Kristine S. Legters

Kristine S. Legters serves as Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Rehabilitative Sciences in Gannon University's College of Health Professions and Sciences, where she has held leadership roles including Department Chair of Physical Therapy since 2006. Her clinical practice spans Erie Homes for Children and Adults (1994–present) and prior positions at LEIR and HealthSouth Erie, complementing her academic contributions to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Her educational foundation includes a D.Sc in Neurology from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2002), M.S. in Health Services Administration from Gannon University (1990), B.S. in Physical Therapy from SUNY/Upstate Medical Center (1983), and B.A. in Biology from Northwestern College (1982).

Dr. Legters' research program centers on fear of falling across diverse populations including vestibular dysfunction patients, post-polio survivors, and community-dwelling older adults, leading to the development of the Fear of Falling Questionnaire. Current work involves qualitative studies identifying physical, functional, and emotional contributors to fall-related fear, alongside investigations into annual physical therapy examinations.

Her publication history reveals consistent scholarly output since 2002, evolving from foundational fear-of-falling monographs to innovative rehabilitation engineering (notably the GEAR exoskeleton project) and comprehensive traumatic brain injury texts, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration of neurology, engineering, and clinical practice.

University service includes Institutional Review Board membership (2006–present), Graduate Council leadership (2010–2013), and DPT program committee roles. Professionally, she served on the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties Neurology Council (2011–2017) and contributes to community initiatives including the Multiple Sclerosis Society Clinical Advisory Group.