Rehabilitation Sciences Research, Centers, and Labs

Center for Human Performance Measurement (CHPM)

The purpose of the CHPM is to provide precise measurement of human movement using the gold standard Qualisys motion analysis system. We also host additional and complimentary measurement techniques to include EEG and EMG. 

Developmental Disabilities/School Based Therapy 

Dr. Jeffries engages in and supports individual and interprofessional research and its knowledge translation of individuals who have developmental disabilities and students with disabilities who receive school-based physical therapy and related services. 

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Educational Outcomes of Post-Professional Physical Therapist Training

Functional Intermuscular Reduction in Spasticity in MS (MS-FIRST)

Functional Intermuscular Reduction in Spasticity in MS (MS-FIRST) is a research project using combination of intermuscular electrical stimulation (IMES), followed by external functional electrical stimulation (FES) combined with treadmill training would decrease spasticity, improve muscle strength and force, with the functional objective of improved walking speed and endurance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. 

Health-Promoting Activity Lab (Health-PAL)

In the Health-Promoting Activity Lab (Health-PAL), we improve participation and reduce disability in adults and their care partners with chronic conditions through the use of health-promoting daily activity. Our projects deliver empowering and goal-oriented treatment to older adults with multiple chronic conditions and functional limitations and find innovative ways to integrate occupational therapy into existing healthcare systems. 

Healthy Aging thru Performance and Participation 

Our goal is to develop and promote solutions for adults to engage in everyday activities and participate in life roles. With a focus on people with chronic medical conditions, we examine novel intervention, self-management training, environmental modification, assistive technology and/or caregiver training.  

OUHSC/SCC Cancer Rehabilitation Research Lab 

We partner with cancer survivors and their oncology treatment teams, to study best practices for side-effect screening, and innovative rehabilitative interventions to optimize physical function from the time of cancer diagnosis onward.
 

The Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center for Developmental Disabilities and Autism

The mission of the Lee Mitchener Tolbert Center [Lee Tolbert Center), at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), is to promote evidence based services within natural life contexts for people with developmental disabilities and their families through excellence in discovery, integration, application, and teaching.

The Professor Paws Project

The purpose of the Professor Paws Project is to expand clinician knowledge and promote community awareness about service dogs through the utilization of a full-time facility dog at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa (OU-Tulsa).

Tool Development and Measurement

The development and validation of the School Outcomes Measure (SOM) is led by Sandra Arnold, PT, PhD and Thubi Kolobe, PT, Phd, FAPTA, both from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Wellness in Special Populations

We provide wellness interventions for special populations within the community setting.  Populations included in our research are adults with mental illnesses, early childhood educators, children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and their families.

Wheels Project

Millions of people with disabilities in developing countries across the globe need wheelchairs. Our goal for the Wheels Project is to improve the lives of people with disabilities by providing feedback to wheelchair manufacturers who graciously donate wheelchairs to areas such as Kenya so individuals that need wheelchairs can receive the devices to improve mobility. The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, College of Allied Health, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences students make a global difference with their research as well as have a life-changing international experience.