Lowes Lab
As part of the Center for Gene Therapy the Lowes Lab supports clinical trials in rare diseases. Almost always, there are not validated outcome measures or sufficient natural history data. We collect clinical trial readiness data to evaluate current outcome measures. We also create novel outcome measures if a suitable measure isn't available.
Lowes Lab Wins Abigail Wexner Research Institute Outstanding Team of the Year Award
Researchers in the Lowes Lab at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital were recently awarded the Outstanding Team of the Year award. They were nominated for their protocol development, outcome measure selection and functional data collection that led to the FDA approval of Zolgensma in 2019. Zolgensma provides a better quality of life to children with SMA type 1, a neuromuscular disorder that is the No. 1 genetic killer of babies under two years of age.
Lowes Lab researchers also provide training across the U.S. and in 15 different countries. In addition to research, they provide evidence-based clinical care to neuromuscular disorder patients and donate their time to underserved communities.
Neuromuscular GRO
The Neuromuscular GRO is a gross motor outcome measure designed to assess whole body strength, motor development and function for all levels of ability across the lifespan in those diagnosed with neuromuscular disease.
Click Here to Download Worksheet and Manual
Ambulatory Status Algorithm (LASA)
The Lowes Lab Ambulatory Status Algorithm (LASA) is an ambulatory status algorithm designed to classify individuals with neuromuscular disease into one of three categories: ambulatory, transitional or non-ambulatory based on simple patient or parent interview questions. These categories are useful for both clinical counseling and stratifying patients based on ambulatory ability in research settings.
Click Here to Download Algorithm
Lab Staff
Linda Pax Lowes, PT, PhD
Principal Investigator
Linda.Lowes@NationwideChildrens.org
Click here to learn more about Dr. Lowes.
Click here to view Dr. Lowes' publications.
Lindsay Alfano
Research Physical Therapist
I have expertise in the care and evaluation of patients with neuromuscular disease including outcome measure development, evaluation, and administration. I play an integral role in planning and designing clinical trials, and contribute to protocol development, outcome measure selection, statistical analysis, and interpretation of ongoing clinical trials. In my current role, I have co-developed novel outcomes including ACTIVE and ACTIVE-mini systems, 100-meter timed test, and the Neuromuscular Gross Motor Outcome. My career goal is to elevate the standard of care for individuals with neuromuscular disorders by providing training and mentorship to physical therapists working in the field, as well as developing and promoting optimal assessment tools to measure change in movement abilities while minimizing the burden of testing for patients and families.
Natalie Miller
Research Physical Therapist
Natalie.Miller@NationwideChildrens.org
Natalie Miller, DPT has been a member of the Lowes Lab since 2015. Her interests are focused on improving clinical trial readiness in neuromuscular disease. Research projects include outcome measure development in children and adults with neuromuscular disease as well as defining the natural history of rare disease subtypes to inform upcoming clinical trials. She is a member of the international training team that serves as the gold standard for clinical evaluator training and reliability in neuromuscular disease clinical trials. She has presented internationally and has served as a consultant for projects in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Megan Iammarino
Research Physical Therapist
Megan.Iammarino@NationwideChildrens.org
Team focus on outcome measure development and outcome measure selection for clinical trials. Clinical care in NCH Muscular Dystrophy Association, spinal muscular atrophy, charcot-marie tooth, and neuromuscular clinics. Principal investigator for study investigating maximizing treatment benefit in children treated for spinal muscular atrophy using in-home body weight support harness systems.
Brenna Powers
Physical Therapist
Brenna has been working as a Physical Therapist in the Lowes Lab since June 2019. Working in the Lowes Lab includes development and selection of outcomes measures for clinical trials, as well has collecting data regarding the natural history of neuromuscular disease progression. She has presented at the national level. Brenna specializes in the care of persons with neuromuscular disorders.
Kiana Shannon
Physical Therapy Aide
Kiana has been with the Neuromuscular Physical Therapy team since September of 2019, and she helps the team in any way she can. Kiana has a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Mississippi College and is interested in all research related to exercise and human physiology.