Bringing data science into rehabilitation research

The overarching goal of the Data Science and Analytics for Precision Rehabilitation (DAPR) Center is to generate large, harmonized rehabilitation datasets for personalized, precision rehabilitation and improve the rigor of medical rehabilitation research by leveraging data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). We will accomplish this by introducing comprehensive, standardized ways in which researchers can store and manage their data (i.e., data schemas), which will make it easier to combine data across studies; we will encourage community uptake of DAPR data schemas, as well as general data science and AI/ML approaches to research, through the provision of user-friendly tools to harmonize data, accessible educational resources, hands-on consulting, and engaging events. Throughout all aspects of our research and Center activities, we will prioritize the needs and perspectives of people with lived experiences (PWLE) of disability, to ultimately advance the field of precision rehabilitation to improve the health and quality of life of people with physical disabilities.