Pioneering research in traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and musculoskeletal injury enables physicians in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) to translate cutting-edge discoveries into evidence-based patient care. Our research creates breakthrough interventions that reduce disability, maximize patient outcomes and advance methods for measuring patient progress and rehabilitation effectiveness.
Participate in Research
By joining our research, you’ll contribute to life-changing discoveries while potentially gaining access to innovative treatments and expert care.
Traumatic brain injury research
Our current research spans multiple critical areas, including long-term recovery, emotional and behavioral health, caregiver support, and innovative telehealth programs that build independence and strengthen relationships. Our research contributes to national studies on brain health, genetics and severe TBI care while advancing culturally responsive, community-based approaches for underserved groups. These studies aim to create better treatments, tools and support systems that help individuals with TBI live healthier, more connected and fulfilling lives.
What is TBI? A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a brain injury caused by a hard bump, hit or impact to the head or body or when an object enters the brain. Each year, millions of people experience a TBI, which can affect how the brain works and how people live their daily lives.
Video Playlist
Traumatic brain injury often impacts emotions
In these videos, Flora Hammond, MD, and Dawn Neumann, PhD, discuss how traumatic brain injury impacts emotions and several treatments for recovery.
Spinal cord injury research
Our spinal cord injury research focuses on restoring function and improving quality of life through innovative rehabilitation approaches, mobility enhancement technologies and comprehensive care models that address both physical recovery and psychosocial well-being.
Stroke research
Our current stroke research investigates optimal rehabilitation timing, intensive therapy protocols and novel interventions to maximize recovery of motor function, communication abilities and cognitive skills while supporting patients and families throughout the recovery journey.
Multiple sclerosis research
Our multiple sclerosis research explores disease management strategies, symptom control approaches and rehabilitation interventions that help individuals maintain independence, manage fatigue and optimize quality of life throughout disease progression.
Musculoskeletal research
Our musculoskeletal research advances understanding of injury prevention, optimal healing approaches and rehabilitation strategies that restore strength, mobility and function while reducing pain and preventing re-injury.