Susan Koeneke
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Susan Koeneke is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of pediatric rehabilitation, robotics, and virtual reality. Her key contributions center on developing engaging, technology-driven therapies for children with cerebral palsy, demonstrating that immersive virtual environments can transform repetitive, often tedious motor exercises into motivating, participatory experiences. In her highly influential 2008 study, which has garnered 22 citations, she showed that integrating virtual reality with robot-aided treadmill training significantly increased children’s active force exertion and engagement. This work established a foundational principle: that participation-dependent multimodal stimuli can enhance neurorehabilitation outcomes by leveraging the brain’s reward systems. Dr. Koeneke’s research has been instrumental in shifting the field from passive, clinician-led therapy toward interactive, patient-driven protocols. By proving that play and technology can coexist with rigorous rehabilitation science, she has opened new avenues for improving mobility and quality of life in pediatric populations. Her work remains a touchstone for researchers designing next-generation assistive technologies and gamified therapeutic interventions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1