Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

UF Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation research

Translating movement to medicine

Exercise Medicine and Functional Fitness

The University of Florida Physical Medicine in the Exercise Medicine and Functional Fitness Laboratory is committed to performing highly impactful rigorous research to improve patient functional capacity and quality of life across the age and ability spectrum. Through multidisciplinary research teams, we employ a combination of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and community engagement approaches to develop new therapeutics and injury prevention programs. Our research extends into musculoskeletal health and disease, sports medicine, spine and multi-joint pain, inpatient rehabilitation, stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Message from the vice chair of research

Heather Vincent, Ph.D., FACSM

We are advancing the field of Physiatry through discovery of new methods to increase and preserve physical and psychological function, to increase efficiency of physiatric care delivery and attain high quality of life. Our faculty are exploring new ways to help individuals successfully navigate the life challenges of acute injury, chronic injury or chronic conditions though rehabilitation, combined medical approaches and patient-focused programs.

• CELEBRATING OUR 2ND YEAR RESIDENT RESARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE INAUGURAL YEAR OF THE PROGRAM
• Published research:
• Dr. Aimee Madsen “Role of Antigravity Training in Rehabilitation and Return to Sport After Running Injuries” Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2022
• Dr. Michael Brownstein “Injury Prevention, Safe Training Techniques, Rehabilitation, and Return to Sport in Trail Runners” Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2022
• Dr. Shammi Patel “Impact of COVID on Sports Injury Patterns, Changes in Mental Well-Being, and Strategies to Prepare for Future Pandemics in Sport” Curr Sports Med Res 2022
• Accepted Abstracts
• Dr. Fryar “Running-Related Achilles Pain is Associated with Recent Shoe Change and Landing Mechanics in Recreational Runners’ AAMPR Assembly Baltimore Oct 2022
• Dr. Madsen “Anxiety State Impact on Recovery of Runners with Lower Extremity Injuries” AAMPR Assembly Baltimore Oct 2022
• Drs. Patel and Brownstein will present their case studies at the Florida Society for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in July 2022
• Dr. Brownstein will present a case study at the Academy of Spinal Injury Professionals in September 2022

Ongoing and recent research

CURRENTLY ENROLLING STUDIES