Smita Rao

Dr. Smita Rao is the Inaugural Robert S. Salant Endowed Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at New York University (NYU), housed within the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Her roles include directing NYU’s PhD in Physical Therapy Program and holding affiliated positions at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery and NYU Tandon School of Engineering’s Biomedical Engineering. She is also a Fellow of NYU’s Aging Incubator.

Dr. Rao holds a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Mumbai, India, an MSc in Orthopedic Physiotherapy (also Mumbai), and a PhD in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science from the University of Iowa. Her postdoctoral training included an Arthritis Foundation-funded fellowship under Drs. Deborah Nawoczenski and Judith Baumhauer.

Her research focuses on advancing rehabilitation for chronic musculoskeletal conditions like diabetes and osteoarthritis, integrating biomechanical analyses (e.g., motion capture, inverse dynamics) with clinical outcomes. Key themes include foot mechanics, muscle function, and patient-reported measures. Her work is funded by organizations such as the NIH, Foundation for Physical Therapy Research, and Rheumatology Research Foundation.

Notable contributions include studies on ACL reconstruction recovery, blood flow restriction exercise effects, and disparities in patient-clinician relationships affecting chronic low back pain outcomes. She leads interdisciplinary initiatives, such as NYU Steinhardt’s Rehabilitation Sciences PhD program, emphasizing collaborative innovation in aging and musculoskeletal health.

Awards include her endowed professorship and NYU Aging Incubator Fellowship. Her grants and projects span biomechanical modeling, clinical trial design, and technology development (e.g., smart insoles for diabetic foot care).