Our research is recognized nationally and internationally, and receives extramural support from prestigious agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the Department of Defense (DoD) and several foundations such as the Foundation for Physical Therapy, the National Parkinson’s Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation. Our team of investigators have state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate with many leading researchers within the University of Pittsburgh and across and outside the of the U.S. Witness our team's scholarly productivity by viewing our publications. Our faculty serve on a number of research review panels and as editors and reviewers for over 20 prominent journals. Faculty also routinely serve on scientific committees of professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Our department collaborates with other high-level research institutions offering career development awards for Rehabilitation Science and is committed to training future researchers who share our passion.
The research in our Department focuses on optimizing the quality of life for individuals with mobility deficits and improving our health systems. Our studies investigate the effectiveness of physical therapy-related interventions in patients with musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders throughout the lifespan. We also lead health services research on management of chronic conditions and delivery of value-based care. The reputation of our research spans over three decades and has significantly contributed to advancing the practice of physical therapy. Our research continues to change paradigms in the management of low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, vestibular disorders, sport-related injuries, mobility and balance in older adults and neuromuscular diseases.