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University of Connecticut Neag School of Education Department of Kinesiology


Photo of Deborah Bubela, PhD, PT, PCS

Deborah J. Bubela, PhD, PT, PCS

  • Clinical Assistant Professor
As a physical therapist with thirty years of experience, Deborah has provided therapy for people of all ages in multiple types of settings. She received her Pediatric Certified Specialist award from the American Physical Therapy Association in 2002.  She has specialized in working with children with a variety of conditions in natural settings (schools and homes) as well as clinical settings (clinics and rehabilitation hospitals).  She continues to provide consultative and direct therapy intervention in school settings and the university's child development laboratory.  
Deborah received her Masters Degree in Related Services (2000) and her Doctoral Degree in Special Education (2007) from the University of Connecticut. Her doctoral research investigated novice physical therapists’ use of family-centered practices in early intervention and pre-school settings. 
Deborah has been an instructor in Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut Health Center, and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Connecticut branch campuses.  She was appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Residence in the University of Connecticut's physical therapy program in 2007 where she contributes to mulitiple facets of the curriculum.   
Deborah’s research centers around children; tests and measures, health and wellness, and needs of families of children with disabilities.
  • Contact Information:
  • Office:
    • Location: Koons 212
  • Mailing Address:
    • 358 Mansfield Road, U-2101
    • Storrs, CT 06269-2101
  • Areas of Expertise:
    • Children & Activity
    • Developmental Disabilities
    • Early Intervention
    • Motor Development
    • Infant Motor Coordination
  • Currently Teaching:
    • PT 5456 Principles in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
    • PT 5436 Disability Studies
    • PT5437 Education and Communication for Physical Therapists
    • PT 5455 Essentials of Rehabilitation Practice
    • PT 5434 Foundations in Systems Review
  • Honors and Awards:
    • Doctoral Fellowship Award, University of Connecticut (2007)
    • Pediatric Certified Specialist Award conferred by the American Physical Therapy Association (2002)
    • Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Connecticut (2002)
    • Victor Gant Scholarship, University of Connecticut (2000)
    • James P. Cornish Award, School of Allied Health (2000)
  • Associations/Organizations/Outreach:
    • American Physical Therapy Association
    • American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
    • International Society of Perception and Action
  • Educational Background:
    • Ph.D. University of Connecticut in Special Education, 2007
    • M.S. University of Connecticut in Related Services, 2000
    • B.S. University of Connecticut in Allied Health, 1981
  • Selected Publications/Presentations:
    • Wang, Y., Magasi S., Bohannon, R., Reuben, D., McCreath, H., Bubela, D., Gershon, R., Rymer, Z. Assessing dexterity function: A comparison of two alternatives for the NIH Toolbox. (2011) J. Hand Therapy, 24, 313-21.
    • Bohannon, R., Bubela, D., Wang, Y., McCreath, H., Magasi, S., Gershon, R. (2011). Adequacy of Belt-Stabilized Testing of Knee Extension Strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25, 1963-1967.
    • Bohannon, R., Bubela, D., Magasi, S., Gershon, R. (2011). Relative reliability of three objective tests of limb muscle strength. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 19, 77-81.
    • Bohannon, R., Bubela, D., Magasi, S., Wang, Y., Gershon, R. (2010). Sit-to-Stand test: Performance and determinants across the age-span. Isokintetics and Exercise Science, 18, 235 – 240.
    • Bonnet, C., Kinsella-Shaw, J., Till, F., Bubela, D., & Turvey, M. (2010). Deterministic and stochastic postural processes: effects of task, environment, and age. Journal of Motor Behavior, 42, 85-97.
  • Funded Research:
    • The Influence of a 6 Week Yoga Program on Preschoolers’ Motor Abilities
    • NIH Motor Toolbox: Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Walking Speed
    • Assessing the Needs of Hispanic Families Whose Children Receive Early Intervention Services
    • The Relationships among a Jump Rope Program, Changes in Cardiopulmonary Function and Self-Perception in Children
    • A Qualitative Assessment of In-School and Out-of-School Interventions for Children with Autism as They Relate to Family Demographics