CRSR, Research, Regenerative Rehabilitative - Research Highlights

REGENERATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

The CRSR In-House Laboratory Independent Research (ILIR) project, referred to as the Regenerative and Rehabilitative Medical Research Laboratory, is investigating innovative methods for printing collagen-based conduits, modified with micro- structural features and biologics that foster a neuro-permissive environment for regenerating nerves. They have optimized the collagen ink composition and photo crosslinking techniques for 3D printing of collagen hollow conduits, and they have presented their work at numerous major conferences, as recently as AMSUS 2022, and are currently preparing a manuscript for submission. Future research will involve identifying transcriptomic targets (mRNA, miRNA, etc.) that are relevant for neural/axon extension, or inhibition of extension, to develop adeno associated virus (AAV) therapeutics incorporated into the conduits, which can be used to treat intractable pain resulting from tissue injury like neuroma pain.

NCAA-DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (CARE) CONSORTIUM

CRSR is the coordinating center for the CARE Consortium military cohort, partnered with the military service academies, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, National Intrepid Center of Excellence, and Intrepid Spirit Center Network to follow participants longitudinally to evaluate the acute, intermediate, and long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and head impact exposure (HIE). As of 2021, the Consortium has enrolled 50K+ participants and tracked 5K+ concussions, resulting in the introduction or improvement of concussion care guidelines at the military service academies, increased collaboration across Intrepid Spirit Network sites, and over 80 peer-reviewed publications aimed at informing and advancing warfighter brain health initiatives.

PERSONALIZED REPETITIVE TRANSCRANIAL Magnetic stimulation (pRtms) as a treatment for chronic neck pain

This study is a prospective randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. It aims to describe participants' perceptions of PrTMS treatment and its perceived effect on their pain while also assessing the efficacy of PrTMS therapy in reducing pain for military health system beneficiaries with chronic neck pain who are receiving standard of care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). Additionally, it is our intent to examine the short- and long-term changes in self-reported quality of life and biopsychosocial symptoms related to pain in military health system beneficiaries receiving PrTMS therapy.

Neural-enabled prosthesis for upper extremity amputees (sensory hand)

This project is designed to evaluate the feasibility of the Adaptive Neural Systems Neural-Enabled Prosthetic Hand (ANS-NEPH) system by gathering initial data on the design concept, safety, and utility of providing stimulation to deliver sensory information to patients with upper-extremity amputation. This system will provide sensory feedback using sensors embedded in the hand and electrodes implanted in the fascicles of the peripheral nerve for seamless integration.

Wounded warrior service dog program (wwsdp)

The WWSDP aims to establish best practices for raising, training, and providing service dogs to individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments, focusing on U.S. Service Members and Veterans with disabilities as well as furnishing service dogs through Service Dog Training Organizations (SDTOs). The project will also identify disparities in service dog access among underserved populations. By developing and disseminating these best practices through various channels, the project intends to increase access to high-quality service dogs, advance the field of animal assistive therapy, and promote the humane treatment and safety of canines.