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.

BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL EFFICACY OF SERVICE DOG TRAINING IN SERVICE MEMBERS WITH PTSD

This extraordinarily large and collaborative study, which coordinates research activities at WRNMMC, FBCH, and NICoE, is evaluating the biopsychosocial effects of a Service Dog Training Program (SDTP) on military beneficiaries with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) symptoms, including those with or without TBI. After recently reaching their enrollment target of 156 total participants, the research team is now analyzing the data to meet the study aims of: (a) evaluating the psychosocial efficacy of SDTP as an adjunct therapy of the current standard of care of individuals with PTC and Post-Concussive Symptoms (PCS), (b) evaluating the social efficacy of SDTP as an adjunct therapy of the current standard of care for individuals with PTS and PCS, (c) evaluating the biological efficacy of SDTP as an adjunct therapy of the current standard of care for individuals with PTS and PCS, and (d) evaluating participants’ overall experience with and perceptions of SDTP using qualitative interviewing.  

Findings from this study will shed light on the psychological, social, and biological effects of participating in a SDTP and the functional implications of those effects. This study may also inform funding decisions for service dog programs as a viable, safe, noninvasive, adjunctive therapy for PTS and PCS within the DoD and Department of Veterans Affairs system and may inform funding and treatment planning decisions for all branches of the Military Healthcare System.