PM&R Research Initiatives

The faculty is pursuing research in a variety of areas including biomechanics and physiology of gait and other movements, the effects of specific types of exercise modalities, and bracing. The department has a state-of-the-art motion and  gait analysis  laboratory,including a one-of-a-kind forceplate instrumented
treadmill that allows repeated  measurements of joint kinetics
during walking and running.

Collaborative research with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is focused on wheelchair systems and components and automobile safety for persons with disabilities. Research also 
continues in sports medicine, pain, functional outcomes and electrodiagnosis. Collaboration with the Medical School's Department of Neurosciences has allowed for the development of a rat model for stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation research.

During their senior year, residents are encouraged to elect a
three-month research rotation. Projects may be pursued with
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation faculty or other faculty
within the School of Medicine.

Faculty Research Interests

Alan P. Alfano, MD: Spinal Cord Injury, Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Scott D. Bender, PhD: Sports concussion; Neuropsychology of aging; Forensic neuropsychology; Postoperative cognitive dysfunction

Mary G. Bryant, MD: Electrodiagnosis, Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Ugo Della Croce, PhD: Biomechanics, Gait Analysis, Human Movement Analysis

Paul T. Diamond, MD: Neurorehabilitation, Geriatric Rehabilitation

Ward Gypson, MD: Quality Improvement, Systems-Based Practice 

Jeffrey Jenkins, MD: Electrodiagnosis, Acupuncture, Flexibility Training

David S. Rubendall, DO: Electrodiagnosis; Sports Medicine

Jonathon Z. Schuch, MEng, PE: Advanced seating systems for individuals with severe disabilities; rehabilitation technology

Dr. Robert P. Wilder: Physiologic and Training Effects of Deep Water Running for Athletes, Sports Medicine