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

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Health Lab

Pain, psychological factors and physical function closely linked in people with systemic sclerosis

For many people living with chronic conditions like systemic sclerosis, pain can be persistent, unpredictable, and difficult to manage leading to a strong impact on a patient’s mental health.
 brain scans and doctors white coats pointing
Health Lab

A concussion expert and football father discusses why he values teamwork over zero-risk

U-M Health’s Jonathan Lifshitz, Ph.D., discusses why his work with concussions hasn’t changed his stance on his sons playing contact sports
 University of Michigan flag
Medical School News

Medical School well-represented among Strategic Initiative Fund’s first recipients

On Aug. 26, the University of Michigan announced 37 projects that will receive $40 million in initial funding from the Strategic Initiative Fund to pursue bold ideas.
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Health Lab

First person-centered measure of dementia caregiving styles improves partner, patient outcomes

First person-centered measure of dementia caregiving styles improves partner and patient outcomes.
 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.
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Health Lab

Expanding camp adventure for all

A doctor works with Camp Michigania on making accessibility updates that are expanding and improving camper experiences.