Margaret Purcell
Papers
1
Total Citations
29
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Margaret Purcell is a leading researcher in rehabilitation science, with a focus on exercise physiology and neurorehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Her work investigates how robotics-assisted treadmill technology can be harnessed as a therapeutic and fitness tool, bridging the gap between assistive devices and active patient engagement. In her highly cited 2011 study, “The metabolic cost of passive walking during robotics-assisted treadmill exercise,” Dr. Purcell demonstrated that even passive, robot-driven walking can elicit meaningful metabolic responses in individuals with incomplete SCI—a finding that challenged assumptions about the necessity of active effort for cardiovascular benefit. This work has garnered 29 citations and remains foundational for clinicians designing exercise protocols for patients with limited voluntary movement. By quantifying the physiological impact of passive locomotion, Dr. Purcell has helped expand the clinical utility of robotic exoskeletons beyond gait training, positioning them as viable tools for improving cardiometabolic health in populations with severe mobility impairments. Her research continues to inform rehabilitation strategies that maximize function and wellness in SCI patients.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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