Kelli Sharp
Papers
8
Total Citations
108
H-Index
6
About
Dr. Kelli Sharp is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of rehabilitation robotics and neurological injury, whose work has fundamentally advanced how we quantify and treat motor impairment after spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke. Her primary research areas include robotic gait analysis, neurorehabilitation engineering, and the development of objective assessment tools for rodent models of neurological injury. Sharp’s most significant contribution is the development and validation of the “rat stepper,” a robotic device that precisely measures hindlimb function in spinal contused rats, providing an objective alternative to subjective scoring scales like the BBB. Her landmark 2006 paper on robotic gait analysis (36 citations) demonstrated this device’s power to characterize intrinsic recovery with unprecedented detail. She further expanded the field by creating the Robotic Rehabilitator of the Rodent Upper Extremity, enabling quantitative forelimb force assessment after SCI. Notably, her 2013 work on targeted engagement of the dorsal premotor circuit (18 citations) explored a novel therapeutic strategy for post-stroke paresis, bridging animal models to human rehabilitation. Sharp’s innovative use of robotics to study effort, performance, and motivation—from rat grip strength to human golf putting—showcases her unique ability to translate insights across species, making her a leading voice in evidence-based neurorehabilitation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 6Robotic assessment of locomotor recovery in spinal contused rats7 citations · 2005
- 7Robotic Therapy after Stroke and the Influence of Baseline Motor Status6 citations · 2009
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