Franziska Loetzner
Assistant ProfessorKinesiology
ude[dot]ui[at]zteolrf
Turning Research into Access: Advancing Inclusive Health Through Adapted Physical Activity
My research program exemplifies translational research with its direct application in community-based settings to improve health and participation outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Through partnerships with organizations such as Special Olympics and university-based adapted physical activity programs, I design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions and assessment tools that address real-world challenges in inclusive health and physical activity. For example, my work on fitness, health screening practices, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has informed the development of accessible health assessments and community programming that are actively used in practice, in Special Olympics initiatives such as SHINE and Fitness Through Sport. This work is evidence-based, as it is grounded in rigorous mixed-methods research, including longitudinal studies, community-based interventions, and systematic inquiry into physical activity, fitness, and health behaviors among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Findings from my research directly inform program design, evaluation strategies, and health promotion practices. My research is interdisciplinary, drawing from kinesiology, public health, disability studies, education, and implementation science. I collaborate with researchers, clinicians, educators, and community stakeholders to ensure that interventions are not only scientifically sound but also contextually relevant and scalable across diverse settings. Finally, my work is goal-oriented toward improving everyday life, as it focuses on creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for physical activity and health promotion that enhance quality of life, functional health, and social participation. By translating research into practical tools, programs, and policies, my scholarship aims to reduce health disparities and promote equitable access to health-enhancing resources for individuals with disabilities.