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Enhance Learning and Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this research study is to investigate the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Improving Mobility After Brain Injury with Spinal Stimulation and Gait Training

The purpose of this research study is to assess the effects of receiving transcutaneous spinal stimulation while performing walking exercises compared to completing walking exercises without spinal stimulation.

A Strength-Based Tool to Help Autistic Adults Find Employment

This fully remote study evaluates the effectiveness of our intervention designed to improve job interview skills in adults with autism.

Evaluating the Bambini Exoskeleton for Pediatric Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Bambini robotic exoskeleton as a walking training tool for children with cerebral palsy.

Treating New Learning and Memory Deficits Following 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.

Robotic Exoskeletons Training for People with Stroke

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.

Help Develop a New Survey About Spinal Cord Injury and Receiving Personal Assistance

This fully remote study helps design a new survey to explore how receiving personal assistance affects the well-being of people with SCI. Participants will complete questionnaires and attend a 2-hour online focus group during one day.

Cardiovascular Response to Stimulation and Interventions in First-Year Spinal Cord Injury

The study aims to investigate how transcutaneous spinal stimulation (spinal stimulation through the skin) affects blood pressure in individuals with recently acquired spinal cord injury, with evaluations extending through the first year post-injury.

Brain Stimulation and Robotic Balance Training After Traumatic Brain Injury

This study aims to improve balance control in individuals with traumatic brain injury, a common challenge affecting mobility and stability.

Personalized Virtual Reality Walking and Balance Training for TBI

This study aims to learn whether personalized training that combines thinking and movement tasks can improve walking and balance in people who have had traumatic brain injuries.

Personalized Virtual Reality-Based Training to Improve Gait and Balance and Reduce Falls in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

This study assesses the effectiveness of combining thinking tasks with walking training to improve walking and balancing ability and reducing falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Functional Recovery and Everyday Activities

We want to follow individuals with moderate to severe TBI over time. We will measure how the TBI has impacted recovery and activities of daily living.

Support Rehabilitation Research
Help move research forward.

Every discovery begins with people. It’s accelerated by those who choose to take part, and donors who choose to act.

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A person seated in a power wheelchair in front of a Kessler Foundation backdrop

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.” 

Complete Our Join a Study Form

Tell us a little more about yourself so that our recruitment team can help you enroll in a study that is right for you.

Recruitment Team

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