Research Tracks

Leadership & Learning

On July 1, 2004, the Center for Applied Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Research (CABRR) was officially designated the fourth scientific center within the NRH Research Division. Directed by Dr. Joseph Hidler and made up of NRH physical therapists, Catholic University graduate students, and full-time staff, CABRR represents an expansion of the work done in the Christoph Ruesch Applied Neuromuscular Biomechanics Laboratory (ANBL) that was established in 2001. During the past two years, ANBL, better known as the “Lokomat Lab” has been awarded grants totaling more than $1.5 million from funding agencies including the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Whitaker Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense. These grants have funded diverse projects that are comparing robotic-assisted walking therapy with conventional walking therapy, studying strength and coordination in the legs of individuals following stroke, and developing fiber-optic sensors for measuring tendon forces.

Mission

CABRR seeks to increase knowledge about basic neurological, muscular, and skeletal capabilities, and to define the causal links between impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, and societal limitations. The Center’s immediate goal is to understand better the mechanisms of injury, disabilities, and the process of functional recovery. Specifically, CABRR researchers work to advance the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies by utilizing fundamental engineering principles, scientific methods, and sound clinical practices. In doing so, NRH-CABRR strives to improve the quality of life of all people, especially persons with disabilities.