Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research

At the Forefront of Improving Lives

Enhancing clinical outcomes and quality of life through medical, behavioral and technological adaptations.

Pioneers in Rehabilitation Solutions

We are committed to developing effective solutions to maximize health, function and quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities across the lifespan. Our department conducts both clinical and basic science research, focusing on clinical and translational research alongside teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Our current projects, which are poised to have far-reaching impacts, include key areas such as physical activity, metabolism and energy consumption, spine health and spinal cord injury, adapted neuropsychological assessment, pain management, cerebral palsy, neuropathies and balance and health issues concerning women with disabilities.

Research Areas

Health Access & Equity

Advance health equity and access for individuals with functional impairments through innovative research and policy impact.

Health Interventions

Design and implement innovative interventions and tools to enhance the precision and impact of rehabilitation care.

Measurement & Assessment Tools

Develop advanced assessment tools that improve precision, sensitivity, and clinical relevance in rehabilitation.

Risk & Recovery Models

Uncover patterns of risk and recovery using data-driven models to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Symptom Management

Develop real-world strategies to monitor, prevent, and manage symptoms linked to disabling conditions.

Technology in Healthcare

Create cutting-edge tools to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and clinical relevance of rehabilitation measurement.

The U-M North Campus Research Complex

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Labs

Our faculty are leaders in the field of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and conduct research across several labs. Explore a list of faculty research labs.

Explore our labs

Featured News & Stories

 See all news Susan Murphy, Sc.D., OTR
Medical School News

Susan Murphy, Sc.D., OTR, named UMMS faculty chair-elect for women’s careers

Susan Murphy, Sc.D., OTR, FAOTA, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and internal medicine, and research professor in the Institute of Gerontology, has been appointed faculty chair-elect for women’s careers in the Medical School. The chair-elect is one of several Medical School roles that focus on the advancement — and overall thriving — of women pursuing careers in academic medicine and science at Michigan Medicine. Murphy will become chair-elect in January 2027, serve as faculty chair in 2028-29, and after her term is complete, she will serve in an advisory role as post-chair in 2030-31.
 girl going in canoe with instructor in water
Health Lab

Expanding camp adventure for all

A doctor works with Camp Michigania on making accessibility updates that are expanding and improving camper experiences.
 On left side, a ReacStick is being dropped. A hand is reaching out to grab the stick with green lights illuminated. On the right side, the ReacStick is being dropped with no lights illuminated. The hand is letting the stick fall.
Health Lab

A method to prevent falls before they happen

To prevent falls, the JEDII Fall Clinic at University of Michigan Health has specialized tests they use to measure whether you could be at a fall risk before it happens
 A nurse leans over the bed of a patient who is covered up and wearing a neck brace. They appear to be having a pleasant conversation.
Philanthropy News

Giving with gratitude: planned gifts support nursing, research, and patient care

Retired businessman and Detroit Tigers fan Paul Hansen has created three planned gifts to support prostate cancer research, nursing scholarship support, and adult cerebral palsy research at Michigan Medicine.
 wine being poured into glass
Health Lab

Psychoactive substances and adverse side effects for patients with multiple sclerosis

Psychoactive substances can give immediate relief to people living with multiple sclerosis, but some come with adverse side effects. Research led by University of Michigan Health looks at the positive and negative impacts of using psychoactive substances to manage symptoms.
 three triplets and two with head gear on with their names in pink and purple
Health Lab

A smarter helmet for the smallest patients

U-M Health specialists invented a new design for cranial shaping helmets to improve treatment for positional head deformities like plagiocephaly.