Promotion of Health Equity and Adapted Physical Activity Lab

The PHEAPA lab, led by Dr. Luis Columna, is dedicated to the development and implementation of innovative physical activity interventions for individuals with disabilities and their families. Collaboration lies at the core of our efforts, as we actively engage with professionals from diverse fields such as special education, physical education, and psychology. Furthermore, in our approach to design and implementation, we actively include the individuals and families who will benefit from our services. 

Creating and maintaining welcoming places for people of all ages and with a wide range of ability levels is one of our top priorities. This includes, but is not limited to, developmental disabilities such as visual impairments, autism, and Down syndrome. Furthermore, our commitment extends to designing and implementing physical activity interventions for older Latino adults, both with and without Parkinson’s Disease.

Our lab is committed to developing interventions that create meaningful impacts in the lives of those who have been traditionally underserved and overlooked. We achieve this by developing evidence-based interventions that promote physical activity, well-being, and empowerment within these communities.

Research questions that help guide our research include:

• How can we design and implement physical activity interventions that are tailored to the specific needs and abilities of individuals with disabilities, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and enjoyment?
• How do our physical activity interventions impact the physical health, emotional well-being, and social inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families, and how can we measure these outcomes effectively?
• How can we collaborate with health professionals, educators, and community organizations to create a holistic support system for individuals with disabilities and their families, combining our research findings with practical implementation strategies?