More than 50 students and several teachers from ABSS CTEC Burlington joined Elon’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Exercise Science and Performing Arts to celebrate National Biomechanics Day, an annual global event held since 2016. All of the CTEC students were on the health science track, making the experience an opportunity to connect their academic interests with potential future pathways.

Students rotated through six stations focused on different aspects of biomechanics, each designed to highlight both fundamental concepts and practical applications.

At the static balance station, participants completed variations of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), testing their ability to maintain stability in double-leg, single-leg and tandem stances on both firm and foam surfaces. The neuromotor station focused on coordination and motor learning through activities like mirror tracing, maze completion and target-based drawing tasks. At the strength station, students measured grip strength using handheld dynamometers and observed muscle activation through electromyography (EMG).

Movement was further explored at the tandem gait station, where students walked heel-to-toe along a straight line. As they progressed from forward to backwards walking and added cognitive challenges like counting or spelling backwards, the tasks became increasingly difficult. At the jump station, participants measured their vertical and horizontal jumping ability, learning how lower-body power is assessed in sports and exercise settings. The final station challenged students to think like engineers. Using simple materials, groups built functional models of an elbow joint, aiming to replicate natural movement. The activity highlighted the relationship between biomechanics and design, with connections to prosthetics and rehabilitation technology.

Faculty from exercise science, performing arts and physical therapy, along with student volunteers, led the stations and guided discussions throughout the day. Their involvement created a collaborative environment where participants could ask questions, test ideas and explore new interests.

By the end of the event, students were left with a deeper understanding of how biomechanics applies to everyday movement, health, and performance; as well as a clearer picture of how those interests could shape their future.

2026 Combined Session Meeting Presentations from Elon
(Presenting author names bolded)

Platform Presentations:
Bridging the Classroom and the Clinic: Leveraging Emerging Clinicians’ Training to Address Patients’ Social Needs
Gary Johnson

The Perceptions and Experiences of Underrepresented Minority Faculty in Physical Therapy Education Programs
Gary Johnson

Performance Consistency in Functional Testing Predicts ACL-RSI Score after ACL Reconstruction in Collegiate Athletes John Magill et al.
John Magill

Poster Presentations:
Isolating Hamstring Strength: The Effect of Pelvic Stabilization on Eccentric Nordic Performance
Zach Ormond, Michael Reiman, Gary Johnson, John Magill

Does Thigh Girth Predict Knee Extension Isometric and Isokinetic Peak Torque?
Austin Reames, Sadie Thompson, Ethan Rafal, Nolan Barnes, Zachary Ormond, Mary Hannah, John Magill

Persistent Autonomic Dysfunction Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in an Older Adult: A Case Report
Sixela Caballero, Margaret MacIsaac, Crystal Ramsey

Improvement in Gait Speed Following High Intensity Gait Training Following Pediatric AVM Removal
Samantha Pawlovich, Addison Swofford, Crystal Ramsey

High Intensity Interval Ambulation Improved Two Minute Walk Test in an Individual with Chronic Stroke
Samantha Kosmacki, Matthew Urrutia, Crystal Ramsey

Assessing Autonomic Dysfunction in Older Adults Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Theory Report
Jeremy Baldes, Anna Carroll, Crystal Ramsey

High Intensity Bodyweight Support Treadmill Training Improved Overground Gait Speed for Primary Progressive MS
Sara Moore, Samantha Kosmacki, Virginia Shafer, Crystal Ramsey

The Optimal Theory Improved Balance and Gait in a Client with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Alexis Nowell, Alannah Thomas, Crystal Ramsey

High Intensity Treadmill Training Improved Fatigue in a Person with Mild Parkinson’s Disease
Addison Swofford, Chaney Patton, Alannah Thomas, Crystal Ramsey

Impact of High Intensity Gait Training on Balance and Endurance in Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Alannah Thomas, Alexis Nowell, Crystal Ramsey

Gait and Balance Changes Following High Intensity Interval Treadmill Training in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Alannah Thomas, Danielle Essex, Crystal Ramsey

Fatigue, Fatiguability, and Gait Changes Following Large Amplitude Plus Treadmill Training in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Danielle Essex, Alannah Thomas, Crystal Ramsey

Bridging Gaps in Neurorehab: Addressing Health Disparities in Hispanic Patients
Emi Chirigliano, Veronica Romero-Perozo, Chaney Patton, Crystal Ramsey

Hip Strength Plays a Dominant Role in Execution of Forceful Movements during Bharatanatyam Dance
Kaitlin Kerr-Osman, Kaleigh Jenkins, Ginny Shafer, Danielle Essex, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula

At ACSM, the DPT program had ​seven presentations, with all seven being student-led poster presentations. Seven DPT students and two faculty members represented the program.

At IADMS, the DPT program had two presentations, with one of them being a student-led presentation.

In addition, ​Molly Boda won the ACSM Biomechanics Interest Group Student Research Award for her presentation on the “Effects of Age and Dual-tasking on Endurance Performance While Walking.”

List of presentations at ACSM: 

“Effects of Age and Dual-tasking on Endurance Performance While Walking”: Molly Boda, Keira Oyen, Sydnie Fearrin, Josie Freeman, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Addison Andrews

“Improving Predictive Isometric Peak Torque Values in Division I Football Players:” Emi Chirigliano, Raya Coley, Issac Murdock, Wesley Roberson, Thomas Van Dorp, Zac Ormond, Mary Kay Hannah, Jack Magill

“Self-reported Questionnaires As Predictors Of Fasting Blood Glucose And Adiposity In Adolescents:” Christina Westbrooks, Sarah Burr, Cassidy Coleman, John Magill, Svetlana Nepocatych

“Does Thigh Girth Predict Knee Extension Isometric And Isokinetic Peak Torque?”Jack Magill, Austin Reames, Sadie Thompson, Ethan Rafal, Nolan Barnes, Zac Ormond, Mary Kay Hannah

“Utility Of Backwards Tandem Gait For Post-concussion Assessment:” Srikant Vallabhajosula, Lindsay Watkins, Conner Brown, Corinne Ferry, Charlene Tierney, Ashlyn Loring, Amy Smelko

“Impact Of Caffeine Supplementation On Aerobic Performance And Muscle Strength:” Stephen Bailey, Emilize Momplaisir, Stella Cooper, Clark Oliver, Maddie Whitaker, G Keith Harris

“Impact Of Caffeine Supplementation On Anaerobic Exercise Performance:” MacKenzie Dudley, Aaron Zettel, Caleigh Walklet, Emilize Momplaisir, G Keith Harris, Stephen Bailey

List of presentations at IADMS: 

“Comparing peak hip joint angles during dance with active range of motion in Bharatanatyam dancers:” Kaitlin Kerr-Osman, Srikant Vallabhajosula

“Using wearable sensors to quantify Bharatanatyam dance:” Srikant Vallabhajosula, Kaleigh Jenkins

“I’m so proud of our students,” said Maha Lund, dean of 51±¬ÁĎÍř’s School of Health Sciences. “Their research topics and the depth of the work are impressive. What it shows me is that they have learned how to access original research and resources that will help them take care of their patients.”

Twenty 3rd year DPT students presented 12 posters on topics related to their personal and professional growth while learning and exploring culturally unique healthcare settings across the world. As part of the DPTE Global Learning Opportunities program, students took DPT courses in locations across the US and around the world, including Peru, Italy, Australia, Belize and various US locations.

“We are celebrating students’ development of intercultural skills necessary to effectively work across differences, with the ultimate goal of delivering equitable, culturally responsive, and individualized healthcare,” said Paula DiBiasio, associate professor and director of the Global Learning Opportunities Program in the Department of Physical Therapy Education.

ABSN students showcased their research via eight evidence-based poster presentations on important topics, including management of pediatric migraines, family involvement in diabetic foot care, technology innovations to improve medication safety and many others. The students completed this research work as part of their “Evidence-based Nursing Practice” course.

“As these students prepare to begin professional nursing practice, it is essential that they are able to use the current research literature to provide evidence-based support for their practice,” said Associate Professor of Nursing Elizabeth Van Horn. “The students have done an excellent job of exploring and analyzing the research literature to make sound recommendations for nursing practice to improve patient care. We are all very proud of their accomplishments.”

Thirty-eight 2nd year PA students each presented their research findings at the Forum. The students presented on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to research regarding drug trials, surgical options, and new treatments for emerging medical concerns.

“These students are ready to move into their professional role as PAs and will bring this knowledge of the latest research with them in order to practice evidence-based patient care,” said Antoinette Polito, associate professor in the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

Forty-six 1st year DPT students presented their research via 17 posters from their “Research Design III” course. The research project topics ranged from pediatric-, cardiovascular-, neurologic- and sports-physical therapy.

“These presentations are a culmination of more than 6 months of quantitative, hands-on research experience,” said Srikant Vallabhajosula, professor and research coordinator for the Department of Physical Therapy, who also teaches the course. “Each group has gone through a different journey but culminated in this wonderful conference-like experience! I am proud of their hard work and thankful to the faculty members who mentored these groups in their research endeavors. I am hoping many of these will go to national conferences to give these students a richer exposure to research and evidence-informed practice.”

Abstracts on diverse topics ranging from sports, pelvic health, pediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, education, and cardiovascular & pulmonary sections were accepted for presentation. In total, there were eight poster presentations and four podium/platform presentations. Nine of the 12 presentations were done by current third year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Several Elon DPT graduates also attended and presented at the conference.

Raya Coley, a third year DPT student won the prestigious Catherine Worthingham Student Scholarship

2025 Combined Session Meeting Presentations from Elon (Presenting author names bolded)

Platform presentations

“Preadmission and Curricular Predictors of First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Success”
John (Jack) Magill

“Educational Technology Acceptance and Use By Physical Therapy Faculty”
Melissa Scales

“How Does Dual-Tasking Affect Distance Walked and Gait during an Endurance Task in Older Adults?”
Josephine Freeman, Bill Andrews, Srikant Vallabhajosula

“Obstacle Clearance Behavior in Immersive Reality Environments Among Older Adults”
William Huie, Sara Moore, Jake Rosengarten, Alys Giordano, Pratheep Kumar Paranthaman, Srikant Vallabhajosula

Poster presentations

“Utilizing Neural Network to Predict Prevalence of MetS in High School Seniors”
Caroline Guill, John Magill, Svetlana Nepocatych

“The Influence of Anxiety and Stress on the Academic Performance of First-Year DPT Students”
Alys Giordano

“Concurrent Traumatic Brain Injury and Above Knee Amputation: A Multi-Modal Intervention Strategy”
Ashlyn Loring, Addison Andrews

“Modification of the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test for an Adult over 50: A Case Study”
Katelyn Carpenter, Hannah Wright, Michaela Fitzgerald, Crystal Ramsey

“Predicting Maximum Eccentric Ground Reaction Force in Healthy Pediatric and Adolescent Athletes”
Katherine Messikomer, Alexis Nowell, Samantha Kosmacki, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula

“Changes in Kinetics of Runners from the 3rd Trimester to 3 Months Postpartum”
Milani Denise Saldon, Andrew Miller, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Svetlana Nepocatych, Angela Spontelli Gisselman, Shefali Christopher

“Musculoskeletal Characteristics Among Practitioners of the Bharatanatyam Dance”
Danielle Essex, Kaleigh Jenkins, Virginia Shafer, Kelly O’Daniel, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula:

“Establishing Predictive Physical Performance Measures for Golf Swing Velocity”
Gabrielle Flocco, John Magill

The activities were designed as part of the National Biomechanics Day celebration that aspires to introduce the science of biomechanics to K-12 students. The Performing Arts, Exercise Science and Physical Therapy Education departments at Elon have worked together and participated in National Biomechanics Day activities since its inception in 2016.

Raya Coley, second-year Elon DPT student talked about the importance of balance and how the human body responds when its balance is challenged. The Haw River students had fun while learning about concepts of static balance that involved standing on a single leg on a foam surface with eyes closed and dynamic balance while doing a tandem walk on a narrow beam.

Lindsay Watkins, a first-year DPT student and Victoria Toal ’25, an undergraduate student majoring in psychology talked about the importance of proper body mechanics while jumping and landing with both feet and on one foot. The third-grade students had fun with some jumping competition measured using the Just Jump mat to see who could jump higher.

Stephanie Leathers, a first-year DPT student, talked about the role of physical therapists, the importance of bones and the proper way to carry backpacks. This session was adapted from the Bones and Backpack session founded by Professor of Physical Therapy Education Janet Cope. Leathers also talked about proper sitting posture.

Ian Rooney, a first-year DPT student, engaged the students in how to do push-ups and knee push-ups and the differences in swinging while properly using hands, legs and trunks.

Associate Professor in Exercise Science Matt Wittstein introduced the field of biomechanics and showcased a video on the Biomechanics Lab at Elon along with applications of biomechanics in health sciences and sports fields.

Professor in Physical Therapy Education Srikant Vallabhajosula coordinated the event with the third-grade teachers at the Alamance Community School in Haw River. This was the second time Elon personnel were invited to the elementary school to talk about human body and movement. The hands-on activities laid the foundation for the first-trimester project for the children.

Professor of Physical Therapy Education Srikant Vallabhajosula and Assistant Professor Alys Giordano examined how performing a concurrent cognitive task affects gait in individuals who use prostheses for walking especially while walking backwards. Vallabhajosula presented their findings in the recently held Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics in Madison, Wisconsin.

Professor Vallabhajosula also concluded his three-year term as the communications chair for the Society. Elon was represented by Professor Vallabhajosula and Associate Professor of Exercise Science Matt Wittstein at the conference. Wittstein co-led a hands-on workshop on AI in the Classroom at the Annual Meeting.

As part of the conference held in Winston-Salem, Aparna Pisharody from the Svasti School of Dance and her team were invited to perform a dance for the attendees to get a sense of Bharatanatyam. Pisharody has collaborated with Professor Srikant Vallabhajosula and Assistant Professor Jack Magill, faculty in the Physical Therapy Education department along with the three students for the ongoing research study. This project has been supported by the Elon Faculty Research and Development funds.

The Winston-Salem Dance Medicine Conference is a multi-disciplinary educational opportunity for physicians, allied health professionals, dancers, dance instructors, and students to review (or learn anew) the fundamentals of dance medicine, including unique biomechanics, genre-specific considerations, and social/psychological demands that may influence performance and injury risk.

The DPT program had ​14 presentations including one presentation in rapid-fire platform format, one in Thematic poster and 11 student-led poster presentations. Fifteen second-year DPT students and ​two faculty members represented Elon’s DPT program.

In addition, ​Ginny Shafer won the Research Award from the Biomechanics Interest Group for her presentation on biomechanical and musculoskeletal characteristics in child and adult bharatanatyam dancers. Josie Freeman won a travel award from the Biomechanics Interest Group for her presentation on effects of dual-tasking on endurance among older adults.

List of presentations:

Rapid Fire Platform
How Does Dual-Tasking Affect Distance Walked During An Endurance Task In Older Adults?
Josie Freeman, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Addison W. Andrews

Posters
Biomechanical And Musculoskeletal Changes In Pregnant Runners From The 3rd Trimester To 3 Months Postpartum
Milani Saldon, Andrew Miller, Jazmyne Davis, Kasey Sutryk, Grace London, Angela Spontelli Gissleman, Svetlana Nepocatych, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Shefali Christopher

Occurrence Of Self-Reported Injuries In Female Runners During Pregnancy And Postpartum
Jazmyne Davis, Kasey Sutryk, Milani Saldon, Andrew Miller, Angela Spontelli Gisselman, Svetlana Nepocatych, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Shefali Christopher

Relationship Between Severe Injuries And Current Physical Activity Levels In Former Collegiate Softball Athletes
Addison Swofford, Rachel Bromberg, Ashlyn Wolfe, Stephen Marshall, Ellen Shanley, Amanda Arnold, Daniel Kline, Laura McDonald, Garret Bullock, Kenzie Friesen, Sam Moore, Chelsea Martin

How Does Dual Tasking Effect Gait In Individuals Who Use Prosthetics?
Chaney Patton, Alex Miller, Nick Bush, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Alys Giordano

Establishing Performance Norms For Division I Football Players
Emi Chirigliano, Raya Coley, Isaac Murdock, Wes Roberson, Mary Kay Hannah, Jack Magill

Establishing Predictive Physical Performance Measures For Golf Swing Velocity
Gabby Flocco, Jack Magill

Effect Of Coffee Supplement On Anaerobic Exercise Performance
Airiann Page, Stephen Bailey, John Daniels, Ellie Bakalchuk, Emilize Momplaisir, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Gabriel K. Harris

Effects Of Heart Rate Variability On Insulin Resistance, Perceived Stress And Lean Body Mass
Jared Smith, John Magill, Svetlana Nepocatych

Predicting Maximum Eccentric Ground Reaction Force In Healthy Pediatric And Adolescent Athletes
Katie Messikomer, Sam Kosmacki, Alexis Nowell, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Jack Magill

Early Walkers- Understanding Gait Parameters To Improve Pediatric Pt Interventions 
Rachel Davis, Alannah Thomas, Kyle Jackson-Langworthy, Paula DiBiasio

The Effects Of Incremental Loading On Center Of Pressure And Sagittal Plane Kinematics In Healthy Adults During Safety Bar Squat
Thomas Van Dorp, Chas Sigloh, Madison Friday, Terris Hightower, Srikant Vallabhajosula, Jack Magill

Biomechanical And Musculoskeletal Characteristics In Child And Adult Bharatanatyam Dancers
Virginia Shafer, Kaleigh Jenkins, Danielle Essex, Kelly O’ Daniel, Ann Heil, John Magill, Srikant Vallabhajosula

Thematic Poster
Aging And Fall Risk On Peak Landing Force While Clearing An Obstacle In Immersive Technologies
Sara J. Moore, Jacob D. Rosengarten, William A. Huie, Alys Giordano, Pratheep K. Paranthaman, Srikant Vallabhajosula

For National Biomechanics Day at Elon this year, faculty and students from the departments of Exercise Science, Performing Arts, and Physical Therapy Education, collaborated with teachers and students from Alamance-Burlington School System’s Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) interested in the health sciences on Thursday, April 11.

Elon students led stations providing hands-on experience with different aspects of biomechanics, such as vertical jumping, strength, motor control, manual dexterity, gait and balance. The two-hour event was well attended with three CTEC teachers and 35 high-school students participating in celebrating NBD and learning about the field of biomechanics and career possibilities with Elon students and faculty.

Assistant Professor Jasmine Powell from Performing Arts, Assistant Professor Jacob Gdovin, Associate Professor Matthew Wittstein and Professor Joyce Davis from Exercise Science, Associate Professor Emeritus Sue Chinworth, and Associate Professor Srikant Vallabhajosula from Physical Therapy Education collaborated to plan for the NBD event.

Student volunteers included:
Sydney Love ’25, Exercise Science
Kaitlyn Sumner ’26, Exercise Science
Taylor Haerbig ’25, Exercise Science
Lilli Waldon ’25, Exercise Science
Kylie Paquin ’25, Exercise Science
Matthew Luczkowski ’26, Exercise Science
Madeline Jacobellis ’26, Exercise Science
Owen Baillie ’25, Exercise Science
Sam Parker ’25, Exercise Science
Mackenzie Janes ’24, Exercise Science
Lucy McAfee ’26, Exercise Science
Emily Gagen ’26, Exercise Science
Becca Zlepper ’24, Exercise Science
Ethan Ackerman ’25, Exercise Science
Spencer Hellinger ’25, Exercise Science
Becca Derengowski ’25, Exercise Science
Sofia Beljic ’25, Exercise Science
Christina Westbrooks G’26, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Maddie Whitaker G’26, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Arielle Eure G’26, Doctor of Physical Therapy