Musculoskeletal Occupational Therapy Research Network

Mission & Vision

The MOTR-Net was developed as a grass-roots effort to connect individuals interested in advancing the science and practice of occupational therapy for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. The founding members envision that the MOTR-Net will support scientific discovery and enhance evidence-based clinical practice by cultivating innovative ideas, sharing expertise/resources, providing a mentorship structure for students and junior investigators, promoting collaborations among researchers, and facilitating researcher-clinician partnerships.

Scope

The MOTR-Net is intended to be an open group for any individual interested in advancing evidence to enhance prevention and/or treatment of musculoskeletal conditions from the perspective of occupational therapy and occupational science. The group is open to individuals conducting relevant research, doctoral students or post-doctoral trainees, clinicians who are conducting research, or any individuals wishing to become involved in research within the scope of the MOTR-Net.

The term "Musculoskeletal Conditions" encompasses a broad range of acquired and systemic disorders of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems. While the group is intended to cover the broad scope of musculoskeletal conditions, MOTR-Net sub-networks are envisioned within four common areas of interest:

• MOTR-Net Acute: Acute injuries to muscles, bones, joints, and peripheral nerves in the upper extremities, neck/back, and lower extremities (e.g., fractures, muscle strains/sprains, tendon ruptures, herniated discs, nerve lacerations, ligament tears)
• MOTR-Net Arthritis: Arthritic, rheumatoid, and other non-neurological*, systemic disorders (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, fibromyalgia)
• MOTR-Net Pain: Non-cancer-related chronic musculoskeletal pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and other general pain conditions
• MOTR-Net Work: Repetitive-strain injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, low-back injury)

The network also aims to support the development of evidence across a broad range of Research Methods and Units of Analysis, including:

• Qualitative inquiry meant to understand patient, therapist, and other perspectives and experiences living with or receiving support for musculoskeletal conditions
• Basic research conducted to examine body structures as a means to better understand musculoskeletal conditions that will promote the development and refinement of occupational therapy applications
• Translational research that evaluates links between body structures, body function, activity and participation for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions at all levels, that is, from basic abilities (e.g., biomechanics of movement, ambulation patterns, grip and pinch) to advanced function (e.g., occupational performance, community mobility)
• Epidemiological and prevention research which aims to understand the development and progression of musculoskeletal conditions, risk factors associated with injuries, indicators for early identification, and methods to reduce incidence of musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., ergonomics, falls prevention)
• Intervention development and experimental trials focused on occupational therapy interventions meant to support rehabilitation to improve body structure, function, and/or occupational performance, and/or to support habilitative efforts to allow individuals with with musculoskeletal conditions to sustain active lives
• Practice-based evidence, comparative effectiveness, pragmatic trials, and implementation science aiming to advance best practices and improved quality of care through the direct evaluation of the integration of interventions for musculoskeletal conditions in real-life community and clinical settings
• Large-dataset and health services research used to identify mediators, moderators, and other factors that contribute to variability in practice patterns, impact quality of care or patient outcomes, and inform changes in institutional, professional, community, and/or government policies and guidelines for the care of individuals with musculoskeletal conditions

*Individuals with research or clinical expertise in degenerative neuromuscular disorders (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre) may be more interested in the Neuroscience and OT Research Group.

Portal Contents

Information is organized on four pages linked below, or through the menu bar at the top of the page:

• Members (Find colleagues, mentors, and collaborators with shared interests; Add your name, contact information and expertise to the Member Directory)
• Research (Learn about active and completed research projects conducted by MOTR-Net members; Add and browse a repository of member publications and citations for other publications of interest)
• Resources (Review funding announcements, training opportunities, upcoming conferences; Link to helpful resources and websites)
• Communications (Stay up to date on upcoming MOTR-Net meetings; Announce openings for faculty, post-doc, or PhD student positions; Read archives of the member newsletter; Join the MOTR-Net Listserv)