Research

Research in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Indiana University School of Medicine makes life-changing recovery possible after injury and illness. Through research on motor recovery, emotion regulation, prognosis and rehabilitation outcomes, investigators help people walk, communicate, think and love again.

The department offers an excellent environment for research success and supports four research centers with some of the world’s top researchers and state-of-the-art facilities.

Current research studies

Flora Hammond and Dawn Neumann examine data in their research center

Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Center

The Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Center at IU School of Medicine is one of 16 federally funded centers in the United States designated to conduct TBI research by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems

Locomotor Recovery Center

The Locomotor Recovery Center investigates ways to improve walking functionality for patients with motor impairments due to brain injury, stroke or spinal cord injury.

Locomotor Recovery Center

Brain Rehabilitation, Advanced Imaging, and Neuroscience Center

The Brain Rehabilitation, Advanced Imaging and Neuroscience (BRAIN) Center leads interdisciplinary research to improve clinical care and drive the leading edge of translational research for acquired brain injury.

BRAIN Center

Indiana Spinal Cord/Traumatic Brain Injury Hospital Database

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation researchers collaborate with colleagues at Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Regenstrief Institute to develop the statewide Indiana Spinal Cord/Traumatic Brain Injury Hospital Database with funding from the Indiana Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Fund.

Indiana Spinal Cord/Traumatic Brain Injury Hospital Database

BeHEALTHY: Chronic Disease Management for Traumatic Brain Injury

The BeHEALTHY project aims to develop a chronic disease management model for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Growing evidence demonstrates brain injury can be a chronic, dynamic health condition with persistent health and psychosocial issues. There is expert consensus that chronic brain injury must be identified and proactively managed as a lifelong condition to improve health, independent function and societal participation. Chronic brain injury requires a comprehensive model for this proactive management encompassing health system modifications, professional education, and self-management strategies for individuals and caregivers.

This project, led by Indiana University School of Medicine, leverages the substantial resources of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Model Systems and partners with experts in collaborative care, self-management, policy, and consumer advocacy.

BeHEALTHY

Schedule an Interview

To schedule an interview with an IU School of Medicine investigator or learn more about research studies underway, contact the Office of Strategic Communications team.

Communications Team

Research News

IU School of Medicine researchers awarded $715,000 Department of Defense grant to improve treatment for mild traumatic brain injury

Indiana University School of Medicine and National Intrepid Center of Excellence researchers are partnering together to study a new treatment method for traumatic brain injury thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.

Flora Hammond and Dawn Neumann examine data in their research center

Researchers developing model to help people with traumatic brain injury overcome long-term challenges

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine are hoping to develop a new model to help those who experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) recover and better manage challenges that result from their injury.

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High-intensity step training boosts stroke survivors’ walking skills

DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2019 — High-intensity step training that mimics real-world conditions may better improve walking ability in stroke survivors compared to traditional low-impact training, according to new research in the American Heart Association’s journal “Stroke.” “People who suffer strokes often have difficulty walking and impaired balance. Rehabilitation traditionally focuses on patients practicing low-intensity walking, […]

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New app designed to help survivors of traumatic brain injury recognize and regulate emotions

A new app developed by an Indiana University School of Medicine faculty member is designed to help survivors of traumatic brain injuries recognize and regulate their emotions— skills that are critical to maintaining relationships and quality of life but that are often compromised in patients who have endured head traumas.

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IU School of Medicine awarded prestigious $2.1 million grant to study traumatic brain injury

Indiana University School of Medicine, in partnership with the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to study traumatic brain injury over five years as one of 16 National Institute on Disability Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems sites in the country.