Introduction
Dr. Brett D. Bruininks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame (1996) and a Masters (2005) and Doctoral Degree in Kinesiology (2009) from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Prior to coming to the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Bruininks spent two years at Minnesota State University-Mankato in the Department of Athletics and four years as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Program in Exercise Science and Laboratory for Human Performance at Concordia College (Moorhead, MN).
Dr. Bruininks is the co-author of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2; Pearson Publishing) and the Bruininks Motor Ability Test (BMAT; Pearson Publishing) that assess motor deficits in young and aging populations. He works closely with allied health professionals, particularly Occupational and Physical Therapists and Nurses, on issues related to motor development and planning in youth and adults. He has presented nationally and internationally on using standardized tests to assess motor function in children and adults with special needs. His current research explores the influence of specialized multi-component resistance training on fall prevention in older adults. In addition, he has also done work in musculoskeletal adaptations to high intensity sports participation and the potential physical effects of sport specialization on youth development.
Link to the SOLV overview.
Dr. Bruininks played Division I ice hockey at the University of Notre Dame and played 2 years in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Philadelphia Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers) and in the International Hockey League (IHL) with the Indianapolis Ice (Chicago Blackhawks). Before coming to St. Thomas in 2015, Dr. Bruininks also coached at both the Division I and III levels, serving as an assistant with the Minnesota State University-Mankato Mavericks (WCHA) Women's Hockey Team and head coach with Concordia College Cobbers (MIAC). He was named the MIAC Coach of the Year in 2011-2012. In his spare time, Dr. Bruininks enjoys training for competitive triathlons, and completed his first Ironman® Triathlon in 2017.
Degree: Ph.D. In Kinesiology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (2009).