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.

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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Man in blue shirt stands ready with racquet on a tennis court, with net at the bottom in the foreground.

Health Lab

Tennis devotee with rotator cuff tear is back on the court

Tennis champion bounces back after rotator cuff injury with surgery, physical therapy.

Elderly man stands outside in a snowy neighborhood. He is holding a white mug of coffee in his right hand and has his left hand in a coat pocket. He is staring ahead, presumably taking in the snowy scene around him.

Health Lab

Small daily activities may help ease dementia caregivers’ stress

University of Michigan research suggests engaging in positive activities can improve the mood and physical wellbeing of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia caregivers.

Woman in blue tank top sits on examining table as doctor in white coat looks at her knee scar.

Health Lab

Second ACL tear brings star athlete back to trusted surgeon

Rugby player plans to get back in the game after two ACL tears that both resulted in surgeries

Man stands under a basketball hoop, smiling through the net

Health Lab

Torn ACL leads to life changing career direction

Basketball player suffers serious ACL tear, but is back on the court after surgical reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Elyse celebrates her high school graduation with VanWasshenova

Health Lab

Paralyzed from waist down as a child, patient walks across stage at high school graduation

A tumor on her lower spine paralyzed Elyse Wickenheiser from the waist down as a child. Through successful physical and occupational therapy, she was able to walk across the stage at graduation.

Libak About with Dr. Kossi, his collaborator from Benin

Department News

Benin collaborator’s visit advances plans for stroke rehabilitation study

Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Libak Abou recently hosted his collaborator from Benin. They are partnering to adapt wearable technology employed by U-M for use in Benin, where stroke is a leading cause of disability and access to rehabilitation services is limited.