Canadian MSK Rehab Research Network

Problems with bones, joints, muscles, and the nerves that help people move and interact with the world affect many Canadians. Problems like arthritis, osteoporosis, and injuries cause pain, lack of mobility, and interfere with work and other life activities. Disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system are the largest cause of disability in Canada. Rehabilitation is an approach to help optimize function throughout the lifespan and includes management of health conditions, and prevention of reoccurrences or future problems. To address the large burden of pain and disability, it is important to have a strong research base that can define the best approach to rehabilitation. The aging population and changing healthcare system place urgency on the need for rehabilitation researchers to work together to meet these challenges. This network will bring together researchers from different disciplines and people affected by these problems from across Canada to focus on fundamental problems of chronic pain, mobility limitations, and their impacts on work. The network will establish key research priorities, fund pilot grants and trainee awards that will help people work together on innovative solutions, create platforms so that researchers can share data nationally, and conduct studies at multiple centres. The network will look at innovative new ways to deliver rehab using technology and new discoveries. The research will consider the risk from injury or cumulative loads that occur throughout the lifespan. The research will engage experienced and junior researchers, patients, organizations, and trainees to work together collaboratively. The network is expected to provide a clear vision of what is needed and pilot projects addressing important research questions in a more collaborative way. Also, the network will attract larger funding and more extensive partnerships. The ultimate results will be high-quality research that will have an impact on the health of Canadians.