Focus on Faculty
Peter Leininger, Ph.D. demonstrates blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy using the BFR Delphi unit and light-load exercise with a tourniquet. From left: Dr. Leininger and DPT graduate students Matthew Aitken ’17, Omar Amer, Stephanie Klug (demonstrating the therapy), Berta Carmo, Jonathan Mayes, Dublin, Dannylyn Manabat, Christine Kiefer ’17 and Sophia DiCamillo ’17.
Leininger Leads Students in BFR Therapy Research Professor Peter Leininger, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy, said there are amazing new technologies in exercise science that are revolutionizing the field, shortening the time from surgery to full recovery. Among the most exciting is blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy. Essentially, a tourniquet is wrapped around the upper or lower extremity, with controlled and monitored blood flow restriction to the muscles and joints of the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow or wrist, which greatly hastens the rehabilitation process.
Physical Therapy Association’s national conference in Washington, D.C. They are also completing a second systematic review studying the effect of BFR training with the older adult population.
Dr. Leininger, the only physical therapist in the Scranton area currently certified in BFR, explained that the method started in the military, then spread to professional sports and is now being used by major universities, clinics and hospitals to treat their injured athletes.
“What is clear is that light-load exercise with a tourniquet that is used properly is safe and effective,” said Dr. Leininger.
In January, Dr. Leininger and his students presented their BFR research (a systematic review) at the annual American
Several research studies are planned at the University utilizing the BFR Delphi unit (currently the only FDA approved blood flow restriction device). The BFR device is being used on campus with several patients following ACL reconstruction to their knees.
In January, Dr. Leininger and his students presented their BFR research (a systematic review) at the annual American Physical Therapy Association’s national conference in Washington, D.C. They are also completing a second systematic review studying the effect of BFR training with the older adult population.
Professor Emeritus, University Historian Pledges Gift to Humanities Initiative Francis X.J. Homer, Ph.D. ’64, professor emeritus of history, University historian and current adjunct professor in history, pledged $100,000 to support the Humanities Initiative at Scranton. Interested in promoting the study of the humanities — culture, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion — at the University, a group of faculty started the initiative in fall 2017 with support from the College of Arts and Sciences dean. In promoting the humanities, the departments seek to improve the quality of the co-curricular educa14
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
tion for the larger student body and to increase the number of students studying the humanities. The supporters on campus plan to do this by enriching the culture of the humanities, promoting interdisciplinary inquiry and research among faculty and students, and fostering civic engagement and collaboration with the larger community. In announcing his gift, Homer said, “I am deeply grateful to Father Scott Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, for his endorsement and commitment to our Humanities Initiative, which serves our broad community.” Read more about the Humanities Initiative on page 31.
