Neil I. Spielholz, PhD, PT, FAPTA

Primary Appointment
Department of Physical Therapy, Miller School of Medicine
Professor Emeritus

Awards
Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association, 2001.
Distinguished Service Award, Section on Clinical Electrophysiology, American Physical Therapy Association, 1998
Helen J. Hislop Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Professional Literature, American Physical Therapy Association, 1995.
Third Annual Arthur J. Nelson Lectureship in Electromyography, 1991

Research
Electrophysiology & Kinesiological EMG

Selected Publications
Rabiner A, Roach KE, Spielholz NI, Judson L. Characteristics of nursing home residents with contractures. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr, 13(4):1-10; 1995.

Spielholz NI, Nolan MF. Conventional TENS and the phenomena of accommodation, adaptation, habituation, and electrode polarization. J Clin Electrophysiol, 7:16-19, 1995.

Fiebert IM, Pahl CH, Applegate EB, Spielholz NI, Beernik K. Medial-lateral hamstring electromyographic activity during maximum isometric knee flexion at different angles. Isokinetics Exer Sci, 6:157-162, 1996.

Vance AR, Hayes SH, Spielholz NI. Microwave diathermy treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. Phys Ther, 76:1003-1008, 1996.

Fiebert IM, Spielholz NI, Applegate EB, Carbone M, Gonzalez G, Gorack WM. Integrated EMG study of the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius during isometric plantar flexion with varying cuff weight loads. J Back Musculoskel Rehab, 11:19-26, 1998.

Spielholz NI. Electrical stimulation of denervated muscle. In Clinical Electrotherapy, 3rd Edition, edited by Nelson RM, Hayes KW, Currier DP, Appleton & Lange, Publ, Tamford CT, pp 411-446, 1999.

Fiebert IM, Spielholz NI, Applegate B, Crabtree FG, Martin LA, Parker KL. A comparison of iEMG activity between the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle during partial weight bearing plantarflexion contractions at varying loads. Isokinetics Exer Sci, 8:65-72, 2000.

Publications

Books:
Feinberg JH, Spielholz NI (Editors): Peripheral Nerve Injuries in the Athlete. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL, 2003

DeLisa JA, Lee HJ, Baran Em, Lai KS, Spielholz N, Mackenzie K: Manual of Nerve Conduction Velocity and Clinical Neurophysiology, 3rd. Edition. Raven Press, New York, NY, 1994.

Liveson JA, Spielholz NI: Peripheral Neurology: Case Studies in Electrodiagnosis. FA Davis,  Publ, Phila, PA, 1979.

Book Chapters:
Spielhoz, NI: Magnets: What is the evidence of efficacy? Chapter 16, in Complementary Therapies in Rehabilitation, 2nd Edition, edited by Davis CM, Slack, Inc, Publ, Thorofare, NJ, 2004.

Feinberg JH, Spielholz NI: Cervical radiculopathies, brachial plexopathies, and the Burner syndrome. In Peripheral Nerve Injuries in the Athlete, edited by Feinberg & Spielholz, Human Kinetics, Publ, Champaign, IL, Chapter 2, pp 17-37, 2003.

Spielholz NI, Myers SJ: Nerve conduction and neuromuscular transmission, Chapter 13, in Downey & Darling's Physiological Basis of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3rd Edition, Butterworth-Heineman, Publ, 2001.

Spielholz NI: Electrical stimulation of denervated muscle. In Clinical Electrotherapy, 3rd Edition, edited by Nelson RM, Hayes KW, Currier DP, Appleton & Lange, Publ, Tamford CT, pp 411-446, 1999.

Spielholz NI: Intraoperative monitoring of the spinal cord and selected peripheral nerves. In Electrodiagnostic Medicine, edited by Dumitru D, Hanley & Belfus, Publ, Philadelphia, PA, pp 1147-1157, 1995. 

Nash MS, Spielholz NI: The effect of aging and exercise on bone and skeletal muscle. In Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America, edited by Roach KE, WB Saunders Co, Publ, 2:225-240, 1993.

Nash MS, Spielholz NI: Influence of electrically stimulated cycling exercise on H-reflexes in human quadriplegia. In Electricity and Magnetism in Biology and Medicine, edited by Blank M, San Francisco Press, Inc., CA, pp 785-787, 1993.

Enwemeka CS, Spielholz NI: Modulation of tendon growth and regeneration by electrical fields and currents. In Dynamics of Human Biologic Tissues, edited by Nelson RM, Currier DP, FA Davis, publ, Philadelphia, PA, pp 231-254, 1992.

Spielholz NI: Electrical stimulation of denervated muscle.  In Clinical Electrotherapy, 2nd Edition, edited by Nelson RM, Currier DP; Appleton & Lange, Publ, Norwalk, CT, Chapter 5, pp 121-142, 1991.

Spielholz NI: Scientific basis of exercise programs. In Therapeutic Exercise, 5th Edition, edited by Basmajian JV, Wolf SL; Williams and Wilkins, Publ, Baltimore, Chapter 2, pp 49-76, 1990.

Abbott R, Johann M, Spielholz N, Epstein F: Selective posterior rhizotomy and spasticity:Relationship between intraoperative abnormal muscle contractions and the tone examination. In Neurosurgery State of the Art Reviews: Management of Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Cord Injury, edited by Park TS, Phillips LH, Peacock WJ; Hanley & Belfus, Publ, Phila, PA, 4:471-475, 1989.

Spielholz NI: Intraoperative use of somatosensory evoked potentials. In Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, State of the Art Reviews: Clinical Electrophysiology, edited by Dumitru D; Hanley & Belfus, Publ, Phila, PA, 3:823-840, 1989.

Cole JL, Pavot AP, Goldberg G, Spielholz NI: Central nervous system electrophysiology.  In Rehabilitation Medicine: Principles and Practice, edited by DeLisa JA, Lippincott Publ, Phila, PA, Chapter 12, pp 228-256, 1988.

Spielholz NI: Electrical stimulation of denervated muscle. In Clinical Electrotherapy, edited by Nelson RM, Currier DP, Appleton & Lange, Publ, E. Norwalk, CT, pp 97-113, 1987.

Spielholz NI, Benjamin MV, Engler GL, Ransohoff J: Somatosensory evoked potentials and clinical outcome in spinal cord injury. In Neural Trauma, edited by Popp AJ, et al, Raven  Press, New York, NY, pp 217-222, 1979.

Levitt P, Ransohoff J, Spielholz NI: The differential diagnosis of tumors of the conus medullaris and cauda equina.  In Handbook of Clinical Neurology, Vol. 19, Chapt. 4, edited by PJ Vinken and GW Bruyn, American Elsevier Publ CO, NY, 1975.

Juried or Refereed Journal Articles and Exhibitions:
Field-Fote EC, Andersen B, Robertson VJ, Spielholz NI: Monophasic and biphasic stimulation evoke different responses. Muscle Nerve, 28:239-241, 2003.

Fiebert IM, Spielholz NI, Applegate B, Crabtree FG, Martin LA, Parker KL: A comparison of iEMG activity between the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle during partial weight bearing plantarflexion contractions at varying loads. Isokinetics Exer Sci, 8:65-72, 2000.

Fiebert IM, Spielholz NI, Applegate EB, Carbone M, Gonzalez G, Gorack WM: Integrated EMG study of the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius during isometric plantar flexion with varying cuff weight loads. J Back Musculoskel Rehab, 11:19-26, 1998.

Fiebert IM, Pahl CH, Applegate EB, Spielholz NI, Beernik K: Medial-lateral hamstring  electromyographic activity during maximum isometric knee flexion at different angles.  Isokinetics Exer Sci, 6:157-162, 1996. 

Vance AR, Hayes SH, Spielholz NI: Microwave diathermy treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. Phys Ther, 76:1003-1008, 1996.

Rabiner A, Roach KE, Spielholz NI, Judson L: Characteristics of nursing home residents  with contractures. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr, 13(4):1-10; 1995.

Spielholz NI, Nolan MF: Conventional TENS and the phenomena of accommodation,  adaptation, habituation, and electrode polarization. J Clin Electrophysiol, 7:16-19, 1995.

Spielholz NI: Intraoperative monitoring using somatosensory evoked potentials: A brief  overview. EMG Clin Neurophysiol, 34:29-34, 1994.

Podhorodecki AD, Spielholz NI: Electromyographic study of overuse syndromes in sign  language interpreters. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 74:261-262, 1993.

Spielholz NI, Rosenblum JA, Lee MHM, Geisel LC: Unilateral leg pain in a drug-abuser following ipsilateral rhabdomyolysis and peripheral nerve injury. Am J Pain Management, 3:57-59, 1993.

Rosenblum JA, Spielholz NI, Lee MHM, Ma DM: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper extremity following infection and removal of a silicone breast implant. J Neurol Orthop Med Surg, 13:131-135, 1992.

Twist DJ, Squires NK, Spielholz NI, Silverglide R: Event-related potentials in disorders of prosodic and semantic linguistic processing. Neuropsychiat, Neuropsychol, Behavior Neurol, 4:281-304, 1991.

Chiu DT, Chen L, Spielholz NI, Beasley RW: A comparative electrophysiological study on neurotisation in rats. J Hand Surg (British Volume) 16:505-510, 1991.

Abbott R, Deletes V, Spielholz N, Wisoff JH, Epstein FJ: Selective posterior rhizotomy: Pitfalls in monitoring.  Concepts Pediatr Neurosurg, 10:187-195, 1990.

Pachter B, Spielholz NI: Tenotomy-induced motor endplate alterations in rat soleus muscle. Anat Rec, 228:104-108, 1990.

Pollack S, Axen K, Spielholz, NI, Haas F, Levin N, Ragnarsson KT: Aerobic training effects of electrically induced lower extremity exercises in spinal cord injured people. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 70:214-219, 1989.

Khouri RK, Chiu DTW, Feinberg J, Tark KC, Harper A, Spielholz N: Effects of neurite-promoting factors on rat sciatic nerve regeneration.  Microsurgery, 10:206-209, 1989.

Enwemeka CS, Spielholz NI, Nelson AJ: The effect of early functional activities on experimentally tenotomized Achilles tendons in rats. Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 67:264-269, 1988.

Van der Kloot W, Spielholz NI: Effects of change in the tonicity of the extracellular solution on the size of vesicles in frog motor nerve terminals. J Neurocytol, 16:77-84, 1987.

Owoeye I, Spielholz NI, Fetto J, Nelson A: Low-intensity pulsed galvanic current and the healing of tenotomized Achilles tendons: Preliminary report using load-to-breaking  measurements. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 68:415-418, 1987.

Spielholz NI, Engler GL, Merkin H: Spinal cord monitoring during Harrington instrumentation. Clin Evoked Potentials, 4:12-16, 1986.

Spielholz NI, Van der Kloot W: Quantal size increases without detectable change in vesicle size at the frog neuromuscular junction. J Physiol, 382:157P, 1986.

Wang BC, Hillman DE, Spielholz NI, Turndorf H: Chronic neurological deficits and Nesacaine-CE: An effect of the anesthetic, 2-chloroprocaine, or the antioxidant, sodium  bisulfite? Anesth Analg, 63:445-447, 1984.

Spielholz NI, Merkin H, Engler GL, Benjamin MV, Ransohoff J: Somatosensory evoked potentials: Experience with their use in spinal cord injury and as an intra-operative spinal cord monitor. SCI Digest, 4:19-35, 1982.

Spielholz NI: Skeletal muscle: A review of its development in-vivo and in-vitro. Phys Ther, 62:1757-1762, 1982.

Axelrod FB, Iyer K, FIsh I, Pearson J, Sein ME, Spielholz NI: Progressive sensory loss in Familial Dysautonomia. Pediatrics, 67:517-522, 1981.

Ma DM, Kim SH, Spielholz NI, Goodgold J: Sensory conduction study of the distal radial nerve. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 62: 562-564, 1981.

Epstein F, Spielholz NI, McCarthy J, Battista A, Ransohoff J: Delayed cauda equina reconstruction in meningomyelocele. Childs Brain, 7:31-42, 1980.

Epstein F, Spielholz NI, Battista A, McCarthy J: Delayed cauda equina reconstruction in meningomyelocele: Preliminary report. Neurosurgery, 6:540-541, 1980.

Spielholz NI, Benjamin MV, Engler GL, Ransohoff J: Somatosensory evoked potentials during decompression and stabilization of the spine: Methods and findings. Spine, 4:500-505, 1979.

Kupersmith MJ, Lieberman AN, Spielholz NI, Berczeller P, Ransohoff J: Neuropathy with susceptibility to compression aggravated by herniated disc. Arch Neurol, 36:645-647, 1979.

Engler GL, Spielholz NI, Bernhard WN, Danziger F, Merkin H, Wolff T: Somatosensory evoked potentials during Harrington instrumentation for scoliosis. J Bone Joint Surg, 60A:528-532, 1978.

Fox AJ, Krischeff II, Goodgold J, Spielholz NI, Tragerman L: The effect of angiography on the electrophysiological state of the spinal cord: A study in control and traumatized cats. Radiology, 118:343-350, 1976.

Lieberman AN, Spielholz NI: Multiple peripheral nerve injuries simulating hemiplegia in drug abusers. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 56:319-31, 1975.

Seelig M, Berger A, Spielholz NI: Latent tetany and anxiety, marginal magnesium deficiency, and normocalcemia. Dis Nerv System, 36:461-465, 1975.

Spielholz NI, Van der Kloot WG: Localization and properties of the cholinesterase in crustacean muscle. J Cell Biol, 59:407-420, 1973.

Spielholz NI, Van der Kloot WG: Histochemical localization of cholinesterase in crustacean muscle. Fed Proc, 31(2):350, 1972.

Spielholz NI, Sell GH, Goodgold J, Rusk H, Greens SK: Electrophysiological studies in patients with spinal cord lesions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 53:558-56, 1972.

Shahani B, Goodgold J, Spielholz NI: Sensory nerve action potentials in the radial nerve. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 48:602-605, 1967.

Goodgold J, Kopell HP, Spielholz NI: The tarsal tunnel syndrome: Objective diagnostic  criteria. New England J Med, 273:743-745, 1965.
 
Other Works, Publications, Refereed Abstracts, and Letters to the Editor:
Rusinowski JW, Spielholz NI, Spero KA, McKenna IE, Rose JE, Stokes CW: The short term effect of biomagnetism on pain relief in patients with recalcitrant low back pain (Abstract). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 31:A-54, 2001.

Spielholz NI, Rusinowski JW, Law D, Micena JC, Yacoub RR: Electromyographic study of the tensor fascia lata during fatigue-inducing exercises of the quadriceps (Abstract). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 29:A-4, 1999.

Spielholz NI: More on Physiology Concepts in Clinical Electrotherapy (Invited Review). PT Magazine, 6(#12):62-64, 1998.

Spielholz NI: Outside of Science: Where Are the Data? (Invited Commentary). PT Magazine, 5 (#3):60-64, 1997.

Spielholz NI: The use of somatosensory evoked potentials in the treatment of spinal cord injury. In Proceedings of the Workshop on the Clinical Application of Spinal Cord  Monitoring for Operative Treatment of Spinal Diseases. pp 114-119, 1978.

Spielholz NI, Kuznits T, Rehn T, Yaffa J, Zambelli M: Two motor points of the vastus lateralis: An electrophysiological and cadaveric study (Abstract). Phys Ther, 77:S65, 1997.

Rine R, Spielholz NI, Crowell G, Stevens M, Pace J, Shapiro S, Suave S: Reliability of postural sway, strategy scores, and muscle responses during quiet standing (Abstract). Phys Ther, 77:S43, 1997.

Fiebert IM, Spielholz NI, Applegate B, Fox CL, Jaro JR, Joel L, Raper LA: Comparison of EMG activity of medial and lateral hamstrings during isometric contractions at various weight loads (Abstract). Phys Ther, 77:S16, 1997.

Fiebert IM, Spielholz NI, Applegate B, Carbone M, Gonzalez G, Gorack W: EMG study of the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle under various cuff weight loads during isometric plantarflexion (Abstract). Phys Ther, 77:S16, 1997.

Kroll PK, Spielholz NI, Faust S, Guernsey J, Jones T, Schoeberl T, Roach K: Onset of vastus medialis oblique and vastus lateralis contraction during quadriceps setting: A comparison of  order of recruitment using manual palpation and EMG (Abstract). Phys Ther, 77:S76, 1997

Spielholz, NI, Blazer J, Jessee C, Priode LM, Applegate EB: The effects of speed and resistance on the activation sequence of the anterior deltoid and lower trapezius in shoulder flexion (Abstract). Phys Ther, 76:S28, 1996.

Feinberg J, Khouri RK, Spielholz NI, Harper A, Chiu DTW: Nerve regeneration through an autologous venous nerve-conduit: The effects of conduit diameter and neurite  promoting factors on motor action potentials (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 69:704, 1988.

Ma DM, Peppard TR, Spielholz NI, Keebler PJ: A method of standardizing stimulus intensity in dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 69:722, 1988.

Peppard TR, Lamparello PJ, Ma DM, Spielholz NI: Case report: Multiple neuropathies following proximal arteriovenous fistula placement in a uremic patient with diabetes mellitus (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 69:746, 1988.
 
Gross JM, Ma DM, Peppard TR, Spielholz NI: Diagnosis of dorsal cutaneous ulnar nerve compression using somatosensory evoked potentials (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 69:754, 1988.

April ME, Cisek VJ, Peppard TR, Spielholz NI: Weakness of the palmar interosseous in a body builder (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 69:796, 1988.

Spielholz NI, Axen K, Pollack S, Haas F, Ragnarsson K: Effect of an FES bicycle exercise program on velocity of shortening of quadriceps muscles in spinal cord injured people  (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 68:662, 1987.

Spielholz NI, Ehrlich MW, Gart A: Abnormal spontaneous activity in rat skeletal muscle following neurectomy or myotomy (Abstract). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 66:570. 1985.

Wang BC, Spielholz NI, Hillman DE, Turndorf H: Subarachnoid sodium bisulfite (the antioxidant in Nesacaine) causes chronic neurologic deficit (Abstract). Anesthesiology,  57(3A):A194, 1982.

Wang BC, Spielholz NI, Hillman DE, Chen S, Turndorf H: Subarachnoid block by 2- chloroprocaine monitored with somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and reversed by  cholinesterase (Abstract). Anesthesiology, 55(3A):A160, 1981.

Spielholz NI: Electrodiagnostic services in the United States (Letter to the Editor). Muscle Nerve, 30(4):510, 2004.

Spielholz NI: Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology (Letter to the Editor). Neurology, 6(11):1628, 2003.

Nash MS, Spielholz NI, Jacobs PL: Passive leg cycling in persons with spinal cord injury (Letter to the Editor). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 81:1000-1001, 2000.

Spielholz NI, Kloth LC: Electrical stimulation and pulsed electromagnetic energy: differences in opinion (Letter to the Editor). Ostomy Wound Management, 46(5):8-10, 2000.

Spielholz NI: Lower extremity SEPs (Letter to the Editor), Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 76:  978, 1995.

Spielholz NI: TENS effect on somatosensory evoked potentials and subjective pain (Letter  to the Editor). J Clin Electrophysiol, 4:45, 1993.

Spielholz NI: Electrotherapeutic terminology (Letter to the Editor), J Clin Electrophysiol. 4:46-47, 1993.

Spielholz NI: Electrodiagnostic "update" disputed (Letter to the Editor). Advance for Physical Therapists, Jan. 20, pp 3-4, 1992.

Spielholz, NI: Reality vs theory (Letter to the Editor). Clinical Management, 12:11-13, 1992.

Spielholz, NI: Spine bending data (Letter to the Editor). Spine, 16:855, 1991.

Spielholz, NI: Craniosacral therapy debated (Letter to the Editor). Advance for Physical Therapists, Oct. 28, p 15, 1991.

Spielholz N: Ultrasound and conduction velocity (Letter to the Editor). Phys Ther, 64:552, 1984.

Spielholz NI: Fibrillation (Letter to the Editor). Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 58:183-184, 1977.

Funded Research

Agency: American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics
Title: Postural Control, Vestibular, and Motor Function of Young Children with Sensorineural Hearing Impairment.
Amount: $4950
PI: Rose Marie Rine, PhD, PT
Time on Project: 5%, Co-Investigator
Funded: 1997

Agency: NIH Mentored Research Scientist Development Award
Title: Effects of Sensory-motor Input on Gait in SCI Patients
Amount: $515,787
PI: Edelle Field, PhD, PT
Time on Project: 5%, Co-Investigator
Funded: 1997

Agency: Florida Physical Therapy Association
Title of Project: Comparison of EMG Activity on the Medial and Lateral Hamstrings During Loaded Isometric Contraction with the Tibia in Neutral
Duration of Project: 1 year
Funded: September 1, 1996
Total Cost: $4311.00
Role on Project: Co-Investigator (PI: Ira M. Fiebert, PhD, PT)
Projected Time on Project: 2%

Equipment Grants

University of Miami Institutional Equipment Fund, Small Grant (to support on-going  Divisional research)
Amount: $12,800.50
Role on Project: Co-Investigator (PI: Rose Marie Rine, PhD, PT)
Funded: July 1, 1996

University of Miami Institutional Equipment Fund (to support inter-departmental collaborative research)
Amount: $20,000
Role on Project: Co-Investigator with Shihab Asfour PhD (Department of Industrial Engineering) and Joseph Signorile, PhD (Department of Exercise Science)
Funded: February, 1998