Motion Analysis Laboratory
The Motion Analysis Laboratory of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences in the School of Health Sciences and Practice investigates a wide spectrum of disabilities that cause sensorial and motor impairments, functional limitations, and participation restrictions in infants, children, and adults who live with neuromotor disorders.
Location
Housed within Vosburgh Pavilion on the NYMC campus, the Motion Analysis Laboratory has reserved accessible parking space and ramps to the building for our study participants. See our campus map to see where we are located.
Research
The Impact of Postural Trunk Control Deficits to Communicate with Gaze-based Computers in Children with Motor Disabilities
In collaboration with Stefanie Blanco, SLP.D., CCC-SLP, TSSLD, ATP, and Vikas Grover, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, from the Speech-Language Pathology Division, we are investigating if postural equipment can be used to optimize trunk control to enhance communication skills when using gaze-controlled computers in children and adolescents aged 6-21 years old and who live with neuromotor disorders.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effectiveness of an Intensive Seated Postural Intervention Delivered with Robotic and Rigid Trunk Support Systems
This is a collaborative study with Sunil K. Agrawal, Ph.D., from Columbia University's Robotic and Rehabilitation (ROAR) Laboratory; and Andrew M. Gordon, Ph.D., from the Biobehavioral Sciences Department and Center for Cerebral Palsy Research at Teachers College. We are studying the effect of a motor intervention to train postural and reaching control abilities in 6-to-17-year-old children with Cerebral Palsy who have difficulties with sitting independently. The intervention is fun and intensive, involving different age-appropriate games and objects to practice motor skills with the upper body. This study takes place at Columbia University Morningside Heights Campus and transportation reimbursements are offered.
A Clinical Study to Investigate the Potential Effectiveness of a Robotic Walker to Train Postural and Walking Abilities
This is a collaborative study with Sunil K. Agrawal, Ph.D., from Columbia University's ROAR Laboratory. We are investigating the effect of an intensive gait-oriented intervention delivered with a robotic walker in 6-to-17-year-old children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and who need a walker to move about. The goal of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of the robotic-aided gait intervention in maximizing walking and postural control abilities. This study takes place at Columbia University Irving Medical Center Campus and transportation reimbursements are offered.
Contact Us
The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is searching for participants with Cerebral Palsy to study the effect of postural control on communication skills with an eye-tracking computer. If you are, or know anyone, between 6-18 years old and have cerebral palsy, and may use an external communication system, you could qualify to participate in research. We have several ongoing research projects and collaborative research studies. For interested parties, inquiries, and further information, please contact us.
Motion Analysis Laboratory
Vosburgh Pavilion, #G17
40 Plaza West
Valhalla, NY 10595
(914) 594-4226
Victor Santamaria, Ph.D., M.Sc., PT, PCS
Director, Motion Analysis Laboratory
External Research and Clinical Collaborators
Andrew M. Gordon, Ph.D.
Teachers College, Columbia University
Biobehavioral Sciences Department
Jaya Rachwani, M.S., Ph.D., PT
CUNY Hunter College
Physical Therapy Department
Shivakeshavan Ratnadurai-Giridharan, Ph.D.
Cornell University
Burke Neurological Institute (BNI)
Tomoko Kitago, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Neurology, New York Medical College School of Medicine
Sunil K. Agrawal, Ph.D.
Columbia University
Mechanical Engineering Department
