Research Program & Research Centers

Research Program

Sensory Motor Performance Program (SMPP)  is devoted to the study of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and sensory disorders that are associated with abnormal control of posture and movement. Faculty members have appointments in the Feinberg School of Medicine and the McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science which are both part of Northwestern University. For more information about SMPP.

Research Centers

Center for Aphasia Research 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. The Center conducts clinical studies to establish the efficacy and effectiveness of aphasia treatments. For more information about Center for Aphasia Research.

Center for Pain Studies was founded in 1976 by Dr. Robert G. Addison at RIC to support and develop research in the field of pain. From 1985 to 1993 clinical activities of the Center for Pain Studies were further developed by Dr. Richard Blonsky. For more information about Center for Pain Studies.

Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research (CROR) is responsible for conducting outcomes research at RIC. The importance placed on outcome studies in medical rehabilitation has grown dramatically in recent years as clinicians and researchers have been required to find cost-effective means of providing patient care.  For more information about CROR.

Neural Engineering Center for Artificial Limbs (NECAL) can assist in improving function and quality of life for people who have suffered limb loss. Currently, individuals who have undergone amputation are only able to operate one motion at a time with myoelectric prostheses. The NECAL laboratory is currently experimenting with the use of "targeted reinnervation" to improve myoelectric prosthesis function.  For more information about NECAL.

Rehabilitation Research & Training Center (for Stroke Survivors) (RRTC-Stroke) is developing and evaluating a sequence of robotic training and assistive devices that will be designed with the idea of promoting efficient function in the workplace or at home, and with the further intent that they will form a basis for the development of appropriate technologies to allow disabled persons ready access to existing facilities in the community. For more information about (RRTC-Stroke).

Machines Assisting Recovery from Stroke - Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (MARS - RERC) evaluates the utility of simple robotic devices for providing rehabilitation therapy after hemispheric stroke. Our broad intent is to develop devices that will assist the therapist in providing rationally based treatments which are intensive and long in duration. For more information about MARS - RERC.

Engineering for Neurological Rehabilitation (R24) this infrastructure research core seeks to expand and disseminate the PIs core expertise in engineering and in neuroscience to help support the development of new faculty in medical centers, and hospitals across the United States. For more information about Engineering for Neurological Rehabilitation .

Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System (MRSCICS)  is designated as the midwest's first center for Spinal Cord Injury Treatment and recently named a Model System Spinal Cord Injury Center by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, RIC continues to pioneer research, as well as medical and technological advancements for people with spinal cord injuries. For more information about Midwest Regional Spinal Cord Injury Care System.