Beth A. Cloud-Biebl, Ph.D., P.T., D.P.T.

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SUMMARY

Beth A. Cloud, P.T., Ph.D., D.P.T., performs human movement research with an interdisciplinary team of engineers and clinicians. Her primary focus is studying the motion and forces used by individuals with spinal cord injury when they perform daily tasks.

Dr. Cloud aims to understand what factors (movement strategies, for example) are associated with pain or risk of pain in arm joints such as the shoulder and wrist. Her long-term goal is to use this knowledge to inform clinical rehabilitation strategies.

Focus areas

• Spinal cord injury. Dr. Cloud is interested in how individuals move after spinal cord injury, particularly when it comes to tasks relying on their upper limbs.
• Upper limb kinematics. Dr. Cloud specializes in the use of electromagnetic technology for measuring shoulder motion.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Cloud aims to use knowledge of upper limb biomechanics to inform rehabilitation after spinal cord injury and other conditions leading to wheelchair use. An understanding of optimal movement strategies that reduce risk of upper limb injury can help reduce the prevalence of pain and injury in this group of individuals.

Professional highlights

• Recipient, Outstanding Trainee Researcher Award, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals, 2016
• Board of directors, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Alumni Association, 2014-2016
• Recipient, Promotion of Doctoral Studies II Scholarship, Foundation for Physical Therapy, 2013-2014