The Sister Kenny Research Center serves as a learning laboratory for innovations in rehabilitative care and treatment with the ultimate goal of optimizing the care and service
to patients at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
About the Sister Kenny Research Center
Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has a long history of conducting innovative research, but just recently began coordinating its research activities under one ‘umbrella’: the Sister Kenny Research Center. Having all investigative studies coordinated within the research center allows the Institute to be more strategic and focused when conducting research and development projects.
Research Areas
Sister Kenny Research Center faculty conduct research in:
brain injury
injury/fall prevention
low back pain
spinal cord injury
stroke rehabilitation
technology/device development and commercialization
Current Projects
Studies are currently underway to:
participate in the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) study focusing on spinal cord injury patients to assess the validity, reliability, and sensitivity of their functional ability.
investigate the use of the Nintendo Wii™ to help patients in their recovery from strokes, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries.
create a device for clinicians to use to predict the risk of falls in the elderly.
identify/evaluate best practices for occupational therapy and physical therapy for soldiers and veterans recovering from mild traumatic brain injury.
develop and validate scales for brain injury assessment.
evaluate the impact of a weight and wellness program on health, fitness and quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries.
Collaborations
Sister Kenny Research Center faculty are currently engaged in collaborations with several U.S. and international institutions, including:
the Department of Defense - Office of the Surgeon General - Proponency for Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Johnson Space Center
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
University of Minnesota
University of Michigan
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ben-Gurion University in Israel
The Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden
Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden
Partner of Product Innovation Engineering Program (PIEp)
The Sister Kenny Research Center is an official U.S. site for the Product Innovation Engineering Program (PIEp), a Swedish national program that partners graduate students with research institutes and universities around the world to promote innovative product and business development.
Learn More
For more information on the Sister Kenny Research Center, contact Director Lars Oddsson, PhD, at lars.oddsson@allina.com or 612-863-7607.
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The Sister Kenny Research Center serves as a learning laboratory for innovations in rehabilitative care and treatment with the ultimate goal of optimizing the care and service
to patients at the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.