Doctoral Training Program in Movement Science

Project Summary Movement is vital for health and quality of life, and the need for movement science and rehabilitation research is increasingly apparent. A primary goal of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, nested within NICHD, is to bring the health-related problems of people with physical disabilities to the attention of America's best scientists in order to capitalize upon the myriad advances occurring in the biological, behavioral, and engineering sciences. The purpose of this training program in Movement Science is to prepare pre- and postdoctoral investigators who can integrate knowledge from basic and clinical sciences to answer relevant questions concerning movement and movement dysfunction as they relate to rehabilitation. The training program, while administratively housed within the Program in Physical Therapy, is strongly interdisciplinary, interfacing with engineering, neuroscience, radiology, orthopaedic surgery, and other medical disciplines. Our training program utilizes the expertise of outstanding investigators from throughout Washington University to provide interdisciplinary guidance in academic and research activities. The curriculum is built on the concept of the movement system and encompasses three core areas: biocontrol, biomechanics, and bioenergetics. The engagement of established investigators with an interest in integrating basic science and clinical manifestations of disease and injury results in the production of top quality, interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation. This training grant provides essential support for this Movement Science training program, facilitating continuous innovation and exceptional training. Our trainees are highly successful, with an average of ≥ 6 peer-reviewed publications during their training. Average time to completion is 4.6 years in the full-time, predoctoral program, which has a graduation rate of 97%. Our graduates go on to academic (>90%) or industry positions, and become nationally and internationally recognized leaders. The training grant is moving into its 27th year and this application requests funding for years 28-32. In this application, we demonstrate the impact of this T32 on the field of rehabilitation. We share how the T32 continues to be the driving force behind innovation in interdisciplinary PhD training, with important changes this cycle related to: 1) formal coursework and credit hours required for the degree, 2) qualifying examination procedures, 3) trainee – faculty interactions to enhance scientific rigor for all, and 4) expansion of the training program to PhD students enrolled in other, similar degree programs. We request support for one additional predoctoral and one additional postdoctoral slot per year (total of 4 predoc and 2 postdoc). We are fully committed to the MSP, recognizing its unique position and key role in training the next generation of movement scientists.