Event
BIOE Seminar: Rehabilitation Research in Pediatric Lower Extremity Sarcoma
Friday, October 30, 2026
9:00 a.m.
A. James Clark Hall, Room #2121
Alisa Clyne
aclyne@umd.edu
Victoria Marchese
Senior Investigator
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
The Muscle Behind the Movement: Rehabilitation Research in Pediatric Lower Extremity Sarcoma
Abstract:
The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science (PTRS) is dedicated to improving quality of life and health care through rehabilitation research. With our exceptional faculty, resources, leadership, and collaborations PTRS supports innovative rehabilitation research. Among the research areas within PTRS, Dr. Victoria Marchese’s lab focuses on lower extremity sarcomas. These are rare but serious malignancies that can significantly affect physical function in children, adolescents and young adults. While advances in treatment have improved survival, the combined effects of the disease and its therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, may adversely impact skeletal muscle health. Changes in muscle morphology and strength can contribute to limitations in mobility, participation in daily activities, and overall quality of life. This presentation will provide an overview of lower extremity sarcomas and discuss the mechanisms through which sarcoma and its treatment influence muscle structure and function. Understanding the trajectory of muscle changes in this population may help inform clinical decision-making and support the development of interventions aimed at preserving function and enhancing quality of life.
Bio:
Victoria Marchese, PT, PhD, FAPTA is the Jane Kroh Satterfield Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Marchese is a Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association and an internationally recognized rehabilitation scientist. Her research focuses on the complex interplay among biological markers, neuromotor mechanisms, physical performance, and quality of life in children, adolescents, and young adults with hematologic and oncologic diagnoses. Dr. Marchese has made significant contributions to the development, validation, and evaluation of clinical outcome measures and evidence-based rehabilitation interventions. As an academic leader, clinician-scientist, and educator, Dr. Marchese is committed to advancing physical therapy practice and rehabilitation science while mentoring the next generation of researchers and clinicians.
