Jacob J. Capin, PT, DPT, PhD, MS

Jacob J. Capin, PT, DPT, PhD, MS
Jacob J. Capin, PT, DPT, PhD, MSMarquette University

Life After Sport Trajectories Lab, Schroeder Complex, 388

MilwaukeeWI53201United States of America(414) 288-7865Last Lab Website
Curriculum Vitae

Assistant Professor

Physical Therapy

Dr. Jacob J. Capin, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Marquette University and Director of the Life After Sport Trajectories (LAST) laboratory, is a clinician-scientist driven to advance rehabilitation and health outcomes through exercise, behavior change, and other non-surgical, non-pharmacologic interventions. Inspired by playing NCAA basketball and rehabilitating athletes after traumatic knee injury, Jacob’s research goal is to improve musculoskeletal function, cardiometabolic health, and overall wellness across the lifespan of former athletes. Dr. Capin was awarded an NIH Director’s Early Independence Award to investigate two potential determinants (prior injury and sedentary behavior) of poor long-term health in former athletes. This research project (DP5-OD031833) evaluates function, strength, cardiometabolic health, physical activity, and dietary patterns among current collegiate athletes and former athletes in midlife, deriving critical baseline data for future intervention studies to enhance healthspans and prevent chronic disease development.

Prior to joining Marquette, Jacob graduated summa cum laude from Christopher Newport University with a BS in psychology. He then completed an MS in anatomy and clinical health sciences, Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and PhD in biomechanics and movement sciences from the University of Delaware through an NIH-funded, dual-degree DPT/PhD training program (T32-HD007490 and F30-HD096830). His PhD work focused on improving outcomes and reducing osteoarthritis among athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Dr. Capin taught in the DPT program and practiced at the University of Delaware Physical Therapy Clinic during his PhD training. He also received Foundation for Physical Therapy Research funding including a 2017 Promotion of Doctoral Studies scholarship supported by the VCU-Marquette Challenge. Dr. Capin next completed postdoctoral training as an Advanced Geriatrics Fellow in the Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center and at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where his work centered on reducing contralateral knee osteoarthritis after total knee arthroplasty (F32-AG066274). He also served as the interventionist on an NIH-funded study evaluating a biobehaviorally informed, high-intensity telerehabilitation program for COVID-19 survivors. Dr. Capin came to Marquette in September 2021 and enjoys teaching kinesiology to DPT-4 students each spring semester.

When Dr. Capin is not teaching or conducting research, he enjoys volunteering as a USA Triathlon Certified Coach and competing as a member of the Every Man Jack Triathlon Team. He also likes trail running, backpacking, food, traveling, music, and swimming in Lake Michigan.

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
  • Ph.D., Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2019
  • D.P.T., University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2014
  • M.S., Anatomy and Clinical Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 2014
  • B.S., Psychology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, 2012

Courses Taught

  • Kinesiology I (PHTH 7525)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
    • Section Memberships: Orthopaedics, Research, Sports
    • Wisconsin Chapter
  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Certifications

  • Licensed Physical Therapist
    • Wisconsin #15933-24 (2022 - present) 
    • Delaware # J1-0003269 (2015 – present, currently inactive)
    • Colorado # PTL.0016454 (2019 – present, currently inactive)
    • West Virginia # 003442 (2015 - present, currently inactive)
  • USA Triathlon Level I Certified Coach (2018 – present)
  • APTA Credentialed Clinical Instructor, Level 1 (2015 – present)