Dr. Robinson studies a broad spectrum of topics related to the human pain experience. Specific topics include Placebo Analgesia, Patient Centered Outcomes, Sex, Race, and Age biases in decisions about pain, Psychological Factors in pain perception, Behavioral Interventions (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for pain and insomnia, Manual Therapy, Placebo) and Coping with…
Dr. Smith’s research examines the time course and extent of respiratory muscle remodeling in response to respiratory muscle overload training, using a combination of basic science and clinical approaches. Her current research projects include 1) examining the biology of acute muscle remodeling following a respiratory overload, 2) using translational strategies…
Dr. Shechtman’s research is in the area of measurement, specifically examining reliability and validity of various assessments in two major arenas, grip strength and driving. One focus is on how grip strength and sincerity of effort testing are affected by musculoskeletal disorders due to pain and motor control changes. The…
Dr. Judge’s research is focused on understanding the molecular signaling pathways that cause skeletal muscle atrophy during periods of muscle disuse (cast immobilization), and during cancer, sepsis, peripheral arterial disease, and aging. In addition, ongoing work in his lab seeks to understand the role that specific proteins play in regulating…
Dr. George’s primary research interests involve the utilization of biopsychosocial models for the prevention and treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Dr. George’s research projects have been supported by awards from the University of Florida, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the Foundation for Physical Therapy. His…
Dr. Fuller’s research program is aimed at understanding how neuroplasticity in the brain and spinal cord influences the control of breathing. The overall hypothesis driving the work in Dr. Fuller’s laboratory is that appropriate induction of neuroplasticity has the potential to improve respiratory muscle control in cases of injury or…
Dr. Bishop’s research interests are in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly pain, by conservative rehabilitation interventions like manual therapy. This work uses experimentally induced pain models and includes modalities such as quantitative sensory testing to measure pain sensitivity and central nervous system changes in response to interventions. This work…
Dr. Bialosky’s research interests are primarily on the mechanisms of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. He is currently supported by the K12 Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program with a research program focused on 1) placebo mechanisms of manual therapy and 2) neuroplastic changes in pain associated with…
Dr. Vandenborne’s work presents a multidisciplinary, integrated research approach to study muscle degeneration/regeneration from a pathophysiological level to functional impairment. The specific objectives of her program are to: 1) develop novel noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of skeletal muscle, 2) investigate the ability to enhance muscle function using modalities ranging…
