March 1, 2023
Junior/Rising Researcher Profile – Christopher Walter, PT, DPT, Ph.D.
Christopher Walter, PT, DPT, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on the Northwest campus. Dr. Walter’s scholarly agenda has been shaped by his extensive clinical background as a physical therapist treating people with neurological disorders. Dr. Walter’s primary research aim is focused on physical activity and its effect on preventing chronic diseases and the role it plays in health and physical function. To achieve this aim, he serves as the principle investigator or co-investigator on a number of projects. One project, funded by the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arthritis Foundation, has an aim to 1) disseminate a physical activity evidence-based intervention to older adults and adults with arthritis and to 2) implement the assessment of physical activity and counseling of benefits of physical activity in a primary care setting.
Another project, funded by the UAMS Translational Research Institute uses a team science approach to examine racial and ethnic disparities in physical activity. Specifically, he and his team measure the 24-hour activity cycle of Marshallese adults with type 2 diabetes using subjective and objective measures (e.g., accelerometers and Fitbits). With these results, he and his team will seek external funding to adapt and/or develop culturally appropriate physical activity opportunities and evidence-based interventions to improve health-related outcomes among Northwest Arkansas’ minority populations.
Another of Dr. Walter’s research aim is to develop strategies to maximize motor recovery in older adults and people with neurological deficits by studying how people learn or re-learn motor skills using a behavioral motor learning paradigm. This project has been funded by the UAMS College of Health Professions.
Dr. Walter recently received recognition from the UAMS College of Health Professions for his research and teaching. To date, he has published 16 peer reviewed publications and presented 22 peer reviewed conference posters and/or presentations.
Download Dr. Walter's CV
