Vicki S. Mercer, PT, Ph.D. Associate Professor
Division of Physical Therapy Department of Allied Health Sciences 3022 Bondurant Hall, CB# 7135 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135 OFFICE: (919) 843-8642 FAX: (919)966-3678

 

RESEARCH BACKGROUND AND INTERESTS

Primary interests in postural control across the lifespan, particularly in associated postural adjustments that occur prior to voluntary movements. Previous research has involved analysis of kinematic, electromyographic, and force platform data to understand postural preparation for movement. More general interests in the areas of motor control, motor learning, and neuromuscular rehabilitation.

CURRENT RESEARCH

• NIH/NICHD HD43907-03

        Limb Loading and Weight Transfer During Stroke Recovery

        Role: PI

• An investigation of paretic lower extremity loading and weight shifting abilities in individuals who are post-stroke. This is a longitudinal study, involving clinical and laboratory testing at one month intervals from one to six months after stroke.

• Pilot studies of the effects of exercise interventions on lateral stability and bone mineral density in persons who are at least 6 months post-stroke.

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Washington University, St. Louis, MO, August, 1993, Movement Science

M.S., University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, May, 1988, Physical Therapy

B.S., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, May, 1980, Physical Therapy

TEACHING

MPT Program

• Neuromuscular Assessment and Treatment I (PHYT 284) 
• Neuromuscular Assessment and Treatment II (PHYT 285)

Transitional DPT Program

• Advanced Patient Management (PHYT 322)

Interdisciplinary PhD Program

• The Scientific Basis of Human Motion (HMSC 200B)
• Topics in Motor Control and Motor Learning: Therapeutic Implications (HMSC 243)

PUBLICATIONS

Refereed

Cavanaugh JT, Guskiewicz K, Giuliani C, Marshall S, Mercer VS, Stergiou N. Detecting altered postural control after cerebral concussion in athletes without postural instability. Br J Sports Med. In press, 2005.

Chang SH, Mercer VS, Giuliani CG, Sloane PD. Relationship between hip abductor rate of force development and medial-lateral stability in older adults.  Arch Phys Med Rehabil. In press. 2005, 14 pages.

Dusing SC, Mercer VS, Yu B, Reilly M, Thorpe DE.  Trunk position in supine of infants born preterm and at term:  An assessment using a computerized pressure mat. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2005;17:2-10.

Reo JA, Mercer VS. Effects of live, videotaped, or written instruction on learning an upper-extremity exercise program. Phys Ther. 2004;84:622-633.

Schrodt LA, Mercer VS, Giuliani CA, Hartman M. Characteristics of stepping over an obstacle in community dwelling older adults under dual-task conditions. Gait Posture. 2004;19:279-287.

Huang HJ, Mercer VS. Effects of different concurrent cognitive tasks on temporal-distance gait variables in children. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2003;15:105-113.

Mercer VS, Abrams S, Connelly C, Trabue L, West E. What are the effects of a distracting environment on clinical test scores in community dwellers over 65 years of age? J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2002;25(1):16-20.

Rosemond C, Mercer VS. Educational programs to maximize function and mobility in long term care. Top Geriatr Rehab. 2002;17(4):42-52.

Gudjonsdottir B, Mercer VS. Effects of a dynamic versus a static prone stander on bone mineral density and behavior in four children with severe cerebral palsy. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2002;14:38-46.

Gudjonsdottir B, Mercer VS. A motorized dynamic stander. Pediatr Phys Ther [Clinical Suggestions]. 2002;14:49-51.

Wiepert SL, Mercer VS. Effects of an increased number of practice trials on Peabody Developmental Gross Motor Scale scores in children of preschool age with typical development. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2002;14:22-28. 

Huang HJ, Mercer VS. Dual-task methodology: applications in studies of cognitive and motor performance in adults and children. Pediatr Phys Ther.  2001;13:133-140.

Mercer VS, Lewis CL. Hip abductor and knee extensor muscle strength of children with and without Down syndrome. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2001;13:18-26.

Arnadottir SA, Mercer VS. Effects of footwear on functional tests in older women. Phys Ther. 2000;80:17-27.

Petty JF, Mercer VS, Gross MT, Riegger-Krugh C. Relationship between maximum ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and maximal posterior horizontal excursion in standing. Issues on Aging. 2000;23(3):7-14.

Schrodt L, Mercer VS. Dual-task performance of cognitive and balance tasks in older adults. Issues on Aging. 2000;23(3):3-6.

Mercer VS, Sahrmann SA. Postural synergies associated with a stepping task. Phys Ther. 1999;79:1142-1152.

Arnadottir SA, Mercer VS. Functional assessment in geriatric physical therapy. Issues on Aging.

1999;22(2):3-12.

Wiepert S, Mercer VS. Effect of allowing increased practice trials on administration of the Peabody Developmental Gross Motor Scales in a normally developing child. Physical Therapy Case Reports.  1998;1:53-55.

Gudjonsdottir B, Mercer VS. Hip and spine in children with cerebral palsy: musculoskeletal development and clinical implications. Pediatr Phys Ther. 1997;9:179-185.

Hines C, Mercer VS. Anticipatory postural adjustments: An update. Neurology Report. 1997;21(1):17-22.

Mercer VS, Sahrmann SA, Abrams RA, Buckles VD, Norton BJ. Age group differences in postural adjustments associated with a stepping task. J Motor Behavior. 1997;29:243-253.

PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

American Heart Association Stroke Council, 1995 - present

International Society for Posture and Gait Research, 1992 - present

Society for Neuroscience, 1991 - present

American Physical Therapy Association, 1985 - present

Pediatric, Neurology, and Research Sections