GRACE brings together faculty from USD, Dakota State University, Northern State University, South Dakota State University and South Dakota Mines to preserve movement, function and independence for South Dakotans.

One in three older South Dakotans falls each year, which can have serious implications for an individual’s health and puts strain on rural clinics working to care for aging populations. In response to that health concern, GRACE combines biomedical engineering, movement science, physical therapy, AI, cybersecurity, public health and community education to bring innovative prevention efforts and resources to communities in every corner of the state. Physical locations are planned for Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, with mobile and virtual resources supplementing the services offered at these locations.

A physical therapist or trainer assists an older woman who is balancing on one foot on a padded mat during a movement evaluation.

A woman crouches beside and speaks to a man, who is seated in a chair, as he squeezes a hand grip to test his strength during a fitness exam.

Lisa MacFadden, Ph.D., director of biomechanics research and professor of practice in biomedical engineering at USD, is the team lead and innovation and engineering expert for GRACE. She emphasized the importance of developing a center that can meet the needs of communities across the state.

“A crucial element of our plan for GRACE was accessibility,” MacFadden said. “As a rural state, South Dakota faces unique challenges to healthcare access. Older adults may have mobility challenges that compound the limitations of distance. When this project is fully implemented, every South Dakotan will have access to a GRACE location within a three-hour drive—and for those who cannot travel that distance, there will be mobile technology labs and other portable and virtual resources that bridge the gap.

“Our mission is to improve movement health for every South Dakotan, regardless of what community they call home,” MacFadden added. “I am grateful for the support of the Governor’s Research Center and for the collaborative efforts of colleagues across the South Dakota Board of Regents system as we work to that end.”

The GRACE organizers stand together behind a table in a gym during a fitness event. The table features a banner that reads, "SAFE: Sustained Athlete Fitness Exam."

MacFadden is joined by a leadership team that includes Becca Jordre, DPT, Ph.D., of USD; Austin O’Brien, Ph.D., of Dakota State; Christopher Robbins, Ph.D., MPA, of South Dakota State; and Chelsee Shortt, Ph.D., of Northern State.

GRACE has successfully completed its first phase of development, which included data collection, pilot initiatives and physical performance testing at the South Dakota Senior Games. With grant funding, the center will now formalize partnerships, further community relationships and expand its infrastructure, including building a lab on the USD – Sioux Falls campus.

“This is a powerful project that will improve the quality of life for South Dakotans,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “I am looking forward to seeing the impact this center has on families and communities across the state.”

GRACE invites clinical partners to inquire about opportunities to collaborate. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected].

Press Contact
Alissa Matt
Contact Email [email protected]
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