For healthcare professionals
Kessler Foundation conducts rehabilitation research for individuals living with stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. If you have patients who may be interested in learning about research opportunities, please share this resource with them.
Filter and search for open study opportunities below.
This study explores how identifying personally meaningful activity goals may improve motivation to participate in stroke rehabilitation.
Individuals with stroke often have problems with hand and arm function that affect their activities of daily living. Also, most individuals who have had a stroke do not have long-term rehabilitation support after they leave the hospital. Therefore, the investigators aim to study how well a program of brain stimulation and hand exercises can be delivered at home, and how it may improve arm function in people with stroke. The program combines brain stimulation and hand exergaming using a wearable device for improving hand and arm functions.
The purpose of this research study is to better understand the mental fatigue that occurs during repeated performance of a challenging task. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data will be collected while I repeatedly perform a task in the scanner that involves my mental concentration. I will be asked to pay close attention to the directions given to me on how to perform the study task.
The purpose of this research study is to determine if a new robotic balance training program can improve balance function and postural control when combined with brain stimulation, in people with stroke.
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effectiveness of a program to improve new learning and memory in individuals who have had a stroke at least one year ago.
This study assesses the effectiveness of overground walking training with different wearable robotic exoskeletons to determine the impact on mobility for individuals with different walking needs post stroke.
This study assesses whether using a wearable device, called the robotic exoskeleton, can be helpful in improving recovery of walking in adults who have recently had a stroke.
This study evaluates a new assessment for spatial neglect. People with spatial neglect often pay much more attention to one side of the body while ignoring the other side even though they have no difficulty seeing.
This study tests the effectiveness of reading therapy combined with exercise (stationary bike cycling or stretching) for people who have difficulty reading after a left-brain stroke.
The purpose of this study is to investigate how reading can be improved after a left-brain stroke. The findings of this study may help to develop new methods for diagnosis and treatment of reading problems after stroke.
Every discovery begins with people. It’s accelerated by those who choose to take part, and donors who choose to act.
Using the Eyes to Study the Brain
This study explores a new set of hands-free tests that will assess ability to learn new information and how quickly participants process information. These new tests use a system that measures the movement of your eye (an "eye tracking system") to record responses to various thinking tasks.
FAQs About Joining a Research Study
Rehabilitation research studies are designed to help people with neurological and physical conditions become as independent as possible in everyday activities, restore function and mobility, enhance memory and learning, and improve quality of life.
First, check out our list of research studies that are now enrolling participants. Once you find a study that interests you, complete the “Join a Study” form found on each study page. Then a member of our research recruitment team will reach out to discuss the study and determine whether you are eligible to participate.
Our scientists seek to improve memory and learning, mobility, and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological and physical disabilities including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and autism. We also study the role of caregivers who assist individuals with disabilities with daily activities, and we help people return to the workplace after disabling illnesses or injuries.
We offer a number of tele-studies that can be completed from your home, while others may require you to visit one of two Foundation locations in East Hanover, NJ, or West Orange, NJ. In some cases, we may be able to travel to your home or provide reimbursement for travel to our offices.
Some studies are completed in one day, while others may need volunteers to be available for follow up from six weeks to more than a year.
To achieve results that help as many people as possible, participants of all ages and ethnicities are needed in our studies.
Yes, absolutely! People without disabilities can serve as controls in research studies. Comparing the results between people with and without disabilities helps researchers prove the efficacy of their interventions.
Participating in our research studies is completely voluntary, and if at any time anyone is uncomfortable or unable to continue the study, they are able to withdraw.
Most of our studies provide compensation to volunteers for participation. The amount paid varies for every study. Some studies reimburse participants for travel or cover Uber Health or Lyft Concierge rides.
Each individual has their own motive for participating, but volunteers are vital to the ongoing rehabilitation research at Kessler Foundation. Their assistance helps scientists identify new treatments and interventions that can change the lives of loved ones and others with disabilities and debilitating health conditions. These scientific advances are made possible when people like you volunteer for research. To learn more, read our article “3 Reasons to Join a Research Study.”
Tell us a little more about yourself so that our recruitment team can help you enroll in a study that is right for you.
