Author: Caelin Bragg

Gina Brown, Associate Professor in the Department of Physician Associate, published “A review of Prader-Willi syndrome” in Journal of American Academy of Physician Associates (JAAPA) Feb. 15.

Abstract: Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare and complex genetic disorder with multiple physical and behavioral characteristics, affecting endocrine, metabolic, and neurologic systems and producing a plethora of medical complications. Early identification and diagnosis are paramount to providing timely and appropriate interventions to improve patient outcomes. Treatment should focus on neonatal feeding and growth, followed by hormonal therapy for hypothalamic dysfunction, and should then be directed at the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related complications. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach.

Dr. Linda Moody, Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences, was recognized with 2025 Health Care Heroes from Wichita Business Journal.

Wichita State University Physician Associate Program was recognized with 2025 Health Care Heroes Award from the Wichita Business Journal.

Dr. Brent Ehresman, assistant director of clinical education and assistant teaching professor; and Dr. B.J. Lehecka, professor; in the Department of Physical Therapy, published “Improved Hip Flexibility and Gluteal Functioning Following a Daily Lunge-and-Reach Stretching Intervention” in International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy June 1.

Abstract: Background: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to hip flexor tightness. Some evidence suggests that tight hip flexors may contribute to impairments in gluteal function. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a daily lunge-and-reach stretching program on hip flexor length and gluteus maximus strength, power, and endurance in healthy college-aged adults. Study Design: Cohort Study. Methods: Twenty-three participants with hip flexor tightness (15 females, 8 males; average age 24.0 ± 2.58 years) totaling 46 limbs were tested. Twelve participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group, while the remaining eleven were placed in the control group. Hip flexor length was measured with the Modified Thomas Test using an inclinometer. Gluteal power was measured on each lower extremity using a single-leg broad jump for distance with a tape measure. Gluteal strength was measured with prone hip extension using a handheld dynamometer and luggage scale. Gluteal endurance was measured with a single-leg bridge using a stopwatch. Participants in the intervention group performed five minutes of a lunge-and-reach stretch daily for six weeks. Results: Statistically significant changes were found for the Modified Thomas Test (mean change 5.92 ± 3.73 deg, p=0.01) and single-leg broad jump for distance (mean change 12.39 ± 11.23 cm, p=0.02) for the intervention group. No significant change was found for gluteal strength or single-leg bridge endurance (p=0.23 and p=0.26, respectively) for the intervention group. All measurements demonstrated high reliability (ICC=0.92-0.99). Conclusion: These results suggest that the lunge-and-reach stretch can be used to improve hip flexor length and gluteal power in a young, healthy population. Clinicians, coaches, and athletes may find these improvements beneficial for rehabilitation or performance.

Dr. Justin Smith, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, published “The effectiveness of a geriatric simulation suit for improving empathy and simulating the aging process for older adults in a DPT program: A pilot study” in Gerontology & Geriatrics Education June 4.

Abstract: Enhancing empathy toward older adults among physical therapy students is essential to prepare graduates to be equipped to properly treat geriatric patients in all types of healthcare settings. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a homemade geriatric suit to simulate an older adult and improve empathy among physical therapy students. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy for Health Professions student version was utilized to measure empathy-related parameters before and after the geriatric simulation experience. Physical and cognitive performance tests were used to assess the effectiveness of the geriatric suit to simulate typical age-related changes in physical and cognitive performance. Additionally, sociodemographic data were collected such as age, gender and prior experience working with older adults. Following the geriatric simulation suit experience, participants did not demonstrate statistically significant post-intervention empathy scores on the Jefferson Empathy Scale (t = 2.09, p = 0.022). However, patients did demonstrate similar physical scores when compared with older adult norms while wearing the geriatric simulation suit. The geriatric simulation suit experience effectively simulated the aging process, but did not significantly increase empathy in students. The homemade geriatric simulation suit may be a feasible and cost-effective way to simulate typical age-related physical changes in older adults.

For years, this publication was a place to celebrate the excellence, creativity and dedication of Wichita State faculty and staff. From groundbreaking research to innovative teaching, Academe has been a platform to highlight the accomplishments that make our university stronger.

The tradition began in the early 2000s and carried forward for nearly two decades. When the newsletter ended in 2020, it left a gap in how we shared and recognized the remarkable work of our colleagues. Many of you told us you missed it, and we heard you.

We’re bringing Academe back because your work is so valuable, and we want to share it. This newsletter reflects our community’s shared pride in each other’s success, and it’s one of the ways we can spotlight the impact you’re making every day.

Its return also aligns with the broader efforts of the Provost’s Office to support faculty endeavors. The recent restructuring of our office has been designed to strengthen resources, foster collaboration and ensure faculty and staff have the support needed to thrive in their teaching, research and service.

With this relaunch, we invite you to read, share and celebrate alongside us. Academe is a reminder that, together, our collective achievements are shaping the future of Wichita State.

Shockers up!
Dr. Monica Lounsbery
Senior executive vice president and provost

Dr. Jennifer James, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, was recognized with Dually certification in both Pediatric and Neurologic Physical Therapy from American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists.

Dr. Heather Henderson — Associate Dean for Research, Compliance and Accreditation and Assistant Professor of Public Health Sciences in the College of Health Professions Dean’s Office — was appointed as editor-in-chief for Pedagogy in Health Promotion.

Dr. Karissa Marble-Flint, Associate Professor and MA CSD (SLP) Program Coordinator in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, published “Turning the Page: Midwest SLPs’ Lived Experiences Providing Literacy Services in Schools” in Seminars in Speech and Language June 5.

Abstract: School-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from four midwestern states were surveyed about their knowledge and confidence regarding literacy intervention. To obtain accounts of lived experiences, SLPs who completed the survey were invited to a follow-up interview. Fourteen SLPs completed interviews with a member of the research team via a recorded Zoom meeting. The interviews were approximately an hour long and each question was presented on a shared screen. Interview data were transcribed and then analyzed using thematic analysis. Five overarching themes emerged: (1) SLPs are responsible for language services to support student literacy; (2) barriers of time, administrator knowledge, and instructional tools that support SLP literacy instruction; (3) collaboration and training would improve confidence; (4) how multi-tiered systems of support and Title I impact SLP literacy services; and (5) the role of other team members in literacy services. Overall, SLPs know that they can play an important role in literacy assessment and intervention but are unsure of how their specific skills fit into the greater school context. Training may improve confidence in serving students with literacy needs differently from other service providers. Future work could explore partnerships between SLPs and other professionals to best serve students with literacy needs.

Collaborators: Dr. Amy Peterson, Dr. Klaire Brumbaugh and Dr. Whitney Schneider-Cline.

Dr. Voncella McCleary-Jones — professor and Associate Dean for Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs in the College of Health Professions Dean’s Office — was selected to serve as a reviewer of nursing programs for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).