Areas of Research
Basic Science Laboratory Research
Basic science laboratory research explores the physiological and biochemical causes of impairment. Studying the brain, neuroscience, neural engineering are among the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago's (RIC) new thrusts of growth and hope for prevention, treatment and cure of disabling conditions.
Biomedical Engineering Research
Biomedical engineering research has earned the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) a worldwide reputation in the development of artificial limbs (prosthetics), the study of motor control of the human body, biomechanics, computer modeling, and robotics. Achievements over the last 20 years in biomedical engineering range from the first sip-and-puff wheelchair control system, enabling quadriplegics to operate motorized wheelchairs independently, to building more advanced artificial limbs.
Sensory Motor Performance Program (SMPP) at RIC is one of the largest programs devoted to biomedical engineering – and more specifically, the study of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and sensory disorders that are associated with abnormal control of posture and movement. SMPP’s work has gained international renown in the fields of biomechanics, neurophysiology, and rehabilitation research. Faculty members who are a part of this prestigious program have appointments at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine or the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Clinical Research
Clinical research focuses on the principal types of impairments treated at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), including stroke, spinal cord injury, limb loss, arthritis, brain injury, cerebral palsy, and musculoskeletal disorders. Breakthroughs in clinical research have included the prevention of complications associated with blood clots following stroke and spinal cord injury, the improved management of spasticiy and impaired gait in cerebral palsy and advanced treatment methods for amputees.
The Center for Pain Studies is one example of the significant clinical research sponsored by RIC. The Center's research is focused on identifying innovative clinical methods which can help minimize and manage pain.
Another example of the RIC's clinical research focus is the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, which evaluates environmental factors that govern the success of rehabilitation -- and develops methods to enhance the quality of life of stroke survivors.
The Center for Aphasia Research also has a clinical focus, and promotes the development and implementation of rehabilitation practices that enhance the communication skills of individuals who are living with aphasia and facilitate their engagement in life activities.
Outcomes Research
Outcomes research seeks to understand the end results of health care practices and interventions. In particular, for individuals with disabilities, end results include changes in the ability to function as well as quality of life issues. RIC’s Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research is a leader in outcome studies related to measuring the impact of medical rehabilitation over the long term in patients with disabilities. By linking the care people get to the outcomes they experience, outcomes research has become the key to developing better ways to monitor and improve the quality of care.