Research interests
Bruce Becker researches the effects of aquatic
immersion and aquatic exercise/activity upon human
physiology. In his Pullman lab, he has been studying
the biologic changes found during water immersion at
differing temperatures, with particular emphasis on the
autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems. In a
previous project at WSU, he studied the effects of
aquatic aerobic exercise compared to land-based aerobic
exercise on body fat, cardiovascular conditioning and
respiratory function. Future studies will assess
physiologic effects upon a variety of clinical
problems, including asthma, hypertension and diabetes.
Teaching/professional interests
Becker is a physician specialist in physical medicine
and rehabilitation. He has practiced most recently in
Spokane, where he was medical director of St.
Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, and had a
clinical practice focusing on problems of the
musculoskeletal system, particularly spine care. Prior
to that, he was medical director of the Rehabilitation
Institute of Michigan, an Associate Professor at Wayne
State University School of Medicine, and director of
the residency training program for the Department of
Rehabilitation Medicine. He has published and taught
nationally and internationally in the area of human
physiologic changes during immersion, and the health
benefits of aquatic activity. He is the co-author of
the text, Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy, now
in its second edition, has published many chapters in
the area, as well as numerous professional papers.
Recent accomplishments
- Member-at-Large, Board of Governors, American
Association of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,
2004 to present
- Editorial Board, Journal of Aquatic Research
and Education, 2006 to present
- Editorial Board, Journal of Aging and Physical
Activity, 2003 to present
- Listed in “The Best Doctors in
America,” National Edition: 1998-1999, 2000-2001,
2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2005-2006; Woodward/White Inc.,
Aiken S.C.
- Aquatic Therapy Professional of the Year-1999,
awarded by the Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation
Institute, September 10, 1999.
- Named to Top 100 in Aquatic Leadership 2002-2006,
Who’s Who in Aquatic Leadership by United States
Water Fitness Association and Aquatics Magazine.
- Named to “The Power 25,” most
influential aquatics professionals in the nation by
Aquatics International magazine February 2006.
Educational background
- Doctor of Medicine, Tulane University School of
Medicine, 1969
- Residency Training, Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation, 1973-1976
- Master of Science, University of Washington School
of Medicine, 1976
- Bachelor of Science, Iowa State University, 1965
