PHYSICAL THERAPY

Irene R. McEwen, PT, PhD, FAPTA
George Lynn Cross Research Professor

Director, Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities;

Director, Postprofessional Graduate Program

Ann Taylor Chair in Pediatrics and Developmental Disabilities in Physical Therapy

E-mail Irene McEwen
(405) 271-2131 ext. 47125

education

Ph.D., Special Education, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 1989

ME.d., Educational Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 1973

B.S., Physical Therapy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 1965

publications (last 5 Years)

Arnold, S. H., & McEwen, I. R. (2008). Item test-retest reliability and responsiveness of the School Outcomes Measure Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 28(1), 59-77.

Jones, M. A., McEwen, I. R., & Jeffries L. M. (2008). Assessment of motor skills. In M. L. Wolriach, D. D. Drotor, P. H. Dworkin, & E. C. Perrin Developmental-behavioral pediatrics: Evidence and practice (pp. 190-201). Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier.

Scales, L. H., McEwen, I.R., & Murray, C. (2007). Parents' perceived benefits of physical therapists' direct intervention compared with parental instruction in early intervention. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 19, 196-202.

Meiser, M., & McEwen, I. R. (2007). Propelling lightweight and ultralight wheelchairs: A comparison of speed, distance, energy expenditure, perceived exertion, and preference in young children with spina bifida. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 19, 245-253.

Giangreco, M. F., McEwen, I., Fox, T., & Lisi-Baker, D. (2007). Assisting students who use wheelchairs: Guidelines for school personnel. In M. F. Giangreco & M. B. Doyle (Eds.), Quick guides to inclusion: Ideas for educating students with disabilities (2nd ed; pp. 299-306). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

McEwen, I. R., & Hansen, L. H. (2006). Children with cognitive impairments. In S. K. Campbell, D. W. Vander Linden, & R. J. Palisano (Eds.). Physical therapy for children (3rd ed, pp. 591-624). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

McEwen, I. R., Arnold, S. H., Hansen, L. H., & Johnson, D. (2003). Content validity and interrater reliability of a minimal data set to measure outcomes for students receiving school-based occupational therapy and physical therapy. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 23(2), 77-95.

Jones, M. A., McEwen, I. R., & Hansen, L. (2003) Use of power mobility for a young child with spinal muscular atrophy. Physical Therapy, 83, 253-262.

RECENT RESEARCH GRANTS

Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, Learning Early Travel Skills, field-initiated research. Principal investigator, 2001-2005, $487,431.

CURRENT TEACHING

Professional Program
OCTH/PHTH 7162 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice
PHTH 7712/7812 Clinical Reasoning I & II (group facilitator)

Postprofessional Program
AHS 5153: Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice
AHS 6333: Grant Writing in Allied Health Professions
AHS 6133: Application of Evidence-Based Practice
AHS 6970: Seminar in Allied Health Sciences (co-coordinator)
RS 5142: Research Methods in Rehabilitation Science

SERVICE

Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education, Preparation of Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists to Provide Early Intervention and Related Services for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities, 2002-2007, $1,482,780. Principal investigator; the grant supports a web-based master of science degree program that emphases early intervention, related services, and assistive technology.

RESEARCH INTEREST/CLINICAL EXPERTISE

Research Interest

• Effects of power mobility on the development of young children with severe physical disabilities
• Measurement of outcomes of children receiving school-based occupational therapy and physical therapy

Clinical Expertise

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Assistive technology

CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
801 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Phone: (405) 271-2131, Email: Department Contact