Faculty Research in the Motion Analysis Lab

Chronic Pain, Motor Output and Motor Learning in Knee Osteoarthritis

NIH NIAMS/NIA          1R15 NS093895-01 (pending)             07/01/2015 - 06/30/2018
Principal Investigator: Katherine Rudolph, Ph.D., P.T.
Co-Investigators: Tamara King, Ph.D.; Chunhao Tu, Ph.D.

The number of years that knee OA patients endure pain takes a toll on their knee function and quality of life but it also impacts how the nervous system processes pain and other sensory signals. Abnormal pain processing is thought to coincide with altered processing of other sensory input. Sensory input is vital to appropriate motor output, so people with chronic pain from knee OA may have altered motor output that relates to their pain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between pain processing and motor adaptation. The results will provide valuable insight into the ability of people with chronic pain from knee OA to learn new ways of moving. The results could have an immediate influence on the way physical therapists treat people with knee OA and other people with chronic pain.

Currently Recruiting Subjects

Student Research Opportunities Available (please contact Dr. Rudolph)

Does Sensory Sensitivity affect Motor Learning?

Principal Investigator: Katherine Rudolph, Ph.D., P.T.
Student Researchers: Irina Fedulow (D.P.T.'15); Sarah Cooper (Biochemistry and Neuroscience ‘15)

Motor control and motor learning relies on sensory information that provides input to the nervous system so that the body can respond appropriately to changing environmental conditions. If sensory processing is impaired, motor output may also be affected thus leading to impairments in motor planning or motor learning. However, the converse may also be true. People that have sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) are sometimes called ‘Highly Sensitive Persons’ (HSP) and their nervous systems respond with greater arousal to stimuli. Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli is thought to be an evolutionary advantage because those who are more responsive to their environments would excel at detecting advantageous opportunities as well as avoiding perceived threats. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and motor learning in healthy young subjects. 

Currently Recruiting Subjects

Student Research Opportunities Available (please contact Dr. Rudolph)