2026-08-05 The Impact of Tube Length and Other Variables on the Delivery of Supplemental Oxygen

Gillian Gulley, SPT is a second year doctor of physical therapy student at Northwestern University. She graduated in 2022 from American University with a bachelor of science in Health Promotion. Shortly after graduation, she received her NASM certification for personal training and has most recently worked with patients at a clinic for weight loss. Currently, she is interested in neuro physical therapy. She is now working under Jennifer Ryan, PT, DPT, MS,CCS in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences with research regarding the impact of changing oxygen tube length on the flow rate.

Kathryn Rutledge, SPT is a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy Student at Northwestern University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology with a concentration in movement science from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2024 where she assisted in research in Shingleton Laboratory under Alexander Shingleton and Carlos Molina. She researched the genetic architecture of hierarchical size traits, including body size and sex-specific plasticity, in Drosophila melanogaster. Currently, she is now working under Jennifer Ryan, PT, DPT, MS, CCS in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences with research regarding the impact of changing oxygen tube length on the flow rate. 

Emma von der Linden, SPT is a second year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Northwestern University. She received her Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at Miami University in 2024 where she took part in gathering research about factors that influence exercise testing. Currently, she is now working under Jennifer Ryan, PT, DPT, MS, CCS in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences with research regarding the impact of changing oxygen tube length on the flow rate. Emma is interested in neurology and orthopedic physical therapy.

Jennifer Marie Ryan, PT, DPT, MS graduated from the Physical Therapy program at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1990 and went on to complete both a Master of Science in Physical Therapy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. In July 2006 and 2016, she was awarded board certification as a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialization.

Throughout her physical therapy career, she has specialized in physical therapy care for critically ill patients and their families. In her current position at Northwestern University, she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences where she teaches in the areas of cardiovascular and pulmonary and acute care, and has presented over 20 peer-reviewed lectures at national conferences.

Dr Ryan was the recipient of:

• the IPTA Physical Therapist of the Year award in 2008
• the Mary Sinnott Award for Excellence in Acute Care Physical Therapy in 2012
• the 2014 Acute Care Section Lecture Award
• the Babette Sanders Leadership and Service Award in 2023.

Dr Ryan presently serves:

• the American Physical Therapy Association as a member of the Nominating Committee
• the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as the Practice Analysis Coordinator for Acute Care Specialization, Residencies and Critical Care Fellowships
• APTA Acute Care as the Vice President
• the Illinois Physical Therapy Association as an Assembly Representative