# Leveraging Physical Therapy to Improve Physical Activity in Older Adults with Chronic MSK Conditions

> **NIH AHRQ K01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2021 · $145,896

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
My goal in seeking a Mentored Research Career Development Award is to acquire the necessary training,
practical experience, and knowledge to be a leading independent investigator using implementation science to
improve the quality of health care delivery for older adults with chronic conditions. The proposed career
development award is designed to support this transition. We will apply implementation and behavioral science
patient-centered outcomes research aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of physical therapy.
Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, such as low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, are the primary
cause of disability in mid-life and older adults in the United States. Individuals living with chronic MSK
conditions often have trouble being physically active and experience a downward spiral in health and quality-
of-life due to the consequences of the pain and disability. Physical therapy (PT) is an important component of
treatment for MSK conditions. PT often reduces pain and improves function but fails to support sustained
changes in physical activity (PA). Coach2Move is an innovative program developed in the Netherlands that
has demonstrated positive results in changing daily PA among older adults with mobility limitations. Using a
patient-centered approach based in social cognitive theory, Coach2Move addresses patients' primary medical
concerns and supports a change in PA behaviors. Coach2Move has not been implemented in the U.S. or
adapted for chronic MSK conditions. My Specific Aims are to: (1) adapt the Coach2Move intervention to mid-
life and older adults with chronic MSK conditions in a U.S. health system, (2) assess the impact of
implementing Coach2Move on patient-level PA and function, and (3) assess barriers and facilitators to
implementing Coach2Move from both clinician and patient perspectives.
As an emerging young investigator, my career development plan is focused on acquiring expertise in
implementation science and behavioral science to improve the quality of health care delivery for older adults
with chronic conditions. My Specific Career Development Aims will combine mentorship from established
experts and targeted coursework to acquire expertise in: (1) implementation science, (2) the design and
analysis of behavioral interventions, (3) mixed-methods, and (4) research leadership. The knowledge and
experience gained from this proposal will allow me to successfully compete for R01 funding to conduct
implementation trials accelerating the translation of evidence-based research. This proposal makes significant,
relevant contributions to the field by identifying process steps critical to the translation of physical activity
research into physical therapy practice for older adults with chronic conditions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10252767
- **Project number:** 5K01HS026518-04
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Anne Thackeray
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** AHRQ
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $145,896
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-30 → 2023-09-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10252767

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10252767, Leveraging Physical Therapy to Improve Physical Activity in Older Adults with Chronic MSK Conditions (5K01HS026518-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10252767. Licensed CC0.

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