rlazaro

Faculty Profile

Rolando Lazaro

Rolando

Lazaro

PT, PhD, DPT, GCS

Professor

Doctor of Physical Therapy

RLazaro@samuelmerritt.edu

510-869-6511

I am a Professor in the Physical Therapy Department. I have been a physical therapist for over 30 years. I have worked in many practice settings before specializing in geriatrics and neuromuscular physical therapy. I am a board-certified Clinical Specialist in geriatric physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

I have been involved in physical therapy education for over 25 years. I joined Samuel Merritt University in 2004 as a full-time faculty member in the physical therapy department. Currently, I am also a faculty member of the Kaiser Northern California residency program in neurologic physical therapy. I coordinate the department's Functional Performance Laboratory (FPL). More information can be found about FPL here: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/physical_therapy/neuro_clinic 

From June to November of 2013, I was in the Philippines as a Fulbright Senior Scholar. More information about that award can be found here: http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/enews/mar2013/enews_fulbright.html

Additional information about my scholarly work can also be found here: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/faculty/researchers/rolando_lazaro 

Prior to joining SMU, I was a full-time faculty member and director of a transitional DPT program at another institution.

I moved from the central valley of California to the San Francisco bay area. I absolutely love living in San Francisco and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy the weather and the various activities that the area has to offer. For fun, I enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures.

PhD, Touro University

DPT, Creighton University

MS, University of the Pacific

BSPT, University of the Philippines

My teaching interests are varied but are all aligned with my areas of expertise. I teach the neuromuscular patient/client management content in the program. I also teach the Teaching and Learning course in both the entryl-level program and in the neuro residency program. I also teach the physical agent and electrotherapy course. 

• PT 702: Capstone II: Exploration and Planning
• PT 703: Capstone III: Implementation
• PT 704: Capstone IV: Completion
• PT 713: Patient/ Client Management Neuromuscular I
• PT 718: Patient/ Client Management Neuromuscular II
• PT 719: Physical Agents and Electrotherapy
• PT 742: Teaching and Learning
• PT 753: Case Studies in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy
• OT 622L: Guided Research Seminar
• OT 715: Guided Research Seminar

 

 

I have a variety of research interests. My recent scholarly work involves investigating the effect of common physical and occupational therapy neurologic rehabilitation interventions in people with central nervous system injuries. I also collaborate on a project investigating the effect of a variety of balance and fall prevention interventions in community-dwelling adults. I also have a line of research on the evidence of effectiveness of physical and electrotherapeutic modalities in rehabilitation. Lastly, I have a particular interest in investigating best practices in Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). 

Journal articles:

• Linford AE, Wegley JC, Blackadar K, Lazaro RT. Two-week intensive locomotor training improves balance and mobility of a person with chronic incomplete C4 tetraparesis AIS D: A case report. Phys Ther and Rehabil.2016;(3)4:1-6. doi:10.7243/2055-2386-3-4
• Mielke A, Lazaro R, Widener G. Mielke, Alexis. Using symptoms to effectively dose endurance and resistance exercises for a female with multiple sclerosis after an acute exacerbation: A case report. Phys Ther and Rehabil. 2016;(3)2:1-5. doi:10.7243/2055-2386-3-2.   
• Gorman SL, Lazaro RT, Fairchild JF, Kennedy BK. Development and validation of an objective structured clinical examination in neuromuscular physical therapy. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 2010; 24(3):62-69. 
• Larsen-Merrill J, Lazaro R. Use of the Neurocom Balance Master training protocols to improve functional performance in a person with multiple sclerosis. Journal of Student Physical Therapy Research. 2009;1(1):1-16.
• Breger Stanton D, Lazaro R, MacDermid JC. Systematic review of contrast baths. Journal of Hand Therapy. 2009;22(1):57-70.
• Lazaro RT, Umphred DA. Improving cultural diversity awareness of physical therapy educators. Journal of Cultural Diversity. 2007; 14(3), 121-5.
• Bellamy S, Gibbs K, Lazaro R. Physical therapy intervention for an adolescent with a knee flexion contracture and diagnosis of multiple pterygium syndrome: a case report. Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2007;19:140-147. 
• Little TL, Lazaro R. Physiotherapists’ perceptions and use of medical imaging in practice. Physiotherapy Research International. 2006;(11)1:14-23.
• Lazaro R. Shoulder impingement syndromes: implications on physical therapy examination and intervention. Journal of Japanese Physical Therapy Association. 2005;(8)1:1-7. 
• Nance J, Lazaro R, Umphred D. The effect of early physical therapy intervention following elbow fracture in a postmenopausal female with multiple medical problems. Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2004;16:159-64.
• Lazaro R. Ethical and legal analysis of a patient case. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Science and Practice.2004; (2)1:1-9

Book Editor:

• Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2012.
• Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapist Assistants. 2^nd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc. 2013.
• Goodman C, Jeick J, Lazaro RT. eds. Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, 2017. 

Book Chapters

• Lazaro R, Burke-Doe A, Goodman C. Injury, inflammation healing and repair. In: Goodman C, Fuller K, eds. Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist. 4^th ed. St. Louis MO: Elsevier. 2014. 
• Gorgon EJR, Lazaro RT, Umphred DA. Aging and the central nervous system. In: Kauffman TL, Scott RW, Barr JO, Moran ML, eds. The Complete Guide to Geriatric Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2014.
• Lazaro R, Marquez N, Klima D, Umphred D. Introduction to Neurorehabilitation for the Physical Therapist Assistant. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapist Assistants. 2^nd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc. 2013.
• Lazaro R, Forster A. Degenerative diseases. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapist Assistants. 2^nd ed. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc. 2013.
• Lazaro RT, Gorman SL. Post-polio syndrome. In: Burke-Doe A, ed. Physical Therapy Case Files (Neurological Rehabilitation). Philadelphia, PA: McGraw Hill. 2013.
• Lazaro RT, Gorman SL, Novello A, Widener G. Conversion disorder. In: Burke-Doe A, ed. Physical Therapy Case Files (Neurological Rehabilitation). Philadelphia, PA: McGraw Hill. 2013.
• Lazaro RT, Luong H. Acute transverse myelitis. In: Burke-Doe A, ed. Physical Therapy Case Files (Neurological Rehabilitation).Philadelphia, PA: McGraw Hill. October 2013.
• Rideout D, Nordstrom T, Lazaro RT. Coccidioidomycosis. In: Burke-Doe A, ed. Physical Therapy Case Files (Neurological Rehabilitation). Philadelphia, PA: McGraw Hill. 2013.
• Umphred DA, Roller ML, Lazaro RT. Foundations for neurological rehabilitation. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2012. 
• Roller ML, Umphred DA, Byl N, Lazaro RT. Motor control, motor learning and neuroplasticity. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2012.
• Lazaro RT, Roller M, Umphred D.  Differential diagnosis phase 2: examination and evaluation of functional movement activities, body functions and structures, and participation. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2012. 
• Umphred D, Byl N, Lazaro RT, Roller M. Interventions for clients with movement limitations. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th ed.  St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. 2012. 
• Claudel A, Lazaro RT. Electrodiagnosis and electrotherapy. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. August 2012. (chapter co-author)
• Lazaro RT, Umphred DU. The role of imaging in neurological rehabilitation. In: Umphred DA, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, Burton GU, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier. August.
• Umphred D, Lazaro R. Aging and the central nervous system. In: Kaufman TL, ed. Geriatric Rehabilitation Manual. 2^nd ed. St. Louis MO: Elsevier. May 2007.
• Umphred DA, Burton GU, Lazaro RT, Roller ML, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation. 5^th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby. 2006. (Section editor)
• Lazaro R, Roller M, Umphred D.  Differential diagnosis phase 2: examination and evaluation of functional limitations and impairments. In: Umphred DA, ed. Neurological Rehabilitation. 5^th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, November 2006.   
• Umphred D, Byl N, Lazaro R, Roller M. Interventions for neurological disabilities. In: Umphred DA, ed. Neurological Rehabilitation. 5^th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, November 2006
• Lazaro R. Physical therapy examination and evaluation. In: Umphred DA, Carlson C, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapist Assistants. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc;2006:39-54.
• Lazaro R. Degenerative diseases. In: Umphred DA, Carlson C, eds. Neurological Rehabilitation for Physical Therapist Assistants. Thorofare, NJ: SLACK Inc;2006:195-206.
• Lazaro R, Roller M, Umphred D.  Differential diagnosis phase 2: examination and evaluation of disabilities and impairments. In: Umphred DA, ed. Neurological Rehabilitation. 4^th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby;2001: 43-55.
• Umphred D, Byl N, Lazaro R, Roller M. Interventions for neurological disabilities. In: Umphred DA, ed. Neurological Rehabilitation. 4^th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby;2001: 56-133.  

• Mielke A, Lazaro R, Widener G. Mielke, Alexis. Using symptoms to effectively dose endurance and resistance exercises for a female with multiple sclerosis after an acute exacerbation. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, CA, February 2016.
• Gorgon EJ, Lazaro R. The Upright Motor Control Test: A systematic eeview of measurement properties for patients with stroke. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, CA, February 2016.
• Castillo MS, Lazaro RT, Dinglasan JT, Ikeda KA. Case Report: Effects of a Structured Intradialytic Exercise Program on Fatigue and Quality of Life of a Patient on Hemodialysis in an Acute Care Setting. American Physical Therapy Association NEXT Conference, June 2015. Also presented at: World Confederation of Physical Therapy International Conference, Singapore, May 2015; California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference. Oakland, CA, October 2014.
• Linford AE, Wegley JC, Blackadar K Brunner-Lam G, Lazaro RT. Two-week intensive locomotor training improves balance and mobility of a person with chronic incomplete C4 tetraparesis AIS D: A case report. World Confederation of Physical Therapy International Conference, Singapore, May 2015.  Also presented at: California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference. Oakland, CA, October 2014.
• Mendoza K, Lazaro RT. Using neuroplasticity principles in the physical therapy management of a patient with chronic hemiplegia who wants to be a community ambulator: A case report. World Confederation of Physical Therapy International Conference, Singapore, May 2015. Also presented at: Philippine Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference, Alabang, Metro Manila, Philippines, December 7. 2014.
• Gorgon EJR, Lazaro RT. Aging and the central nervous system. Plenary session, Philippine Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference, Alabang, Metro Manila, Philippines, December 7. 2014.
• Lazaro R. Neurological Rehabilitation Updates and Trends. Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines Annual Conference, Taguig City, August 2013. , Manila, Philippines.
• Lazaro R. Emerging Trends in Neurological Physical Therapy, Philippine Physical Therapy Association Annual Convention, Cebu City, Philippines, July 21, 2013, Manila, Philippines.
• Lazaro R. Examination of an Adult with a Neurological Dysfunction, Philippine Physical Therapy Association Annual Convention, Cebu City, Philippines, July 21, 2013, Manila, Philippines.
• Breger Stanton D, Lazaro R. The Effectiveness of Use of Contrast Baths as Preparatory to Occupational Performance. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, April 2013.
• Lazaro R, Chun J, Raymond G, Spencer B, Megazzi A, Siegel E, Schempp A. The Effect of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Training on Balance, Mobility and Lower Extremity Strength of Community-Dwelling Older Adults. California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference. Santa Clara, CA, September 2012. Also presented at: Gerontological Society of America Annual International Conference, San Diego, CA, November 14-17, 2012; World Confederation of Physical Therapy Asia Western Pacific Region Conference, Taichung Taiwan, September 2013. 
• Breger Stanton D, Legaspi M, Kaur B, Bobell S, Reynolds S, Lazaro R. Client Adherence and Outcomes After Hand Therapy Home Education Program. American Occupational Therapy Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN, April 2012.  Also presented at: American Society of Hand Therapy Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, October 16-18, 2012.
• Lazaro R, Tanasescu M, Widener G, Burke-Doe A. The Immediate Effects of Torso Weighting on Balance and Functional Measures of People with Parkinson Disease. World Confederation of Physical Therapy (WCPT) Scientific Meeting, Amsterdam, Netherlands, June 2011.  Also presented at:  California Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference, Long Beach, CA, September 2011; World Confederation of Physical Therapy, Asia Western Pacific Region Conference, Taichung Taiwan, September 2013. 
• Breger Stanton D, Lazaro R. Survey on Inclusion of Physical Agents and Electrotherapy Content in Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Curricula. American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, April 30, 2010. 
• Gorman S, Lazaro R. Development and Validation of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy: A Pilot Study. The 13th Ottawa International Conference on Clinical Competence, March 2008, Melbourne, Australia.  Also presented at: The 2nd European Congress on Physical Therapy Education. September 2008, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Clark LC, Gorman SL, Lazaro RT. Self-Assessment of Clinical Performance Improved by Modified Objective Structured Examination Testing. American Physical Therapy Association. Combined Sections Meeting, Nashville, Tennessee, February 2008. Also presented at: The 13th Ottawa International Conference on Clinical Competence, March 2008, Melbourne, Australia.; The 2nd European Congress on Physical Therapy Education. September 2008, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Breger Stanton D, Lazaro R. Contrast Baths: What is the Evidence?  Why do we use them? International Federation of Societies for the Surgeries of the Hand and International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy Congress, Sydney, Australia, March 11-15, 2007.
• Weissensee C, Lazaro R. Case Report: Deep Brain Stimulation in an Individual with Advanced Parkinson Disease: The Role of Physical Therapy. California Physical Therapy Association Chapter Annual Conference, San Jose, California, October 2006.  Also presented at: International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Conference. Seoul, South Korea, June 13, 2007.
• Lazaro R, Umphred D. The Modified Timed Up and Go: A Functional Tool to Measure Balance and Mobility in Adults. 4^th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation. Hong Kong, February 2006. (Winner, Young Investigator Award)
• Little T, Lazaro R. Physical Therapists’ Perceptions and Utilization of Medical Imaging in Practice. American Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference. Boston, MA, June 2005. Also presented at: 4th World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation. Hong Kong, February 2006.
• Lazaro R, Umphred D. The Plastinating Process and the Advantages of Long-Term Preservation of Prosections. European Congress on Physiotherapy Education, Estoril, Portugal, November 2004.
• Umphred D, Lazaro R. Clinical Manifestations of Aging: Setting the Stage. California Physical Therapy Association Chapter Annual Conference, October 2004, Invited Speaker.
• Umphred D, Lazaro R, Roller ML. The Modified Timed Up and Go: A Functional and Subsystem Evaluation Tool Measuring Balance and Mobility in Adults. California Physical Therapy Association Chapter Annual Conference, October 2004.
• Little T, Lazaro R. Perceptions and Utilization of Medical Imaging by Physical Therapists in California. California Physical Therapy Association Chapter Annual Conference, October 2004.
• Lazaro R, Umphred D. Concurrent Validity of the Modified Timed Up and Go. Graduate Research Exhibit, University of the Pacific, April 2004.
• Lazaro R. Development of an Interdisciplinary Approach to the Prevention of Falls and Improvement of Health in a Retirement Community. Graduate Research Exhibit, University of the Pacific, April 2004.
• Lazaro R. Improving Cultural Diversity Awareness of Physical Therapy Educators. APTA Annual Conference, Anaheim, California, July 2001. Also presented at: Combined Sections Meeting, APTA, San Antonio, Texas, February 2001; European Congress on Physiotherapy Education, Estoril, Portugal, November 2004.
• Lazaro R. Differential Diagnosis Phase 1: Screening for Medical Disease, California Chapter, American Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference, October 2000. Invited Speaker.
• Lazaro R. Balance Dysfunction: Implications on Geriatric and Neurologic Rehabilitation. College of Allied Medical Professions, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines, December 1999. 

• Enhancements to Comprehensive Practical Examinations to Optimize Critical Self-Reflection and Independent Clinical Practice, Teaching with Technology grant, Samuel Merritt University. $500, 2016
• Structured Synchronous Collaboration Process (SSCP) Using Google Docs within Canvas to Facilitate Face-to-Face Problem-Based Learning Discussions, Teaching with Technology grant, Samuel Merritt University. $500, 2016
• A study of the efficacy of three falls prevention interventions for community-dwelling older adults. Samuel Merritt University Faculty Scholarship Grant Program. $44,893.00, 2015 (part of the research team).
• Within-session effects of selected physical rehabilitation interventions for a dysfunctional upper extremity using electromyography and 3D motion capture analysis. Samuel Merritt University Seed Grant, 2015 (lead investigator)
• Analysis of faculty supervisor comments on student performance on selected assessment activities in a patient/client management course. Teaching with Technology grant, Samuel Merritt University. $500, 2015
• Using video clips in a small group problem-based seminar class. Teaching with Technology grant, Samuel Merritt University. $500, 2014
• Using iPads and current SMU technology environment to record patient encounters. Teaching with Technology grant, Samuel Merritt University. $500, 2014.
• VFF is your new BFF: The use of video‐facilitated feedback (VFF) to improve learning of psychomotor skills in physical therapy students. Teaching with Technology grant, Samuel Merritt University. $500, 2013.
• Effects of a Structured Intradialytic Exercise Program on Fatigue and Quality of Life of a Patient on Hemodialysis in an Acute Care Setting. Acute Care Section Research Grant, Acute Care Section, American Physical Therapy Association, $2500. (part of the research team; Michael Castillo, lead)
• Effects of Alter-G treadmill training on balance, mobility and lower extremity strength of people with multiple sclerosis, 2013, $4500.00. (part of the research team; Gail Widener, lead)
• Case Series: the effect of lower body positive pressure on balance and mobility of individuals with selected neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions, 2012, $11885.00.
• Effects of Alter-G treadmill training on balance, mobility and lower extremity strength of community dwelling older adults, 2011, $11885.00.
• Use of classroom response systems in tracking student outcomes. Curriculum and Instructional Innovation Grants, 2010. $1500.
• Reliability of the balanced-based torso weighting method and BBTW effects in normal healthy people. Academic Vice President Faculty Incentive Research Award. Samuel Merritt University, 2009, $10,000.
• The immediate effect of trunk weighting on balance and functional measures of persons with Parkinson disease. California Physical Therapy Fund, 2009, $4140.
• The immediate effect of trunk weighting on balance and functional measures of persons with Parkinson’s disease. Samuel Merritt University Research Grant, 2009, $950.
• Developing student critical self-reflection and analysis in patient management through audio-video feedback. Samuel Merritt College, Curriculum Innovation Award, 2008. $1,958
• Improvement in selected impairment measures following contrast bath application to stiff and edematous hands post-immobilization. Samuel Merritt College, Faculty Research Grant, 2007. $1370.
• Computerized dynamic posturography balance assessment for persons with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Grant, 2007. $20,000
• Development and validation of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in neuromuscular physical therapy. Samuel Merritt College, Curriculum Innovation Award, 2006. $1,940.
• Minority Faculty Development Award. American Physical Therapy Association, 2006. $8,000.
• Minority Scholarship to the III-Step Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. American Physical Therapy Association, Neurology and Pediatrics Sections, 2005. $1,150

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
California Council of Gerontology and Geriatrics