An aerial shot of the Mott campus

PM&R Labs & Research Groups

With $9.6 million in research expenditures, the U-M Medical School Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is leading advancements to improving clinical outcomes and quality of life through new medical, behavioral and technological adaptations.

Research Mission & Purpose

The Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation advances both clinical and basic science research with a clear mission: to develop effective solutions that maximize health, function and quality of life for people with physical and cognitive disabilities across the lifespan. We are dedicated to clinical and translational research, while also teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Currently, our faculty and research teams are engaged in a range of impactful projects with the potential for far-reaching benefits. Areas of focus include physical activity, spine health and spinal cord injury, adapted neuropsychological assessment, pain management, cerebral palsy, neuropathies and balance, women’s health and disability and numerous other areas of research.

Our Labs & Research Groups

Briceño Lab

Studying how cultural, linguistic and social contexts affect cognitive aging and dementia risk in older adults across diverse global populations.

Kaufman Lab

Developing accessible cognitive assessments to support independence and future planning for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

JEDII Lab

Researching early signs of balance decline and fall risk, aiming to prevent falls by identifying subtle physical and neurological changes before they lead to actual incidents.

PediaTrac Research Group

Developing a web-based tool to track typical and atypical infant and toddler development from birth to 18 months, using caregiver reports to study key developmental domains and risks.

Scientist pipetting

PM&R 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 graphic of red green orange blue close up of inside of body and insides shaking
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.
 woman with older woman at table helping on tablet
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.
 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.