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Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin - Madison
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Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD

Photograph of Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD

Assistant Professor, Division of Physical Therapy

4120 Medical Sciences Center
1300 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706

Office: (608) 263-5428

Fax: (608) 262-7809

Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory Web Site

Send an email to Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD heider@orthorehab.wisc.edu

Why I am a Physical Therapist, and Why I Teach Physical Therapy

I never really knew I wanted to be a physical therapist until after I became one. Seeing the impact of physical therapy on patients and their families was demonstration of the unique talents and skills that physical therapists possess. Most pronounced is the ability to reduce a challenging presentation of signs and symptoms to its cause…never forgetting that this diagnosis is a person.

Having the opportunity to contribute to the professional education and growth of future physical therapists is a true privilege. I enjoy being able to challenge the students’ thought-processes and problem-solving abilities in the classroom and laboratory. Their questions and insights have certainly benefited me.

Education

  • BS, Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
  • MS, Biomechanics, University of Massachusetts
  • PhD, Biomechanics, University of Massachusetts

Courses Taught

  • PT 627: Neuromusculoskeletal Bases of Movement
  • PT 641: Current Issues in Rehabilitation Research

Clinical Interests

In conjunction with UW Sports Medicine, I developed and direct the Runner’s Clinic, which provides specialized care to the running community. While thoroughly enjoying working with this patient group, it offers a limitless supply of questions for current and future research.

Professional Activities

  • Member, American Physical Therapy Association (APTA); also member of the Sports and Research Sections of the APTA
  • Nominating Committee member and State Representative Network Chair, Sports Physical Therapy Section, APTA
  • Member, American Society of Biomechanics
  • Editorial Review Board member, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
  • Manuscript Reviewer: Journal of Biomechanics, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise and Physical Therapy

Honors and Awards

  • 2003: Research with Distinction, Division of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA
  • 1996: New Horizon Award, Sports Section of American Physical Therapy Association
  • 1994: Mary McMillan Scholarship, American Physical Therapy Association
  • 1994: Chris Crivello Scholarship, Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association
  • 1994: La Crosse Community Foundation Scholarship, La Crosse, WI
  • 1994: Strength and conditioning specialist certification (CSCS), National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • 1993: Strzelczyk Scholarship in Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI

Research Interests

My research addresses various aspects of human movement, with an emphasis primarily on the underlying mechanics and their relation to injury. My current projects include:

  • Defining the biomechanical factors that contribute to reduced gait performance in older adults. We will focus on translating our findings into clinical measures that can identify older individuals at greater risk of falling, and developing specific interventions for improving gait performance.
  • Understanding the abnormal lower extremity mechanics contributing to the development of patellofemoral pain. This information will provide the scientific basis with which to reassess current treatment strategies.
  • Defining the mechanics and function of the hamstring muscles during sprinting. These data will provide insight into the biomechanical mechanism of hamstring strain injury, thus allowing for the improvement of current treatments.

Links related to my research:

Publications of Note

Journal Articles:

Syed F, Oza A, Vanderby R, Heiderscheit BC, Anderson PA. A method to measure cervical spine motion over extended periods of time. Spine 32:2092-2098, 2007.

Whittington B, Silder A, Heiderscheit BC, Thelen DG. The contribution of passive elastic mechanisms to lower extremity joint powers during walking. Gait Posture 2007 Oct 8; [Epub ahead of print]

Thelen DG, Chumanov ES, Sherry MA, Heiderscheit BC. Neuromusculoskeletal models provide insights into the mechanisms and rehabilitation of hamstring strains. Ex Sport Sci Rev 34:135-141, 2006.

Thelen DG, Chumanov ES, Best TM, Swanson SC , Heiderscheit BC . Simulation of biceps femoris musculotendon mechanics during swing phase of sprinting. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37:1931-1938, 2005.

Thelen DG, Chumanov ES, Hoerth DM, Best TM, Swanson SC, Heiderscheit BC. Hamstring muscle kinematics during sprinting. Med Sci Sports Exerc 37: 108-114, 2005.

Heiderscheit BC, Hoerth DM, Chumanov ES, Swanson S, Thelen BJ, Thelen DG. Identifying the time of occurrence of a hamstring strain injury during treadmill running: A Case Study. Clin Biomech 20: 1072-1078, 2005.

Pollard C, Heiderscheit BC, van Emmerik REA, Hamill J. Gender differences in lower extremity joint coupling variability during an unanticipated cutting maneuver. J Appl Biomech 21: 143-152, 2005.

Sherry MA, Best TM, Heiderscheit BC. The Core: Where are we and where are we going? Clin J Sport Med 15: 1-2, 2005.

Weir JP, S Koerner , J Masek, D Vanderhoff and BC Heiderscheit. Plateau detection in cycle ergometry. J Exerc Physiol , 7:55-62, 2004.

Peters BT, JM Haddad , BC Heiderscheit, REA van Emmerik and J Hamill. Limitations in the use and interpretation of continuous relative phase. J Biomechanics , 36:271-274, 2003.

Heiderscheit BC , J Hamill, REA van Emmerik. Variability of stride characteristics and joint coordination among individuals with unilateral patellofemoral pain. J Appl Biomech , 18:110-121, 2002.

Heiderscheit BC , J Hamill, D Tiberio. A biomechanical perspective: Do foot orthoses work? Br J Sports Med , 35:4-5, 2001. Reprinted, West J Med , 176:1-2, 2002.

Heiderscheit BC . Movement variability as a clinical measure for locomotion. J Appl Biomech, 16:419-427, 2000.

Heiderscheit BC , J Hamill, GE Caldwell. Influence of Q-angle on lower extremity kinematics during running. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther , 30:271-278, 2000.

Heiderscheit BC , J Hamill, REA van Emmerik. Q-angle influences on the variability of lower extremity coordination during running. Med Sci Sports Exerc , 31:1313-1319, 1999.

Hamill J, REA van Emmerik , BC Heiderscheit, L Li. A dynamical systems approach to lower extremity running injuries. Clin Biomech , 14:297-308, 1999.

Book Chapters :

Davies GJ, Wilk K, Ellenbecker T, Tyler T, Reinhold M, Heiderscheit BC , Clark MJ, Manske R, Matheson JW, Kraushaar DJR, Mullaley M. The Shoulder: Physical Therapy Patient Management Utilizing Current Evidence (monograph). Orthopedic Section, American Physical Therapy Association, Independent Study Course 16.2. (in press)

Heiderscheit BC, Manske R, Giangarra C, Turman K. Complications with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In Manske R (ed), Rehabilitation for the Post Surgical Sports Patient: Knee and Shoulder. Elsevier: Philadelphia , PA , 2006.

Heiderscheit BC and Sherry MA. What effect does core strength and stability have on injury prevention and recovery? In MacAuley D and Best T (eds), Evidence-based Sports Medicine (2 nd Ed). BMJ Books: London. Anticipated release date: Sept 2006.

Hamill J, JM Haddad , BC Heiderscheit, REA van Emmerik, L Li. Clinical relevance of coordination variability. In Davids K, Bennett SJ, Newell KM (ed), Variability in the Movement System: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective . Human Kinetics: Champaign , Ill , 2004.

Heiderscheit BC . Optimizing treatment of joint contracture following knee ligament reconstruction. In Ellenbecker T (ed), Knee Ligament Rehabilitation . Churchill-Livingstone, 2000.

Davies GJ , BC Heiderscheit, MJ Clark. Scientific and clinical rationale for the use of open and closed chain rehabilitation. In Ellenbecker T (ed), Knee Ligament Rehabilitation . Churchill-Livingstone, 2000.

Davies GJ , BC Heiderscheit, K Brinks. Test interpretation. In Brown L (ed), Isokinetic Performance Enhancement. Human Kinetics , 2000.

Davies GJ , BC Heiderscheit, J Konin. Open and closed kinetic chain exercise - functional applications in orthopaedics. In Wadsworth C (ed), Strength and Conditioning Applications in Orthopaedics . Home Study Course 98-A, La Crosse , WI : Orthopaedic Section, APTA, Inc., 1998.

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Grant Funding

  •  Hamstring Muscle Mechanics and Function during Sprinting (Thelen, PI)
    • The major goal of this project is to characterize the effect of speed on hamstring musculotendon mechanics during overground and treadmill sprinting.
    • Source: Aircast Foundation

  • Effects of a Previous Strain Injury on Hamstring Muscle Mechanics during Sprinting: Implications for Preventing Re-Injury (PI)
    • The major goal of this project is to use biomechanical modeling and testing to determine the residual effects of a prior muscle injury on passive and active hamstring mechanics.
    • Source: National Football League Charities Medical Research Grant

  • Biomechanical Causes of Slow Gait in the Elderly (Thelen, PI)
    • This study will characterize the influence that passive and active muscle mechanics have in determining the walking speed of older adults.
    • National Institute on Aging - R21 (1 R21 AG024276-01A1)

  • Internet Delivery of Animated Rehabilitation Exercises (IDARE)
    • The primary goal of this project is to develop a web-based animated exercise library of rehabilitation exercises that can be accessed over the Internet by patients under the care of physical therapists.
    • Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - SBIR (1 R43 HD051064-01)

  • Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Training Grant (Clinical Research Scholar)
    • The purpose of this training grant is to develop future leaders in clinical research from multiple disciplines. Specifically, o ur multidisciplinary research team will work to develop effective interventions to prevent the development of frailty by first characterizing the neuromuscular causes of slow walking among healthy elderly, and then utilizing these approaches to understand the gait of impaired elderly.
    • Source: NIH Roadmap - Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Program Award ( 8K12RR023268-02 - Carnes, PI)

 

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Physical Therapy - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 01/01/04 Last updated: 08/27/08 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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