Lori Tuttle

Lori Tuttle is a Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at San Diego State University, where she has served since 2013. She directs the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Laboratory, focusing on rehabilitation approaches for pelvic floor dysfunction using human/animal models and non-invasive imaging. Her interdisciplinary work combines clinical physical therapy with scientific research, funded by NIH, private foundations, and university grants.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Muscle Physiology Laboratory, University of California San Diego (2013)
• PhD, Movement Science, Washington University in St. Louis (2011)
• MPT, Physical Therapy, St. Louis University (2004)
• BS, Exercise Science, St. Louis University (2002)

Research Focus: Her work centers on pelvic health rehabilitation with emphasis on:

• Exercise interventions for pelvic floor musculature
• Non-invasive treatment of postpartum diastasis recti
• Biomechanical analysis in pelvic dysfunction
• Rehabilitation protocols for incontinence
• Muscle architecture studies across species

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2021-2025) demonstrate strong focus on pelvic floor rehabilitation across diverse populations including postpartum women, cancer survivors, athletes, and low-income groups. Key themes include biomechanical analysis of pelvic dysfunction, biofeedback interventions for incontinence, physical therapy implementation barriers, and athletic injury prevention related to pelvic health.

Professional Engagement:

• Physical Therapy License: State of California (#PT 40618)
• Member: American Physical Therapy Association, American Urogynecology Society, International Continence Society
• Editorial Board: Physical Therapy Journal

Teaching: Courses include Evidence-Based Practice, Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics, Doctoral Research, and Medical Therapeutics in Physical Therapy Practice.