Business Details
47 Years
experience
Funding the Future of Physical Therapy Research
The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research stands as the sole national nonprofit dedicated to advancing physical therapy through research and researcher development. Since our incorporation in 1979, we have strategically invested in grants, scholarships, and fellowships that empower researchers to pioneer breakthrough treatments, validate therapeutic efficacy, and build a robust evidence base for physical therapy. Our work bridges clinical practice with scientific innovation, ensuring physical therapy remains at the forefront of healthcare advancements.Governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by donations from individuals, corporations, and the American Physical Therapy Association, we cultivate a pipeline of future researchers while addressing critical gaps in movement science and patient care. Over four decades of impact reflect our unwavering commitment to optimizing health through movement.
Services
Research Grants
Doctoral Scholarships
Postdoctoral Fellowships
CoHSTAR Program
Health Services Research
Pilot Study Funding
Career Development Awards
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have awarded $23.4 million in research funding since 1979.
- Our CoHSTAR program trains physical therapists in health services research.
- We offer career development through doctoral scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships.
- We maintain a 45-year partnership with the American Physical Therapy Association.
- Our grants directly inform healthcare policy and clinical practice standards.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) charitable organization
Services
Research Grants
Our competitive research grants fund innovative studies that define physical therapy's role in healthcare. These investments generate evidence for treatment efficacy, influence policy decisions, and improve patient outcomes through scientifically validated approaches. Researchers gain critical support for projects addressing movement disorders and rehabilitation techniques.
Doctoral Scholarships
We provide financial support for licensed physical therapists pursuing advanced degrees in research-focused fields. These scholarships cover coursework and candidacy phases, preparing recipients to lead academic research initiatives that shape future healthcare practices and educational curricula.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Our $75,000 annual fellowships support dedicated research training for emerging scientists. Recipients focus exclusively on developing expertise in health services research, implementation science, and clinical outcome measurement to address critical gaps in physical therapy practice.
CoHSTAR Program
This $3.75 million initiative trains physical therapists in health services research through multi-institutional collaboration. The program builds capacity for policy analysis, cost-effectiveness studies, and large-data evaluation to demonstrate physical therapy's value to healthcare systems.
Pilot Study Funding
We fund preliminary studies that generate data for larger grant applications. These projects develop measurement tools, test implementation strategies, and explore rehabilitation outcomes to create foundations for expanded clinical research initiatives.
People
Nancy Byl
Physical Therapist
Dr. Byl, a renowned researcher in movement disorders, has dedicated her career to advancing physical therapy through evidence-based practice. Her work focuses on neurorehabilitation and therapeutic interventions for chronic conditions.
Richard K. Shields
Researcher
Dr. Shields' groundbreaking work in neurophysiology and movement control has been supported by multiple Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research grants. His research explores brain activity patterns in developmental movement disorders.
Beth A. Smith
Research Director
Dr. Smith specializes in pediatric physical therapy research, developing interventions for infants with motor impairments. Her Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research-funded work has established new clinical assessment protocols for early intervention.
Eric Vidoni
Neuroscience Fellow
Dr. Vidoni's research investigates neurodegenerative disease rehabilitation. His Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research-supported studies focus on exercise interventions to slow progression of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Linda Resnik
Principal Investigator
Dr. Resnik leads the CoHSTAR initiative, directing efforts to expand physical therapy's role in health services research. Her work focuses on improving access to rehabilitation services for underserved populations.
Questions
What is the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research's primary mission?
We fund physical therapy research and develop researchers to optimize movement and improve societal health through evidence-based practice.
How does the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research support researchers?
We provide grants, scholarships, and fellowships for clinical studies, doctoral training, and postdoctoral research in physical therapy specialties.
What is CoHSTAR?
CoHSTAR is a $3.75 million research initiative training physical therapists in health services research to demonstrate therapy's value to healthcare systems.
How can I apply for funding?
Visit our website to access current opportunities for research grants, doctoral scholarships, and postdoctoral fellowships with specified deadlines.
What research areas receive priority?
We fund studies in neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, health services, and implementation science that advance physical therapy practice and policy.
How is the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research for Physical Therapy Research funded?
We rely on donations from individuals, corporations, and the American Physical Therapy Association to support our research initiatives.
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