Pediatric Rehabilitation and Active Lifestyles (PALS) Lab
University of Montana, School of Physical Therapy - Missoula, MT
About PALS
Welcome to the Pediatric Rehabilitation and Active Lifestyles Lab! We are a physical therapy research lab at the University of Montana, Missoula, directed by Dr. Julia Mazzarella, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Our research focuses on developing and evaluating fun, engaging, and effective physical therapy interventions for children with neuromotor disorders, such as cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder. Our goal is to find opportunities to take physical therapy out into the community for these children and facilitate the incorporation of fitness into their everyday life.
Meet the Team
Dr. Julia Mazzarella, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Lab Director
Assistant Professor
School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
University of Montana
Dr. Mazzarella is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Montana, and she holds a certification in hippotherapy from the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. Dr. Mazzarella completed her Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2018 and her Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Science in 2022, both from The Ohio State University. Dr. Mazzarella also completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Pediatric Assessment and Rehabilitation (PEARL) Lab at The Ohio State University from 2022-2023. Dr. Mazzarella joined the faculty at the University of Montana School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science in July 2023. Dr. Mazzarella’s research interests include developing and evaluating physical therapy interventions that incorporate animals and adaptive recreation and take place in community settings. Dr. Mazzarella applies techniques in motion analysis, behavioral observation, collection of biomarkers, and gross motor testing, to understand the mechanism, feasibility, and efficacy of these interventions.
Research Assistants
Erynn Little
2nd Year DPT Student
Kayla Stephens
2nd Year DPT Student
Brittney Buckley
2nd Year DPT Student
Meredith Follis
1st Year DPT Student
WHAT IS THE STUDY?
• This study is to understand the effects of human-horse interaction during rehabilitation on mood, movement, and physiological responses for both the horse and the human.
• This study will help providers make informed decisions about how and when to use horses as part of a child’s rehabilitation treatment.
WHAT WILL MY CHILD BE ASKED TO DO?
• Provide a saliva sample using a cotton swab;
• Wear a heart rate monitor;
• Complete a strength and range of motion exam;
• Interact with a horse both from the ground and mounted for 30-45 minutes total;
• There will be additional personnel leading the horse and walking alongside your child while mounted on the horse to keep them safe;
• Your child will be video recorded during the horse interaction portion.
RISKS: The risks are minimal and will be discussed fully with you and your child prior to enrollment in the study.
INCENTIVE: Your child will receive $20 for participating.
Current Projects
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Your child can participate if they:
• Are between 6-17 years of age;
• Have typical development or a diagnosis of cerebral palsy;
• Can tolerate a 1-hour rehabilitation session and at least 30 minutes mounted on a horse;
• Understand simple directions in English;
• Weigh less than 200 lbs;
• Have independent head control;
• Have transportation to the study location.
QUIRE Study
(Quantifying Human- Equine Interaction in Hippotherapy and Rehabilitation in the Equine Environment)
WHERE IS THIS HAPPENING?
Trotting Horse Therapeutic Riding
1270 Trotting Horse Ln
Missoula, MT 59804
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFO? Contact Us!
Get Involved
Anybody can get involved with PALS Lab research! That means University of Montana students AND community members.
Volunteers
The PALS Lab is always looking for volunteers to assist with interventions and data collections. Pediatric physical therapy that is fun and community-based takes a lot of hands! For example, during hippotherapy (physical therapy on horseback) we need a minimum of 2 volunteers per participant, one to lead the horse, and one to walk alongside the horse to maintain the safety of our participants. If you are interested in volunteering, you must first sign up for a 2-hour volunteer training. We will notify you of upcoming dates when you contact us.
Research Assistants
The PALS lab employs several University of Montana work study students each year to assist with data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination. Interested students may apply at any time, by emailing a resume, cover letter, and proof of work study eligibility to Dr. Mazzarella (Julia.Mazzarella@umontana.edu). Hires are made on a rolling basis, depending on need and funding.
Contact Us
Location
Skaggs 025
32 Campus Dr
Missoula, MT 59812
Phone
406-243-4684
Email
Julia.mazzarella@umontana.edu
