Prosthetics and Amputee Rehabilitation

Prosthetics and Amputee Rehabilitation Research focuses on the development of new knowledge to address compensation for limb loss.  During the past decade, new developments in robotics, artificial intelligence, ergonomics, computer hardware and software, and biomechanics, have set the stage for the development of a new generation of orthotics and prosthetic devices.  The Prosthetics and Amputee Rehabilitation Research core emphasizes clinical and applied research studies that examine the development and improvement of prosthetic devices.  Opportunities exist for improving the design and performance these devices, creating a better customized fit and individualization of user training to optimize the operation of prosthetics thereby facilitating a higher quality of life for people with limb loss.

The Prosthetics and Amputee Rehabilitation Research concentration prepares students for careers in teaching and research directed at locomotor rehabilitation for the individual with lower limb amputation.   The primary purpose of the program is to prepare scholars to plan and conduct scientific research in the area of prosthetics and amputees. Students gain experience in prosthetic and orthotic device design, clinical evaluation of contemporary practice, evaluation and testing of new materials and methods used in prosthetics and orthotics, and human performance measurement particularly as it pertains to locomotor function.  Successful applicants for the motor control specialization should have a strong science background, preferably with courses in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and computer science.

Prosthetics / Amputee Rehab Core
Current Prosthetic Technology                      
Rehabilitation Eng / Assist Tech                           
Seminars in O&P Rehabilitation                           
Rehabilitation of the Amputee                           
Independent Study in Amputee / Prosthetics 
Independent Study: Theory 
Biomechanical Basis of Human Movement

Research Core
Biostatistics I
Biostatistics II  
Clinical Research Methods                
Research Practicum        

Education Core
Educational Administration in Physical Therapy 
Instructional Methods in Physical Therapy 
Teaching Practicum 
Doctoral Seminar in PT Faculty Roles 
Doctoral Seminar in PT Leadership 
Doctoral Seminar in PT Research 

Electives
Measurement of Human Movement 
Physical Therapy Diagnosis 
SAS Stat Computing                    
Measuring Health Outcomes 
Fundamentals of Epidemiology                 
Scientific Writing I         

* Electives may be courses offered in other Physical Therapy PhD Cores,  courses offered in outside Departments or as Independent studies.