Laura Z. Gras, PT, DSc, GCS

Laura GrasLaura received her doctor of science degree in physical therapy with a specialization in geriatrics from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She has her master's degree in health service administration and a gerontology certificate through Sage Graduate School. Laura is a board certified clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy. Laura specializes in geriatric rehabilitation, especially with adult neurological problems. Laura's primary teaching responsibility is in neuromuscular rehabilitation and research. Her research interests include lighting interventions to prevent falls in the elderly, stroke rehabilitation, balance and exercise for the geriatric population.


Current Teaching Responsibilities in the Entry-level Physical Therapy Program

  • PTY 616 Patient/Client Management: Adult Neuromuscular System
  • PTY 768 Capstone Experience: Case Report and Evidence Based Practice
  • PTY 769 Capstone Experience: Faculty-Mentored Research Project
  • PTY 611 Motor Control: Theory and Application

Current Scholarly Activities

Laura recently received a grant through the National Institutes of Health along with Dr. Mary Rea and researchers at The Lighting Research Center to conduct research on the effects of lighting to reduce falls in older adults.

Laura will be presenting Reliability and Validity of the WiiFit at NYPTA's Annual Conference in October and APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in San Diego, CA in February along with students Elizabeth Hine and Audrey Hummer. She will also be presenting Improvements in Gait with Therapeutic Riding: a Case Report with alumni Catherine Ungermann at NYPTA's Annual Conference in October and The Use of a Lighted Tilted Frame with Two Individuals who had a Cerebral Vascular Accident with alumni Janelle Martin and Tracy Surprenant at APTA's Combined Sections Meeting.

Published an article in June 2008: Figueiro M, Gras L, Qui R, Rizzo P, Rea M, Rea MS. A novel lighting system for postural control and stability in seniors. Lighting Res Technol.2008;40:111-126.

Presented The Use of a Lighted Tilted Frame to Assist in Midline Orientation in Patients who have had a Stroke with Krystal Flatebo and Jessica Knepp and The Influence of Visual Information on Postural Stability in Older Adults with Nancy Qi at the International Conference of Aging, Disability ad Independence in St. Petersburg, FL in February 2008.

Professional Service and Leadership Activities

Chair of the Sage Graduate School Curriculum Committee

Member of the NDTA Website Committee

Co-organizes Experience Physical Therapy Day for middle school students

Conducts a Hals Pals Presentation for local kindergarteners to promote disability awareness

Clinical Practice

Laura directs the Balance and Dizziness Clinic at Brunswick Physical Therapy.

Associate Professor
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
grasl@sage.edu
(518) 244-2066