Foundation supports exciting new research in 2004.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy recently awarded $80,000 in research grants to physical therapists to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions. The Foundation's Scientific Review Committee reviewed grant applications in September 2003, and, in November, the Board of Trustees awarded two $40,000, 1-year grants to the following for research projects to begin in January 2004:

John D Childs, PT, MPT, MS, MBA, PhD, OCS, CSCS, FAAOMPT, Director of Research and Practice, Department of Physical Therapy, Wilford Hall Medical Centre, T.R.U.E. Research Foundation, Lackland AFB, Tex, for his study, "Effectiveness of an Extension-Oriented Intervention in Patients with Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial." This multisite, randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of interventions for patients who have low back pain. Backward bending or a low back strengthening program will be compared using measures of function, disability, and work limitations.

Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, ATC, Clinical Associate Professor, Division of Physical Therapy, University of Utah, was awarded funding for his study, "Eccentric Exercise Effects on Sarcopenia, Function, and Quality of Life in Persons with Parkinson Disease," which evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for older adults. This project will compare the effectiveness of a high-force strengthening intervention (chronic eccentric training) vs. traditional exercise training on muscle strength and size (and hormonal factors that mediate strength gains), functional abilities (balance and gait), and quality of life of persons with Parkinson disease. This grant is made possible by the Geriatrics Section Endowment Fund.