Strategic Research Priorities

IMHA focuses on three Strategic Research Priorities:

• Physical Activity, Mobility and Health
• Tissue Injury, Repair and Replacement
• Pain, Disability and Chronic Diseases

Pain, Disability and Chronic Disease
The primary focus of this theme is to better understand the genetic and environmental causes, optimal treatment and elimination of pain and disability in all IMHA disease areas. A second area of significance is the need to understand the relationship between chronic diseases and conditions within IMHA's mandate (e.g. skin and bone diseases and diseases that compromise oral health). The impact of chronic musculoskeletal, oral, and skin diseases on general health and well-being is also of utmost importance.

Tissue Injury, Repair and Replacement
This theme supports innovative research into the cause and prevention of the physical, psychological, psychosocial and economic impacts of acute and chronic injury and prostheses. Potential research areas include novel drug or cell delivery models and approaches, application of tissue-engineered biomaterials as conduits or shunts in tissue regeneration and the ethical consequences of regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering strategies.

Physical Activity, Mobility and Health
Research under this theme will create a better understanding of the relationships among physical activity, mobility and MSK health at every level, including the positive effects of motions and forces on the cellular behavior of joint tissues and the well being of individuals. The psychosocial aspects of exercise, activity and sports on populations is also relevant.

For more details on our Strategic Research Priorities, please see information.

For more details on our focus areas, please see Foci Overviews.