We focus on executive function and social cognition, their representations in the brain, and ways to improve these functions in patients with brain damage.

Our research focuses on developing neural control systems for upper and lower prosthetics.

We study the strategies underlying the neural control of movement, examining how neural control interacts with the mechanical properties of the body.

We investigate muscle fiber and tendon properties in neurological impairments and sports-related injuries.

We use biomechanics as a framework for investigating how we move and control our arms and hands following injuries and impairments.

Over the last several years, we have been developing protocols to enhance the activity of residual sensorimotor pathways in individuals who suffered from spinal cord injury (SCI). We are happy to communicate that we are starting Phase IV of our protocol and we are actively enrolling participants. Led by P.I. Monica Perez

DeMarcus P. came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab after his left foot was amputated following a work accident. Through intensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, he regained strength and learned to walk using a prosthetic leg. DeMarcus also discovered healing in our art therapy program — utilizing his creativity to process the frustration and emotional stress of his injury and recovery.

It's important to be confident about the quality of care you or a loved one will receive when entering a rehabilitation or treatment program. There are certain things to look for and questions to ask when narrowing down your list of options.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In keeping with our founding mission of equality and access for all, we embrace diversity in all its forms and we champion ideas, inclusivity and action.

The Journal of Neurophysiology recently published a review by Adenike Adewuyi, MD PhD — a 2022 graduate of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) residency program — and her mentor, Colin Franz, MD, PhD, physician-scientist, at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The review defines a clinical framework for evaluating patients with spinal cord injuries to determine their candidacy for nerve transfer surgery.

Tonie Sadler, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in health services and outcomes research at Northwestern University and at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Center For Rehabilitation Outcomes Research, presented “My Choice, My Way: Implementing Meaningful Person-Centered Practices" at the 2022 TASH conference held in Phoenix, AZ in December. She identifies several best practices for person-centered delivery of HCBS.

Read more for an in-depth look at how to find the right car seat for your child based on their weight, size and age, as well as based on your vehicle type.