About

Charles G. Burgar is a pioneering figure in the field of rehabilitation robotics, whose work has fundamentally shaped how technology is used to restore motor function after stroke. His research centers on the development and clinical validation of robotic systems for upper-limb neurorehabilitation, with a particular focus on the Mirror Image Movement Enabler (MIME) and the RiceWrist exoskeleton. Burgar’s major contributions include demonstrating, through rigorous clinical trials, that robot-assisted therapy can produce significant improvements in motor recovery—often surpassing conventional techniques. His landmark 2002 paper, cited over 1,150 times, provided some of the earliest and most compelling evidence for this approach. He also led a multi-site Department of Veterans Affairs trial that validated the use of MIME in acute rehabilitation settings. With over 3,400 total citations across his most-cited works, Burgar’s impact is profound. His development of force-feedback cueing and bilateral training modes has advanced our understanding of motor learning and neuroplasticity, making him a foundational figure in translating engineering innovation into tangible clinical benefit for stroke survivors.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

12
H-Index
16
Papers
3,521
Total Citations
220
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Robot-assisted movement training compared with conventional therapy techniques for the rehabilitation of upper-limb motor function after stroke
1,158 citations · 2002
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2002 (4 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 32
🏛 Institutions: Virginia Commonwealth University, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago