Movement and Neurosciences Center of Excellence

Judith M. Burnfield, PhD, PT, is Director of the Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Director of the Movement and Neurosciences Center and the Clifton Chair in Physical Therapy and Movement Sciences at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. Dr. Burnfield is a nationally recognized physical rehabilitation clinician, researcher and scholar. She earned her PhD in Biokinesiology from the University of Southern California and completed her post doctoral training at the Pathokinesiology Laboratory at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Burnfield holds faculty appointments in the clinical sciences and engineering at multiple universities. Dr. Burnfield publishes and presents extensively in areas relevant to the promotion of functional independence, cardiorespiratory fitness, and long-term health and wellbeing of individuals with physical disabilities and chronic conditions. Her federally funded research and development work has created patented technologies and treatment approaches used worldwide in rehabilitation, fitness, and home settings. Dr. Burnfield co-authored the book, Gait Analysis: Normal and Pathological Function. 

Guilherme (Gui) M. Cesar, Ph.D., P.T., is the Assistant Research Director of the Movement and Neurosciences Center at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. Dr. Cesar has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. He earned his Ph.D. in Biokinesiology from the University of Southern California where he investigated the locomotor strategies children employ to participate successfully in physical activities. Dr. Cesar expanded his research with young adults during his post-doctoral work at the Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln under the supervision of Judith M. Burnfield, Ph.D., PT. His research aims to guide understanding of how biomechanical factors and cardiorespiratory fitness can contribute to movement efficiency and independence in function. In addition to his research, Dr. Cesar is passionate about education and has taught coursework for physical therapists and physical educators in anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, and physical rehabilitation.

Thad Buster received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, his Master of Science degree in Exercise Science at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and is currently working on his doctoral studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He completed an internship in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has extensive clinical experience in the field of exercise physiology. His research interests include the biomechanical analysis of gait and exercise interventions for persons with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.