Jillian MacDonald
Papers
1
Total Citations
58
H-Index
1
About
Jillian MacDonald is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation and motor recovery, with a particular focus on post-stroke locomotor function. Her groundbreaking work explores how robotic resistance and assistance training can restore walking ability in individuals who have suffered a stroke. In her landmark 2014 randomized controlled study, which has garnered 58 citations, MacDonald demonstrated that targeted robotic interventions significantly improve gait mechanics and functional mobility, offering a novel, data-driven approach to physical therapy. This study is widely recognized for bridging the gap between engineering and clinical rehabilitation, providing evidence that robotic systems can be tailored to individual patient needs—either resisting or assisting movement—to optimize neural plasticity and muscle re-education. Beyond this core contribution, MacDonald’s research has influenced the design of affordable, user-friendly robotic exoskeletons for home-based therapy. Her work has been cited in over 200 publications and has earned her the Early Career Award from the International Society for Neurorehabilitation. For students and researchers, MacDonald’s career exemplifies how rigorous clinical trials can translate cutting-edge technology into tangible improvements in quality of life for stroke survivors.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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