Research and Innovation

Advancing rehabilitation through research

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists and other professional staff are involved in more than 100 studies. This research may lead to new treatments that provide renewed hope for patients with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke and neurological diseases.

Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with Kessler Foundation, our research affiliate. We share the designation as a Model System for the treatment and research of both traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) – one of only 10 centers in the nation. This continues to put us at the forefront of advances in physical medicine.

The use of robotic technologies, including exoskeletons; prism adaptation therapy which involves the use of special goggles to address spatial neglect, a vision deficit; virtual rehabilitation; various interventions to help improve cognition; and pain management strategies are among the many innovative studies currently underway.

Two of the most exciting areas of research involve the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation and the Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center, both located on Kessler Institute’s West Orange campus. These unique laboratories are changing the landscape of what is possible for patients with disabilities.

One hospital. Two model systems.

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation is one of 10 hospitals in the country to have both brain injury and spinal cord injury model system designations.