Kristine Hallisy, DS, MS

• University of Wisconsin – Madison – BS, Physical Therapy
• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor – MA, Kinesiology
• Andrews University – DSc, Physical Therapy

Certifications

• Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
• Certified Manual Physical Therapist
• Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults
• Tai Chi Fundamentals Certified Instructor

Bio

Dr. Kristi Hallisy, PT, DSc (she/her) is an associate professor the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and academic staff/faculty in the UW-Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy program where she teaches musculoskeletal coursework, orthotics, and health promotion and wellness.

She is a board-certified orthopedic specialist, certified manual physical therapist, certified exercise expert for aging adults, Tai Chi Fundamentals certified instructor, and is the Director of Mentoring in the UW Health and Meriter UnityPoint Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program.

Born and raised in Wisconsin and a “Badger to the Core” (UW women’s basketball 1979-1983), Dr. Hallisy is a nationally recognized Tai Chi speaker, teacher, and researcher who seeks to bring optimal aging and wellness to all persons in Wisconsin and beyond.

Research Interests

Dr. Hallisy’s research and clinical interests are in the physical therapy application of tai chi as an evidence-based falls prevention program for older adults (Tai Chi Prime) and management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal health conditions. She is a proponent of the Wisconsin Idea; her Tai Chi Prime research team seeks to bring evidence-based exercise to improve the health and quality of life for all citizens in the state and beyond.

Publications and Presentations

• Hallisy KM, Salihu EY, Chewning B. Inclusive Tai Chi: Adapting and Innovating Tai Chi Prime in Underserved Communities of Color. American Physical Therapy Association, 2024 Combined Sections Meeting, Leadership and Innovation Category, Boston, MA (February 15, 2024).
• Hallisy KM, Salihu EY, Chewning B. Two-year Participatory Planning Model to Adapt and Disseminate Inclusive Tai Chi Prime in African American/Black and Hispanic Communities (Phase 1). The Science of Tai Chi and Qigong as Whole-Person Health, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Boston, MA. (September 19, 2023).
• Chewning B, Hallisy KM, Mahoney JE, Wilson D, Sangasubana N, Gangnon R. Disseminating tai chi in the community: promoting home practice and improving balance. Gerontologist. 2020 May 15;60(4):765-775. DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz006
• Hallisy KM. Management of geriatric low back pain with tai chi. Journal of Geriatric Medicine. April 2020:2(2):31-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30564/jgm.v2i2.2422
• Hallisy KM. Tai Chi: An exercise that promotes optimal aging and well-being. Int J Fam Commun Med. 2019;3(6):243-246. DOI:10.15406/ijfcm.2019.03.00164

Awards and Honors

• Performance Award for Exceptional Performance – University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
• Keynote Academic Welcome Address and Academic Panelist for Medical Applications of Tai Chi – 2nd International Tai Chi Chuan Symposium on Health, Education and Cultural Exchange, Spalding University, Louisville, KY
• Mentor of the Year Award – Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association