Kathryn Oriel

Dr. Oriel is the Associate Provost of Health Sciences and a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Her clinical expertise is in pediatric physical therapy with experience in various settings including early intervention, preschool, and outpatient. Her research is focused on the impact of various exercise interventions in children with disabilities. She routinely presents her research at national conferences and has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Peer-Reviewed Publications:

Campagna, J., Czyszczon, K., Little, J.,  Selby, C., Wick, L., Ferreira, D., Oriel, K.N. (2023). The physical and psychosocial impact of a school-based running programme for adolescents with disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 68(2), 181-192.

Ferreira, D., Alleman, A., Constantini, R., Holdredge, T., Mowrey, K., Kanupka, J., Oriel, K.N. (2023). The Feasibility and Benefits of a School-Based Running Program for Adolescents with Disabilities. Palaestra, 37(4), 38-43.

Price, J., Oriel, K.N., Burns, D., Fiedler, K., Kelley, A., Roca, K. (2022). Parent Perceptions of an Early Participation Experience in Young Children with Disabilities: Aquatics vs Land. Palaestra, 36(1), 56-62.

Angelini, E., Oriel, K.N., Myers, G., Cook, K., Drawbaugh, R., Price, J. (2020). The impact of an adapted climbing program on children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness, and Sports, 9(4), 60-69.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J., Scesa, M., Deardorff, A., Grow, S., Lane, L., Poltonavage, O (2020). The Impact of an Aquatic Social Competence Program on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 28(2).

Oriel, K.N., Reed, T., Saufley, R., Wetzel, E., Wilt, C. (2020). Utilization of physical activity in school-based settings for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Palaestra, 34(4), 44-49.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., Fuehrer, A.T., Klumpp, K.M., Stoltz, K.N., Willey, D.W., Decvalcante, M.L. (2018). The impact of a rock climbing program for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education. DOI: 10.1080/24711616.2018.1425601.

Kanupka, J.W., Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., Crist, L., Deardorff, K., Douglass, D., Prenger, K., Ulicny, R., Wirick, D. (2018). The impact of aquatic exercise on sleep behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Intellectual Disability – Diagnosis and Treatment, 6(1), 1-7.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., George, C.L., Himmelberger, B., Janke, B., Repoley, M. (2017). The Impact of Participation in a Structured Aquatic Exercise Program on Parents’ Perceptions of Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy, 25(1), 12-21.

George, C., Kanupka, J., Oriel, K.N. (2017). Impact of Participation in Community-Based Research Among Undergraduate and Graduate Students. Journal of Allied Health, 46(1):e15-e24.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., DeLong, K., Noel, K. (2016). The impact of aquatic exercise on sleep behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A pilot study. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 31(4), 254-261.

Oriel, K.N., Marchese, V.G., Shirk, A., Wagner, L., Young, E., & Miller, L. (2012). The psychosocial benefits of an inclusive community-based aquatics program. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 24, 361-367.

Marchese, V.G., Oriel, K.N. Fry, J.A., Kovacs, J.L., Weaver, R.L., Reilly, M.M. & Ginsberg, J.P. (2012). Development of reference values for the functional mobility assessment. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 24, 224-231.

Johnson, L., Deatrick, J., & Oriel, K. (2012). The use of music to improve exercise participation in people with dementia: A pilot study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 30(2):102–108.

George, C.L., Oriel, K.N., Blatt, P., & Marchese, V. (2011).  The Impact of a community-based exercise program in children and adolescents with disabilities. Journal of Allied Health, 40(4), 55E-60E.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., Peckus, B., & Semon A. (2011). The effects of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 23(2), 187-193.

Bainbridge, E., Bevens, S., Keely, B., Oriel, K.N. (2011). The effects of the Nintendo Wii Fit on community dwelling older adults with perceived balance deficits: A pilot study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 29(2), 126-135.

Gazsi, C.C., & Oriel, K.N. (2010). The impact of a service learning project to enhance curricular integration in physical therapist education. Journal of Allied Health, 39(2), e61-e68.

George, C.L. & Oriel, K.N. (2009). Interdisciplinary learning experience: Two years of experience with an interdisciplinary learning engagement for physical therapy and special education students. Journal of Allied Health, 38(1), e-22 – e-28.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., & Blatt, P. (2008). The impact of a community based exercise program in children and adolescents with disabilities: A pilot study. Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services, 27(1), 5-20.

Oriel, K.N., Pemberton, C., & Urfer, A. (2006). Barriers to school-based physical therapy: Perceptions of physical therapists in a rural state. Journal of Allied Health, 35(2), e103-e120.

LaPier, T.K. & Lavine, K.N., (2001). Research corner: Finding the evidence. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy,12(2), 46-49.

Peer-Reviewed Scientific and Professional Presentations:

Oriel KN, Bartlett ER ’23, D’25, Boarman EE ’23, D’25, Henderson MR ’23, D’25, Mazanek MP ’23, D’25, West H ’23, D’26. The Perceived Role of Physical Therapists in Health Promotion Practices within School-Based Settings. The 2025 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, February 15, 2025. Poster Presentation.

Oriel, K.N., Ferreira, D., Weiss, S., Bunke, L., Meredith, M., Thorsen, A., Zaranski, T. Impact of a Running Program on a Young Adult with Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at 2024 Combined Sections Meeting, February, 2024, Boston, MA.

Oriel, K.N., Campagna, J., Czyszcson, K., Little, J., Selby, C., Wick, L., Ferrerira, D., Kanupka. The Physical and Psychosocial Impact of a School-Based Running Program for Children with Disabilities. Poster presented at 2023 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2023, San Diego, CA.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J., Ferreira, D., Alleman, A., Constantini, R., Holdredge, T., Mowrey, K. The Feasibility and Benefits of a School-Based Running Program for Adolescents with Disabilities. Poster presented at 2022 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2022, San Antonio, TX.

Oriel, K.N., Ferreira, D., Dennis, B. Pattern of Orthotic Prescription and Onset of Walking in Children with Down Syndrome. Poster presented at 2022 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2022, San Antonio, TX.

McClain, A., Mellendick, A., Koenig, M., Swope, C., Creath, R Oriel, K.N. Use of Video Analysis Software to Assess the Outcome of an ACL Injury Prevention Program. Poster presented at 2022 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2022, San Antonio, TX.

Koenig, M., Swope, C, McClain, A., Mellendick, A., Oriel, K.N., Dompier, T. ACL Injury in Young Female Athletes: Perspectives of Parents and Athletes. Poster presented at 2022 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2022, San Antonio, TX.

Crewe-Campitella, A., Steenkamer, A., Yanoscak, T., Zenner, L., Zulkosky, L., Oriel, K.N. The Impact of Educational Level on Incidence and Awareness of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Poster presented at 2022 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2022, San Antonio, TX.

Oriel, K.N. Promoting Exercise in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Preschool Through Adolescence: Benefits, Barriers, and Practical Strategies for Success. Presentation at 2020 Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference. *Held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Price, J., Oriel, K.N., Burns, D., Fiedler, K., Kelley, A., Roca, K. Parent Perceptions of an Early Participation Experience in Young Children with Disabilities: Aquatics Vs Land. Poster presented at 2020 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2020, Denver, CO.

Oriel, K.N., Deardorff, A., Grow, S., Lane, L., Poltonavage, O. The Impact of an Aquatic Social Skills Program on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference, November 2019, Anaheim, CA.

Oriel, K.N., Reed, T., Saufley, R., Wetzel, E., Wilt, C. Utilization of exercise in school-based settings for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at 2019 Combined Sections Meeting, January 2019, Washington, DC.

Oriel, K.N., Price, J., Angelini, E., Cook, K., Drawbaugh, R., Payung, K., Weidemoyer, G. The impact of a rock climbing program on children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Poster presented at 2019 Combined Sections Meeting, January 2019, Washington, DC.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., Chappell, S., Cummings, R., Gambini, A., Shuty, J. The impact of an adapted rock climbing program on quality of life and self-efficacy in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at 2018 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2018, New Orleans, LA.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., Fuehrer, A., Klumpp, K., Stoltz, K., Willey, D., The Impact of a Rock Climbing Program for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study. Poster presented at 2017 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2017, San Antonio, TX.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., Burger, K., Dierwechter, B, Dooley, A., Lala, A., Robenolt, E. An Inclusive Aquatic Exercise Program as an Adjunct to Early Intervention Services in Young Children with Disabilities. Poster presented at 2017 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2017, San Antonio, TX.

Oriel, K.N.,  Kanupka, J.W., George, C.L.,  Crist, L.,  Deardorff, K., Douglass, D.,  Prenger, K., Ulicny, R., Wirick, D. The Impact of Aquatic Exercise on Sleep Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the 2016 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2016; Anaheim, CA.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L.,  Kanupka, J.W., Albright, A.,  Cirone, L., Groff, G., Palombo, C.,  Shockey, J.  The Impact of Participation in an Aquatic Exercise Program as an Adjunct to Traditional Early Intervention Services in Young Children with Disabilities. Poster presented at the 2016 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2016; Anaheim, CA.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L.,  Kanupka, J.W., Harvey, E., Pyle, L., Snyder, N.
The Impact of Participation in a Community-Based Exercise Program on Quality of Life, Self-Concept, and Activity Preferences in Children with Disabilities. Poster presented at the 2015 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2015; Indianapolis, IN.

Oriel, K.N., Kanupka, J.W., George, C.L., Hanna, A., Kime, D., Lloyd, S., Snyder, O. The Impact of Participation in an Aquatic Exercise Program on Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the 2015 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2015; Indianapolis, IN.

Broderick, V., Hepner, K., McCarthy, E., Secola, S., Wickenheiser, S., Oriel, K.N.  The Development of a Family “Be Fit” Club. Poster presented at the 2015 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2015; Indianapolis, IN.

Oriel, K.N.,  Kanupka, J.W., George, C.L., Dunkes, B., MacDonald, M., Scola, S.,  Sherman, K. A Community-Based Exercise Program for Girls with Physical Disabilities. Poster presented at the 2014 Combined Section Meeting, February 2014; Las Vegas, NV.

Oriel, K.N.,  Kanupka, J.W., Himmelberger, B., Janke, B., Repoley, M.
The Impact of an Aquatic Exercise Program on Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the 2014 Combined Section Meeting, February 2014; Las Vegas, NV.

Black, J., English, L., Kessler, M., Oriel, K., & Palombaro (2014). Student-run pro bono clinics: Fostering leadership skills and social responsibility. Session presented at the 2014 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2014; Las Vegas, NV.

Oriel, K.N., Noel, K., Zeisloft, K., Kanupka, J., Horrocks, J., Young, S. The effect of aquatic exercise on sleep habits in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Poster presented at the 2013 Combined Sections Meeting, January 2013; San Diego, CA.

Oriel, K.N., Bonenberger, A., Henninger, K., Markovic, K. A description of diet and exercise perceptions among typically developing preschoolers. Poster presented at the 2013 Combined Sections Meeting, January 2013; San Diego, CA.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L. The Integration of Aerobic Exercise into the School Day for Preschooler’s with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Feasibility Study. Platform presented at the 2012 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2012; Chicago, IL.

Oriel, K.N. Innovative approaches to including children in teaching entry-level PT education courses. Presentation at the Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, August 2011; Anaheim, CA.

Oriel, K.N., Marchese, V., Chapman, S., Miller, L., Sallade, H., Shirk, A., Wagner, L., Young, E. Beyond fitness: The psychosocial benefits of an inclusive aquatic fitness program. Poster presented at the Section on Pediatrics Annual Conference, August 2011; Anaheim, CA.

Bainbridge, E., Bevens, S., Keely, B., Oriel, K.N. The effects of the Nintendo Wii Fit on community dwelling older adults with perceived balance deficits. Poster presented at the 2010 Combined Sections Meeting, February 2011; New Orleans, LA.

George, C.L., Oriel, K.N. (2010). How Aerobic Exercise Affects Academic Engagement in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Poster presented at the 2010 Council for Exceptional Children Convention and Expo, April 2010; Nashville, TN.

George, C.L., Oriel, K.N. (2010). How Aerobic Exercise Affects Academic Engagement in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Social Challenges for the 21^st Century Conference, Lebanon Valley College,  February 2010; Annville, PA.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., Peckus, B., & Semon, A. (2010). The effect of aerobic exercise on academic engagement in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Platform presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2010; San Diego, CA.

Oriel, K.N., Marchese, V.G., Kelly, L., Gilson, T., Romano, L., Speth, J., Stouffer, E., Wenrich, C., & Wolfe (2010). The impact of a virtual reality experience in children with spina bifida: A case series. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2010; San Diego, CA.

Marchese, V.G., Oriel, K.N., Fry, J., Kovacs, J., Weaver, R., Reilly, M. Ginsberg, J. (2010). Development of a Normative Sample for the Functional Mobility Assessment. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2010; San Diego, CA.

George, C.L., Oriel, K.N. (2009). How Aerobic Exercise Affects Academic Engagement in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pennsylvania Association Council for Exceptional Children (PACEC) 50^th Annual Convention; November 2009; Harrisburg, PA.

George, C.L., Oriel, K.N. (2009). How Aerobic Exercise Affects Academic Engagement in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Poster session presented at the 8^th Biennial International Conference on Children and Youth with Behavioral Disorders; September 2009; Denver, CO.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L. (2009). Promoting Fitness in Children and Adolescents with Disabilities:  Strategies for Success. Full-day workshop presented at Care Resources; March, 2009; Baltimore, MD.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., Blatt, P., & Marchese, V. The Efficacy of a Community-Based Fitness Program for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Disabilities. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of  the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2009; Las Vegas, NV.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., Blatt, P., & Marchese, V. Promoting fitness in children with disabilities: Strategies for success. Seminar presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2008, Nashville, TN.

Oriel, K.N., Blatt, P., Rodic, B., & Shen, D. Reliability and validity of the 6-minute walk test in children with disabilities. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2008, Nashville, TN.

George, C.L., Oriel, K.N., & Blatt, P. (2008). The impact of a structured group exercise program on fitness, self-concept, and social skills in children with disabilities. Platform presented at: Hawaii International Conference on Education; January 2008, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Gazsi, C. & Oriel, K.N. The Use of a Service Learning Experience to Enhance Curricular Integration in Physical Therapy Education. Poster presented at: Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Annual Conference; October 2007, Pittsburgh, PA.

George, C.L. & Oriel, K.N. A Fitness Program for Children with Disabilities. Seminar presented at: Council for Exceptional Children National Convention; April 2007, Louisville, KY.

Oriel, K.N., George, C.L., & Blatt, P. The Impact of an After School Exercise Program on Fitness, Self-Concept and Social Skills in Children with Disabilities. Platform presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2007, Boston, MA.

Oriel, K.N., & George, C.L.. Collaboration Physical Therapy and Special Education Students to Promote Fitness, Self-Concept and Social Skills in Children with Disabilities. Platform presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2007, Boston, MA.

Gazsi, C. & Oriel, K.N. The Use of a Service Learning Experience to Enhance Curricular Integration in Physical Therapy Education. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2007, Boston, MA.

George, C.L. & Oriel, K.N. A Fitness Program for Children with Disabilities. Seminar presented at: Pennsylvania Council for Exceptional Children Convention; November 2006, Grantville, PA.

Oriel, K.N., Frazier, K., Lebron, M., Pinkerton, C., & Townsley, T. The impact to the back to sleep campaign on gross motor development. Poster presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association; February 2006, San Diego, CA.

Handler, J., & Oriel, K.N. A task-oriented approach to a postural control disorder in an adult with ataxic-athetoid cerebral palsy: A case study. Paper presented at: III Step Conference; July 19, 2005; Salt Lake City, UT.

Krencicki, D.M. & Oriel, K.N. The use of a service learning experience to enhance cultural competence among physical therapy students. Poster presented at: Annual Conference of the American Physical Therapy Association; June 9, 2005; Boston, MA.

Frazier, K., Lebron, M., Oriel, K.N., Pinkerton, C., & Townsley, T. (2005). The impact to the back to sleep campaign on gross motor development. Poster presented at: Annual Conference of the New Jersey Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association; April 9, 2005, West Windsor, NJ.

Oriel, K.N. Perceived barriers to school-based physical therapy practice in a rural state. Poster presented at: American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting; February 26, 2005; New Orleans, LA.

• PHT 832 Pediatric Physical Therapy
• PHT 620 Motor Control, Motor Learning, & Motor Development
• PHT 850 Critical Inquiry Capstone