Jaclyn "Megan" Sions

University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy, Assistant Professor in Physical Therapy, Faculty in the Biomechanics and Movement Science Interdisciplinary PhD Program, Director/Founder of the University’s Limb Loss Clinic. Newark, DE. September 2016-present

• Research Areas: low back pain; lower-limb amputation; limb difference (i.e., arthrogryposis)
• Teaching:  Doctor of Physical Therapy program: Spine Management; Functional Anatomy & Biomechanics (2016-2020); Clinical Gross Anatomy (2016-2019); Geriatrics (2018-present); Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging in Clinical Practice & Research (2018-present)
• Mentorship: Summer Scholars/Senior Thesis/PhD Dissertation Committees; undergraduate researchers; Orthopaedics, Sports, and Geriatrics Physical Therapy Residencies; DPT student service learning (i.e., Limb Loss Clinic)
• Service: University’s MRI steering committee (2016 - present); University’s Committee on Faculty Rights and Responsibilities (2020-present); College Curriculum Committee (2018-2019); various departmental committees & workgroups (e.g., Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion); clinical consultations

Veterans Affairs, Wilmington VA Medical Center, Physical Therapy Consultant. Wilmington, DE. September 2021-present

• University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy, Assistant Professor, Newark, DE, September 2016-present
• University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy, Clinical Research Scientist, Newark, DE, September 2013-2016
• University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Newark, DE, September 2012-September 2013
• University of Delaware, Department of Physical Therapy, PhD Researcher, Newark, DE, January 2008-August 2012
• University of Delaware, Sports and Orthopedic Clinic, Residency, Newark, DE, January-December 2007
• Therapy Services LLC, Morgantown, WV, August 2004-December 2006

Dr. Sions is the Principal Investigator of the Delaware Limb Loss Studies research laboratory and a co-investigator in the Delaware Spine Studies Laboratory. She is the Director of the University's interdisciplinary, outpatient Amputee Clinic and holds a secondary appointment as faculty in the Biomechanics and Movement Science interdisciplinary PhD program.  Dr. Sions teaches in the University's Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the areas of spine evaluation and treatment, lower-limb amputation, and imaging. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for adults with chronic health conditions, including lower-limb loss and chronic low back pain and incorporates the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation and treatment.  For information related to current research projects, please see: https://sites.udel.edu/megsions/

• Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc. 2019-present
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. 2019-present
• APTA: Federal Section. Amputation Care Special Interest Group. 2019-present
• APTA: Federal Section. 2019-present
• NIH Early Career Reviewer Program. 2018-2019
• APTA: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Pain Management Special Interest Group. 2018-present
• American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists. 2016-present
• American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. 2016-present
• APTA: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Imaging Special Interest Group. 2012-present
• APTA: Research Section. 2010-present
• APTA: Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. 2008-present
• APTA: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. 2006-present
• Vestibular Disorders Association. 2006-present
• APTA. 2002-present

1. Knox PJ, Pohlig RT, Pugliese JM, Coyle PC, Sions JM, Hicks GE. A Clinical Measure of Trunk Neuromuscular Function Predicts Falling in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. J Geriatr Phys Ther [accepted October 2022].
2. Beisheim-Ryan EH, Pohlig RT, Hicks GE, Horne JR, Sions JM. Post-Amputation Pain: Comparing Pain Presentation Between Adults with and without Increased Amputated-Region Sensitivity. Pain Pract. 2022 Oct 17. doi: 10.1111/papr.13172. Online ahead of print. PMID: 36250812.
3. Seth M, Pohlig RT, Hicks GE, Sions JM. Clinical Mobility Metrics Estimate and Characterize Physical Activity following Lower-Limb Amputation. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022;14(1):124. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00518-x. PMID: 35799260. 
4. Coyle PC, Pohlig RT, Knox PJ, Pugliese JM, Sions JM, Hicks GE. Trajectories of Physical Function and Disability over 12 Months in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2022. Sep 16. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000365. Online ahead of print.
5. Sions JM, Donohoe M, Beisheim EH, Pohlig RT, Shank TM, Nichols LR. Test-Retest Reliability for Performance-Based Measures among Individuals with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. BMC Musculoskel Disord. 2022;23(1):121. doi: 10.1186/s12891-022-05070-w. PMID: 35123456.
6. Seth M, Pohlig RT, Beisheim EH, Stauffer S, Horne JR, Hicks GE, Sions JM. Residual- and Sound-side Hip Strength Distinguish Between Sedentary and Non-Sedentary Adults with Transtibial Amputation. Internat J Rehabil Res. 2022;45(2):137-145. doi: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000520. Epub 2022 Feb 7. PMID: 35131977.
7. Sions JM, Donohoe M, Beisheim-Ryan EH, Pohlig RT, Shank TM, Nichols LR. Characterizing Pain among Adolescents and Young Adults with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2022;34(3):288-295. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000913. Epub 2022 May 30. PMID: 35639545.
8. Sions JM, Beisheim-Ryan EH, Pohlig RT, Seth M. Adults with Unilateral Lower-Limb Amputation: Greater Spatial Extent of Pain is Associated with Worse Adjustment, Greater Activity Restrictions, and Less Prosthesis Satisfaction. Scand J Pain. 2022;22(3):578-586. doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0132. Print 2022 Jul 26. PMID: 35107232.
9. Algamdi NH, Pohlig RT, JM Sions, Silbernagel KG. Differences at the Achilles Insertion Between Adults with Insertional and Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy as Observed Using Ultrasound. Muscle Ligaments Tendon J. 2022;12(2):115-121. doi: 10.32098/mltj.02.2022.04. PMID: 36247413.
10. Knox PJ, Pohlig RT, Pugliese JM, Coyle PC, Sions JM, Hicks GE. Aberrant Movements Predict Prospective Functional Decline in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pina. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;103(3):473-480.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.08.014. Epub 2021 Sep 20. PMID: 34547273.
11. Seth M, Beisheim EH, Pohlig RT, Horne JR, Sarlo FB, Sions JM. Time Since Amputation: An Important Consideration in Mobility Outcomes of Adults with Lower Limb Amputation. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;101(1);32-39. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001736. PMID: 34915544.
12. Beisheim-Ryan EH, Pohlig RT, Medina J, Hicks GE, Sions JM. Body Representation among Adults with Phantom Limb Pain: Results from a Foot Identification Task. Eur J Pain. 2022;26(1):255-269. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1860. Epub 2021 Sep 17. PMID: 34490685.
13.  Knox PJ, Simon CB, Pohlig RT, Pugliese JM, Coyle PC, Sions JM, Hicks GE. A Standardized Assessment of Movement-Evoked Pain Ratings is Associated with Functional Outcomes in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. Clin J Pain. 2021. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001016. Online ahead of print. PMID: 34954729.
14. Beisheim-Ryan EH, Hicks GE, Pohlig RT, Medina J, Sions JM. Body Image and Perception among Adults with and without Phantom Limb Pain. PM R. 2021 Dec 16. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12750. Online ahead of print. PMID: 34914201.
15. Seth M, Beisheim EH, Pohlig RT, Horne JR, Hicks GE, Sions JM. Vibration Sensitivity and its Association with Balance Performance among Adults with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation as Compared to Age-Matched Adults without Amputation. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl. 2021;3:100161. doi: 10.1016/j.arrct.2021.100161. doi: 10.1016/j.arrct.2021.100161. eCollection 2021 Dec. PMID: 34977543.
16. Beisheim-Ryan EH, Pohlig RT, Hicks GE, Horne JR, Medina J, Sions JM. Mechanical Pain Sensitivity in Post-Amputation Pain. Clin J Pain 2021;38(1):23-31. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000989. PMID: 34620753.
17. Seth M, Coyle PC, Pohlig RT, Beisheim EH, Hicks GE, Horne JR, Sions JM. Gait Asymmetry is Associated with Mobility Performance among Adults with Lower-Limb Amputation. Physiother Theory Pract. 2021;17:1-11. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1990449. Online ahead of print. PMID: 34657569.
18. Sions JM, Donohoe M, Beisheim EH, Shank T, Nichols LR. Falls and Associated Factors among Adolescents and Young Adults with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Int J Rare Dis Disord. 2021;4:035. doi: 10.23937/2643-4571/1710035. Epub 2021 Sep 6. PMID: 34723192.
19. Knox PJ, Pohlig RT, Coyle PC, Pugliese JM, Sions JM, Hicks GE. Aberrant Lumbopelvic Movements Negatively Affect Prospective Function in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Sep 20:S0003-9993(21)01424-6. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.08.014. Online ahead of print. PMID: 34547273.
20. Coyle PC, Knox PJ, Pohlig RT, Pugliese JM, Sions JM, Hicks GE. Hip Range of Motion and Strength Predict 12-Month Physical Function Outcomes in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: The Delaware Spine Studies. ACR Open Rheumatol. 2021;3(12):850-859. doi: 10.1002/acr2.11342. Epub 2021 Sep 15. PMID: 34524738.
21. Pugliese JM, Coyle PC, Knox PJ, Sions JM, Patterson CG, Pohlig RT, Simon CB, Weiner DK, George SZ, Piva S, Hicks GE.  The Manual Therapy and Strengthening for the Hip (MASH) Trial: Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Trial of a Subgroup of Older Adults with Chronic Back and Hip Pain. Phys Ther. 2022;102(1):pzab255. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab255. PMID: 34751784. 
22. Hicks GE, Pohlig RT, Coyle PC, Sions JM, Weiner DK, Pugliese JM, Velasco TO, O’Brien VA. Classification of Geriatric Low Back Pain Based on Hip Characteristics with a 12-Month Longitudinal Exploration of Clinical Outcomes. Findings from Delaware Spine Studies. Phys Ther. 2021; 101(12):pzab227. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab227. PMID: 34636887.
23. Knox PJ, Coyle PC, Pugliese JM, Pohlig RT, Sions JM, Hicks GE. Hip Osteoarthritis Signs and Symptoms Are Associated with Increased Fall Risk Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2021;23(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s13075-021-02455-5. PMID: 33658074.
24. Sions JM, Beisheim EH, Hoggarth M, Elliott JM, Hicks GE, Pohlig RT, Seth M. Trunk Muscle Characteristics: Differences Between Adults with and without Unilateral Lower-Limb Amputation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021;102(7):1331-1339. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.02.008. Epub 2021 Mar 5. PMID: 33684366.
25. Beisheim EH, Seth M, Horne JR, Hicks GE, Pohlig RT, Sions JM. Sex-Specific Differences in Multisite Pain Presentation among Adults with Lower-Limb Loss. Pain Pract; 2021;21(4):419-427. doi: 10.1111/papr.12969. Epub 2020 Dec 12. PMID: 33251680.
26. Seth M, Beisheim EH, Spencer M, Horne JR, Sarlo FB, Sions JM. Self-reported Socket Comfort, Mobility, and Balance-Confidence of Individuals with Trans-tibial Amputation using Pinlock versus Suction Suspension. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2021;45(3):214-220. doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000007. PMID: 33840751.
27. Sions JM, Beisheim EH, Seth M. Selecting, Administering, and Interpreting Outcome Measures among Adults with Lower-Limb Loss: An Update for Clinicians. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. 2020 Sep;8(3):92-109. doi: 10.1007/s40141-020-00274-4. Epub 2020 Aug 3. PMID: 33767921.
28. Beisheim EH, Arch ES, Horne JR, Sions JM. Performance-based Outcome Measures are Associated with Cadence Variability during Community Ambulation among Individuals with a Transtibial Amputation. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2020;16:309364620927608. doi: 10.1177/0309364620927608. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32539665.
29. Sions JM, Manal TJ, Horne JR, Sarlo FB, Pohlig RT. Balance-Confidence is Associated with Community Participation, Perceived Physical Ability, and Performance-Based Function among Patients with a Unilateral Amputation. Physiother Theory Pract. 2020 May;36(5):607-614. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1490939. Epub 2018 Jun 28. PMID: 29952694.
30. Sions JM, Crippen DC, Hicks GE, Alroumi AM, Manal TJ, Pohlig RT. Exploring Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Intensity Effects on Multifidus Muscle Activity in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: An Ultrasound Imaging-Informed Investigation. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. May 20;12:1179544119849570. doi: 10.1177/1179544119849570. eCollection 2019. PMID: 31205429.
31. Beisheim EH, Horne JR, Sions JM. Differences in Measures of Strength and Dynamic Balance among Individuals with Lower-Limb Loss Classified as Functional Level K3 versus K4. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2019 Sep;98(9):745-750. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001183. PMID: 30950838.
32. Sadeghi S, Quinlan K, Eilertson KE, Billy GG, Bible J, Sions M, Cortes DH. Changes in Shear Modulus of the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle during Different Body Positions. J Biomech Eng. 2019 Apr 9. doi: 10.1115/1.4043443. Online ahead of print. PMID: 30964941.
33. Coyle PC, Pugliese JM, Sions JM, Eskander MS, Schrack JA, Hicks GE. Pain Provocation and the Energy Cost of Walking: A Matched Comparison Study of Older Adults with and without Chronic Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2019;42:E97-E104. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000212. PMID: 30998562.
34. Coyle PC, Pugliese JM, Sions JM, Schrack JA, Eskander M, Hicks GE. Energy Impairments in Older Adults with Low Back Pain and Radiculopathy: A Matched Case-Control Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Nov;99(11):2251-2256. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.03.016. Epub 2018 Apr 24. PMID: 29698638.
35. Sions JM, Arch ES, Horne J. Self-reported Functional Mobility, Balance-confidence, and Prosthetic Use are Associated with Daily Step Counts among Individuals with a Unilateral Transtibial Amputation. Phys Act Health. 2018 Jun 1;15(6):423-429. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2017-0196. Epub 2018 Mar 15. PMID: 29771620.
36. Arch ES, Sions JM, Horne JR, Bodt BA. Step Count Accuracy of the StepWatch and FitBit One among Individuals with a Unilateral Transtibial Amputation. J Orthotics Prosth Int. 2018 Oct;42(5):518-526. doi: 10.1177/0309364618767138. Epub 2018 Apr 6. PMID: 29623810. 
37. Pugliese JM, Sions JM, Velasco TO, Hicks GE. Use of Trunk Muscle Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Reduce Pain and Disability in an Older Adult with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Study. Physiother Theory Pract. Aug;35(8):797-804. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2018.1457745. Epub 2018 Apr 4. PMID: 29617180.
38. Sions JM, Beisheim EH, Manal TJ, Smith SC, Horne JR, Sarlo FB. Differences in Physical Performance Measures among Patients with Unilateral Lower-Limb Amputations Classified as Functional Level K3 versus K4. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Jul;99(7):1333-1341. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.12.033. Epub 2018 Feb 1. PMID: 29410114. 
39. Hicks GE, Sions JM, Velasco TO. Hip Symptoms, Physical Performance and Health Status in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Preliminary Investigation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018;99(7):1273-1278. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.10.006. Epub 2017 Oct 27. PMID: 29111171.
40. Megan Sions J, Angelica Rodriguez C, Todd Pohlig R, Evan Hicks G, Charles Coyle P. Epidural Fat and Its Association with Pain, Physical Function, and Disability among Older Adults with Low Back Pain and Controls. Pain Med. 2018 Oct 1;19(10):1944-1951. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnx163. PMID: 29024961.
41. Hicks GE, Sions JM, Coyle PC. Altered Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Gait in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. Gait & Posture. 2017 Jun;55:172-176. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.04.027. Epub 2017 Apr 23. PMID: 28458149.
42. Sions JM, Elliott JM, Hicks GE.  Trunk Muscle Characteristics of the Multifidi, Erector Spinae, Psoas, and Quadratus Lumborum in Older Adults with and without Chronic Low Back Pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Mar;47(3):173-179. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7002. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28158957. 
43. Sions JM, Coyle PC, Velasco TO, Elliott JM, Hicks GE.  Multifidi Muscle Characteristics and Physical Function among Older Adults with and without Chronic Low Back Pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jan;98(1):51-57. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.07.027. Epub 2016 Aug 30. PMID: 27590444.
44. Coyle PC, Velasco TO, Sions JM, Hicks GE.  Lumbar Mobility and Performance-Based Function: an Investigation in Older Adults with and without Chronic Low Back Pain.  Pain Med. 2017 Jan 1;18(1):161-168. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw136.
45. Sions JM, Hicks GE. Back Stiffness is Associated with Physical Health and Low Back Pain-Related Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.  Pain Med. 2017 May 1;18(5):866-870. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw107. PMID: 27288949.
46. Sions JM, Teyhen DS, Hicks GE.  Criterion Validity of Ultrasound Imaging: Assessment of Multifidi Cross-Sectional Area in Older Adults with and without Low Back Pain. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2017 Apr/Jun;40(2):74-79. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000073. PMID: 26703525.
47. Hicks GE, Sions JM, Velasco TO, Manal TM. Trunk Muscle Training Augmented with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Appears to Improve Function in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Preliminary Trial.  Clin J Pain. 2016 Oct;32(10):898-906. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000348. PMID: 26736024.
48. Sions JM, Smith AC, Hicks GE, Elliott JM.  Trunk Muscle Size and Composition Assessment in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: An Intra-examiner and Inter-examiner Reliability Study.  Pain Med. 2016 Aug;17(8):1436-46. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnv023. Epub 2015 Dec 7. PMID: 26814258.
49. Coyle PC, Sions JM, Velasco TO, Hicks GE.  Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Population Vulnerable to Frailty? J Frailty Aging.  2015;4(4):188-90. doi: 10.14283/jfa.2015.75. PMID: 27031017.
50. Sions JM, Velasco TO, Teyhen DS, Hicks GE. Reliability of Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Lumbar Multifidi Thickness in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. J Geriatr Phys Ther.  2015 Jan-Mar;38(1):33-9. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000021. PMID: 24743751.
51. Sions JM, Velasco TO, Teyhen DS, Hicks GE. Ultrasound Imaging: Intra- and Inter-Examiner Reliability for Multifidus Muscle Thickness Assessment in Adults Aged 60-85 Years versus Younger Adults. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Jun;44(6):425-34. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2014.4584. Epub 2014 Apr 25. PMID: 24766356.
52. Sions JM, Tyrell C, Knarr B, Jancosko A, Binder-Macleod S. Age- and Stroke-Related Skeletal Muscle Changes: A Review for the Geriatric Clinician. J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2012 Jul-Sep;35(3):155-61. doi: 10.1519/JPT.0b013e318236db92. PMID: 22107952.
53. Sions JM, Hicks GE. Fear Avoidance Beliefs are Associated with Disability in Older American Adults with Low Back Pain. Phys Ther. Apr;91(4):525-34. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100131. Epub 2011 Feb 24. PMID: 21350033.

• Pain Practice Analysis for Physical Therapy to Determine Need for Pain Specialty Certification. May 2019-present
• APTA: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Imaging Special Interest Group. Research Committee. April 2018-December 2021
• APTA: Pain Workgroup. Representative for Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. April 2018-December 2020
• American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists. Outcomes Research Committee: Lower-Limb Loss Toolbox Initiative. 2018-2019
• APTA: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Imaging Special Interest Group. Scholarship Committee, 2017-present
• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Imaging Special Interest Group. Strategic Planning Committee. February 2016, July 2020-December 2021
• APTA: Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. State Advocate. September 2012-December 2017