Sara Piva, PT, PhD. is Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. She is an academic Physical Therapist with a Master of Science degree in Musculoskeletal PT and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences. Her goal is to become an independent investigator fully qualified in design and implementation of clinical and translational investigations on the effectiveness of rehabilitation to improve muscle function and maximize functional outcome in patients with arthritis. During this KO1 award, she will pursue bench training in the assessment of morphological and metabolic muscle adaptations in response to neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The candidate will gain skills in assessing skeletal muscle composition with computerized tomography (CT) imaging, and performing histo- and biochemical analyses of quadriceps muscle samples to assess muscle fiber type, fat content, and oxidative capacity (mitochondria content and enzyme activity). This training will make the candidate uniquely cross-trained in clinical and basic science to undertake a comprehensive approach to study muscle rehabilitation. Through the help of her mentors, Dr. Delitto, Dr. Goodpaster, Dr. Wasko, and Dr. Fitzgerald, and through a combination of practical training, coursework, directed readings, participation in symposia, collaboration with consultants, and the implementation of the research proposed in this KO1, the candidate will gain the necessary skills for a career as an independent investigator and fill an important research gap. The primary aim of the research plan is to determine the effect of NMES on functional outcome and muscle hypertrophy in individuals with RA. The secondary aim is to determine the mechanism by which NMES affects muscle hypertrophy and physical function. After baseline testing, 60 individuals with RA will be randomly assigned to a 16-week NMES program or highly intense volitional exercise program. Both programs will be applied based on the best current clinical evidence. Subjects will be re-assessed after intervention. Groups will be compared for differences in performance-based and self-reported lower extremity function, muscle volume, muscle strength, proportion and area of type I and II muscle fibers, fat content, and muscle oxidative capacity from pre- to post-intervention. Changes in physical function, muscle volume, and muscle strength will be correlated with proportion and area of type I and II muscle fibers, fat content, and markers of muscle oxidative capacity. The internationally recognized research environment of the University of Pittsburgh will highly contribute to the development of Dr. Piva's career.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01HD058035-04
Application #
8291131
Study Section
Pediatrics Subcommittee (CHHD)
Program Officer
Shinowara, Nancy
Project Start
2009-06-01
Project End
2014-05-31
Budget Start
2012-06-01
Budget End
2013-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$120,912
Indirect Cost
$8,956
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Allied Health Profes
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Piva, Sara R; Khoja, Samannaaz S; Toledo, Frederico G S et al. (2018) Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Compared to Volitional Exercise in Improving Muscle Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Pilot Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) :
Khoja, Samannaaz S; Moore, Charity G; Goodpaster, Bret H et al. (2018) Skeletal Muscle Fat and Its Association With Physical Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 70:333-342
Disantis, Ashley Y; Piva, Sara R; Irrgang, James J (2018) Standardized Patient Reported Outcomes Do Not Capture Functional Deficits of Patients Following Contemporary Total Knee Replacement: Descriptive Study. J Exerc Sports Orthop 5:
Piva, Sara R; Almeida, Gustavo J; Gil, Alexandra B et al. (2017) Effect of Comprehensive Behavioral and Exercise Intervention on Physical Function and Activity Participation After Total Knee Replacement: A Pilot Randomized Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 69:1855-1862
Khoja, Samannaaz S; Almeida, Gustavo J; Chester Wasko, Mary et al. (2016) Association of Light-Intensity Physical Activity With Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk Burden in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 68:424-31
Piva, Sara R; Susko, Allyn M; Khoja, Samannaaz S et al. (2015) Links between osteoarthritis and diabetes: implications for management from a physical activity perspective. Clin Geriatr Med 31:67-87, viii
Piva, Sara R; Farrokhi, Shawn; Almeida, Gustavo et al. (2015) Dose-Associated Changes in Gait Parameters in Response to Exercise Programs after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Secondary Analysis of Two Randomized Studies. Int J Phys Med Rehabil 3:3-7
Piva, Sara R; Lasinski, Stephanie; Almeida, Gustavo Jm et al. (2013) Association between Disability and Psychological Factors and Dose of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Physiother Pract Res 34:57-66
Almeida, Gustavo J M; Wasko, Mary Chester M; Jeong, Kwonho et al. (2011) Physical activity measured by the SenseWear Armband in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Phys Ther 91:1367-76
Piva, Sara R; Teixeira, Paulo E P; Almeida, Gustavo J M et al. (2011) Contribution of hip abductor strength to physical function in patients with total knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther 91:225-33

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