Andrew Starsky, M.P.T., Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor

Schroeder Complex 349

(414) 288-6608

Email

Education
Ph.D. - Biomedical Engineering,
College of Engineering, Marquette University, Milwaukee, May 2007
Concentrations: Biomechanics, neural control
Dissertation: "The effect of distal afferent input on proximal spasticity, strength, and motor control in the post-stroke hemiplegic arm."

M.P.T., College of Health Sciences, Marquette University, 1998

B.S., Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Marquette University, 1992

Publications

• Starsky AJ, Sangani SG, Logan B, Schmit BD.  Reliability of biomechanical spasticity measurements at the elbow of people post stroke.  Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 86(8):1648-54  August 2005.

• Simoneau GG. Bereda SM. Sobush DC. Starsky AJ. Biomechanics of elastic resistance in therapeutic exercise programs. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 31(1):16-24, 2001.
• Gillick BT. Kloth LC. Starsky A. Cincinelli-Walker L. Management of postsurgical hyperhidrosis with direct current and tap water. Physical Therapy. 84(3):262-7, 2004 Mar.

Manuscripts In Preparation

• Sangani SG, Starsky AJ, Schmit BD.  Reflex responses at the shoulder to movement of the spastic elbow in persons post stroke.  Submitted June 2007.

• Starsky AJ, Sangani SG, Logan B, Schmit BD.  Reliability of strength and synergy measures in the post stroke upper extremity.  To be submitted Oct 2007.

• Starsky AJ, Schmit BD.  Effects of distal electrical stimulation on the spasticity, strength, and motor control of persons post stroke.

Current Research Interests
Evaluation of the spasticity and synergy patterns of patients post CVA. Click here for more information.

Courses Taught
PHTH 510 (Summer Session 2)	Physical Modalities and electrotherapy.  Dr Starsky teaches the electrotherapy and electrodiagnostic portion of this course.
PHTH 523 (fall semester)	Evidence based decision making 2.  In this course, we examine how to get more out of the clinical literature to help our decision making.  In particular, we examine: outcomes measures sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests Measurement theory Statistical principles and application Evaluation of systematic reviews and individual articles
PHTH 564 (spring semester)	Evidence based decision making 3.  In this course, we continue what we learned in the previous 2 EB courses and expand, looking at: Non-parametric statistical testing Implementing a research project Presenting your results in a clinical setting We then go out in groups and present our EB findings on a given topic to a PT clinic.
PHTH 570 (spring semester)	Advanced topics in Biomechanics.  This course is a topics based exploration of a number of biomechanical issues.  We examine things like: Newton’s laws and their influence on our patients and exercise Tissue biomechanics Statics approximation of muscle and joint load Instrumentation used in PT research Gait analysis: clinical and instrumented Orthotics and prosthetics (taught by Tina Stoeckmann PT, DsC)
EXSC 198	Core stabilization.  In this elective course, we examine the muscles of the human core and their role on normal and pathological movement.  We also learn how to integrate exercises for the core into a workout routine.

Professional Experience

Professional Memberships
American Physical Therapy Association

Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association

Professional Service

• Co-coordinator of the 1997 Miami-Marquette Challenge, raised over $50,000 for Physical Therapy Research
• Presenter for the HCOP program, introduces minority students to the health care field
• Guest lecturer for the APTA 2003 student conclave

Honors and Awards

• "Favorite Teacher", HCOP program, summer 2002
• Aurora Star, service award from Aurora Health Care, April 2003
• Dean's list, multiple semesters 1987-1998
• Marquette University Academic Scholarship, 1987-1992

Other Tidbits:

• Dr. Starsky is married and is the proud father of 4 great kids.
• In the summer of 2007, along with his team, he finished 10th of 30 teams in the MIX (Michigan expedition adventure race).  This was a grueling 99 hour event involving 260 miles of mountain biking, 80 miles of navigating and trekking, 70 miles of canoeing, and 15 miles of kayaking.
• Each summer, the Starsky family organizes a kids triathlon in their neighborhood for ages 2-11.
• Dr. Starsky regularly teaches continuing education courses on the topics of the electrophysical agents.  If you are interested in hosting a one or two day course, contact him at andrew.starsky@mu.edu