Research in Evaluation of Functional Outcomes, Rehabilitation, and Movement (REFORM) Laboratory
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Lab Director: Dr. Sapna Sharma, PhD Email: sapna.sharma@utrgv.edu |
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Dr. Sharma leads the REFORM Laboratory, advancing interdisciplinary research in human biomechanics and rehabilitation science. An internationally trained physical therapist with experience in India, the UK, and the US, she uniquely applies evidence-based strategies across diverse healthcare systems. Her research bridges biomechanics and personalized rehabilitation to enhance post-injury recovery, improve quality of life, and guide preventive care for at-risk populations.
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What We Do
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At the REFORM Lab, we advance the science of rehabilitation and human movement. Our mission is to understand how people move, recover, and adapt—developing evidence-base strategies that enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life. We bring together expertise in biomechanics, physiology, and clinical research to explore how the body functions and responds to rehabilitation. Using cutting-edge tools like plantar pressure mapping and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), we study real-world challenges such as diabetic foot dysfunction and the impact of orthotic interventions on movement performance. |
Our Impact
| Through innovative research and collaboration, REFORM is helping shape the future of rehabilitation science—bridging the gap between the laboratory and clinical practice to improve lives in South Texas and beyond. |
Training the Next Generation
| REFORM is more than a research space—it’s a hands-on learning environment where students and trainees gain experience in motion analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation. Our goal is to prepare the next generation of movement scientists and rehabilitation professionals who will lead tomorrow’s breakthroughs in human performance and recovery. |
Graduate Students
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Elizabeth Garza, SPT |
My name is Elizabeth Garza, and I am a first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student in the Department of Physical Therapy at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I have a strong interest in functional outcomes, rehabilitation, and human movement science. I am driven to explore movement patterns that can influence treatment across injury mechanisms and improve rehabilitation techniques that can help individuals return to functional daily living. E-mail: elizabeth.garza16@utrgv.edu
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Jehovah Garcia, SPT |
My name is Jehovah Garcia, and I am a first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student in the inaugural cohort at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. My research interests focus on understanding human movement through gait analysis, biomechanics, and balance control. I am passionate about exploring how movement patterns influence sports performance, injury mechanisms, and recovery, with the goal of optimizing rehabilitation strategies that help athletes safely return to sport. E-mail: jehovah.garcia01@utrgv.edu
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Current Research Projects
| 1. Effect of walking duration on plantar pressures in individuals with chronic diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the effect of walking duration on plantar pressure distribution and tibial hemodynamic responses in individuals with chronic diabetes as compared to healthy controls. Findings from this study will advance understanding of mechanisms underlying foot ulceration, support identification of high-risk individuals, and inform interventions to prevent other serious foot complications. 2. Effect of carbon-fiber custom dynamic orthosis use on foot loading during walking. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of orthosis use on plantar pressures and tibial hemodynamics in individuals with chronic diabetes. This project will not only help to understand the effect of orthosis use on plantar pressures in individuals with chronic diabetes but also aims to provide clinicians flexibility when selecting the preferred treatment options for their patients that are at-risk foot for developing diabetic foot ulceration. |
Current Funding
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Join Us
| Whether you’re a student, clinician, or research collaborator, REFORM offers opportunities to engage in meaningful, impactful work that drives progress in rehabilitation and human movement science. |
Our Location
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EBOP 14 – Physical Science Portable, Room 108 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-Edinburg Campus |
