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.

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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.

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Funding

  • Up to $2,000 for one project, or up to $1,000 each for two projects.

Project Period

  • Up to 15 months, beginning July 1.

  • Exceptions may be considered with appropriate justification.

Eligibility

  • Priority in the awards process will be given to members of NCPEID. Faculty, including postdoctoral scholars, at all career stages are eligible to apply.

  • 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.

  • Proposals may include multiple investigators, but one must be designated as the Principal Investigator (PI), and the PI must be a member of NCPEID.

  • Faculty may resubmit a revised proposal that was not funded in a previous funding cycle. See the “Resubmissions” section below for additional guidelines.

  • 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 30, 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.

Application Process

1. Initial Submission and Review

All research applications are submitted to the NCPEID Research Committee (RC) Chair. The RC Chair, in coordination with the RC, will conduct an initial administrative review to ensure completeness and compliance with submission requirements. Applicants must provide documentation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or exemption prior to any member outreach. Incomplete applications will be returned with requests for additional information. Applicants will receive email confirmation of receipt within 72 hours of submission. For the purposes of this process, “applicant” refers to the individual submitting the proposal (i.e., the primary investigator).

2. Research Committee Review

The RC serves as the primary review body for all research applications. The RC will evaluate proposals based on:

  • Alignment with NCPEID’s mission and priorities
  • Scientific and methodological rigor
  • Feasibility and appropriateness of recruitment through NCPEID channels
  • Potential burden on NCPEID members

The RC may:

  • Approve the proposal for advancement to the Board of Directors (BOD)
  • Request revisions prior to BOD consideration
  • Recommend that the proposal not advance

Only proposals endorsed by the RC will move forward to the BOD.

3. Membership Recruitment Considerations

To protect member engagement and prevent over-recruitment, the RC will evaluate the scope and timing of participant recruitment. The RC, in consultation with the APENS Chair when applicable, may:

  • Delay or stagger recruitment efforts
  • Limit access to specific membership groups
  • Recommend denial of proposals that impose excessive burden on members

Final recruitment decisions will be communicated to the applicant by the RC Chair.

4. BOD Review and Oversight

The BOD retains final oversight and decision-making authority for all research applications involving NCPEID membership. Proposals approved by the RC will be:

  • Placed on the BOD meeting agenda by the RC Chair
  • Distributed to the BOD by the NCPEID Secretary at least 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting

The BOD will review the RC’s recommendation and supporting materials prior to discussion.

5. BOD Decision

Following discussion at the BOD meeting, the BOD will vote to:

  • Approve the proposal
  • Conditionally approve the proposal pending revisions
  • Not approve the proposal

BOD decisions are final.

6. Notification of Decision

The RC Chair will notify the applicant in writing of the BOD’s decision and any required conditions or revisions.

7. Post-Approval Coordination

For approved studies, the RC Chair will serve as the primary liaison between NCPEID and the investigator. The RC will oversee:

  • Coordination of recruitment efforts
  • Adherence to approved procedures

Ongoing communication with NCPEID leadership, as needed

8. Conditional Approval and Resubmission

If a proposal receives conditional approval:

  • The RC Chair will coordinate required revisions with the applicant
  • Revised materials must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the next BOD meeting

The RC will review revised materials prior to resubmission to the BOD for final consideration and vote

9. Withdrawal of Request

Applicants may withdraw their proposal at any time prior to final BOD action.

10. Membership Requirement

The applicant (primary investigator) and corresponding author must be active NCPEID members in good standing (i.e., dues are current and membership is not lapsed or terminated).

11. Dissemination of Findings and Conference Presentation

Investigators agree to:

  • Provide a summary of findings for dissemination through NCPEID channels (e.g., The Advocate and NCPEID website) within three months of completing data collection involving NCPEID members (including CAPEs)
  • Strongly consider presenting findings 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.