Judy Deutsch, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA
The RIVERS lab is an inter-disciplinary applied rehabilitation research lab. We study motor control, behavioral and neural plasticity that form the basis of rehabilitation science.
Research Overview
Restoring Movement Through Digital Innovation
We document the validity and efficacy of interventions that will accelerate recovery of mobility. Balance and fitness for individuals with neurologic health conditions. We collaborate in the development and testing virtual environments, serious games and interventions to enhance activity and participation. We contribute to the knowledge synthesis and implementation of technologies in rehabilitation. The lab has also studied integrative therapies such as motor imagery and yoga and is currently working on workplace well-being projects.
Selected Completed Projects
Virtual Reality Augmented Cycling Kit (VRACK)
We developed and tested a kit that transforms any bike into whether the combination of motor control and fitness training in a cycling VR transfers to improved fitness and mobility for persons post-stroke.
Virtual Cycling (VCYCLE)
We developed and tested cycling environments incorporating augmented feedback and competition to learn how to best increase exercise intensity and enjoyment for Persons with Parkinson Disease
VSTEP
Digital Health Platform for assessment and intervention of balance coordination mobility and fitness (patent)
Go to community for sharing virtual reality simulations.
Rutgers Ankle
We developed and tested for efficacy a steward platform interfaced with a virtual environment to rehabilitate walking of persons after stroke. (patent)
Research Team
The people behind the science
Judith Deutsch
Professor and Director Rivers Lab
deutsch@shp.rutgers.edu
Phyllis Guarrera-Bowlby
Associate Professor
bowlby@shp.rutgers.edu
Urska Puh PT Ph.D.
University of Ljubjana
Roberto Llorens Ph.D.
Neurorehab and Brain Research Group; Polytechnic University of Valencia
Sergi Bermudez Ibadia Ph.D.
Urska Puh PT Ph.D.: University of Ljubjana
Funding & Grants
Supported Research Programs
Federal, foundation, and institutional funding advancing predictive modeling of treatment responses
NIA R-15 AG063348-0
$
Virtual Cycling Environment (VCYCLE) Increases Exercise Intensity of Older Adults and Persons with Parkinson Disease
- Sept 2019-August 2022
Rutgers Global Grant
$
Open Rehabilitation Initiative: Usability and Knowledge Translation
- March 2018-December 2021
Publications & Impact
Selected Research Publications
2025
Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation.
Laver KE, Lange B, George S, Deutsch JE, Saposnik G, Chapman M, Crotty M.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025 Jun 20;6(6):CD008349. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008349.pub5. PMID: 40537150
2024
Arriba y Adelante: Looking Outward and Moving Ahead
Deutsch JE.
Phys Ther. 2024 Dec 6;104(12):pzae156. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae156. PMID: 39696814
2024
The Effects of Competition on Exercise Intensity and the User Experience of Exercise during Virtual Reality Bicycling for Young Adults
Palmieri JL, Deutsch JE.
Sensors (Basel). 2024 Oct 26;24(21):6873. doi: 10.3390/s24216873. PMID: 39517772 Free PMC article
2024
Telerehabilitation in Physical Therapist Practice: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American Physical Therapy Association
Lee AC, Deutsch JE, Holdsworth L, Kaplan SL, Kosakowski H, Latz R, McNeary LL, O’Neil J, Ronzio O, Sanders K, Sigmund-Gaines M, Wiley M, Russell T.
Phys Ther. 2024 May 1;104(5):pzae045. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzae045. PMID: 38513257 Free PMC article
2023
Standardized measurement of balance and mobility post-stroke: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable.
Van Criekinge T, Heremans C, Burridge J, Deutsch JE, Hammerbeck U, Hollands K, Karthikbabu S, Mehrholz J, Moore JL, Salbach NM, Schröder J, Veerbeek JM, Weerdesteyn V, Borschmann K, Churilov L, Verheyden G, Kwakkel G.
Int J Stroke. 2024 Feb;19(2):158-168. doi: 10.1177/17474930231205207. Epub 2023 Oct 12. PMID: 37824730
Get Involved
Join our Research
Interested in advancing your research? Reach out to Dr. Deutsch
to learn more about opportunities to get involved.
