Professor

Michael Puthoff, PhD, PT

Dr. Puthoff is professor in the Physical Therapy Department where he teaches courses in Lifestyle Medicine, health promotion and wellness, management of individuals with cardiovascular and/or pulmonary diseases, and issues surrounding management of the older adult.

His research interested in mobility screening in older adults and management of individual at risk for or who have a venous thromboembolism. Dr. Puthoff has clinical experience in the acute care, skilled nursing, long acute care and outpatient settings.

Contact Us

Center for Health Sciences Education 212

563-333-6009

PuthoffMichaelL@sau.edu

Education and Training

PhD, University of Iowa, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
MPT, Marquette University, Physical Therapy
BA, Marquette University, Psychology

Recent Publications

Puthoff ML. Participants' perceptions and the implementation of a physical fitness screen for aging adults. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2019. Volume Publish Ahead of Print - Issue - p doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000241.
Puthoff ML, Youngs B. Cardiac rehabilitation leads to improvements in activity limitations - brief report. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. 2017; 37(6): 424-427.
Hillegass E, Puthoff ML, Frese E, Thigpen M, Sobush DA, Auten, B. The role of physical therapists in the management of individuals at risk for or diagnosed with venous thromboembolism - an evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Phys Ther. 2016; 96(2): 143-66.
Puthoff ML, Choffin BM. Improvements in doctor of physical therapy students' health and wellness following a six-week learning experience APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, CA (Poster Presentation) 2016
Collins K, Puthoff ML. Detection of cardiovascular system issues in a patient referred for balance impairments APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Indianapolis, IN (Poster Presentation) 2015
Puthoff ML, Saskowski DA. Reliability and responsiveness of gait speed, five times sit to stand and hand grip strength for patients in cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2013; 24(1):31-37.
Puthoff ML. Smoking cessation and the physical therapist. MedEdPORTAL; 2013. Available from: https://www.mededportal.org/publication/9618.

Presentations

Eckert S, Hamby V, Lusardi MM, Puthoff ML. The Who, What, Where, How, and Why of the Geriatric Mobility Screening Initiative. APTA Combined Section Meeting, Houston, TX. 2025.
Hillegass E, Lukaszewicz, K, Puthoff ML. HELP! My patient may have a venous thromboembolism! What Do I Do?. APTA Combined Section Meeting, San Antonio, TX. 2022.
Peacock, N, Puthoff ML. Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Physical Therapy for the Aging Adult. APTA Combined Section Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Pre-conference presentation. 2022.
Puthoff ML, Smith T. Integrating the annual physical therapy visit for the aging population into clinical practice. APTA Combined Section Meeting, San Antonio, TX. 2022.
Blood KM, Camp K, Puthoff ML, Studer M. Successful aging through person and situation specific fitness screens and annual examinations. APTA Combined Section Meeting, Denver, CO. 2020.

Courses Taught

Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics

This course prepares students for the physical therapy patient/client management of individuals with primary and secondary cardiovascular and pulmonary disease across practice settings and the lifespan. This class builds upon students' current knowledge in prevention of chronic disease, health promotion, anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, electrocardiography, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. The connection of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems to the movement system is stressed. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, evidence based practice, and professional behaviors.

Evidence Based Practice I

This course is the first in a four-course series that covers topics relevant to clinical research and the principles of evidence-based practice. This course focuses on developing clinical questions and searching for intervention, diagnostic, and prognostic studies. For each study type, emphasis will be placed on research design, sound measurement principles, statistical tests and how to use the studies to answer clinical questions. A major portion of the course will emphasize the critical appraisal and synthesis of the findings of clinical research.

Evidence Based Practice III

This is the third of a four-part course series designed to progress students' abilities to use evidence-based practice (EBP) for use throughout their careers as physical therapists. Students will apply the knowledge and skills learned from DPT 650, DPT 700 and the movement system, with other sources of evidence, patient preferences/circumstances, and clinical expertise. This course will focus on developing students' skills in the application of various forms of evidence to clinical questions and situations. Specific topics include appraisal, interpretation and application of research evidence regarding diagnosis, prognosis, outcome measures, intervention, qualitative, and cost effectiveness. Students will also develop their skills for synthesizing and communicating research evidence to patients, caregivers, and others through written and verbal communication. An evidence-based practice written assignment will be completed for a real-world patient case.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

This course focuses on the principles of health promotion, wellness, population health, and adult fitness applied to physical therapy management. The course incorporates national and international guidelines on wellness and disease prevention, assessment of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease risk factors, behavioral interventions, anatomy & physiology, and exercise testing and prescription. The application of cardiovascular and pulmonary anatomy and physiology and electrocardiography to human movement and physical therapy management is stressed. This course serves as preparation for content in DPT 640.

Physical Therapy Procedures II

This course presents current evaluation experiences and intervention topics applicable to selected patient populations and areas of specialty practice in physical therapy. Topics related to the pediatric population include neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric pelvic health, serial casting, educational setting, Early Intervention setting, and orthotic devices specific for pediatric clients. Topics related to geriatrics include psychosocial considerations for older adults and caregivers, functional assessments, exercise prescription, pain management, fall prevention, nutrition, communication, community resources, and treating clients with dementia. Topics related to other specialty practices in physical therapy include industrial rehabilitation, workstation assessment, aquatics, pelvic health, emergency department, home health, assistive technology, and alternative/integrative therapies. It is anticipated that this course will increase students' exposure to a greater variety of topics, skills, and techniques, and facilitate their interest in pursuing future areas of specialized clinical practice.

Professional Service

Graduate Council Chair

Clinic Manager for the Interprofessional Health Clinic

Manuscript Reviewer for various journals

Boutique Wine Auction Co-Chair for the St. Ambrose University Wine Festival Committee

Speaker for Matter of Balance courses sponsored by Milestones Area Agency on Aging

Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy and National Council on Aging Task Force Speaker for Matter of Balance and Stepping On courses through Milestones Area Agency on Aging

Honors and Awards

NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, Boy Scouts of America, 2022
District Award of Merit, Boy Scouts of America, Illowa Council, Kittan District, 2022
Marquette University College of Health Sciences Young Alumnus of the Year, 2014
St. Ambrose University Graduate Professor of the Year, 2008
Emerging Leader Award, American Physical Therapy Association, 2007
Clinical Research Award, Iowa Physical Therapy Association, 2007