Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

With an aging population the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders is increasing at an alarming rate, while researchers lack understanding of the mechanisms leading to MSK disorders. To improve understanding and aid in the development and testing of orthopaedic devices, cadaveric joint tissues are often used to determine links between tissue failure and injury/disease progression, and aid in orthopaedic device design. Although this framework is well established, accuracy of past biomechanical testing has been hindered by technological limitations. These limit full understanding of MSK disorders, along with development of computational models to accurately replicate MSK disorders and hinder novel orthopaedic device design. The requested electromechanical testing frame, non-contact measurement system, and associated software will allow our research team to fully utilize our novel cadaver donor tissues in simulated environments as close to those in living populations as possible. Testing is enabled by our unique research dedicated cadaver program within our School of Anatomy - housed within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Our team from the University of Waterloo consists of experts from the Faculties of Health and Engineering with innovative research programs that span the entire body. Extensive experience with cadaver and orthopaedic device design is coupled with advanced imaging to develop computational models that can further simulate injury, disease, and aid in device design. This imaging-experimental-computational framework provides a powerful tool to link validated computational models across populations. The equipment will provide nearly ten trainees hands-on experiences within the first year, and many more over the lifespan of the equipment. The unique skillset enabled by the collaborative research team and interconnected projects will enhance the training opportunities for all trainees and will position them for successful academic or industrial careers in engineering, medical physics, or health-related fields. The advanced capabilities of the equipment enhanced by the innovative research projects utilizing imaging, experimental, and computational methods now allow for mechanistic understanding of MSK disorders and the development of the next generation of orthopaedic devices aimed at reducing the burden of MSK disorders on the Canadian and global population.