Peter Altenburger, PhD, PT
Education
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, University of California, Los Angeles
Master of Science, Physical Therapy, University of Miami, Florida
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Academic Positions
Dr. Altenburger was on faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas prior to joining Indiana University in the summer of 2007. His teaching experience includes neurological rehabilitation, motor control and motor learning, evidence based practice, physical agents, gross human anatomy, pharmacology, and electrotherapy.
His primary teaching responsibilities at IU are neurological rehabilitation, lifespan, and physical agents.
Clinical Interests
Dr. Altenburger has spent multiple years in both acute inpatient and outpatient settings treating a variety of patient populations. He has spent the majority of his clinical work treating patients with neurological deficits. Dr. Altenburger has also spent time assisting disabled adults with aquatic rehabilitation.
Research Interests
Dr. Altenburger is interested in improving the functional recovery and gait mechanics for individuals with neurological deficits. He is currently studying the effects of both Body Weight Support Treadmill Training and Overhead Harness Training on gait and balance in patients with chronic stroke deficits.
Dr. Altenburger’s research for his PhD examined the competitive nature of physical therapy educational programs. He investigated both internal and external strategies utilized by physical therapy programs throughout the United States.
Professional Activites
Dr. Altenburger has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) since 1996. He belongs to both the Neurology and Education sections of the APTA. In addition, Dr. Altenburger has developed community programs such as a pro bono aquatic therapy program and high school anatomy experiences.
Publications and Presentations
Dr. Altenburger has numerous presentations at both the Combined Sections Meeting and the Annual Conference for the APTA. He also has provided community-based educational seminars for various groups. Recent publications include:
McWhorter JW, Landers M, Somerhalder A, Altenburger P, Altenburger B. (2007). An Evaluation of Academic Variables that Predict Physical Therapy Licensure Exam Scores. APTA National Conference, Denver 2007
Altenburger P, Arquette A, Chigas M, Fabian P, Lang R. (2007). The Effects of an Over-ground Harness on Walking Speed, Confidence, and Balance in a Patient with Post Stroke Hemiplegia: A Case Study. Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA, Boston, February 2007.
McWhorter JW, Landers M, Wallmann H, Altenburger P, Berry K, Tompkins D, Higbee C. (2006). The Effects of Loaded, Unloaded, Dynamic, and Static Activities on Foot Volumetrics. Physical Therapy in Sport, 1-6
Altenburger P, Altenburger E, Krum L, Leavitt J, Reynolds J, Townsend G. (2006). The Effects of an Over-ground Harness System on Gait and Balance in Patient's with Chronic Stroke Deficits. http://www.apta.org/AM/abstracts/pt2006/abstractsPt.cfm?pubNo=PO-RR-75-TH, 2006.
Landers M, Altenburger P. (2003). Peripheral Nerve Injury. Advances in Physiotherapy, 5(2)L
McWhorter JW, Wallmann H, Landers M, Altenburger B, LaPorta L, Altenburger P. (2003). The effects of walking, running, and shoe size on foot volumetrics. Physical Therapy in Sport, 4(2):87-92
Outside Interests
Outside of the classroom, Dr. Altenburger spends his time with his family. His interests include coaching soccer, watching football, and playing golf.