Dissertation Defense: Implications of Neurotoxic Chemotherapy on the Functional Stability of Cancer Survivors

Scott Monfort, PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering

All dates for this event occur in the past.

E525 Scott Lab
E525 Scott Lab
201 W. 19th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
United States

Committee

  • Dr. Ajit Chaudhari, Chair (Physical Therapy)
  • Dr. Robert Siston (Mechanical Engineering)
  • Dr. Maryam Lustberg (Internal Medicine)
  • Dr. Anne Kloos (Health and Rehabilitation Sciences)

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to explore peripheral and central nervous system factors that may contribute to functional instability in cancer survivors. Common chemotherapy agents are known to have neurotoxic effects to these systems and understanding the implications with respect to fall risk may allow for improved quality of life during survivorship including a decreased risk of falling. The information presented in this dissertation improves the basic understanding of these relationships and discusses areas that warrant further investigation. The work described here and the future efforts that it may help guide will contribute toward the long-term goal of reducing the burden of cancer treatment and its adverse effects of survivor quality of life.