle in individuals with fibromyalgia that are uniquely different from healthy controls. We are collaborating with the University of Michigan to validate the specificity and sensitivity of these metabolic biomarkers in a large cohort of individuals with chronic pain. We have recently translated these findings and started testing the role of these biomarkers in animal models of pain.

Funded by NIH U24 NS112873 and AR077418