Trine DPT faculty member earns research award

FORT WAYNE — Research by a faculty member in Trine University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has been recognized by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Jenna Encheff, PT, Ph.D., professor and associate director of Trine’s DPT program, won “Best Research Poster” in the Physicians and Clinicians Networking Group for the organization’s 98th annual national conference.

Encheff’s study, titled “Trunk and Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Children in Various Seated Positions on Horseback,” examined which riding positions and activities best encourage activation of certain muscles for horseback riders.

“This information can be used by physical therapists and occupational therapists who treat children using hippotherapy (therapy on horseback) to best position a patient to get the postural responses desired, depending on the impairments of the child,” she said.

The organization presented the award to Encheff during its Physicians and Clinicians Networking Group Chair meeting on Sunday, Sept. 26.

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine is a nonprofit association with a mission to improve the lives of those with disabilities. It serves more than 3,000 physical medicine and rehabilitation professionals in more than 65 countries.

Last Updated: 09/28/2021