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Center for Rehabilitation Research

Collaborative Research, Student Involvement, and Clinical Outreach

The Center for Rehabilitation Research (CRR) is dedicated to improving the lives of people who have functional limitations caused by physical impairments. The CRR conducts research that emphasizes improving quality of life by preventing disorders that lead to disability and restoring function. The CRR was established in 2002, is part of the School of Health Professions, and is administered through the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Committed to excellence in research, education, and service the mission of the Center for Rehabilitation Research at TTUHSC is to foster intellectual discovery in rehabilitation science by enabling faculty to produce research, students to learn to conduct research, and by providing rehabilitation assessment services to assist health care professionals in the care of patients.

The CRR consists of thirteen core faculty members and one staff member, five clinical research laboratories, and a multipurpose conference room / patient reception area. Faculty of the CRR conduct research designed to advance knowledge that will support and inform the evidence-based clinical practices used within physical rehabilitation professions, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. Faculty members of the CRR also collaborate with other faculty and students from TTUHSC, TTU, and researchers and clinicians from around the world.

Research Facilities and Student Collaboration Spaces

  • The Clinical Anatomy Research Laboratory (CARL) investigates human anatomical structures and their relationships to musculoskeletal pathology. The research aims to provide anatomical evidence supporting the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions. This lab is located in the Institute of Anatomical Sciences.

  • The Clinical Biomechanics Research Laboratory (CBL) investigates morphological, environmental, and task factors leading to altered movement outcomes, performance, and injury risk. The research focuses on gait and overhead upper extremity movement patterns in individuals across the lifespan engaged in daily living, exercise, and sports activities. The CBL is a spacious 1,347 square-foot laboratory, offering ample room for its activities.

  • The Clinical Musculoskeletal Research Laboratory (CML) investigates the tissue-level etiology and treatment of orthopedic conditions. The research aims to improve knowledge, enhance the understanding of rehabilitation practices, and advance new therapies to improve clinical outcomes. The CML is a 915 square-foot laboratory, providing sufficient space for its operations.

  • The Clinical Postural Control Research Laboratory (CPL) investigates standing balance control under challenging pathological, environmental, or task conditions. The goal is to identify and treat underlying pathologies that impair balance and place individuals at an increased risk of falling. The CML is a 277 square-foot laboratory, offering a compact yet functional space for its activities.

  • The Clinical Sports Performance Research Laboratory (CSPRL) investigates the intersection between medical/clinical practice and the technical aspects of athletic performance within and among athletes and the physically active. With a shared focus on injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation, and peak performance, the CSPRL leverages both established and emerging technologies to examine the impact of a variety of treatment and training strategies, modalities, and assessment tools. The CML is a 151 square-foot laboratory, providing a small but efficient space for its operations.

Lee Atkins

PT, PhD

Assistant Professor, ScD in Rehabilitation Sciences Program

Jean-Michel Brismee

Sc.D., PT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Professor, ScD in Rehabilitation Sciences Program Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists

Nathan Burgess

PT, ScD

Associate Program Director, DPT Program

Doug Dendy

PT, ScD

Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Kerry K. Gilbert

Sc.D, PT, COMT

Professor and University Distinguished Faculty Program Director, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Associate Dean, Anatomy Research and Education - SHP Senior Managing Director, Institute of Anatomical Sciences

Troy Hooper

Ph.D, PT

SHP Associate Dean for Research and Innovation Professor, ScD in Rehabilitation Sciences Program

C. Roger James

Ph.D, FACSM

Director, Center for Rehabilitation Research Program Director, PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program

Robert Larson

OTR, PhD

Assistant Professor Program Director, Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

Micah Lierly

PT, PhD

Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

Larry Munger

PhD, LAT, ATC

Associate Professor, Mater of Athletic Training Program

Phillip S. Sizer, Jr.

Ph.D., PT, OCS, MOMT, FAAOMPT

Associate Vice President for Research Innovation, TTUHSC Office of Research TTUHSC President’s University Distinguished Professor and Endowed Professor in Pain Science PhD Program in Rehabilitation Science, ScD Program in Rehabilitation Sciences

Steve Tucker

PhD, LAT, ATC

Chair, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

Bei Zhang

MD, MSc

Associate Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Staff

Renee' Lemons

Unit Manager – Rehabilitation Sciences Operations

Got Questions?

We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions. 

Renee' Lemons
806.743.9016
renee.lemons@ttuhsc.edu