Education:
B.S., Physical Therapy, University at Buffalo,
1984
M.S., Physical Therapy, Old Dominion University, 1998
Ph.D., Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, 2002
Profile:
Dr. Wrisley is a member of the faculty in physical therapy
program. She has extensive experience treating adults with
neurological deficits and has specialized in working with
people with traumatic brain injuries, vestibular, and balance
disorders. Following completion of her doctorate under the
mentorship of Drs. Joseph Furman and Susan Whitney at the
University of Pittsburgh, she completed a 2 year fellowship
in human postural control under Dr. Fay Horak at Oregon Health
and Sciences University and will perform research in the new
Balance laboratory of the Biomechanics lab in the SPHHP.
Research Interests:
The ability to maintain upright stance is dependent on the
accurate determination of where the head and trunk are in
space and the generation of the appropriate postural response.
Many senses are integrated to provide the representation of
the body in space. The visual system, vestibular system, and
somatosensory system are thought to provide the majority of
this information. Improved knowledge of how the brain uses
these senses in health and pathology will improve physical
therapists ability to evaluate for balance deficits and provide
effective treatment interventions. Dr. Wrisley's research
studies how the brain uses sensory information, specifically
the cervical afferents, to determine spatial orientation and
appropriate postural responses. Kinematic experimental methods
are used to quantify subjects' response to various sensory
stimuli. To bridge the gap between basic science and clinical
science, she studies subjects with isolated sensory deficits
or with simulated lesions to understand the physiology underlying
gait and posture and applies this to patient populations.
As an experienced clinician, she is interested in the effective
evaluation and treatment techniques for persons with vestibular
and balance dysfunction. This research involves both quantitative
and qualitative research methodology and the use of clinical
trials to determine the best way to quantify and treat impairments
underlying balance dysfunction.
Selected Publications:
- Wrisley DM , Whitney SL, Furman JM.
Measurement of Health Status in Patients with Dizziness
with a History of Migraine. Journal of Neurologic Physical
Therapy 28(2):84-90, 2004.
- Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Brown KE, Furman
JM. Is Perception of Handicap Related to Functional Performance
in Persons with Vestibular Dysfunction. Otology &
Neurotology 25:139-143, 2004.
- Wrisley DM , Whitney SL. Effect Of Foot
Placement On Clinical Test Of Sensory Interaction And Balance
Outcome In People With Vestibular Disorders. Archives
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 85:335-338,
2004.
- Wrisley DM , Walker ML, Echternach JL,
Strasnick B. Reliability of the Dynamic Gait Index in persons
with vestibular disorders. Arch Phys Med Rehab
84:1528-1533, 2003.
- Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Marchetti GF,
Furman JM. The effect of age on Vestibular Rehabilitation
Outcomes. Laryngoscope 112(10):1785-1790, 2002.
- Wrisley DM , Whitney SL, Furman JM.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with a History
of Migraine. Otology Neurotology 23(4):483-487,
2002.
- Brown KE, Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Furman
JM. Physical Therapy outcomes for Patients with Bilateral
Vestibular Disease. Laryngoscope. 111:1812-1817,
2001.
- Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Brown KE, Furman
JM. Physical Therapy for Migraine-Related Vestibulopathy.
Laryngoscope. 110(9):1528-1534, 2001.
- Cowand JL, Wrisley DM, Walker ML, Strasnick
B, Jacobson JT. Efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation. Otolaryngol
Head Neck Surg. 118:49-54, 1998.
Professional Affiliations:
American Physical Therapy Association, Society for Neuroscience,
Association for Research in Otolaryngology, International
Society for Posture and Gait Research
Faculty Links:
|
