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University of Colorado College of Nursing

College of Nursing
 

Faculty Profile

Albert Moraska, PhD

Assistant Professor – Research

Albert.Moraska@ucdenver.edu

Dr. Moraska’s research focuses on the role of complementary medicine in alleviating chronic disease. Areas of interest include mechanistic, translational, and clinical aspects of complementary therapies such as massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, structural integration, and yoga.

Dr. Moraska is currently conducting a three-year study funded by the NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to identify the impact of massage therapy on pain and disability associated with tension-type headache. Dr. Moraska is also interested in the underlying physiological mechanism by which complementary therapies work. Specifically, he is investigating the mechanism of action of massage therapy on myofascial trigger points, which may provide physiological justification for this type of treatment.

Degree Awarding Institution Field of Study Graduation Date
PhD University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder, Colorado		 Integrative Physiology 2002
BS Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, New York		 Biology 1989

  1. Moraska A, Chandler, C. Changes in psychological parameters in patients with tension-type headache following massage therapy – a pilot study. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. 2009: 17(2):86-94.
  2. Moraska A, Chandler, C. Changes in headache clinical parameters in patients with tension-type headache following massage therapy – a pilot study. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy. 2008; 16(2): 106-112.
  3. Moraska A, Pollini RA, Boulanger K, Brooks MZ, Teitlebaum L. Physiological adjustments to stress measures following massage therapy: a review of the literature. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2008; eCAM, doi: 10.1093/ecam/nen029.
  4. Moraska A, Chandler C, Edmiston-Schaetzel A, Franklin G, Calenda EL, Enebo B. A comparison of specific and general massage protocols on strength, function and symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. 2008; J Alt Comp Med. 14(3):259-267.
  5. Moraska A. Therapist education impacts the massage effect of post-race muscle recovery. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007; 39(1): 34-37.
  6. Moraska A. Sports massage: a comprehensive review. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2005; 45(3): 360-4.
  7. Campisi J, Leem TH, Greenwood BN, Hansen MK, Moraska A, Higgins K, Smith TP, Fleshner M. Habitual physical activity facilitates stress-induced HSP72 induction in brain, peripheral, and immune tissues. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2003; 284: R520-R530.
  8. Quinn C, Chandler C, Moraska A. Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches. 2002; Am J Pub Health. 92(10): 1657-1661.
  9. Moraska A, Campisi J, Nguyen KT, Maier SF, Watkins LR, Fleshner M. Elevated IL-1b contributes to antibody suppression produced by stress. J Appl Physiol. 2002; 93(1):207-215.
  10. Moraska A and Fleshner M. Voluntary physical activity prevents stress-induced behavioral depression and anti-KLH antibody suppression. Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol. 2001; 281: R484-R489.
  11. Moraska A, Deak T, Spencer RL, Roth D, Fleshner M. Treadmill running produces both positive and negative physiological adaptations in Sprague-Dawley rats. Am J Physiol Regulatory Integrative Comp Physiol. 2000; 279(4): R1321-R1329.
  12. Noble E, Moraska A, Mazzeo R, Roth D, Ollson C, Moore R, Fleshner M. Differential expression of stress proteins in rat myocardium following free wheel or treadmill run training. J Appl Physiol. 1999; 86(5): 1696-701.

  • PI, Massage therapy for pain and disability in tension-type headache. 1R21AT004469-01A2. (10/01/09-9/29/12)