The Rick Hoyt Research Lab

The Rick Hoyt Research Lab was established to perform impactful studies that improve fitness and reduce secondary health conditions for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. We accomplish this by pursuing two lines of clinical and translational science:

1) The optimization of exercise delivery in people with ID/PD, and

2) The implementation of accessible and inclusive fitness environments

Current Projects

Determinants of Inclusive  Exercise for People with Disability in Community-Based Wellness Organizations

Development of an Injury Prevention and Running Program for People with Lower Extremity Amputation

Presentation and Publications

Recently Published Work

  • Oreskovic, N. M., G.Austin, B.Aylward, et al. 2026. “The International Summit on Health Benefits of Physical Fitness for People With Down Syndrome: Current Science, Gaps, Priorities, and Research Opportunities.” American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A200, no. 2: 535–544. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.64256.

  • Joyce C, Aylward B, Rolnick N, Lachowski S. Implementation and Clinical Outcomes of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2024 Oct 1;48(4):224-231. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000475. Epub 2024 Sep 17. PMID: 38757901.

  • Aylward B,  Talanian L. Observations of Performance and Body Composition Following 8-weeks of Progressive Resistance Training in Participants With Cerebral Palsy. International Journal of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2021; 4:21. DOI: 10.28933/ijsmr-2021-04-2605

Recent Presentations

  • Aylward B, Joyce C. Inclusive Fitness Pathways for People with Down syndrome. 2025 International Summit on the Health Benefits of Physical Fitness for People with Down Syndrome.

  • Joyce C, Aylward B, Cameron K. Clinic to Community Building Pathways for Fitness for People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities. American Physical Therapy Association Massachusetts Annual Conference

  • Joyce C, Aylward B, Cameron K. Clinic to Community Building Pathways for Fitness for People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities. 2026 Move United Annual Conference

  • Barriers and Facilitators to Inclusive Programs for Adults with Disabilities - APTA CSM 2025 (Recognized with the Social Responsibility Award)

  • The Effects of BFR on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Functional Outcomes in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy - APTA CSM 2023

  • Training Strategies for Clients Post-Stroke (Spring/Summer 2022 - Project mentor for Haley Lawlor’s Doctoral Capstone, Boston University)

  • Making Backyard Games Accessible for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy (Summer/Fall 2021 - Site and project mentor for Dennis Peary’s Doctoral Capstone, Tufts University)

Research Director

Man with short red hair wearing a plaid red and blue shirt and glasses smiling

Christopher Joyce, PT, DPT, PhD, is a clinical and implementation scientist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. He serves as Director of Research for the Rick Hoyt Research Lab conducting projects that will increase opportunity for exercise and wellness for people with disability. Google Scholar

Two authors stand in front of the poster for their research publication on the efficacy of strength and conditioning on body composition for a group of individuals with Cerebral Palsy.
This is a screenshot of a poster for a student's doctoral capstone project titled "Backyard Sports for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy: Bridging the Gap"