Rehabilitation and Modulation of Pain (RAMP) Lab

UCF Division of Physical Therapy

Overview

The UCF RAMP Lab aims to advance the rehabilitation of patients with musculoskeletal pain by researching how treatments provided by physical therapists reduce pain and biopsychosocial factors associated with this response. Chronic pain is highly prevalent and disabling, impacting one in five individuals in the United States. Interventions provided by rehabilitation providers, including exercise, are safe and cost effective. However, reductions in pain after rehabilitation are only small to moderate. The RAMP lab investigates a mechanistic-based approach in which we examine underlying behavioral mechanisms of rehabilitation interventions and stratify treatment responders based on these factors. Our lab is also interested in examining variability in pain and investigating pain sensitivity, as well as pain-related psychological considerations, associated with response to rehabilitation interventions for pain. We use a variety of approaches to examine variability in pain and response to rehabilitation, including: psychophysical measures (Quantitative Sensory Testing-heat, cold, and pressure), clinical outcomes, and pain-related psychological factors. We conduct research in healthy and clinical populations, including: knee, shoulder, and low back pain.

One of the core values of our lab is to foster a rich learning experience for students. We always encourage new students to join the RAMP Lab. Students interested in joining the lab as a PhD student, Master’s Thesis student, or undergraduate research assistant should contact the laboratory PI at Abigail.Wilson@ucf.edu.

Ramp Lab Logo

PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY!

Our laboratory often recruits participants to partake in research studies. Participation in our studies not only helps contribute to science, but can also be a fun learning experience.

Available Equipment
  1. TCS II Thermal Stimulator (QST.Lab)
  2. Digital Algometer – Algomed (Medoc)
  3. Cold Pressor Unit (Thermofisher Scientific)
  4. Rehabilitation Tables
  5. Handheld Dynamometer

Who We Need

Doctoral Trainees:  We are seeking highly motivated Ph.D. students with a physical therapy, rehabilitation, or kinesiology background to join our team.  Students should have an interest and project focus in pain research.  Potential PhD students interested in joining the lab should email their resume to Abigail.Wilson@ucf.edu

Undergraduate Students:  Each semester, we offer a few undergraduate research opportunities with a competitive application process.  Students interested in assisting in the lab should email their resume with a brief statement of your goals for working in the lab to Abigail.Wilson@ucf.edu.  Undergraduate students are expected to be available to assist in the lab for 10 hours/week for at least two semesters.  Undergraduate students assist with all aspects of research including data collection with opportunities to present at local conferences.

Meet Our Team

Director

Abigail Anderson's profile picture at UCF

Abigail Anderson, PT, DPT, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation Science, Physical Therapy
Location: HS I Room: 271

Students

Headshot of Kaitlyn Lyons

Kaitlyn Lyons, MS, EP-C, CSCS
Ph.D. Student

headshot of Violette Gibbs

Violette Gibbs
Ph.D. Student

Publications

Our laboratory makes a concerted effort to publish our findings in respected academic journals and present at regional, national, and international conferences. In addition to contributing to collective body of knowledge in a given field, presenting original data at conferences is a fun way for the lab’s students to enhance their self-confidence and network with other scientists.

Contact

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UCF Rehabilitation and Modulation of Pain (RAMP) Lab
Education Complex and Gym, ED 174A
4000 Central Florida Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816

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