Heather Carnahan

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About

Dr. Heather Carnahan is a leading figure in motor learning and rehabilitation science, whose work bridges the gap between fundamental movement principles and cutting-edge clinical applications. Her research primarily focuses on how individuals acquire and refine motor skills, with a particular emphasis on haptic training and its role in neurorehabilitation. In her highly cited 2014 work, *Motor Learning Perspectives on Haptic Training for the Upper Extremities* (58 citations), Carnahan critically examined the theoretical underpinnings of robotic rehabilitation therapies, arguing that many emerging technologies lack a solid grounding in established motor learning concepts. This contribution has been instrumental in shaping how clinicians and engineers design haptic-based interventions for patients with upper extremity impairments. Beyond this, her broader body of work has explored the roles of feedback, practice schedules, and sensory integration in skill acquisition, influencing fields from surgical training to sports science. With a career dedicated to translating complex motor control theories into practical, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies, Dr. Carnahan’s insights continue to guide researchers and therapists in optimizing recovery and performance.