Doctorate in Movement Science student Jeffrey Paskewitz ’27PhD, along with Professor of Physical Therapy Phil McClure PT, PhD, FAPTA, and Associate Professor and Director of Post-Professional Programs in the Department of Physical Therapy Kshamata M. Shah PT, PhD were awarded $30,000 in grant funding supported by the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), New Investigator Grant.

The grant was awarded for Paskewitz’s project titled, “Motor excitability as a mechanism and treatment target in rotator cuff-related shoulder pain,” which builds upon previous research by Drs. McClure and Shah. Paskewitz’s research examines the effects of pain and pain relief on the brain, specifically the excitability of the motor portion of the brain, which drives a key muscle in the shoulder.

To conduct their research, the investigators are continuing to recruit asymptomatic participants and participants afflicted with rotator cuff tendinopathy, which is a common cause of shoulder pain. They will also explore how neuromuscular electrical stimulation, which is a common modality used in physical therapy design to affects the excitability of nerves that supply muscles.

“This work will enhance current understanding of neurophysiological mechanisms of weakness in the presence of shoulder pain and inform us of the potential use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to enhance the treatment effects for those undergoing rehabilitation for shoulder pain,” explained Paskewitz.

Funding will contribute to further investigation of shoulder pain on nervous system activity and how neuromuscular electrical stimulation stimulates nerve cells. Funding will also help to bolster recruitment efforts, support the work of two research assistants, and cover dissemination costs for future conference presentations and journal publication.

“Over the last several years, I have been working towards developing my expertise in rehabilitation research,” said Paskewitz. “Securing this grant funding will help me validate a line of research and give me an opportunity to expand my grant administration skills and provide mentorship and training to a pair of aspiring researchers here at Arcadia. These skills I expect will translate well into an academic career.”

Those interested in participating in this study can contact Paskewitz at jpaskewitz@arcadia.edu for more information.