NCCIH Research Blog

I am delighted to share with you a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for Neural Mechanisms of Force-Based Manipulations: High Priority Research Networks (U24 Clinical Trial Optional). This FOA, jointly sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), solicits applications that focus on developing innovative and impactful resources to examine key concepts that will advance our understandings of both neural mechanisms and biomechanics underlying force-based manipulations.

Research on the neural mechanisms of force-based manipulations is a high priority for NCCIH. In September 2019, NCCIH, NINDS, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research, the National Institute on Aging, and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering sponsored a workshop to highlight current knowledge of biological mechanisms of force sensing and biomechanical force-based manipulations with the following goals:

• To identify research gaps and barriers in the field of force-based manipulations
• To discuss new research opportunities in this field
• To promote collaborations among neuroscientists, manual therapists (e.g., chiropractors, physiotherapists/physical therapists, osteopathic physicians, massage therapists), physiologists, mathematicians, and engineers to advance cutting-edge research related to force-based manipulations
• To discuss the need for common terminology

To learn more, you can view the meeting report for Neurocircuitry of Force-Based Manipulations Workshop on the NCCIH website.

Key Dates for the FOA

If you are interested in applying to the funding opportunity for force-based manipulations, please note that the application deadline is Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Letters of intent, although not required, should be submitted by Monday, June 14, 2021.

Pre-Application Technical Assistance Webinar

NCCIH and NINDS will hold a joint pre-application technical assistance webinar on Tuesday, May 25 from 2–3 p.m. ET. NOTE: You must register for the webinar to attend.

The purpose of the webinar is to provide an overview of the initiative and guidance on application preparation and to address applicant questions. The webinar is not required for application submission.

The question and answer portion of the webinar will address general questions from potential applicants. You are encouraged to submit questions in advance of the webinar to: NCCIHwebinarQ@mail.nih.gov (please indicate “Force-Based Manipulations” in the subject line of your email).

We look forward to having you join us to learn more about this exciting research topic.