Overview
Through basic, translational, and clinical research, the NCMRR aims to foster development of scientific knowledge needed to enhance the health, productivity, independence, and quality-of-life of people with physical disabilities. The NCMRR supports research on the following topics: pathophysiology and management of chronically injured nervous and musculoskeletal systems (including stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and orthopedic conditions); repair and recovery of motor and cognitive function; functional plasticity, adaptation, and windows of opportunity for rehabilitative interventions; rehabilitative strategies involving pharmaceutical and neuroengineering approaches, exercise, motor training, and behavioral modifications; pediatric critical care and rehabilitation; secondary conditions associated with chronic disabilities; improved diagnosis, assessment, and outcome measures; and development of orthotics, prosthetics, and other assistive technologies and devices.
The NCMRR has its own National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research that meets twice a year to discuss the Center’s portfolio and research directions.
Featured
- Center Publication:
The proceedings from the NCMRR 20th Anniversary Symposium are now available. Read the speakers’ presentations to learn more about the establishment and early years of the NCMRR as well as the important contributions that the Center has made to the medical rehabilitation field and to improving the health and quality of life of children and adults with disabilities. Visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/ncmrr20th to access the proceedings.
- Center-supported resource:
Medical Rehabilitation Research Infrastructure Network
This network of centralized research infrastructure assists young faculty at the formative stage of their careers. Seven centers across the country provide state-of-the-art research facilities, mentorship, pilot grants, and other opportunities particularly relevant to rehabilitation researchers. The Network offers a broad range of expertise, including molecular/cellular biology, muscle physiology and function, biomechanical modeling, bioengineering and robotics, outcomes measures, analysis of large administrative and research datasets, and translation and commercialization of research.
- NCMRR supported research finding:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Clinical Trials Network
Timmons, SD, Bee, T, Webb, S, Diaz-Arrastia, RR, & Hesdorffer, D. (2011). Using the abbreviated injury severity and Glasgow Coma Scale scores to predict 2-week mortality after traumatic brain injury. J Trauma. Nov;71(5):1172-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22071922
- Center-related research:
NICHD-supported researcher and National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research member Todd Kuiken, M.D., Ph.D., talks about his innovative work with neural prosthetics.
http://www.ted.com/talks/todd_kuiken_a_prosthetic_arm_that_feels.html
- Funding Opportunity Announcement:
Health Promotion for Children With Physical Disabilities Through Physical Activity and Diet: Developing An Evidence Base (R01)
PAR-11-288