Biography and Research Interests

Rolando Lazaro PT, PhD, DPT, GCS is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. Dr. Lazaro obtained his PhD in Health Science from Touro University in 2011, Doctor of Physical Therapy from Creighton University in 2001, Master of Science Physical Therapy from the University of the Pacific in 1997, and Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines in 1986. Dr. Lazaro’s research interests include the investigation of interventions aimed at improving balance and mobility in older adults and the development and validation of models of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). He also has research lines related to biophysical and electrotherapeutic agents, use of imaging in physical therapy practice, and cultural competence in physical therapy education. In 2013, Dr. Lazaro was awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholarship to study community-based rehabilitation models in the Philippines. In 2020 he received a second Fulbright Senior Scholarship grant to investigate the role of physical therapists in disaster preparation, response and management.

Courses That I Teach

PT 626: Clinical Agents

PT 627: Physical Therapy Educator

PT 669: Psychosocial Issues in Physical Therapy 

PT 689: Doctoral Project Proposal

PT 690: Doctoral Project Culminating Experience

Scholarship

(Selected Publications 2023-2025) 

• 2025
  • Babcock R, Anderson A, Neely L, Speranza C, Wilkerson C, Tolle J, Salick K, Lazaro R, Beato MC. The effects of amplitude-based training on mobility, functional leg strength, and balance confidence in persons with Parkinson’s disease with and without deep brain stimulation: a case series. Advances in Geriatric Medicine and Research. 2025;7(2):e250006; DOI:10.20900/agmr20250006
  • Jasper A, Lazaro R, Mehta S, Perry L, Swanson K, Reedy K, Schmidt J. Predictors of gait speed post-stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gait and Posture. 2025;121:70-77. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2025.04.029
  • Karim R, Jasper A, Uy SJM, Tayag E, Vitente AC, Rafael C, Baloy RK, Lazaro R. Reliability and validity of the virtual Two-Minute Step Test for community-dwelling older adults. Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal. Published ahead of print: ():10.1097/CPT.0000000000000290, April 8, 2025. https://doi:10.1097/CPT.0000000000000290  
• 2024
  • Jasper A, Karim R, Uy SJM, Tayag E, Vitente AC, Baloy RK, Lazaro R. Reliability and validity of telehealth-based STEADI fall risk assessment for community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2025 Jan 27. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000446. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39868692 
  • Uzair H, Wilson-Anderson A, Scammon E, Whiting R, Rodrigues JP, Lazaro R, Beato M. Examining the effects of inpatient rehabilitation on balance and walking speed in individuals with acute cerebellar stroke. Nursing Reports. 2024;14(4):2935-2945. https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14040214
  • Lazaro R, Escuadra C, Rotor E, Vitente A, Gorgon E, Robinson E. Evolution of Physical Therapy Scholarship in the Philippines: A Scientometric Analysis of Peer-Reviewed Publications. Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy. 2024. 3(1).
• 2023
• • Karim R, Jasper A, Uy S, Tayag E, Lazaro R. Feasibility of Timed Up and Go administered via telerehabilitation in older adults: A pilot study. Topics in Geriatric 2023; 29(4): 229-234. https://DOI:10.1097/TGR.0000000000000406    
  • Jasper A, Uy S, Tayag E, Lazaro R. Validity and reliability of virtually obtained functional outcomes in older adults: A pilot study. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. 2023; 29(4):235-239. https://DOI:10.1097/TGR.0000000000000407   
  • Jasper A, Chamberlain D, Lazaro R. Teleassessment of balance and gait outcome measures in older adults: a systematic review. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation. 2023; 29(4):288-293. https://DOI:10.1097/TGR.0000000000000412
  • Babcock R, Roach V, Viana S, Shiley C, Lazaro R, Wilson A, Beato M. Examining the effects of amplitude-based training on an individual with olivopontocerebellar atrophy. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. https://doi:10.1080/09593985.2023.2210218   
  • Vitente A, Lazaro R, Escuadra C, Regino J, Rotor E. The use of artificial intelligence (AI)- assisted technologies in scientific discourse. Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy. 2023;1:1-2. https://doi.org/10.46409/002.HNUY6271 

Professional Associations

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (1991 to present)
• California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics

Edited textbooks/ chapter authorships (2020-2025):

Umphred's Neurological Rehabilitation, 8th edition (2025)

Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists, 7th edition (2022)

 

Pathology: Implications for the Physical Therapist, 5th edition (Elsevier, 2020)

Neurorehabilitation for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 3rd edition (SLACK Inc, 2020)

McKinnis Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging, 5th edition (FA Davis, 2021; Chapter 7: Radiologic Evaluation of the Cervical Spine and Chapter 9: Radiologic Evaluation of the Thoracic Spine, Sternum, and Ribs)

 Comprehensive Guide to Geriatric Rehabilitation, 3rd edition (Chapter 4: Aging and the Central Nervous System)

National Physical Therapy Examination and Board Review (Chapter 4: Integumentary System; Chapter 5: Metabolic and Endocrine Systems; Chapter 6: Gastrointestinal System; Chapter 7: Genitourinary System) 

Physical Therapy Case Files: Neurological Rehabilitation (Post-polio syndrome; Conversion disorder; Acute transverse myelitis; Coccidioimycosis)