Research & Innovation

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Advancing neurorehabilitation since 1985

For more than 40 years, Shepherd Center’s research programs have been nationally recognized for turning clinical insights into solutions that improve care for patients past, present, and future. With access to diverse patient populations, decades of clinical data, and deep academic and industry collaborations, the Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute delivers patient‑centered innovation grounded in rigorous science.

Today, the James M. Cox Innovation Institute accelerates that impact, uniting clinical teams, researchers, engineers, and industry partners to turn discovery into better outcomes for people living with complex neurological conditions.

Dual Model Systems recognition

Shepherd Center is one of 16 elite hospitals recognized as both a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (TBIMS) and a Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) reflecting national leadership and excellence in neurorehabilitation.
Headshot of Debbie Backus

Shepherd Center is so good at taking a holistic look at things and keeping the patient at the center of everything. When we say we’ve integrated research into clinical practice, we truly have. It’s a total team effort. It’s never effortless, and there are always new challenges. But being able to do that is what helps us come up with novel solutions for our patients.

Deborah Backus, PT, Ph.D., FACRM Vice President of Research and Innovation and Director of Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute

Research by the numbers (FY25)

From thousands of participants to dozens of active studies, these figures reflect our commitment to advancing neurorehabilitation for people living with complex neurological conditions.

8,034

Research participants

95

Active studies

Innovation spotlight

The James M. Cox Innovation Institute is where advanced technology and co‑innovation meet real‑world needs.

  • Human Performance Lab: Equipped with ZeroG 3D body‑weight support, an instrumented treadmill with VR projection, and dual motion‑tracking camera systems to capture detailed movement data that informs treatment plans and strengthens our ability to advocate with payors using objective, evidence‑based metrics.
  • AT Workshop: Engineers and clinical staff collaborate to design prototypes and refine assistive technologies, creating custom solutions that support mobility, communication, and independence.
  • Smart Tech Hub:Try mainstream and co‑innovated devices built with patients, clinicians, and partners to discover what’s possible and plan for life beyond inpatient care.
  • Best Health Suite: Weekly adaptive exercise classes (strength, cardio, yoga), recorded for free, on‑demand access to Shepherd patients, anywhere.
Three women sit at a table; one wears a brainwave cap and handles colorful plastic shapes, while another woman sits with a laptop, and the third observes and smiles. Large windows show buildings and greenery outside.

You know, a lot of people go to work and do their job and do the bare minimum, but you don’t get that [at Shepherd], and you definitely don’t get that with research. They’re happy to be here, but they’re also ready to find something to help somebody — to find a new breakthrough.

Hannah Johnston, Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Research Participant

Six research areas

Shepherd Center’s research spans six core areas, each driving breakthroughs that improve care and quality of life for people with complex neurological conditions. Explore each area to learn more:

Translational and clinical studies in neuromodulation — including clinically accessible brain, spinal, and peripheral nerve stimulation — to restore function and optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

Funding highlights: NIH, NIDILRR, Shepherd Center Foundation, national and international collaborations via the Hulse Spinal Cord Injury Laboratory

Explore SCI Research

Advancing community reintegration, vocational outcomes, and care for veterans with brain injury and co‑occurring conditions — through multi‑agency, multi‑partner studies and real‑world program innovations.

Funding highlights: NIDILRR, U.S. Department of Defense, John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Religious Trust, Moody Neurorehabilitation, Avalon Action Alliance, Wounded Warrior Project

Explore Brain Injury Research

Clinical and translational trials focused on personalized, accessible rehabilitation and wellness — leveraging digital health and AI to reduce barriers for people with mobility challenges.

Funding highlights: NIDILRR, PCORI, National MS Society, International Progressive MS Alliance, support from the Carlos family

Explore MS Research

Making products and services more accessible and usable for people with disabilities through user research with Fortune 1000 partners and startups.

Partners: Microsoft, LinkedIn, Samsung, Intel, Netflix, McDonald’s, Meta, Nike

Our network: 1,500+ participants across the U.S.

Explore User Experience & Usability Research

Outcome-driven studies that design, test, and refine tools to enhance independence — from low-tech aids to advanced robotics — bridging the gap between innovation and everyday usability.

Highlights: Adaptive cornhole bags, on-demand trunk supports, mouth-controlled mouse, 3D-printed grasping aids; real-world evaluations of wheelchair seating, driving rehab devices, and smart environmental controls; protocols addressing usability, durability, and accessibility across diverse populations

Explore Assistive Technology Research

FDA‑regulated trials of drugs, cell therapies, and medical devices for SCI, brain injury, MS, and other neurological conditions — expanding future treatment options.

Highlights: Spinal stimulation for bladder function, add‑on MS drug therapies, neuroprotection post‑SCI, nerve freezing for upper extremity spasticity; safety protocols addressing minority outcomes and women’s cancer risk

Explore Pharmaceuticals & Device Research
A woman with short brown hair, wearing a gray suit and navy top, sits smiling on a stool in a bright, modern physical therapy or medical office with exercise equipment in the background.

The work at Shepherd is deeply meaningful because it connects scientific discovery with real lives. Every study and clinical interaction offers the chance to restore function, independence, and hope.

Edelle “Edee” Field-Fote, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, FASIA Director of Spinal Cord Injury Research and the Hulse SCI Research Laboratory

Funding sources

Powered by competitive funding from from non-profit, independent research intuitions, government agencies, private foundation, corporate partners, and philanthropic donors to fuel discoveries that transform care.

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