Rehabilitation research

Rehabilitation Research

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The Courage Kenny Research Center provides groundbreaking research and advocacy to maximize rehabilitation outcomes and full societal participation of people in the community who are living with acute or chronic disability. The high-quality studies conducted by experienced Courage Kenny researchers create genuine progress for rehabilitation for spinal cord injury, cancer, brain injury, and more.

The Courage Kenny Foundation^®—whose mission includes supporting crucial services, programs, and opportunities for those in our community who need them the most—provides funding to support the Courage Kenny Research Center.

The needs of participants and patients shape Courage Kenny research. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute® (CKRI) clinicians are actively involved in research studies through partnerships with Courage Kenny researchers. This collaboration ensures that patients and communities benefit from what we learn through research. Courage Kenny researchers also share their work with local and national audiences to help advance rehabilitation care beyond our organization. This commitment to education is also reflected in efforts to inform the public about the value of research that benefits our communities. Courage Kenny researchers are regularly involved in sharing their research with local and national audiences who are stakeholders in the areas researched.

About Our Team

The Courage Kenny Research Center is comprised of rehabilitation scientists who lead investigator‑initiated research focused on advancing the science of rehabilitation and translating evidence into clinical practice. Our work is supported by a comprehensive team with expertise in regulatory oversight, research administration, and study coordination, enabling high‑quality, ethically conducted research across the continuum. Clinicians are integral partners in our research, ensuring studies remain grounded in real‑world practice and patient needs. We actively collaborate with internal and external organizations and, on occasion participate in clinical trials when they align with patient care priorities. The core of our mission, however, is to extend rehabilitation science in ways that directly inform and improve care delivery, outcomes, and quality of life.

Research Therapist Program

Since 2022, the research department has partnered with CKRI managers to appoint two CKRI physical, occupational, and/or speech therapists each year to serve as part‑time members of the CKRC research team. These one‑year appointments are designed to build research skills among clinicians with research interests, support the translation of clinical questions into research, and strengthen collaboration between research and clinical practice.

If you are interested in learning more about this program or interested in applying for one of these appointments, please contact ckresearch@allina.com.

Rehabilitation Resources & Partnering with CKRC

Courage Kenny Research Center frequently collaborates with internal and external partners on research projects. Additionally, researchers and clinicians from the Courage Kenny Research Center will occasionally make participant materials and administration guides from completed studies available for internal and external use.

If you wish to learn more about available resources or partner with Courage Kenny Research Center, please contact ckresearch@allina.com.

Current Research Highlight: Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model System of Care

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has recently been designated as part of the Minnesota Regional Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. This is one of 18 U.S. spinal cord model systems of care that received 5-year research funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.

This collaborative effort was led by the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities in collaboration with Allina Health - Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, HealthPartners - Regions Hospital and Mayo Clinic. For Minnesota rehabilitation researchers, the partnership represents an extraordinary achievement and opportunity to expand innovation and new knowledge development in the service of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) living in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The overarching goal is to provide improved care and outcomes for people living with SCI. It is based on research that demonstrates an advantage of providing comprehensive versus fragmented SCI care. For more information about the Spinal Cord Injury Model System, visit this website.

Study Participation

The Courage Kenny Research Center welcomes people who are curious about participating in rehabilitation research. Learning more about a study does not mean you have to take part. Each study looks for people who are a good fit for what is being studied, such as being in a certain age range or having a particular health experience. Our team is always happy to share information, answer questions, and help you decide whether being part of a research study might be right for you.

Participation in research studies provides access to new and innovative therapies that will ultimately help people improve their functioning and quality of life after disability or illness. It also provides volunteers an opportunity to take an active role in their healthcare—along with the medical community as a whole.

Current studies