Rehabilitation Research Program

Under the direction of Alyssa Spomer, PhD, and Linda Krach, MD, Gillette's Rehabilitation Research Program conducts high-impact research centered around advancing rehabilitation services at the hospital.     

Our investigators work collaboratively with Gillette families, scientists, engineers, clinicians, and external industry and academic partners to design and direct studies aimed at optimizing care strategies and promoting positive long-term functional outcomes for the patients that we serve.  

Our specific focus areas of research include:   

• Developing and evaluating cutting-edge rehabilitation technology (biofeedback systems, exoskeletons, wearable sensors, assistive devices) to support personalized care planning. 
• Evaluating novel therapeutic techniques in rehabilitation.  
• Advancing scientific evidence on the early detection and intervention of cerebral palsy, in collaboration with the Gillette Cerebral Palsy Institute.  
• Improving understanding of motor control and motor recovery following neuromuscular injury, including cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury. 
• Characterizing long-term outcomes of intervention in children and adults with brain, bone, and movement conditions, in partnership with the Gillette lifetime clinics. 
• Evaluating existing standards of care in Gillette rehabilitation. 

• Mark Jankowski, MS, Clinical Reseach Coordinator