The field of neurological rehabilitation is experiencing a surge of knowledge, as physicians and researchers discover new wonders about the brain. At the forefront of these discoveries are the researchers at MedStar Health, who conduct clinical trials and develop new interventions for patients with neurologically based impairments, evaluate the effectiveness of new and existing interventions, enhance understanding of the bases of impairment and disability, and develop new methods to assess human function and performance.
Research topics
A variety of innovative centers and programs keeps MedStar at the forefront of neuro-rehabilitation treatment and technology. At the heart of MedStar's neuro-rehabilitation program is the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH Network). MedStar NRH Network investigators probe new rehabilitative interventions, address the health and rehabilitative needs of persons with disabilities, and develop better ways to deliver and pay for these services. Our research is further enhanced by several collaborative projects that bring together leading experts nationwide.
Within the above centers, our research focuses on several topic areas:
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Upper extremity amputation
- Neuromuscular system
- Neurophysiology
- Tele-rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation robotics
- Locomotion and balance
Bladder Rehabilitation Training Center
A national leader in the field of bladder dysfunction and urinary symptoms that follow nervous system injury or disease, the Bladder Rehabilitation Training Center team investigates ways to produce positive patient outcomes.
Awards, recognition, and innovative technologies
MedStar is currently conducting neurology/rehabilitation research through several multi-year, multi-million dollar grants.
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center is a 5-year project funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The purpose of this research is to produce a body of knowledge about conditions secondary to spinal cord injury and prevention of these conditions through exercise and treatment of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, pressure ulcers, and skin breakdowns.
Another funded project, the Assistive Technology and Research Center at MedStar NRH, seeks to invent, evaluate, and deploy technologies that enhance recovery, foster independent living, and aid in the clinical practice of rehabilitation medicine. Assistive technology activities at MedStar NRH take advantage of a combination of skills, facilities, and interests available through a community of research and development specialists in biomedical engineering and neuropsychology that is positioned to undertake collaborative projects.
Additional information
Urinary Symptom Questionnaire for Neurogenic Bladder Void (USQNB-V) (PDF)
Bladder Rehab Buzz Newsletter May 2020 (PDF)
Bladder Rehab Buzz Newsletter December 2020 (PDF)
Fact Sheet: Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD) (PDF)
If you would like to learn more about MedStar’s researchers and scientists, please visit our Principal Investigator search portal.