Faculty180 - Vita and Individual Profile Data Sheet

Pei-Tzu Wu, PT, PhD, CCS

Fall 1980 - Fall 2120

Professor I

[email protected]

Current Position

Position: Curriculum Coordinator, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program - CA
Position: DPT CA Core Faculty

Biography

Dr. Wu is a distinguished educator, researcher, and licensed physical therapist with a wealth of experience in academia and clinical practice. In addition to holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in Exercise Science from George Washington University, Dr. Wu completed her post-doctoral training at the University of California – Los Angeles. 

Currently serving as a Full Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, Dr. Wu brings expertise and dedication to her role. She also holds a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist designation in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy.

Her research contributions are notable, with multiple peer-reviewed publications focusing on acute care physical therapy, cardiovascular disease risk, and metabolic syndromes. Dr. Wu's commitment to excellence in education, research, and clinical practice continues to drive significant advancements in the physical therapy profession.

Degrees

2013

Ph.D., Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States

2008

M.S., Exercise Science, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Professional Licensures (Healthcare)

PT, Oregon, United States, Active, 2018, March 2026

PT, California, United States, Active, 2024, November 2025

Certifications (Healthcare)

American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, APTA Specialist Certification, Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Specialty, CP220028, 2022-07-01, 2032-06-30

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP), 486737010, 2024-11-20, 2027-12-31

Post-Graduate Training

Type: Post-Doctorate, University of California - Los Angeles, Post-Doctorate, June 2013, January 2017

Work Experience

2024 - Ongoing

Adjunct Faculty, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States

2021 - 2024

Assistant Professor, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States

2019 - 2021

Adjunct Faculty, Pacific University, Hillsboro, Oregon, United States

2018 - 2020

Physical Therapist, Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Portland, Oregon, United States

2013 - 2017

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of California – Los Angeles, CA, Los , California, United States

2013 - 2015

Lecturer, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States

2010 - 2013

Teaching Assistant, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States

2008 - 2013

Research Associate, University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States

2008 - 2008

Fitness Instructor, World Bank Group, Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Scholarly Contributions and Creative Productions

Chapter

Completed/Published

Wu, P.-T.; Felmlee, D. Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation: Multidisciplinary Approach. In Orthotics and Prosthetics in Rehabilitation; Elsevier, 2025; pp 2–12.
Wu, P.-T.; Starr, J. Chronic Pulmonary Dysfunction. In O’Sullivan & Schmitz’s Physical Rehabilitation; F. A. Davis Company, 2024; pp 382–414.

Journal Article

Completed/Published

Wu, P.-T.; Baltich, A. A.; Chu, I.; Chui, K. K. [Attachment]Wearable Activity Trackers to Improve Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Pilot Study. Diabetology 2025, 6(9), 97.
Ch, I. A. A.; Latif, F.; Usmani, A.; Garrett, J.; Wu, P.-T. T.; Tahirkheli, M.; Jamal, R.; Miller, S.; Tahirkheli, N. Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes. 2025, 3, 408–413.
Ch, I. A. A.; Nasir, K.; Majeed, U.; Chaudhry, A.; Abdullah, M.; Haider, A.; Jamal, A.; Hussain, A.; Iftikhar, H.; Khalid, S.; Wu, P.-T. T.; Shah, Y.; Niaz, A.; Siddique, M.; Tahirkheli, N. Effect of Statin Intensity on Cardiovascular Outcomes and Survival Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. 2025, 48, e70170.
Wu, P.-T. T.; Reisch, R.; Liu, E. K.; Galindo, T. D. Predicting Academic Difficulties and National Physical Therapy Examination Success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: The Role of Admissions Variables and Course-Specific Performance. 2025.
Ch, I. A. A.; Chaudhry, A.; Zehra, M.; Wu, P.-T. T.; Tahirkheli, M.; Bai, P.; Bhaktaram, A.; Jamal, R.; Chaudry, S.; Amil, F.; Randolph, J.; Miller, S.; Garrett, J.; Tahirkheli, N. Sudden Cardiac Death after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Role of Antiplatelet Therapy. 2025, 20, e0319292.
Ch, I. A. A.; Nasir, K.; Chaudhry, A.; Wu, P.-T. T.; Siddique, M.; Ullah, R.; Tahirkheli, M.; Qadar, A.; Weitzel, H.; Jamal, R.; Tahirkheli, N. Predictors of Secondary Revascularization after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Role of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy. 2025, 20, 197.
Yu, T.-C. C.; Wu, P.-T. T.; Wu, W.-L. L.; Chang, Y.-K. K.; Chiang, C.-H. H.; Chu, I.-H. H. Effects of Exergame Training on Executive Function and Heart Rate Variability in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study. 2025, 25, e12249.
Miner, D.; Smith, K.; Wu, P.-T.; Price, J. H.; Piscitelli, D.; Chui, K. Pragmatic Approach to Mobilizing Individuals with Critical Illness due to COVID-19: Clinical Perspective. Disability and rehabilitation 2024, 46, 4040–4048.
Lin, J.-R.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chang, Y.-K.; Chu, I.-H. The Psychophysiological Profile and Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison with Runners and Sedentary Individuals. 2022, 19.
Chu, I.-H.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Yu, H.-C.; Yu, T.-C.; Chang, Y.-K. Affective Responses during High-Intensity Interval Exercise Compared with Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise in Inactive Women. 2021, 18.
Chu, I.-H.; Chen, Y.-L.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Guo, L.-Y. The Associations between Self-Determined Motivation, Multidimensional Self-Efficacy, and Device-Measured Physical Activity. 2021, 18.
Yu, T.-C.; Chiang, C. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chu, I.-H. Effects of Exergames on Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Taiwan. 2020, 17.
Jeong, J. H.; Biruete, A.; Tomayko, E. J.; Wu, P. T.; Fitschen, P.; Chung, H. R.; Ali, M.; McAuley, E.; Fernhall, B.; Phillips, S. A.; Wilund, K. R. Results from the Randomized Controlled IHOPE Trial Suggest No Effects of Oral Protein Supplementation and Exercise Training on Physical Function in Hemodialysis Patients. 2019, 96, 777–786.
Tuzovic, M.; Wu, P.-T.; Kianmahd, S.; Nguyen, K.-L. Natural History of Myocardial Deformation in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Exposed to Anthracyclines: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2018, 35, 922–934.
Wu, P. T.; Segovia, D. E.; Lee, C. C. C.; Nguyen, K.-L. Consistency of Continuous Ambulatory Interstitial Glucose Monitoring Sensors. 2018, 8.
Chen, J. J. J.; Wu, P.-T.; Middlekauff, H. R.; Nguyen, K.-L. Aerobic Exercise in Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions. 2017, 312, H213–H222.
Chung, H. R.; Vakil, M.; Munroe, M.; Parikh, A.; Meador, B. M.; Wu, P. T.; Jeong, J. H.; Woods, J. A.; Wilund, K. R.; Boppart, M. D. The Impact of Exercise on Statin-Associated Skeletal Muscle Myopathy. 2016, 11, e0168065.
Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Kistler, B. M.; Fitschen, P. J.; Biruete, A. G.; Phillips, S. A.; Ali, M. M. M.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. R. The Presence and Impact of Diastolic Dysfunction on Physical Function and Body Composition in Hemodialysis Patients. 2015, 28, 739–747.
Wu, P.-T.; Fitschen, P. J.; Kistler, B. M.; Jeong, J. H.; Chung, H. R.; Aviram, M.; Phillips, S. A.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. R. Effects of Pomegranate Extract Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Physical Function in Hemodialysis Patients. 2015, 18, 941–949.
Kistler, B. M.; Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Fitschen, P. J.; Biruete, A.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. R. Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Arterial Stiffness and Physical Fitness in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: 1503 Board #296 May 28, 8: 00 AM - 9: 30 AM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2015, 47.
Roberts, C. K.; Wu, P.-T.; Barnard, R. J. Effects of Diet on Insulin Sensitivity in an Animal Model of Metabolic Syndrome: 578 May 27, 2: 45 PM - 3: 00 PM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2015, 47.
Wu, P.-T.; Katiraie, M.; Angadi, S. S.; Chronley, M. K.; Pham, K. I.; Chen, J. J.; Henry, A. A.; Pham, H.; Phung, T.; Segovia, D. E.; Wong, D. L.; Huynh, D.; Harris, R. A.; Roberts, C. K. Effects of Resistance Training and Cessation Therapy on Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Young Smokers: 608 Board #4 May 27, 2: 00 PM - 3: 30 PM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 2015, 47.
Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chu, I.-H. Energy Expenditure and Intensity in Healthy Young Adults during Exergaming. 2015, 39, 556–561.
Fitschen, P. J.; Kistler, B. M.; Jeong, J. H.; Chung, H. R.; Wu, P. T.; Walsh, M. J.; Wilund, K. R. Perceptual Effects and Efficacy of Intermittent or Continuous Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Training. Clinical physiology and functional imaging 2014, 34, 356–363.
Yan, H.; Ranadive, S. M.; Heffernan, K. S.; Lane, A. D.; Kappus, R. M.; Cook, M. D.; Wu, P.-T.; Sun, P.; Harvey, I. S.; Woods, J. A.; Wilund, K. R.; Fernhall, B. Hemodynamic and Arterial Stiffness Differences between African-Americans and Caucasians after Maximal Exercise. 2014, 306, H60–H68.
Lane, A. D.; Wu, P.-T.; Kistler, B.; Fitschen, P.; Tomayko, E.; Jeong, J.-H.; Chung, H. R.; Yan, H.; Ranadive, S. M.; Phillips, S.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. Arterial Stiffness and Walk Time in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease. 2013, 37, 142–150.
Wilund, K. R.; Tomayko, E. J.; Wu, P.-T.; Ryong Chung, H.; Vallurupalli, S.; Lakshminarayanan, B.; Fernhall, B. Intradialytic Exercise Training Reduces Oxidative Stress and Epicardial Fat: A Pilot Study. 2010, 25, 2695–2701.

Poster Presentation

Completed/Published

Wu, P.-T.; Baltich, A.; Hernandez, C.; Alrubaye, Z.; Mann, K.; Chang, K.; Peraza, A.; De Jonge, E.; Ch, I. The Effects of Wearable Devices on Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health in People with Diabetes. . APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM), 2025.
Ch, I.; Wu, P.-T.; Chaudhry, A.; Siddique, M.; Tahirkheli, M.; Jamal, R.; Haider, A.; Tahirkheli, N. Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Are More Likely to Receive Secondary Revascularization after CABG Compared to Aspirin Monotherapy. . Annual Scientific Symposium / Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference, 2024.
Fleckenstein, J.; Wu, P.-T. Perceptions of Faculty and Student Inclusivity in Doctor of Physical Therapy Education. Educational Leadership Conference, 2024.
Wu, P.-T.; Reisch, R.; Liu, E.; Galindo, T. Admission Predictors for Academic Challenges and NPTE Performance in DPT Students. Educational Leadership Conference, 2024.
Ch, I.; Wu, P.-T.; Chaudhry, A.; Siddique, M.; Tahirkheli, M.; Jamal, R.; Tahirkheli, N. Impact of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy on Secondary Revascularization due to Native Vessel Disease Progression versus Graft Failure after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. CRF Annual Scientific Symposium/TCT Conference, 2024.
Wu, P.-T.; Reisch, R. A. The Relationship between Admissions Variables, Academic Performance, and NPTE Scores in a DPT Program. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, 2024.
Lin, J.-R.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chang, Y.-K.; Chu, I.-H. The Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison with Runners and Sedentary Individuals. APTA Oregon 2023 Annual Conference, 2023.
Lin, J.-R.; Wu, P.-T.; Wu, W.-L.; Chang, Y.-K.; Chu, I.-H. The Cardiac Autonomic Reactivity in Long-Term Female Yoga Practitioners: A Comparison with Runners and Sedentary Individuals. AHA Scientific Sessions, 2022.
Ch, I. A.; Usmani, A.; Wu, P.-T.; Ullah, R.; Qadar, A.; Tahirkheli, M.; Weitzel, H.; Harvey, A.; Jamal, R.; Malik, Z.; Ahzam, M.; Latif, F.; Garret, J.; Cannon, M.; Miller, S.; Tahirkheli, N. K. Three Months of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Is Optimal Time for Mortality and Morbidity Benefit Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting - Results of an In-Depth, Retrospective Review of a Large Series of Patients from a Single Center. AHA Scientific Sessions, 2019.
Ch, I. A.; Tahirkheli, N.; Wu, P.-T.; Qadar, A.; Usmani, A.; Ullah, R.; Weitzel, H. Impact of Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients on Graft Outcomes and Mortality. Annual Scientific Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association on Vascular Discovery, 2019.
Ch, I. A.; Tahirkheli, N.; Usmani, A.; Ullah, R.; Weitzel, H.; Qadar, A.; Ananya, B.; Whitehead, A.; Wu, P.-T. Efficacy of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Annual Scientific Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association on Vascular Discovery, 2019.
Ch, I. A.; Tahirkheli, N.; Latif, F.; Usmani, A.; Tahirkheli, M.; Amil, F.; Chaudry, S.; Bhaktaram, A.; Whitehead, A.; Weitzel, H.; Ullah, R.; Qadar, A.; Wu, P.-T.; Ijaz, H.; Garrett, J. Efficacy of Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease. American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session, 2019.
Jeong, J.; Wu, P.-T.; Biruete, A.; Kistler, B.; Fitschen, P.; Chung, H.; Tomayko, E.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. The Effect of Intradialytic Exercise Training on Cardiac and Arterial Health in Hemodialysis Patients. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress 2018 Annual Meeting, 2018.
Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Biruete, A.; Kistler, B.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. The Interplay between Arterial Functional and Structural Alteration and Their Contribution to Cardiac Abnormalities in Hemodialysis Patients
. Kidney Week, 2016.
Biruete, A.; Fitschen, P.; Jeong, J. H.; Wu, P.-T.; Tomayko, E.; Wilund, K. Intradialytic Protein Supplementation Increases Protein Intake in Older, but Not Younger, Hemodialysis Patients and Is Associated with Improved Hip Bone Mineral Density. . Kidney Week, 2016.
Wu, P.-T.; Chronley, M.; Chen, J.; Croymans, D.; Lee, C.; Roberts, C. Associations Between Strength Fitness, Body Composition and the Determinants of Glycemic Control in Overweight/Obese Individuals. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress, 2016.
Wu, P.-T.; Katiraie, M.; Angadi, S.; Chronley, M.; Pham, K.; Chen, J.; Wong, D.; Huynh, D.; Harris, R.; McCarthy, W.; Roberts, C. Effects of Resistance Training and Cessation Therapy on Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Young Smokers. Annual Translational Nicotine Research Group Symposium, 2015.
Wu, P.-T.; Angadi, S.; Ruelas, V.; Manzanarez, B.; Segovia, D.; Phung, T.; Wong, D.; Pham, K.; Popish, A.; Henry, A.; Peters, A.; McCarthy, W.; Ortega, A.; Roberts, C. The Effect of Immigration Status on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Aerobic Fitness Levels in Foreign-Born and U.S.-Born Mexicans in East Los Angeles. Centers for Population Health and Health Disparities National Conference, 2015.
Chung, H. R.; Wu, P.-T.; Fitschen, P.; Kistler, B.; Park, H. W.; Jeong, J. H.; Wilund, K.; Wood, J.; Boppart, M. The Impact of Physical Activity on Statin-Associated Skeletal Muscle Myopathy. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress, 2015.
Jeong, J. H.; Fitschen, P.; Kistler, B.; Biruete, A.; Wu, P.-T.; Chung, H. R.; Fernhall, B.; Wilund, K. Relationship between Physical Function and Psychosocial Variables in Renal Failure Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Treatment. American College of Sports Medicine and World Congress, 2015.

Accepted

Wu, P.-T.; Ch, I.; Tahirkheli, N.; Tahirkheli, M.; Majeed, U.; Awais, M.; Khan, M.; Niaz, A.; Khan, S.; Ahsan, M. Non-Exercise Sessions Predict Survival and Hospitalization in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participants. . APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).

Presentation

Accepted

Wu, P.-T.; Ch, I.; Tahirkheli, N.; Tahirkheli, M.; Majeed, U.; Awais, M.; Khan, M.; Niaz, A.; Khan, S.; Ahsan, M. Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Survival after CABG: Identifying a Critical Threshold. . APTA Combined Sections Meeting (CSM).

Grants

Completed

The Effectiveness of Wearable Devices on Health Promotion in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus, Funded by Pacific University Faculty Development Grant (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) ($3,000.00), Completed, Summer 2024, PI Pei-Tzu Wu

Effects of Exercise Training on Postprandial Glycemic Variability in Prediabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, Funded by Medtronic MiniMed, Inc. - Scientific Research Grant (September 1, 2015 - September 1, 2019) ($5,000.00), Completed, Fall 2019, CoInvestigator Pei-Tzu Wu (49%) with PI Kim-Lien Nguyen (51%)

Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiac Structure and Function in Prediabetes Using 3D Cardiac MRI Technology, Funded by UCLA Radiology Department - Exploratory Research Grant (February 1, 2014) ($10,000.00), Completed, Spring 2016, CoInvestigator Pei-Tzu Wu with PI JP Finn, CoPI CK Roberts, CoInvestigator H Wu, CoInvestigator A Moghaddam, CoInvestigator S Ruehm, CoInvestigator MA Thomas

Funded - In Progress

Exploring Student Belonging and Success in a Hybrid Accelerated DPT Program, Funded by Evidence In Motion (EIM) Scholarship of Teaching and Learning University Partner (SoTL-UP) Faculty Research Grant (August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026) ($500.00), Funded - In Progress, Summer 2025, PI Pei-Tzu Wu with CoInvestigator Daniel Diaz, CoInvestigator Dustin Willis, CoInvestigator Breanne Fletcher-Hardy, CoInvestigator J Fleckenstein

Professional Membership

Spring 2024 - Ongoing

American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), September 2024

California Physical Therapy Association, March 2024

Fall 2023 - Ongoing

American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT), August 2023

Fall 2021 - Ongoing

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), August 2021, o Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary
o Academy of Education

American Physical Therapy Association – Oregon, August 2021

American Physical Therapy Association - Academy of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, August 2021

Academy of Education, August 2021

Fall 2013 - Ongoing

American Heart Association, August 2013

Fall 2011 - Fall 2013

National Health and Exercise Science Association, August 2011

Fall 2011 - Ongoing

American Physiological Society, August 2011

Spring 2007 - Ongoing

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), January 2007

Fall 2008 - Spring 2013

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Midwest Chapter, August 2008

Summer 2025 - Ongoing

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) - Southwest Chapter, June 2025

Summer 2004 - Ongoing

Taiwan Physical Therapy Association, August 2004