Robert L. Dekerlegand, PT, MPT, PhD, CCS

He / Him / His

Teaching Associate Professor

Contact Information

Robert L. Dekerlegand, PT, MPT, PhD, CCS

901 Walnut Street
Room 510
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Email Robert Dekerlegand

215-503-6178
215-503-3499 fax

He / Him / His

Teaching Associate Professor

Board Certification

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

Education

PhD, Health Sciences, Rutgers University
MPT, Physical Therapy, Allegheny University
BS, Biology, Richard Stockton University

Recent Publications

Research Interests

  • Inspiratory muscle function and training in adults with cystic fibrosis
  • Physical therapy management of adults with cystic fibrosis
  • Acute care physical therapy
  • Cardiovascular and pulmonary exercise limitations and rehabilitation in chronic illness

Select Publications

  1. Dekerlegand, R.L., Hadjiliadis, D., Swisher, A.K., Parrot, J.S., Heuer, A., & Myslinski, M.J. (2017). Clinical predictors of inspiratory muscle strength in adults with stable cystic fibrosis. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 28(4), 136-146.
  2. Dekerlegand, R.L., Hadjiliadis, D., Swisher, A.K., Parrot, J.S., Heuer, A., & Myslinski, M.J. (2015). Inspiratory Muscle Strength Relative to Disease Severity in Adults with Stable Cystic Fibrosis. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 14(5), 639-645.  doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2015.05.003
  3. Dekerlegand, R.L., Hadjiliadis, D., Myslinski, M.J., Holsclaw, D.S., & Ferrin, M. (2014). Home-based inspiratory muscle training in adults with cystic fibrosis: a case series report. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 25(3), 85 - 91.
  4. Swisher, A.K., Downs, A.M., & Dekerlegand, R.L. (2010). CF 101 for the Physical Therapist. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
  5. Dekerlegand, R.L., Cahalin, L., & Perme, C. (2007). Respiratory Failure.  In Cameron, M.H. & Monroe, L.G. (Eds.), Physical Rehabilitation, Assessment, and Intervention: An Evidence-Based Approach. St. Louis: Elsevier Publishing.

Grants & Contracts

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Award for Physical Therapist. $103,680 over 3 years. Grant in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic to provide physical therapy services to adults with CF.

Select Presentations

  1. Dekerlegand, R.L., Hadjiliadis, D., Shah, A., Dorgan, D., Courtois, M., Dilts, J., Li, J., Martin, J. Miller, L. Self-perceived barriers to physical activity in adults with cystic fibrosis.  Accepted for presentation at the 2018 North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference.  Denver, Co. (Poster and Platform)
  2. Loosen, H., Swisher, A., Dekerlegand, R., Irizarry, N., Eilbacher, J. (2017). Physical Therapy in the CF Clinic: Helpings Patients Thrive Through Movement. North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. Indianapolis, Ind. (Educational Session)
  3. Cohen. E.T., Muth, S., Dekerlegand, R., Ferraro, R., Meyer, L., Chen, D. (2017) Heart rate response and changes in walking velocity during the 12-minute walk test in people with multiple sclerosis. 2017 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, New Orleans, LA. (Poster)
  4. Dekerlegand, R.L., Abramo, J., Caruso, A., Meszaros, M. (2017). The effect of chronic exercise on lung function in adults with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review.  APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Tx. (Poster) Abstract published in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 28(1), 49-50.
  5. Dekerlegand, R.L. (2016) Inspiratory muscles in adults with CF: Is there a role for inspiratory muscle training? North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Orlando, FL. (Invited speaker, roundtable discussion)
  6. Dehner, S., Cohen, E.T., Dekerlegand, R.L. Physiologic responses and changes in walking performance during the six-minute walk test in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.  2016 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, National Harbor, MD, USA (Poster)
  7. Dekerlegand, R. L., Eaton, J., Hellings, K., Penn, J., Thomas, M. (2016) Movement based video games as an alternative mode of aerobic exercise in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, CA. (Platform)
    Abstract published in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 27(1), 20-21.
  8. Dekerlegand, R.L., Hadjiliadis, D., Swisher, A.K., Parrot, J.S., Heuer, A., Myslinski, M.J. (2015) Clinical predictors of inspiratory muscle strength in adults with stable cystic fibrosis. North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Phoenix, AZ. (Poster). Abstract published in Pediatric Pulmonology, S41, 2015, pg. 369-70.
  9. Dekerlegand, R.L., Eisner, G., Hiller, K., Holmes, J., Lee, J., Romaniak, K.A., & Stasiak, R. (2015). The efficacy of respiratory muscle training in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.  Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, Indianapolis, IN. (Poster) Abstract published in the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 25(4), 123.
  10. Dekerlegand, R.L., Cubbage, A., Kaminski, M., Miles, J., Ruckenstein, S., & Spuler, P. (2014). Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A Systematic Review. Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, Las Vegas, NV. (Poster) Abstract published in the Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 24(4), 42.
  11. Dekerlegand, R.L., Donegan, J., Gilligan, D., Messaros, C., Stout, M., Szymborski, L., & Myslinski, M.J. (2013). Inspiratory muscle training as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review. Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, San Diego, CA. (Poster) Abstract published in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal, 23(4), 36.
  12. Swisher, A.K., Mejia-Downs, A., Dekerlegand, R.L., Nippins, M., Ricard, P., & Gould, A. (2013). Physical therapy and cystic fibrosis: A successful team from birth to healthy aging! Parts 1 and 2.  Presented at the APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA (Educational Session).
  13. Dekerlegand, R.L., White, J., Depelteau, V., Nwigwe, C., Mazzeo, M., & Myslinski, M.J. (2012). Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in individuals with heart failure: a systematic review. Annual Conference, APTA, Tampa Bay, Fla (Poster). Abstract available at: http://aptaapps.apta.org/Abstracts/abstract.aspx?abnum=QUMxMnwxMTEwLVJSLmh0bWw=
  14. Dekerlegand, R.L., Kamiyama, K., Mulhern, K., Milano, V., Ciesielski, R., Cohen, E., & Myslinski, M.J. (2011). Inspiratory muscle function in adults with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review. Annual Conference, APTA, National Harbor, MD (Poster). Abstract available at: http://aptaapps.apta.org/Abstracts/abstract.aspx?abnum=QUMxMXwxMTEtUlIuaHRtbA==  
  15. Dekerlegand, R.L., Hadjiliadis, D., Myslinski, M.J., Holsclaw, D., & Ferrin, M. (2011). The effects of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in adults with cystic fibrosis.  North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, CFF, (Platform and Poster) Abstract published in Pediatric Pulmonology, 46(S34), 355.
  16. Dekerlegand, R.L., Buckzek, M., Martinsen, J., Rhoades, L., Streater, J., Myslinski, M.J., & Garris, J. (2010). Efficacy of threshold-based inspiratory muscle training in COPD: A systematic review. Annual Conference, APTA, Boston, MA (Poster) Abstract available at: http://aptaapps.apta.org/Abstracts/abstract.aspx?abnum=QUMxMHwyODQ4MC5odG1s
  17. Dekerlegand, R.L., Bohn, J.M., Lupinetti, K.L., Mueller, A.E., & Walford, J.L. (2009). Efficacy of inspiratory muscle training in individuals with cystic fibrosis: a systematic review. Annual Conference, APTA, Baltimore, MD (Poster). Abstract available at: http://aptaapps.apta.org/Abstracts/abstract.aspx?abnum=QUMwOXwxOTUyOC5odG1s
  18. Holsclaw, D, Kim, J., Tokarczyk, S., Hadjiliadis, D., Sullivan, E., Dekerlegand, R.L., & Ferrin, M. (2008). Benefits of a physical therapy focused in-patient program on outcomes in adults with cystic fibrosis. North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, CFF, Orlando, Fla. (Platform and Poster) Abstract published in Pediatric Pulmonology, 43(S31), 394. 

Select Professional & Community Service

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Denver, Co.
Abstract Reviewer and Workshop Chair
2018

American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting Cardiopulmonary Section
Proposal Reviewer
2014 - present

Ad Hoc reviewer
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
2015

Ad Hoc reviewer
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal
2014

Ad Hoc reviewer
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal
2013

Clinical Practice

Per Diem Physical Therapist – Acute Care and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Good Shepherd Penn Partners
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Awards & Honors

Excellence in Teaching Award
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
School of Health Related Professions
2012

Ellen Ross Memorial Scholarship
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
School of Health Related Professions
2011

Academic Distinction
Allegheny University
Master of Physical Therapy Program
1997