Our Research
Research at the IRR is driven by a primary goal of rehabilitation medicine, to achieve the greatest level of function and mobility possible within the constraints of the illness or injury. Research has resulted in advancements in diagnostic mechanisms, treatment, and rehabilitation therapies, increasing independence in the lives of our patients.
Areas of Interest
What happens to the brain after a traumatic injury? Can paralysis be manipulated after a stroke? Can repetitive motion injuries be prevented in wheelchair users? What are the mechanics of lower back pain and how does physical activity affect it? Physicians and scientists at IRR are investigating these and other research initiatives to improve outcomes after illness and injury. Scientific initiatives within IRR have led to the development of new therapies, more effective rehabilitation technology, and a greater understanding of physical and cognitive impairments.
Research partnerships have been forged between departments and laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University resulting in groundbreaking research into the workings of the brain, mechanics of movement, robotic aids, and neuroprosthetics. Basic science initiatives are investigating the effects of gender on recovery after brain injury, the role of stem cells in neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy, and role of age and degenerative disc diseases.
Often research projects need volunteers. UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh list research on the Office of Clinical Research. Select “rehabilitation” in the study finder for research in this field.
Research Resources and Partnerships
Research at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a top-five recipient in awards from the National Institutes of Health and recipient of funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Through the development of new therapies, greater understanding of physical and cognitive impairments, and state of the art rehabilitation technology, our researchers are finding new ways to improve lives.
Center for Injury Research and Control
The Center for Injury Research and Control is a collaboration of many schools and departments at the University of Pittsburgh. The center conducts research on injury control, gathers and disperses information on injuries, informs public and community leaders on injury control issues, and provides training for health professionals.
Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition
The Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition is a joint program between the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. It combines the strengths of the University of Pittsburgh in clinical and basic neuroscience with Carnegie Mellon’s strengths in computer science, statistics, biological sciences, and psychology.
Human Engineering Research Laboratories
The Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) is a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh and the VA Health Administration in Pittsburgh. The laboratories conduct research, design, and develop/improve assistive technology devices aimed at increasing mobility and independence of people with disabilities.
Quality of Life Technology Center
The Quality of Life Technology Center is a partnership between Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. The center focuses on human-center and holistic designs. It brings together providers and researchers from a variety of fields, including information technology, health care, aging experts, and biomedical and rehabilitation engineers.
Robotics Institute
There are several main areas of research at the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. Research concentrates on basic robotics technologies, autonomous mobile robotics, robotics for hazardous environment, automation, and computer-integrated manufacturing.
Safar Center for Resuscitation
The Safar Center for Resuscitation studies resuscitation medicine as it relates to reducing associated disabilities resulting from illness or trauma such as brain injury or cardiac arrest.
Stem Cell Research Center
The Stem Cell Research Center is a collaborative project between the University of Pittsburgh and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Research at the center is helping to develop new effective treatments for damaged or diseased tissues. Specific projects include heart regeneration, muscle injury repair, limb lengthening, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and joint injuries.