UF Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation research

Message from the vice chair of research

Heather Vincent, Ph.D., FACSM

We are advancing the field of Physiatry through discovery of new methods to increase and preserve physical and psychological function, to increase efficiency of physiatric care delivery and attain high quality of life. Our faculty are exploring new ways to help individuals successfully navigate the life challenges of acute injury, chronic injury or chronic conditions though rehabilitation, combined medical approaches and patient-focused programs.

Recent RESEARCH NEWS

UF PMR team is involved in the development of a…

Published on February 6, 2025

Applying evidence-based cross-disciplinary concepts helps to explain the heterogeneity in pain, function, and biological measures in individuals with…

Dr. Zaremski selected as Global exchange speaker…

Published on February 4, 2025

Dr. Zaremski recently wrapped up an AMSSM Global Exchange trip to Japan in November 2024, where he gave lectures and visited multiple sports medicine…

Residents & faculty make strong showing at AAPMR

Published on December 10, 2024

Current residents Drs. David Drozda, Daniel Kiehl, Rosalynn Conic and Kailash Pendem and faculty members Dr. Paula Ackerman and Parisa Zarreii had…

News In Brief

1. PMR Represents UF at ACSM
2. Dr. Heather Vincent recognized as top in her field
3. PM&R Faculty, Researchers, and Trainees Attend the 13th Annual UF College…

All Posts

Resident Research Accomplishments

Recent Published Research

• Dr. Chakkala: “Letter to the Editor on “Identifying Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation” Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2024; S0003-9993(24)01229-2
• Dr. Thompson: “Dynamic Functional Ability in Lacrosse Players in Relation to Development of Sport-Related Onset of Musculoskeletal Pain. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 2024, 19(9): 1088-1096. PMID: 39229452, PMCID: PMC11368448
• Dr. Conic: “Hypertension and urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome: An analysis of MAPP-I data” BMC Urology. 2024, 24(1):21.PMID: 38281923
• Drs. Drozda and Thompson: “Gait signatures of endurance runners with low back pain: A case controlled cross sectional study: Gait & Posture, 2024, 113:184-190.PMID: 38905854
• Drs. Thompson and Brownstein: “Considerations beyond spine pain: do different co-occurring lower body joint pains differentially influence physical function and quality of life ratings?” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2024, 25(1):269. PMID:38589851
• Dr. Drozda: “Physical activity positively impacts disability outcomes during transition from midlife to early older age irrespective of body mass index.” Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.2024, 120:105339.

Abstracts (recent listing)

• Kiehl D, Thompson Z: “Life participation in strength training may preserve function and reduce pain burden in knee osteoarthritis”. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual meeting, Boston, MA May 28-31, 2024.
• Dr. Madsen: “Epidemiology and Meta-Analysis of Figure Skating Injuries Among Discipline and Sex. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), 2024, Boston, MA.
• Drs. Thompson and Kiehl: “Life exposure to strength training on knee pain and physical function in later life: the OAI evidence. American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), 2024, Scottsdale, AZ.
• Thompson Z: “Age differences in injury risk factors among youth through collegiate lacrosse players: considerations for early injury prevention British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024, 58 (Suppl 2) A48″D OI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-IOC.85. International Olympic Committee (IOC) Prevention of Illness and Injury in Sport. Monaco, March 1, 2024
• Conic RZ, Pendem K.” Body mass index impacts postacute rehabilitation outcomes after lower limb amputation: a statistical and machine learning analysis.” PM&R: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation. 2023, 15:S33. AAAPMR. New Orleans, LA, November 16-19, 2023,

SCope of research

CURRENTLY ENROLLING STUDIES