Liana Wooten

Liana Wooten is an Associate Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Tufts University School of Medicine. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physiology from George Mason University (2020), a D.P.T. from Duke University (2012), and a B.A. from the University of Richmond (2006). Her research focuses on applied physiology, clinical exercise physiology, and PT education, with particular emphasis on autonomic nervous system modulation through spinal manipulation, cardiorespiratory function in chronic diseases, and exercise-induced fatigue mechanisms.

Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Human Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Prevention and Population Health, Evidence-Based Practice, and Therapeutic Interventions. She has received a grant from the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy (2024-2025) for studying burnout among DPT faculty. Her recent work explores interdisciplinary topics like firearm violence prevention and holistic predictors of success in physical therapy education.

Key research trends include: 1) Investigating respiratory and autonomic nervous system adaptations during exercise and chronic disease states, 2) Developing evidence-based interventions for musculoskeletal injuries and systemic conditions like SLE, and 3) Advancing pedagogical strategies in physical therapy education. Her articles span systematic reviews, clinical trials, and pilot studies addressing both physiological mechanisms and clinical applications.

• Grants: Incidence of Burnout Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Faculty: A Feasibility Study (2024-2025)
• Teaching: Courses in anatomy, physiology, evidence-based practice, and clinical interventions

Her work bridges basic science and clinical practice, with notable contributions to understanding exercise responses in autoimmune patients and optimizing physical therapy curricula.