Overview

Dr. Heidi Bell has an established interdisciplinary line of research in clinical exercise physiology and orofacial myology. Her work in promoting healthy tongue muscle performance through physical activity has been internationally recognized and showcased on NPR’s Science Friday with Ira Flatow. Her research also includes R&D and product validation in the health & fitness industry. Dr. Bell has developed a systematic network purposed toward bridging the gap between healthcare and fitness. Her entrepreneurial background has further led to three start-up companies, secured intellectual property and established a platform to mentor students aspiring to be the next leaders in the field. 

Information

Academic Interests and Expertise
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
   
2011- 2015  

Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences and Disorders                            Wichita State University            
2002- 2005 

Master of Education in Exercise Science                                                            Wichita State University
1993- 1997 Bachelor of Education in Exercise Science                                                              Wichita State University

NATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

   
1998 – present

Certified Exercise Specialist in Populations with Respiratory Disease, Heart Disease, Arthritis, and Diabetes; Desert Southwest Fitness Inc.                              
1998- present   Certified Nutritional Guide; Cooper Clinic Institute
1995- present      Certified Personal Trainer; American Council on Exercise          
1987- present    Certified BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR & AED); American                            Heart Association
NATIONAL AFFILIATIONS
   

2021-present

 Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS)

2016-present

 American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)
2015-present  American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP)
2005-present Phi Kappa Phi
2004-present American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
1995-present    American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Areas of Research Interest
RESEARCH INTERESTS
  • Clinical exercise physiology
  • Orofacial myology
  • Biomechanics and Functional  performance
  • Cognitive and Reactional analysis
  • Product development and application validation (Health and Fitness)
RESEARCH ADVISOR
UNDERGRADUATE and GRADUATE
Year Undergraduate Funded Graduate Funded Secured Student Funding *, **

2021

15

11

10

7

$26,500^

2020

15

10

12

8

$29,100

2019

16

11

15

7

$30,500

2018

6

3

7

4

$14,150

2017

4

0

7

6

$11,000

2016

1

0

6

2

$5,000

2015

0

0

4

2

$3,000

2014

0

0

4

0

$0

2012

0

0

1

0

$0

2011

0

0

1

0

$0
^ As of to date.
*Funding: Departmental, University programs, University Grants, Government Grants, Industry.
** NSF I-Corps, NSF KS-LSAMP, WSU-III, RIA, URCA, McNair, HPS Dept, Honors WSU Venture, iHT, LLC.

 

Areas of Teaching Interest
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
  • HPS 302 Administration in Exercise Science
  • HPS 440 Prescription of Exercise Science
  • HPS 590 Independent Studies in Human Performance
  • HPS 595 Human Performance Research
  • HNRS 310U Honors Summer Research Institute (SRI) Lecture
  • HNRS 410 First Year Research Experience (FYRE) Independent Study
  • HNRS 485 Honors Independent Research
  • HNRS 486 Collaborative Research Seminar
  • HPS and HNRS
    • Internship
    • Independent studies
GRADUATE COURSES
  • HPS 715 Body Composition and Weight Management
  • HPS 762 Statistics for Exercise Science
  • HPS 797 Exercise in Health and Disease
  • HPS 815 Fitness Assessments and Exercise Recommendations
  • HPS 857 Internship Site Advisor
  • HPS 875/876 Thesis Research
  • HPS 890 Special Topics in Exercise Science
  • HPS 895 Applied Research
Publications
REFEREED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

Setzkorn, M., Portillo, A. R., & VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A. (February, 2022). Comparison of vertical jump assessments between Vertec, DARI motion capture, and My Jump 2 app. Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance Journal.

Van Patten, R., Iverson, G. L., Muzeau, M. A., & VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A. (2021). Test-retest reliability and reliable change estimates for mobile cognitive tests administered virtually in community-dwelling adults. Frontiers, 12, article 734947. doi.10.3389/fpsyg.2021.734947

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., & Cook, L. (2021). Perception of Tongue-Bulb Comfort and Stability With and Without Anti-Slip Patches During Assessments of Tongue Strength and Endurance. International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy, 47, 14-21, doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2021.47.1.3

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Muzeau, M., Luinstra, L., Goering, J., & Amick, R. Z. (2021). Accuracy of the SWAY mobile cognitive assessment application. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 16, 4, 991-1000. doi.org/10.26603/001c.24924

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Coufal, K. L., Patterson, J., & Mefferd, A. S. (2018). A Comparative study on tongue muscle performance in weightlifters and runners. Physiological Reports, 6(22), e13923, doi: 10.14814/phy2.13923

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Mefferd, A. S., Coufal, K. L., Scudder, R. & Patterson, J. (2017). Tongue strength and endurance: comparison in active and non-active younger and older adults. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19(1), 77-86, doi: 10.3109/17549507.2016.1154983

 

TEXTBOOK CHAPTER CONTRIBUTOR

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. (2018). A former student-athlete’s tale. In M. Vermillion and J. Paul, Sport Sociology: 10 Questions. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. Chapter 6: Why does the end of a sporting career affect one’s identity so dramatically?

 

OTHER ARTICLES OF SCHOLARLY WORK

SWAY Medical, LLC, (2019, 2020, 2021). Submitted a 510K, Class II medical device for FDA clearance as a Cognitive Assessment Aid for Concussion Management. The following research provided  support of the execution for SWAY Medical’s submission.

Clark, C. B., & VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A. (2021). Construct Validity of Sway Cognitive Testing. Support of the execution for SWAY Medical, LLC (2021) submission continuation of 510K, Class II medical device for FDA clearance as a Cognitive Assessment Aid for Concussion Management.

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., & Muzeau, M. (2020). Test-retest reliability of remotely administered SWAY Balance and Cognitive Assessments. Support of the execution for SWAY Medical, LLC (2020) resubmission of 510K, Class II medical device for FDA clearance as a Cognitive Assessment Aid for Concussion Management.

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Goering, J., Wadsworth, K., Gerhard, M., & Muzeau, M. (2019). Accuracy of the SWAY reaction time mobile application compared to the ImPACT quick test mobile application. Support of the execution for SWAY Medical, LLC (2019) submission of 510K, Class II medical device for FDA clearance as a Cognitive Assessment Aid for Concussion Management.

 

FEATURES IN MAGAZINE ARTICLES

Hutchinson, A. (December, 2018). Why you should care about your tongue muscles. SWEAT SCIENCE – Outside. https://www.outsideonline.com/2376436/why-you-should-care-about-your-tongue-muscles?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=onsiteshare. Featured the work of VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., et al., (2018) and VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., et al., (2017).

Literatus, Z. (December, 2018). Developing tongue strength by weightlifting? SunStar CEBU. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1778315. Featured the work of VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., et al., (2018).

 

REVIEWER FOR REFEREED MANUSCRIPTS
 

mHealth

Man#mHealth-22-13-CL, Engage, Develop, Learn: A pilot randomized clinical trial to test if a mobile application (‘app’) can enhance home support for early cognitive development among children living in poverty. (2022).

Experimental Aging Research

Man#UEAR-2021-0076, Does an externally focused dual-task mitigate real-time conscious postural control in older adults? (2021).

Man#UEAR-2020-0137, Does mental fatigue impair postural stability in older adults? (2020).

Man#UEAR-2020-0137R1, Mental fatigue impairs postural stability in older adults. (2020).

Journal of Sport Science and Medicine

Man#4314-2016, Body fat and physical activity modulate the association between sarcopenia and osteoporosis in elderly Korean women. (2016).
Working Papers
REFEREED JOURNAL WORKS IN PROGRESS

Caccesse, J. B., Teel, E., Van Patten, R., Muzeau, M. A., Iverson, G. L., & VanRavenhorst-Bell, H.A. (Submitted July 2022). Test-retest reliability and reliable change estimates for Sway balance tests administered remotely in community-dwelling adults. Frontiers in Digital Health.

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Chastain, H., Kalra, P., & Patterson, J. (In Progress). Development of PARROT: A wireless orofacial myofunctional imaging and pressure mapping device. International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy.

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Hakansson, N., Patterson, J. A., Jorgensen, M., J., & Amick, R. Z. (In progress). Comparison of the SWAY balance mobile application to an instrumented balance assessment method. TBD

Luinstra, L., & VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A. (In progress). A manual therapy treatment of headache pain.  The Physician and Sportsmedicine.

Kanade, A., VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Amick, R., & Parham, D. (In Progress). Comparison of tongue strength and endurance in monolinguals and bilinguals. ASHA SIG

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Caldwell, B. M., & Cossell, A. J. (In Progress). Comparison of tongue muscle performance in singers and non-singers. The Journal of Voice

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H. A., Caldwell, B. M., & Berry, B. (In progress). Age responsive relationship between tongue muscle performance and physiological measures. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

VanRavenhorst-Bell, H.A., Rogers, M.E., & Patterson, J.A. (In progress). Effects of circuit Weight training on fitness in college-aged women. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

Professional Experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
   
2022-present

Associate Professor, Department of Human Performance Studies, and Undergraduate Coordinator – Exercise Science, Wichita State University
2019- present

Manager, Human Performance Laboratory, Wichita State University
2018- 2019

Associate Dean, Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College, Wichita State University
2016- 2022

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Performance Studies, and Undergraduate Coordinator – Exercise Science, Wichita State University
2016- present

Faculty, Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College, Wichita State University
2015- 2016 Clinical Educator, Department of Human Performance Studies, Wichita State University
2012- present 

CEO/Partner, iNOv8v Health Technologies, LLC Wichita, Kansas     
2006 – 2011

Coordinator of Durable Medical Equipment, OrthoRX/Ancillary Advantage at Kansas Joint and Spine Institute, Wichita, Kansas                                         
1995- present 

Owner and Exercise Physiologist, Unlimited Success Personal Training, Wichita, Kansas
Awards and Honors
HONORS AND AWARDS
  • 2021 Recipient of the Research Award for College of Applied Studies
  • 2020 Recipient of the Young Faculty Scholars Award
  • 2020 Recipient of the SHARPhub Program for SBIR Grant Development
  • 2019 Recipient of the Meritorious Certificate at the International Association of Orofacial Myology Convention
  • 2018 Recipient of the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS) Rising Star Investigator Award for Great Promise in the Advancement of Medicine Involving Myofunctional Therapy
  • 2018 Recipient of the WSU Shocker Innovation Corps Breakout Award
  • 2018 Recipient of the Meritorious Certificate at the International Association of Orofacial Myology Convention
  • 2018 Nominated for the University Excellence in Research Award, Wichita State University
  • 2018 Recipient of the WSU Shocker Innovation Corps Fellows
  • 2017 Nominated for the University Excellence in Teaching Award, Wichita State University
  • 2017 Recipient of the Honorable Mention at the International Association of Orofacial Myology Convention
  • 2017 Invited Guest on NPR Science Friday with Ira Flatow
  • 2017 Invited Keynote Speaker at Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College Freshman Induction
  • 2016 Nominated for the University Excellence in Teaching Award, Wichita State University
Patents and other Intellectual Property
PATENTS
   
#1 Agency: WSU Research and Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property Disclosure Form (Patentable subject matter)
Title:

Development of an intraoral noninvasive apparatus (INA) for lingual applications
Current Phase & Date Submitted:

Non-provisional Patent Pending, January 2020

PCT Patent, July 2018

Provisional Patent, July 2017
Role: PI and Lead Inventor
#2 Agency:

WSU Research and Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property Disclosure Form (Patentable subject matter)
Title:  Oral adhesive slip resistant patch
Current Phase & Date Submitted:

Non-provisional Patent Pending, November 2020

Paperclip-Provisional Patent, November 2019

Provisional Patent, June 2018
Role:

PI and Lead Inventor 

LICENSURE AGREEMENTS
#1 Licensing Agency Wichita State University
Licensee iNOv8v Health Technologies, LLC
Product/Service  Oral slip-resistance adhesive patch (WSU Ref. No. 18V030)
Type of Agreement  Exclusive Licensing
Date of Agreement  5/2019 – ongoing
Role  CEO and Partner
#2 Licensing Agency Wichita State University
Licensee iNOv8v Health Technologies, LLC
Product/Service  Non-invasive intraoral device (WSU Ref. No. 17V074)
Type of Agreement  Exclusive Licensing

Date of Agreement

 5/2019 – ongoing
Role CEO and Partner
#3 Licensing Agency Wichita State University

Licensee

 iNOv8v Health Technologies, LLC
Product/Service Functionalized nanofibers for disease management (WSU Ref. No. 18V013)
Type of Agreement

Exclusive Licensing
Date of Agreement 5/2019 – ongoing
Role: CEO and Partner
#4 Licensing Agency Wichita State University

Licensee

 iNOv8v Health Technologies, LLC
Product/Service Non-invasive physiological assessment and biofeedback fitness system (WSU Ref. No.: 13IP014)
Type of Agreement

 Exclusive Licensing
Dates of Agreement  4/2015 – ongoing
Role  CEO and Partner 

 

#5 Licensing Agency Wichita State University

Licensee

 iNOv8v Health Technologies, LLC
Product/Service Rapid setting composite article (WSU Ref. No.: 13IP017)
Type of Agreement Exclusive Licensing
Date of Agreement 2/2016 – 5/2019 (Signed back to WSU Ventures)
Role CEO and Partner

 

 

Grants
GRANTS
   

Funding Agency:

Total Award:

 

WSU Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Projects Grant

$1,000.00

Title:

 

Date of Award:

 

Development of PARROT, a wireless orofacial myofunctional imaging and pressure mapping device

11/2020 – 11/2021

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Advisor (100%)

Funding Agency:

Total Award:

WSU Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Projects Grant

$1,000.00

Title:

 

Date of Award:

Pilot Study: Comparison of vertical jump assessments between DARI motion capture, My Jump 2 app and traditional Vertec

12/2019 – 12/2021

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Advisor (100%)
   

Funding Agency:

Total Award:

Regional Institute on Aging

$19,986.00

Title:

 

Date of Award:

Effects of lower extremity blood flow restriction exercise on strength generation and interleukin-6 levels in the elderly

02/2019 – 12/2021

Role:

Co-PI (25% effort) and Co-Investigator (25%)
   

Funding Agency:

Total Award

 National Science Foundation (NSF) National I-Corps

$50,000.00

Title:

PARROT: A wireless orofacial myofunctional imaging and pressure mapping appliance

Date of Award:

12/2018 - 12/2021

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Co-Investigator (50%)
   

Funding Agency:

Total Award:

WSU Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Projects Grant

$1,000.00

Title:

Date of Award:

Effectiveness of anti-slip patch to assess lingual performance

11/2018 – 11/2019

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Advisor (100%)
   

Funding Agency:

WSU Research and Technology Transfer, WSU Ventures Innovation Award

Total Award:

$1,000.00

Title:

Clarity: A wireless orofacial myofunctional imaging and pressure mapping appliance

Date of Award:

6/04/2018

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Co-Investigator (30%)
   

Funding Agency:

WSU Research and Technology Transfer, Shocker Innovation Corps

Total Award:

$2,150.00

Title:

Clarity: A wireless orofacial myofunctional imaging and pressure mapping appliance

Date of Award:

5/18/2018 – 7/06/2018

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Co-Investigator (30%)
   

Funding Agency:

Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (AOMT)

Total Award:

$6,400.00

Title:

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Research Scholar Award

Date of Award:

04/2018

Role:

Academic Lead (80%) and Mentor (20%)
   

Funding Agency:

WSU Research and Technology Transfer, Multidisciplinary Research Project (MURPA) Award

Total Award:

$7,500.00

Title:

Development of Orofacial EMG Mouthpiece

Date of Award:

05/01/2017 – 08/31/2017

Role:

PI (70% effort) and Co-Investigator (30%)
   

Funding Agency:

Wichita State University Ventures, Technology Development and Business Counseling Grant

Total Award:

$20,000.00

Title:

Non-Invasive Physiological Assessment and Biofeedback Fitness Systems

Dates of Award:

1/09/2015 – 1/09/2016

Role:

Co-Investigator (20% effort)
Areas of Service
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
   
2020- present

Committee Member - Wichita Swim Club Diversity and Inclusion, Wichita, KS
2019-present 

Appointed Executive Director – Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences (AAMS) Adjunct Board
2018-present  

Mentor, American Heart Association Ambassador, Wichita, KS
2018-2019 

Member, Career Women of ICT, Wichita, KS
2016-2018  

USD 259 – District 2 School Board Parent Representative, Wichita, Kansas
2016-present  

Clinical Physiological Consultant, Prairie Health & Wellness, Wichita, Kansas
2016-2018       Clinical and Operational Consultant, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine at Cypress Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas
UNIVERSITY SERVICES

Current

   
2020- present Co-Chair, Activation Team, Research & Scholarship  Committee, Wichita State University
2019-present    University Community Engagement Planning Committee, Wichita State  University
2018-present   Member, University Research Council Committee, Wichita State University
2018-present  Member, Strategic Planning Innovation Committee, Wichita State University
2018-present  Director, Summer Research Institute (SRI) camp, Wichita State University (Committee member since 2016)
2017-present  Member, CAS Interdisciplinary PhD planning committee, Wichita State University
2017-present    Chair, Human Performance Studies Undergraduate Exercise Science Curriculum Committee, Wichita State University
2017-present 

Member, Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity Grant Committee, Wichita State University (Director 2018-2019)
2017-present Member, Cohen Honors College Strategic Planning Initiative Committee, Wichita State University
 2016-present Co-Chair, Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP), Graduate School, Wichita State University
2016-present  Member, Recruitment and Retention Committee CAS and Human Performance Studies, Wichita State University
 2016-present Manager/Supervisor, Human Performance Laboratory
 2016-present Human Performance Studies Undergraduate Coordinator – Exercise Science
2015-present   Member, College of Applied Studies Technology Committee, Wichita State University
 2015-present  Shocker New Venture Competition Judge, Wichita State University

Prior

   
2017-2019

Member, CAS Leadership Team, Wichita State University
2017   COEd CAEP Accreditation Technology Center Representative, Wichita State University
2017   Mentor, Wu-Invent: Mars or Bust, Wichita State University
2016-2017 Biomedical Engineering Faculty Search Committee, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wichita State University                         
2015-2016   Athletic Training Clinical Faculty Search Committee, Department of Human Performance Studies, Wichita State University
 2015  KAHPERD Convention 2015 Technology Operations Committee, Wichita State University