Sue Peters, PT, PhD

Sue Peters is an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Western University. Professor Peters is also a trained physiotherapist and neuroscientist who uses neuroimaging to study how the brain functions to control mobility, and how mobility recovery can be optimized after injuries like stroke.

Professor Peters directs the Neurorehabilitation Physiology Lab, which uses advanced neuroimaging including functional near-infrared spectroscopy and electroencephalography to explore neural mechanisms of basic tasks like standing and stepping, to more complex tasks like stepping up and over a curb. Neuroimaging is completed along with task performance measures including kinematics and electromyography to learn how the behaviours that can be observed are linked with brain function. Projects include basic neuroscience questions around how the brain controls mobility, and clinical questions of how to promote mobility recovery through neurorehabilitation. Ultimately, Professor Peters’ lab aims to improve mobility outcomes and quality of life for people after stroke.