Virgil G. Mathiowetz, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Research

Research Summary/Interests

Fatigue management in chronic conditions, multiple sclerosis, task-oriented approach to CNS dysfunction, stroke, functional outcomes, motor control & motor learning, assessment of hand strength, dexterity, and hand function.

Practice:
Adult Physical Disabilities

Research Funding Grants

PCORI Award: Rehabilitation Science alumnus, Dr. Matt Plow of Case Western Reserve University, and current U of MN Rehabilitation Science and Occupational Therapy faculty member, Dr. Virgil Mathiowetz, are members of a research team awarded $4.8 million funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). The awarded study is "Comparing the Effectiveness of Fatigue Management Programs for People with MS." Dr. Plow is principal investigator on the award with Dr. Mathiowetz serving as co-Investigator and site coordinator. The purpose of the study is to compare the effect of three modes of delivering the Managing Fatigue course—two telerehabilitation formats (teleconference or internet) and one traditional format (one-on-one, in person) used in clinical practice—on outcomes important to people with MS (ie fatigue and its impact on physical, mental, and social function). The study will conduct a multicentered randomized clinical trial using a pragmatic design among 610 participants with MS. UMN site will be responsible for collecting outcome data from about 200 participants and will deliver the one-to-one, in-person format. The two telerehabilitation formats will be delivered remotely. This project was selected for PCORI funding for its potential to fill an important gap in our understanding of MS treatment. It will provide useful information to help patient and their caregivers weigh the effectiveness of their care options,” said PCORI Executive Director Joe Selby, MD, MPH. PCORI is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 2010. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers, and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. For more information about PCORI’s funding, visit www.pcori.org.

Teaching

Courses

OT 6201 Functional Anatomy & Kinesiology; OT 6302 OTPI: Occupation through Remediation; RSC 5106 – Rehabilitation Science: Past, Present, Future; OT 7394/7494 Scholarly Project I & II

Clinical

Clinical Interests

Adult Physical Disabilities