Medical Rehabilitation Research Act of 1988 - Amends title IV (National Research Institutes) of the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (Center) as an agency of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research, research training, the dissemination of information, and other programs with respect to the rehabilitation of individuals with physical disabilities resulting from diseases or disorders of the neurological, musculoskeletal, or cardiovascular system (medical rehabilitation).

Requires the NIH Director to develop and annually review a comprehensive plan for the conduct and support of medical rehabilitation research. Requires the Director to establish the Medical Rehabilitation Coordinating Committee to make recommendations with regard to the plan.

Requires establishment of the Medical Rehabilitation Advisory Council to assist and make recommendations to the NIH Director and the Center Director.

Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1991.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of other Federal agencies to jointly review programs concerning medical rehabilitation research and, not later than one year after the effective date of this Act, enter into agreements for preventing duplication.