In a significant move to reshape the landscape of neuro-rehabilitation, Burke Rehabilitation has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the ResMed Foundation. This funding is earmarked for a pioneering clinical research project designed to investigate the prevalence and impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients recovering from acquired brain disorders. By integrating sleep medicine into the standard rehabilitation continuum, the project aims to address a critical, often overlooked, modifiable risk factor that could hold the key to faster, more effective patient recovery.
The Intersection of Sleep Health and Neurological Recovery
For patients navigating the aftermath of acquired brain disorders—such as traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or neurological events—the road to recovery is often arduous. While clinical focus is typically placed on physical, occupational, and speech therapy, researchers at Burke Rehabilitation are turning their attention to the hours spent at rest.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, is known to fragment sleep architecture and reduce oxygen saturation. In the context of a recovering brain, these physiological stressors may exacerbate cognitive deficits, hinder neural plasticity, and prolong the rehabilitation process. The project seeks to quantify this relationship, hypothesizing that undiagnosed OSA acts as a silent barrier to progress for a significant portion of the inpatient population.
Research Methodology: A Two-Step Diagnostic Approach
The study, which is scheduled to enroll participants admitted to Burke between May 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028, employs a robust, two-tiered diagnostic protocol designed to minimize patient burden while maximizing diagnostic accuracy.
- Screening: All eligible patients, aged 18 to 90, will first undergo the STOP-BANG screening instrument. This widely recognized, eight-item questionnaire serves as a primary filter to identify individuals at high risk for sleep-disordered breathing based on physiological and symptomatic indicators.
- Diagnostic Confirmation: Patients who screen positive during the initial phase will then be provided with the ZOLL Itamar WatchPAT device. As a sophisticated home sleep testing tool, the WatchPAT provides clinical-grade data on sleep architecture, oxygen levels, and respiratory effort without the need for an overnight stay in a traditional sleep lab.
Following the diagnosis, the research protocol extends beyond the inpatient facility, facilitating CPAP therapy initiation and coordinating essential sleep medicine follow-ups post-discharge. This longitudinal approach ensures that the intervention does not end when the patient leaves the facility, but rather continues to support their long-term health.
Defining the Scope and Projections
The research team, led by a multidisciplinary group of experts, has established clear metrics to determine the study’s success. Beyond measuring the prevalence of OSA—hypothesized to affect at least 40% of the target population—the study will analyze a comprehensive suite of clinical outcomes. These include:
- Functional Recovery: Quantifiable gains in motor and cognitive function.
- Rehabilitation Participation: The ability of the patient to engage fully in rigorous therapy sessions.
- Clinical Efficiency: Total length of stay (LOS) and the rate of hospital readmissions.
- Discharge Disposition: The effectiveness of transition-of-care models.
By collecting this data, Burke intends to build a compelling case for the systematic screening of sleep apnea in all brain injury patients, potentially establishing a new gold standard for rehabilitative care protocols.
Voices from the Frontline: Official Perspectives
The initiative is championed by key leadership at Burke Rehabilitation, who view this project as a milestone in "whole-person" care.
"Obstructive sleep apnea is a modifiable risk factor that can significantly affect neurological recovery and overall health after brain disorders," explains Mooyeon Oh-Park, MD, MHCM, chief physician of research and innovation at Burke. "By identifying sleep apnea earlier and understanding its role in recovery, we aim to advance more personalized, integrated care plans and shape the future of rehabilitative medicine for medically complex patients."
The integration of this study into the fabric of the hospital’s daily operations is also being lauded by administrative leadership. Scott Edelman, MBA, CPA, CFE, executive director at Burke, highlights the importance of evidence-based innovation.
"At Burke, cutting-edge research and innovation are embedded in the clinical care we deliver every day," says Edelman. "This work underscores our commitment to advancing evidence-based care and ensuring it is fully integrated into practice. By driving innovation in physical medicine and rehabilitation, we are improving patient outcomes and setting the standard of excellence for rehabilitative care nationwide."
A Multidisciplinary Collaborative Effort
The success of this research project hinges on the collaboration of a diverse team of specialists. The internal team at Burke includes Dr. Oh-Park; Andrew Abdou, DO; Erika Trovato, DO, who also serves as the program director of the brain injury medicine fellowship; Josette Hartnett, MPH, senior manager of clinical research compliance; and Karen McCoy, director of respiratory therapy.
Furthermore, the study benefits from external expertise provided by Alok Bhatt, MD, and Jose Davis, MD, both from the department of pulmonary and sleep medicine at the Montefiore Health System. This cross-institutional partnership bridges the gap between acute rehabilitation and specialized pulmonary medicine, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their neurological recovery and their respiratory health.
Implications for the Future of Rehabilitative Medicine
The implications of this $75,000 grant extend far beyond the walls of Burke Rehabilitation. If the study confirms that a significant percentage of patients with acquired brain disorders suffer from untreated OSA, it could fundamentally alter clinical guidelines for rehabilitation facilities across the United States.
Currently, sleep health is often treated as a peripheral concern in inpatient rehabilitation, secondary to physical and cognitive therapy. This study argues that sleep is not a peripheral luxury, but a fundamental physiological pillar upon which neurological recovery is built. If the hypothesis holds, the findings could lead to:
- Mandatory Screening Protocols: Routine OSA screening becoming standard practice for all brain injury admissions.
- Optimized Therapy Engagement: Patients who are well-rested and properly oxygenated are likely to demonstrate greater endurance and participation during intensive daily rehabilitation sessions.
- Reduced Healthcare Costs: By mitigating readmissions and potentially shortening the length of stay through improved recovery trajectories, the healthcare system could see significant cost savings.
- Personalized Medicine: The data will allow physicians to tailor rehabilitation intensity based on a patient’s sleep health status, leading to safer and more efficient recovery pathways.
Sustaining the Momentum
As the study prepares to launch in 2026, the focus remains on the "whole-person" approach. By targeting modifiable factors like OSA, Burke is not just treating the brain; they are treating the body’s entire recovery system. This research project is a testament to the fact that, in the realm of modern medicine, the smallest adjustments—such as ensuring a patient breathes properly while they sleep—can yield the most significant improvements in long-term patient outcomes.
The ResMed Foundation’s investment in this study signals a broader trend in medical funding: a pivot toward research that bridges the gap between disparate medical specialties. By fostering a dialogue between neurology, physiatry, and pulmonary medicine, Burke Rehabilitation is positioning itself at the vanguard of a new era in patient-centered care. As the medical community awaits the findings of this multi-year study, the project serves as a reminder that the path to recovery is paved not only with physical effort but with the fundamental science of rest.
