David Scalzitti David Scalzitti
Associate Director for the Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) program
Associate Professor of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences

Office Phone: 202-994-7831
Email: Email
Department: Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences

Education

  • B.S., University of Illinois, Chicago, 1987
  • M.S., University of Illinois, Chicago, 1995
  • PhD, University of Illinois, Chicago, 2008

Biography

Dr. Scalzitti is assistant professor of physical therapy and health care sciences at GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is a frequent guest lecturer on evidence-based practice for numerous physical therapy education programs. He has published frequently on clinical research and evidence-based physical therapy practice, and has served on an editorial advisory committee for Physical Therapy. In addition, Dr. Scalzitti has been a contributing author to The Rehabilitation Specialist’s Handbook, including the most recent edition published in 2013.

In May 2013 Scalzitti was named a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Applied Health Sciences. The Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni of that school. Established in 1987, the award is presented to those alumni who have attained outstanding success and national or international distinction in their chosen profession or life’s work, and whose accomplishments reflect admirably on or bring honor to their alma mater. Scalzitti, who earned a bachelor’s in physical therapy in 1987, a master’s in kinesiology in 1994, and a doctorate in disability studies in 2008—all from the UIC College of Applied Health Sciences—was also an instructor in the college’s Department of Physical Therapy for 10 years.

Until spring 2013, Scalzitti worked as lead specialist in the Evidence-Based Resources Department of the American Physical Therapy Association, where he was a leader in moving the profession toward evidence-based practice. As an associate editor of multiple APTA resources, he played a critical role in digesting and delivering the substance of complex research articles to practicing therapists—all with the goal of helping therapists improve patient outcomes, reduce unwarranted variation in practice, and demonstrate value to the health care system.

Research

Dr. Scalzitti has experience in the synthesis of research evidence, including twelve years developing and coordination two evidence-based databases for the American Physical Therapy Association. His research focuses on the dissemination of research for practice. He is currently working on a number of systematic reviews related to physical therapist practice and is a member of a team of international clinicians developing four clinical practice guidelines for the management of knee conditions.

Grants

2019:
Proposal selected and travel award received. Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy for the Center on Health Services Training and Research (CoHSTAR) Implementation Science Training workshop.

2018:
Mentor. W.T. Gill fellowship. Neel Duggal awardee. Worked with a medical student for the development of a systematic review on gender differences in METs after cardiac rehabilitation.

2015:
Co-PI. Emerging Scholars Pilot Grants Program. GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. A systematic review of safe patient handing and lifting equipment in rehabilitation to reduce injuries and improve patient outcomes. Kenneth Harwood (PI), David Scalzitti, Marc Campo (Mercy College) and Amy Darragh (Ohio State).

2015:
Research award. Section on Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. 


 

Awards

2016:
SMHS Golden Apple Award

2016:
National Alpha Eta Honor Society

2013:
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award                   
College of Applied Health Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago

 

Programs

  • Physical Therapy
  • Translational Health Sciences

Publications

Willy RW, Hoglund LT, Barton CJ, Bolgla LA, Scalzitti DA, Logerstedt DS, Lynch AD, Snyder-Mackler L, McDonough CM. Patellofemoral Pain: Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health From the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2019. 49(9):CPG1-CPG95.

Siddiqui MU, Scalzitti D, Naeem Z. Apixaban in comparison to warfarin for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cardiol Res Practice, 2019 Jul 7;2019:6419147. eCollection 2019.

Arundale AJH, Bizzini M, Giordano A, Hewett TE, Logerstedt DS, Mandelbaum B, Scalzitti DA, Silvers-Granelli H, Snyder-Mackler L. Exercise-Based Knee and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention. Clinical Practice Guideline. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Sep;48(9):A1-A42.

Scalzitti DA, Harwood KJ, Maring JR, Leach SJ, Ruckert EA, Costello. Validation of the 2-minute walk test with the 6-minute walk test and other functional measures in persons with multiple sclerosis. Int J MS Care. 2018;20(4):158-163.

Jayaseelan DJ, Scalzitti DA, Palmer G, Immerman A, Courtney CA. The effects of joint mobilization on individuals with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil. 2018;32(6):722-733.

Harwood KJ, Scalzitti DA, Darragh AR, Rockefeller K, Campo M. A systematic review of safe patient handling and mobility programs to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in occupational and physical therapists and assistants. Int J SPHM. 2018;8(1):46-56.

Logerstedt DS, Scalzitti DA, Bennell KL, Hinman RS, Silvers-Granelli H, Ebert J, Hambly K, Carey JL, Snyder-Mackler L, Axe MJ, McDonough CM. Knee Pain and Mobility Impairments: Meniscal and Articular Cartilage Lesions Revision 2018. Clinical Practice Guideline. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Feb;48(2):A1-A50.

Logerstedt DS, Scalzitti D, Risberg MA, Engebretsen L, Webster KE, Feller J, Snyder-Mackler L, Axe MJ, McDonough CM. Knee Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Knee Ligament Sprain Revision 2017. Clinical Practice Guideline. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Nov;47(11):A1-A47.

Harwood KJ, Scalzitti DA, Campo M, Darragh AR. A systematic review of safe patient handling and mobility programs to improve patient outcomes in rehabilitation. Am J SPHM. 2016 Dec;6(4):141-150.

Scalzitti DA, Harwood KJ, Campo M. Searching the literature for safe patient handling and mobility evidence. Am J SPHM. 2016 March;6(1):9-14.

Jonely H, Scalzitti DA. In a 36-year-old woman with neck pain, will manipulation and mobilization be beneficial for reducing her reports of neck pain? Phys Ther. 2014 Feb;94(2):179-84.

Wampler MA, Galantino ML, Huang S, Gilchrist LS, Marchese VG, Morris GS, Scalzitti DA, Hudson MM, Oeffinger KC, Stovall M, Leisenring WM, Armstrong GT, Robison LL, Ness KK. Physical activity among adult survivors of childhood lower-extremity sarcoma. J Cancer Surviv. 2012 Jan;6(1):45-53.

Goldstein MS, Scalzitti DA, Bohmert JA, Brennan GP, Craik RL, Delitto A, Field-Fote EC, Magistro C, Powers CM, Shields RK. Vitalizing Practice through Research and Research through Practice: The Outcomes of a Conference to Enhance the Delivery of Care. Phys Ther. 2011 Aug;91(8):1275-1284.

Goldstein MS, Scalzitti DA, Craik RL, Dunn SL, Irion JM, Irrgang J, Kolobe TH, McDonough CM, Shields RK. The revised research agenda for physical therapy. Phys Ther. 2011 Feb;91(2):165-174.

Pippenger WS, Scalzitti DA. What are the effects, if any, of lower-extremity strength training on gait in children with cerebral palsy? Phys Ther. 2004 Sep;84(9):849-58.

Scalzitti DA. Evidence in Practice. Because of the risk of developing heterotopic ossification, are passive range of motion exercises contraindicated following traumatic injuries?  Phys Ther. 2003; 83:659-667.

Scalzitti DA, Sternisha C. Evidence in Practice. Clinical question: Does exercise during hospitalization after stem cell transplantation decrease reports of fatigue and reduce the duration of the hospital stay? Phys Ther. 2002; 82:716-721.

Scalzitti DA. Evidence-based guidelines: application to clinical practice. Phys Ther. 2001; 81:1622-1628.

Scalzitti DA. Screening for psychological factors in patients with low back problems: Waddell's nonorganic signs. Phys Ther. 1997;77:306-312.

Industry Relationships and Collaborations

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported a financial interest with the health care related companies listed below. These relations have been reported to the University and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts.

  • None