James W. Whitworth, PhD

Assistant Professor, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Biography

James is an OIF/OEF veteran and former warfighter. Currently, he is a Health Science Specialist at the Behavioral Science Division of the National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System and Assistant Professor at Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. James’ program of study focuses on examining the effects of exercise on posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbid conditions. He is committed to conducting research that addresses the physical and mental health needs of Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Publications

  • Published 8/18/2026

    Ogawa EF, Whitworth JW, Pebole MM, Etchin A, Katz D, Nowak MK, Milberg WP, Fortier CB. Potential Marker of Accelerated Aging: Worsening of Gait Speed in Post-9/11 Veterans in the TRACTS Longitudinal Cohort. Mil Med. 2026 Aug 18. PMID: 42611739.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 8/13/2025

    Pebole MM, Katz D, Fortier CB, Iverson KM, Darroch F, Hall KS, Dennard AD, McKeon G, Rooney M, Teychenne M, Whitworth JW. Developing physically and psychologically safe exercise spaces: Insights from women veterans on trauma-informed exercise interventions. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2025 Nov; 81:102969. PMID: 40816619.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 6/19/2025

    SantaBarbara NJ, Checko ER, Pebole MM, Whitworth JW. Cross-sectional exercise-related differences in PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, physical pain, and sleep quality in trauma-exposed adults. Front Psychol. 2025; 16:1445144. PMID: 40612990.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 2/17/2025

    Nowak MK, Whitworth JW, Fortenbaugh FC, Milberg WP, Fortier CB, Salat DH. Vigorous Physical Activity Is Associated with White Matter Volume in Post-9/11 Veterans. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2025 Jul 01; 57(7):1413-1421. PMID: 39957056.

    Read at: PubMed

  • Published 1/1/2025

    Checko ER, Knight J, Crow TM, Spiro A, Whitworth JW, Penza C, Kaiser AP, Cucalon A, Nigg CR. Transtheoretical Model Technology-based Interventions to Improve Health Behaviors in Veterans. Motiv Sci. 2025; 11(3). PMID: 40895604.

    Read at: PubMed

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Websites

Education

  • Columbia University, PhD
  • Columbia University, MPhil
  • Columbia University, MA
  • State University of New York at Plattsburgh, BS

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