Local students present scholarly research at conference in Italy

Misericordia University students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program recently presented their scholarly research at the European Stroke Organisation Conference in Milan, Italy.
Third-year students Lauren Madsen and Rebecca Ciancitto of Matamoras, Pa., and Kristian Wendel of Westfield, N.J., presented their research findings in the poster presentation titled, “The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training on the Post-Stroke Population: A Systematic Review.”
The students did an extensive review of current literature and found that intense, supervised exercise as part of a rehabilitation program after a stroke can promote neuroplasticity, leading to better learning of skills and improvements in balance, walking speed, and endurance. Maureen Romanow Pascal, associate professor of physical therapy, served as faculty advisor on the project.
The conference, from May 22-24, involved more than 4,500 participants, including scientists, physicians, and therapists discussing aspects of stroke treatment from acute medical intervention to rehabilitation.
Ciancitto, Madsen, and Wendel also recently presented at the annual Student Research Poster Day on the campus of Misericordia University. The event featured scholarly presentations highlighting the research and work of 204 student researchers in the College of Health Sciences and Education and the College of Arts and Sciences.
University President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., attended the event along with students, faculty, staff and deans of the colleges.