Overview
Associate Professor - Clinical
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
Director of The Ohio State Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Residency Program
MS/PhD Mentor
516X Atwell Hall
453 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Phone: (614) 685-3564
Professional Areas of Interest
- Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
- Acute and Critical Care Rehabilitation
- Lung Transplantation
- Inspiratory muscle training
- Covid-19
Overview
Dr. Meirelles specializes in cardiopulmonary physical therapy within acute care contexts, with a particular focus on pre and post-physical therapy assessments and interventions for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgeries, such as heart and lung transplants. Her expertise extends to the study of early mobilization in critically ill patients in intensive care units, including those requiring mechanical circulatory and respiratory support. Dr. Meirelles also explores physical performance and activity assessments in the later stages post-stroke, encompassing cardiorespiratory fitness, walking performance, muscle strength, and self-reported physical activity levels.
As a board-certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, Dr. Meirelles practices as a clinician at The Ross Heart Hospital at OSUWMC. Her leadership extends to the development of the physical therapy lung clinic, aimed at conducting comprehensive evaluations for lung transplant candidates. Through this clinic, Dr. Meirelles focus on assessing various aspects of physical function and rehabilitation potential, tailored specifically to the unique needs of individuals awaiting lung transplantation. This initiative underscores Dr. Meirelles' dedication to optimizing patient care and outcomes in the field of cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Her contributions to the field are widely recognized through her published research and presentations at national and international meetings, focusing on cardiopulmonary-related topics.
Currently, Dr. Meirelles leads a groundbreaking clinical trial investigating the benefits of inspiratory muscle training immediately following lung transplantation. Additionally, she actively engages in research projects evaluating physical performance and frailty among diverse populations, including lung transplant candidates and recipients, individuals recovering from COVID-19, and patients undergoing cardiovascular surgeries.
In addition to her clinical and research roles, Dr. Meirelles serves as the director of the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary PT Residency Program at OSUWMC, demonstrating her commitment to educating and mentoring future generations of healthcare professionals in the field.
Recent Publications
Garrett, J, Wiles, M, Meirelles, C. (Jan 2024). Role of occupational therapy before and after heart transplant: A case study. Journal of Acute Care Occupational Therapy, 6(1), 1-22.
Briggs M, Kolbus E, Patterson K, Harmon-Matthews L, McGrath S, Quatman-Yates C, Meirelles C, Salsberry M. (June 2023). Role of Oral Intake, Mobility, and Activity Measures in Informing Discharge Recommendations for Hospitalized Inmate and Noninmate Patients With COVID-19: Retrospective Analysis. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 10: e43250.
Severin R, Franz CK, Farr E, Meirelles C, Arena R, Phillips SA, Bond S, Ferraro F, Faghy M; HL-PIVOT Network. (Oct 2022). The effects of COVID-19 on respiratory muscle performance: making the case for respiratory muscle testing and training. Eur Respir Rev. 5;31(166):220006.
Meirelles C, Dhiraprasiddhi S, Nzeogu AE, Clements S, Wallace C, Nunley DR. (June 2021). Acute Rehabilitation in a Lung Transplant Recipient Infected with Covid-19: Case Report. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 39:4, 421-430.
Rafsten L, Meirelles C, Danielsson A, Sunnerhagen KS. (Aug 2019). Impaired Motor Function in the Affected Arm Predicts Impaired Postural Balance After Stroke: A Cross Sectional Study. Front Neurol. 2019 Aug 21; 10:912.
Recent Presentations
Meirelles C, Severin R, Bento, H, Little A. (February 2024) Get Inspired: Implementing Respiratory Muscle Training Across Physical Therapist Practice. Education Session at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, USA February 2024.
Farnsworth A, Manning C, Nunley D, Meirelles C. (February 2024). Physical Frailty Assessment in Lung Transplant Candidates: What Measures Are Necessary? Platform presentation at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, USA February 2024.
Eccles S, Baertsche B, Rosenheck J, Meirelles C. (February 2024) Chest Wall and Thoracic Mobility and Its Relation to Pulmonary Function in Lung Transplant Candidates. Poster presentation at the at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, USA February 2024.
Meirelles C, Farnsworth A, Petit S, Baertsche B. (February 2023). Benefits of Inspiratory Muscle Training Following Redo Lung Transplantation in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Case Series.
Platform Presentation at the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, USA, February 2023
Meirelles C, Farnsworth A, Rosenheck J, Ramsammy V, Nunley D. (April 2023). Pulmonary Physical Therapy Protocol to Evaluate Lung Transplant Candidates. Poster presentation at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, ISHLT 43rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions. Denver, CO, April 2023.
Awards
- 2024- Academy Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Best poster presentation, Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association, Boston, MA, USA February 2024.
- 2023- Faculty Teaching Award, The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University
Education
- 2018: Critical Care Physical Therapy Fellowship, University of Chicago Medical Center- Chicago, USA
- 2012: PhD in Rehabilitation Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology / Department Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Gothenburg- Gothenburg, Sweden
- 2002: “Lato sensu postgraduate” degree in Cardiorespiratory Physical Therapy, Brazilian Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 2000: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy, Brazilian Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil