Shilpa Gaikwad

Shilpa Gaikwad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a PT, PhD, and MPTh, with clinical expertise in neurologic physical therapy across diverse populations in the U.S. and India. Her roles include educator, scientist, and clinician, emphasizing evidence-based practice and community service. Gaikwad has 15 years of clinical experience and 11 years of teaching in neuroscience/neurologic physical therapy.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences, Loma Linda University
• Master of Physiotherapy in Neurosciences/Neuromuscular PT, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences

Research Interests:

• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Chronic motion sickness and balance dysfunction in older adults and neurologic patients
• Student engagement strategies in classroom teaching

Professional Roles:

• Committee member, Online Education Committee of APTA’s Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT)
• Committee member, Balance and Fall Special Interest Group (BFSIG) Bimonthly Balance Brief of ANPT
• Founding member, International Society of Progression in Rehabilitation and Education (InSPIRE) Swadesh Inc.

Publications: Focus on vestibular rehabilitation, motion sensitivity, and clinical trial methodologies, with recent work emphasizing qualitative studies and systematic reviews.

Awards:

• First prize for presentation on gaze stability exercises in chronic motion sensitivity (2017)

Certifications: Credentialed Clinical Instructor (Level 1), Vestibular Rehabilitation & Concussion Specialist, and Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (all from 2021).