Dr. Howell Tapley
Dr. Tapley has over 28 years of experience working in the Physical Therapy profession. He earned his B.S. degree in Physical Therapy from the University of South Alabama, and his Advanced Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy from UAB. He has a PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion, also from UAB. Dr. Tapley is an APTA Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics. Prior to entering academia, Dr. Tapley practiced clinically as a physical therapist for many years, including serving in various administrative roles in rehabilitation settings. He was most recently a faculty member at the prestigious Texas Woman’s University School of Physical Therapy before accepting the position as Program Director for Physical Therapy here at Indiana State.
Dr. Tapley’s passions are health promotion and wellness, and the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. His research agenda focuses on prevention, holistic health, alternative therapies, and various musculoskeletal topics.
Ph.D. 2007 Health Education/Health Promotion
University of Alabama in Birmingham
M.S. 1994 Advanced Masters in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy
University of Alabama in Birmingham
B.S. 1991 Physical Therapy
University of South Alabama
Peer Reviewed Publications:
Tapley H, Tapley S, Idlewine T. Musculoskeletal health: When to seek professional help. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. November, 2017, 14(11):29-30.
Tapley H, Tapley S. Tai chi for health. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. November, 2016, 14(11):29-30.
Tapley, HE, Patel, R. Using the PRECEDE/PROCEED Model and Service Learning to Teach Health Promotion and Wellness: An Innovative Approach for Physical Therapist Professional Education. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. January, 2016, 30(1):47-59.
Tapley, HE. Dotson, M, Hallila, D, McCrory, M, Moss, K, Neelon, K, Santos, B, Turner, A, Turner, L. Physical Therapists’ Participation in Strength Training Activities: A U.S. Nationwide Survey. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. February, 2015, 22(2): 79-85.
Brewer, W, Olson, S, Roddey, T, Tapley, H. The effects of a group exercise program on the weight management of obese women in a publicly funded healthcare system. Journal of Physical Therapy and Health Promotion, June, 2014, 2(2): 29-39.
Tapley, HE, Fonseca, E, Fontanilla, SH, Gremillion, AM. Benefits of the CSCS credential to the physical therapist: A descriptive study. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, August, 2014.
Kabiri, L, Tapley, H, Tapley, S. Evaluation and conservative treatment for Osgood-Schlatter disease: A critical review of the literature. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, February 2014, 21(2): 91-96.
Tapley, HE, Fell, DW, Pitts, D. Exploration of spirituality in doctor of physical therapy students and graduate students in non-health disciplines. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, October 2012; 19(10): 566 – 574.
Tapley, HE, Stretching for musculoskeletal health. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, April, 2012; 10(4): 29-30, 32-33.
Tapley, HE. Help for tension headaches. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, September, 2011; 9(9): 74, 76-77.
Tapley, HE. Joint protection: Tips for treating and preventing osteoarthritis of the thumb, a common ailment among dental hygienists. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, April, 2011; 9(4): 44, 46, 48.
Peer Reviewed Presentations:
Tapley S, Tapley H. Poster Presentation: Promoting Access to Physical Therapy (PT) Services Through Service-Learning: Improving Health Equity in Underserved Populations. Educational Leadership Conference, American Physical Therapy Association, Jacksonville, FL, October, 2018.
Tapley S, Tapley H. Poster Presentation: Community engagement in pediatric rehabilitation: Partnering with engineering to provide equipment for low-income schools. INAPTA Fall Conference, Indianapolis, IN, October 2017.
Tapley, H. Dotson, M, Hallila, D, McCrory, M, Moss, K, Neelon, K, Santos, B, Turner, A, Turner, L. Poster Presentation: Physical therapists’ participation in strength training activities: A nationwide survey. INAPTA Fall Conference, Indianapolis, IN, October 2014.
Tapley, H, Patel, R. Poster Presentation: Service learning in health promotion and wellness: perspectives of students and community partners. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Education Section, San Diego, CA, January, 2013.
Tapley, H. Poster Presentation: A study of holistic health in martial artists: Implications for healthcare professionals. TPTA Annual Meeting, The Woodlands, TX, November 2011.
Tapley, H, Fell, D, Pitts, D. Platform Presentation: A study of spirituality in doctor of physical therapy students. Combined Sections Meeting, American Physical Therapy Association, Education Section, San Diego, CA, February, 2010.
Tapley, H, Patel, R. Poster Presentation: Faculty lead student service learning projects as the low-cost answer to promoting physical activity in at-risk, low-income underrepresented populations. TPTA Annual Meeting, Arlington, TX, November 2010.
Dr. Tapley is Clinical Director for the Special Olympics Indiana FUNfitness program. He is also actively involved with most program outreach endeavors, including service learning projects for health promotion and wellness.
Dr. Tapley's research interests include health promotion and wellness, prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, use of alternative therapies, and physical therapy education.