Clinical Research Mentor
Professor
Department of Physical Therapy
College of Public Health and Health Professions
Danny Martin PhD, PT, FACSM, is a physical therapist and University of Florida Research Foundation Professor (2005-2008). Dr. Martin’s interest as a clinician and researcher has been in respiratory physiology. Dr. Martin’ research efforts focus primarily on the development and implementation of respiratory conditioning programs for lung transplant and ventilator dependent patients. The respiratory muscles are of interest because of the role they play in dyspnea perception, exercise tolerance and ventilator dependence. Weaning patients off a mechanical ventilator is a major challenge in patients admitted to critical care units and cervical spinal cord injured patients. The ultimate goal of these treatment strategies is to decrease dependence on mechanical ventilation, allow extended periods of spontaneous respiration, and improve the speech production of treated patients. Dr. Martin’s research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NCMRR) and he mentored former trainee Barbara K. Smith.