Education

• Ph.D., Integrative Neuromuscular Physiology,
  Marquette University, Milwaukee, 2006
• M.S., Human Kinetics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1987
• B.S., Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1983

Interests & Expertise

Dr. Alt’s clinical background as a physical therapist is in the area of Orthopaedics. She held certification as an Orthopaedic Specialist for 13 years prior to transitioning to the academy. She has been teaching Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Tissue Biomechanics for 17 years. She joined the faculty at the University of WI-Milwaukee in 2008 and added teaching in the health promotion/wellness area to complement her research interests in exercise and wellness in survivors of cancer.

Dr. Alt’s research interests explore the relationship between muscle endurance and cancer-related fatigue, with support from the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Recent publications have explored this relationship in survivors of prostate cancer. As part of the translational focus of her work, Dr. Alt is currently exploring barriers to physical activity after discharge from physical therapy services, and is funded through the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association, Lynne Phillippi Geriatric Rehabilitation Fund.

Recent Publications

Refereed Journals/Posters

Zalewski, K, Alt, C. (Accepted with Revisions). Use of the Barriers to Being Active Quiz to Explore Perceptions of Barriers to Physical Activity in Older Adults Discharged from Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy Journal, PTJ-2011-0197.

Alt, C., Gore, E., Montagnini, M, Ng, A. Muscle Endurance, Cancer-related Fatigue and Radiotherapy in Prostate Cancer Survivors. Muscle & Nerve, Vol 43, 3, (March, 2010) DOI: 10.1002/mus21913

Alt C, Gore E, Montagnini M, & Ng A (2006). Muscle Function and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors. Presented as poster at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA

Austin,S, Polichnowski A, Jenkins, N, Lobeck, L, Bobholz, Alt C, Ng A (2005)  Physiological Effects of Aquatic Exercise and Temperature in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis and Controls.  Presented as posted at ASEP Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN

Book Chapters

Ng A, Alt C, & Gore E (2007) Fatigue In: Handbook of Cancer Survivorship; M Feuerstein, ed. Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Presentations

Alt, C. (2011). Physical Activity in Prostate Cancer Survivors, Livestrong at the Y, Ozaukee YMCA

Alt C. & Dvorak L., (2010) Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Shoulder
Visiting Nurse Association, Milwaukee, WI

Alt C. (2007). Cancer-Related Fatigue and Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors,  Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference , Green Lake, Wisconsin

Alt C. (2007). Muscle Function and Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors, Wheaton Franciscan System, Columbia St Mary's Physical Therapy Department

Awards & Honors

• Byoung Kim Teaching Excellence Award 2010 College of Health Sciences UWM
• Invited keynote speaker to the American Cancer Society Spring Luncheon Benefit, May 5, 2009
  Topic: Friendship Food for the Soul: Wellness in the Cancer Survivor
  Milwaukee Country Club

Workshops

Neumann, D. Workshop Director
Alt, C. Workshop Facilitator
Kinesiology Workshop for Instructors in Physical Therapy Programs,
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
May 23-May 25, 2011