1. Rehabilitation Research & Development Service Danielle M. Kerkovich, Ph.D. Acting Assistant Director Website: www.vard.org

2. ORGANIZATION:Rehab R&D Service

3. Rehab R&D Funding Centers of Excellence –Large group investigators: research, training, outreach to veterans & community at large Research Enhancing Award Program –Support small group of researchers Multi-Year Projects –Single investigator studies –Multi-site trials for evaluation & efficacy Pilot Studies –Collect preliminary data to lead to full project Career Development Awards

4. Rehab R&D FYO3

5. Rehab R&D Centers of Excellence Functional Electrical Stimulation: Cleveland Restoration of Function in SCI & MS: West Haven Functional Recovery in Chronic SCI: Miami Medical Consequences of SCI: Bronx Wheelchair & Associated Rehab Technologies: Pittsburgh Bone & Joint Rehab: Palo Alto Rehabilitative Auditory Research: Portland Limb Loss Prevention & Prosthetic Engineering: Seattle Aging Veterans with Vision loss: Atlanta Innovative Visual Rehab: Boston Brain Rehab: Gainesville Rehab Outcomes Research: Gainesville http://www.vard.org/cent/centers.htm

6. Continued Growth in all Career Development Programs Mentored Awards Associate Investigator Research Career Development Advanced Research Career Development Continue to seek applications from outstanding rehabilitation researchers Research Career Scientist Program

7. Current Initiatives BION ® Technology Prosthetics/Orthotics/Orthopedics Vocational Rehabilitation Research Enhancing Award Program (REAP) Rehabilitation Enhancing Activity-Dependent Plasticity Platform Technology Centers

8. CRADA with Alfred Mann Foundation to provide Veterans with promising technological advances for restoration of function, prevention of secondary disabilities and amelioration of pain due to neurologic dysfunction Reviewed BION proposals July 2003 Merit Review 6 proposals received meritorious scientific scores 2 more proposals from January 2004 AMF is in contact with the individual investigators to manufacture BIONs that meet specific research applications New Directions: BION® Technology

10. Radio Frequency BION System

11. Prosthetics/Orthotics/Orthopedics November 17-18, 2003 State-of-the-Art Prosthetics Workshop Approximately 90 attendees from VA, DOD, Academia & Private Industry Secretary Anthony J. Principi gave speech of support to group This strategic planning meeting has set an agenda for the direction of amputee healthcare research over the next 10-years Will launch major collaborative efforts with other federal agencies, non- profits & academic institutions

12. Prosthetics/Orthotics/Orthopedics: cont’d Major efforts are currently underway. Workshop participants are designing studies in the following areas: Socket design Integration of computer technology & robotics into prosthetic design Comparison of low-tech versus high-tech solutions Multidisciplinary approaches to function: limb lengthening, tissue engineering, body power, myoelectrics Amputation QUERI (with HSR&D) Potential for wounded (amputee) military personnel to return to active duty

13. Vocational Rehabilitation Impact of Vocational Rehabilitation Programs Among Veterans Researchers in the field pleased we recognized need to target this area Enthusiastic response to the Request For Proposals Scientific Merit Review in January 2004 –Anticipate funding of January submissions and September resubmissions

14. Research Enhancing Award Program (REAP) Solicitation Researchers are glad to have the opportunity to develop formal collaborative partnerships Resemble small-scale research centers with a specific research focus Scientific Merit Review in January 2004

15. Rehabilitation Enhancing Activity-Dependent Plasticity In response to the Secretary’s request for multidisciplinary proactive approaches to functional recovery following SCI Special program to form new collaborations exploring neurobiological issues in SCI, MS & other conditions leading to loss of neurological function These research efforts will seek ways to restore function & fully understand mechanisms underlying recovery Some involve use of Lokomat® Scientific Merit Review January 2004: Preliminary Results

16. LOKOMAT

17. Platform Technology Centers Represents concerted effort to incorporate cutting edge technology used in other venues (DOD, entertainment) into rehabilitative care –Virtual Reality –Telemedicine –Nano-, micro–, macrotechnology –Robotics Review: May 2004

18. Future Directions in Rehab R&D Long-term Care / Quality of Life –In conjunction with Rosalynn Carter Institute –Caregiver training program Dual Sensory Loss (hearing & vision) –Hearing loss & vision loss a major problem among aging veterans ALS Initiative

19. Future Directions in Rehab R&D : cont’d Pain control & management –Innovative interventions to address problem Obesity & comorbidities –In conjunction with several centers Balance / Vestibular Dysfunction & Rehabilitation –In conjunction with NASA Biomedical Institute

20. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development Primary information dissemination vehicle Highest impact factor of any Rehab Res. Journal Accepts manuscripts on Rehab Res. From VA, non-VA, international Scientifically peer-reviewed & indexed Six issues a year & supplements JRRD.org

21. Rehabilitation Research & Development Service Danielle M. Kerkovich, Ph.D. Acting Assistant Director danielle.kerkovich@hq.med.va.gov Website: www.vard.org