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Neuromuscular Research Laboratory

Our researchers are developing effective approaches and technologies in neurorehabilitation to help stroke survivors and patients with spinal cord injury, especially those who are non-ambulatory.

The lab team is advancing in this area through the development of novel, robotic gait-training device with an AI-based control system and studying changes in cardiovascular, pulmonary and sensorimotor functions and relevant biomarkers.

Our researchers are also exploring the efficacy of a mind-body intervention for multiple symptoms in people with chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease or knee osteoarthritis.

Recently we worked intensively to explore the Qigong exercise as a holistic mind-body intervention for improving simultaneously multiple symptoms that are mediated by stress. We have worked on clinical trials using this mind-body approach in people with fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease and cancer with promising outcomes.


Lab Team

Lab Director

  • Wen Liu, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training

Current Graduate Students

  • Mustapha Mangdow, M.S.
  • Derong Yang, M.S.
Research Staff
  • Carrie Bailey, M.A.
  • Rahul Rayan, D.O.
  • Gregory Tinkler, DPT

Learn more about our team on the About the Lab page.


Collaborators

  • Randolph Nudo, Ph.D., Vice Chair and Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at KU Medical Center.
  • Michael Abraham, M.D., Associate Professor and Director of Stroke Research, Department of Neurology at KU Medical Center.
  • Sue Min Lai Ph.D., Professor, Department of Population Health at KU Medical Center.
  • Irina Smirnova, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Director of Diabetic Research Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training at KU Medical Center.
  • Yvonne Colgrove, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training at KU Medical Center.
  • Sarah Eickmeyer, M.D., Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at KU Medical Center.
  • Kamal Gupta, M.D., Professor and Director of Vascular Medicine Program, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at KU Medical Center.
  • Kelly Lyons, Ph.D., Research Professor, Department of Neurology at KU Medical Center.
  • Rajesh Pahwa, M.D., Professor, Director of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center, Department of Neurology at KU Medical Center.
  • Mehrdad Maz, M.D., Professor and Director of Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Medicine at KU Medical Center.
KU School of Health Professions

University of Kansas Medical Center
Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training
Mail Stop 2002
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
ptrsat@kumc.edu

913-588-6799