
About our lab
Our lab is focused on understanding and testing factors that increase motivation for movement. We use behavioral science to create interventions for individuals that might have difficulties starting and sticking with exercise and physical activity. We primarily focus on interventions for people with Parkinson disease as well as underserved populations (Latinx/Hispanic).
Donations
You can make a donation to our lab at the UConn Foundation website if you would like to support our research for people with Parkinson’s disease. Any questions please reach out to Erin McMahon at the UConn Foundation emcmahon@foundation.uconn.edu
Interested in joining the Movement for Life Lab?
Please apply here if you are interested in joining our team!
Lab Vision & Mission
Movement for Life Lab
Vision: Empowering movement for all, for life.
Mission: To empower and motivate individuals, families, and populations to be physically active.
Research goals:
- Improve physical activity levels of people with PD
- Reduce healthcare disparities for people with PD from underrepresented groups
- Understand essential components of interventions (at the individual, interpersonal, community, & societal levels) to maximize motivation for physical activity
News
- Featured Research Art & Media Exhibit (FRAME) ContestParia Darbandsari, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Kinesiology, received second place in the FRAME contest for her photograph, “Light moves.” The image captures a participant with Parkinson’s disease performing large-amplitude, high-velocity movements during a long-exposure photography session, creating abstract patterns of light. This work is part of the rehabilitation project “Movement, Creativity, and […]
- Examining the Perceptions and Understanding of Physical Therapy Among Individuals Who Are African American or Black: A Qualitative StudyJessah Doctor, a third-year DPT student, presented his poster, "Examining the Perceptions and Understanding of Physical Therapy Among Individuals Who Are African American or Black: A Qualitative Study” at the Health Equity Symposium. This event brings together researchers, students, and community members to share work aimed at addressing health disparities and advancing equitable care. His […]
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Combined Sections Meeting 2026On February 12, 2026, Dr. Colón-Semenza attended the APTA Combined Sections Meeting where she received an award for Excellence in Advancing Belonging and Culture in Physical Therapy Research from the Academy of Research.
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Padeces de la enfermedad de Parkinson y estas buscando una manera para implementar el ejercicio en tu vida cotidiana, pero no sabe por donde comenzar; este estudio podría ser para usted. Si estas interesado/a en obtener más información sobre este estudio puedes llamar al 860-486-9555 o al 860-617-2255.
Are you affected by Parkinson`s disease and looking to incorporate an exercise routine into your daily life, but not sure how to do it? This study could be beneficial for you. If you are interested in obtaining more information about this study, you can call us at 860-486-9555 or 860-617-2255.
This year’s APDA CT optimism walk in Farmington CT with Dr. Colon-Semenza and Dr. Osborne and DPT Alumnus. All led the group in warm-up exercises and ran a fall risk assessment for people living with PD.
#apda #parkinsondisease #parkinsonsdiseaseawareness#uconn #uconndpt#optimismwalk
Make sure to check out this short video about “The Effect of Remote Exercise interventions on Physical Activity Functional Mobility Gait among Adults with Parkinson Disease” for UCONN center for mhealth and social media 7th annual conference.
Link in bio
#uconndigital23 #uconn #uconnhealth #parkinsondisease
#parkinsonsdiseaseawareness
#parkinsonsresearch
#telehealth #telehealthphysicaltherapy
The Movement For Life Lab is recruiting participants for our movement and creativity research study! The gait training sessions (lasting 30-45 minutes) will be 2x/week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 12-4 pm in person at UConn Storrs. Reach out to movementforlifelab@gmail.com or 860-486-9555 to learn more and to get a copy of the research flyer!







