Joanne (DiFrancisco) Donoghue

Tagline: Director of Clinical Research/Professor New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine Leading the science of esports health and performance. Making research faster, smarter, and more accessible with AI

Old Westbury, NY, USA

personal photo of Joanne (DiFrancisco) Donoghue

About Me

My career has spanned over 28 years at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

My area of expertise is exercise physiology, nutrition and AI integration for clinical research. My passion is running, triathlons, scuba diving, family and any physical activity that is outdoors! My greatest personal accomplishment was completing an IRONMAN

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy

    from: 2008, until: 2010

    Field of study:Alternative NutritionSchool:Clayton College

  • Master of Art

    from: 1996, until: 1998

    Field of study:Exercise PhysiologySchool:Adelphi UniversityLocation:Garden City, NY

  • Bachelor of Science

    from: 1991, until: 1995

    Field of study:Food and NutritionSchool:Plattsburgh State University of New YorkLocation:Plattsburgh, NY

Research Interests

  • Exercise Science
  • Metabolic and Body Composition
  • AI integration into clinical research
  • Esports

Publications

  • Esports Business Management

    Book ChapterPublisher:Human KineticsDate:2025
    Authors:
    • Screenshot 2025-11-18 161052

  • Routledge-Handbook-of-Esports

    Book ChapterPublisher:RoutledgeDate:2025
    Authors:
    JennyN. BesombesT. BrockA. C. Cote& T. M. Scholz
    Description:

    a comprehensive interdisciplinary study exploring the multifaceted world of esports. Featuring insights from 93 experts, the handbook covers key themes such as esports research, business, media, and future directions. It serves as essential reading for students, researchers, and professionals interested in the rapidly evolving esports industry.

  • Sitting for Success: A Randomized Controlled Study on the Impact of Chair Design on Muscle Stiffness and Performance in Video Gamers

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Electronic Gaming and EsportsDate:2025
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueHallie ZwibelWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Where Muscle Matters: How Regional Differences, Pain, and Gender Define Gamer Health

    Journal ArticlePublisher:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthDate:2025
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueMin-Kyung JungMatteo J. BalentineHallie Zwibel
    DOI

  • Continuous monitoring of HRV in esports players

    DocumentDate:2025
    Authors:
    Michael BennettLukas CironisAmber SousaSophia L. AhmadTamzid HassanKyle YuenPeter C. DourisHallie ZwibelJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueAaron Koshy
    View

  • Conditioning for esports: A guide to training and performance

    BookPublisher:Human KineticsDate:2025
    Authors:
    Description:

    esource dedicated to the unique demands of esports athletes. Conditioning for Esports combines expert insights from exercise physiologists, dietitians, and therapists to deliver evidence-based strategies for injury prevention, specialized exercises, cognitive enhancement, and esport-specific nutrition. Learn to optimize performance, prevent overuse injuries, and master recovery techniques essential for dominating the competitive gaming arena

  • A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Effects of N-95 Respirator Versus Surgical Mask Use on Resting Metabolic and Respiratory Changes

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Occupational and Environmental MedicineDate:2025
    Authors:
    Alexander RothsteinJessie HirschAlyssa HillianJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • It’s about timing: how density can benefit future research on the optimal dosage of acute physical exercise breaks in esports

    Journal ArticlePublisher:BMJ Open Sport & Exercise MedicineDate:2024
    Authors:
    E. MancıP. TheobaldAdam J. TothMark CampbellJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueA. GebelNotger G. MüllerT. GronwaldF. Herold
    DOI

  • Aeron vs. Gaming Chair - Performance, Perception and Muscle Stiffness in Video Game Players: A Comparative Investigation

    DocumentDate:2024
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueHallie ZwibelWilliam G. WernerACSM-CEP
    DOI

  • Comparing Surgical And N95 Mask Use On Resting Metabolic Rate In Healthy Young Adults

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Medicine & Science in Sports & ExerciseDate:2023
    Authors:
    Nicholas R. PiniellaAlexander RothsteinJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Blood Flow In Extended ESport Play: A Pilot Study

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Medicine & Science in Sports & ExerciseDate:2023
    Authors:
    Kelly BorgesAlexander RothsteinPeter C. DourisTimothy LiOlivia BalloneMin-Kyung JungJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Reducing thrombotic risks in video gamers: investigating the benefits of walking and compression sleeves on blood hemodynamics

    Journal ArticlePublisher:American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory PhysiologyDate:2023
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueKelly BorgesTimothy LiOlivia BalloneHallie ZwibelPeter C. Douris
    DOI

  • What are The Best Outcome Measures for Persons with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and HSD: A Pilot Study?

    Journal ArticlePublisher:International Journal of Research in Physical Medicine & RehabilitationDate:2023
    Authors:
    Veronica SouthardArline AlleraJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Upper body compression wear improves muscle oxygenation following intense video game training: a randomized cross-over study among competitive gamers

    Journal ArticlePublisher:BMC Sports Science, Medicine and RehabilitationDate:2023
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueAlexander RothsteinMin-Kyung JungHallie ZwibelWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Gaming in Pandemic Times: An International Survey Assessing the Effects of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Young Video Gamers’ Health

    Journal ArticlePublisher:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthDate:2023
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueB. de las HerasOrville LiJake MiddletonMin-Kyung Jung
    DOI

  • Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol Use in Parkinson’s Disease: An Observational Pilot Study

    Journal ArticlePublisher:CureusDate:2023
    Authors:
    Amber SousaJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • The Effect of Pedal Pump Lymphatic Technique Versus Passive Recovery Following Maximal Exercise: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Sports Medicine - OpenDate:2022
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueT. ChanAlexandra S. JensenJames E. B. DochertyRebecca GrohmanSheldon C. Yao
    DOI

  • The Effects of Externally Paced Exercise on Executive Function and Stress in College-Aged Students

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Science in Sport and ExerciseDate:2022
    Authors:
    P. DourisJoseph CottonePatricia K. CruzNicholas FrososC. MarinoLeonard SingamenggalaJoshua ShapiroAmber SousaJ. HandrakisJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Assessment of gastrointestinal function and its' effect on bone mineral density and body composition in hypermobility spectrum disorder and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of clinical densitometry : the official journal of the International Society for Clinical DensitometryDate:2022
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueVeronica SouthardM. MarguliesMin-Kyung JungArline AlleraB. Riley
    DOI

  • Breaking up prolonged sitting with a 6 min walk improves executive function in women and men esports players: a randomised trial

    ReviewPublisher:BMJ Open Sport & Exercise MedicineDate:2021
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueSeth E. JennyP. DourisSophia L. AhmadKyle YuenTamzid HassanHillary GanKenney AbrahamAmber Sousa
    DOI

  • An observation of common physiological parameters during esports activity

    DocumentDate:2020
    Authors:
    A. KoshyM. McVeyAmber SousaSophia L. AhmadTamzid HassanKyle YuenP. DourisHallie ZwibelJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    View

  • Blood flow restriction resistance training in a recreationally active person with Parkinson’s disease

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Physiotherapy Theory and PracticeDate:2020
    Authors:
    P. DourisNick A. D'AgostinoWilliam G. WernerJohn PetrizzoJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Physiological and Cognitive Functions Following a Discrete Session of Competitive Esports Gaming

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Frontiers in PsychologyDate:2020
    Authors:
    Amber SousaSophia L. AhmadTamzid HassanKyle YuenP. DourisHallie ZwibelJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Esports players, got muscle? Competitive video game players’ physical activity, body fat, bone mineral content, and muscle mass in comparison to matched controls

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Sport and Health ScienceDate:2020
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueWilliam G. WernerP. DourisHallie Zwibel
    DOI

  • Lifestyle Behaviors and Common Injuries Among Collegiate eSport Athletes

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal is not defined within the JOURNAL database.Date:2019
    Authors:
    Hallie ZwibelR. ChinskyJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Assessing the efficacy of utilizing a smartphone calorie calculator for weight loss, body composition and body shape preoccupation

    ReviewPublisher:Journal of Medicine and TherapeuticsDate:2019
    Authors:
    Nicholas MaenzaDiana KoltovskiJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghuePatricia Happel
    DOI

  • Nicotine Gum as a Therapeutic Approach for Low Blood Pressure in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Pilot Study

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Nicotine and Tobacco ResearchDate:2019
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueMin-Kyung JungAdena Leder
    DOI

  • An Osteopathic Physician's Approach to the Esports Athlete

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Journal of Osteopathic MedicineDate:2019
    Authors:
    Hallie ZwibelJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueA. DefeoSheldon C. Yao
    DOI

  • Managing the health of the eSport athlete: an integrated health management model

    Journal ArticlePublisher:BMJ Open Sport — Exercise MedicineDate:2019
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueJ. BalentineG. SchmidtHallie Zwibel
    DOI

  • Macronutrient Intake and Resting Metabolic Rate in Middle and Long Distance Recreational Female Runners: 1916 Board #177 May 31 2

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal is not defined within the JOURNAL database.Date:2018
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueMina DivanA. DeLucaCourtney BaranekWilliam G. WernerHallie Zwibel
    DOI

  • Body Composition Changes in Male Collegiate Lacrosse Players from Preseason to Post Season: 2983 Board #266 June 1 3 30 PM - 5 00 PM

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal is not defined within the JOURNAL database.Date:2018
    Authors:
    C. VarlottaHallie ZwibelJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Collegiate eSport: Where Do We Fit In?

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Current Sports Medicine ReportsDate:2018
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueJ. Balentine
    DOI

  • Utilizing wearable technology to increase physical activity in future physicians: A randomized trial

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Preventive Medicine ReportsDate:2018
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueMin-Kyung JungAlexander StangleWilliam G. WernerHallie ZwibelPatricia HappelJ. Balentine
    DOI

  • THE EFFECTS OF BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING ON FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AN ACTIVE SINGLE SUBJECT WITH PARKINSON DISEASE.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:International journal of sports physical therapyDate:2018
    Authors:
    P. DourisZachary S CogenHelen T FieldsLauren C GrecoMatthew HasleyChristina M MachadoPeter M RomagnuoloGeorge StamboulisJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Fit Physician - An Interdisciplinary Approach To Promoting Physical Activity In Medical Students Utilizing Activity Trackers: 1754 Board #5 June 1 1 00 PM - 3 00 PM

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Medicine & Science in Sports & ExerciseDate:2017
    Authors:
    Alexander StangleJ. BalentineMin-Kyung JungWilliam G. WernerHallie ZwibelJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • The Reliability of the Sensory Organization Test in Parkinson's Disease to Identify Fall Risk

    DocumentDate:2017
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueMin-Kyung JungTheresa ApoznanskiWilliam G. WernerSheldon C. Yao
    DOI

  • The Effects of Below Knee Compression Garments on Functional Performance in Individuals with Parkinson Disease.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:International journal of health sciencesDate:2016
    Authors:
    Veronica SouthardJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueJ. MacKayStephanie IdjadiN. Wright
    DOI

  • Osteopathic manipulation as a complementary approach to Parkinson’s disease: A controlled pilot study

    Journal ArticlePublisher:NeuroRehabilitationDate:2016
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueTheresa ApoznanskiKristen D de VriesMin-Kyung JungJayme D. ManciniSheldon C. Yao
    DOI

  • Effects of Whole Body Periodic Acceleration on Blood Lactate and Recovery Following Maximal Exercise: 3822 Board #261 June 4, 9: 30 AM - 11: 00 AM.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Medicine & Science in Sports & ExerciseDate:2016
    Authors:
    Morgan TapperChinny KapoorP. PatelN. SuryanarayananJoanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue
    DOI

  • Learning effects of the sensory organization test as a measure of postural control and balance in Parkinson's disease.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Parkinsonism & related disordersDate:2015
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueMin-Kyung JungPamela M GeiselWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Parkinsonian gait ameliorated with a moving handrail, not with a banister.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationDate:2015
    Authors:
    E. RabinA. DeminStefania PirrottaJason ChenHemal PatelAnkur BhambriEstella NoyolaJ. LacknerP. DiZioJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Effects of Tyrosine on Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Movement Disorders Clinical PracticeDate:2014
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueE. RabinEric LambergWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Haptic feedback from manual contact improves balance control in people with Parkinson's disease.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Gait & postureDate:2013
    Authors:
    E. RabinJing ChenL. MuratoriJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Effects of Exercise and B Vitamins on Homocysteine and Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Trial

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Neurodegenerative DiseasesDate:2012
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueEric LambergE. RabinA. ElokdaE. Fazzini,William G. Werner
    DOI

  • Effects of exercise induced oxidative stress on glutathione levels in Parkinson’s disease on and off medication

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of NeurologyDate:2010
    Authors:
    A. ElokdaJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueEric LambergWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Effects Of Oxidative Stress On Glutathione Levels In Patients With Parkinson‘s Disease: 1408

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Medicine and Science in Sports and ExerciseDate:2009
    Authors:
    William G. WernerJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueA. ElokdaN. BonoEric Lamberg
    DOI

  • Norepinephrine and cardiovascular responses to maximal exercise in Parkinson's disease on and off medication

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Movement DisordersDate:2009
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueA. ElokdaEric LambergN. BonoWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • BLOOD LACTATE RESPONSE DURING MAXIMAL EXERCISE IN PARKINSONʼS DISEASE ON AND OFF MEDICATION.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Cardiopulmonary physical therapy journalDate:2009
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueEric LambergWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • THE EFFECTS OF LEVODOPA ON NOREPINEPHRINE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES DURING MAXIMAL EXERCISE IN PARKINSONʼS DISEASE.

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Cardiopulmonary physical therapy journalDate:2009
    Authors:
    Joanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueEric LambergN. BonoA. ElokdaWilliam G. Werner
    DOI

  • Cardiovascular Response to Treadmill Testing in Parkinson Disease

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Neurologic Physical TherapyDate:2006
    Authors:
    William G. WernerJoanne DiFrancisco-DonoghueEric Lamberg
    DOI
© 2026 Joanne (DiFrancisco) Donoghue
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