Innovative Mobility Initiative (IMOVE) Lab
UCF Division of Physical Therapy
Overview
The iMove lab at UCF is where research, practice and community engagement come together. Through the variety of programs offered, the iMove lab advances treatment for gait, movement, and balance disorders by rethinking clinical services and how care is delivered. Our mission is to:
- To be the leader in providing clinical services to individuals with mobility impairments across the lifespan
- To conduct cutting-edge research in order to inform evidence-based practice regarding balance and gait disorders
- To cultivate community partnerships to facilitate active engagement in interprofessional education and service to Central Florida
UCF Go Baby Go!
This national, community-based research, design and outreach program provides accessible, inexpensive and common sense solutions for kids and adults with limited mobility.
Keeping Them on Their Feet
In this balance and gait disorders clinic, our researchers explore programs and innovative clinical treatments to help maintain and improve the movement of individuals.
Grow and Play
Grow and Play is an intergenerational physical activity program that examines the effects on physical activity, intergenerational attitudes, and mood by bring together older adults and children.
Challenge Me!
This program helps those with dementia improve their cognitive, physical, and psychological well-being through both mental and physical interventions.
Assistive Device Technology
Through low-cost innovative solutions, we develop and deploy technology that advances movement across the lifespan.
Community Involvement
The mission of UCF Go Baby Go! is to provide innovative, accessible, and practical options to improve the lives of individuals with limited mobility. UCF Go Baby Go! is dedicated to interdisciplinary research, community outreach, and advocacy for children and adults with motor impairments. Our goal is to provide meaningful opportunities for mobility, participation, and play for individuals of all abilities.
Grow and Play is an intergenerational physical activity program which aims to promote social engagement for older adults and children. This pilot project was initiated for the development and implementation of a physical activity program with examination of effects on physical activity, intergenerational attitudes, and mood.
Grow and Play received grant funding of $4,900 in February 2017 through the LIFE @ UCF Richard Tucker Applied Gerontology grant.
During our Fun Fridays, infants and children up to 5 years old are able to use the portable harness system to help facilitate mobility and play while also promoting gross motor skills and interaction with their environment.
News
Our Team
Nicole Dawson, PT, Ph.D., GCS-Emeritus
Jennifer Tucker, PT, DPT, PCS
Research
- Dawson, N., Gerhart, H., & Judge, K. (2017). Improved Functional Performance in Individuals with Dementia after a Moderate-Intensity Home-Based Exercise Program: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy. Published Ahead-of-Print; doi 10.1519/ JPT.0000000000000128
- Dawson, N. & Menne, H. (2015). Can Interpreting Non-Significant Findings Inform the Lessons Learned from an Intervention?. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Published online before print November 5, 2015, doi: 10.1177/1559827615614571
- Bukach, A. M., Ejaz, F. E., Dawson, N., & Gitter, R. (2015). Turnover among Community Mental Health Workers in Ohio. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research. Published online before print December 11, 2015, doi:10.1007/s10488-015-0706-1
- Ejaz, F. E., Bukach, A. M., Dawson, N., Gitter, R. & Judge, K. S. (2015). Examining Direct Service Worker Turnover in Three Long-Term Care Industries in Ohio. Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 27(2). doi:10.1080/08959420.2014.987034
- Powers, S. M., Dawson, N., Krestar, M. L., Yarry, S. & Judge, K. S. (2014). ‘I wish they would remember that I forget:’ The effects of memory loss on the lives of individuals with mild to moderate dementia. Dementia, published online October 7, 2014. doi: 10.1177/ 1471301214553236
- Dawson, N., Powers, S. M., Krestar, M. L., Yarry, S. & Judge, K. S. (2013). Predictors of self- reported psychosocial outcomes in individuals with dementia. The Gerontologist, 53, 748-759. First appeared online October 2012, doi: 10.1093/geront/gns137
- Krestar, M. L., Looman, W., Powers, S., Dawson, N., & Judge, K. S. (2012). Including individuals with memory impairment in the research process: the importance of scales and response categories. Journal of Empirical Research and Human Research Ethics, 7, 70-79. doi: 10.1525/jer.2012.7.2.70
- Dawson, N. (September 26, 2015). PT Management of Patients with Dementia: Using a Strength and Functionally Based Approach. Florida Physical Therapy Association Fall Conference. Orlando, FL.
- Dawson, N., Menne, H. & Bass, D. (April 26, 2013). The effect of exercise on physical performance outcomes in individuals with dementia: findings from the Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease intervention. 37th Annual Conference, Ohio Association for Gerontology & Education, Ashland, Ohio.
- Moya, S., Dawson, N., Richards, J.** & Pabian, P. (in preparation). Using Interviews to Assess Non-Cognitive Traits in Physical Therapy Admissions: A Case Report. Future submission to Journal of Physical Therapy Education.
- Dawson, N. & Sterns, H. L. (February 25, 2012). Resilience & working longer. The 38th Association for Gerontology in Higher Education Annual Meeting and Educational Leadership Conference, Arlington, Virginia.
- Beato, M., Svien, L. & Dawson, N. (July 28, 2016). Examining the Effects of an Otago-Based Program on Falls in Residents of Assisted Living Facilities. The Exercise and Physical Activity in Aging Conference (ExPAAC II), Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Moya, S., Richards, J.** & Dawson, N. (accepted, February 17, 2017). Assessing Non-Cognitive Traits of Doctor of Physical Therapy Applicants through Admissions Interviews. 2017 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
- Dzurino, D.**, Gregory, M.**, Dawson, N. & Tucker, J. (accepted, February 16, 2017). Assessing the Reliability and Construct Validity of Commonly Used Rehab Tools to Measure Balance. 2017 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
- Gregory, M.**, Dawson, N., Dzurino, D.** & Tucker, J. (accepted, February 16, 2017). Assessing the Reliability, Agreement, and Convergent Validity between the 10MWT and GAITRite System in Healthy Adults. 2017 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
- Keough, J.**, Zuluaga, E.**, Mantel, A.** & Dawson, N. (accepted, February 16, 2017). Fast Gait Speed is Associated with Falls in Older Adults: Findings from Project Runway. 2017 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
- Mantel, A.**, Zuluaga, E.**, Keough, J.** & Dawson, N. (accepted, February 16, 2017). Group Differences on Performance Measures Between Non-fallers, Single Fallers, and Recurrent Fallers in Community Dwelling Older Adults. 2017 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
- Gregory, M.**, Goddin, C.**, Davis, K.** & Dawson, N. (accepted, February 16, 2017). Can the Wii Balance Board Be Used as a Fall Risk Assessment Tool for Older Adults? 2017 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, San Antonio, Texas.
- Tucker, J., Richards, C.J.**, Vandel, T.A.**, Dawson, N. (June 9, 2016). Effects of preference based physical activities for children ages 6-10 years in a private school setting. American Physical Therapy Association NEXT Conference and Exposition, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Dawson, N. & Judge, K. S. (February 18, 2016). Improved Functional Performance in Individuals with Dementia Following a Moderate-Intensity Strength and Balance Exercise Program. 2016 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, California.
Community Partnerships
LIFE @ UCF
Funded pilot research for Grow and Play
Contact
If you would like to find out more information, please fill out the form below and we will respond within 2-3 business days.
IMOVE Lab
3280 Progress Drive #722,
Orlando FL 32826
Email: IMOVElab@ucf.edu
