Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, PhD, RN, FAHA, associate professor with the University of Arizona College of Nursing, has received the 2014 Stroke Article of the Year Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing.
Her article, “Effect of Tai Chi on Physical Function, Fall Rates and Quality of Life Among Older Stroke Survivors,” was published this May
in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the most highly cited journal in the Rehabilitation category of the Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports. The article was selected by the journal editor as one of noteworthy interest in the issue.
Dr. Taylor-Piliae, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar Alumna (2009) and member of the UA Sarver Heart Center, is continuing her studies of Tai Chi exercise to prevent falls in adult stroke survivors. The overall goal of her research program is to reduce the negative impact of disabilities, improve physical functioning and advance health-related quality of life among cardiovascular disease populations by implementing innovative physical activity interventions.
The Stroke Article of the Year Award, co-sponsored by the AHA Stroke Council, is given in recognition of the scientific and clinical contributions of cerebrovascular nurses in promoting AHA goals and scientific excellence in cerebrovascular nursing science. The award was presented to Dr. Taylor-Piliae on Nov. 18, during the AHA Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Co-authors on the article include Tiffany Hoke, DNP, RN, RNP, AGACNP-BC, SCRN, CNRN, a 2014 graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the UA College of Nursing; and Joseph Hepworth, PhD, associate research scientist and statistician with the UA College of Nursing. Co-authors with the UA College of Medicine – Tucson include L. Daniel Latt, MD, PhD, assistant professor, orthopaedic surgery; Bijan Najafi, PhD, associate professor, surgery; and Bruce M. Coull, MD, professor, neurology and medicine.
-------------------------------------
Faculty at the University of Arizona College of Nursing envision, engage and innovate in education, research and practice to help people of all ages optimize health in the context of major life transitions, illnesses, injuries, symptoms and disabilities. Established in 1957, the college ranks among the top nursing programs in the United States. For more information about the college, please visit its website, www.nursing.arizona.edu.
Media Contact: Janelle Drumwright