Justin Z Laferrier (he/him)
Professor/Associate Director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program College of Health & Wellness Department of Physical Therapy Providence
Biography
Justin Z. Laferrier PT, Ph.D., NCS, OCS, SCS, ATP, CSCS, AIB-VR is the Associate Director and Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Johnson & Wales University where his academic focus and expertise is in Biomechanics, Poly-trauma and Amputation Rehabilitation, Adaptive Sport, Exercise, and Recreation (SER), Rehabilitation Engineering, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Diagnostic Imaging. He holds three Board-Certified Specialist certifications in Neurology, Orthopedics, and Sports from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Laferrier is also a Certified Assistive Technology Professional from the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is also a Certified Specialist in Vestibular Rehabilitation from the American Institute of Balance (AIB).
Laferrier has Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and Psychology, an MSPT in Physical Therapy from the University of Rhode Island, and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science and Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. Laferrier is a veteran of the US Marines and US Army and while in the Army served as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of physical therapy for the Polytrauma and Amputee Centers for Excellence in Washington D.C. and San Antonio TX. He has worked all over the world evaluating and treating some of the most severe and complex conditions found today. He currently sees patients in addition to his academic duties at Johnson & Wales University. His scholarly products include over 20 peer-reviewed publications, national and international presentations, and book chapters.
Education
PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Rehabilitation Science and Technology
MS, University of Rhode Island
Physical Therapy
BA, University of Rhode Island
Biology and Psychology
Master of Musculoskeletal Imaging
Redifine
Blood Flow Restriction
Owens Recovery Science
LSVT Big
LSVT Global
Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist
American Institute of Balance
Licensed Physical Therapist
American Physical Therapy Association
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics
American Physical Therapy Association
Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurology
American Physical Therapy Association
Assistive Technology Professional
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America
Certified Clinical Specialist in Sports
American Physical Therapy Association
Licensed Physical Therapist
American Physical Therapy Association
Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedics
American Physical Therapy Association
Teaching excellence every year from 2014-2018 University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
Cooper-Johnson Outstanding Paper Award
University of Pittsburgh
Outstanding Alumni Award
University of Rhode Island
“Q & A With Justin Laferrier.” Laferrier, J. (May 6, 2025)
https://www.jwu.edu/news/stories/magazine/2025/spring/q-a-with-justin-laferrier/index.html
“Benefits of adaptive sports participation for veterans with disabilities.” Laferrier, J. (April, 2025)
“New Adaptive Sports Program at JWU.” Laferrier, J. (March 15, 2023)
“For disabled vets, playing team sports boosts quality of life.” Laferrier, J. (March 17, 2015)
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-disabled-vets-sports-idUSKBN0MN2HI20150327/
““Science of the Summer Olympics: The Strength and Flexibility of Oscar Pistorius”.” Laferrier, J. (2012)
http://science360.gov/obj/video/d2783a15-2880-4c1d-b6b4-d795c129aae2/science-summer-olympics-strength-flexibility-oscar-pistorius
“How an ‘Anti-Gravity Treadmill’ Helps Olympic Runners Recover from Injuries.” Laferrier, J. (August 10, 2012)
https://www.livescience.com/22279-running-joint-impact-olympics-video.html
“Blood Brothers: Among the Soldiers of Ward 57.” Laferrier, J. (September 8, 2007)
https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Brothers-Among-Soldiers-Ward/dp/0805086609
“HOUSE CALL WITH DR. SANJAY GUPTA – Treating Soldiers Wounded In Iraq War.” Laferrier, J. (July, 2006)
“Polytrauma Rehabilitation.” Laferrier, J. (2005)
“Trials and Tribulations of Long Term Care.” Laferrier, J. (2005)
“TECHNOLOGY GIVES HOPE TO IRAQ WAR AMPUTEE.” Laferrier, J. (August 9, 2004)
https://www.dailypress.com/2004/08/09/technology-gives-hope-to-iraq-war-amputee/
“The Casualty.” Laferrier, J. (February 29, 2004)
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/03/08/the-casualty
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America
Amputee Coalition of America
American Physical Therapy Association
Laferrier, J. (2025). Major Limb Prosthetic Devices: Chapter in “Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering”. (Book Chapter).
Laferrier, J. (2025). Orthotic Devices: Book Chapter in “Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering”. (Book Chapter).
Laferrier, J. & Mederios, T. & Shin, K. & Valdes, S. & Furmanek, M. (2024). REPAIR-EDS: Rehabilitation Enhanced by Partial Arterial Inflow Restriction (REPAIR) in Eheler-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) Patients. (Journal Article).
Journal of Rehabilitation Practices and Research, 5(1).
https://doi.org/10.33790/jrpr1100150
Laferrier, J. (2024). Retrun to Sport, Exercise, and Recreation (SER) Following Amputation. (Journal Article).
Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 1-10.
Laferrier, J. (August 9, 2023). Understanding Travel Considerations and Barriers for People with Disabilities to Using Current Modes of Transportation Through Journey Mapping. (Journal Article).
Transportation Research Record.
Laferrier, J. (2018). Physical Therapy Management of Adult Lower-Limb Amputees: Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 4th Ed.. (Book Chapter).
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Atlas_of_Amputations_and_Limb_Deficienci.html?id=PaxQuQEACAAJ
Laferrier, J. & Muldowney, K. & Muldowney, K. (2018). A Novel Exercise Protocol for Individuals with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: A Case Report. (Journal Article).
Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, 08(02).
https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7025.1000382
Laferrier, J. & Groff, A. & Hale, S. & Sprunger, N. (2018). A Review of Commonly Used Prosthetic Feet for Developing Countries: A Call for Research and Development. (Journal Article).
Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, 08(01).
https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7025.1000380
Peterson, S. & Laferrier, J. & Koontz, A. & Wang, H. & Hannan, M. & Cooper, R. (December, 2017). Psychological strategies of Veterans and service members who participate in organized sports. (Journal Article).
Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 3(2), 42-52.
https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh.4316
Laferrier, J. (2017). Investigation of the Impact of Sports participation on Psychosocial Outcomes in individuals with Disabilities. A Prospective Longitudinal Study.: No. (Journal Article).
Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, 7(5), 1-12.
Laferrier, J. & Teodorski, E. & Sprunger, N. & Cooper, R. & Schmeler, M. (2017). Investigation of the Impact of Sports, Exercise and Recreation (ser) Participation on Psychosocial Outcomes in a Population of Veterans with Disabilities Using the Sports Outcome Research Tool and Comprehensive Uniform Survey (Sportacus). A Longitudinal Study. (Journal Article).
Journal of Novel Physiotherapies, 07(05).
https://doi.org/10.4172/2165-7025.1000365
Laferrier, J. (2017). Psychological Strategies of Veterans Who Participate in Organized Sports: No. (Journal Article).
Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 3(2), 1-27.
Laferrier, J. & Teodorski, E. & Cooper, R. (December, 2015). Investigation of the Impact of Sports, Exercise, and Recreation Participation on Psychosocial Outcomes in a Population of Veterans with Disabilities. (Journal Article).
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 94(12), 1026-1034.
https://doi.org/10.1097/phm.0000000000000263
Laferrier, J. (2015). Living Life to the fullest with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: No. (Book).
Outskirts Press.
https://outskirtspress.com/livinglifetothefullestwitheds
Laferrier, J. (2015). The Role of Strength and Power During Performance of High Intensity Military Tasks Under Heavy Load Carriage.. (Journal Article).
The US Army Medical Department Journal, 3-11.
Gaunaurd, I. & Roach, K. & Raya, M. & Hooper, R. & Linberg, A. & Laferrier, J. & Campbell, S. & Scoville, C. & Gailey, R. (2013). Factors related to high-level mobility in male servicemembers with traumatic lower-limb loss. (Journal Article).
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 50(7), 969-984.
https://doi.org/10.1682/jrrd.2013.02.0035
Laferrier, J. (2013). Variables That Predict High-level Mobility, as measured by the Comprehensive High-Level Activity Mobility Predictor (CHAMP) Performance, in Service Members with Traumatic Lower Limb Loss.. (Journal Article).
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 50(7), 969-984.
Laferrier, J. (2012). Evaluation of a Highly Adjustable Throwing Chair for People with Disabilities. (Journal Article).
Journal of Assistive Technology.
Laferrier, J. (2012). Utilization of prostheses and mobility related assistive technology (MAT) among Service members and Veterans from Vietnam and OIF/OEF.. (Journal Article).
Journal of Prosthetics & Orthotics, 9(3), 1-9.
Sprunger, N. & Laferrier, J. & Collins, D. & Cooper, R. (July (3rd Quarter/Summer), 2012). Utilization of Prostheses and Mobility-Related Assistive Technology Among Service Members and Veterans From Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. (Journal Article).
JPO Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, 24(3), 144-152.
https://doi.org/10.1097/jpo.0b013e31825b3a4b
Laferrier, J. & Rice, I. & pearlman, J. & Sporner, M. & Cooper, R. & Liu, T. & Cooper, R. (February, 2012). Technology to improve sports performance in wheelchair sports. (Journal Article).
Sports Technology, 5(1-2), 4-19.
https://doi.org/10.1080/19346182.2012.663531
Mason, Z. & Pearlman, J. & Cooper, R. & Laferrier, J. (December, 2011). Comparison of prosthetic feet prescribed to active individuals using ISO standards. (Journal Article).
Prosthetics & Orthotics International, 35(4), 418-424.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0309364611421692
Laferrier, J. (2011). Assistive Technology, Accessibility, and Universal Design: Warrior Transition Leader Handbook on Medical Rehabilitation. (Book Chapter).
Wiley and Blackwell.
https://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Transition-Leader-Rehabilitation-Handbook/dp/0160893666
Laferrier, J. Performance Determining Factors in Paralympic Sport Based on Biomechanical and Ergonomic Principles: The Paralympic Athlete: Handbook of Sports Medicine and Science. (Book Chapter).
Wiley and Blackwell.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444328356
Laferrier, J. & McFarland, L. & Boninger, M. & Cooper, R. & Reiber, G. (2010). Wheeled mobility: Factors influencing mobility and assistive technology in veterans and servicemembers with major traumatic limb loss from Vietnam war and OIF/OEF conflicts. (Journal Article).
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 47(4), 349.
https://doi.org/10.1682/jrrd.2009.03.0022
Liu, H. & Rice, I. & Laferrier, J. & Cooper, R. & Boninger, M. & Cooper, R. (2010). Sport Chair Set-Up and Selection: Wheelchair Sport. (Other).
Human Kinetics, 29-46.
https://doi.org/10.5040/9781718209305.ch-002
Laferrier, J. & Gailey, R. (February, 2010). Advances in Lower-limb Prosthetic Technology. (Journal Article).
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 21(1), 87-110.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmr.2009.08.003
Future of Preventative Medicine and Public Health Annual Conference, “The Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction Training for Individuals with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome,” Peers Alley, Rome, Italy. (March, 2026).
Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) Annual Conference 2026, “Design and Development of A Functional Prosthetic Foot for Low Resource Countries,” Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), Orlando, FL, United States. (January, 2026).
Future of Preventative Medicine and Public Health 2025, “Development of a Durable, Load Variable, Energy Storage and Return Prosthetic Foot for Low Resource Countries,” Peers Alley, London, United Kingdom. (March 20, 2025).
American Physical Therapy Association (RIAPTA) Annual Conference,, “Development of Lower Extremity Prosthetic Technology for Low Resource Countries,” Rhode Island American physical Therapy Association, Providence, RI, United States. (November, 2024).
Johnson & Wales University Scholarship and Best Practices EXPO, “Blood Flow Restriction (BFR). A potential Game Changer for Individuals with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS),” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, United States. (April 24, 2024).
Johnson & Wales University Scholarship and Best Practices EXPO, “Development of a Low-Cost, Durable, and Dynamic Prosthetic Foot,” Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, United States. (April 24, 2024).
Combined Sections Meeting, “Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) for Individuals with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS),” American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, United States. (February, 2024).
Combined Section Meeting, “Physical Therapists Appropriately Refer for Radiographs,” American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA. (February, 2024).
Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE) Annual Conference, “Development of a Functional and Durable Prosthetic Foot for Low Income Countries / Innovation Area Presentations,” Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE), Paris, France. (September 1, 2023).
Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Radiology, “Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Radiology,” American Physical Therapy Association – Rhode Island Chapter, East Greenwhich, RI, United States. (April, 2023).
“Special Topics in Adaptive Sport,” Johnson and Wales, Providence, RI, United States. (April 8, 2023).
“Basics of Participation and Volunteerism in Adaptive Sports, Exercise and Recreation (ASER),,” Providence, RI, United States. (March, 2023).
Combined Sections Meeting, “A Multifactorial Analysis of Physical Therapist Practitioners Ordering Radiographs,” American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA. (February, 2023).
Combined Sections Meeting, “Benefits of Blood Flow Restriction in Individuals with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome,” American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, United States. (February 23, 2023).
Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA) Annual Conference, “Lower Extremity Prosthetic Design for Developing Countries, Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA),” Rehabilitation Engineering Society of North America (RESNA), On line, United States. (July 13, 2022).
“Benefits of Adaptive Sports, Exercise, and Recreation (ASER) for Individuals with Disabilities,” Lakeshore Foundation, Birmingham, AL. (May, 2022).
Seminar Series, “Benefits of Adaptive Sports, Exercise, and Recreation (ASER) for Individuals with Disabilities,” University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States. (May, 2022).