Research
NCPEID supports and promotes research that advances evidence-based practice in adapted physical education, adapted physical activity, recreation, motor behavior, and sport for individuals with disabilities. Through research collaboration, member engagement, and responsible governance, NCPEID facilitates scholarship that informs policy, professional preparation, and practice across educational and community settings.
Research at NCPEID
NCPEID is committed to advancing high-quality research that informs professional preparation, service delivery, and policy related to physical education and physical activity for individuals with disabilities. Research supported through NCPEID addresses issues relevant to higher education, K–12 settings, and community-based programs.
Common areas of inquiry include adapted physical education (APE), adapted physical activity, assessment, behavior management, pre-service teacher preparation, curriculum development, APE practica, and motor behavior. In collaboration with the Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS), NCPEID provides structured opportunities for members to engage in and contribute to research initiatives.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
NCPEID SIGs provide a structured way for members to connect around shared research and practice priorities in adapted physical education; disability sport; motor behavior; and health, wellness, and recreation. SIGs are designed to support collaboration, resource sharing, and the development of multi-site projects and scholarly products. Information about current SIGs and how to join will be posted as groups are launched.
Research Seed Grant Program
NCPEID offers Research Seed Grant funding to support member-led pilot studies and innovative projects that advance adapted physical education and adapted physical activity. Funding is intended to catalyze new lines of inquiry, strengthen research networks, and position teams for future external funding.
Funding
- Up to $2,000 for one project, or up to $1,000 each for two projects.
Project Period
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Up to 15 months, beginning July 1.
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Exceptions may be considered with appropriate justification.
Eligibility
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Priority in the awards process will be given to members of NCPEID. Faculty, including postdoctoral scholars, at all career stages are eligible to apply.
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Applicants may submit only one proposal to this competition as project lead per round.
- Postdoctoral scholars and early-career investigators are encouraged to include a senior mentor to support project development and feasibility.
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Proposals may include multiple investigators, but one must be designated as the Principal Investigator (PI), and the PI must be a member of NCPEID.
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Faculty may resubmit a revised proposal that was not funded in a previous funding cycle. See the “Resubmissions” section below for additional guidelines.
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N/A until 2028: Investigators funded as lead PIs in the last two cycles of this program are not eligible to submit as lead PIs for this round but may serve as co-investigators and may apply again after two cycles. However, priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received funding. All previously funded investigators, regardless of role, must also be up to date with required reports as specified in the award terms and conditions.
Allowable Use of Funds
Seed funding may be used to support pilot work and feasibility activities, including non-faculty project personnel, consultants, supplies, participant incentives, and project-related travel essential to data collection. Supplemental or external funding may be used in combination with this award and is encouraged when appropriate.
How to Apply for Seed Grant
- The full Request for Proposals (RFP), including detailed eligibility criteria, budget guidelines, and review criteria, is available below.
- Applications must be submitted as a single PDF via the grant application submission form (see below) by April 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Recruitment of NCPEID Members
NCPEID members may request permission to recruit NCPEID membership as participants in approved research studies. To ensure ethical practice, member privacy, and responsible communication, all requests to recruit NCPEID members for research participation must be submitted through a formal application process.
The research application is available to active NCPEID members through the website. Researchers are encouraged to contact the NCPEID Research Chair with questions prior to submission.
Recruitment of NCPEID Members
NCPEID members may request permission to recruit NCPEID membership as participants in approved research studies. To ensure ethical practice, member privacy, and responsible communication, all requests to recruit NCPEID members for research participation must be submitted through a formal application process.
The research application is available to active NCPEID members through the website. Researchers are encouraged to contact the NCPEID Research Chair with questions prior to submission.
Application Process
1. Initial Submission and Review
Research requests are initially reviewed for completeness by the NCPEID Research Chair. Applicants must provide evidence of IRB approval or exemption prior to member outreach. Additional information may be requested as needed. Applicants will receive email confirmation of receipt within 72 hours of submission.
2. Review by Executive Committee and Board of Directors
Research proposals are reviewed by the Research Chair and presented to the Executive Committee (EC) and Board of Directors (BOD) during scheduled review cycles in September, December, February, and April.
3. Membership Recruitment Considerations
To prevent over-recruitment, NCPEID may delay or stagger outreach to specific membership groups. The EC, BOD, and APENS Chair may decline research requests if the volume of requests is deemed burdensome to members. Outreach timing will be determined by the Research Chair in consultation with the APENS Chair and communicated directly to the primary investigator. Exceptions may be considered at the discretion of NCPEID leadership.
4. Board Distribution Prior to Meeting
Once approved by the EC, the Research Chair will bring the proposal forward to the BOD. The Research Chair will request that the proposal be placed on the meeting agenda and will ask the NCPEID Secretary to distribute materials to the BOD at least 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
5. Board Vote
Following discussion at the BOD meeting, the Board will vote to approve, conditionally approve, or not approve the proposal.
6. Notification of Decision
The primary investigator will be notified in writing by the Research Chair of the EC/BOD decision.
7. Post-Approval Coordination
If approved, the Research Chair will serve as the liaison between NCPEID leadership and the primary investigator throughout the recruitment process.
8. Conditional Approval
If approval is granted with conditions, the Research Chair will coordinate revisions with the investigator. The revised proposal will be resubmitted to the BOD at least 10 days prior to the next scheduled meeting for review and vote, as described in Step 5.
9. Withdrawal of Request
Researchers may withdraw their request at any time if they are unable or unwilling to address EC/BOD questions or conditions.
10. Membership Requirement
The primary investigator and corresponding author must be active NCPEID members in good standing (i.e., dues are fully paid and membership is neither lapsed nor terminated).
11. Dissemination of Findings and Conference Presentation
Researchers agree to provide a preliminary summary of findings for publication in the NCPEID newsletter (The Advocate) and on the NCPEID website within three months of completing data collection involving NCPEID members (including CAPEs). Researchers are strongly encouraged to present approved studies at the next NCPEID Annual Conference.
How to Request to Recruit NCPEID Members
Please download and complete the Research Application form. For questions, contact Ali Brian, PhD., CAPE, NCPEID Research Chair.