Doctoral Candidate Brochure: Clifford Heidorn
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Clifford Heidorn
For the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Physiology
Effects of Ventilatory Training on Blood Pressure Regulation and Exercise Performance in Individuals with Paralysis
March 20, 2025
2:00 P.M.
MACC Annex 272
Â鶹´«Ã½
Via
Effects of Ventilatory Training on Blood Pressure Regulation and Exercise Performance in Individuals with Paralysis
The first study aimed to investigate the influence of ventilatory training on blood pressure regulation as well as cerebral tissue oxygenation during an orthostatic challenge in individuals with paralysis. The second explored the influence of electrically stimulated cycling exercise on muscle and cerebral tissue oxygenation.
Study 1: Individuals with paralysis completed an eight-week ventilatory training protocol completing 200 breaths a day five days a week at 50% max pressure. Pulmonary function and a supine to seated orthostatic test were assessed pre and post training. There was an observed improvement in maintenance of blood pressure and no decrease in cerebral tissue saturation during the post-training orthostatic test.
Study 2: Individuals with paralysis completed five intervals of electrically stimulated cycling exercise. There was an observed increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin of the stimulated leg muscles while an increase in cerebral oxygenated and total hemoglobin during exercise.
The results from the first study further justifies the implementation and investigation of ventilatory training for individuals with paralysis. The results from the second study warrants investigation of electrically stimulated cycling for impacts on cerebral health and function for individuals with paralysis.
About the Candidate
Clifford Eric Heidorn
Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
Ball State University, Human Performance Laboratory, 2018
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
Indiana State University, 2016
Eric is a PhD Candidate at Â鶹´«Ã½. While attending Â鶹´«Ã½ he taught various undergraduate courses within the Exercise Science curriculum and has assisted with research in the Vascular Health Laboratory. He has also worked as a research health scientist in the Advanced Platform Technology Center in the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System.
In the research lab, he has gained experience using a variety of research tools including near infrared spectroscopy for tissue oxygenation and doppler ultrasound for vascular assessments. He also became familiar with adapted rehabilitation modalities such as single leg cycling and using electrical stimulation for exercising muscles affected by paralysis. He has had the opportunity to publish and present research at various regional and national conferences.
Eric plans to continue his passion of exploring various ways to improve function and health, with a concentration on adapted modalities for people with paralysis.
Doctoral Dissertation Committee
Director
John McDaniel, Ph.D.
Professor
Exercise Physiology
School of Health Sciences
Â鶹´«Ã½
Members
J. Derek Kingsley, Ph.D.
Professor
Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology
School of Health Sciences
Â鶹´«Ã½
Martin Kilbane, PT, DPT, OSC
Clinical Liaison/Program Manager
National Program Office, Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service
Department of Veterans Affairs
Lisa Lombardo, MPT
Research Physical Therapist
Advanced Platform Technology Center
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System
Graduate Faculty Representative
Hannah Harnar, ED.D., AT
Assistant Professor
Athletic Training
Â鶹´«Ã½