Grant E. Norte is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences – Division of Kinesiology at the University of Central Florida. Norte serves as a Co-Director of the Cognitive, Neuroplasticity, & Sarcopenia (CNS) Laboratory within the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences. In this capacity, Norte’s research agenda is focused on understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of knee joint injuries to leverage innovative treatment approaches that improve patient outcomes. His body of work reflects a multifaceted approach to investigations of neural (transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroencephalography, Hoffmann reflex), muscular (dynamometry, burst superimposition, electromyography, magnetic resonance imaging), movement (2D and 3D motion capture), and patient-oriented impairments following orthopedic trauma, with a particular emphasis on ACL injury.
As a southern California native, Norte graduated from California Lutheran University with his undergraduate degree in exercise science and sports medicine – athletic training. He went on to complete a post-professional athletic training program at the University of Virginia. Norte later attended an athletic training fellowship with The Steadman Clinic in Vail, CO and served as head athletic trainer at the State University of New York at New Paltz to broaden his perspectives in healthcare before returning to the University of Virginia, where he earned his doctorate in sports medicine.
Norte is an active member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and Athletic Trainers’ Osteoarthritis Consortium. He enjoys mentoring students and building collaborative networks with friends and colleagues, both domestically and abroad.
Credentials
- Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy, Sports Medicine, University of Virginia
- MEd, Master of Education, Athletic Training, University of Virginia
- ATC, Certified Athletic Trainer
- BS, Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science and Sports Medicine – Athletic Training, California Lutheran University
Affiliations
- Cognitive, Neuroplasticity, & Sarcopenia (CNS) Lab
- o Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Sciences
What distinguishes patients who achieve successful outcomes from those who incur poor outcomes? As a clinical researcher, this is a fundamental question to Dr. Norte’s research, and is particularly relevant to individuals who have experienced a knee joint injury. Post-traumatic muscle dysfunction is well described in this growing population and is linked to poor outcomes, including decreased physical activity and self-reported function, increased risk of re-injury, and an accelerated onset of joint degeneration (osteoarthritis). While the resolution of muscular dysfunction is a clinical priority, persistent impairments highlight its resistance to traditional therapeutic approaches. Understanding the neurophysiological origins of post-traumatic muscle dysfunction is essential to create an evidence-base for novel, individualized therapies that address the pathophysiological underpinning of knee joint injuries. Dr. Norte’s robust academic and research background has prepared him to build an impactful research agenda that will assist health care professionals in early identification and intervention strategies to mitigate post-traumatic muscle dysfunction and its deleterious clinical comorbidities.
Areas of Specialty
- Neuromuscular assessment
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedic injury
- Clinical rehabilitation
APK 4903: Basic Research Methods in Kinesiology
