Program Announcement

This foundation is seeking grant applications to further research into the usefulness and limitations of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Consideration will be given to proposals examining basic and clinical sciences with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of care for musculoskeletal patients. New or experienced investigators are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be subjected to a peer-review process and only the highest quality projects will receive funding. A maximum of $50,000 can be requested. Funds are for work to be performed, not for works in progress or already completed. All correspondence is with the principal investigator (PI). Grants are awarded for 2 years.

Background

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is an assessment and classification system for musculoskeletal problems that governs treatment recommendations. The system was created by Robin McKenzie (1931-2013), a New Zealand physiotherapist and is currently taught by faculty of the McKenzie Institute International in more than 40 different countries. Physiotherapists, doctors, chiropractors and other allied health professionals are educated in the McKenzie system. In MDT patient self-care and empowerment are essential to the management interventions used. Since epidemiological studies demonstrate high prevalence and recurrence rates for musculoskeletal symptoms, self-management emerges as a critical tool for the patient. Further information on MDT can be found at the website of McKenzie Institute International www.mckenzieinstitute.org. Although the concepts and ideas that underpin MDT are supported by scientific literature, there are clear gaps. Well-designed studies related to MDT are needed to further explore issues of reliability of evaluation and classification systems, progrnostic validity or diagnostic categories, treatment effectivenesss and efficacy, longitudinal outcomes studies, and comparison of treatment paradigms. Other project proposals could include the integration of basic sciences with clinical observations.

Eligibility

Individuals are encouraged to network with other clinicians and researchers to develop and complete projects and single or multi-clinic sites. Individuals are allowed to submit more than one application as long as each applicaiton is distinct.

Grant agreement

All applicants receiving an award for a research grant are required to submit annual reports to the Board of IMDTRF. A format of this report will be provided by the Board. Reports are due to the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors by February 1st at the completion of each grant year. It is expected that the PI will prepare and submit a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal within 4 months following project completion. It is expected that:

  • a poster or platform presentation will be submitted for consideration at an appropriate national or international conference
  • the proposal abstract will be published on our website

If a grant is awarded, the funding source should be cited in all publications and presentations resulting from the award. If the PI fails to submit an annual report or fails to implement the proposed project, the PI will be requested to return all funds distributed to them within 30 days. This policy goes into effect 6 months past the due date of any delinquent report or the expected start date of the project.

 ONLINE application 

Application Instruction and Form

After you provided the LOI we will send you the application form.

The application form is provided as a fillable PDF document with the intention of its electronic completion and submission via email.

A detailed budget itemizing and justifying all costs is required.
It is expected that each budget area will include a detailed description and justification for all items. The only exception to this rule is for any requested office supplies which can be listed as “office supplies” with a single justification for this category.

This summary has to be provided by the PI within 2 months of the completion of the funding year. 

This summary has to be provided by the PI within 2 months of the completion of the project.

Re-submission

Re-submissions should include a one-page Introduction before the Specific Aims where a summary is provided of any additions, deletions, and changes to the application following the initial review and resulting feedback. Please do not mark specific text with highlighting, bold, etc…where changes are made, simply summarize the changes in the Introduction that address the specific comments raised by reviewers.