Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT
Carolynn Patten, PhD, PT Associate Professor University of Florida Department of Physical Therapy Box 100154, UFHSC Gainesville, FL 32610 -0154 Phone: (352) 376-1611 x4160 Fax: (352) 379-2332 Email: patten@phhp.ufl.edu |
Dr. Patten is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Physical Therapy, Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, and Neurology at the University of Florida and a Research Scientist in the Brain Rehabilitation Research Center at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL where she directs the Upper-extremity Research Initiative. She earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Washington (Seattle) following which she completed clinical training in physical therapy at Boston University receiving a master of science degree. She earned her PhD from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst studying motor control and exercise neuroscience after which she pursued post-doctoral studies at Stanford University and the VA Rehabilitation R&D Center on Mobility in Palo Alto, CA.
Dr. Patten's research program focuses on elucidating neurophysiological and biomechanical mechanisms contributing to weakness and attendant motor dysfunction in adults post-stroke. This work is motivated in an effort to develop a mechanistic basis for promoting recovery of motor function in persons with neurological impairments. To date, she has conducted three Phase I/II rehabilitation clinical trials to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of rehabilitation interventions. She continues to explore novel and innovative approaches to induce positive motor adaptation in the damaged nervous system.
Dr. Patten has enjoyed an active and productive career including clinical practice, teaching and research. She has received numerous grants awarded through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, the Whitaker Foundation and the Foundation for Physical Therapy and currently serves as the Principal Investigator on three VA RR&D grants totaling over $1.5 million. Her keen interests lie in developing a scientific foundation for evidence- based neurorehabilitation practice and identifying the mechanisms for promoting optimal recovery of motor function in neurologically impaired populations.
Dr. Patten serves on the Scientific Review Committee for the Foundation for Physical Therapy, the Editorial Board for the Physical Therapy Journal and the Scientific Review Committee for the American Stroke Association. (full CV)
