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Doctor of Physical Therapy
Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Master of Physical Therapy
Emory University, Atlanta, GA

Bachelor of Science in Excercise Science
University of Iowa

My current research efforts employ several innovative methods for quantifying multi-joint upper extremity movement control during both postural and movement tasks in individuals with stroke. I utilize the same quantitative methods to instrument direct impairment-targeted interventions in an effort to elucidate neural mechanisms underlying impaired movement and subsequent restoration of normal movement in individuals with stroke. This research is in collaboration with Julius P.A. Dewald, PT, PhD and is further augmented by collaborations with colleagues with expertise in neural imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Through my clinical research efforts I hope to contribute to the evolution of rehabilitation medicine and science by advancing neurological rehabilitation principles and techniques. The key component most likely to impact rehabilitation in this magnitude is the elucidation of the neurological underpinnings responsible for movement discoordination and through the subsequent development of more effective rehabilitation therapies for individuals with functionally debilitating movement impairments.

-- Rehabilitation Research

-- Neuropharmacological Research

Peer Reviewed Publications

-- Ellis M, Sukal T, DeMott T, & Dewald J. Augmenting clinical evaluation of hemiparetic arm movement with a laboratory-based quantitative measurement of kinematics as a function of limb loading. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. (Conditionally Accepted).

-- Sukal TM, Ellis MD, Dewald JPA. Shoulder Abduction-Induced Reductions in Reaching Work Area Following Hemiparetic Stroke: Neuroscientific Implications. Exp Brain Res.

-- Beer RF, Ellis MD, Holubar BG, Dewald JP. Impact of gravity loading on post-stroke reaching and its relationship to weakness. Muscle Nerve. 2007 Aug;36(2):242-50.

-- Ellis MD, Acosta AM, Yao J, Dewald JP. Position-dependent torque coupling and associated muscle activation in the hemiparetic upper extremity. Exp Brain Res. 2007 Feb;176(4):594-602.

-- Ellis M, Holubar B, Acosta A, Beer R, Dewald J. Modifiability of Abnormal Isometric Elbow and Shoulder Joint Torque Coupling After Stroke. Muscle & Nerve. 2005 Aug;32(2): 170-8.

-- Suresh N, Ellis M, Moore J, Heckman H, Rymer W. Excitatory Synaptic Potentials in Spastic Human Motoneurons Have a Short Rise Time. Muscle & Nerve. 2005 Jul;32(1): 99-103.

-- Keller T, Ellis MD, Dewald JP. Overcoming abnormal joint torque patterns in paretic upper extremities using triceps stimulation. Artif Organs. 2005 Mar; 29(3):229-32.

-- Wolf S, Catlin P, Ellis M, Link A, Morgan B, Piacentino A. Assessing Wolf Motor Function Test as Outcome Measure for Research in Patients After Stroke. Stroke. 2001 Jul;32(7):1635-9.

Peer Reviewed Conference Proceedings

-- Ellis, M., Sukal, T., Demott, T., Dewald, J. ACT3D exercise targets gravity-induced discoordination and improves reaching work area in individuals with stroke. IEEE 10th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics. 2007.

-- Ellis, M., Sukal, T., DeMott, T., & Dewald, J. Preliminary results for a targeted intervention for improving reaching range of motion in severe hemiparetic stroke using the Arm Coordination Training 3D Device (ACT3D) (Abstract). J Neurol Phys Ther. 2006 Dec;30(4):207.

-- Ellis, M., Acosta, A., Yao, J., & Dewald, J. Shoulder/Elbow Torque Coupling as a Function of Shoulder Position Following Stroke. Annual Meeting of ISB International Shoulder Group. 2006.

-- Sukal, T., Ellis, M, & Dewald, J. Source of Work Area Reduction Following Hemiparetic Stroke and Preliminary Intervention Using the ACT 3D System. 28th IEEE EMBS Annual International Conference. 2006.

-- Sukal, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Evaluation and Intervention in the Paretic Upper Extremity Following Hemiparetic Stroke Using the ACT3D System. 1st IEEE RAS-EMBS International Conference on Biomedical Robotics and Biomechantronics. 2006.

-- Sukal, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Application of a Haptic Interface for Investigating Movement Patterns Following Stroke. The 4th International Workshop on Virtual Rehabilitation. 2005.

-- Yao, J., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Mechanisms and Rehabilitation of Discoordination Following Stroke Using a Cortical Imaging Method. 27th IEEE EMBS Annual International Conference. 2005.

-- Sukal, T., Dewald, J., & Ellis, M. Use of a Novel Robotic System for Quantification of Upper Limb Work Area Following Stroke. 27th IEEE EMBS Annual International Conference. 2005.

-- Sukal, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Dynamic Characterization of Upper Limb Discoordination Following Hemiparetic Stroke. IEEE International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics. 2005.

-- Ellis, M. & Dewald, J. Shoulder-Position Dependant Elbow Torque Coupling During Adduction After Stroke. International Society of Biomechanics & American Society of Biomechanics. 2005.

-- Sukal, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Discoordination in Stroke Measured Dynamically Using the ACT-3D Robot. International Society of Biomechanics & American Society of Biomechanics. 2005.

-- Dewald, J., Ellis, M., Holubar, B., Sukal, T., & Acosta, A. The Robot Application in the Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients (Abstract). Neurologie & Rehabilitation. 2004 Sep;(4):S7.

-- Keller, T., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Overcoming Abnormal Joint Torque Patterns in Paretic Upper Extremities Using Triceps Stimulation. International Workshop on Functional Electrical Stimulation. 2004.

-- Suresh, N., Ellis, M., & Rymer, W. Changes in Motoneuron Synaptic Properties in Human Spastic Hemiparesis. International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. 2004.

-- Ellis, M., Dewald, J., Dawson, M., Beer, R., Holubar, B., & Acosta, A. Overcoming Flexion Synergy in Chronic Severe Stroke: Preliminary Results From Multi-Degree-of-Freedom Isometric Strengthening Protocol (Abstract). Neurology Report. 2002 Dec;26(4):191.

-- Suresh, N., Ellis, M., Mina, C., & Rymer, W. Quantitative Analysis of Tendon Tap Reflex Responses in Hemiparetic Stroke. International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. 2002.

-- Suresh, N., Ellis, M., & Rymer, W. Correlation of Mechanical Action with Directional Tuning in the First Dorsal Interosseous. International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. 2002.

-- Dewald J., Ellis, M., Dawson, M., & Beer, R. Disruption in shoulder and elbow muscle coordination following stroke: implications for therapeutic interventions. International Shoulder Assembly. 2002.

Abstracts

-- McPherson, J., Ellis, M., & Dewald, J. Bistable motoneuron behavior as indicator of elevated spinal monoaminergic drive following stroke. Society for
Neuroscience. 2007.

-- Ellis, M., Sukal, T., & Dewald, J. Active abduction may be the key therapeutic factor for rehabilitation of reaching work area in stroke: preliminary results from an ongoing randomized controlled trial. Society for Neuroscience. 2007.

-- Ellis, M., Sukal, T., DeMott, T., & Dewald, J. Relationship of a robotic work area quantification tool (ACT3D) with clinical scales of movement impairment in the hemiparetic upper extremity. Society for Neuroscience. 2006.

-- Sukal, T., Ellis, M., Dewald, J. Evidence for Decreased Work Area as Active Weight-support Requirements of the Paretic Arm Increase in Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke. Society for Neuroscience. 2005.

-- Suresh, N., Ellis, M., Rymer, W. Impaired Spatial Control of Motor Units in Hemiparetic Stroke. Society for Neuroscience. 2005.

-- Ellis, M., Yao, J., Acosta, A., & Dewald J. The Pattern of Obligatory Coupling of Shoulder/Elbow Joint Torques Can be Altered Following a Stroke: Preliminary Evidence for an Effect of Limb Position. Society for Neuroscience. 2005.

-- Ellis, M., Acosta, A., & Dewald J. Abnormal Preferential Torque Patterns Are Largely Independent of Upper Limb Configuration in Moderate to Severe Chronic Stroke. Society for Neuroscience. 2004.

-- Ellis, M., Holubar, B, Acosta, A., & Dewald J. Reduced constraints in elbow/shoulder joint torque patterns in hemiparetic stroke using a multi-DOF isometric strengthening protocol. Society for Neuroscience. 2003.

-- Ellis, M., Dawson, M, Beer, R., & Dewald J. Reduced torque coupling and increased arm strength following isometric multi - degree of freedom strength training in chronic stroke subjects. Society for Neuroscience. 2002.

-- Acosta, A., Dawson, M., Ellis, M., Yu, K., Zuercher, J., Beer, R., & Dewald, J. Changes in static torque generating ability as a function of arm configuration in able-bodied and chronic stroke subjects. Society for Neuroscience. 2002.

-- Wolf, S., Catlin, P., Ellis, M., Link, A., Morgan, B., & Piacentino, A. Assessing the Wolf Motor Function Test as an outcome measure for research with patients post-stroke. Society for Neuroscience. 2000.