PGP 2008-2009 | PGP 2009-2010 | PGP 2010-2011
SRP 2009-2010 | SRP 2010-2011
DAP: 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011
PPG: 2008 | 2009 | 2010
SRI in OA 2003-2008 | SRI in IJD 2006-2011 | SRI in BIO 2008-2012
SRID: 2007-2008 | 2006-2007 | 2005-2006 | 2004-2005 | 2003-2005 | 2002-2004

Research Grants Awards

Research funding: 2008-2012

SRI in Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function (2008-2012)

Following funding of the Strategic Research Initiative (SRI) in Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Joint Diseases, CAN launched a Strategic Research Initiative grant competition in Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function (BIO), a topic area that was recognized as critical through consensus conferences and identified as one of CAN's three priority areas of research.

The goals of the Strategic Research Initiative in Bioengineering for the Restoration of Joint Function (SRI BIO) are to:

• build Canadian research excellence and capacity in bioengineering strategies aimed at treating and/or curing joints damaged by trauma or disease such as arthritis;
• facilitate development of multi- or trans-disciplinary groups of researchers to work collaboratively in these areas of research; and,
• generate new technologies or facilitate transfer of existing technologies to industry partners.

Two Investigators were selected for BIO SRI grant funding. Please see their abstracts below.

Dr. James Peters, of the University of Manitoba, has been awarded a BIO SRI grant for his Automated Tracking and Assessment (ATA) Exercise System for Telemedicine-Based, Long-Term Monitoring, Support and Medical Management for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand.

This research focuses on a knowledge-based approach to tracking and assessing impairments and function of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand. A hierarchical framework of hand function has been developed based on the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) considered relevant for people with RA (core set). The Automated Tracking and Assessment Exercise System for rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ATA) will provide input to a RA Function PORTAL designed by the research team for this project that is linked to the Manitoba Health Registry System. This PORTAL provides a basis for objective evaluation of finger-hand function for clients with RA.

Dr. Johannes Roth, of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, is also a BIO SRI grant recipient for his study on The Effect of Whole Body Vibration Therapy on Muscle Function and Joint Loading in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Many children suffering from juvenile arthritis (chronic arthritis of childhood) encounter permanent joint damage. Both the direct effects of inflammation as well as mechanical factors might be responsible. Recent research has shown that impaired muscle function leading to an alteration of joint loading can induce significant joint damage. In juvenile arthritis, reduced muscle function and abnormal gait are found in a high percentage of patients. In addition to optimal medical treatment of the disease, it is therefore most important to restore normal muscle function in order to protect the joints of these children. A novel therapeutic approach, whole body vibration, has been shown to improve muscle function very efficiently. This project is going to evaluate whether whole body vibration will significantly improve muscle function and joint biomechanics in patients suffering from juvenile arthritis.

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