Darcy Reisman

Darcy Reisman is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences. She holds a PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware (2003), an MA in Physical Therapy (1993), and a BA in Health Science with a Psychology minor (1991), both from The College of St. Scholastica. Her research focuses on motor learning, stroke recovery, and physical activity interventions to improve mobility and quality of life post-stroke.

Dr. Reisman leads the Delaware Stroke Studies and the Neuromotor Behavior Lab, examining biomarkers of recovery, motor learning, and real-world physical activity using wearable technology. Her work integrates clinical profiles with interventions to optimize daily stepping and addresses barriers to physical activity in chronic stroke survivors. Key research themes include high-intensity gait training, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and the use of passive-dynamic ankle-foot orthoses to enhance walking economy.

Her articles emphasize optimizing walking recovery through exercise intensity, clinical trial methodologies, and sensor-based monitoring. She has contributed to advancing understanding of motor adaptation deficits post-stroke and the role of aerobic exercise in improving cortical inhibitory function. Current projects involve telehealth gait rehabilitation and stakeholder-informed strategies to foster adaptive learning in rehabilitation.