Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network

Congratulations to Network trainee Darren Mazzei of the University of Calgary (supervisor Dr. Deborah Marshall) for recently being recognized by The Arthritis Society for his work to advance arthritis research.

Darren’s research has the honour of being selected as one of the ‘Top 10 Arthritis Research Advances of 2021’ on “Investing in exercise for osteoarthritis”.

Researchers reviewed the current evidence on strategies to manage osteoarthritis (OA) with education, exercise and weight management. They found that supervised exercise programs for people with hip and knee OA provide health benefits and are cost-effective.

In contrast, education on self-management strategies, exercise, or diet did not appear to be as cost-effective on their own and may be more helpful when used in combination with a structured exercise program.  

You can view the full Top 10 list here: https://arthritis.ca/about-us/what-we-do/research/top-10-research-advances-of-2021

We are pleased to share a new project with funding from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, titled “Co-design of a novel tendinopathy rehabilitation intervention.”

This project is co-led by Dr. Alex Scott of the University of British Columbia and Chris Napier of Sport Physiotherapy Canada. More details are available below:

Co-design of a novel tendinopathy telerehabilitation intervention

Do you have new research you would like to share with the Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network? Reach out to rehabnet@uwo.ca with details!

Congratulations to Dr. Ranita Manocha (University of Calgary) and her team for the recent funding success of their project, “Implementation of an app-based crutch skills training program following sport-related injury“.

Funding Source: Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine 

Program Name: Research Grant 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Ranita Harpreet Manocha 

Role: Principal Investigator 

Total Amount: $15,000.00 

Support Period: 2/22 to 8/22 

Co-Investigators: Drs. Krista L. Best, Larry Katz, Victor Lun, Steven Macaluso, William C. Miller, François Routhier 

We are always happy to share recent successes of our Network members! If you have any news you would like to share, please reach out to rehabnet@uwo.ca with details.

Recorded session now available below!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the second event in the GaitNET-OA Canada Seminar Series.

Building on the Biomechanics and Osteoarthritis Symposium in May, this session was focused on clinical biomechanics research as it relates to the interplay between pain and gait biomechanics. Over 60 attendees joined virtually from across Canada, the United States and Europe for this informative and engaging seminar.

The recorded session is now available for those who could not attend the session. Listen to leading experts Drs. Monica Maly, Katherine Boyer present new advances in pain science including mechanisms of pain generation and perception, as well as how altered gait biomechanics may influence pain. They were then joined by Drs. Tuhina Neogi, Lisa Carlesso, and Tim Wideman for an engaging panel discussion on clinical implications of biomechanics research, for which attendees were able to submit questions prior to the session and pose them live to the panel.

Thank you to the organizers including Drs. Michael Hunt and Cheryl Kozey for creating a unique and engaging event, and to all of the presenters for sharing their exciting work. We look forward to hosting these events on a regular basis to increase collaborations, scale-up research and ultimately improve MSK health outcomes for those living with pain and limited mobility.

Congratulations to several of our Network researchers, collaborators and trainees who were successful in The Arthritis Society’s recent funding opportunities!

We are thrilled to see many of our members, including past Network Pilot Grant recipients, receive external funding for their innovative work. Full information and list of awardees are available here: https://arthritis.ca/researchers/competition-results

Dr. David Holdsworth, Western University: Ignite Innovation Grant

Project Title: A low-cost solution using telemetry technology to remotely measure quality and quantity of physical activity and gait in individuals with lower limb arthritis

Amount: $100,000 over 2 years

Dr. Emily Lalone, Western University: Ignite Innovation Grant

Project Title: Development of the TEAR-SLL Tool (technique for effective assessment in radiographs of the scapholunate ligament) to prevent wrist arthritis after injury

Amount: $100,000 over 2 years

Dr. Joy MacDermid, Western University: Ignite Innovation Grant

Project Title: Development of a novel technology-enabled joint protection program for shoulder arthritis and joint replacement

Amount: $100,000 over 2 years

Dr. Rebecca Moyer, Dalhousie University: Ignite Innovation Grant

Project Title: Persuasive technology: A paradigm-shift to reduce sedentary behaviour and improve joint and overall health in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

Amount: $100,000 over 2 years

Kyle Vader, Queen’s University: PhD Salary Award

Project title: Team-based primary care for the management of chronic low back pain

Amount: $9,500 plus matching funds