With the help of interactive arts sensors, researchers in the Motion Analysis and Recovery Biomechanics Lab are working to integrate artistic activities in with standard rehabilitation exercises. This research evaluates whether engagement and outcomes are improved when patient create their own visual images and audio compositions from movement they perform in daily rehabilitation sessions. By allowing patients to create artwork while performing rehabilitation exercises, the progress of their movement recovery can be tracked with the data recorded from movement sensors. Because they engage with creative process and attention in ways that stimulate movement recovery, these patients also feel more motivated in the rehabilitation clinic.

Working with game developer and researcher Dr. Jane McGonigal, staff in the Motion Analysis and Recovery Biomechanics Lab have tested a smart phone application, SuperBetter, that helps teens who have lasting effects from concussion to manage their symptoms and maintain positive outlook during recovery.

This project evaluates effectiveness of an eccentrically-focused treadmill training program for retraining of gait among individuals with spinal cord injury. Downhill training has shown good efficacy in a rodent model of ischemic spinal chord injury, yet this project represents the first attempt to try such an intervention among humans.

This year-long study will determine the feasibility of using two dance-based interventions, Argentine Tango and Worthen-Chaudari's game-like visual art feedback program (called NeuroArts), to improve balance and quality of life among cancer survivors who suffer from balance deficits.

This pivotal phase III, prospective, multi-center, double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial will determine the therapeutic effects of navigation guided 1Hz rTMS administered to the contralesional hemisphere as adjuvant to task-oriented rehabilitation in patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

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Worthen-Chaudhari L, Basso M, Schmiedeler J, Bing J. (2014). A New Look at an Old Problem: Defining Weight Acceptance During Human Walking at Different Speeds. Gait & Posture 39:1588–1592.

Worthen-Chaudhari L, Whalen C, Swendal C, Bockbrader MA, Haserodt S, Smith R, Bruce MK, Mysiw W. (2013). A feasibility study using interactive graphic art feedback to augment acute neurorehabilitation therapy. NeuroRehabilitation 33:481–490.

Jaffe J, Lowes L, Borstad A, Worthen-Chaudhari L, Crawfis R, Maung D, Siles A, & Gauthier L. (2014). Delivery of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Through a Video Game for Individuals with Hemiparesis Post-Stroke. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(5), A119-A120.

Maung D, Crawfis R, Gauthier L, Worthen-Chaudhari L, Lowes L, Borstad A, McPherson R. (2013). Games for Therapy: Defining a Grammar and Implementation for the Recognition of Therapeutic Gestures, Foundations of Digital Games, Proceedings of the 8th Annual Conference, Chania, Crete, Greece, May 14–17, 2013.

Maung D, Crawfis R, Gauthier L, Worthen-Chaudhari L, Lowes L, Borstad A, McPherson R. (2014). Development of Recovery Rapids: A Game for Cost Effective Stroke Therapy, Foundations of Digital Games, Proceedings of the 9th Annual Conference (Exemplary Full Paper), Ft Lauderdale, FL, April 3–7, 2014.

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Yadev V, Schmiedeler JP, McDowell S, Worthen-Chaudhari L. (2010). Quantifying Age-Related Differences in Human Reaching while Interacting with a Rehabilitation Robotic Device. Applied Bionics and Biomechanics 7:289–299.

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Eccentric Training to Improve Human SCI
Role: Co-Investigator Collaborators: D. Michele Basso (PI), J.P. Schmiedeler (Co-I)
2014–2016 Sponsor: NIH NINDS (1R21)

Training Frontal Plane Eccentric Motor Control to Improve Locomotion After iSCI
Role: Co-Investigator Collaborators: D. Michele Basso (PI), J.P. Schmiedeler (Co-I)
2014–2016 Sponsor: Neilsen Foundation (SCRIPTS Pilot Grant)

NICHE Trial: Navigated Inhibitory Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Contralateral Hemisphere
Role: Co-Investigator Collaborators: Bockbrader, M (PI), Page, S (Co-I)
2014–2016 Sponsor: Nexstim, Inc.

Randomized control trial (RCT) to evaluate effect of creative engagement on motor outcomes in neurorehabilitation
Role: Principle Investigator
2012–current Sponsor: Center for Personalized Health Care, OSUWMC

Interactive Music for Neurorecovery
Role: Co-Principle Investigator Collaborator: Ainger, M - School of Music (Co-PI)
2012–current Sponsor: Grants for Research and Creative Activity in the Arts & Humanities

SCI Rehabilitation Research Seed Funding
Role: Co-Investigator PI: OSU PM&R Department Chair
2006-current Sponsor: Fraternal Order of Eagles Community Org