Department of Physical Therapy

Smita Rao

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

Smita Rao

Phone: 212-998-9194
Email:

Dr. Smita Rao trained as physical therapist and earned a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) and Master of Science (Orthopedic Physiotherapy) at the University of Mumbai, India. She obtained her academic doctorate at the University of Iowa in Physical Rehabilitation Science, and her dissertation examined foot and ankle changes in patients with diabetes. She completed a two-year post doctoral fellowship funded by the Arthritis Foundation, at Ithaca College's Movement Analysis Lab in Rochester, NY. The overarching focus of Dr. Rao's work is to design and implement scientifically-based, cost-effective intervention for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal problems.


Degrees Held

  • Ph.D. University of Iowa 2006
    Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
  • M.S. University of Bombay (LTM Medical College) 2000
    Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • B.S. University of Bombay (Seth GS Medical College) 1998
    Physical Therapy

Awards

  • 2010 : Invited Poster, Annual Meeting, Orthopedic Research Society
  • 2009 : Best e-Poster Award, Annual Meeting, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • 2009 : Invited Poster, Annual Meeting, Orthopedic Research Society
  • 2008 : Best e-Poster Award, Annual Meeting, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society
  • 2006 : Honorable Mention, Outstanding Graduate Student as Mentor Award, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
  • 2005 : Nominee, Young Investigator Award, International Society of Biomechanics
  • 2004 : Whitaker Student Award, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society
  • 2003 : Whitaker Student Award, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society
  • 2003 : Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, The University of Iowa
  • 2000 : KC Mahindra Trust Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies in the US, Bombay, India
  • 1998 : Sir Dorab Tata Merit Scholarship, Bombay, India

Publications

  • S Rao, Saltzman CL, Yack HJ. The Relationship between Segmental Foot mobility and Loading in Individuals with and without Diabetes and Neuropathy (Gait and Posture, Accepted, Awaiting Proofs)
  • S Rao, Baumhauer JF, Tome J, Nawoczenski DA. Comparison of in vivo segmental foot motion during walking and step descent in patients with midfoot arthritis and matched asymptomatic control subjects. J Biomech. 2009;42:1054-1060. (view)
  • S Rao, Baumhauer JF, Becica L, Nawoczenski DA. Shoe inserts alter plantar loading and function in patients with midfoot arthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009;39:522-53. (view)
  • Patel A, S Rao, Nawoczenski D, Baumhauer J. (Invited Review) Midfoot Arthritis: Nonoperative Options and Decision Making for Fusion Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery (Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Accepted, In Press)
  • S Rao, Nawoczenski D, Baumhauer J. Midfoot arthritis: nonoperative options and decision making for fusions. Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery. September 2008;73(3):188-95. (view)
  • Wilken JM, S Rao, Yack HJ, Estin M, Saltzman CL. Novel ankle range of motion testing device: reliability and validity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. (in review)
  • S Rao, Yack HJ, Wilken JM, Saltzman CL. Increased passive ankle stiffness and reduced dorsiflexion range of motion in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Foot Ankle Int. 2006;27(8):617-22. (view)
  • S Rao, Saltzman CL, Yack HJ. Segmental foot mobility in individuals with and without diabetes and neuropathy. Clin Biomech. 2007;22(4):464-71. (view)
  • S Rao, Saltzman CL, Yack HJ. Ankle rom and stiffness measured at rest and during gait in individuals with and without diabetes and neuropathy. Gait Posture. 2006 Nov;24(3):295-301. (view)
  • Janz KF, S Rao, Baumann HJ, Schultz JL. Measuring children's vertical ground reaction forces with accelerometry during walking, running, and jumping: The Iowa Bone Development Study. Pediatr Exerc Sci. 2003;15:34-43.

Presentations

  • S Rao, Understanding Functional Movements in Patients with Arthritis (Study Group with D. Stiskal, PT, PhD) American College of Rheumatology / Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals Annual Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 2009(view)
  • S Rao, Baumhauer J, Nawoczenski D. Barefoot plantar loading in patients with midfoot arthritis during walking. Annual Meeting of the European Society of Movement Analysis for Adults and Children, London, UK, 2009
  • D Nawoczenski, S Rao,C Neville, J Houck. How do Orthotic/Bracing Interventions Really Work? (Instructional Course, Accepted) Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, 2010
  • S Rao, A Miana, M Lenhoff, S Backus, F Cordasco, D Altchek, C Imhauser, A Karduna, T Wright, R Zifchock, H Hillstrom. A Novel Method to Delineate Shoulder Kinematics – Reliability and Validity. ASB, 2009(view)
  • S Rao, Baumhauer J, Nawoczenski D. Factors contributing to Impairments in Self-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Midfoot Arthritis. American College of Rheumatology, San Francisco, 2008(view)
  • S Rao, Nawoczenski D, Houck J. Optimizing Conservative Intervention for Patients with Midfoot Arthritis (Instructional Course) Pedorthic Footwear Association Meeting, Nashville, TN, 2008(view)
  • S Rao, Baumhauer J, Tome J, Nawoczenski D. Comparison of In Vivo Segmental Foot Mobility during Walking and Step Descent in Patients with Midfoot Arthritis. 1st International Foot and Ankle Biomechanics Congress, Bologna, Italy, 2008(view)
  • S Rao, Baumhauer J, Nawoczenski D. Shoe Inserts Alter In Vivo Segmental Motion in Patients with Midfoot Arthritis. Summer Meeting, American Foot and Orthopedic Society, Denver, CO, 2008(view)
  • S Rao, Becica L, Baumhauer J, Nawoczenski D. The Effect of Foot Orthoses on Three-Dimensional Segmental Kinematics of the Foot in Patients with Midfoot Arthritis. Annual Meeting, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, Richmond, VA, 2008
  • S Rao, Becica L, Baumhauer J, Nawoczenski D. Uncovering Mechanisms Underlying the Effectiveness of Shoe Inserts in Patients with Midfoot Arthritis. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Nashville, TN, 2008(view)
  • S Rao, Nawoczenski D, Baumhauer J. Uncovering the Effects of Shoe Inserts on Plantar Loading in Patients with Midfoot Arthritis. Summer Meeting, American Foot and Orthopedic Society, Toronto, Canada, 2007
  • S Rao, Saltzman C, Yack HJ. The Relationship between Segmental Foot Mobility and Loading in Individuals with and without Diabetes and Neuropathy. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, 2007
  • S Rao, Arthur A, Fancher B, Hentges L, Massman J, Vierling A, Yack HJ. Understanding Foot Structure and Function: The Relationship between First Ray and Ankle Stiffness and Plantar Pressures. CSM, APTA, Boston, MA, 2007(view)
  • S Rao, Saltzman C, Yack HJ. Segmental Foot Mobility in Individuals with and without Diabetes and Neuropathy. Annual Meeting, American Society of Biomechanics, Blacksburg, VA, 2006(view)
  • S Rao, Wilken J, Saltzman C, Yack HJ. Changes in Mechanical Characteristics of the Platar Flexors in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus. (Nominated for Young Investigator Award), International Society of Biomechanics, Cleveland, OH, 2005(view)
  • S Rao, Saltzman C, Yack HJ. Comparison of Plantar Loading, Ankle Range of Motion and Ankle Stiffness in Individuals with and without Diabetic Neuropathy. Oral Presentation, Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, New Orleans, TN, 2004
  • S Rao, Yack HJ. Ankle Kinetics, Kinematics and Stiffness in Normal Children Simulating Pathological Gait Patterns. (AACPDM Travel Award), Annual Meeting, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, 2004
  • S Rao, Saltzman C, Yack HJ. Plantar Loading, Ankle Range of Motion and Ankle Stiffness in Individuals with and without Diabetic Neuropathy. Summer Meeting, Academy of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Seattle, WA, 2004
  • S Rao, Saltzman C, Yack HJ. Plantar Loading, Ankle Range of Motion and Ankle Stiffness in Individuals with Diabetic Neuropathy. (Whitaker Award), Annual Meeting, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, Lexington, KY, 2004
  • S Rao, Yack HJ, Dietz F. Kinematics and Kinetics in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Knees of Children with Myelomeningocele. (Whitaker Award), Annual Meeting, Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, Wilmington, DE, 2003(view)
  • S Rao, Yack HJ, Hsu MJ, Chandran R, Nielsen D. Effect of Prosthetic Foot-type and Walking Velocity on Vertical Ground Reaction Forces in Individuals with Transtibial Amputations. (Podium), GCMAS, Chattanooga, TN, 2003(view)
  • Jobgen B, Kipp C, Rich P, Turner E, S Rao, Yack HJ. The Effects of Varying Stride Frequency on Ground Reaction Forces in Recreational Runners. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, San Antonio, TX, 2001(view)

Research Interests

  • Kinematic modeling, mechanics of foot function
  • Foot and ankle changes in individuals with diabetes
  • Foot and ankle changes in individuals with arthritis