Daniel S. Peterson, PhD

Personal Info

The primary focus of my work and our lab is to understand causes and treatments for mobility impairments in neurological populations including (but not limited to) Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Falls and reduced mobility are an important issue for Veterans, and identifying and improving treatments to prevent falls will improve quality of lives in these individuals. To understand gait and balance disorders and improve quality of life, we apply biomechanical (i.e. motion capture), neuropsychological (cognitive assessments), and imaging techniques (fMRI). An ongoing project, funded by the VA, that is currently enrolling participants is investigating how a particular form of step training may reduce falls in Veterans with multiple sclerosis as well as non-MS peers. We are also seeking to determine what characteristics may make people particularly good candidates for physical rehabilitation interventions.