World Renowned Research Programs

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network’s physicians are led by the Chair of the Harvard Medical School’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Ross Zafonte. Under Dr. Zafonte’s leadership, Spaulding has embarked an ambitious research agenda that has further enhanced its standing as a national leader in recovery research.

For example, Dr. Paolo Bonato’s Motion Analysis Lab has collaborated with partners such as MIT and Hokoma (creators of the Lokomat) to develop projects like the Armeo, an exciting technology that utilizes“smart fabric” to provide a combination of bio feedback and on-screen virtual therapy. It enables users with hand or arm deficits to replicate daily living tasks such as shopping or house cleaning. This approach provides both musculeo-skeletal and neurological stimulation so patients have increased therapy results in a shorter amount of time.

Spaulding’s Muscle Cell Physiology Laboratory, led by Dr. Jeffrey Widrick, has been internationally recognized for its innovate research methods. The lab has pioneered a unique approach to analyzing single muscle fibers to determine the effects of disease processes and treatments on the ability of muscle cells to generate force, velocity, and power. Current studies have produced findings that suggest new treatment methods for muscle weakness due to neuromuscular disease.

Spaulding has also received a historic 5-year $3 million dollar grant as part of a nationwide clinical consortium formed by the Department of Defense. The consortium was formed to conduct a long-term study on the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Spaulding is one of only ten sites nationwide participating in this study and is the only rehabilitation hospital in the country so honored.