The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is looking for innovative research to provide the best possible evidence- based care to help retain personnel in-service, minimise disability on discharge and meet the MOD's Duty of Care obligations. This CDE call focuses on two specific areas of treatment research related to amputation research and similar complex traumas.
Physiology and Repair Processes MOD wishes to gain insight into the optimal methods of treatment and improve understanding of the physiological processes that occur following amputation and/or complex trauma, both naturally and in response to rehabilitation.
- The influence of intensive rehabilitation techniques on central neuroplasticity and its contribution to phantom pain and sensation and functional recovery.
- The application of stem cell research in the management of the consequences resulting from trauma.
- The influence of robotic prosthetic systems on neuropathic pain, neuroplasticity and functional re-education.
Functional Restoration / Retraining MOD needs technology which is specifically designed to assess and/or maximise the function of Military amputees or those with complex gait affecting injuries.
Of significant benefit would be the development of functional analysis technology and biofeedback tools. These must be suitable for use with amputees with wide-ranging functional abilities to aid/optimise prosthetics prescription, assess/monitor progression and/or to compliment rehabilitation activities, e.g. by biofeedback.
Following a seminar on 16th July, proposals for these short, focused demonstrations need to be submitted to Centre for Defence Enterprise by the September 2009. Winning proposals will get a contract award within a few weeks leading to demonstration of their proof of principle within 6 months after contract award.
For more details, please see
http://www.science.mod.uk/Events/event_detail.aspx?eventid=30