About Our Research

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About Our Research

We help individuals with disabilities improve mobility, cognition, quality of life, and gain employment.

Kessler Foundation changes the lives of people with physical and cognitive disabilities through the work of specialized rehabilitation research centers. Our scientists seek ways to overcome obstacles faced by adults and children who live with brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, autism, and other chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. Researchers also investigate how disabilities affect employment and methods to optimize outcomes.

Participants and their families

Helping Adults and Children With Disabilities

Our research changes care. Kessler Foundation researchers are recognized nationally and internationally in neuroscience, neuropsychology, neurology, bioengineering, public health, and disability employment. We collaborate with clinical partners to identify needs and assess new methods of treatment. Treatments developed by Kessler Foundation scientists are used by rehabilitation professionals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America.

Research Center Directors

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Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Kessler Foundation's Rehabilitation Research Training Program trains individuals in clinical research whose ultimate goal is to improve the rehabilitation outcomes for traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other neurological and physical impairments. The program is designed to be multidisciplinary, and will solicit and enroll post-doctoral fellows and clinicians from a wide variety of fields within rehabilitation. These fellows will receive research training that will facilitate the pursuit of a career in rehabilitation research. 

Research Studies Currently Enrolling Participants

 

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View our Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP) for more information about how participant data is used and stored in our secure database.

TBI and SCI Model Systems Provide National Impact

Two federal Model System grants establish Kessler Foundation as a center of excellence for both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) research. Model Systems are comprehensive networks that promote independent and collaborative research that will improve the national standard of care for individuals with these devastating injuries. Model Systems are funded by large, multi-year grants sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. While there are 18 SCI Model Systems and 16 TBI Model Systems in the U.S., Kessler Foundation is one of only 10 centers to have dual Model Systems, which are a collaborative effort with Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.

 

 

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Research Collaborators sponsors logos

Research Collaborators

Collaborations with the foremost hospitals and universities across the country are critical to the success of our medical rehabilitation research. Our collaboration with Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is integral to our designation as one of only 10 institutions in the United States to hold Model Systems in both traumatic brain injury (NNJTBIMS) and spinal cord injury (NNJSCIMS). Collaborations with Veterans Administration hospitals include studies to improve care-giving for veterans with spinal cord injuries, the effects of Gulf War illness, and the use of exoskeletons to improve mobility and cardio-vascular function for persons with spinal cord injuries.

Peii Chen, PhD

Partnering to Develop an Innovative Virtual Reality Stroke Treatment

Kessler Foundation has partnered with Virtualware Group to create a virtual reality based treatment for spatial neglect, the most common spatial deficit after stroke. Under the direction of Peii Chen, PhD, and Denise Krch, PhD, the treatment enhances therapy participation through a safe, interactive, and game-like environment.

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Volunteers are the heart of our research. Provide your information below to join our secure participant database. You will hear from our recruitment team about research study opportunities.

Volunteers Are the Heart of Our Research

Provide your information below to hear from our recruitment team about research studies for which you may be eligible.

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