2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Another Year in Research Funding
Thanks to the commitment of donors like you through 2022, we were able to increase funding levels in 2023. We awarded $232,500 in scholarship funding to 21 promising physical therapist researchers. We also awarded $810,000 in research grant funding to PT investigators.
A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
PAUL A. ROCKAR, JR., PT, DPT, MS, FAPTA
President, Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Investing Today for a Brighter Tomorrow
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research helps advance our profession by supporting a sustained pipeline of exceptional doctoral students through scholarships and early career researchers by offering a range of research grants. Our goal has always been to meet the challenge of ensuring that we have the research evidence we need to underpin and advance our practices. We have a vital role to play in our healthcare system and in helping all people have quality of life through high-quality, accessible and affordable physical therapy. Our investments in tomorrow’s researchers and research grant support for today’s committed and innovative researchers helps ensure the future and value of our profession.
On behalf of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, it is my continuing honor to steward the careful investments the Foundation makes in emerging research and researchers.
As the research funding organization for the American Physical Therapy Association and the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to funding physical therapy research, we awarded $232,500 in scholarships to 21 doctoral students who demonstrate outstanding potential to build a research career. We continued our support of health services training and research by providing CoHSTAR $250,000 in grant funding. We also invested an additional $550,000 to fund 10 research grants, where investigators will be answering a range of priority research questions, for example, how to improve mobility for infants with Down syndrome, to examining the role PTs can play in helping improve care for patients abusing opioids.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees made a new five-year commitment to award more than $600,000 in scholarships and grants geared to maintain the momentum in health services and implementation science research that has been created by CoHSTAR since 2015. Beginning in 2025, the Foundation has committed to providing scholarships as well as supplementary support to the Learning Health Systems Rehabilitation Research Network (LeaRRn) training and educational programs. LeaRRn is an NIH-funded Rehabilitation Resource Center that extended CoHSTAR’s training and research efforts to be inclusive of all rehabilitation professions.
Thanks to the continued support of donors, sponsors, partners, students, and volunteers like you, the Foundation's future is strong. In 2024, we celebrate 45 years of funding physical therapy research and supporting developing researchers, I am truly grateful for your continued support. Together, we are ensuring we will have the researchers and evidence we need to optimize the role we play in providing quality healthcare and helping improve the lives of people who can benefit from our expertise. Thank you!
On behalf of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, it is my continuing honor to steward the careful investments the Foundation makes in emerging research and researchers.
As the research funding organization for the American Physical Therapy Association and the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to funding physical therapy research, we awarded $232,500 in scholarships to 21 doctoral students who demonstrate outstanding potential to build a research career. We continued our support of health services training and research by providing CoHSTAR $250,000 in grant funding. We also invested an additional $550,000 to fund 10 research grants, where investigators will be answering a range of priority research questions, for example, how to improve mobility for infants with Down syndrome, to examining the role PTs can play in helping improve care for patients abusing opioids.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees made a new five-year commitment to award more than $600,000 in scholarships and grants geared to maintain the momentum in health services and implementation science research that has been created by CoHSTAR since 2015. Beginning in 2025, the Foundation has committed to providing scholarships as well as supplementary support to the Learning Health Systems Rehabilitation Research Network (LeaRRn) training and educational programs. LeaRRn is an NIH-funded Rehabilitation Resource Center that extended CoHSTAR’s training and research efforts to be inclusive of all rehabilitation professions.
Thanks to the continued support of donors, sponsors, partners, students, and volunteers like you, the Foundation's future is strong. In 2024, we celebrate 45 years of funding physical therapy research and supporting developing researchers, I am truly grateful for your continued support. Together, we are ensuring we will have the researchers and evidence we need to optimize the role we play in providing quality healthcare and helping improve the lives of people who can benefit from our expertise. Thank you!
P
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Board
As of January 1, 2024
OUR FINANCIALS
DON JACKSON, PT, MS
Treasurer
"It is an honor for me to steward the Foundation’s investments in the profession as we continue to grow. It’s thanks to the generosity of our donors that we are able to fund the most promising research. For a complete financial statement, follow the link below."
2023 HIGHLIGHTS
The Foundation Makes a Continued Commitment to Fund Health Services and Implementation Science Research
Over the past 8+ years, CoHSTAR has trained a cadre of physical therapy researchers to conduct health services and implementation science research, resulting in the creation of hundreds of publications, abstracts, and presentations. CoHSTAR created a new standard of excellence and expanded research capacity in the field by funding postdoctoral fellowships, hosting visiting scientists, and providing summer training sessions.
SUCCESS IN NUMBERS
Funding for CoHSTAR was made possible with a $1 million gift from the American Physical Therapy Association, gifts from APTA components, and donations from physical therapists, foundations, and corporations. More than 150 donors made the grant possible.
The Foundation has also pledged to bolster future health services and policy research endeavors with supplementary funding. This additional support will fortify the ongoing initiatives of the Learning Health Systems Rehabilitation Research Network (LeaRRn). As an NIH-funded Rehabilitation Resource Center, LeaRRn plays a vital role in extending the reach of CoHSTAR's training and research endeavors to encompass all rehabilitation professions. Through collaborative efforts and enhanced educational programs, LeaRRn continues to advance the field of rehabilitation and contribute to improved patient outcomes.
impact of foundation funding
We spotlighted five researchers who received funding from the Foundation during their career. Megan Graham PT, DPT, reflects on her experience, stating, "The support and encouragement from the Foundation, especially through the PODs I scholarship, significantly boosted my confidence during the early challenges of my PhD training.”
Students from the Physical Therapy Program at Saint Louis University and Ithaca College held fundraisers to raise money for the Foundation.
2022-2023 VCU-Marquette Challenge Raises More than $160,000 for the Foundation
For the fourth consecutive year, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) took first place in this year’s Marquette Challenge: a student-led fundraiser to support the mission of the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. VCU earned co-naming rights for the 2023-2024 year’s Marquette Challenge and will host the Marquette Challenge traveling cup, a trophy inscribed with the names of the schools that have taken top honors since the Marquette Challenge began in 1989.
The top three schools for the 2022-2023 Challenge were VCU ($24,793.89), the University of Miami ($16,458.40), and the University of Delaware ($13,088.61). Fifty-nine schools participated this year, holding creative events across the US and raising a collective $166,464.59. Since its inception in 1989, thousands of students from hundreds of schools have participated in the Challenge, raising more than $4.8 million to support the Foundation’s mission.
Research guides how PTs and PTAs deliver care, how students learn, and how professionals are paid for services. Over the years, students have made a big difference in sowing the seeds for critically needed physical therapy research.
Special thanks to the Marquette University faculty and students, our Marquette Challenge Title Sponsor: HPSO/CNA, and Awards Ceremony contributing sponsors: California Physical Therapy Fund, the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation, and APTA New York.
The top three schools for the 2022-2023 Challenge were VCU ($24,793.89), the University of Miami ($16,458.40), and the University of Delaware ($13,088.61). Fifty-nine schools participated this year, holding creative events across the US and raising a collective $166,464.59. Since its inception in 1989, thousands of students from hundreds of schools have participated in the Challenge, raising more than $4.8 million to support the Foundation’s mission.
Research guides how PTs and PTAs deliver care, how students learn, and how professionals are paid for services. Over the years, students have made a big difference in sowing the seeds for critically needed physical therapy research.
Special thanks to the Marquette University faculty and students, our Marquette Challenge Title Sponsor: HPSO/CNA, and Awards Ceremony contributing sponsors: California Physical Therapy Fund, the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation, and APTA New York.
OUR 2023 RESEARCH GRANTS
$40,000 Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Research
Abigail Wilson Anderson, PT, DPT, PhD
University of Central Florida
Anderson has been awarded the $40,000 Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Research Grant for this research, Biopsychosocial Contributors to Irritability in Individuals with Shoulder Pain . This grant is generously funded by the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy.
$40,000 Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant
Guilherme Cesar, PT, MSPT, PhD
University of North Florida
Cesar has been awarded the $40,000 Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant for this research, Impact on Balance Control after Intervention with Novel Stand-on Ride-on Power Mobility Devices for Children with Cerebral Palsy. This grant is generously funded by the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Fund.
$40,000 McEwen School-Based Physical Therapy Research Grant
Lisa Chiarello, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Drexel University
Chiarello has been awarded the $40,000 McEwen School-Based Physical Therapy Research Grant for this research, Preschool and Family Partnership in Action (PFP-IA): Engagement and Collaboration To Optimize Adaptive Behavior of Children With Motor Disability. This grant is generously funded by the McEwen Family Fund for School-Based Physical Therapy Research.
$40,000 Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant
Kari Kretch, PT, DPT, PhD
University of Southern California
Kretch has been awarded a $40,000 Pediatric Physical Therapy Research Grant for this research Development of Supported Overground Walking in Infants with Down Syndrome. This grant is generously funded by the Paris Patla Endowment Fund.
$40,000 Moffat Geriatric Research Grant
Dalerie Lieberz, PT, DPT, PhD
College of St. Scholastica
Lieberz has been awarded the $40,000 Moffat Geriatric Research Grant for this research proposed project, Feasibility of Integrating a Physical Therapist with Primary Care for Routine Evaluation of Older Adults’ Mobility. This grant is generously funded by the Marilyn Moffat Endowment Fund.
$100,000 Magistro Family Foundation Research Grant
John Magel, PT, MSPT, DSc, PhD
University of Utah
Magel has been awarded the $100,000 Magistro Family Foundation Research Grant for this research, Primary Care Providers’ Perceptions of Physical Therapists Addressing Opioid Misuse. This grant is generously funded by the Magistro Family Foundation Endowment Fund.
$80,000 Acute Care Research Grant
Kirby Mayer, PT, DPT, PhD
University of Kentucky Research Foundation
Mayer has been awarded the $80,000 Acute Care Research Grant for this research,, A Cardiorespiratory Fitness Test for Acute Illness: Validity, Reliability, and Clinical Utility of Functional Incremental Stepping-in-Place Test. This grant is generously funded by the APTA Academy of Acute Care Physical Therapy.
$40,000 Digital Physical Therapy Research Grant
Allison Miller, PT, DPT, PhD
Washington University in St. Louis
Miller has been awarded the $40,000 Digital Physical Therapy Research Grant for the application, Integrating Wearable Sensor Technology into the Rehabilitation Clinical Environment. This grant was generously funded by SWORD Health.
$40,000 VCU-Marquette Challenge Research Grant
Melissa Moran Tovin, PT, PhD
Nova Southeastern University
Tovin has been awarded the $40,000 VCU-Marquette Challenge Research Grant for this research, Access and Utilization of Rehabilitation Health Services among Emerging Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This grant is generously supported by the APTA Supporting the Profession Fund. The Foundation Research Grant is named in honor of the Marquette Challenge.
$100,000 Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant
Soshi Samejima, PT, DPT, PhD
University of Washington
Samejima has been awarded the $100,000 Paris Patla Physical Therapy Research Grant for this research, Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Combined with Arm Crank Exercise for Cardiovascular Recovery in Cervical and Upper Thoracic SCI. This grant is generously funded by the Paris Patla Endowment Fund.
Colleen Burke, PT, DPT
Duke University
Burke received the Mildred L Wood Award. Burke is studying the Influence of Social Determinants of Health on the Transition from Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain. This award is generously funded by the Mildred L. Wood Endowment Fund to support a pre-candidate who has demonstrated their intention to teach in a PT education program.
Burke received the Mildred L Wood Award. Burke is studying the Influence of Social Determinants of Health on the Transition from Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain. This award is generously funded by the Mildred L. Wood Endowment Fund to support a pre-candidate who has demonstrated their intention to teach in a PT education program.
Kellie Collins, PT, DPT
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Collin is studying How Does the Neurophysiological Development of the Corticomotor System Influence and Predict Motor Function and Participation in Children With Cerebral Palsy. This award is generously funded by APTA Scholarship Fund.
Collin is studying How Does the Neurophysiological Development of the Corticomotor System Influence and Predict Motor Function and Participation in Children With Cerebral Palsy. This award is generously funded by APTA Scholarship Fund.
Sara Davidson, PTA, BSAS
Youngstown State University
Davidson received the APTA Geriatrics award. She is studying Grip Force Modulation as an Indicator of Parkinson’s Disease Severity. This award is generously funded by the APTA Geriatrics Fund.
Davidson received the APTA Geriatrics award. She is studying Grip Force Modulation as an Indicator of Parkinson’s Disease Severity. This award is generously funded by the APTA Geriatrics Fund.
Megan Graham, PT, DPT
University of Kentucky Research Foundation
Graham is studying The Long-Term Effects of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Muscle Morphology and Function. This award is generously funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
Graham is studying The Long-Term Effects of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Muscle Morphology and Function. This award is generously funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
Matthew Heindel, PT, DPT
University of Southern California
Heindel received the Viva J. Erickson Award given to a pre-candidate who demonstrates extraordinary academic merit and leadership. Heindel is studying Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Exercise. This award is generously funded by the Viva J. Erickson Endowment Fund.
Heindel received the Viva J. Erickson Award given to a pre-candidate who demonstrates extraordinary academic merit and leadership. Heindel is studying Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Exercise. This award is generously funded by the Viva J. Erickson Endowment Fund.
Morgan Lee Kelly, PT, DPT
University of Southern California
Kelly is studying The Impact of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and Apathy on Walking. This award is generously funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
Kelly is studying The Impact of Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment and Apathy on Walking. This award is generously funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
Elizabeth Maus, PT, DPT
The Ohio State University
Maus is studying Exploring Telehealth Delivery of Intensive (Daily) Rehabilitation in Children with Hemiparesis. This award is generously funded by the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
Maus is studying Exploring Telehealth Delivery of Intensive (Daily) Rehabilitation in Children with Hemiparesis. This award is generously funded by the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
Kiersten McCartney, PT, DPT
University of Delaware
McCartney received the Charlene Mae Nelson Award. McCartney is studying One-Size-Does-NOT-Fit-All: Precise Exercise Prescription to Improve Walking Capacity in People with Stroke. This award is generously funded by the Charlene Mae Nelson Fund.
McCartney received the Charlene Mae Nelson Award. McCartney is studying One-Size-Does-NOT-Fit-All: Precise Exercise Prescription to Improve Walking Capacity in People with Stroke. This award is generously funded by the Charlene Mae Nelson Fund.
Morgan Potter, PT, DPT
University of Delaware
Potter received the Florence Kendall Award. Potter is studying Understanding Sex-Based Differences in Achilles Tendon Injuries. This award is generously funded by the Florence Kendall Endowment Fund.
Potter received the Florence Kendall Award. Potter is studying Understanding Sex-Based Differences in Achilles Tendon Injuries. This award is generously funded by the Florence Kendall Endowment Fund.
Michelle Marie Ramirez, PT, DPT
Duke University School of Medicine
Ramirez is studying Using Implementation Methodology To Translate Evidence To Practice and Improve Patient Outcomes in Physical Therapy. This award is generously funded by PhysicalTherapy.com.
Ramirez is studying Using Implementation Methodology To Translate Evidence To Practice and Improve Patient Outcomes in Physical Therapy. This award is generously funded by PhysicalTherapy.com.
Wesley Thornton, PT, DPT
University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Denver Campus
Thornton received the Patricia Leahy Award as an outstanding neurology student. Thornton is studying Midsagittal Tissue Bridges and Functional Mobility Prognosis in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. This award is generously funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
Thornton received the Patricia Leahy Award as an outstanding neurology student. Thornton is studying Midsagittal Tissue Bridges and Functional Mobility Prognosis in Individuals With Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. This award is generously funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Endowment Fund.
Mitchell Adam, PT, DPT
Marquette University
Adam received the Scot C. Irwin Award. Adam is researching Navigating Motor Learning and Fatigue to Improve Corrective Stepping in People with Multiple Sclerosis. This award is generously funded by the APTA Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Fund.
Adam received the Scot C. Irwin Award. Adam is researching Navigating Motor Learning and Fatigue to Improve Corrective Stepping in People with Multiple Sclerosis. This award is generously funded by the APTA Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy Fund.
John Gilliam, PT, DPT
University of South Carolina
Gilliam is researching Interface Between Cortical Sensorimotor Dynamics and Trunk-Hip Movement Control: Implications for Movement Assessment in Low Back Pain. This award is generously funded by APTA Scholarship Fund.
Gilliam is researching Interface Between Cortical Sensorimotor Dynamics and Trunk-Hip Movement Control: Implications for Movement Assessment in Low Back Pain. This award is generously funded by APTA Scholarship Fund.
Adam Janowski, PT, DPT
University of Iowa
Janowski is researching The Development and Validation of a Translational Model of Myalgia Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Animal and Human Designs. This award is generously funded by APTA Scholarship Fund.
Janowski is researching The Development and Validation of a Translational Model of Myalgia Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Animal and Human Designs. This award is generously funded by APTA Scholarship Fund.
Emily Kahnert, PT, DPT
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Kahnert received the Marquette Challenge Award. Kahnert is researching Telerehabilitation Effectiveness for Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Non-Inferiority Study. This award is generously funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
Kahnert received the Marquette Challenge Award. Kahnert is researching Telerehabilitation Effectiveness for Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Non-Inferiority Study. This award is generously funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
Dana McCarty, PT, DPT
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
McCarty is researching Maternal Presence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Identifying Mothers at Risk to Support Infant Development. This award is generously funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
McCarty is researching Maternal Presence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Identifying Mothers at Risk to Support Infant Development. This award is generously funded by the APTA Scholarship Fund.
Hayley Smitheman, DPT
University of Delaware
Smitheman is researching Metabolic Risk Factors and Treatment Outcomes in Achilles Tendinopathy. This award is generously funded by the APTA Promotion of Doctoral Studies Fund.
Smitheman is researching Metabolic Risk Factors and Treatment Outcomes in Achilles Tendinopathy. This award is generously funded by the APTA Promotion of Doctoral Studies Fund.
Katherine Smulligan, PT, DPT
University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Denver Campus
Smulligan received the Phoebe Rhomberger Award. Smulligan is researching Cervical Spine Dysfunction After Concussion: Implications for Short and Long-Term Recovery Outcomes. This award is generously funded by the Phoebe Rhomberger Fund.
Smulligan received the Phoebe Rhomberger Award. Smulligan is researching Cervical Spine Dysfunction After Concussion: Implications for Short and Long-Term Recovery Outcomes. This award is generously funded by the Phoebe Rhomberger Fund.
Jennifer Supowit, PT, DPT
University of Washington
Supowit is researching Disease-Related and Medication Effects on Vestibular Function in People with Parkinson Disease. This award is generously funded by the APTA Geriatrics Fund.
Supowit is researching Disease-Related and Medication Effects on Vestibular Function in People with Parkinson Disease. This award is generously funded by the APTA Geriatrics Fund.
Ellen Sutter, PT, DPT
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Sutter received the Mary Lou Barnes Award. Sutter is researching Neuroimaging and Movement Assessment in Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy. This award is generously funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Fund.
Sutter received the Mary Lou Barnes Award. Sutter is researching Neuroimaging and Movement Assessment in Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy. This award is generously funded by the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Fund.
*As of May 2024