Old Westbury, NY – New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) received a $128,000 grant for research on Parkinson's disease from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The grant allows researchers to test ways to improve control of posture and gait of individuals with Parkinson's disease, who are at risk for fall-related injuries. Tests include touching a stationary object while standing and touching a moving object when walking at a desired pace to ensure better control.

"Our focus is to enable those with Parkinson's disease to perform daily tasks more easily and efficiently," said Ely Rabin, Ph.D., assistant professor of neuroscience at NYIT. "The goal of our research is to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers."

Dr. Rabin and William Werner, Ed.D., director of the laboratory and associate professor of physical therapy at NYIT, are leading the initiative. The research is conducted in the Biomechanics Laboratory and Adele Smithers Parkinson's Disease Treatment Center at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM) at NYIT in Old Westbury, N.Y.

Adele Smithers Parkinson's Disease Treatment Center is part of the Academic Health Care Center (AHCC), an active, ambulatory healthcare teaching institution at NYCOM.

The center offers an innovative and comprehensive treatment program that empowers and improves the well-being of people with Parkinson's disease. As a progressive collaboration among physicians, health professionals, and neuroscientists, the center works to alleviate the physical limitations and debilitating symptoms of patients with this disease.

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Briana Samuels
Communications Specialist
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