Investigating racial differences in disability and physical therapy use after hospitalization
Official title: Racial Differences in Hospital-Associated Disability and Acute and Post-Acute Care Physical Therapy Utilization
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11084306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in race, especially for Black patients, can impact recovery and the use of physical therapy after being in the hospital, and it aims to understand how social challenges affect these experiences to help improve care for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $131,760 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MD019072-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are hospitalized patients aged 65 and older, particularly those who identify as Black and may experience social vulnerabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not hospitalized or those who do not identify as Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how racial differences, particularly among Black patients, affect the development of hospital-associated disability (HAD) and the utilization of physical therapy (PT) services after hospitalization. The study will analyze data from multiple academic medical centers in Chicago to identify disparities in functional impairments and PT referrals. It aims to understand how social vulnerability influences these outcomes and to explore patients' perspectives on mobility loss and participation in PT. By assessing these factors, the research seeks to improve care and rehabilitation for older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical therapy access and better rehabilitation outcomes for older Black patients after hospitalization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among different racial groups, suggesting that this study's focus on racial differences in rehabilitation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Maylyn — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Maylyn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.