Kelley Fitzgerald, PT, PhD

PSC Co-Director| kfitzger@pitt.edu

FitzgeraldKelley Fitzgerald, PT, PhD is Co-Director of the Pilot Studies Core at the Center on Health Services Training and Research. Dr. Fitzgerald has over 24 years of experience as a physical therapy clinical researcher. He has a strong research funding track record from both foundation and federal funding agencies including the National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ). He has served on numerous scientific review boards, including private foundations, the NIH, and the Department of Defense. He served for 4 years as Research Committee Chair for the Orthopaedic Section of the APTA where he was responsible for administrating the pilot research grant program for the Section. He has also served on the advisory board for University of Pittsburgh Clinical Research Scholars Program in which he was actively involved in the review and selection of pilot research projects for this program.

Dr. Fitzgerald has earned degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago Medical School, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann University. Dr. Fitzgerald was the recipient of Foundation for Physical Therapy funding in the form of Doctoral Training Research Grants in 1995, 1997, and 1998, and a Foundation Research Grant in 2000.

Professional Interests

  • Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Muscle Performance
  • Kinesiology

Selected Publications

  • Farrokhi S, O’Connell M, Gil AB, Sparto PJ, Fitzgerald GK. Altered Gait Characteristics in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis and Self-Reported Knee Instability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2015 Mar 26:1-25. [Epub ahead of print]
  • Gustafson JA, Robinson ME, Fitzgerald GK, Tashman S, Farrokhi S. Knee motion variability in patients with knee osteoarthritis: The effect of self-reported instability. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2015 Mar 10. pii: S0268-0033(15)00072-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.03.007. [Epub ahead of print]
  • Piva SR, Susko AM, Khoja SS, Josbeno DA, Fitzgerald GK, Toledo FG. Links between osteoarthritis and diabetes: implications for management from a physical activity perspective. Clin Geriatr Med. 2015 Feb;31(1):67-87, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2014.08.019. Epub 2014 Oct 7.
  • Farrokhi S, O’Connell M, Fitzgerald GK. Altered gait biomechanics and increased knee-specific impairments in patients with coexisting tibiofemoral and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Gait Posture. 2015 Jan;41(1):81-5. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.08.014. Epub 2014 Sep 6.
  • Marcum ZA, Zhan HL, Perera S, Moore CG, Fitzgerald GK, Weiner DK. Correlates of gait speed in advanced knee osteoarthritis. Pain Med. 2014 Aug;15(8):1334-42. doi: 10.1111/pme.12478. Epub 2014 Jul 8.
  • Khoja SS, Susko AM, Josbeno DA, Piva SR, Fitzgerald GK. Comparing physical activity programs for managing osteoarthritis in overweight or obese patients. J Comp Eff Res. 2014 May;3(3):283-99. doi: 10.2217/cer.14.15. Review.
  • Farrokhi S, Voycheck CA, Klatt BA, Gustafson JA, Tashman S, Fitzgerald GK. Altered tibiofemoral joint contact mechanics and kinematics in patients with knee osteoarthritis and episodic complaints of joint instability. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2014 Jun;29(6):629-35. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.04.014. Epub 2014 May 5.
  • Pinto D, Robertson MC, Abbott JH, Hansen P, Campbell AJ; MOA Trial Team. Manual therapy, exercise therapy, or both, in addition to usual care, for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. 2: economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2013 Oct;21(10):1504-13. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.06.014. Epub 2013 Jun 27.
  • Farrokhi S, Voycheck CA, Tashman S, Fitzgerald GK. A biomechanical perspective on physical therapy management of knee osteoarthritis.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Sep;43(9):600-19. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2013.4121.
  • Distefano G, Ferrari RJ, Weiss C, Deasy BM, Boninger ML, Fitzgerald GK, Huard J, Ambrosio F. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation as a method to maximize the beneficial effects of muscle stem cells transplanted into dystrophic skeletal muscle. PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e54922. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054922. Epub 2013 Mar 19.
  • Piva SR, Lasinski S, Almeida GJ, Fitzgerald GK, Delitto A. Association between Disability and Psychological Factors and Dose of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Subjects with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Physiother Pract Res. 2013 Jan 1;34(2):57-66.
  • Farrokhi S, Piva SR, Gil AB, Oddis CV, Brooks MM, Fitzgerald GK. Association of severity of coexisting patellofemoral disease with increased impairments and functional limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2013 Apr;65(4):544-51. doi: 10.1002/acr.21866.
  • Fitzgerald GK, White DK, Piva SR.  Associations for change in physical and psychological factors and treatment response following exercise in knee osteoarthritis: an exploratory study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012 Nov;64(11):1673-80. doi: 10.1002/acr.21751.
  • Ambrosio F, Fitzgerald GK, Ferrari R, Distefano G, Carvell G. A murine model of muscle training by neuromuscular electrical stimulation. J Vis Exp. 2012 May 9;(63):e3914. doi: 10.3791/3914.
  • Williams VJ, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ, Crossley C, Fitzgerald GK. Comparison of reliability and responsiveness of patient-reported clinical outcome measures in knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012 Aug;42(8):716-23. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2012.4038. Epub 2012 Mar 8.
  • Farrokhi S, Tashman S, Gil AB, Klatt BA, Fitzgerald GK. Are the kinematics of the knee joint altered during the loading response phase of gait in individuals with concurrent knee osteoarthritis and complaints of joint instability? A dynamic stereo X-ray study. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2012 May;27(4):384-9. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.10.009. Epub 2011 Nov 8.
  • Teixeira PE, Piva SR, Fitzgerald GK. Effects of impairment-based exercise on performance of specific self-reported functional tasks in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Phys Ther. 2011 Dec;91(12):1752-65. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100269. Epub 2011 Oct 14.
  • Woollard JD, Gil AB, Sparto P, Kwoh CK, Piva SR, Farrokhi S, Powers CM, Fitzgerald GK. Change in knee cartilage volume in individuals completing a therapeutic exercise program for knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011 Oct;41(10):708-22. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2011.3633. Epub 2011 Sep 4.
  • Riddle DL, Kong X, Fitzgerald GK. Psychological health impact on 2-year changes in pain and function in persons with knee pain: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011 Sep;19(9):1095-101. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2011.06.003. Epub 2011 Jun 17.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR, Gil AB, Wisniewski SR, Oddis CV, Irrgang JJ. Agility and perturbation training techniques in exercise therapy for reducing pain and improving function in people with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2011 Apr;91(4):452-69. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100188. Epub 2011 Feb 17.
  • Piva SR, Teixeira PE, Almeida GJ, Gil AB, DiGioia AM 3rd, Levison TJ, Fitzgerald GK. Contribution of hip abductor strength to physical function in patients with total knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther. 2011 Feb;91(2):225-33. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100122. Epub 2011 Jan 6.
  • Ambrosio F, Wolf SL, Delitto A, Fitzgerald GK, Badylak SF, Boninger ML, Russell AJ. The emerging relationship between regenerative medicine and physical therapeutics. Phys Ther. 2010 Dec;90(12):1807-14. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100030. Epub 2010 Oct 28. Review.
  • Hile ES, Fitzgerald GK, Studenski SA. Persistent mobility disability after neurotoxic chemotherapy. Phys Ther. 2010 Nov;90(11):1649-57. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090405. Epub 2010 Sep 2.
  • Fitzgerald GK. Invited commentary. Phys Ther. 2010 Jun;90(6):855-8; author reply 858. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090233.ic.
  • Almeida GJ, Schroeder CA, Gil AB, Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR. Interrater reliability and validity of the stair ascend/descend test in subjects with total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2010 Jun;91(6):932-8. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2010.02.003.
  • Piva SR, Gil AB, Almeida GJ, DiGioia AM 3rd, Levison TJ, Fitzgerald GK. A balance exercise program appears to improve function for patients with total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2010 Jun;90(6):880-94. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090150. Epub 2010 Apr 8.
  • Scopaz KA, Piva SR, Wisniewski S, Fitzgerald GK. Relationships of fear, anxiety, and depression with physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Nov;90(11):1866-73. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2009.06.012.
  • Ambrosio F, Ferrari RJ, Distefano G, Plassmeyer JM, Carvell GE, Deasy BM, Boninger ML, Fitzgerald GK, Huard J. The synergistic effect of treadmill running on stem-cell transplantation to heal injured skeletal muscle. Tissue Eng Part A. 2010 Mar;16(3):839-49. doi: 10.1089/ten.TEA.2009.0113.
  • Scopaz KA, Piva SR, Gil AB, Woollard JD, Oddis CV, Fitzgerald GK. Effect of baseline quadriceps activation on changes in quadriceps strength after exercise therapy in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Jul 15;61(7):951-7. doi: 10.1002/art.24650.
  • Piva SR, Fitzgerald GK, Wisniewski S, Delitto A. Predictors of pain and function outcome after rehabilitation in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. J Rehabil Med. 2009 Jul;41(8):604-12. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0372.
  • Piva SR, Childs JD, Klucinec BM, Irrgang JJ, Almeida GJ, Fitzgerald GK. Patella fracture during rehabilitation after bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: 2 case reports. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009 Apr;39(4):278-86. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2009.2864.
  • Piva SR, Fitzgerald GK, Irrgang JJ, Fritz JM, Wisniewski S, McGinty GT, Childs JD, Domenech MA, Jones S, Delitto A. Associates of physical function and pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Feb;90(2):285-95. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.08.214.
  • Piva SR, Gil AB, Moore CG, Fitzgerald GK. Responsiveness of the activities of daily living scale of the knee outcome survey and numeric pain rating scale in patients with patellofemoral pain. J Rehabil Med. 2009 Feb;41(3):129-35. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0295.
  • Ambrosio F, Kadi F, Lexell J, Fitzgerald GK, Boninger ML, Huard J. The effect of muscle loading on skeletal muscle regenerative potential: an update of current research findings relating to aging and neuromuscular pathology. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Feb;88(2):145-55. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181951fc5. Review.
  • Ambrosio F, Ferrari RJ, Fitzgerald GK, Carvell G, Boninger ML, Huard J. Functional overloading of dystrophic mice enhances muscle-derived stem cell contribution to muscle contractile capacity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Jan;90(1):66-73. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.06.035.
  • Schmitt LC, Fitzgerald GK, Reisman AS, Rudolph KS. Instability, laxity, and physical function in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. Phys Ther. 2008 Dec;88(12):1506-16. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20060223. Epub 2008 Sep 26.
  • Piva SR, Goodnite EA, Azuma K, Woollard JD, Goodpaster BH, Wasko MC, Fitzgerald GK. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation and volitional exercise for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: a multiple-patient case report. Phys Ther. 2007 Aug;87(8):1064-77. Epub 2007 Jun 6.
  • Rabin A, Irrgang JJ, Fitzgerald GK, Eubanks A. The intertester reliability of the Scapular Assistance Test. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006 Sep;36(9):653-60.
  • Fitzgerald GK. Examining the consequences of rehabilitation interventions on disease progression and functional decline: is function really the only thing that matters? Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Oct 15;55(5):687-9.
  • Fitzgerald GK. Therapeutic exercise for knee osteoarthritis: considering factors that may influence outcome. Eura Medicophys. 2005 Jun;41(2):163-71.
  • Lyons CL, Robb JB, Irrgang JJ, Fitzgerald GK. Differences in quadriceps femoris muscle torque when using a clinical electrical stimulator versus a portable electrical stimulator. Phys Ther. 2005 Jan;85(1):44-51.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ. Reports of joint instability in knee osteoarthritis: its prevalence and relationship to physical function. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Dec 15;51(6):941-6.
  • Piva SR, Fitzgerald GK, Irrgang JJ, Bouzubar F, Starz TW. Get up and go test in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004 Feb;85(2):284-9.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ, Bouzubar F, Starz TW. Quadriceps activation failure as a moderator of the relationship between quadriceps strength and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Feb 15;51(1):40-8.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Oatis C. Role of physical therapy in management of knee osteoarthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2004 Mar;16(2):143-7. Review.
  • Childs JD, Sparto PJ, Fitzgerald GK, Bizzini M, Irrgang JJ. Alterations in lower extremity movement and muscle activation patterns in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2004 Jan;19(1):44-9.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ. A modified neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocol for quadriceps strength training following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003 Sep;33(9):492-501.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Childs JD, Ridge TM, Irrgang JJ. Agility and perturbation training for a physically active individual with knee osteoarthritis. Phys Ther. 2002 Apr;82(4):372-82.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Lephart SM, Hwang JH, Wainner RS. Hop tests as predictors of dynamic knee stability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2001 Oct;31(10):588-97. Review.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Delitto A. Considerations for planning and conducting clinic-based research in physical therapy. Phys Ther. 2001 Aug;81(8):1446-54. Review.
  • Chmielewski TL, Rudolph KS, Fitzgerald GK, Axe MJ, Snyder-Mackler L. Biomechanical evidence supporting a differential response to acute ACL injury. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2001 Aug;16(7):586-91.
  • Irrgang JJ, Fitzgerald GK. Rehabilitation of the multiple-ligament-injured knee. Clin Sports Med. 2000 Jul;19(3):545-71. Review.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Axe MJ, Snyder-Mackler L. A decision-making scheme for returning patients to high-level activity with nonoperative treatment after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2000;8(2):76-82.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Axe MJ, Snyder-Mackler L. Proposed practice guidelines for nonoperative anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation of physically active individuals. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2000 Apr;30(4):194-203.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Axe MJ, Snyder-Mackler L. The efficacy of perturbation training in nonoperative anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation programs for physical active individuals. Phys Ther. 2000 Feb;80(2):128-40.
  • Kietrys DM, McClure PW, Fitzgerald GK. The relationship between head and neck posture and VDT screen height in keyboard operators. Phys Ther. 1998 Apr;78(4):395-403.
  • Fitzgerald GK. Open versus closed kinetic chain exercise: issues in rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery. Phys Ther. 1997 Dec;77(12):1747-54. Review.
  • Snyder-Mackler L, Fitzgerald GK, Bartolozzi AR 3rd, Ciccotti MG. The relationship between passive joint laxity and functional outcome after anterior cruciate ligament injury. Am J Sports Med. 1997 Mar-Apr;25(2):191-5.
  • Esola MA, McClure PW, Fitzgerald GK, Siegler S. Analysis of lumbar spine and hip motion during forward bending in subjects with and without a history of low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1996 Jan 1;21(1):71-8.
  • Fitzgerald GK, McClure PW. Reliability of measurements obtained with four tests for patellofemoral alignment. Phys Ther. 1995 Feb;75(2):84-90; discussion 90-2. Erratum in: Phys Ther 1995 Apr;75(4):338.
  • Fitzgerald GK, McClure PW, Beattie P, Riddle DL. Issues in determining treatment effectiveness of manual therapy. Phys Ther. 1994 Mar;74(3):227-33. Review.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Newsome D. Treatment of a large infected thoracic spine wound using high voltage pulsed monophasic current. Phys Ther. 1993 Jun;73(6):355-60.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Rothstein JM, Mayhew TP, Lamb RL. Exercise-induced muscle soreness after concentric and eccentric isokinetic contractions. Phys Ther. 1991 Jul;71(7):505-13.
  • Fitzgerald GK, Wynveen KJ, Rheault W, Rothschild B. Objective assessment with establishment of normal values for lumbar spinal range of motion. Phys Ther. 1983 Nov;63(11):1776-81.