Overview of Research

The Center focuses on obtaining infrastructure grants, facilitating interdisciplinary, multi-institutional collaboration and mentorship/career development for research investigators. Acquiring research funding through the establishment of infrastructure grants is essential to the Center's mission. These grants go beyond addressing a single research issue, building knowledge in broad areas of science and providing important resources. Obtaining infrastructure grants requires the contribution of multiple investigators, including the participation of external institutions.

Collaboration involves team members from diverse disciplines and involves faculty at different academic ranks and levels of expertise, from graduate students to senior full professors. This interdisciplinary, multi-institutional approach creates an environment that promotes mentoring and career development of research investigators in functional recovery, physical activity, and nutrition.

Research Activities

Scientific publication of research findings in refereed journals
Research mentoring & career development for postdocs and PhD students
Leveraging of resources to build research capacity at UTMB
Faculty start-up and seed grant support
Scientific training, lectures and conferences
Co-sponsored lectures
Co-sponsorship of the Galveston Brain Injury Conference
Research collaborations and partnerships

Areas of Research

Aging & Geriatrics

Examining social, environmental, and medical interventions associated with successful aging and evaluating functional outcomes and the impact of minority status on function and physical activity in older adults.

Population-based Health Services

Examining rehabilitation outcomes, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of health and disability related outcomes using large national databases or population-based surveys.

Muscle Biology

Examining mechanisms associated with muscle function including protein synthesis, muscle metabolism, cell signaling, essential amino acids and exercise associated with muscle growth and regeneration. A network of laboratories provides the opportunity to integrate research and activities in muscle biology, motor control, and applied physiology with basic rehabilitation practice.

Patient-Centered Clinical/Community Outcomes

Examining physical activity and functional independence in both inpatient and outpatient settings among individuals with disabilities and/or chronic disease who are participating in exercise programs or rehabilitation interventions.

Physical Activity & Nutrition

Examines the role of physical activity and nutrition in both inpatient, outpatient and community dwelling individuals in an effort to reduce patient readmissions and improve physical function following surgery, cancer recovery, injury or aging.