Prof links with physical therapists in the field

Irene McClay Davis, associate professor of physical therapy

9:48 a.m., Feb. 28, 2005--Irene McClay Davis, associate professor of physical therapy, has dual roles as a faculty member at UD and as research director for Drayer Physical Therapy Institute.

At UD, she teaches, conducts research in the Motion Analysis Laboratory on the biomechanics associated with common running-related injuries and also directs the UD Running Injury Clinic, which attracts runners from all over the country.

Her research involves the relationship between lower extremities, mechanics and injury. For example, in the Motion Analysis Laboratory, she studies the force with which a runner hits the ground on a force plate and attaches electrodes to film how a runner’s legs are actually moving. “The goal is to reduce risks and injuries by changing different factors, such as learning to hit the ground more softly to avoid stress fractures,” she said.

As Drayer’s director of research, she shares her knowledge and expertise with the company, which owns or manages 18 physical therapy centers in five states. She also is forming journal clubs at various Drayer sites where physical therapists and physicians learn to critically review the literature in the field to keep abreast of the latest research.

“It’s a ‘win-win’ partnership, Davis said. “I am able to focus on my research and at the same time keep in touch with those working directly in physical therapy to help them keep up to date with the latest findings in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”

Drayer provides funding to UD to support Davis’ contribution of her expertise and research in sports medicine.

The relationship grew out of a similar arrangement Davis had with Joyner Sports Medicine Institute. She met Dave Joyner, Penn State’s football physician, when she was a graduate student there and became associated with his group in 1998. When the company was sold, Luke Drayer, a Joyner employee, formed his own company and Davis joined the Drayer Physical Therapy Institute.

“We’re thrilled and fortunate to have someone of Professor Davis’ caliber available to help take our team to a higher level of customer care,” Drayer said. “We look forward to working with her and the University of Delaware to make this a model partnership.”

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts in exercise science, Davis received a second degree in physical therapy from the University of Florida, a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and her doctorate from Pennsylvania State University, both in biomechanics, and joined the UD faculty in 1989. She has published extensively and has lectured throughout the United States and Canada and will spend the next month in Australia, visiting labs and giving presentations.

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