[Skip to Content]

Research

A WEALTH project participant with University Hospital Physical Therapist in the Institute's wheelchair-accessible, adjustable bottom pool.
A WEALTH project participant with University Hospital Physical Therapist in the Institute's wheelchair-accessible, adjustable bottom pool.
University Hospital PT, Lynne Logan with young patient.
Research therapist evaluating

Research Agenda

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation's (PM&R) research agenda centers on providing persons with disabilities with education, support, and opportunity to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. The researchers in PM&R consider the social, emotional, as well as the physical needs of persons with disabilities when developing any research study. Being active is an important part of becoming and staying healthy, but in addition to increasing understanding of the importance of physical activity the researchers also emphasize activity within one's social circle (e.g. family, friends, co-worker's) and community.

Research projects conducted within PM&R have included projects funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has been the lead agency in furthering the implementation of research on health and the prevention of secondary conditions for individuals with disabilities.

CDC Funded Studies

  • Secondary Conditions of Adults with Cerebral Palsy
  • Project W.E.A.L.T.H. (Women Empowered, Aware and Learning Through Health Education)
  • Osteoporosis Among Women and Girls with Mobility Impairments..

Though the secondary conditions and osteoporosis studies were primarily epidemiologic in nature, all three studies provided participants with suggestions on how to make their lifestyles healthier.

Other Research Endeavors

  • New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) funded Tone Management Program.
  • "Living Well with a Disability" program conducted by PM&R staff.

The research interests of the faculty cover a range of areas within the discipline of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation from bench to bedside and beyond.

Top