Play Lab

Focusing on innovative play-based interventions and technologies, our goal is to improve children's mobility, function and participation in daily life.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for children at risk for developmental delays or with disabilities and their families. Our work is conducted with a user-centered, family-friendly approach, focusing on innovative play-based interventions and technologies.

The Play Lab is located within UNMC's Munroe-Meyer Institute Department of Physical Therapy.

Approach

Our approach is grounded in a user-centered and longitudinal study design. We use clinical measures, behavioral coding, play-based assessments and technology to comprehensively evaluate clinical outcomes. We also design and test play-based interventions and technologies specifically tailored to the needs of children and their families.

Our Team

Our Play Lab is comprised of graduate and undergraduate students, along with research assistants, all united in our commitment to theory-based, collaborative research in child development and pediatric rehabilitation. We provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience by participating in data collection, problem-solving during tasks, processing data and training in assessment tools and behavioral coding. This hands-on involvement fosters a collaborative environment that emphasizes continuous learning and innovation.