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Jeff Houck, PhD, PT

(Pronouns: He/Him)
  • Program Director for Physical Therapy
  • Professor of Orthopedics

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy, 1999. University of Iowa. Iowa City, IA
  • Master of Sicence in Physical Therapy, 1996. University of Iowa. Iowa City, IA
  • Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, 1987. Virginia Commonwealth University. Richmond, VA

Bio

Jeff Houck, PT, PhD, is a physical therapist, clinical researcher, and educator whose career bridges advancing clinical science and transforming entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy education. Since joining academic DPT programs in 1999, he has been committed to preparing the next generation of clinicians through innovative, evidence-driven educational models.

Houck advocates for competency-based education and the Master Adaptive Learner model as frameworks for producing reflective, practice-ready DPT graduates. His educational philosophy embraces innovation in program design, including integration of AI and emerging technologies, and fosters a culture of scholarly inquiry connecting classroom learning to real-world clinical practice. 

His research focuses on bringing three complementary technologies directly to patient care: computer-adaptive patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), handheld ultrasound imaging, and three-dimensional motion analysis.

Houck has been a longstanding advocate for PROMIS in physical therapy, serving as President of the PROMIS Health Organization (2025) and co-chair of its workshop (2023), as well as invited panelist at the International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement (2025). The clinical value of these tools is illustrated through his work on Achilles tendon disorders. Handheld ultrasound quantifies tendon pathology, 3D biomechanics captures joint function, and PROMs clarify physical and psychosocial symptoms — together enabling a biopsychosocial approach to clinical decision-making.

Current funded research in collaboration with the Hill and Dalecki labs applies this framework to insertional Achilles tendinopathy, stratifying patients and guiding conservative versus operative treatment decisions. Houck's career reflects a conviction that excellence in physical therapy demands both rigorous science and transformative education, each informing and elevating the other.


Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award
Foot & Ankle Special Interest Group, American Physical Therapy Association, 2025

Leonard Goldner Award Winner
American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, 2016

Publications

  • Jeff Houck, Christen Johnson, Theresa Raudsepp, Cindy Zablotny (2026). Validity of the PROMIS ability to participate in social roles and activities measure in older adult health assessment. Advances in Patient-Reported Outcomes. DOI: 10.1016/j.apro.2026.100331

  • Li-Zandre Philbrook, Ward Heij, Anne Thackeray, Jeff Houck, Tyler Whited, Lyndsay Stutzenberger, Matthew Miller, Mark Vorensky. (2026). Comparing Coach2Move and usual physical therapy among older adults: A qualitative study.. Journal of Geritric Physical Therapy. PMID: 41644107 DOI: 10.1519/JPT.0000000000000495

  • Ryan P Jacobson, Jeff R Houck, Steven Z George, Michael P Bolognesi, Maggie E. Horn, (2025). Responsiveness of PROMIS Measures for Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Arthroplasty, Advances in Patient-Reported Outcomes. Advances in Patient-Reported Outcomes. DOI: 10.1016/j.apro.2025.100303.

  • Ryan P. Jacobson, Jeff R. Houck, Steven Z. George, Michael P. Bolognesi, Maggie E. Horn (2025). Responsiveness of PROMIS measures for hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty. Advances in Patient-Reported Outcomes. DOI: 10.1016/j.apro.2025.100303

  • Chimenti RL, Neville C, Houck J, Cuddeford T, Carreira D, Martin RL (2024). Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision - 2024. Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy. PMID: 39611662 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2024.0302

  • Ruth L. Chimenti, Christopher Neville, Jeff Houck, Tyler Cuddeford, Dominic Carreira, Robroy L. Martin (2024). Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision – 2024. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2024.0302

  • Christopher Neville, Judith Baumhauer, Jeff Houck (2023). Are Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System scales responsive in patients attending physical therapy with foot and ankle diagnoses?. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. PMID: 35139745 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2037116

  • Christopher Neville, Judith Baumhauer & Jeff Houck (2022). Are Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System scales responsive in patients attending physical therapy with foot and ankle diagnoses?. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2037116

  • Joo PY, Baumhauer JF, Waldman O, Samantha Hoffman, Jeffrey Houck, Jessica M. Kohring, A. Samuel Flemister, John P. Ketz, Benedict F. DiGiovanni, Irvin Oh (2021). Physical Function and Pain Interference Levels of Hallux Rigidus Patients Before and After Synthetic Cartilage Implant vs Arthrodesis Surgery. Foot & Ankle International. DOI: 10.1177/10711007211007843

  • Houck J, Kang D, & Cuddeford T. (2021). Do clinical criteria based on PROMIS outcomes identify acceptable symptoms and function for patients with musculoskeletal problems.. Musculoskelet Sci Pract.. DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102423

  • Hao SP, Houck JR, Waldman OV, Baumhauer JF, Oh I (2021). Prediction of post-interventional physical function in diabetic foot ulcer patients using patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS).. Foot & Ankle Surgery. DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2020.04.009

  • Peter Y. Joo, Judith F. Baumhauer, Olivia Waldman, Samantha Hoffman, Jeffrey Houck, Jessica M. Kohring, A. Samuel Flemister, John P. Ketz, Benedict F. DiGiovanni, Irvin Oh (2021). Physical Function and Pain Interference Levels of Hallux Rigidus Patients Before and After Synthetic Cartilage Implant vs Arthrodesis Surgery. Foot & Ankle International. DOI: 10.1177/10711007211007843

  • Houck J, Kang D, Cuddeford T (2021). Do clinical criteria based on PROMIS outcomes identify acceptable symptoms and function for patients with musculoskeletal problems.. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice. PMID: 34332304 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102423

  • Stephanie P. Hao, Jeff R. Houck, Olivia V. Waldman, Judith F. Baumhauer, Irvin Oh (2021). Prediction of post-interventional physical function in diabetic foot ulcer patients using patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS). Foot and Ankle Surgery. PMID: 32439241 PMCID: PMC7655606 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2020.04.009

  • Ryan P. Jacobson, Daniel Kang, Jeff Houck (2020). Can Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) measures accurately enhance understanding of acceptable symptoms and functioning in primary care?. Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes. PMID: 32436001 PMCID: PMC7239962 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-020-00206-9

  • Jessica M. Kohring, Jeffrey R. Houck, Irvin Oh, Adolf S. Flemister, John P. Ketz, Judith F. Baumhauer (2020). Pattern of recovery and outcomes of patient reported physical function and pain interference after ankle fusion: a retrospective cohort study. Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes. PMID: 32462241 PMCID: PMC7253567 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-020-00203-y

  • Frank E. DiLiberto, Daniel H. Aslan, Jeff R. Houck, Bryant S. Ho, Anand M. Vora, Steven L. Haddad (2020). Overall Health and the Influence of Physical Therapy on Physical Function Following Total Ankle Arthroplasty. Foot & Ankle International. DOI: 10.1177/1071100720942473

  • Amanda H. Holleran, Judith F. Baumhauer, Jeff Houck, Daniel Homeier, Adolph S. Flemister, John P. Ketz, Benedict F. DiGiovanni, Irvin Oh (2020). Is there a Difference in Outcomes between Patients who Received a Double or Triple Arthrodesis for Hindfoot Arthritis?. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. PMCID: PMC8705489 DOI: 10.1177/2473011420S00251

  • Houck J, Jacobson R, Bass M, Dasilva C, Baumhauer JF (2020). Improving Interpretation of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Scale for Specific Tasks in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.. Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001). PMID: 30652976 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000220

  • Olivia V. Waldman, Stephanie P. Hao, Jeff R. Houck, Nicolette J. Lee, Judith F. Baumhauer, Irvin Oh (2020). Operative Intervention Does Not Change Pain Perception in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Clinical Diabetes. PMID: 32327885 PMCID: PMC7164984 DOI: 10.2337/cd19-0031

  • Bernstein DN, Houck JR, Mahmood B, Hammert WC (2019). Responsiveness of the PROMIS and its Concurrent Validity with Other Region- and Condition-specific PROMs in Patients Undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release.. Clinical orthopaedics and related research. PMID: 31107341 PMCID: PMC6903856 DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000000773

  • Bernstein DN, Mayo K, Baumhauer JF, Dasilva C, Fear K, Houck JR (2019). Do Patient Sociodemographic Factors Impact the PROMIS Scores Meeting the Patient-Acceptable Symptom State at the Initial Point of Care in Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Patients?. Clinical orthopaedics and related research. PMID: 31261259 PMCID: PMC6903865 DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000000866

  • Bernstein DN, Houck JR, Mahmood B, Hammert WC (2019). Minimal Clinically Important Differences for PROMIS Physical Function, Upper Extremity, and Pain Interference in Carpal Tunnel Release Using Region- and Condition-Specific PROM Tools.. The Journal of hand surgery. PMID: 31126813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.04.004

  • Rubery PT, Houck J, Mesfin A, Molinari R, Papuga MO (2019). Preoperative Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scores Assist in Predicting Early Postoperative Success in Lumbar Discectomy.. Spine. PMID: 30074972 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000002823

  • Bernstein DN, Houck JR, Hammert WC (2019). A Comparison of PROMIS UE Versus PF: Correlation to PROMIS PI and Depression, Ceiling and Floor Effects, and Time to Completion.. The Journal of hand surgery. PMID: 30733095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.12.006

  • Strong B, Maloney M, Baumhauer J, Schaffer J, Houck JR, Hung M, Bounsanga J, Voss MW, Gu Y, Voloshin I (2018). Psychometric evaluation of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function and Pain Interference Computer Adaptive Test for subacromial impingement syndrome.. Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery. PMID: 30343864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2018.07.024

  • Briggs RA, Houck JR, Drummond MJ, Fritz JM, LaStayo PC, Marcus RL (2018). Asymmetries Identified in Sit-to-Stand Task Explain Physical Function After Hip Fracture.. Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001). PMID: 28252470 DOI: 10.1519/jpt.0000000000000122

  • Bernstein DN, Houck JR, Gonzalez RM, Wilbur DM, Miller RJ, Mitten DJ, Hammert WC (2018). Preoperative PROMIS Scores Predict Postoperative PROMIS Score Improvement for Patients Undergoing Hand Surgery.. Hand (New York, N.Y.). PMID: 30073845 PMCID: PMC7076609 DOI: 10.1177/1558944718791188

  • Anderson MR, Houck JR, Saltzman CL, Hung M, Nickisch F, Barg A, Beals T, Baumhauer JF (2018). Validation and Generalizability of Preoperative PROMIS Scores to Predict Postoperative Success in Foot and Ankle Patients.. Foot & ankle international. PMID: 29620940 DOI: 10.1177/1071100718765225

  • Chimenti RL, Flemister AS, Tome J, McMahon JM, Houck JR (2016). Patients With Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Exhibit Differences in Ankle Biomechanics as Opposed to Strength and Range of Motion.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 27796197 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6462

  • Ho B, Houck JR, Flemister AS, Ketz J, Oh I, DiGiovanni BF, Baumhauer JF (2016). Preoperative PROMIS Scores Predict Postoperative Success in Foot and Ankle Patients.. Foot & ankle international. PMID: 27530986 DOI: 10.1177/1071100716665113

  • Chimenti RL, Chimenti PC, Buckley MR, Houck JR, Flemister AS (2015). Utility of Ultrasound for Imaging Osteophytes in Patients With Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy.. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. PMID: 26740063 PMCID: PMC4921278 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.12.009

  • DiLiberto FE, Tome J, Baumhauer JF, Quinn JR, Houck J, Nawoczenski DA (2015). Multi-joint foot kinetics during walking in people with Diabetes Mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.. Journal of biomechanics. PMID: 26338099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.08.020

  • DiLiberto FE, Tome J, Baumhauer JF, Houck J, Nawoczenski DA (2015). Individual metatarsal and forefoot kinematics during walking in people with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy.. Gait & posture. PMID: 26253996 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.07.012

  • Kneiss JA, Hilton TN, Tome J, Houck JR (2014). Weight-bearing asymmetry in individuals post-hip fracture during the sit to stand task.. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon). PMID: 25497603 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.11.012

  • Chimenti RL, Flemister AS, Tome J, McMahon JM, Flannery MA, Xue Y, Houck JR (2014). Altered tendon characteristics and mechanical properties associated with insertional achilles tendinopathy.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 25103130 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2014.5369

  • Kneiss JA, Houck JR, Bukata SV, Puzas JE (2012). Influence of upper extremity assistance on lower extremity force application symmetry in individuals post-hip fracture during the sit-to-stand task.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 22565360 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2012.3562

  • Atkinson HD, Daniels TR, Klejman S, Pinsker E, Houck JR, Singer S (2010). Pre- and postoperative gait analysis following conversion of tibiotalocalcaneal fusion to total ankle arthroplasty.. Foot & ankle international. PMID: 20964976 DOI: 10.3113/fai.2010.0927

  • Neville C, Flemister AS, Houck JR (2010). Deep posterior compartment strength and foot kinematics in subjects with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.. Foot & ankle international. PMID: 20371019 PMCID: PMC2871386 DOI: 10.3113/FAI.2010.0320

  • O'Connor K, Baumhauer J, Houck JR (2010). Patient factors in the selection of operative versus nonoperative treatment for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.. Foot & ankle international. PMID: 20230697 DOI: 10.3113/fai.2010.0197

  • Neville CG, Houck JR (2009). Choosing among 3 ankle-foot orthoses for a patient with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 19881002 PMCID: PMC2872085 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2009.3107

  • Houck JR, Neville C, Tome J, Flemister AS (2009). Foot kinematics during a bilateral heel rise test in participants with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 19648723 PMCID: PMC3004283 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2009.3040

  • Houck JR, Neville CG, Tome J, Flemister AS (2009). Ankle and foot kinematics associated with stage II PTTD during stance.. Foot & Ankle International. PMID: 19486631 PMCID: PMC2872067 DOI: 10.3113/FAI.2009.0530

  • Neville C, Flemister AS, Houck JR (2009). Effects of the AirLift PTTD brace on foot kinematics in subjects with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 19252264 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2009.2908

  • Houck JR, Nomides C, Neville CG, Samuel Flemister A (2008). The effect of Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on deep compartment muscle strength: a new strength test.. Foot & ankle international. PMID: 18778667 PMCID: PMC3004286 DOI: 10.3113/FAI.2008.0895

  • Houck JR, Tome JM, Nawoczenski DA (2007). Subtalar neutral position as an offset for a kinematic model of the foot during walking.. Gait & Posture. PMID: 17988870 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2007.09.008

  • Houck JR, De Haven KE, Maloney M (2007). Influence of anticipation on movement patterns in subjects with ACL deficiency classified as noncopers.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 17366960 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2007.2292

  • Houck JR, Wilding GE, Gupta R, De Haven KE, Maloney M (2006). Analysis of EMG patterns of control subjects and subjects with ACL deficiency during an unanticipated walking cut task.. Gait & posture. PMID: 16916604 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.07.001

  • Houck JR, Duncan A, De Haven KE (2005). Comparison of frontal plane trunk kinematics and hip and knee moments during anticipated and unanticipated walking and side step cutting tasks.. Gait & posture. PMID: 16293416 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2005.10.005

  • Houck JR, Duncan A, De Haven KE (2005). Knee and hip angle and moment adaptations during cutting tasks in subjects with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency classified as noncopers.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. PMID: 16187513 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2005.35.8.531

  • Lerner AL, Tamez-Pena JG, Houck JR, Yao J, Harmon HL, Salo AD, Totterman SM (2003). The use of sequential MR image sets for determining tibiofemoral motion: reliability of coordinate systems and accuracy of motion tracking algorithm.. Journal of biomechanical engineering. PMID: 12751287 DOI: 10.1115/1.1557615
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