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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 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.