Marissa Lyon, PT, Ph.D., D.P.T., NCS
Assistant Professor
Location
Dr. Marissa Lyon is a dedicated professor specializing in the field of physical therapy, with a particular focus on neurology. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy, emphasizing Neurology, from Texas Woman's University, along with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Education. Since 2019, Dr. Lyon has been a Core Faculty Member and Assistant Professor at the University of New England's Department of Physical Therapy in Portland, Maine. Prior to her current position, she served as an Adjunct Course Instructor at Texas Woman's University and gained valuable experience as a Physical Therapist at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann.
Dr. Lyon actively contributes to research in her field, having published her work in respected journals and presented at scientific conferences. Her dedication to advancing knowledge is complemented by her board certification as a Neurologic Specialist. She is an active member of professional organizations, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy.
In addition to her academic and research endeavors, Dr. Lyon engages in service to her university, college, and department through committee involvement and advisory roles. She has been recognized for her commitment to excellence in teaching, receiving the Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award from UNE Westbrook College of Health Professions.
Dr. Marissa Lyon has a genuine passion for physical therapy and teaching students to provide care to individuals with neurologic health conditions.
Current teaching responsibilities include PTH 605, PTH 603, PTH 522, and PTH 735.
Credentials
Education
Expertise
Balance
Brain injury
Neuro-rehabilitation
Board Certifications and Licenses
Research
Current research
1. Balance Exercise Prescription Practices of United States Physical Therapists
2. Balance Exercise Clinical Reasoning of Global Health Care Providers
3. Current interventions used to treat patients after anterior cruciate ligament surgery: Changes in clinical practice over time and how interventions compare to current practice guidelines - A Scoping Review
Selected publications
Lyon M, Mitchell K, Medley A, Roddey T, Gleeson P. Impact of standardized balance measurement of physical therapist decision-making in acquired brain injury: a survey. Physiother Theor Pract. 2022. doi:10.1080/09593985.2022.2040067
Lyon M, Mitchell K, Medley A, Roddey T, Gleeson P. Keeping it all in balance: a qualitative analysis of the role of balance outcome measurement in physical therapist decision-making and patient outcomes. Disability and rehabilitation. 2022. doi:10.1080/09638288.2022.2118872
Other scholarly activity
Lee-Choe, J., Lee, A.M., Whitney, T.N., Brusola, G.A., Farlie, M.K., Lyon, M.F. (2023) Test-retest Reliability of the Balance Intensity Scale Among Student Physical Therapists. ANPT Annual Conference 2023, Minneapolis, MN.
Farlie, M.K., Brusola, G., Lyon, M. (2023) Employing a distributed research mentorship model incorporating international collaboration in physical therapy student scholarship. Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Profession Educators Conference. Gold Coast, Australia.
Lyon, C. Lyon, M. (2023) Multi-Modal Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy to Facilitate Successful Return to Work as a Standardized Patient. Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA.
Lyon, M., Wingard, D., Brusola, G. (2018). Influence of patient cognitive function on interrater reliability of balance measurements in individuals with history of traumatic brain injury. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lyon, M., Gleeson, P. (2017). Use of balance measures among physical therapists in the traumatic brain injury population. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
Martin, L., Lyon, M. (2017). Use of robotic gait training for recovery of ambulation after acquired brain injury with ataxia: A case study. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
Cohen, ER., Lyon, M., Verduzco-Gutierrez, M. (2017). Innovative interdisciplinary rehabilitation approach in an outpatient clinic. Association of Academic Physiatrists Annual Meeting, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lyon, M., Gleeson, P. (2015). Vertebrobasilar occlusion: screening and treatment by a physical therapist, case study of a non-surgical candidate. American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Lyon, M., Gleeson, P. (2014). Vertebrobasilar occlusion: screening and treatment by a physical therapist, case study of a non-surgical candidate. Texas Woman’s University Research Conference, Houston, Texas.
Funded grants
“Balance Exercise Prescription Practices of United States Physical Therapists.” University of New England Mini-Grant Program, 2023-2024.
Past grants:
“Comparative Utility of the Mini-BESTest, Berg Balance Scale, and Functional Gait Assessment to Predict Falls in Individuals after Traumatic Brain Injury.” TIRR Rehabilitation Innovations Grant Program Staff Project Award, Peer Reviewed
“Therapist Perceptions of the Impact of Standardized Balance Measurement on Therapist Decision-making and Patient Outcomes.” Texas Physical Therapy Foundation Research Grant, Peer Reviewed
Research interests
Balance exercise, outcome measures, exercise intensity, clinical decision-making, knoweldge translation