The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), has announced two fiscal-year 2014 companion funding opportunities for pediatric orthotics. Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number RFA-HD-14-028 is a Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) Phase I grant, titled Orthotics for Healthy Development. FOA RFA-HD-029 is a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant, titled Orthotics for Pediatric Populations. NICHD said it estimates funding six to eight awards totaling $1,500,000 between these two FOAs.
Both are seeking applications to design, build, and test novel orthotics that capitalize on the plasticity of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems in growing children to reduce musculoskeletal abnormalities and improve function in children with disabilities. Applicants are expected to use state-of-the-art biomechanical modeling and materials to revolutionize the field of orthotics for pediatric populations (birth through 21 years of age).
Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
- Orthotics for lower limb, upper limb, head, neck, or trunk.
- Use of smart textiles and materials, in particular those with increased transparency, comfort, adaptability, and flexibility.
- Use of advanced fabrication technology, including rapid prototyping, three-dimensional (3D) printing, etc.
- Orthotics may treat existing structural or functional abnormalities, or may act to prevent the occurrence of secondary abnormalities. Designs should account for and promote healthy growth of the child.
- Designs may be passive or active, but should be appropriate to the needs being addressed.
- Modular or component based designs, where appropriate, are encouraged.
- Specific diagnoses include but are not limited to: plagiocephaly, scoliosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, club foot, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome.
- Specific impairments include but are not limited to: bone deformation and alignment, hypertonia (spasticity), hypotonia (weakness), paralysis, and pain.
For both FOAs, the earliest application submission date is June 30, 2013 and the expiration date is August 1, 2013.
For detailed information on these funding opportunities, including award information, eligibility, key days, visit http://grants.nih.gov and conduct a search using the respective FOA number.
