Dr. Amy Gross McMillan

Dr. Gross McMillan

Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
East Carolina University
2410B Health Sciences Building
Greenville, NC 27834
Ph: 252-744-6232

grossmcmillana@ecu.edu  

 

Research Focus

My research interest is in the area of pediatric obesity.  Work in my lab has identified differences in movement and in muscle strength in children and adolescents who are obese/overweight compared to their healthy weight peers, and we are now assessing interventions to ameliorate impairments and change movement patterns to prevent musculoskeletal damage/dysfunction.  I am also interested in developing appropriate, safe physical activity plans for children and adolescents who are overweight and obese, to assist them in reaching a healthy weight.  Clinically, I enjoy working in our faculty practice with children of all ages and their families, to promote age appropriate activity and participation for all.

Education History

PhD, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience
University of Delaware

MS, Neuromuscular Sciences: Education and Infant Studies
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

BS, Physical Therapy
University of Delaware

Selected Publications

McMillan AG, Pulver AME, Williams BDS. Sagittal and frontal plane mechanics throughout the stance phase of walking in adolescents who are obese. Gait and Posture, 32(2): 263-268, 2010. Link

McMillan AG, Phillips KA, Collier DN, Williams DS. Frontal and Sagittal Plane Biomechanics during Drop Jump Landing in Boys Who Are Obese. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 22(1): 34-41, 2010. Link

Salem Y, Lovelace-Chandler V, Zabel RJ, and McMillan AG: Effects of Prolonged Standing on Gait in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 30(1): 54-65, 2010. Link

McMillan A.G., Auman N.L., Collier D.N., and Williams BDS. Frontal plane lower extremity biomechanics during walking in boys who are overweight versus healthy weight. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 21: 187-193, 2009. Link

Teaching

PTHE 8009 Aspects of Physical Therapy
PTHE 8302 Adult Therapeutic Intervention 1
PTHE 8402 Adult Therapeutic Intervention 2
PTHE 8908 Advanced Topics in Pediatric Physical Therapy
PTHE 8907 Research Concentration