Research

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.

Two Lines of Clinical and Translational Science

The optimization of exercise delivery in people with intellectual and physical disability
The implementation of accessible and inclusive fitness environments

Current Projects Publications

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
Assessing the Efficacy of the AdaptX Curriculum in Improving the Confidence and Competence of Fitness Professionals

Research Director

Christopher Joyce, PT, DPT, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions

Christopher Joyce 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

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Published Work

Oreskovic NM, Austin G, Aylward B, et al. 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 A 200(2): 535–544.
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. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy 48(4): 224–231.
doi.org/10.1097/NPT.0000000000000475
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 4: 21.
doi.org/10.28933/ijsmr-2021-04-2605

Posters and Presentations

Clinic to Community: Building Pathways for Fitness for People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities
Joyce C, Aylward B, Cameron K · 2026 Move United Annual Conference, and the American Physical Therapy Association Massachusetts Annual Conference
Inclusive Fitness Pathways for People with Down Syndrome
Aylward B, Joyce C · 2025 International Summit on the Health Benefits of Physical Fitness for People with Down Syndrome
Barriers and Facilitators to Inclusive Programs for Adults with Disabilities
APTA Combined Sections Meeting 2025
Social Responsibility Award
The Effects of BFR on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Functional Outcomes in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
APTA Combined Sections Meeting 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

Two authors standing in front of their research poster on the effects of strength and conditioning for people with cerebral palsy

See the full list of presentations and publications

Capability

VO2 Max Testing

VO2 max is a measurement of the maximum volume of oxygen your body can take up and utilize before switching to less efficient, anaerobic energy pathways. It reflects the combined efficiency of your lungs, heart, blood, and muscles in delivering and using oxygen to fuel exercise. It’s one of the strongest indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic capacity, closely correlating with endurance performance as well as long-term health and longevity outcomes. However, protocols are rarely validated for athletes with ID/PD and we’re working to change that.

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What Is VO2 Max Testing?Check out what a VO2 max test looks like in the RHRL for a runner.
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Mary MacDonald's TestCollaborating with the MGB Center for Sports Performance and Research to develop a protocol for push-rim wheelchair racers.

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Featured Study · with New Balance

The Biomechanics and Bioenergetics of Duo Running

Duo running was popularized nearly 50 years ago by the father-son duo, Dick and Rick Hoyt. It involves a runner pushing a rider, who otherwise may be unable to compete in endurance sports, in a customized racing chair.

We are interested in the high performance of duo teams and assessing how the mechanics of running with a chair influences training strategies.