JESSE C. CHRISTENSEN portrait
  • Research Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy & Athletic Training
  • Adjunct Instructor, Orthopaedic Surgery
801-581-8681

Research Summary

The research aims within Dr. Christensen’s laboratory have two main focuses: 1) understanding how quality of movement influences functional recovery in people with upper and lower limb pathology and 2) using innovative technology to evaluate, track and improve functional recovery in people with deficits in physical function.

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center
  • PhD, Rehabilitation Science (Applied Biomechanics), University of Utah
  • Residency, Sports Medicine, Howard Head Sports Medicine / Steadman & Hawkins Sports Medicine Center
  • DPT, Physical Therapy, University of Utah
  • MS, Clinical Investigation, University of Utah
  • BS, Physical Therapy Studies, University of Utah

Biography

Dr. Christensen attended the University of Utah for his undergraduate and masters degree education. He later completed his Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Utah. He completed his residency training at Howard Head Sports Medicine / Steadman & Hawkins Sports Medicine Center in Vail, Colorado. After his residency, he spent the next several years as a clinical physical therapist at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital working with patients following both surgical and non-surgical related injuries. He transitioned into clinical biomechanics research, completing his PhD in Rehabilitation Science (Applied Biomechanics) at the University of Utah and Postdoctoral training at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center and VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System.

Dr. Christensen is now the Gait Lab Director at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care system and also serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training and Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah. His research uses innovative and multifaceted approaches to evaluate treatment strategies designed to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation in adult populations.