Our Research

The following are examples of our broad-based interdisciplinary research programs:

• Solute transport in bone
• Development of robotic exoskeletons for stroke rehabilitation
• Effect of high-frequency,low-magnitude vibration on bone in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

• Motor coordination in children with autism, dyslexia, and developmental coordination disorder
• Development of community exercise programs for stroke and Parkinson’s Disease patients
• Adaptation of osteoblasts to mechanical stimulation
• Knee stability and osteoarthritis
• Use of functional electrical stimulation to improve fitness in children with cerebral palsy
• Technology development and training for infant power mobility
• Use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for knee and shoulder rehabilitation
• Non-surgical approaches to rehabilitating knee joints following ACL reconstruction
• Vocal fold tissue regeneration
• Rehabilitation strategies to reduce the potential for post-surgery arthritis on the non-surgical limb


Gregory Hicks (center), assistant professor of physical therapy,uses an ultrasound imaging device to examine a patient's back with assistance from grad student Megan Sions and senior Christopher Schmoyer.

• Treadmill training and functional electrical stimulation to improve the walking patterns of stroke survivors
• Exercise interventions for adults with chronic low back pain
• Mechanotransduction: how signals of mechanical events are transmitted in bone
• Chronic ankle instability
• Neurocognitive and biomechanical factors related to non-contact injuries
• Effects of surgery on gait