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Jason L. Rucker, Ph.D., PT

Clinical Associate Professor, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training
jrucker2@kumc.edu

Professional Background

A clinical associate professor, Jason Rucker, Ph.D., PT, teaches courses on neurologic and orthopedic physical therapy in KU's physical therapy doctoral program. He also serves as chair of the program's admissions committee. He has practiced physical therapy in the Kansas City metropolitan area since 2002, with clinical experience ranging from acute and intensive care to skilled nursing and inpatient rehabilitation.

In addition, Rucker currently provides physical therapy services in the multi-disciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinic at KU Medical Center. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy and Kansas Physical Therapy associations where he has served on several committees. He also was a member of a national work panel related to the use of simulation in physical therapy education for the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy.

Academic Background
A 1999 graduate of Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, Rucker obtained a master's degree in physical therapy from the University of Kansas in 2002. He received his doctorate in rehabilitation science from KU in 2014.

Education and Training
  • PhD, Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center
  • MS, Physical Therapy, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
  • BS, Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
Licensure, Accreditations & Certifications
  • Physical Therapist, State of Kansas
  • Physical Therapist, State of Missouri

Research

Overview

As co-director of the Georgia Holland Health Exercise and Aging Laboratory, Rucker has been involved in a number of projects investigating the cognitive and functional effects of diabetes, as well as the effects of exercise and physical activity on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In particular, he is interested in examining higher-level cognitive processes, such as the ability to multitask, and aims to discover how these processes may influence walking, functional ability, fall risk, and disability in those with diabetes and other chronic diseases.

He has contributed to several projects investigating exercise in individuals with diabetic neuropathy and the use of a neuromuscular stimulation device to improve gait in people with stroke.

Rucker is also a founding member of the Leveraging Education and Research in Physical Therapy laboratory. He is interested in exploring the use of simulation and integrated clinical experiences to maximize outcomes in physical therapy education.