Physiology of Walking and Engineering Rehabilitation Laboratory

Our Research

The Physiology of Walking & Engineering Rehabilitation (PoWER) Laboratory focuses on how humans process and attend to sensory information, produce motor actions and learn new motor skills. The laboratory uses a blend of MEG, MRI and EEG neuroimaging and advanced biomechanical engineering analyses to conduct our research. Our goal is to support the development of new rehabilitative technologies and therapeutic approaches for improving the mobility of patients with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

Advancing Down Syndrome Research

The PoWER Lab has a major research arm that is dedicated towards understanding neurophysiological changes in aging adults with Down syndrome. This research employs MEG brain imaging to identify new biomarkers that can be used to recognize the pre-clinical signs of dementia and assess new treatment approaches that are on the horizon for Alzheimer's disease.

Our Studies

Igniting Mobility in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy

The purpose of this study is to see how successful gait therapy (physical therapy focused on improving walking) is for individuals with cerebral palsy.

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Neuromagnetic Signatures of Down Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to examine how adults with Down syndrome age.

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Dynamic Imaging of Cerebral Palsy Gait

This study aims to explore the neurophysiological differences experienced by participants with and without cerebral palsy during walking. In this study, we use different brain imaging techniques such as a MRI, MEG and EEG to examine neurological (brain) differences.

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Neuromodulation of the Cortex and Spinal Cord

This study uses a therapeutic method called transcutaneous current stimulation (TCS). TCS is a safe way to electrically stimulate the spinal cord through patches placed on the skin, creating a signal in the body which feels similar to bumping your funny bone.

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Improving Activity in Individuals with Cerebral Palsy

This study aims to increase physical activity in individuals with cerebral palsy through virtual motivational coaching. The study also seeks to explore changes in brain activity and mobility associated with increased physical activity.

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Meet Our Staff

Max J. Kurz, Ph.D.

Director, Physiology of Walking & Engineering Rehabilitation Laboratory

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