Laura C. Schmitt PT, MPT, PhD

Dr. Laura Schmitt’s main research focus is to understand the neuromuscular and biomechanical aspects of lower extremity injury, rehabilitation, and performance. Specifically, her research focuses on neuromuscular and musculoskeletal adaptation to knee joint injury as related to the development of osteoarthritis and the development of evidence-based rehabilitation interventions and guidelines that enhance recovery. Her first research area focuses on neuromuscular, biomechanical, imaging, and functional outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children, adolescents, and young adults. One objective of this longitudinal and prospective work is to provide evidence-based rehabilitation guidelines for return to sport following ACL reconstruction. The second objective of this study is to identify factors, early after ACL reconstruction, which may predispose individuals to articular cartilage degeneration and the early development of knee osteoarthritis. This work is in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Her second research area focuses on the neuromuscular, biomechanical, and functional outcomes of individuals with varying degrees of knee joint degeneration, from those with focal articular cartilage defects to end-stage knee osteoarthritis and total knee arthroplasty. The primary objectives of these studies are to inform medical decision-making and rehabilitation interventions that may optimize outcomes and promote long-term joint integrity in this patient population. This study is a collaboration among many departments/divisions at OSU including Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine, Mechanical Engineering, Wright Center of Imaging, and Biomedical Informatics.

Dr. Schmitt’s third research area focuses on the lower extremity neuromuscular control and biomechanics of children, adolescents, and young adults who are obese. The findings from this study will provide insight into the musculoskeletal co-morbidities associated with childhood obesity, as well as into appropriate physical activity and exercise recommendations that promote weight management and maintain long-term joint integrity. This study is a collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schmitt has received funding for her work from the National Institutes of Health, National Football League Charities Medical Research Program, and DJ Orthopedics, LLC.