The UAB/Lakeshore Collaborative Research Center focuses on research in health promotion and applied rehabilitation science that will restore, improve, or maintain function, community participation, and quality of life for people across the lifespan who have or will face chronic physically disabling conditions (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or stroke).

This is accomplished through the development and oversight of a world class, shared space for dedicated research on exercise, nutrition, and emotional self-regulation (e.g., health behaviors) for improving health, function, and well-being among persons living with physical disability and chronic health conditions. The shared space will provide an environment that facilitates inclusion and interaction of a range of scientists and clinicians including those in health professions (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and health services administration) as well as psychology, engineering, epidemiology, education, and medicine. This will permit a collaborative, multidisciplinary interaction between UAB and Lakeshore that acts as an accelerator and incubator for research on health and wellness for optimizing programs, services, and outcomes critical for quality of life and independence.

The goals of the UAB/Lakeshore Collaborative Research Center include:

• Development and evaluation of current and new programs and services (e.g., rehabilitation, fitness, recreation, athletic, and education programs).
• Development and validation of new supportive technologies.
• Identify and develop meaningful alternatives for improving quality of life.