Oxford University Press Publishes Research by Dean Iversen

Maura Iversen’s research on osteoarthritis in the hip and knee does not go unnoticed

Oxford University Press recently published research by Maura Iversen, dean of Sacred Heart University’s College of Health Professions.

Iversen is a professor of public health, physical therapy and human movement science. Prior to joining Sacred Heart in 2020, she was the associate dean of Northeastern University’s Bouvé College of Health Sciences. She also was a professor of physical therapy, movement and rehabilitation at Northeastern, as well as an affiliate faculty member of its engineering college.

Iversen’s research regards osteoarthritis in the knee and hip, and her articles focus on the relative impact therapeutic exercises can have on inflammation in these areas. She has found positive effects, though close attention to the specifics of the prescribed movements is critical.

“Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis and a leading cause of disability worldwide. As the population ages, the prevalence of OA increases. The knees and hips are the most commonly affected joints,” Iversen said. “Studies provide consistent evidence for the positive effects of therapeutic exercise management of osteoarthritis in the knee and hip. However, the exact dose, frequency and mode of exercise (strengthening, aerobic, flexibility, etc.) remains elusive.”

Oxford University Press’ academic publishing reaches a worldwide audience. According to its website, its mission is to “further the University of Oxford’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education, by publishing worldwide.” The categories of materials it publishes include arts and humanities, dictionaries and reference, law, medicine and health, science and mathematics, social sciences, journals and higher education.

In addition to Iversen’s recognition by Oxford University, her manuscript of research on “Medication Safety: Vaccination and Laboratory Screening for Patients on Immunomodulatory Therapies” was published in Arthritis Care & Research; an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals.

“We examined the laboratory screening practices for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and tuberculosis, as well as the rate of vaccination for pneumococcal and influenza in patients prescribed select immunosuppressive agents at our institution,” according to the manuscript background.