The Health and Adaptive Recreation Therapy (HEART) Lab is housed in the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The lab is directed by Chih-Chia (JJ) Chen, PhD, whose research focuses on physical activity, motor learning, and inclusive recreation among diverse and underserved populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), older adults, and college students.
The HART Lab brings together undergraduate research assistants, master’s and doctoral students, and community partners to conduct applied, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of physical activity, recreation, motor learning, disability, and health across the lifespan. Graduate students typically join the lab through the MS (thesis) or PhD programs in Health and Human Physiology, while undergraduate students participate through independent study, honors research, and structured research experiences. The lab also welcomes students from related disciplines and collaborating institutions.
Research in the HEART Lab focuses on:
- Motor learning and skill acquisition in inclusive and adapted physical activity settings, particularly among individuals with IDD
- Practice conditions that support skill learning and performance, including variability of practice, augmented feedback, and attentional focus
- Instructional design and teaching behaviors that promote skill development, retention, and transfer in physical education and recreation contexts
- Cognitive and psychosocial factors (e.g., confidence, motivation, executive function) associated with physical activity, recreation participation, and performance
- Aging, functional movement, and health-enhancing physical activity, with an emphasis on lifelong participation and quality of life
The HEART Lab operates with a strong commitment to research rigor, mentorship, and professional development. We foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment that values open dialogue, interdisciplinary perspectives, and community engagement. Research activities are supported through internal and external funding, collaborative projects, and student fellowships, with findings disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and partnerships with community organizations.