Our mission is to advance the recovery of mobility and independence following neurological injury. Our research program, “Restoring Locomotion Through Biomechanical and Neural Modulation,” integrates motor neuroscience, biomechanics, and neurorehabilitation to understand impaired movement and develop more effective rehabilitation strategies. Guided by the vision of helping individuals remain “Upright Without Falling,” we seek to promote safe, adaptive, and independent mobility in everyday life. Our research framework follows a translational progression from mechanistic discovery to meaningful mobility and is organized around three interconnected pillars:

1. UNDERSTAND: Biomechanical & Neurophysiological Mechanisms

We investigate the biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying impaired motor control and motor learning following neurological injury. Focusing on individuals with stroke and spinal cord injury, we examine how changes across the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system contribute to deficits in walking, balance, and locomotor adaptation.

2. INNOVATE: Integrated Biomechanical & Neural Modulation

We develop rehabilitation approaches that combine targeted biomechanical modulation with noninvasive spinal stimulation. By integrating biomechanical and neural interventions, we investigate how these complementary approaches can enhance motor learning and promote more effective and lasting improvements in walking and balance.

3. RESTORE: Real-World Mobility & Independence

We translate mechanistic insights into clinically meaningful and scalable rehabilitation strategies. By examining the behavioral, biomechanical, and neural adaptations induced by our interventions, we aim to promote safer walking, better balance, and greater independence in everyday life.

Research Capabilities To advance these interconnected research goals, MoNeL integrates advanced behavioral, biomechanical, and neurophysiological methods:

• Precision Biomechanics: Instrumented dual-belt treadmill and programmable perturbation systems for quantifying locomotor control, adaptation, and balance responses.

• Targeted Neuromodulation: Constant-current stimulation systems for transcutaneous spinal stimulation and the targeted modulation of spinal sensorimotor excitability.

• Integrated Neural & Movement Sensing: High-density wireless electromyography, electroencephalography, and wearable inertial sensors for synchronized assessment of neural, muscular, and biomechanical function.