# Simulation and Education Tool for Physical Examinations of Orthopedic Pathologies

> **NIH NIH R44** · INNOVATIVE DESIGN LABS, INC. · 2022 · $264,808

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The proposed project focuses on creating a simulation system that provides hands-on skills training of
musculoskeletal, soft tissue, and ligament function for medical and health science students. Significance:
Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the most frequent chronic health problems in the United States. Despite
this reality, education in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of MSK disorders and injuries is
underrepresented in entry level training and postgraduate residency programs leaving primary care providers
underprepared. Multiple studies have confirmed that students lack competency in this domain, having difficulty
performing and interpreting the results of MSK examinations, leading to reduced patient outcomes.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the creation and availability of a new simulation system can address this
problem by supporting enhanced learning interactions and increasing knowledge transfer for clinical education.
Specific Aims: A Fast-Track project is proposed where the Phase I aims will be to: 1) Consult with expert
advisory panel and perform final independent evaluation, 2) Prototype knee joint mannequin
materials/mechanical design, and 3) Develop simulation electronics and functionality. If the Phase I meets its
transition criteria of success the follow-on Phase II program will: 1) Collect expert feedback on design and
educational utility, 2) Perform additional skeletal/joint engineering and implement a suite of simulation curricula,
and 3) Validate the system utility through human subject testing and expert evaluation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10484180
- **Project number:** 1R44AR080503-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** INNOVATIVE DESIGN LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** John Paul Condon
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $264,808
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10484180

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10484180, Simulation and Education Tool for Physical Examinations of Orthopedic Pathologies (1R44AR080503-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10484180. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*