Research Foci

The integration and synthesis of knowledge from basic, social, and applied sciences to study human movement across the lifespan—from development through aging. This focus encompasses the prevention of movement-related impairments, and the maintenance, enhancement, and rehabilitation of motor functions in diverse contexts. Research spans physical activity and exercise, speech and other movement systems, and the principles of motor control, with the goal of supporting individuals whose movement capabilities are, or are perceived to be, challenged by disease, injury, or the aging process.

A basic science dedicated to the systematic study of human occupation. It examines the form, function, and meaning of occupation and its relationship to health and well-being. This science both informs and is informed by other disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, sociology, human movement science, medical science, and economics. 

A multidisciplinary field that examines how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to rehabilitation care. It studies the quality and cost of services, and ultimately their impact on health and well-being. Research domains include individuals, families, organizations, practitioners, institutions, communities, and populations.

The integration of multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise in the design, development, and evaluation of technologies relevant to rehabilitation. This research supports disease diagnosis and monitoring, enhances the function and well-being of people with disabilities and their caregivers, and enables participation in everyday life.

The cognitive sciences study the mind—its capacities and the brain processes that underlie them. The social sciences examine human systems, particularly relationships between individuals and larger groups such as families, communities, and workplaces. Together, these sciences inform research on lost or altered cognitive and social functioning, with the aim of enhancing competence and participation in real-world situations.

A multidisciplinary field concerned with the study of normal processes in speech, language, and swallowing, as well as the etiology, symptomatology, prognosis, and treatment of related disorders. Research addresses evaluation and intervention across the lifespan for populations affected by developmental language disorders, neurogenic speech and language conditions, fluency and voice disorders, articulation and phonological impairments, and swallowing difficulties.