Robert (Bobby) C. Hand, PT, DPT, received his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Saint Joseph’s University, formerly known as the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. His passion for neurologic physical therapy started during undergraduate studies and was only enhanced by various clinical internships, including his final placement at the Ranchos Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Pathokinesiology Service. Upon commencement of his studies, he was the recipient of the University of the Sciences William B. Inverso, Jr. Award for Excellence in Physical Therapy Research. He began his professional career in outpatient settings, including the Dan Aaron Parkinson's Rehabilitation Center at University of Pennsylvania, and an adjunct faculty posting at his alma mater. In 2015, he moved to Richmond, VA to pursue clinical leadership opportunities in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Ultimately, he served as a knowledge broker for neurodegenerative disorders within the Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation system. In 2018, he was the recipient of both the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Early Career Professional Award and Degenerative Diseases Special Interest Group Volunteer Award, accepted at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Combined Sections Meeting. In 2019, he transitioned to VCU Health and the affiliated Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Center to provide clinical care, lead exercise-based research and develop clinical and community programs. He is recognized as a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) by the Academy of Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). He maintains a clinical practice in outpatient neurologic physical therapy and works regularly with the Parkinson’s Foundation, CurePSP, and other patient-facing organizations.
Academic Distinctions
- Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Nominee for Emerging Leader Award, American Physical Therapy Association (2020)
- Early Career Professional Award, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association (2018)
- Degenerative Diseases SIG Volunteer Award, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association (2018)
- William B. Inverso, Jr. Award for Excellence in Physical Therapy Research, Saint Joseph’s University (2014)
Professional Society
Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, American Physical Therapy Association
International Parkinson & Movement Disorders Society
American Society of Neurorehabilitation
Selected Publications
Stamenkovi, A., Underation, M., Cloud, L.J., Pidcoe, P.E., Baron, M.S., Hand, R.C., France, C.R., van der Veen, S.M., & Thomas, J.S. (2022) Assessing perceptions to a virtual reality intervention to improve trunk control in Parkinson’s disease: a preliminary study. Virtual Reality, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-022-00657-z
Grant Participation
- Parkinson’s Foundation, Community Grant Award (2022 – 2023)
Role: PI
Project: Community-based exercise programming for partners of persons with Parkinson’s disease
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Center Pilot Award (2022 - 2023)
Role: Co-investigator (PI Dr. Leslie J. Cloud)
Project: Development of protocol for blood flow restriction training in persons with Parkinson’s disease
- Parkinson’s Foundation, Community Grant Award (2020 – 2021)
Role: PI
Project: Development of novel community-based exercise program for persons with Parkinson’s disease
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Values and Efficiency Teaching and Research Award (2020 – 2021)
Role: Co-investigator (PI Dr. Mark Baron)
Project: Safety and feasibility of lightweight exoskeleton use in persons with Parkinson’s disease
Research Interests
Robotic-assisted gait training, blood flow restriction training, cognitive-motor interference, novel interventions and assessments in neurologic disorders, and the development of framework for application of skilled maintenance physical therapy for persons with chronic or neurodegenerative disorders