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About

Janet M. Powell is a leading researcher in rehabilitation robotics, with a primary focus on developing assistive technologies for stroke survivors. Her most impactful contribution is the landmark 2010 multicenter randomized controlled trial on robot-assisted therapy for long-term upper-limb impairment after stroke, which has garnered over 1,400 citations. This study demonstrated that intensive robot-assisted therapy can produce significant functional improvements even in patients with chronic, moderate-to-severe deficits, fundamentally shifting clinical perspectives on the timing and potential of rehabilitation. Powell has also advanced the engineering foundations of assistive robotics through her work on upper limb exoskeletons, analyzing the isotropy of these devices in relation to human arm kinematics and dynamics. Her research bridges the gap between mechanical design and clinical application, ensuring that exoskeletons can safely and effectively mirror natural human movement. By combining rigorous clinical trials with biomechanical analysis, Powell has established a framework for developing next-generation rehabilitation technologies that are both scientifically validated and practically deployable. Her work continues to inspire new approaches to restoring function and independence in individuals with neurological impairments.