McNair Scholar 2022 Tram Tran
Tram Tran is a fourth-year student at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Physical Activity and Health Promotions. Her research interests include expanding access to women’s health in underrepresented areas and physical rehabilitation in the pediatric field and veterans. Tram plans on pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a focus on pediatrics or veterans.
My dream is to advocate and be involved in the treatment of underrepresented groups in Physical Therapy. I want to have an holistic setting for patients of different backgrounds and experiences.
Research project
Comparisons of physiological responses in induced and spontaneous hot flushes in postmenopausal females
Abstract: Postmenopausal females who experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS, hot flushes, night sweats) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension (HTN). Induced hot flushes in a laboratory setting were replicated by using a temperature-controlled water circulating (TCWC) pad and then measured the physiological responses (i.e. heart rate (HR), skin conductivity via galvanic skin response (SC, GSR) in comparison to spontaneous hot flushes. It is unknown if the blood pressure (BP) response to an induced hot flush is similar to a spontaneous hot flush. This study will determine if there are differences in HR, SC, skin temperature, and BP responses between spontaneous and induced hot flushes. It is hypothesized that there will be similar responses between spontaneous and induced hot flushes, allowing for a predictable and consistent method of investigating the link between hot flushes and CVD. Approximately 20 postmenopausal female participants with at least three hot flushes a day will be recruited to complete two study visits. Visit one: screening for eligibility and informed consent. Visit two: participants will report to the laboratory after a 12-hour fast and abstinence from caffeine, alcohol, and exercise. HR (electrocardiography), BP (finger plethysmography), SC via galvanic skin response (GSR), and skin temperature will be continuously monitored during two study periods: a two-hour spontaneous period and a 30-minute induction period while a TCWC pad is placed on the participant’s torso. Preliminary data suggest similarities in BP, HR, and GSR responses, but further research is needed. During hot flushes observed in this study, SC, and HR tended to increase, whereas changes in BP were equivocal. Future implications of induced hot flushes can be used to examine physiological responses to VMS including spontaneous hot flushes and further contribute to identifying the link between CVD, HT, and VMS of menopausal females.
Faculty mentor
Manda Keller-Ross is currently an assistant professor in the Division of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation within Medical School. Dr. Keller-Ross attended Marquette University for her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and her Ph.D. in Neuromuscular Physiology and Exercise Physiology. She attended the Mayo Clinic for her Post-doctoral Fellow in Cardiovascular Diseases. Her primary research interest involves investigating the factors that contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in females after menopause and exercise intolerance in those with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. She aims to develop treatment strategies to improve cardiorespiratory regulation and decrease CVD. Dr. Keller-Ross is a published author in multiple journals and is involved in multiple professional associations.