Richard L. Segal, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Research Background and Interests

Movement control in able-bodied humans and humans with neurological dysfunction are the focus of research program. More specifically, would like to understand adaptive plasticity of the interaction of spinal circuits and the musculoskeletal system. Studies to understand this interaction include anatomical (dissection and MRI) and electrophysiological studies to identify the neuromuscular elements that interact with spinal circuits, and what principles govern their coordination. Studies are underway to understand plasticity of spinal circuits, including those underlying stretch reflexes. These studies utilize operant conditioning of reflexes that may be useful for the functional training of newly formed connections in spinal cord injured patients if regeneration can be induced. The operant conditioning studies will also be useful in determining the relationship of spinal circuits and voluntary movement. Finally, I am very interested in translation of basic science research to the clinic and using important clinical findings to help transform basic science research.

Current Research

Co-PI, “Using reflex conditioning to restore spinal cord function.” XY Chen, PI, New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Program, 01/01/2006-12/31/2009.

Assistant Director,  “Spinal Circuits and the Musculoskeletal System”. Arthur English, PI, Program Project. NCMRR, NICHD, 04/01/2007-3/31/2012

Education

Sabbatical, Duke University, 2000, Allen Song, PhD, Brain Imaging and Analysis Center

PhD, The University of Virginia, 1979-84, Anatomy and Neuroscience

BS, The Ohio State University,1972-76, Allied Health (Physical Therapy)

Teaching

2009- present NBIO 723b Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology,

2009-present   PHYT 750, Psychosocial Aspects of Disability and Illness (1 credit hour)

2009-present   PHYT 701 – Motor Development and Human Movement Across the Lifespan (Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular Development)

2007-present   PHYT 784 Neuromuscular PT (Cellular Neuropathology)

2007-present   PHYT 785 Neuromuscular PT (Spinal Cord Plasticity)

2007-present   CBIO 193, Functional Neuroanatomy (Brain Development and spinal cord injury)

Selected Publications

Chen, XY, Chen, Y, Wang, Y, Thompson, A, Carp, JS, Segal, RL and Wolpaw, JR: Reflex conditioning: A new strategy for improving motor function after spinal cord injury, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Submitted).

Giordano SB, Segal R L, Abelew TA: Differences in end-point force trajectories elicited by electrical stimulation of individual human calf muscles, Journal of Applied Biomechanics (IN PRESS).

Giordano, SB and Segal, R.L.: Leg muscles differ in spatial activation patterns with differing levels of voluntary plantar flexion activity in humans, Cells, Tissues, Organs 184 (2006), 42-51.

Segal, R.L., and Song, A.W: Non-uniform activity of human calf muscles during an exercise task, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 86 (2005), 2013-2017.

Segal, R.L., Catlin, P.A., Krauss, E.W., Merick, K.A., Robilotto, J.B.: Anatomical partitioning of three human forearm muscles. Cells Tissues Organs. 170 (2002) 183-197.

Livingston, B.P., Segal, R.L., Song, A.W., Hopkins K., English, A.W. and C.C. Manning: Magnetic resonance imaging t2 times of extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis after isometric exercises. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 82 (2001) 1164-1170.

Segal, R.L., Wolf , S.L. Catlin, P.A., Gilliand, R.L., Taffs, J.K., Bass, H.C., and Vickers, E.F.: Uncoupling of human short and long latency stretch reflex responses with operant conditioning. Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience. 17 (2000) 17-22.

Professional Societies

International Brain Research Organization (1983 - present)

Society for Neuroscience (1983 - present)

American Physical Therapy Association; Member of Neurology and Education Sections (1974-present)

American College of Sports Medicine (2005-present)