Education
- Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, Ohio University, 1995
- Master’s in Physical Therapy, Ohio University, 2000
- Philosophy of Doctorate, Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, 2013
- Postdoctoral Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine, Stanford University, 2017
Research Interests
The mission of the Akesó Laboratory is to provide precise patient-treatment matching of adaptive mind-body interventions for people living with persistent spinal pain. To achieve this goal of identifying for whom treatments work, we leverage clinical trials that are theory-driven, process-focused, and combined with physiological measures of trunk motor control, brain activity, and pain sensitivity. Ultimately, we intend to refine the content and delivery of somatic-based rehabilitation approaches (Physical Therapy, Yoga, Tai Chi) integrated with neuroscience-based mind-training practices to reduce suffering and cultivate activity engagement and wellbeing.
Teaching Experience
Pain education to manage musculoskeletal pain which centers upon: (1) screening for biopsychosocial factors and health comorbidities, (2) embracing of patient-centered communication, (3) active learning approaches to facilitate behavioral change, and (4) coaching towards self-management.
Publications
A complete list of published work is available at NCBI My Bibliography: https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.proxy.library.ohio.edu/myncbi/14yRoxVuu7-Qn/bibliography/public/
Selected peer-reviewed
Karayannis, NV, Jull, GA, and Hodges, PW. Physical therapy-based classification approaches to low back pain: Comparison of subgroups through review and developer/expert survey. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2012; 13(24): 1-33, PMID: 22348236
Karayannis, NV, Smeets, RJEM, van den Hoorn, W, and Hodges, PW. Fear of movement is related to trunk stiffness in low back pain. PLOS One, 2013; 8(6): e67779, PMID: 23826339
Karayannis, NV, Jull, GA, and Hodges, PW. Movement-based subgrouping in low back pain: synergy and divergence in approaches. Physiotherapy, 2016, 102(2): 159-69, PMID: 26126426
Karayannis, NV, Nicholas, MK, Jull, GA, and Hodges PW. Psychological features and their relationship to movement-based subgroups in people living with low back pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2017, 99(1): 121-128, PMID: 28989073
Zheng, P, Kao, MC, Karayannis, NV, Smuck, M. Stagnant physical therapy referral rates alongside rising opioid prescription rates in patients with low back pain in the United States 1997-2010. Spine, 2017, 42(2): i-i-E61-E129, 71-134, PMID: 28441685
Karayannis, NV, Sturgeon, JA, Chih-Kao, M, Cooley, C, Mackey, S. Physical function and pain interference demonstrate poor longitudinal association in people living with chronic pain: A PROMIS investigation. Pain, 2017, 158(6): 1063-1068, PMID: 28221284
Karayannis, NV. A focus on the science of behavior change would provide a deeper understanding of pain-related activity interference and the ability to sustain engagement in valued physical activities. Pain Medicine, 2019, 20(2): 210-2011, PMID: 30247692
Karayannis, NV, Baumann, I, Sturgeon, JA, Melloh, M, Mackey, SC. The impact of social isolation on pain interference: A longitudinal study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 2019, 53(1): 65-74, PMID: 29668841
Grants
- National Health and Medical Research Council Doctoral Scholarship in Physiotherapy
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Cardon Research Grant
- National Institute on Drug Abuse T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Interdisciplinary Pain Research
Awards and Honors
- Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
- Fellow American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists
- Certified Yoga and Tai Chi Teacher
- Stanford Chronic Pain Self-Management Program Leader
- Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher
- International Association for the Study of Pain, North American Pain School Award
- The Mind and Life Summer Research Institute New Investigator Award
- Honors Scholar and Certificate in Medical Education, Stanford University School of Medicine Clinical Teaching and Mentoring Academy
University/Professional Service
- Ohio University Wellness Champion
- Honors Tutorial College Translational Health Program Mentor