DPT Students Earn Top Honors for Research on Manual Therapy
June 15, 2026
Research is an important part of preparing future physical therapists to deliver evidence-based care. At PCOM Georgia, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students have opportunities to work alongside faculty on meaningful research projects that contribute to the profession while building valuable skills for clinical practice.
A recent project led by Scott W. Lowe, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, and Daniel Mackie, PT, DPT, OCS, assistant professors in the Department of Physical Therapy, demonstrates how students can become active contributors to the advancement of healthcare knowledge.
Working alongside DPT students Gabrielle Hoffman and Grace Wolf, Drs. Lowe and Mackie examined the use of manual therapy for conditions affecting the thoracic spine, or mid-back. While manual therapy is commonly used by physical therapists and osteopathic physicians, relatively little research has focused on its effectiveness for thoracic spine symptoms compared to other areas of the spine.
To better understand the available evidence, the team conducted a scoping review titled "The Use of Manual Therapy for Thoracic Spine Symptoms: A Scoping Review". Their goal was to evaluate existing research and identify areas where additional study is needed to help guide clinical decision-making.
The review revealed that limited research has been conducted on the topic and that much of the available literature lacks strong methodological quality. The findings highlight the need for additional high-quality research to support evidence-based treatment approaches for patients experiencing thoracic spine symptoms.
Students Take the Lead
The project, according to Lowe, was largely student-driven, with Hoffman and Wolf completing key phases of the research process, including data extraction and synthesis.
"The students were highly motivated to get involved in the research process and really learned a lot about what it means to be a producer as well as a consumer of evidence for practice," Lowe said.
Statewide Recognition
The research team presented its findings at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Georgia Chapter Annual Conference held at Lake Lanier on June 6. Their work received significant recognition, earning the award for the most outstanding student research project in the state.
The honor reflects both the quality of the research and the dedication of the students involved in the project.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
For prospective students, opportunities such as these demonstrate how the DPT program at PCOM Georgia combines classroom instruction, clinical education and scholarly inquiry. Students not only learn from current research but also have the opportunity to contribute to it, preparing them to make informed clinical decisions and advance the profession throughout their careers.