Dr. Forbes’ research utilizes magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to monitor the progression of disease and potential treatments in muscular dystrophies. His research incorporates a translational approach, and includes investigating the effects of gene therapies, pharmaceutical interventions, and exercise on skeletal and cardiac muscle composition and function. Currently, a primary…
Dr. Smith’s research examines the time course and extent of respiratory muscle remodeling in response to respiratory muscle overload training, using a combination of basic science and clinical approaches. Her current research projects include 1) examining the biology of acute muscle remodeling following a respiratory overload, 2) using translational strategies…
Dr. Romero utilizes modern test theory methodologies to develop, evaluate, and improve clinical/research outcome measures and patient reported outcome measures. He is particularly interested in rehabilitation outcome measures to evaluate patients with mobility deficits leading to falls. Dr. Romero utilizes Item Response Theory to evaluate existing instruments and develop new…
Dr. Judge’s research is focused on understanding the molecular signaling pathways that cause skeletal muscle atrophy during periods of muscle disuse (cast immobilization), and during cancer, sepsis, peripheral arterial disease, and aging. In addition, ongoing work in his lab seeks to understand the role that specific proteins play in regulating…
Dr. Bishop’s research interests are in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly pain, by conservative rehabilitation interventions like manual therapy. This work uses experimentally induced pain models and includes modalities such as quantitative sensory testing to measure pain sensitivity and central nervous system changes in response to interventions. This work…
Dr. Vandenborne’s work presents a multidisciplinary, integrated research approach to study muscle degeneration/regeneration from a pathophysiological level to functional impairment. The specific objectives of her program are to: 1) develop novel noninvasive techniques for the evaluation of skeletal muscle, 2) investigate the ability to enhance muscle function using modalities ranging…
Dr. Martin’s research efforts focus primarily on the development and implementation of respiratory muscle rehabilitation programs for lung transplant and ventilator dependent patients. The respiratory muscles are of interest because of the role they play in dyspnea perception, exercise tolerance and ventilator dependence. Weaning patients from mechanical ventilation is a…
Donovan’s main research interest is exploring the potential of exercise and rehabilitation programs to enhance skeletal muscle and motor function in patients with neuromuscular disease. This current focus involves examining how the amount of physical activity relates to muscle damage and disease progression in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Research…
