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.
- 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.