Paul Bruno

Background

About Paul Bruno

My research program focuses on rehabilitative exercise therapy targeted at restoring optimal motor control strategies (i.e. movement patterns, muscle activation patterns) in patients with low back pain. The aims of this research program are to investigate: 1) the diagnostic utility of clinical tests that are used to assess for the presence of motor control impairments in the lumbopelvic region. 2) the motor control parameters demonstrated by patients during these tests and their relationship to those demonstrated during functional activities (e.g. gait). 3) the association between test findings and empirical measures of spinal stiffness and spinal stability. 4) the effectiveness of specific treatment protocols on restoring optimal motor control strategies and improving clinical outcomes. The long-term goal of my research program is to establish evidence-based clinical protocols that can be used to diagnose the presence of specific motor control impairments in low back pain patients. This would allow clinicians to more effectively target rehabilitative exercise therapy to the specific needs of individual patients. Tailoring therapeutic strategies to specific patient presentations will lead to improved clinical outcomes and an earlier return to normal activity levels, thereby lowering the socioeconomic burden associated with low back pain.