Sara Koveleski Kraut, PT, DPT, NCS

Dr. Kraut serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy. She is a Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist. The main content of Dr. Kraut’s teaching is focused in the areas of neurology and vestibular. Her current research emphasis is on exercise and older-adults, as well as exercise and adults with neurological conditions. Dr. Kraut is the founder and owner of Advanced Physical Therapy & Health Services, a private practice in Park Ridge, IL that focuses on evaluation and treatment of people with neurologic, orthopedic, and vestibular conditions. Her close connection between her clinic and community has allowed for excellent opportunities for collaboration of university research and student learning experiences.

Research Interests

• Effects of exercise on balance, gait, and strength in community-dwelling older adults
• Group exercise class benefits for adults with neurological conditions

Selected Presentations

• Kraut S, Erler R, Flate H, Furland T, Grotti T, Otto S, Tomsovic A, Stevens K, Van Valkenburgh L. Effects of a four-week boxing class on gait speed, walking endurance, balance, and functional strength in community-dwelling older adults. Poster Presentation. American Physical Therapy Association; Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio, TX. February 2022.
• Kraut S, Guidry A, Kuntz J, Oltman C, Reichert K, Smrz R, Volk J, Weslo R. The effects of a four-week Pilates and boxing exercise program on gait speed, functional cardiovascular endurance, balance, functional strength, and quality of life in community dwelling older adults: a pilot study. Poster Presentation. Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress 2021 (virtual); May 2021.
• Kraut S, Erler R, Flate H, Furland T, Grotti T, Otto S, Tomsovic A, Stevens K, Van Valkenburgh L. Effects of a four-week boxing class on gait speed, walking endurance, balance, and functional strength in community-dwelling older adults. Poster Presentation. Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress 2021 (virtual); May 2021.
• Rosenblatt N, PhD, Calamari J, Schneider K, Kraut SK, Major M, Duncan C, Reddin C, Stachowiak A, Henderson R. Active Virtual Reality Training and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; An Interprofessional Approach to Promote Balance Confidence, Balance, Functional Mobility, Community Participation, and Quality of Life in Trans-tibial Prosthesis Users. Platform Presentation. American Physical Therapy Association; Combined Sections Meeting. Washington, DC. January 2019.

Education

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
  Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School
  North Chicago, IL
• Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
  Double major: Spanish / Pre-Physical Therapy
  The University of Iowa
  Iowa City, IA

Certifications

• American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
• American Physical Therapy Association, Credentialed Clinical Instructor
• From the Center Pilates, Certified Pilates Instructor
• American Council on Exercise, Certified Personal Trainer
• Aerobic and Fitness Association of America, Group Fitness Instructor

Honors and Awards

• Outstanding Faculty Teacher
  Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science - College of Health Professions
  April 2022
• Clinical Education Award
  Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School – Department of Physical Therapy
  June 2001

Professional Society Membership

• American Physical Therapy Association
  • Private Practice Section
  • Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy
• Illinois Physical Therapy Association, member
• Illinois Network of Independent Physical Therapists, Secretary