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Health Innovation
Committed to innovation in education, practice and research
Creating a health-focused future requires inventive approaches now. We are taking steps today that will help realize the healthspan model, delivering healthy living medicine effectively.
The World Health Organization defines health nnovation as a means to “develop and deliver new or improved health policies, systems, products and technologies, and services and delivery methods that improve people’s health.” At the UIC Department of Physical Therapy, our education, clinical and community services, and research embody that.
Notably, the Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection network was introduced in 2020 to promote human resilience and quality of life by increasing healthy living behaviors.
Innovation in education
We offer certificate programs that students stack alongside academic degrees as preparation for a multifaceted, ever-changing workplace. Certificates supplement a degree by providing in-depth coverage of many topics that fall in-between core focus areas.
DPT students with certificates are able to demonstrate their commitment to health promotion across the lifespan, making them more desirable to employers. By spanning disciplines and intersecting with diverse populations, certificates promote more comprehensive wellness.
Innovation in practice
Innovative practices immerse UIC students and faculty in unique clinical settings, and out in the community—right where people live, work and study.
Innovation in research
Our research labs and centers.
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Brain Plasticity Laboratory
Testing and developing low-cost, clinically-translatable therapies that enhance brain plasticity to optimize movement recovery
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Cognitive Motor Balance Rehabilitation Laboratory
Examining the effects of various cognitive and motor therapies for improving impairment, function, and participation in older and neurologically impaired populations
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EXERT Vascular Lab
Concentrating on health-related research across several disciplines using translational cardiovascular approaches
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Knecht Movement Science Laboratory
Studying rehabilitation while providing training in motor control, biomedical engineering and motor rehabilitation
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PT Faculty Practice
Providing physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing and nutrition services
Innovation in scholarship
With nearly 1,250 historical publications in over 150 publications, we enjoy the top publication rate among DPT programs in the U.S. According to Academic Analytics, UIC’s Department of Physical Therapy ranks No. 1 in articles per faculty and overall scholarly research index (>54) and No. 2 in citations per faculty (>946). In 2021, our research was cited worldwide over 4,000 times.
Selected publications:
- A tale of two pandemics: How will COVID-19 and global trends in physical inactivity and sedentary behavior affect one another?
- Physical activity for immunity protection: Inoculating populations with healthy living medicine in preparation for the next pandemic
- Infographic: The need for a global healthy living medicine strategy
- Merging precision and healthy living medicine: Individualizing the path to a healthier lifestyle
- The Importance of School-based Healthy Living Initiatives: Introducing the Health and Wellness Concept
- Enhancing Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Question of Proximity and Integration of Outpatient Services
- Let Us Talk About Moving: Reframing the Exercise and Physical Activity Discussion
- Public Park Spaces as a Platform to Promote Healthy Living: Introducing a HealthPark Concept
- Who will deliver comprehensive healthy lifestyle interventions to combat non-communicable disease? Introducing the healthy lifestyle practitioner discipline
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