Dr. Melissa Kieffer presented her work on Tai Chi and fall prevention and earned a Social Responsibility Award at APTA CSM.
While teaching remains the primary focus of faculty in the Concordia University Ann Arbor Doctor of Physical Therapy program, the creation and dissemination of new knowledge within the physical therapy profession is equally vital. This past weekend, Dr. Melissa Kieffer, a CUAA DPT faculty member since 2023, was invited to present her recent research at the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting in Anaheim, California.
The Combined Sections Meeting is the largest annual physical therapy conference in the United States, bringing together more than 15,000 professionals, students and researchers for networking, specialized educational programming and the presentation of cutting-edge research. Dr. Kieffer’s invitation to present reflects both the quality and relevance of her scholarly work.
Dr. Kieffer’s research focuses on fall prevention in the geriatric population. At the conference, she led an interactive session titled “Grounded and Graceful: Tai Chi as an Intervention for Fall Risk.” Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Kieffer said, “Our session explored the latest research on the effects of Tai Chi on balance, optimal dosage parameters for community-based applications and beginner-friendly movements that can be seamlessly integrated into practice.”
Impact beyond campus
In addition to her educational session, Dr. Kieffer presented two research posters at the conference. Notably, one received the Social Responsibility Award from the APTA Leadership Association, recognizing the broader impact of her work on the profession and the communities it serves.
“Our faculty in the CUAA DPT program do amazing things every day in the classroom with students. However, their research endeavors and discoveries are equally impactful and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the physical therapy profession,” said Dr. Susie Steele, CUAA DPT program director.
Dr. Kieffer’s session will be available through APTA’s CSM on-demand platform in March and April 2026, offering continuing education credit for those unable to attend the live presentation.
CUAA is proud to celebrate Dr. Kieffer’s contributions to advancing evidence-informed practice and enhancing patient care, both locally and nationally.
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