UTH

Community Health Rehabilitation Research Lab

CHRRL

Research

Objectives

The Community Health Rehabilitation Research Laboratory (CHRRL) is directed by Dr. Stephanie Silveira. Our research program focuses on developing ecologically valid, evidence-based health behavior change interventions that are appropriate for improving clinically-relevant outcomes across the lifespan and in chronically-disabling disorders, like multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life for individuals across the lifespan and in those living with chronic neurological conditions and mobility impairments through engaging in practical and enjoyable health behaviors. Our lab further focuses on engaging graduate students in all aspects of the research, thus providing pre-professional students with practical work experience through exposure to clinical populations and exercise-based medicine in order to benefit the larger community.

Projects

Delivery of a Culturally Tailored Exercise Training Intervention for Hispanics

Delivery of a Culturally Tailored Exercise Training Intervention for Hispanics

This study aims to conduct a hybrid type I implementation study to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of a culturally adapted evidence-based exercise intervention while assessing crucial implementation outcomes of interest for guiding future phases of research.

NIH Reporter

Assessment of the Gaitmate Application

Assessment of the Gaitmate Application

The Assessment of the Gaitmate Application for Activities of Daily Living, Gait Metrics, and Falls is a research project directed by Dr. Stephanie Silveira. Our study focuses on utilizing smartphone-based gait analysis and machine learning algorithms for personalized fall risk assessment. The goal is to determine whether the Gaitmate technology can effectively reduce fall incidence among older adults by providing real-time, personalized fall risk assessments and interventions. Through this research, we aim to contribute to the advancement of mobile health technology in fall prevention, ultimately improving mobility, safety, and quality of life for older adults. This is a collaborative effort with faculty in the Schools of Public Health, Nursing, and McGovern Medical School.

People

Stephanie L. Silveira

Stephanie L. Silveira, PhD

Assistant Professor
Houston

Stephanie L. Silveira, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management, Policy and Community Health. Her research focuses on improving community health using evidence-based behavioral interventions. The majority of her current work is focused on exercise, diet, and emotional wellbeing among individuals with chronic disabling conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury with an emphasis on health disparities. She has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

Publication List

Najha Black

Najha Black, MPH, CHW

Research Coordinator II
Houston

View bio

Najha is a PhD student in Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston. Her work focuses on reducing health disparities in marginalized populations, with a particular interest in individuals with autoimmune diseases. She is the Project Coordinator for the VAMOS project and holds an MPH in Epidemiology and a BS in Microbiology.

Shreya Kumar

Shreya Kumar, BS

Graduate Research Assistant
Houston

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Shreya is an MPH candidate concentrating on Epidemiology. Her experience includes interning at the Waco Public Health District, researching adolescent substance use and behavioral patterns, and working with geriatric patients in nursing homes. She’s currently working with the Institute of Aging on an app to reduce fall risks in older adults.

Anissa Castillo

Anissa Castillo, MPH, MCHES, DipACLM

Graduate Research Assistant
Austin

View bio

Anissa is a PhD candidate in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences. She has worked to improve health outcomes for older adults, children, and underserved populations in a variety of settings, and is driven by the question, “How is a healthy lifestyle accessible and attainable for all?” As the Graduate Research Assistant for VAMOS.

Alumni

Name and Credentials Title Organization Contact Information
Angela Piasecki, MPH Project Specialist Houston Methodist

Get Involved

We are actively recruiting MPH and DrPH students to join the CHRRL. Please reach out to Dr. Silveira at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more!


About School of Public Health

UTHealth Houston is internationally recognized as one of the world's great research universities. The School of Public Health connects research, education, patient care, and community outreach in bold, innovative ways. Basic scientists and clinical researchers from all disciplines work together to deliver innovative solutions that create the best hope for a healthier future. Our faculty are pioneering radical solutions for imminent public health problems and provide the tools and resources that will push our students to think critically and creatively both in and out of the classroom. This is where academic rigor meets real-world application.

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Resources

See resource links below for community partners promoting wellness among persons with disabilities.

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