In the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST), we engage in research of impact. Our research is focused on improving health and rehabilitation outcomes for people with disabilities through the integration of consumer experiences, engineering, assistive technology, medicine and clinical practice. RST performs research sponsored by the:
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), among others.
Research Areas
- Rehabilitation Technology & Assistive Robotic Devices and Systems
- Product design & performance; Product testing standards; Clinical evaluation of technology; Pressure injury prevention; Wheelchair transportation safety; Rehabilitation Biomechanics, physical activity interventions for wheelchair users
- Assistive Technology (AT) Product Development and Technology Transfer.
- AT Policies and Training, International Development
- Community re-integration of veterans and people with disabilities
- STEM education
- Lower limb prosthetics alignment, Limitations in prosthetics & orthotics research, mobile gait data collection methods
Industry Partnerships and Contracted Services
The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology (RST) has successfully collaborated with industry partners and supplied contracted services for more than two decades. A sampling of these partners is listed below. RST is always seeking to expand and enhance the list of external partners we work with. Please reach out to Patricia Karg (tkarg@pitt.edu) with any inquiries concerning opportunities in these areas.
RST Industry Partnerships
RST collaborates with industry partners to perform research and development for assistive and rehabilitation products and services—including product design and development, laboratory testing, clinical evaluation, human factors and usability assessments, best practice development, and training programs.
These collaborations can be supported by several mechanisms that most frequently involve either direct payment for services or federal grant dollars awarded through the NIDILRR Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which funds research and development for small businesses interested in commercializing new technologies. Funding typically ranges from $150,000 to $1 million, depending on the phase of development and grant specifications. RST’s IMPACT Center offers industry partners the guidance and support needed to pursue these funding streams. Additional information and contact details can be found on the IMPACT webpage.
RST Contracted Services:
RST has a rich history of providing product development and evaluation services for manufacturers, suppliers, third-party payers, and foundations. Services include development, laboratory testing, and clinical evaluation of assistive and rehabilitation products.
Examples of products evaluated for performance and durability:
- Wheelchair Testing (ISO 7176 and RESNA WC-1/WC-2)
- Wheelchair Caster Testing (ISO 7176-32)
- Wheelchair Cushion Testing (ISO 16840 and RESNA WC-3)
- Office Chair Testing
- Mattress Testing (RESNA SS-1)
- Operating Room Overlay Testing
- Wheelchair Drive Wheels and Caster Rolling Resistance Testing
Companies/organizations we have worked with:
- Hillrom
- Invacare
- Permobil
- Arjo
- Turncare
- Dabir Surfaces
- ROHO
- VGM/US Rehab
- Wheels for Humanity
- Anthros
- Tamarack
- Game Changer Technologies
- ASP Global
- Rolapal
- Supracor
- USCAR (US Council for Automotive Research)
- Pratt Miller Engineering
Active Research Labs and Projects
Explore the projects and labs that apply to the SHRS Research Framework foci:
Personal Performance & Engagement
This project establishes a Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) to improve wheelchair services through an evidence-based approach using a performance-based product selection strategy. Evidenced-based approaches for the selection of appropriate wheelchair products are needed. Performance standards establish test methods and requirements for devices. This new strategy will benefit clinicians and consumers during the selection of seating and mobility technology and enhance rehabilitation services by utilizing standardized performance measures to match appropriate and quality products to user needs.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): David Brienza, Patricia Karg, Jon Pearlman, and Mark Schmeler
Link to website: National Rehabilitation Information Center
This study is designed to determine if and when microclimate management in a support surface is effective in preventing pressure injuries and what level of heat and moisture control performance is necessary for prevention effectiveness. The primary aim of the project is to compare the effectiveness of reactive support surfaces with low air loss to reactive support surfaces without low air loss in preventing pressure injuries for people with moisture risk factors in acute care. A secondary aim is to identify which low air loss performance characteristics and what level of those performance characteristics are necessary for the technology to be effective.
Funding source: NIH – National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Lead RST investigator(s): David Brienza and Patricia Karg
The overall objective of this project is to evaluate a newly developed technology known as WiSAT, a system capable of monitoring weight shifting and pressure relief behaviors and informing users of this in-seat activity using a mobile application. The system is used beneath a wheelchair user cushion and empowers users with knowledge about their pressure injury preventative behaviors. This study will assess the clinical effectiveness of the WiSAT for changing the behavior of wheelchair users at risk for pressure injuries.
Funding source: Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army
Lead RST investigator(s): Patricia Karg, and David Brienza
Prosthesis users complain about excessive sweat accumulation and subsequent problems with slippage, skin irritation, and discomfort. Recently, prosthesis liners that contain phase change materials (PCM) have become commercially available, holding the promise that the microclimate at the interface between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket can be regulated to reduce the user’s tendency to sweat. The study investigates whether the use of PCM infused liners can increase activity level, gait efficiency, and prosthesis utilization over longer (six-month) periods of use.
Funding source: Department of Defense (DoD), US Army
Lead RST investigator(s): Goeran Fiedler
Gait retraining with real-time visual feedback (RTVF) as an intervention has demonstrated significant improvements in many patient populations. Video and mirror feedback can be used but has limitations, including the lack of mobility, realism, and sufficient quantity of steps the patient can review. Therefore, we are developing a system to provide real-time mobile visual feedback (MOVISUFiT) for gait training using kinetic data derived from the user’s limb itself and displayed wirelessly to smart glasses.
Funding source: University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute & Center for Medical Innovation
Lead RST investigator(s): Goeran Fiedler
The IMPACT Center at the University of Pittsburgh provides tools and approaches to comprehensively understand barriers and facilitators to successful Assistive Technology Tech Transfer (ATTT) as well as raise awareness and increase the capacity of researchers and entrepreneurs to perform successful ATTT. This project consists of two main initiatives: defining the barriers and gateways to commercializing assistive technologies and developing online training resources and in-person seminars to empower those looking to advance assistive technology innovations.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): Jon Pearlman and Mary Goldberg
Link to website: IMPACT
RST continues to be involved in the development and testing of manual and power wheelchairs that meet cost and mobility needs for less-resourced countries. Examples of this include the SIMPL-WC, a single motor propelled wheelchair for India. Projects focus on design, testing, and clinical evaluation and then the subsequent transfer of the design to a manufacturer or foundation in less-resourced countries.
Funding source: NIH – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Lead RST investigator(s): Jon Pearlman
RST is active in the development of technology and safety standards for the safe transportation of individuals seated in wheelchairs on motor vehicles. When a wheelchair is used as a motor vehicle seat, the vehicle must be modified and after-market equipment must be installed. Technology to meet these needs as well as national and international performance and safety standards to set requirements have been researched and developed.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): Patricia Karg
The goal of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) is to expand access to and support effective use of mainstream wireless technologies among people with varying disabilities by engaging all relevant stakeholders to create and pilot innovative, viable, and scalable technology services. RST investigators are conducting a funding and policy study (Schmeler) and evaluating the efficacy of smart speaker training and accompanying resource toolkits (Goldberg).
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): Dan Ding, Mary Goldberg, and Mark Schmeler
Wheelchair users have considerable challenges monitoring daily physical activities as well as recording physical health and weight conditions. RST investigators developed and are evaluating the E‑Scale, a bed scale system that acquires the weight changes from the legs of a bed. In addition to supporting weight management, the bed scales are being used in research to monitor and classify bed movement activities to identify those at risk for developing pressure injuries and maintain turning schedules to prevent injuries.
Funding source: Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Lead RST investigator(s): Jon Pearlman, David Brienza, and Patricia Karg
RST investigators have developed the Wheelchair Skills Training Program (WSTP) and Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program (WMTP) and evaluated their effects on the participation and quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). This included the development of a readily accessible web-based training program for clinicians to learn the WSTP and the WMTP.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): Jon Pearlman
RST performs research to improve accessibility in the built environment for wheelchair users. This includes development of a roughness standard and tool for accurately measuring the roughness for sidewalks and pathways as well as development of tools for curb ramp design and inspection.
Funding source: USDOT, PennDOT
Lead RST investigator(s): Jon Pearlman
The use of apps to support health and quality of life for those with with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) has the potential to enhance health maintenance, monitoring, and care provision. Such tools have proven to be particularly important during the pandemic as remote health care service delivery is becoming more prevalent. However, an absence of intelligent decision-making support can lead to prescription of poorly matched apps, increasing the likelihood of technology abandonment and rendering otherwise impactful technology tools useless. Standardized methods of app evaluation are needed to improve clinical uptake and sustained use of such apps. The Health App Review Tool (HART) was designed to perform “best match” style assessments of health apps for end users who either live with ADRD or who care for a loved one with ADRD. The goal of this project is to connect those affected by ADRD with effective apps, using the HART. Availability of such a tool is anticipated to maximize the use of impactful health technologies, enabling better disease management and higher quality of life for those with ADRD and their caregivers.
Funding source: a2 Collective funded through NIA, PennAITech
Lead RST investigator(s): Julie Faieta
Through a series of laboratory and field-based human factors studies, this project seeks to develop design information and technical guidance to inform the accessible design of emerging shared automated vehicles for accommodating the diverse needs of people with disabilities and older adults.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), University of Michigan – Mcity
Lead RST investigator(s): Clive D’Souza
Link to website: Inclusive Mobility Research Laboratory – AAV
The aim of the project is to identify opportunities to improve work and employment for women with psychosocial disabilities in Tana River County, Kenya.
Funding source: Voice (an initiative of and financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands)
Lead RST investigator(s): Ikenna Ebuenyi
Recent efforts to provide care to veterans via telehealth services has led to financial losses due to significant rates of technology and tool disuse and abandonment. In order to address this, technology provision must be paired with appropriate technology assessment and education. Standardized methods of evaluating user specific digital health competencies necessary for successful VA Video Connect (VVC) app use are needed to improve uptake and sustained use of the VVC app among the 9 million veterans serviced through the VA. This project will focus on a user-centered co-design of the VVCMatch assessment, comprised of a technology profile and a user assessment, capable of 1) providing individualized assessments of potential users’ preparedness for VVC app use and 2) illuminating key digital health literacy areas in need of targeted education.
Funding source: US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC) Pilot Project
Lead RST investigator(s): Julie Faieta, Jon Pearlman, and Dan Ding
CEACR is developing a precision engagement model to be employed by research teams to help improve community engagement, recruitment, and better research and health outcomes.
Funding source: NIH – Community Engagement Research Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities
Lead RST investigator(s): Mary Goldberg
Link to website: https://covid19community.nih.gov/about/about-CEACR
Health System Optimization
ISWP was formed in light of the fact that over 70 million people worldwide require wheelchairs for mobility and function, yet most lack access to appropriate wheelchairs or services to repair them. ISWP’s mission is to serve as a global resource for wheelchair service standards and provision through advocacy, education, standards, evidence-based practice, innovation, and a platform for information exchange.
Funding source: United States Agency for International Development (USAID), JSI Research and Training Institute
Lead RST investigator(s): Jon Pearlman, and Mary Goldberg
Link to website: International Society of Wheelchair Professionals
RST collaborates with VGM Group’s US Rehab and Orthotic and Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA) divisions to collect large‐scale Functional Mobility Assessment (FMA) data from their network of accredited equipment suppliers into an FMA Registry. Combined with a de‐identified minimum/uniform dataset (M/UDS), large datasets can be systematically analyzed to demonstrate more scientifically which types of mobility devices and service delivery models work best for given populations based on diagnosis, functional status, and environmental factors. Ultimately, it is expected that large data analyses will confirm that provision of properly fitted mobility equipment improves function and comfort, reduces hospitalizations and secondary medical complications (i.e. falls and pressure sores), and promotes participation.
Funding source: VGM/US Rehab
Lead RST investigator(s): Mark Schmeler, and Rich Schein
Accommodation time may vary depending on patient and device-specific factors. This makes it difficult in clinical practice and research to purposefully allocate accommodation times that are neither too short (whenever device fit and alignment changes are conducted in quick succession) nor too long (whenever patients may have to endure prolonged periods using suboptimal devices). This project will evaluate whether measures of gait symmetry correlate with level of accommodation and can be used to assess this variable.
Funding source: Orthotic and Prosthetic Education and Research Foundation (OPERF)
Lead RST investigator(s): Goeran Fiedler
For several years RST has had contracts with the VA to set up Assistive Technology (AT) Labs at the VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (PRCs) and Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders (SCI/D) Centers. Although clinicians—who have access to some of the most advanced rehabilitation equipment and devices—are actively involved in fitting and prescribing AT devices and services for veterans and service members with disabilities, there was still a strong need to guide existing efforts and develop a coherent program for all aspects of AT service delivery, consistent with the level of expertise at the centers.
Funding source: US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Lead RST investigator(s): Mark Schmeler, and Rich Schein
RST conducts research and develops methods, systems, and technologies that support remote delivery of rehabilitation and home health care services for individuals who have limited local access to comprehensive medical and rehabilitation outpatient services. This includes design and development of information technology infrastructure; development of models for clinical assessment and use of telerehabilitation services; and applications in services such as wheelchair prescription, job coaching, and communication function.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): David Brienza, Mark Schmeler, and Rich Schein
Center or program evaluation is critical to ensure the timely delivery of key outputs and to ensure both short- and long-term goals are met. The evaluations are generally comprised of both an impact and a process evaluation and include qualitative and quantitative components. Our evaluation team is engaged in metrics tracking, tool development, interviews, and focus groups. We develop data visualizations and regular reports to identify trends and recommend any corrective actions.
Funding source: NIH– National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), NIH – National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), NIH – National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), NIH – Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
Lead RST investigator(s): Mary Goldberg
We are working to investigate the similarities between Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) presentation in order to better understand the implications of incidence of PASC on risk of exacerbated negative outcomes of TBI. This study will include investigating similarities in brain structure, genetic factors, and demographic factors relative to PASC and TBI presentation. Following an initial injury, subsequent TBI outcomes can be intensified. Therefore, better understanding of the parallels of PASC and TBI are needed to guide prudent preventative measures for those whose occupation increases the risk of attaining a TBI.
Funding source: Jacob A. and Frieda M. Hunkele Charitable Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation/Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
Lead RST investigator(s): Julie Faieta
The aim of the project is to investigate the misuse of methamphetamine amongst young people in the Southeastern region of Nigeria and identify pathways to address the problem and support affected individuals.
Funding source: University College Dublin
Lead RST investigator(s): Ikenna Ebuenyi
The project explores the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in Liberia and Ireland.
Funding source: ESTHER Small Grants
Lead RST investigator(s): Ikenna Ebuenyi
The purpose of this project is to investigate a new health coverage policy for custom manual and power wheelchairs (aka: Complex Rehabilitation Technology or CRT) for people with disabilities to improve their ability to live and participate in their communities. Current health policy for these devices is very restrictive to the point that devices are not even covered for people to leave their homes to attend work or school, which conflicts with the spirit of the Rehabilitation Act. Modern healthcare is moving towards accountable and value-based care that uses a combination of research, large data, and best practices to determine what services will be paid for. The University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), UPMC Health Plan, The Ohio State University, University of Michigan and key disability, industry, and policy stakeholders will perform a series of interrelated project activities to: 1) evaluate current policies, novel models with stakeholder input; 2) develop a standardized assessment and procurement protocol; 3) perform analyses of existing datasets relevant to CRT; and 4) evaluate the feasibility of a new model. The overall expected outcome is a strategy for the provision and payment of CRT within an accountable and value-based healthcare environment that can inform all stakeholders including health plans and policymakers.
Funding source: HHS – National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)
Lead RST investigator(s): Mark Schmeler, and Rich Schein
Link to website: www.crtpolicy.pitt.edu
This is an exploratory study to investigate the utilization of rehabilitative services to support health and wellbeing for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) and the factors that influence the practice and perspectives of stakeholders in the United States.
Funding source: Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC)
Lead RST investigator(s): Ikenna Ebuenyi, and Julie Faieta
The aim of the project is to investigate the facilitators and barriers to AT provision and use for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities using the AT library system and to determine how to best further equitable AT services in Allegheny County.
Lead RST investigator(s): Ikenna Ebuenyi
Publications
RST has published and presented its research since 1994. For a look at RST’s most recent publications using PubMed, please select the links below:
Research Facilities and Labs
Product Testing Laboratories
This lab contains apparatus for a variety of testing capabilities to evaluate the quality, safety, and durability of mobility products, both prototype devices as well as mobility products already on the market. In the Product Performance Test Lab, we have apparatus to evaluate the performance and safety of products. The Product Durability Test Lab provides environmental test chambers (heat and corrosion) and fatigue testing machines, which allow researchers to simulate product aging and wear.
Design Studio
A studio that provides a creative space that facilitates the development and sharing of ideas for product design. The space contains workstations with 3D design software, and engaging meeting space for collaborative idea generation that can be shared on dry erase painted walls and through projection.
Prototyping Laboratory
This laboratory includes equipment for the fabrication of prototypes and test fixtures. The lab contains a variety of hand and power tools including a mill, drill press, lathe and compound miter saw. An electronics workstation serves to support hardware and software development. This station consists of software programming, electronics prototyping, and debugging stations, equipped with oscilloscopes, meters, power supplies, soldering irons, and function generators. Multiple 3D printing stations and supplies facilitate rapid prototyping of components.
RST/UPMC Center for Assistive Technology – The Center for Assistive Technology (CAT)
This Center is a joint effort of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, is one of the largest community-based outpatient assistive technology (AT) clinics in the United States. CAT provides AT related services to over 1500 clients annually and has been steadily growing. The CAT is engaged in research (virtual coaches, advanced mobility devices, assistive robotic devices), development of clinical outcome tools (functioning every day in a wheelchair, functional mobility assessment, multi-sensor driving assessment), and experimental clinical service provision (telerehabilitation, wearable technologies). CAT has recently implemented “smart text” into the electronic record system, to define “mobility related activities of daily living”, and to define “functional ambulation”.
Prosthetics and Orthotics Research Lab
This lab provides designated space for human subjects testing. Adjacent reception area and changing room facilitate logistics. Research equipment includes prosthesis integrated load cells (one ipecs, RTC electronics, Dexter, MI; two Europa, Orthocare Innovations, Tacoma, WA), mobile gait-analysis sensor (G-walk, BTC engineering, Milan, ITA), compatible wireless 8-channel EMG (FreeEMG, BTS engineering, Milan, ITA), metabolic breath analysis system (CardioCoach, Korr, Salt Lake City, UT), 50 activity monitors (StepWatch, modus health, Washington, DC), along with an assortment of tools and exercise equipment to facilitate a range of protocol designs. The lab shares space with RST’s Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics program that contains all of the major equipment for functional assessment, fabrication and fitting of prosthetic and orthotic devices including a fabrication lab, vacuum forming/oven room, lamination room, machining room, and plaster room. A spacious patient area provides a waiting/changing room, parallel bars, movable steps, wall to floor mirrors, and assistive devices to enable efficient fitting and gait assessment sessions.
Research Experiences
We offer students opportunities to engage in research experiences within the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology. Participation in research will help you gain critical skills and complement classroom learning.
Available options include volunteer as well as paid positions and are available to Pitt students and non-Pitt students. Please fill out the appropriate link below.
Before applying, we encourage you to take a look at RST Research areas, publications, facilities, and faculty to help get a better idea of what RST Research has to offer.
Student Research Opportunities
Pitt Students (undergraduate, graduate)
If you are a Pitt student interested in exploring research opportunities, please complete the SHRS Student Research Tracker at this link. You MUST have an active Pitt e-mail to complete this form.
Under the “Disciplines” section, please choose “Rehabilitation Science and Technology/Prosthetics and Orthotics” as “Disciplines: Choice 1.” This will ensure that your application is routed to RST first.
If we are unable to provide a position at RST, your application will be routed to any additional departments you indicate under “Disciplines” (Choice 2 and so on).
Non-Pitt Students
If you are not enrolled at Pitt but are interested in exploring research opportunities, please complete the Online Research Interest Form at this link. Your information will be shared with all RST Research faculty and kept on file.
