Senior scholar
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Physical Therapy
University of Manitoba – Bannatyne Campus
771 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6
Phone: 204-787-4794
Fax: 204-789-3927
Email: tony.szturm@umanitoba.ca
Tony Szturm, BSc (Biology), BSc (PT), PhD
Research
Advancements in technology-assisted rehabilitation and telerehabilitation are transforming how therapy is delivered, making it more accessible, engaging, and effective. Dr. Tony Szturm’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of low-cost, computer game-based rehabilitation platforms designed to:
- Increase accessibility to high-quality therapy through telerehabilitation
- Enhance accountability with automated telerehabilitation monitoring tools
- Improve patient engagement through interactive, game-based exercises
His work integrates miniature wireless plug-and-play computer input devices and interactive digital media to support rehabilitation in both clinical and home settings.
Research areas
Dr. Szturm’s research addresses a wide range of rehabilitation needs, with a focus on:
- Hand-arm function rehabilitation: Transitioning to monitored home therapy programs for individuals with:
- Neurodevelopmental disabilities (children)
- Adult acquired brain injuries (stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury)
- Hand injuries
- Mobility and dual-task rehabilitation: Integrating balance, gait, visuomotor-gaze, and visuospatial cognitive functions for:
- Aging populations (mobility and dementia)
- Traumatic brain injury and stroke rehabilitation
- Parkinson’s disease
- Vestibular system rehabilitation, including gaze control, balance, and gait
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, his research contributes to innovative rehabilitation technologies that enhance functional recovery and promote long-term independence.
Research affiliations and groups
- Mentor, Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) Program
- Supervises postdoctoral fellows, PhD, and master's students across rehabilitation sciences and engineering disciplines
Keywords
- Technology-assisted rehabilitation
- Telerehabilitation
- Game-based rehabilitation
- Motor skill rehabilitation
- Balance and gait training
- Neurological rehabilitation
Biography
Tony Szturm is a senior scholar and professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Manitoba’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences. His research focuses on developing and evaluating low-cost, computer game-based rehabilitation platforms to increase accessibility, enhance accountability, and improve patient engagement through telerehabilitation. By integrating miniature wireless devices and interactive digital media, his work supports rehabilitation both in clinical and home settings.
Dr. Szturm’s research addresses a range of rehabilitation needs, particularly in hand-arm function and mobility. His work spans neurodevelopmental disabilities in children, adult acquired brain injuries (such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injury), and hand injuries. He also investigates mobility and dual-task rehabilitation, with a focus on balance, gait, and cognitive functions in aging populations, as well as in individuals with Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Additionally, he works on vestibular system rehabilitation, including gaze control and balance.
A mentor to postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students, Dr. Szturm is involved in the Mentoring of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) Program, supporting students across rehabilitation sciences and engineering disciplines.
Dr. Szturm holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, both from the University of Western Ontario. He earned his PhD in Neurophysiology from the University of Manitoba.
His work continues to advance rehabilitation technologies that promote long-term recovery and independence, with a focus on motor skills, balance, and gait.
Education
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neurophysiology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Dr. Tony Szturm In the news
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
P304 - 770 Bannatyne Avenue
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6 Canada
204-789-3897
204-789-3927