Laura Z Gras, PT, DPT, DSc, MS has a Doctor of Science degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Geriatrics, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a Masters in Health Services Administration, a Geronotology Certificate, and is a Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist Emeritus. She is the course coordinator for Neuromuscular Foundations and Neurologic Rehabilitation I. Her area of research is in improving balance and reducing falls in the geriatric and neurologic populations and interprofessional education. She is a reviewer for the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, secretary for the National Interprofessional Education Consortium of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, is a nominating committee members for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, and is on the Movement Systems Task Force for the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. She was a 2022-2023 fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership.
Scholarly Activity (past 5 years):
Publications:
Denney L, Eliasziw M, Mayer J, Gras L, Pohl P. Walking Speed Questionnaire used to estimate gait speed in older adults: comparison with testing protocols and diagnostic accuracy. Physiother Theory Pract. 2024; 40(6):1133-1139. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2022.2137865
Lusardi M, Hartley G, Leach S, Gras L, Larkin M, Miller K, Quiben M. Perspective: The case for developing a movement system framework for older adults. Phys Ther. 2023;102(10). https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzad079.
Mayer JE, Valdez Taves J, Fishel SC, Rogalski Y, Elich Monroe, J, Gras LZ. Interprofessional education through a monthly stroke support group. J Allied Health. 2023;52(1):9-15.
Gras L. Physical therapy for the older adult. In: Pagliarulo MA, ed. Introduction to Physical Therapy. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Inc, 2021.
Strelec J, Akeju, O, Gras L. Rehabilitation progression using training prostheses after bilateral AKA: A case report. J of Prosth & Orth. 2021; 33(3):234-240.
Pohl P, Gras L, Bosch P, Ganley K, Mayer J. Dual task Timed Up-and-Go in older adults with and without balance deficits. J of Phys & Occup Ther in Geri. 2019; 37(4):247-259.
Gras L, Brown S, Durnford S, Fishel S, Elich Monroe J, Plumeau K, Valdez Tavez J. The impact of a one-time interprofessional education event for rehabilitation after stroke for students in the health professions. J Allied Health. 2019; 48(3): 167-171.
Presentations:
Quiben M, Leach S, Larkin M, Hartley G, Miller K, Gras, L, Lusardi M. The 5Ms of Geriatrics: The Missing Link in Movement System Framework. Combined Sections Meeting, Boston, MA, February 2024 (2-hour session)
Gras L, Beran-Shepler K, Babin C, Thomas S, Wellmon R, Tutt SM, Rone-Adams S, Prouty D, Hochman L, W SM, Barreca J. Innovations in IPE: How to Create and Sustain Meaningful Learning Activities and Stakeholders. Educational Leadership Conference, Philadelphia, PA, October 2023 (1.5 hour session).
Gras L, Quiben M, Leach S, Larkin M, Hartley G, Miller K, Lusardi M. The 5Ms of Geriatrics: The Missing Link in Movement System Framework. Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA, February 2023 (poster presentation).
Gras L, Bradshaw M. Project Wheelchair User: Occupational and Physical Therapy Collaboration; Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference, July 2022 (poster presentation).
Gras L, Belyea B. New Faculty Mentoring Program. Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio, TX, February 2022 (poster presentation).
Beran-Shepler K, Gras L, Nordon-Craft A, Wellmon R. A Systematic Approach to Using IPE for Scholarly Activities and Promoting Student Learning. Educational Leadership Conference, October 2021 (platform presentation).
Gras L, King D, Tome J, Yehl C. A Comparison of Two Walking Programs on Balance and Gait in Older Adults who Reported Being Fearful of Falling. New York Physical Therapy Association, Saratoga, NY, October 2019 (poster presentation).