Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

06/03/2026

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06/02/2026

Meet Matthew Kuik, PT, DPT, OCS, a 2025 Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship awardee who knows that great rehabilitation—much like great cheese—depends on the right balance of science, craft, and time. 🧀

Matt is a PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where his research focuses on optimizing hip rehabilitation. His work explores the impact of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and recovery outcomes following hip arthroscopy surgery, with the goal of improving both short‑ and long‑term patient outcomes.

Motivated by a desire to advance the science of rehabilitation and make a lasting impact on patient care, Matt’s transition into physical therapy research was shaped by his clinical training. As both a student and clinician, he saw how evidence‑based practice can meaningfully improve outcomes, while also recognizing gaps in knowledge that limit optimal care. These experiences ultimately led him to pursue PT research to help strengthen and inform clinical practice.

From stacking wheels of cheese for his wedding cake to stacking evidence in his research, Matt is helping rehabilitation mature thoughtfully.

Drop a 👏 or 🎉 to celebrate Matt for advancing hip rehabilitation and helping patients to keep moving forward.

06/01/2026

We’re proud to support the Workshop in Implementation Sciences and Health Services (WISH), a program focused on strengthening grant-writing skills and advancing innovative rehabilitation research.

Hosted at the APTA Centennial Center, this marks the third year the Learning Health Systems Rehabilitation Research Network (LeaRRn) has delivered this valuable training. Through initiatives such as WISH and our annual $40,000 health services research grant, the Foundation remains committed to building capacity in physical therapy health services research.

We were also excited to have Beryl Leach, Manager of Scientific Programs, participate in a funders’ panel, sharing insights and answering questions to help researchers succeed.

Kudos to all involved in continuing to grow a community of researchers dedicated to improving health services and systems!

American Occupational Therapy Foundation

05/28/2026

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is offering multiple $40,000 specialty area grants to support research that advances evidence‑based practice across specific areas of physical therapy.

➡️ Explore specialty grants: https://foundation4pt.org/foundation-funding-opportunities/grants/

05/21/2026

It’s been a great week at HQ with five of our trustees on-site, connecting with staff and supporters! Thank you to them and to our entire Board for their continued leadership and commitment to the Foundation’s mission.

05/20/2026

This Military Appreciation Month, we’re proud to recognize Tim Eckard, PT, DPT, PhD—Director of the Division of Physical Therapy at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the 2017 Foundation Viva J. Erickson Scholarship Award recipient, which recognizes exceptional academic achievement and leadership in physical therapy

Tim’s path to PT research began with 9 years of active duty service as a physical therapist. Today, he continues to serve those who serve through impactful research focused on reducing lower extremity injuries during basic military training.

His work is helping reshape how physical therapy can prevent injuries before they occur, improving readiness, reducing costs, and protecting our service members.
We thank Tim for his continued commitment to advancing care for the military community.

UNC School of Medicine

05/12/2026

Are you an emerging investigator in physical therapy research? The Foundation is offering four $40,000 grants limited to emerging investigators. Read the grant guidelines for a full description of eligibility requirements.

🔗 Details here: https://foundation4pt.org/foundation-funding-opportunities/grants/

05/11/2026

We’re thrilled to join in celebrating this fantastic achievement!

Allison received a Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship from the Foundation during her PhD journey. Moments like this highlight the importance of supporting investigators at every stage of their careers.

Congratulations, Allison!

Congratulations to our Department Chair Dr. Allison Hyngstrom on being awarded an R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health!

This $1.69 million award will fund research into improving exercise capacity for stroke survivors. Alongside Dr. Matthew Durand from MCW, Dr. Hyngstrom is investigating how ischemic conditioning can help survivors achieve the high-intensity exercise needed for gains in motor performance. We are proud to have her leadership and expertise in our department.

Check out the Marquette Today article here: https://today.marquette.edu/2026/04/marquette-physical-therapy-professor-receives-1-7-million-nih-grant-to-study-exercise-capacity-in-stroke-survivors/