Jason Longhurst

Jason Longhurst, Ph.D., PT, DPT, NCS, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training at the Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University. His work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease, and the interplay between gait/postural control and cognition. He leads the Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab, which employs neuroimaging techniques like functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and biomechanical measurements to study disease progression and patient outcomes.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (Rehabilitation Sciences), University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Brigham Young University

Research Interests: Dr. Longhurst investigates fear of falling avoidance behavior, community engagement in neurodegenerative patients, and early disease identification. His lab examines cortical activation during movement, dual-task performance, and the impact of cognitive decline on motor function. Recent studies address freezing of gait, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the use of telerehabilitation in Parkinson’s care.

Labs/Teams: Neuroimaging and Behavior Lab (specializing in gait analysis, cognitive-motor interactions, and neuroimaging techniques).

Advising/Grants: While no specific grants or advisees are listed, his research emphasizes translational applications in physical therapy and clinical rehabilitation for neurodegenerative disorders.