UW-Madison Department of Kinesiology - Ruth Benedict

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KINESIOLOGY
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CONTACTING US

Main Office

Kinesiology
School of Education
UW-Madison
Unit II Gym
 2000 Observatory Dr.
Madison, WI  53706-1121

Tel: 608/262-0259
 Fax: 608/262-1656
Email: kines@education.wisc.edu
or by contact form
 

Dr. Ruth E. Benedict
Profile Photo

Dr. Ruth E. Benedict

Associate Professor
Kinesiology
Occupational Therapy (OT)

Program Coordinator
Kinesiology
Occupational Therapy (OT)

3170 Medical Sciences Center  binoculars icon
1300 University Ave
Madison, WI 53706-1509
Office: 608/262-0543
Fax: 608/262-1639

rbenedict@education.wisc.edu
Website

Education

2001 - DrPH, Maternal and Child Health, Public Health
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC

1986 - MS, Occupational Therapy
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC

1976 - BA, Biology, Magna cum laude
Lewis and Clark College
Portland, OR


 

 

Teaching Interests

Dr. Benedict teaching expertise is in the areas of health policy, organizational management, community-based practice and assistive technology.

Non-Credit Teaching

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: Waisman Center Maternal and Child Health LEND Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Audience: UW Madison, Participants: 30, Academic, Start Date: September 28, 2012, End Date: 2012

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: Waisman Center Maternal and Child Health LEND Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Audience: UW Madison, Participants: 40, Academic, Start Date: September 30, 2011, End Date: 2011

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: OT Program, UW-Madison, Audience: Department, Participants: 23, Academic, Description: OT 621: Occupational Therapy Assessment Content: Assessment for Assistive Technology
    Start Date: November 29, 2011, End Date: November 29, 2011

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: BioPop Seminar, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin,Madison, Audience: Other University, Participants: 12, Academic, Description: Benedict, R.E. & Maenner, M.J. - Presentation of research.
    Start Date: March 4, 2011, End Date: March 4, 2011

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: OT Program, UW-Madison, Audience: UW Madison, Participants: 33, Academic, Description: OT 100 - Introduction to Occupational Therapy

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: OT Program, UW-Madison, Audience: Department, Participants: 23, Academic, Description: OT 622: Infant & Childhood Occupations & Therapeutic Interventions Content: Assistive Technology for Children

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: OT Program, UW-Madison, Audience: Department, Participants: 23, Academic, Description: OT 672 - Scientific Inquiry II: Research Design & Methods Content: Descriptive, Exploratory & Epidemiological Research

  • Instruction Type: Guest Lecture, Sponsoring Organization: OT Program, UW-Madison, Audience: Department, Participants: 24, Academic, Description: OT 629 - Medical Lectures for Occupational Therapy Content: Cerebral Palsy

Research Interests

Dr. Benedict uses epidemiological, health services and outcomes research to enhance our understanding of the special needs of children and the effectiveness of the delivery system in serving those needs.

Grants and Sponsorships

  • 2009-2013 - "Extension Of Outcomes Of Interventions For Spasticity Management Among Children And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy And Their Caregivers," Awarded By: Pedal-with-Pete Foundation, Grant Institution: Universtiy of Wisconsin-Madison, Sponsor Type: Private, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: This study will extend the recruitment and data collection for the measures of the effects of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump (ITB) placement on health, function, participation in family and community life, burden of care, and well-being among children with cerebral palsy and their primary caregivers to sites in Appleton and LaCrosse.
  • 2003-2013 - "Wisconsin Autism And Developmental Disabilities Surveillance (wisadds)," Awarded By: Centers for Disease Control, Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring and Centers for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology (ADDM/CADDRE) Surveillance Network, Grant Institution: UW-Madison, Sponsor Type: Federal, Ruth Benedict, Supporting; Maureen Durkin, Principal.
    Abstract: This project planned and is implementing a population-based, multi-source surveillance system for cerebral palsy among 8-year old children in Southeast and Southcentral Wisconsin during the surveillance years 2002, 2004 and 2006. Dr. Benedict’s contribution to the project has been in coordinating and developing methods for determining level of function of children with cerebral palsy across multiple sites.
  • 2010-2012 - "Physical Activity And Energy Expenditure During Care Giving Among Mothers Of Children And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy," Awarded By: Virginia Horne Henry Fund for Excellence in Women’s Physical Activity, Sponsor Type: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to assess the outcomes of ITB for spasticity and/or dystonia management among the primary caregivers of children and young adults with CP. Specifically we are measuring the effects of ITB pump placement on the health, well-being, participation, physical activity, and burden of care of primary caregivers and their child. For this portion of the study, an objective measure of physical exertion during care giving is being obtained through indirect calorimetry.
  • 2009-2011 - "Outcomes Of Interventions For Spasticity Management Among Children And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy And Their Caregivers," Awarded By: Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation, Grant Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sponsor Type: Private, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: This study will measure the effects of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump (ITB) placement on health, function, participation in family and community life, burden of care, and well-being among children with cerebral palsy and their primary caregivers.
  • 2009-2009 - "Engage Award: Technology-Enhanced Collaborative Group Work," Awarded By: DoIT, Grant Institution: UW-Madison, Sponsor Type: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
  • 2008-2009 - "Outcomes Of Interventions For Spasticity Management Among Children And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy And Their Caregivers," Awarded By: UW-Madison Graduate School, Grant Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sponsor Type: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: This interdisciplinary study will measure the effects of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump (ITB) placement and subsequent rehabilitation therapy on health, function, participation in family and community life burden of care, and well-being among children with cerebral palsy and their primary caregivers.
  • 2007-2008 - "Outcomes Of Interventions For Spasticity Management Among Children And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy And Their Families," Awarded By: UW-Madison, Vilas Life Cycle Grant, Grant Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sponsor Type: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: This pilot study will measure the effects of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump (ITB) placement and subsequent rehabilitation therapy on health, function, participation in family and community life, burden of care, and well-being among children with cerebral palsy and their primary caregivers.
  • 2006-2007 - "Policies And Programs To Assure Quality Assistive Technology Services And Community Integration For Children And Youth With Disabilities And Special Health Care Needs," Awarded By: University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Grant Institution: UW-Madison, Sponsor Type: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: This study was designed to identify essential components of the service delivery system that facilitate or act as barriers to acquisition of assistive technology devices and to determine the degree to which the quality of a state's assistive technology service delivery system predicts service utilization and improved child and family outcomes.
  • 2005-2006 - "Policies Affecting Access To Therapeutic And Supportive Services For Children With Special Health Care Needs," Awarded By: University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Grant Institution: UW-Madison, Sponsor Type: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ruth Benedict, Principal.
    Abstract: Examined how public policy choices affect access to therapeutic and supportive services among children with special needs. The 2001 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs and publicly available Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) data were used to model public health insurance program components and the quality of a medical home as predictors of service use.
  • 1997-1999 - "Evaluation Of Assistive Technology Program For Young Children," Awarded By: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Women's and Children's Health, Ruth Benedict, Co-Principal.
    Abstract: Evaluation research aimed at determining key factors contributing to young children's access to assistive technology services in the state of North Carolina

Publications

  • Andrews, M., Bolt, D.M., Braun, M., & Benedict, R. (in press). Measuring Exertion during Caregiving of Children and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy Who Require Assistance for Mobility and Self-care. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics.
  • Maenner, M.J., Benedict, R., Arneson, C.L., Yeargin-Allsopp, M., Wingate, M.S., Kirby, R.S., Van Naarden Braun, K., & Durkin, M.S. (2012). Racial disparities in functional limitations among children with cerebral palsy in a US-based population. Epidemiology. 23(1), 35-43.
    Online Publication/Abstract
  • Kirby, R.S., Wingate, M.S., Van Naarden Braun, K., Doernberg, N.S., Arneson, C.L., Benedict, R., Mulvihill, B., Durkin, M.S., Fitzgerald, R.T., Maenner, M.J., Patz, J.A., & Yeargin-Allsopp, M. (2011). Prevalence and functioning of children with cerebral palsy in four areas of the United States in 2006: A report from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Research in Developmental Disabilities. 32, 8 pages.
    Online Publication/Abstract
  • Benedict, R., Patz, J.A., Maenner, M.J., Arneson, C.L., Yeargin-Allsopp, M., Doernberg, N.S., Van Nardeen-Braun, K., Kirby, R.S., & Durkin, M.S. (2011). Feasibility and reliability of classifying gross motor function among children with cerebral palsy using population-based record surveillance. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. 25(1), 88-96.
    Online Publication/Abstract
  • Arneson, C.L., Durkin, M.S., Benedict, R., Kirby, R.S., Yeargin-Allsopp, M., Van Naarden Braun, K., & Doernberg, N.S. (2009). Brief Report: Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy – Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, Three Sites, United States. Disability & Health. 2, 45-48.
  • Benedict, R., & Baumgardner, A.M. (2009). A Population approach to understanding children’s access to assistive technology. Disability & Rehabilitation. 31(7), 582-592.
    Online Publication/Abstract
  • Yeargin-Allsopp, M., Van Naarden Braun, K., Doernberg, N.S., Benedict, R., Kirby, R.E., & Durkin, M. (2008). Prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) in three areas of the United States: A multi-site collaboration. Pediatrics. 121(3), 547-554.
    Online Publication/Abstract
  • Benedict, R. (2008). Quality medical homes: Meeting children’s needs for therapeutic and supportive services. Pediatrics. 121(1), e127-e134.
    Online Publication/Abstract
  • Benedict, R. (2006). Disparities in use of therapeutic and supportive services among school-age children with functional limitations: A comparison across settings. Health Services Research. 41, 103-124.
  • Oftedahl, E., Benedict, R., & Katcher, M.L. (2004). National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs: Wisconsin-specific data. Wisconsin Medical Journal. 103, 88-90.
  • Benedict, R., & Farel, A.M. (2003). Identifying children in need of ancillary and enabling services: A population approach. Social Science & Medicine. 57, 2035-2047.
  • Benedict, R., Lee, J.P., Marrujo, S.K., & Farel, A.M. (1999). Assistive devices as an early intervention: Evaluating outcomes. Technology and Disability. 11, 79-90.
  • Benedict, R., Farel, A.M., & Howell, E. (1999). Estimates of children with special needs in North Carolina. Statistical Brief No. 18. North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.

Presentations

  • Benedict, R., Presenter & Author, Larson, E., Presenter & Author, Auserdau, K., Presenter & Author, Farrar-Edwards, D., Author Only, & Chen, R., Presenter & Author (2012, November 2). Update on Current Occupational Therapy Research: Autism: Caregiving, Sensory Features & Feeding; Cerebral Palsy: Interventions, Child & Caregiver Outcomes; Stroke: Disparities & Treatment, Annual Conference of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association, Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association, MIddleton, WI.
  • Andrews, M., Author Only, Bolt, D.M., Author Only, Braun, M., Author Only, & Benedict, R., Presenter & Author (2012, September 15). Measuring Exertion during Caregiving of Children with Cerebral Palsy, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine 66th Annual Meeting, AACPDM, Toronto, ON, CA.
  • Kirby, R.S., Wingate, M.S., Mulvihill, B.A., Doernberg, N.S., Van Naarden Braun, K., Yeargin-Allsopp, M., Arneson, C., Durkin, M., Benedict, R., & Maenner, M. (2010, September 25). Prevalence and characteristics of cerebral palsy in four areas of the United States in 2006: An update from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine 64th Annual Meeting, AACPDM, Washington, D.C.
  • Benedict, R., Patz, J.A., Andrews, M., Arneson, C., & Sprague, R. (2009, November 5). Classification of Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Learning the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), Annual Conference of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association, Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association, MIddleton, WI.
  • Benedict, R., Patz, J., Maenner, M., Yeargin-Allsopp, M., Doernberg, N.S., Van Naarden Braun, K., Kirby, R.S., & Durkin, M.S. (2009, February 21). Surveillance of gross motor level of function among children with cerebral palsy: Feasibility and reliability in a United States cohort, 3rd International Cerebral Palsy Conference and World Congress on CP Surveillance and Registry, Sydney, Australia.

Departmental Service

  • Scholarship Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2012 - Pres.
    Accomplishments: Review and rank Departmental Scholarship Applications.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2012 - Pres.

  • Occupational Therapy Program Admissions Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2009 - 2011
    Accomplishments: Review and rank applications for admissions to OT Program.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2009 - 2010
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2010 - 2011

  • Department of Kinesiology Grievance Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2008 - 2012
  • Committee Chair. Period of Service: 2008 - Pres.

  • Space, Facilities & Technology Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2006 - 2013
    Accomplishments: Review and ranking of requests for equipment and technology during annual Capital Exercise; review and ranking of proposals for Instructional Lab Modernization.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2006 - 2013

  • Occupational Therapy Graduate Program Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2005 - 2013
    Accomplishments: Oversee Occupational Therapy Graduate Program.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2005 - 2013

  • Faculty Search Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2002 - 2013
    Accomplishments: Recruit, interview and hire new faculty.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2002 - 2004
  • Committee Chair. Period of Service: 2010 - 2011
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2011 - 2012
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2012 - 2013

  • Faculty Merit Review Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2002 - 2011
    Accomplishments: Review of faculty PARs and ranking for Merit.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2002 - 2003
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2009 - 2010
  • Committee Chair. Period of Service: 2010 - 2011

  • Undergraduate Scholarship Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2001 - 2006
    Accomplishments: Review and rank Departmental Scholarship Applications.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2001 - 2006

  • Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Program Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2001 - 2005
    Accomplishments: Oversee Occupational Therapy Undergraduate Program.
  • Committee Member. Period of Service: 2001 - 2005

School Service

  • Equity & Diversity Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2012 - 2013
  • Member. Period of Service: 2012 - 2013

  • Virginia Horne Henry Graduate Fellowship Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2008 - 2013
    Accomplishments: Annual review and ranking of graduate fellowships.
  • Member. Period of Service: 2008 - 2009
  • Chair. Period of Service: 2009 - 2013

  • Virginia Horne Henry Intramural Grants For Excellence in Women's Physical Activity & Health Committee
    Dates of Membership: 2008 - 2013
    Accomplishments: Annual review and ranking of intramural program, project and research grants.
  • Member. Period of Service: 2008 - 2009
  • Chair. Period of Service: 2009 - 2013

Public Service

  • Disability & Rehabilitation
    Dates of Membership: 2009 - 2013
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2009 - 2013

  • Pediatrics
    Dates of Membership: 2008 - 2013
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2008 - 2013

  • Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
    Dates of Membership: 2008 - 2013
  • Editorial Review Board Member. Period of Service: 2008 - 2013

  • American Journal of Mental Retardation (AJMR)
    Dates of Membership: 2008 - 2008
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2008 - 2008

  • Public Health Reports
    Dates of Membership: 2006 - 2007
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2006 - 2007

  • Ambulatory Pediatrics
    Dates of Membership: 2005 - 2009
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2005 - 2009

  • American Journal of Occupational Therapy
    Dates of Membership: 2003 - 2010
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2003 - 2005
  • Editorial Review Board Member. Period of Service: 2005 - 2010

  • Social Science & Medicine
    Dates of Membership: 2003 - 2003
  • Reviewer, Journal Article. Period of Service: 2003 - 2003

Awards and Honors

  • Nominee for Greenberg Award for Excellence in Dissertation Research
    Organization: Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Public Health
    Purpose: Scholarship/Research
    Scope: Other University
    Date(s): 2002

Memberships

  • American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM)
    Scope of Organization: International, Member Since: 2008
  • Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison (ICTR)
    Scope of Organization: UW Madison, Member Since: 2007
  • Maternal and Child Health LEND Program, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin –Madison
    Position Held: Discipline Coordinator, Scope of Organization: UW Madison, Member Since: 2006
  • AcademyHealth
    Scope of Organization: International, Member Since: 2003
  • Wisconsin Public Health and Health Policy Institute
    Position Held: Affiliate, Member Since: 2002
  • Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
    Member Since: 2001
  • Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association
    Scope of Organization: State, Membership Period: 2001 - 2011
  • Association of Health Services Research
    Scope of Organization: National, Membership Period: 1999 - 2000
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
    Scope of Organization: National, Member Since: 1987
  • American Occupational Therapy Association
    Scope of Organization: National, Member Since: 1984
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