JILL HEATHCOCK
Lab Director
Dr. Jill Heathcock, MPT, PhD formed the infant lab in 2007. She graduated from the University of Dayton with her BS in Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Therapy in 1998. She then went to the University of Delaware where she earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy in 2001 and her PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science in 2006. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan where she studied infant motor development. Dr. Heathcock joined the Ohio State Physical Therapy Division in 2007, when she started the Infant Lab. Dr. Heathcock is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Society for Neuroscience, the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA), and the International Society for Infant Studies (ISIS).
Her scholarship focuses on how young infants learn to use their spontaneous movements to control and interact with their environment. She is specifically interested in developing evidence-based intervention programs for very young infants at risk for long-term movement impairment and disability.
When she was a baby…
Dr. Heathcock’s first few words included “boat.” She first announced this newly discovered word when picking up her father’s shoe and calling it a “boat.” Dr. Heathcock has four children ages 7 through 14 — all have participated in Infant Lab work. In her spare time, Dr. Heathcock enjoys yoga, playing with her four cute kids, reading, going out to dinner and vegetarian cooking. She is currently trying to learn some French (which is not going well). She also plays basketball with her children who constantly ask to play on the two hoops in their driveway.
DEVON NYKTAS, MPT
Clinical Research Physical Therapist
Education Background
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio | BS | 6/2002 | Physical Therapy
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio | MPT | 6/2003 | Physical Therapy
Primary Lab Responsibilities
Devon completes assessments and physical therapy consultations for the DRIVE and ACHIEVE research studies.
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/drive/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/achieve/
Most Recent Presentations:
Nyktas D, Barbosa G, Sigmon KL, Bican R, Heathcock JC. Influence of different toys on the frequency of reaching in infants with GMFCS levels III-V. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, January 2019, Washington DC, United States.
Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference Cincinnati, OH
Dosing for Intensive Pediatric Rehabilitation: Treatment Types, Frequencies, and Outcome Measures (2017)
Nyktas D, Maus E, Lewis J, Maitre N, Heathcock JC. Characteristics Of Soceioeconomic Status Of Patients With Cerebral Palsy Participating In A Randomized Controlled Trial That Manipulates Frequency Of Service Delivery. Poster presented at Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, November 2017, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
“When I was a baby…”
I am the youngest of four and my mom had me when she was 36. She had to return to her teaching job in 6 weeks. She said she brought me home, put in my crib and told me that she really needed me to sleep through the night and apparently I did! But then she says she hardly ever got to hold me because my sisters thought I was the best kind of baby doll!
JESSICA LEWIS, DPT
Clinical Research Physical Therapist
Education Background
Undergraduate degree: B.S. in zoology, OSU
Graduate degree: doctor of physical therapy (DPT), OSU
Pediatric Certified Specialist
Primary Lab Responsibilities
Clinical research physical therapist on DRIVE and ACHIEVE studies (started Spring 2016)
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/drive/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/achieve/
Most Recent Presentations
American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, November 12, 2016, Poster Presentation
Lewis J, Campbell J. A 20-week intensive running program for an adolescent male with cerebral palsy: a case report
American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, November 12, 2016, Poster Presentation
Campbell J, Sveda M, Lewis J, Diller A. Development of an evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and treatment of typically developing children with a pronated foot position.
American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, November 12, 2016, Poster Presentation
Lewis J, Diller A, Campbell J, Sveda M. Development of an evidence-based algorithm for the evaluation and treatment of typically developing children with an in-toeing gait pattern
Ohio Physical Therapy Association, Scientific Symposium, October 14, 2016, Platform Presentation (Research Short)
Lewis J. An evidence-based algorithm to standardize treatment and evaluation of typically developing children with an in-toeing gait pattern.
Most Recent Publications
ALLISON “ALI” RISH, MPT
Education background:
The Ohio State University for undergraduate degree in Human Ecology
Andrews University for Masters in Physical Therapy
Certifications: Kinesio tape, General Movements Assessment (GMA)
Work experience: Outpatient, acute care and inpatient rehabilitation with the pediatric population. Neonatal follow up clinic specifically BPD population. Help Me Grow early intervention. Enriched PLAY LLC. A community based global child development model of play for caregivers and their young ones.
Primary Lab Responsibilities:
Clinical Research PT for DRIVE and ACHIEVE studies
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/drive/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/achieve/
Most recent publications/accepted abstracts:
Rish, Allison R “Recognizing Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Your Newborn” 700 Childrens.
“When I was a baby…”
I loved to explore! I climbed up onto our kitchen table and then to our counter top making my way to the top of the refrigerator! I think I must have been working improving my time because my family said I did it in seconds! To date I still love to do obstacle courses with my patients and own kids!
KELSEY SIGMON, DPT
Clinical Research Physical Therapist
Education Background:
BS in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Ohio University 2005
Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Ohio University 2008
Certifications: Neonatal Touch and Massage Therapist Certified
Work Experience Prior to Working in the Infant Lab
- Acute Rehabilitation at OSUWMC with a focus in Neurology and Neurosurgery
- NCH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the OSUWMC with a focus in Neurodevelopment of premature and critically ill newborns.
Primary Lab Responsibilities:
Kelsey is Clinical Research Physical Therapist working on the Drive and Achieve Studies, completing assessments and physical therapy consultations.
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/drive/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/achieve/
Presentations:
Sigmon K, Barbosa G, Nyktas D, Bican R, Heathcock J. Reaching And Toy Preference Between Preterm And Term Infants With Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Study. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, January 2019, Washington DC, United States.
“When I was a baby…” Everyone would comment on my big brown eyes when I was little. Now, my daughter has the same big brown eyes.
ELIZABETH MAUS, DPT
Clinical Research Physical Therapist
Education background
BS Exercise Physiology, Ohio Northern University, 2006
DPT Physical Therapy, The Ohio State University, 2009
Pediatric Certified Specialist (2013)
Primary Lab Responsibilities:
DRIVE and ACHIEVE assessor, I-acquire treating therapist and I-acquire coding (assessment core).
Most recent publications/accepted abstracts
Christensen C, Haddad A, Maus E. Validity of an Accelerometer Used to Measure Step Count in Children with Idiopathic Toe Walking. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2017; 29(2): 153-157. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28350773
Christensen C, Haddad A, Maus E. Reliability and Validity of the 50 Foot Walk Test for Idiopathic Toe Walking. Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2017; 29(3): 238-243.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28654494
Most recent presentations:
Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference Cincinnati, OH
Dosing for Intensive Pediatric Rehabilitation: Treatment Types, Frequencies, and Outcome Measures (2017)
American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine San Diego, CA
The Conservative Management of Idiopathic Toe Walking Utilizing an Evidence-Based Algorithm and Sensory-Motor Treatment Approach (2014)
“When I was a baby…”
I had abdominal surgery at birth and I was very afraid of the Sesame Street Character, “The Count.”
GARDENIA DE OLIVEIRA BARBOSA
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Education Background:
I graduated in Physical Therapy at Federal University of Sao Carlos (Brazil).
I received my master’s and PhD degree in Special Education at Federal University of Sao Carlos (Brazil).
Primary Lab Responsibilities:
Assisting with all projects at the Infant Lab.
Most Recent Publications/Accepted Abstracts:
BARBOSA, Gardenia de Oliveira; MUNSTER, M. A. V. O efeito de um programa de equoterapia no desenvolvimento psicomotor de crianças com indicativos de transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (The effect of an equine therapy program without psychological development of children with indicative of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Revista Brasileira de Educação Especial, v. 20, p. 69-84, 2014.
BARBOSA, Gardenia de Oliveira; MUNSTER, M. A. V. Influência da equoterapia no desenvolvimento psicomotor de pessoas com necessidades especiais (Influence of equine therapy on the psychomotor development of people with special needs). Revista Educação Especial (Online), v. 26, p. 451-464, 2013.
Most Recent Presentations:
Barbosa GO, Rolf KE, Heathcock JC. Asymmetrical Behaviors and Toy Preference in Infants with Cerebral Palsy. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, February 2020, Denver, Colorado, United States.
Barbosa G, Bican R, Heathcock JC. The relationship between reaching frequency, motor skill development, and activities of daily living for infants with moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, January 2019, Washington DC, United States.
Barbosa G, Cabral T, Tripathi T, Heathcock JC. Reaching, gross motor, fine motor, and cognitive functioning in infants with cerebral palsy GMFCS III–V levels. Poster presented at: 73rd AACPDM Annual and 2nd IAACD Triennial Meeting, September 2019; Anaheim, California, United States.
Barbosa G; Bican R; Heathcock J. Reaching performance in infants with cerebral palsy. Poster presented at: 30th Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), May 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Barbosa, Gardenia de Oliveira. Equoterapia voltada a pessoa com deficiência e transtornos globais de aprendizagem (Equine therapy for people with disabilities and global learning disorders). 2016.
Barbosa, Gardenia de Oliveira. Processo de Ensino e Aprendizagem para Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade (Teaching and Learning Process for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) 2016.
Barbosa, Gardenia de Oliveira; MUNSTER, M. A. V. . Hippotherapy intervention with verbal aid, visual and physical for individuals with autistic spectrum disorder ASD). 2016.
“When I was a baby…”
I loved going to the beach and digging holes in the sand.
THAIS CABRAL
Post-doctoral Researcher
Education background:
PhD in Physical Therapy at Federal University of Sao Carlos (Brazil).
Master’s degree in Special Education at Federal University of Sao Carlos (Brazil).
Graduated in Occupational therapy at Federal University of Sao Carlos (Brazil).
Primary Lab Responsibilities:
My primary lab responsibility is to assist with all projects at the Infant Lab. I am also part of the I-Acquire Assessment Core team
Most recent publications
1. CABRAL, Thais Invenção; DA SILVA, LOUISE GRACELLI PEREIRA ; MARTINEZ, CLÁUDIA MARIA SIMÕES ; TUDELLA, ELOISA . Analysis of sensory processing in preterm infants. EARLY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, v. 103, p. 77-81, 2016.
2. CABRAL, Thais Invenção; PEREIRA DA SILVA, LOUISE GRACELLI ; TUDELLA, ELOISA ; SIMÕES MARTINEZ, CLÁUDIA MARIA . Motor development and sensory processing: A comparative study between preterm and term infants. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, v. 36, p. 102-107, 2015.
Book Chapters:
2019-CABRAL, Thais Invenção; ROHR, Liz Araújo. Desenvolvimento motor em lactentes abrigados – “Motor Development in orphaned infants”
2019-TUDELLA, Eloisa; GRECCO, Ana Luiza Righeto; CABRAL, Thais Invenção. Oportunizando as habilidades motoras no domicílio por meio do brincar – “ Opportunizing motor skills at home by playing”
Most recent presentations:
CABRAL, Thais Invenção; Tripathi, Tanya; Barbosa, Gardenia; Schram, Meredith; Darragh, Amy; Ramey, Sharon; DeLuca, Stephanie; Heathcock, Jill. Lack of spontaneous reaching and grasping in infants 8 – 24 months with hemiparetic cerebral palsy results in clear asymmetry. Poster presented at: 73rd AACPDM Annual and 2nd IAACD Triennial Meeting, September 2019; Anaheim, California, United States.
CABRAL, Thais Invenção; Heathcock, Jill. Learning and short-term memory in infants with complex congenital heart defect in the mobile paradigm at 3 months of age: preliminary data. Poster presented at: 13th Annual International Scholar Research Exposition, November 2018; Columbus, Ohio, United States.
“When I was a baby…”
When I was a baby, I crawled and slept on the floor, anywhere in the house. My mother thought I had some neurological impairment. My mother took me to some neurologists, but fortunately I was a typical baby. Just tired and sleepy!!
RACHEL BICAN, DPT
PhD Student
Education Background
Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science and Education received May 2014 from The Ohio State University
Doctorate of Physical Therapy expected May 2017 from The Ohio State University
Ph.D in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences expected May 2021 from The Ohio State University
Primary Lab Responsibilities
Rachel assists on the ACTIVE-mini, DRIVE, and ACHIEVE studies. She helps with data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of data.
Rachel is also a 2016-2017 Albert Schweitzer Fellow and her project is addressing caregiver burden in parents and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/cure-sma/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/drive/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/achieve/
Most Recent Presentations
Bican R, Lowes LP, Alfano LN, McNally MP, Heathcock JC. The relationship between kinematics of the upper extremity and motor development: an exploratory study. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, January 2019, Washington DC, United States.
Bican R; McNally M; Durbak E; Alfano L; Lowes L; Heathcock J. The Relationship of spatial and temporal kinematic variables to coordinated upper extremity movement and motor skill development. Poster presented at: 30th Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), May 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia.
OSUMC Trainee Research Day (Winter 2015) and IV STEP (Summer 2016)
“A 3D Motion Capture Comparison of Spontaneous Movements of Infants with Typical and Atypical Development and its Clinical Implications”
“When I was a baby…”
I hated to be held. I preferred having my personal space.
JULIA MAZZARELLA
DPT, PhD Dual Degree Student
Education Background
Julia graduated Summa cum Laude from Skidmore College in 2013, with a B.A. in Neuroscience and Psychology. Following graduation, she spent a year in Gießen, Germany on a Fulbright Grant, where she did research in visual perception at the Justus-Liebig Universität. Julia joined the Infant Lab in 2015 when she began her studies at The Ohio State University. Julia is working toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (anticipated 2018), as well as a Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Primary Lab Responsibilities
Julia is currently in charge of data processing and analysis for the TINS project, comparing upper extremity kinematics infants with neonatal stroke to typically developing infants. She is also assisting with behavioral coding for the SMA project, observing upper extremity movements in typically developing infants and infants with Spinal Muscular Atrophy in a reaching paradigm.
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/tins/
https://u.osu.edu/infantlab/cure-sma/
Most Recent Publications
Mazzarella J, McNally M, Chaudhari, Pan X, Heathcock J. Differences in coordination and timing of pre-reaching upper extremity movements may be an indicator of cerebral palsy in infants with stroke: A preliminary investigation. Clinical Biomechanics. 73 (1): 181-188, 2020.
Most Recent Presentations
Mazzarella J, Heathcock J, Chaudhari A, McNally MP, Ott B, Schram M. Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Spontaneous Upper Extremity Movements in Infants with Neonatal Stroke. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, January 2019, Washington DC, United States.
Mazzarella J; Ott B; McNally MP; Schram M; Heathcock J. Kinematic assessment of upper extremity motor development in infants with neonatal stroke at eight weeks of age. Poster presented at: 30th Annual Meeting of the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), May 2018, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Mazzarella J, Sundin E, McNally M, Schram M, Chaudhari A, Heathcock J. Kinematic assessment of upper extremity motor development in infants with neonatal stroke at 2 months of age. Poster presented at APTA CSM; February 15-18, 2017; San Antonio, TX.
Sundin E, Mazzarella J, McNally M, Schram M, Chaudhari A, Heathcock J. Analysis of upper extremity motor development in early infancy in infants with neonatal stroke. Poster presented at: IV STEP; July 14-19, 2016; Columbus, OH.
IV STEP 2016
“When I was a baby…”
When Julia was a baby, her first word was ‘dad,’ and she was very attached to her ‘bankie’.
KIMBERLEY SCOTT
DPT, PhD Student
Presentations/Publications
Interesting fact from when you were a baby
TANYA TRIPATHIEducational Background
PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA (2018)
Diploma in Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy), All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai, India (2013)
Bachelor in Physical Therapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
Most recent presentations
Tripathi, T., Invencao, C. T., Harrison, M, T., Simsic, J., & Heathcock, J. (2020) “Brain Abnormalities and Their Neurodevelopmental Correlates in Infants with Congenital Heart Disease” Platform presentation given as a part of a peer-reviewed platform presentation at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Denver, CO.
Tripathi, T., Invencao, C. T., Barbosa, G., Harrison, M, T., Simsic, J., & Heathcock, J. (2019) “Neurodevelopment of Infants Born with Complex Congenital Heart Defects: Motor and Cognitive Delays Are Common in the first year of Life” Platform presentation given as a part of a peer-reviewed platform presentation at the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA.
Tripathi, T., Invencao, C. T., Harrison, M, T., Simsic, J., & Heathcock, J. (2020) “Brain Abnormalities and Their Neurodevelopmental Correlates in Infants with Congenital Heart Disease” Platform presentation given as a part of a peer-reviewed platform presentation at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Denver, CO.
Most recent publications
Tripathi, T., Dusing, S., Pidcoe, P. E., Xu, Y., Shall, M. S., & Riddle, D. L. (2020). A Clinical Trial Based on Reward Contingency to Improve Prone Tolerance and Motor Development is Feasible in 3 to 6 month old Infants. In press at Journal of Motor Learning and Development.
Tripathi, T., Dusing, S., Pidcoe, P. E., Xu, Y., Shall, M. S., & Riddle, D. L. (2019). A motor learning paradigm combining technology and associative learning to assess prone motor learning in infants. Physical therapy, 99(6), 807-816.
Marcinowski EC., Tripathi, T., Hsu LY., McCoy SW., & Dusing SC. (2019) Sitting Skill and the Emergence of Arms-Free Sitting Affects Object Looking and Exploration. Dev Psychobiol. 2019 Apr 22. doi: 10.1002/dev.21854
Primary lab responsibilities
Contribute towards data coding, analysis, manuscript writing and dissemination of the ongoing projects in the PEARL lab. DRIVE, ACHIEVE and I-ACQUIRE certified blinded assessor.
When I was a baby
I would love to dance in front of the mirror. My mom would dress me up and I will dance for hours on any song.