Matthew Walko

Matt Walko is a Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy. He received his MSPT from College Misericordia in 1999 and his DPT from Misericordia University in 2007. He earned his certification as a Board Certified Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy from the ABPTS in 2009. Dr. Walko studies the effects of exercise and anxiety on heart rate variability. He serves as the 2024 Chairperson of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialty Council. At LVC, he serves as the faculty advisor to the DiscipleMakers student group.

PUBLICATIONS:

Rodrigues J, Campbell A, Frese E, Lowers S, Norman J, Stackowicz D, Starr J, Walko M.  The Current Status of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: An Update of the Description of Specialty Practice.  Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal.  2019: Volume: Published Ahead-of-Print.  doi: 10.1097/CPT.0000000000000121

Karpa K, Graveno M, Brightbill M, Fox G, Kelly S, Lehman E, Salvadia A, Shaw T, Smith D, Walko M, Sherwood L.  Geriatric assessment in a primary care environment: a standardized patient case activity for interprofessional students. MedEdPORTAL. 2019;15:10844. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10844

Campbell AA, Frese EM, Lowers ST, Normal JF, Stachowicz DM, Starr JA, Walko MM.  Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Description of Specialty Practice.  2017. ISBN 978-1-931369-40-4

POSTERS and PRESENTATIONS:

Walko MM, Prall J, DiMisa IF ’23, D’25, Gibney RP ’23, D’25, Livingston MA ’23, D’25, Stoner JD ’23, D’25, Strange LA ‘23, D’25. Validity of the Kardiamobile Device for Use in Heart Rate Variability Assessment. The 2025 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, February 15, 2025. Platform Presentation.

Gorenberg D, Kearney C, Ott E, Trent J, Walko M.  Heart Rate Variability is not Significantly Influenced by Social Media Use Across a 4-Week Period. Poster Presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Boston, MA. February 2024

Bair K, Lysakowski J, Hoke S, Seltzer J, Tamberino L, Walko M.  Association of Social Media, Anxiety, Aerobic Fitness, and Resting Heart Rate Variability in College Students. Poster Presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA. February 2023

Heggan T, Nestor H, Schultz E, Wendling K, Walko M.  Determining the Effects of Exercise on Cancer Survivors: A Case Study. Poster Presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA. February 2023

Myers R, Walko M, Epler M, Dacko S, Ulrich E. Reliability of Video-Based Observation of Head Impacts Compared to a Standardized Instrument in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Players. Poster Presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, TX. February 15-18, 2017

Myers R, Walko M, Epler M, Dacko S, Ulrich E. Reliability of Video-Based Observation of Head Impacts Compared to a Standardized Instrument in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Players. Poster Presented at NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo, Baltimore, MD. June 22-25, 2016

Myers R, Walko M, Epler M, Dacko S, Ulrich E. Reliability of Video-Based Observation of Head Impacts Compared to a Standardized Instrument in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Players. Poster Presented at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Harrisburg, PA. April 1-2, 2016

Walko M, Strack J, Miller K, Nolt S, Schultz N. The Short Term Effects of Tai Chi on the Balance and Confidence Levels of Well Older Adults. Poster Presented at APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Las Vegas, NV. February 4-7, 2014

• PHT 618 Exercise Science
• PHT 634 Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
• PHT 716 Health Promotion for Self and Society
• PHT 742 Pharmacology in Rehabilitation
• PHT 835-04 Acute Care Elective
• PHT 840 Curricular Readiness and Review