Susan L. Garber

Papers

Total Citations

215

H-Index

About

Susan L. Garber is a leading researcher in rehabilitation science, with a primary focus on stroke recovery and assistive robotics. Her most impactful contribution is the landmark 2011 Department of Veterans Affairs multisite clinical trial on robot-assisted upper-limb therapy in acute stroke rehabilitation. This randomized controlled study, cited over 200 times, evaluated the Mirror Image Movement Enabler (MIME) system in 54 hemiparetic patients, providing critical evidence for the efficacy of robotic therapy in early stroke recovery. Garber’s work has been instrumental in bridging engineering and clinical practice, demonstrating how robotic devices can enhance motor function and quality of life for individuals with neurological impairments. She has also explored wheelchair-mounted robotic arms, advancing assistive technology for daily living. Her research has shaped rehabilitation protocols within the VA healthcare system and beyond, influencing how clinicians integrate robotics into acute care. Garber’s contributions have established her as a key figure in neurorehabilitation, with her studies serving as foundational references for subsequent work in robotic therapy and assistive technology development.