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Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals
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Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering

When a loved one experiences a devastating injury or illness, it is critical that they have a skilled and innovative team in their corner to achieve the maximum level of independence possible and return to their life roles. Madonna’s Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, embedded within each campus, draws together patients, family members, clinicians, researchers, and business leaders from across the country to develop and evaluate new treatments and technologies. Madonna patients benefit from cutting-edge technology and a translational research and technology development approach that is changing the rehabilitative landscape. Innovations and technology invented at Madonna are used worldwide to improve patient care and outcomes. Our researchers’ professional interests and expertise bridge the following areas to advance rehabilitation care and outcomes:

The Movement and Neurosciences Center enhances the independence and quality of life of persons with and without disabilities through research, clinical services and education. The Center’s applied research and development endeavors help improve walking, function and cardiorespiratory fitness so individuals can achieve their greatest independence and health. Leading-edge technology analyzes human movement and function, contributing to development of new rehabilitation treatments and inventions.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Center improves the independence and quality of life of individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions and their caregivers through novel device design and development. The Center collaborates with patients, clinicians and researchers, leveraging state-of-the-art high-resolution 3D printers and scanners, electronics, software/hardware, and mechatronics, to create novel devices that address unmet patient needs expeditiously. This sets Madonna apart from most health care facilities.

The Health Psychology Center translates scientific knowledge relevant to emotional and behavioral health into clinical care. The Center’s holistic approach considers the impact of the individual and their environment on recovery following a serious injury or illness. Findings from this work inform development of interventions to optimize patient outcomes and family wellbeing. Collaboration with Madonna’s clinical teams is key to bringing the Center’s research innovations into practice.

The Nutrition Sciences Center explores the complex role nutrition plays in rehabilitation. The Center approaches nutrition as a central facet of good health that underlies physical, mental and spiritual recovery and well-being. Collaborations with patients, clinicians, and caregivers are leveraged to advance the art and science of evidence-based nutrition. Research findings are translated into clinical practice through nutrition education, outreach, consultations, and support groups to improve the quality of life of patients.

The Communication Center is dedicated to developing and improving technologies and treatments to reduce the functional limitations of individuals with complex communication disorders. The Center integrates leading edge augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), environmental control, and computer access technology. It also contains the latest in motor speech evaluation technology and specializes in assessment and management of velopharyngeal incompetence.

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