Devina Kumar

Biography

Dr. Devina S. Kumar is an Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Rhode Island. She recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Clinical Laboratory for Early Brain Injury Recovery at the Burke Neurological Institute, where she focused on pioneering rehabilitation strategies for individuals with chronic neurological impairments. Dr. Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Movement Sciences from the University of Delaware, an MSc in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) from Dr. D. Y. Patil University.

Research

Dr. Kumar’s primary research focuses on the design and development of therapeutic strategies aimed at maximizing functional recovery and enhancing the quality of life for adults with Cerebral Palsy. Her previous work has explored the application of real-world environmental enrichment to induce experience-dependent plasticity in adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as the use of tele-exercise-based rehabilitation to enhance cardiovascular function in adults with chronic neurological impairments. Her long-term objective is to reduce abnormal muscle tone through non-invasive techniques, either as standalone treatments or in combination with other therapeutic interventions, to improve gait and posture. Additionally, she is interested in developing rehabilitation approaches that encourage an active lifestyle and foster social interaction and participation.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow at Burke Neurological Institute, Academic Affiliate of Weill Cornell Medicine (2020-2024)

Ph.D., in Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware (2012-2018)

MSc., in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh (2010-2011)

BPT from Dr. D. Y Patil University (2005-2010)

Selected Publications

Kumar, D. S., Bodt, B. A. and Galloway, J. C. (2024) ‘Real-world environmental enrichment rehabilitation paradigm in people with severe traumatic brain injury: a pilot feasibility study’, Brain Injury, 38(9), pp. 742–749. doi: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2347551.

Divecha, A.A., Bialek, A., Kumar, D.S., et al. (2023) ‘Effects of a 12-week, seated, virtual, home-based tele-exercise programme compared with a prerecorded video-based exercise programme in people with chronic neurological impairments: protocol for a randomised controlled trial’, BMJ Open, 13, e065032. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065032.

Kumar, D. S., Perez, G., & Friel, K. M. (2023). Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Navigating the Complexities of Aging. Brain sciences, 13(9), 1296. doi: 10.3390/brainsci13091296.

Kumar, D. S. and Galloway, J. C. (2021) ‘Feasibility of a home-based environmental enrichment paradigm to enhance purposeful activities in adults with traumatic brain injury: a case series’, Disability and Rehabilitation,44(14), pp. 3559–3565. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1868583.

Kumar, D. S., Reisman, D. S. and Galloway, J. C. (2017) ‘Go baby go café: a case study on an immersive rehabilitation environment to improve functional outcomes and quality of life’, Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(19), pp. 2343–2350. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1334235.