The Rehabilitation Engineering Analysis Laboratory (REAL), directed by Thomas Edwards, Ph.D. , was established in 2002 with the support of KMRREC and the Henry H. Kessler Foundation. REAL is the primary operating entity for KMRREC’s Rehabilitation Engineering Division, also directed by Dr. Edwards.

Mission of the Rehabilitation Engineering Analysis Laboratory

The laboratory’s mission is to enhance rehabilitation and to reduce complications for individuals with mobility, cognitive, or functional deficits. This is achieved through research and development activities focused on the identification of exceptional solutions for rehabilitation by the application of engineering science and technologies. REAL is committed to providing a research and training environment that promotes innovation, creativity and insight.

The laboratory’s areas of expertise include:

• Biomechanics - We perform research on the motions, forces, and control strategies present in the human body during activity. We use a variety of experimental methodologies to collect data for this work, ranging from motion analysis and electromyography to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We combine these data with engineering theory to develop mathematical models to learn how systems function and develop estimates for quantities that cannot be measured directly.
• Biomaterials - The laboratory has unique experimental resources for characterizing the mechanical properties of tissues, joints, and prostheses. Areas of interest include the modification of the surface properties of materials to increase durability or compatibility, and the application of lightweight, high strength materials.
• Rehabilitation Technology - We design and develop devices to be used in the care of patients during rehabilitation. We aim to maximize benefit and ease of use to both patients and caregivers.
• Bioinstrumentation - This research focuses on developing portable and unobtrusive devices for acquiring quantitative and objective measures of physical function. These devices are designed collect data as patients perform their daily activities.

REAL’s expertise is applied to diverse problems in clinical rehabilitation after stroke, traumatic brain injury, and musculoskeletal injury. REAL has established extramural collaborations with investigators at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the University of Delaware, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, REAL collaborates on research with other laboratories of KMRREC.