Susan Wilbanks joined the Samford faculty in 2024 with eight years of experience as a faculty member in Physical and Occupational Therapy. Dr. Wilbanks maintains lines of research in knowledge discovery and scholarship of teaching and learning. Her knowledge discovery research investigates avenues for preventing chronic pain after acute musculoskeletal injury. Her scholarship of teaching and learning research focuses on effective strategies for active learning in higher education. In the department of Kinesiology she helps lead the Disability, Health, and Physical Activity minor and teaches across a variety of kinesiology courses. She is actively involved with her home church, enjoys music, cooking, and playing outside.
Degrees and Certifications
- PhD, Rehabilitation Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham
- MS, Movement Studies in Disability, Oregon State University
- BS, Athletic Training, Creighton University
Awards and Honors
- TolTech User Meeting Award: Most Creative Application. TolTech User Group Meeting, 2021
- Outstanding Doctor in Rehabilitation Sciences Student in the Health Administration Executive Program, 2015
- UAB Center for Exercise Medicine Research Symposium Student Poster Presentation Award, 1st Place. Development of a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)- Assisted Rowing Ergometer for Adults with Complete Spinal Cord Injury, 2013
Involvement/Professional Societies
- American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, Chair – Pain Rehabilitation Networking Group
Expertise
- Disability and Rehabilitation
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation and Prevention
- Active Learning Strategies
Recent Publications
- De Groot S, Malone LA, Wilbanks SR, Janssen TWJ & Bickel CS. 2024. Validity and reliability of field tests to assess performance of wheelchair rugby athletes: A preliminary study. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 17(6), 2024
- Stoner E, and Wilbanks SR. Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in women experiencing menopausal insomnia: A scoping review. Critical Reviews in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 35(4):55-66, 2023
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Wilbanks SR and Bickel CS. Scapular stabilization and muscle strength in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and subacromial impingement. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 22(1): 60-70, 2014
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Wilbanks SR, Rogers R, Pool S and Bickel CS. Effects of functional electrical stimulation assisted rowing on aerobic fitness and shoulder pain in manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 39(6):645-654, 2014
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Wilbanks SR and Ivankova NV. Exploring factors facilitating adults with spinal cord injury rejoining the workforce: A pilot study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 37(9):1-11, 2014
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Silverman SR, Schertz LA, Yuen HK, Lowman JD, and Bickel CS. Systematic review of the methodological quality and outcome measures utilized in exercise interventions for adults with spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord, 50(10):718-727, 2012
Recent Presentations
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Wilbanks S., Stolzman S, Vergo B & Lemley K. Factors influencing the experience of chronic head and spinal pain: Directions for pain rehabilitation research. American Congress of Rehabilitation medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2023
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Wilbanks S. Evaluating the relationship between static posture, dynamic balance, and subclinical pain in normal-weight healthy adults. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2023
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McKinnis M & Wilbanks S. Does simulation lab increase confidence in Occupational Therapy students’ clinical skills: a pilot study American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2023
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McIntosh J, McKinnis M & Wilbanks S. Assessing functional performance and satisfaction of clients utilizing a community assistive technology lending program. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2023
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Dudek R & Wilbanks S. Effects of a video modeling intervention to improve hand washing independence in children with disabilities. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2023
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Dudek R & Wilbanks S. Effects of a video modeling intervention to improve hand washing independence in children with disabilities. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, November 2023
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Stoner, E & Wilbanks, S. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in women experiencing menopausal and post-menopausal insomnia: A scoping review. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2022
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Landsverk, S & Wilbanks, S. Defining & Measuring Postural Control in Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Research: A Systematic Review. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2022
Research Areas
- Chronic pain prevention after musculoskeletal injury
- Active learning strategies
