Foundation for Physical Therapy Research

02/20/2026

We were honored to recognize our latest research grant, scholarship, fellowship, and service award recipients during our annual donor reception during 2026. It was inspiring to hear about the important work Foundation-funded researchers are doing and exciting to connect with those who support physical therapy research. Thank you to our sponsors, HPSO - Healthcare Providers Service Organization, TRI-W-G, and GetBreakthrough for supporting this memorable evening.

02/19/2026

We had a great time connecting with all of you at 2026! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, attended our events, and supported PT research.

See you next year in Philly!

02/18/2026

We are excited to announce a new partner in research! ZOLL Medical develops and markets medical devices that are used to diagnose and treat patients suffering from serious cardiopulmonary and respiratory conditions. Thank you so much ZOLL for your support!

Interested in becoming a partner in research? Learn more: https://foundation4pt.org/ways-to-give/corporate-partner-and-sponsor/

02/10/2026

Know Before You Go: Foundation edition! Take a look at what the Foundation has to offer this week at APTA CSM. We look forward to seeing you there!

02/09/2026

02/05/2026

APTA CSM 2026 is next week! We are looking forward to seeing everyone there—stop by booth #1739 to learn more about the Foundation, see the list of 2025 funding recipients, play some games, and connect with Foundation staff and trustees.

02/04/2026

We are excited to announce a new Bronze Partner in Research! GetBreakthrough offers marketing, finance, and practice management solutions for private practice physical therapists. Thank you so much Breakthrough for your support!

Interested in becoming a partner in research? Learn more: https://foundation4pt.org/ways-to-give/corporate-partner-and-sponsor/

02/03/2026

We’re excited to announce the 2026 Service Awardees!

Join us in celebrating these awardees who have made outstanding contributions to physical therapy research. They will be formally recognized at CSM 2026, and we can’t wait to honor them.
Read more: https://foundation4pt.org/2026-service-award-recipients/

02/02/2026

We’re proud to announce the establishment of the AIRE Endowment, created by Steven H. Tepper, PT, PhD, FAPTA!

This significant investment will fuel research in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy and PT education for years to come, supporting the future of the profession.

Read how Steve’s passion, career, and early Foundation support inspired this lasting legacy.
https://foundation4pt.org/tepper-aire-endowment/

Photo Courtesy of Rehab Essentials

01/30/2026

Meet Sydney Liles, PT, DPT, MS, a 2025 Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarship awardee. Sydney is also a PhD student specializing in Biomechanics and Movement at the University of Delaware where her research focuses on understanding physical activity, pain, and behavioral factors that influence care and outcomes in individuals with rheumatic diseases.

Her experience living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis inspired her to pursue a career in physical therapy and is passionate about improving access to effective, evidence-based rehabilitation or people with rheumatic diseases.

Sydney knows first hand the profound impacts that movement can have on quality of life and how gaps in care can limit people with these diseases from doing what they love—she aims to to bridge clinical practice and research by expanding the role of physical therapy in rheumatologic care, ultimately, improving access to long lasting interventions.

01/28/2026

Christopher Powers, PT, PhD, FAPTA, has been awarded the 57th Mary McMillan Visionary Leader Lecture Award, APTA's most distinguished award, spotlighting a physical therapist whose contributions have significantly influenced the profession.

Powers is not only a global leader in human movement science and lower‑extremity biomechanics, he’s also an active Foundation trustee, continuing to champion the profession's scientific foundation. We are grateful for all his contributions!

Watch this clip and join us at APTA CSM in Anaheim to hear his full lecture.

01/27/2026

2026 Postdoctoral Fellowship applications open through March 30.
Key highlights:
• 12 months period
• $75,000 award
• Research and training may be in new area or same area as doctoral research

🔔 Want updates? You can subscribe to receive direct Postdoctoral Fellowship email notifications on the same webpage where additional details are posted.

Guidelines, instructions, and sign-up link below.
https://foundation4pt.org/fellowships/