Todd Watson

Biography

<b>PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, MTC, Cert-DN</b><br><br><b>Experience</b><br>Dr. Watson joined the Department of Physical Therapy in fall 2002 as assistant professor in orthopedic physical therapy. Dr. Watson has continued to practice orthopedic and sports medicine physical therapy while teaching and conducting his research agenda. He received his certification in manual therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 1999. He became a Diplomat of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and was Board Certified as a Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy (OCS) in 1999, and re-credentialed in 2009. He also became a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists (FAAOMPT) in 1999, and again re-credentialed in 2009. Dr. Watson is also an attending clinician for the student run Mountain Area Pro Bono Health Services clinic (MAPHealth) on campus and also takes students to Central America (Honduras) each year on a two-week medical mission international service learning travel course.<br><br><b>Education</b><br>Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University (2002)<br>Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Residency/Fellowship, University of St. Augustine (2000)<br>Bachelor of Science and Master of Physical Therapy, Idaho State University (1989 & 1991)<br><br><b>Personal</b><br>Dr. Watson resides in Asheville with his wife, and his hobbies include distance running, travel, and scuba diving.

Education

• Ph D, The University of the Health Sciences
• MPT, Idaho State University
• BS, Idaho State University, Zoology

Teaching Interests

Dr. Watson teaches entry-level physical therapy students, focusing on examination and intervention of musculoskeletal conditions in PT 951 (spine) and PT 952 (extremities). He has also taught a basic physical therapy science course. He co-directs a doctoral project (PT 899) in the Physical Therapy Department with Dr. Jessica Graning. Finally, he teaches an elective faculty-led study abroad international service-learning course, PT 880 (Addressing Global Health Issues in Central America).

Research Interests

Dr. Watson recently completed a study demonstrating improved performance on measures of dance, balance and muscle performance following an intensive 9-week core stability program. Currently, Dr. Watson is leading an international service-learning course/study project to provide basic health education to the director, trainers and participants of an existing hypertension and diabetes prevention program in Taulabe, Honduras under the guidance of program administrators and licensed physical therapists. He is also studying the effectiveness of a student-created and publicly disseminated video education series to the people in this community on topics related to exercise and chronic health conditions.<br><br><b>Recent Publications</b><br>Watson, T., Graning, J. E., Eckard, T. Communication and clinical reasoning benefits of an international service-learning course in Honduras for Doctor of Physical Therapy Students: a single blind case-control study. <i>J Clin Ed in Phys Ther: Under Review.</i><br><br>Watson, T., Graning, J. E., Eckard, T. Fostering clinical reasoning through critical reflection in Doctor of Physical Therapy education using international service-learning in Honduras. <i> <i>Adv Pub Health Community Trop Med</i>. 2020;2(110):1-8. </i><i>doi:10.37722/APCTM.20202.</i><br><br>Watson T, Graning J, McPherson S, Carter E, Edwards J, Melcher I, Burgess T. Dance, balance, and core muscle performance measures are improved following a nine-week core stabilization training program among competitive collegiate dancers. <i>Int J Sports Phys Ther</i>. 2017;12(1):25-41.PMID:28217414.<br><br>McPherson S, Watson T, Pate L.Establishing immediate reliability of ultrasound imaging measurements of transversus abdominis in asymptomatic adults performing upright loaded functional tasks in clinical context without delayed recorded measurement. <br><i>J Ultrasound Med</i>. 2016;35(8):1681-1691. doi:10.7863/ultra.15.09065.<br><br>McPherson S, Watson T.Training of transversus abdominis activation in supine with ultrasound biofeedback translated to increased transversus abdominis activation during upright loaded functional tasks. <i>Phys Med Rehab</i>. 2014;6(7):612-623. <br>doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2013.11.014.<br><br><b>Recent Scientific and Professional Presentations: </b><br>Graning J, Watson T. Influence of a 10-week dynamic core stabilization training program on dance-related injury rate. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. January, 2019; Washington, DC.<br><br>Watson T, Vidal B. Use of Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging in the Treatment of Lower Back Pain. South Carolina Physical Therapy Association Meeting, Pelham Medical Center. September 2018; Spartanburg, SC.<br><br>Watson T, Graning J. Competitive collegiate dance team injuries: A prospective study. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. February 2018; New Orleans, LA.