Brett D. Bruininks

Dr. Brett D. Bruininks serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science within the Morrison Family College of Health at the University of St. Thomas. His expertise spans motor proficiency assessment, fall prevention in older adults, youth sports development, and physiological adaptations to high-intensity athletic participation.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Notre Dame (1996)
• Master of Science in Kinesiology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2005)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2009)

Renowned for co-authoring the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) and Bruininks Motor Ability Test (BMAT), Dr. Bruininks' research focuses on standardized motor assessment tools used globally by occupational and physical therapists. Current investigations examine specialized multi-component resistance training protocols for elderly fall prevention and analyze musculoskeletal adaptations to high-intensity sports participation, particularly regarding youth sport specialization risks. His work bridges clinical practice and athletic performance science through collaborations with healthcare professionals.

His professional recognition includes:

• MIAC Coach of the Year (2011-2012)

With extensive athletic experience as a Division I hockey player at Notre Dame and professional stints in the AHL/IHL, Dr. Bruininks integrates practical sports knowledge into his academic role. He teaches core courses including Exercise Physiology and Research Methods in Exercise Science while maintaining active involvement with the Sports Science Institute. An accomplished endurance athlete, he completed his first Ironman triathlon in 2017.

He previously directed the Laboratory for Human Performance at Concordia College and contributes to the SOLV health innovation initiative at St. Thomas, focusing on translating research into community health applications.