Personal Summary

Donna Bainbridge, PT, EdD, ATC

Dr. Bainbridge received her professional education at Boston University Sargent College, and her Master of Science degree in Biomechanics and Sports Medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. While in North Carolina, she also became a certified Athletic Trainer.  Her doctoral degree in Motor Learning and Sports Psychology was granted by Boston University School of Education.

She has worked as a physical therapist for over 45 years, and an athletic trainer for 30 years.  Her specialty area is sports/fitness for clients of all ages and abilities, especially pediatrics.  Most recently, she has worked in the senior living environment, and has experience with neurological problems and issues of aging.

Donna has been a faculty at many universities including Boston University, MGH Institute of Health Professions, University of Montana, University of Maryland, and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She has lectured and published on pediatric sports injuries and fitness training, and health promotion and fitness for people with intellectual disabilities.  She currently co-teaches an online course in Health Promotion and Wellness for the University of Indianapolis.

She was Director of Practice, American Physical Therapy Association, from 1999 to 2002.  During this time, she worked on the addition of tests to Guide to PT Practice, developed Special Olympics FUNfitness, and promoted fitness and wellness for physical therapists.

Since 2002, she has worked as Special Olympics Global Advisor for FUNfitness & Fitness Programming. In this capacity she coordinates global development of fitness assessment and community-based fitness programming for SO participants. 

In addition to her work in the UMPT Clinic, Donna is a faculty in the MPH Program at the University of Montana, and a consultant for The University of Montana Rural Institute.

Education

BS in Physical Therapy, Boston University 1967; MS in Biomechanics and Sports Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 1982; EdD in Motor Learning and Sports Psychology, Boston University, 1990.

Courses Taught

AHHS 430 - Health Aspects of Aging

Teaching Experience

UNC-Chapel Hill, 1982-84;  Boston University 1984-1988 and 1989-1991; Hahnemann University; MGH Institute of Health Professions 1988-1989; University of Montana 1992-1993 and 2018-present; University of Maryland -Baltimore 2004-2008; University of Indianapolis 2008-2017

Field of Study

Physical Therapy, Biomechanics and Motor Learning, Sports Medicine and Sports Psychology

Affiliations

Consultant, University of Montana Rural Institute on Inclusive Communities

Specialized Skills

Fitness and Wellness; Balance and Fall Prevention; Sports for persons with and without disability;  Geriatrics

International Experience

Special Olympics Global Clinical Advisor 2000-present