Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, San Diego State University

in the SDSU School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences

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Sara Gombatto

Sara Gombatto
Sara Gombatto

Associate Professor

Phone: (619) 594-3288
Office: ENS 118
Email: sgombatto@sdsu.edu

Download CV (pdf)

Education

  • PhD, Washington University, Movement Science
  • MS, Ithaca College, Physical Therapy
  • BS, Ithaca College, Clinical Science

Licensure information/Registration Number

New York State Physical Therapy License #020896-1

Teaching Responsibilities

  • DPT 881 Evidence Based Practice I
  • DPT 882 Evidence Based Practice II

Research and Scholarship Interests (Funded Activity/Other Research and Scholarly Activity)

I am interested in examining the mechanisms underlying chronic-recurrent low back pain. Using information from a physical therapy examination and a 3D movement analysis laboratory, I have investigated differences in movement characteristics between different subgroups of people with low back pain and between people with and without low back pain. Currently, I am examining the relationship between posture and movement and the development and persistence of a low back pain problem. I am particularly interested in how people move during functional activities. At SDSU, I plan to continue this research using 3-D movement analysis, but also plan to use new tools such as MRI and portable devices for movement analysis.

Recent/Selected Publications

  • Spoto MM, Gombatto SP: Diagnostic labels assigned to patients with orthopedic conditions and the influence of the label on selection of interventions – a survey of orthopedic clinical specialists. Physical Therapy Journal, 94(6):776-91, 2014.
  • Scholtes SA, Norton BJ, Gombatto SP, Van Dillen LR: Variables associated with performance of an active limb movement following within-session instruction in people with and people without low back pain. BioMed Research International, Article ID# 867983, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/867983, 2013.
  • Gombatto SP, Norton BJ, Sahrmann SA, Strube MJ, Van Dillen LR: Factors contributing to lumbar region passive tissue characteristics in people with and people without LBP. Clinical Biomechanics, 28(3):255-261, 2013.

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