RESEARCH
INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS
Partnering to advance the profession: Collaborations within our Division, across campus and with other institutions help us improve the understanding and diagnosis of diseases, disabilities and injuries to the body and brain — and translate findings as quickly as possible into effective therapies. Here we highlight some of the innovative, collaborative projects and diverse expertise of our research program.
- ENHANCING STROKE OUTCOMES
Our investigators are studying the most effective ways to help patients recover from stroke by designing advanced computer models that inform new approaches to neurological therapy.
Nicolas Schweighofer, PhD and the Computational Neuro-Rehabilitation Laboratory
Carolee Winstein, PhD, PT and the ENIGMA Network , which brings together researchers in imaging genomics
- UNDERSTANDING CHRONIC PAIN
Our studies of the neural and behavioral underpinnings of chronic and recurrent pain — including low back pain, shoulder pain and pelvic pain — are revealing ways to more effectively treat and ultimately prevent conditions that impact quality of life.
Kornelia Kulig, PhD, PT and the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory
Jason Kutch, PhD and the Applied Movement and Pain Laboratory
Lori Michener, PhD, PT and the Clinical Biomechanics Orthopedic and Sports Outcomes Research
- WALKING AFTER STROKE
Walking requires a complex blend of brain and body systems, which can be impaired after stroke. Our behavioral and computational approaches are revealing how walking is controlled and adapted and are informing new approaches to improving mobility after stroke.
James Finley, PhD, and the Locomotor Control Lab
Kristan Leech, PhD, DPT, PT, and the Gait Rehabilitation and Motor Learning Laboratory
Stefan Schaal, PhD, and the Computational Learning and Motor Control Laboratory
- BOOSTING MOBILITY IN PARKINSON’S PATIENTS
Our researchers are developing a virtual-reality-based training that will give Parkinson’s patients a safe and effective way to relearn walking and other movement skills to improve their functioning in real-world settings.
Marientina Gotsis, MFA and the Creative Media and Behavioral Health Center
- EXERCISING FOR BRAIN HEALTH
Using state-of-the art brain imaging and other measures of cognition, our researchers are investigating how exercise can positively impact brain health and delay cognitive decline in older adults as well as improve brain repair in those suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Kristan Leech, PhD, DPT, PT and the Gait Rehabilitation and Motor Learning Laboratory
E. Todd Schroeder, PhD and the Clinical Exercise Research Center
USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute
- PREVENTING INJURIES IN ATHLETES
Through a deeper understanding of the bodies and brains of athletes, our researchers are investigating ways to improve athletic training techniques to reduce injuries.
Lori Michener, PhD, PT and the Clinical Biomechanics and Orthopedic Outcomes Research Laboratory
Christopher Powers, PhD, PT and the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory
- OPTIMIZING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
Working with college and professional teams, we are improving understanding of the structures and movements of the arm to reduce injury and improve functioning in athletes who rely on the peak performance of their upper extremities.
Lori Michener, PhD, PT and the Clinical Biomechanics Orthopedic and Sports Outcomes Research
- MAPPING MOTOR CONTROL
By mapping the connectivity of motor areas in the brain, we hope to improve treatments for a range of disorders and disabilities, including incontinence and lower-limb muscle control.
Jason Kutch, PhD and the Applied Movement and Pain Laboratory
- ACHIEVING WELLNESS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Exercise is important for neuromuscular, biomechanical, psychosocial and cognitive health for all ages. Our investigations are revealing the benefits to older adults of undertaking activities from yoga and resistance training to golf.
Kornelia Kulig, PhD, PT and the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Laboratory
E. Todd Schroeder, PhD and the Clinical Exercise Research Center
- IMPROVING PERINATAL HEALTH
The perinatal period is a time of great change in a person’s life — physically, emotionally and socially. Through interdisciplinary, community-based research on pregnancy, birth and postpartum wellness, our investigators aim to improve the health of this unique population and their babies.
Kathryn L. Havens, PhD and Perinatal Health Research Group