Project Summary (Overall)
We propose a National Pediatric Rehabilitation Resource Center (PedRehab Ctr) to offer research
infrastructure supports to improve investigators' capacity to conduct rigorous clinical trials to test and implement
evidence-based interventions in pediatric medical rehabilitation. Our specific aims are: 1) to provide an active
and archived program of courses, workshops, webinars, and demonstrations related to the design, conduct,
analysis, and reporting of high-quality, high-impact clinical trials - including complex, multicomponent, and
multiphase treatments (Didactic Interactions); 2) to support interdisciplinary research collaborations that promote
innovation and excellence in conducting multi-site clinical trials (Mentored Collaborative Opportunities); 3) to
develop critically needed techniques in measurement and understanding of neurobiological mechanisms and
biobehavioral outcomes in pediatric medical rehabilitation (Techniques Development); 4) to fund pilot studies via
partnerships with leading national organizations to yield data for informing competitive NIH applications in
pediatric medical rehabilitation (Pilot Studies); and 5) to promote PedRehab Ctr expertise by advertising and
coordinating with major associations and to prepare a much-needed comprehensive, interdisciplinary reference
manual (online and dynamically updated) addressing issues inherent in pediatric medical rehabilitation research
(Promoting Center Expertise). Our analysis of critical gaps, obstacles, and opportunities in pediatric rehabilitation
research informs the strategies we propose to achieve these aims.
The administrative organization and operational plan for PedRehab Ctr will realize efficiencies, leverage
resources, and ensure broad outreach through partnerships with leading organizations, research networks, and
special interest groups. PedRehab Ctr will convene a National Advisory Group with patient/parent representation
to assist in plans for and evaluation of PedRehab Ctr activities. PedRehab Ctr proposes approaches to increase
diversity in the pediatric rehabilitation workforce and research. Our PedRehab Ctr core team at Virginia Tech,
The Ohio State University, and Nationwide Children's Hospital has deep expertise and unique labs that support
developmental science, neuroimaging, pediatric neurology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical
rehabilitation science, bioengineering, research design and regulations, and Implementation Science. PedRehab
Ctr activities will build on our leadership roles in NIH multisite randomized controlled trials (Phase II and III), our
Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), NIH research networks, NIH training programs in
translational biomedical and implementation science, and national organizations. Collectively, PedRehab Ctr has
the potential to increase the number of scientifically rigorous, productive, and high-impact clinical trials in
pediatric medical rehabilitation. In turn, the expansion and effective implementation of scientific findings from
these trials will likely produce widespread and enduring improvements in functional outcomes, health, and
productivity of individuals affected by childhood-onset disorders and disabilities.