Laura Dunsmore

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About

Laura Dunsmore is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, with a primary focus on developing innovative interventions to restore motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI). Her work bridges the critical gap between non-invasive brain stimulation and robotic-assisted therapy, aiming to maximize neuroplasticity and functional recovery. Dunsmore’s most cited study, a randomized pilot published in 2016 (80 citations), was the first to investigate the combined effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and robot-assisted gait training in incomplete SCI patients. This pioneering work demonstrated that pairing cortical neuromodulation with locomotor training can enhance walking outcomes beyond either therapy alone, laying the groundwork for larger clinical trials. Her contributions have shaped how rehabilitation scientists design multi-modal protocols, integrating brain stimulation with robotic orthoses to target both central and peripheral mechanisms of recovery. With a citation impact that underscores the translational relevance of her research, Dunsmore continues to advance evidence-based strategies that push the boundaries of what is possible in SCI rehabilitation, offering new hope for improved mobility and quality of life.