Trisha Scribbans, PhD

Biography

Dr. Trisha Scribbans obtained her Diploma in Advanced Massage Therapy from Kiné-Concept Institute Maritimes and practiced as a Registered Massage Therapist for the next 10 years. She also obtained an Honours Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College. 

Scribbans investigated manual skill acquisition in surgical residents in her Masters of Anatomical Sciences and gained extensive experience in anatomical education and cadaveric-based teaching. She then pursued her Doctoral degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies (Exercise Physiology) at Queen’s University where she examined molecular responses to acute exercise and the mechanisms underlying anatomical and physiological adaptations to exercise training in skeletal muscle. 

Throughout her graduate training, Dr. Scribbans continued to work as an Athletic and Massage Therapist where she gained first-hand knowledge of the difficulty of preventing and rehabilitating shoulder disorders. This real-world experience, combined with her research expertise, has resulted in the development of a deep appreciation for the interaction between contractile and non-contractile tissues and the relationship between anatomical structure and physiology.

Education

  • PhD (Kinesiology and Health Studies, Exercise Physiology) Queen’s University (2016)
  • MSc (Anatomical Sciences) Queen’s University (2012)
  • BAHSc (Athletic Therapy) Sheridan College (2009)
  • Diploma in Advanced Massage Therapy, Kiné-Concept Institute Maritimes (2004)

Research summary

Dr. Scribbans’ research focuses on understanding the neuromuscular mechanisms that control of force production and movement of the upper extremity, with a particular emphasis on the role of scapular position and movement in shoulder pathology. She is also interested in identifying novel treatment/prevention strategies to reduce the incidence and duration chronic shoulder pathologies, individual responses to rehabilitative exercise strategies and skeletal and neurological adaptations to exercise training and other therapies.

Recent publications

Chimera, N., Bohunicky, S., Glazebrook, C., Scribbans, T. Contributing Postural Factors to Reaching Speed and Accuracy. (2024). Submitted to the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (accepted).

Harrison, K., Henderson, Z.J., Rochon, J., Bohunicky, S., Scribbans, T.D. (2024). Excitation Distribution of the Trapezius Changes in Response to Increasing Contraction Intensity, but not Repeated Contractions. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 75.

Henderson, Z. J., Wang, S., Cornish, S. M., & Scribbans, T. D. (2023). Exploring the acute muscle fatigue response in resistance trained individuals during eccentric quasi-isometric elbow flexions—a cross-sectional comparison of repetition and sex. Sports Biomechanics, 1–23.

Bohunicky, S., Rutherford, L., Harrison, K., Malone, Q., Glazebrook, C.M., Scribbans, T.D. (2023) Impact of myofascial release to the pectoral fascia on posture, range of motion, and muscle excitation. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.

Bohunicky, S., Franklin, R., Scribbans, T.D. (2023). Baseline level does not influence change in forward shoulder posture, range of motion and muscle excitation following myofascial release – exploring rate-dependence. Physical Treatments; 13(4), 279-286.

Highlights

  • Canadian Athletic Therapists Association Special Recognition Award (2024)
  • Gibson Fund (co-applicant; 2023)
  • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Development Fund (2023)
  • Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba Research Grant (2022)
  • Canadian Athletic Therapists Association Research Grant (2022)
  • University of Manitoba Research Grants Program (2020)
  • Canadian Foundation for Innovation - John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF, 2020)
  • Research Manitoba New Investigator Operating Grant (2019)
  • Massage Therapy Research Fund (MTRF, 2019)
  • Manitoba Medical Services Foundation (MMSF) Operating Grant (2018)
  • Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award (2018)

Courses

  • Therapeutic Modalities (KIN 3400)
  • Therapeutic Exercise Rehabilitation (KIN 4400)
  • Advanced Human Anatomy (KIN 3320)
  • Athletic Therapy Skills (KIN 2750)