Degrees and Certifications

Doctor of Philosophy, Rehabilitation Science, 2013-2017
George Mason University, Washington D.C.
Specialization: Clinical Exercise and Applied Physiology
Dissertation: Effects of Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury on the Ventilatory Response to Exercise Following Overground Locomotor Training

Master of Arts, Exercise Physiology, 2011-2013 Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
Thesis: The Effects of Acute Passive Static Stretching on Cramp Threshold Frequency

Bachelor of Arts, Exercise Science, 2006-2010 Adrian College, Adrian, MI

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), 2017-Present

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), 2010-Present

Positions and Employment

Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, 2022-Present
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 

 

Reviewer

• Disability and Rehabilitation, 2021-Present
• Spinal Cord, 2020-Present
• Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2020-Present
• Respirology, 2020-Present
• Journal of Applied Physiology, 2018-Present
• Muscle and Nerve, 2016

Awards and Honors

• Wayne State University Post-Doctoral Trainee Research Award, 2021
• Department of Veterans Affairs Career Development Award 1, 2019-2021
• Experimental Biology
  • Respiratory Section: Usha Award, 2020
  • Respiratory Section: Poster Award, 2018
• Intramural, 2013
  • Creative Endeavors Grant: “The Effects of Acute Static Stretching on Cramp Threshold Frequency”
  • Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
• George Mason University Research Excellence Award, 2017
• Adrian College Presidential Scholarship Awardee, 2006-2010

Professional Memberships

• Department of Veterans Affairs: Research and Development Committee, 2020-Present
  • Alternative Voting Member
• Experimental Biology, 2017, 2019-Present
• American Thoracic Society, 2019-Present
• American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Member: ISIG-SCI, Task Force: Physical Function and Wellness, 2019-2020
  • Chair: ISIG-SCI, Task Force: Physical Function and Wellness, 2020-Present
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Student Member, 2014-2017
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), 2010-2012

Areas of Expertise

• Use of mild intermittent hypoxia to significantly reduce blood pressure and improve treatment of sleep apnea

Recent Publications

(*Corresponding Author, ^Co-First Author, #Editor’s Choice)

1. Panza, GS., Puri S., Lin H.S., Badr, S., Mateika, JH., “Daily Exposure to Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Reduces Blood Pressure in Male OSA Patients with Hypertension” Status: Accepted- Final citation not yet available
2. *Panza, GS., Tutor, T., Gee, C., Nash. M., McCully, K., Graco, M., Hornby, G., Chiodo, A., “Is Sleep Disordered Breathing Confounding Rehabilitation Research in Spinal Cord Injured Patients?” DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2021.08.015
3. Also presented as virtual presentation and discussion at the National ACRM 2021 Meeting.
4. Panza GS, Wecht JM. Attenuation of autonomic dysreflexia during functional electrical stimulation cycling by neuromuscular electrical stimulation training: case reports. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2021; 7: 1–3.
5. Burgess N, Schembri R, BPhysio MG, Panza GS, Berowitz DJ. Don’t forget about the sleep disorders. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021.
6. ^Puri S, ^Panza GS, Mateika JH. A comprehensive review of respiratory, autonomic and cardiovascular responses to intermittent hypoxia in humans. Exp Neurol 2021; 113709.
7. *Panza GS, Guccione AA. Effect of repeated locomotor training on ventilatory measures, perceived exertion and walking endurance in persons with motor incomplete spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2020 Oct 12;6(1):94.
8. Gollie JM, Guccione AA, Keyser RE, Chin LMK, Panza GS, Herrick JE. Walking endurance, muscle oxygen extraction, and perceived fatigability after overground locomotor training in incomplete spinal cord injury: A pilot study. J Spinal Cord Med. 2020 Aug 14;0(0):1–9.
9. Puri S, ElChami M, Shaheen D, Ivers B, Panza GS, Badr MS, et al. Variations in loop gain and arousal threshold during NREM sleep are affected by time of day over a 24 hour period in participants with obstructive sleep apnea. J Appl Physiol. 2020 Aug 13
10. Panza GS, Puri S, Mateika JH. Reply to Pun. J Appl Physiol Bethesda Md 1985. 2020 Jul 1;129(1):48.
11. ^Panza GS, Alex RM, Yokhana SS, Lee Pioszak DS, Badr MS, Mateika JH. Increased Oxidative Stress, Loop Gain And The Arousal Threshold Are Clinical Predictors Of Increased Apnea Severity Following Exposure To Intermittent Hypoxia. Nat Sci Sleep. 2019;11:265–79.
12. *Panza GS, Herrick JE, Chin LM, Gollie JM, Collins JP, O’Connell DG, et al. Effect of overground locomotor training on ventilatory kinetics and rate of perceived exertion in persons with cervical  motor-incomplete spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2019;5:80.
13. Mateika JH, Panza GS, Alex R, Castillo K. Pushing and pulling with no end in sight! The role of cross-talk between different forms of respiratory plasticity in modifying sleep apnoea. J Physiol. 2019 Jul 4;
14. #^Alex RM, ^Panza GS, Hakim H, Badr MS, Edwards BA, Sands SA, et al. Exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia increases loop gain and the arousal threshold in participants with obstructive sleep apnoea. J Physiol. 2019 Apr 26;
15. Alex R, Panza GS, Mateika JH. The role of loop gain in predicting upper airway surgical outcomes—what do we know? J Thorac Dis. 2018 May 1;3(2).
16. Mateika JH, Panza GS, Alex R, El-Chami M. The impact of intermittent or sustained carbon dioxide on intermittent hypoxia initiated respiratory plasticity. What is the effect of these combined stimuli on apnea severity? Respir Physiol Neurobiol
17. *Panza GS, Stadler J, Murray D, Lerma N, Barrett T, Pettit-Mee R, et al. Acute Passive Static Stretching and Cramp Threshold Frequency. J Athl Train. 2017 Aug 10;52(10):918–24.
18. Gollie JM, Herrick JE, Keyser RE, Chin LMK, Collins JP, Shields RK, Panza GS, Guccione AA. Fatigability, oxygen uptake kinetics and muscle deoxygenation in incomplete spinal cord injury during treadmill walking. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017 Oct 1;117(10):1989–2000.
19. Panza GS, Guccione AA, Chin LM, Gollie JM, Herrick JE, Collins JP. Effects of overground locomotor training on the ventilatory response to volitional treadmill walking in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury: a pilot study. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2017 Apr 13;3:17011.
20. Gollie JM, Guccione AA, Panza GS, Jo PY, Herrick JE. Effects of Overground Locomotor Training on Walking Performance in Chronic Cervical Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jun 1;98(6):1119–25.
21. Herrick JE, Panza GS, Gollie JM. Leptin, Leptin Soluble Receptor, and the Free Leptin Index following a Diet and Physical Activity Lifestyle Intervention in Obese Males and Females. J Obes. 2016 Dec 6;2016:e8375828.

Manuscripts in process: Title and author lines TBD

1. *Panza, GS., Guccione, A. “The Effects of Repeated Overground Locomotion Training on Self-Reported Actions (OPTIMAL) in Patients with Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries”. Status: Data collected, analysis on-going
2. ^Panza, GS., ^Puri S., Lin H.S., Mateika, JH., “The Impact of Daily Therapeutic Mild Intermittent Hypoxia on Ventilatory, Autonomic and Cardiovascular Plasticity in Participants with Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension” Status: Out to co-authors. Invited submission: Frontiers in Physiology
3. Panza, GS., Kissine, DK., Puri S., Mateika, JH., “The Magnitude of Long-Term Facilitation is Influenced by Modifications to Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Protocols in Participants with OSA” Status: Data Collected and Analyzed. Writing in progress.
4. ^Puri S., ^Panza, GS., Kissine, DK., Lin H.S., Mateika, JH., “Loop gain is Increased and the Arousal Threshold is Decreased in Caucasian Compared to African American Males with Obstructive Sleep Apnea” Status: Data Collected (50/93 participants analyzed).
5. Kissine, DK., Puri S., Panza, GS., Mateika, JH., “Longer Bouts of Intermittent Hypoxia Coupled with Increased Levels of Sustained Hypercapnia Lead to Increases in the Magnitude of Ventilatory Long-Term Facilitation in African Americans Compared to Caucasians” Status: Data Collected and Analyzed. Writing in progress.
6. *^Panza, GS., ^Gee, C., *West, C., Ventilatory kinetics in spinal cord injured patients: a methodological approach. Status: Data collected, analysis is on-going.
7. Gee, C., *Panza, GS., *West, C.: “The effect of respiratory muscle training on the ventilatory kinetics and cardiopulmonary interactions in spinal cord injured patients.” Status: Data collected, analysis is on-going

Published Abstracts (*Presenter)

1. *Panza G.S., Puri S., Kissine DK, Lin H.S., Mateika J.H., 15-Days of Therapeutic Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Improves Cardiovascular, Upper Airway and Motor Limb Function in Participants with Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Experimental Biology 2022. Poster and Oral Presentation
2. *Panza G.S., Kissine DK, Puri S., Lin H.S., Mateika J.H., The Magnitude of Long-Term Facilitation is Influenced by Modifications to Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Protocols in Participants with OSA. Experimental Biology 2022.
3. Puri S., Panza G.S., Kissine DK., Lin H.S.,  Mateika J.H., Loop gain is Increased and the Arousal Threshold is Decreased in Caucasian Compared to African American Males with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Experimental Biology 2022.
4. Kissine DK., Panza G.S., Puri S., Lin H.S.,  Mateika J.H., Longer bouts of Intermittent Hypoxia Coupled with Increased Levels of Sustained Hypercapnia Lead to Increases in the Magntidue of Ventilatory Long-Term Facilitation in African Americans Compared to Caucasians. Experimental Biology 2022.
5. Puri S., Panza G.S., Kissine DK., Lin H.S., Mateika J.H., Repeated Exposure to Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Mitigates the Severity of OSA, Reduces Blood Pressure and Improves Microvascular Function and Walking Endurance in Adults with OSA for 4 – 8 Weeks Post Therapy. Experimental Biology 2022.
6. *Panza G.S., Puri S., Rimer C, Lin H.S., Mateika J.H., Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Reduces the Critical Closing Pressure and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Resulting in Improved Treatment Adherence. Experimental Biology 2020. Usha Award Winning Poster
7. *Panza G.S., Puri S., Rimer C, Lin H.S., Mateika J.H., Mild Intermittent Hypoxia and Its Multipronged Effect on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Experimental Biology 2020.
8. Puri S., Panza, GS., Mateika, JH., Blood Pressure is Positively Associated with Glycosylated Hemoglobin but not the Hypoxic Ventilatory Response in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Experimental Biology 2020
9. *Panza G.S., Alex R., Hakim H, Lin H.S., Mateika J.H. Mild Intermittent Hypoxia and Its Multipronged Effect on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. American Thoracic Society 2019. Abstract Poster Award Winner
10. Alex R., Panza G.S., Hakim, H., Pinnamaneni, H., Badr M.S., Sands S.A., Edwards B.A., Mateika J.H.. Mild intermittent hypoxia increases loop gain and the arousal threshold in participants with obstructive sleep apnea. American Thoracic Society 2019.
11. Alwadeai K., Panza, G., Herrick JE. Respiratory Drive During Arm and Leg Cycling in Adults with Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. American Thoracic Society 2018
12. Gollie, J., Chin, L., Keyser, R., Panza, G., Herrick, J., Guccione, A., Effect of Training Duration on Overground Locomotor Training Responses in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 2018
13. *Panza, G., Alex, R., Ho-Sheng, L., Mateika, J., Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Significantly Reduces the Critical Closing Pressure and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Experimental Biology 2018
14. Alex, R., Panza, G., Ho-Sheng, L., Mateika, J., Mild Intermittent Hypoxia Improves Cardiovascular and Neurocognitive Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients. Experimental Biology 2018
15. *Panza G, Alwadeai K., Herrick JE., Characterization of Ventilatory Off-Kinetics following Arm and Leg Cycling in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injured Men. American College of Sports Medicine 2017
16. Alwadeai K., Panza, G., Herrick JE. Characterize Exercise Breathing During Arm and Leg Ergometry in Adults with Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. American College of Sports Medicine 2017
17. Jo, P., Gollie, J.,Panza, G., Guccione, A., Improvement of Upper Extremity Function After Locomotor Training in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury American Society of Neurorehabilition 2016
18. Gollie, J., Herrick, J., Chin, LM., Panza, G., Keyser, R., Guccione, A., Effects of a Novel Overground Locomotor Training Program on Muscle Oxygen Extraction in Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 2016
19. *Panza, G., Jo, P., Bollen, K., Gollie, J., Herrick, J., Guccione, A. Locomotor-Respiratory Coupling During Treadmill Walking Before and After Overground Locomotor Training in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 2016
20. *Panza, G., Herrick, J., Gollie, J., Murray, D., Collins, J., Guccione, A. “Task Specific Locomotor Training Effects On Ventilatory Drive in Men With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury” George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. American College of Sports Medicine 2016
21. Gollie, J., Herrick, J., Panza, G., Chin, L., Guccione, A.,Effects of Locomotor Training on VO2 On- Kinetics Following Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. American College of Sports Medicine 2016.
22. Lichy A., Neville B., Gollie J., Rounds A., Panza G., Jo, P., Guccione, A., Task-Specific Performance Based Training: Effects on Gait and Balance in an Ambulatory Spinal Cord Injured Population. American Spinal Injury Association 2016
23. Rounds, A., Lydick, S., Lichy, A., Gollie J., Panza, G., Jo, P., Guccione, A., Doing Better But Not Feeling It: Self-Efficacy and Ambulation Ability in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. American College of Sports Medicine 2016
24. Gollie, J, Panza G, Lydick S, Puri S, Jo P, Lichy A, Rounds A, Murray D, Guccione A. Muscle Oxygen Utilization Following Activity-Based Rehabilitation in a Person with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2015
25. *Panza, G, Kirk, E, Collins, J ,Gollie, J, Herrick, J. The Effects of Gender, Fat Mass Distribution, and Weight Loss on Free Leptin Index. American College of Sports Medicine 2014
26. *Panza, G., Stadler, J., Murray, D., Lerma, N., Barrett, T., Pettit-Mee, R., Edwards, J., The Effects of Acute Passive Static Stretching on Cramp Threshold Frequency. American College of Sports Medicine 2014
27. Gollie, J.,Popkess, A., Panza, G., Wooten., Herrick, J., Calorie Matching Prior to Resistance Training Prevents Post-Exercise Decrease in Glucagon-like Peptide-1 in Females. American College of Sports Medicine 2014

Courses taught by Gino Panza

Winter Term 2025 (future)

• OT6230 - Motor Control

Fall Term 2024

• OT5400 - Neurosciences for Health Care Professionals
• OT6070 - Occupational Therapy Research III

Winter Term 2024

• OT6230 - Motor Control

Fall Term 2023

• OT5400 - Neurosciences for Health Care Professionals

Winter Term 2023

• OT6230 - Motor Control

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