Karina Zapata

Dr. Karina Zapata is a Senior Clinical Scientist at Scottish Rite for Children and affiliated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (2007, University of Southern California) and a Ph.D. (2013, Texas Woman’s University). Her research focuses on pediatric orthopedics, particularly spinal deformities in adolescents and clubfoot treatment. She is certified in physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises and the French functional physical therapy method for clubfoot. Professional memberships include the American Physical Therapy Association, Scoliosis Research Society, and Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America. Her work emphasizes clinical interventions to reduce curve progression in scoliosis and improve mobility in pediatric patients.

Key research areas include the efficacy of nighttime bracing combined with daytime exercises, adherence to casting protocols for idiopathic toe walking, and the validation of spinal assessment tools like the Oswestry Disability Index. Her publications span spinal deformity outcomes, bracing innovations, and pediatric gait analysis. Dr. Zapata collaborates on multi-site randomized trials evaluating Schroth-based therapy and contributes to quality improvement initiatives in clinical care.