About

Dr. Keith E. Tansey is a leading figure in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, whose research bridges neurophysiology and cutting-edge therapeutic technologies. His primary focus is on restoring motor function after SCI, particularly through the use of robotic locomotor therapy and neuromodulation. A landmark 2005 study (221 citations) demonstrated that robotic body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) can reshape supraspinal activation patterns in individuals with motor-incomplete SCI, providing a neural basis for functional recovery. Dr. Tansey further advanced the field by exploring how transcutaneous spinal stimulation can engage spinal rhythm-generating circuits even in complete SCI (137 citations), opening new avenues for restoring stepping. He also developed a clinically relevant prediction model for walking speed after BWSTT, helping to personalize rehabilitation. Notably, his work extends to comparative efficacy trials (e.g., aquatic vs. robotic therapy) and to shaping the national research agenda through his leadership at the NIH, where he co-authored key reports on rehabilitation science. With over 400 cumulative citations, Dr. Tansey’s contributions are foundational to understanding and enhancing neuroplasticity and locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

7
H-Index
7
Papers
447
Total Citations
64
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Changes in Supraspinal Activation Patterns following Robotic Locomotor Therapy in Motor-Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
221 citations · 2005
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2017 (2 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 33
🏛 Institutions: United States Department of Veterans Affairs, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Shepherd Center, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Jackson Memorial Hospital

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 14 days ago