About NCSRR

Bringing the power of engineering simulation to rehabilitation research.

Musculoskeletal modeling and dynamic simulation have emerged as powerful tools to uncover the biomechanical causes of movement abnormalities and to design improved treatments. We have established the NIH National Center for Simulation in Rehabilitation Research (NCSRR) to equip the rehabilitation research community with state-of-the-art simulation tools, enabling investigators to complement experimental studies of human performance with advanced simulation software and biomechanical models. Our freely available simulation tool, OpenSim, is already used by hundreds of research teams around the world to advance rehabilitation science.

Simulation of individual with cerebral palsy walking in a crouch gait. More info. Courtesy of Katherine M. Steele.

The Center serves a wide audience, from those on the leading edge of simulation technology to those wondering how simulations can benefit their work.  In addition to developing and distributing OpenSim, NCSRR provides training opportunities, seed grants, and a network of biomechanical and clinical experts--resources that will accelerate the integration of simulations into critical areas of rehabilitation, including stroke, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, osteoarthritis, prosthetics, orthotics, and sports medicine.

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News & Announcements

OpenSim Workshop for Pilot Project Awardees

Mar 28, 2013

We held an OpenSim Workshop from March 25-27, 2013 on the Stanford University campus for winners of Outstanding Researcher awards from the NCSRR Pilot Project Program.

Participants had the opportunity to work in small breakout groups with OpenSim experts on their research problems. All the teams made excellent progress toward their research goals. You can read more in the Workshop Wiki page.

2013 Pilot Project Winners Announced

Jan 10, 2013

The NCSRR is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013 pilot project awards. See the full list of awardees.

Apply for the 2013 Visiting Scholars Program

Dec 20, 2012

Applications for the NCSRR's Visiting Scholar program are now available.

OpenSim software helps design smart suits for soldiers

Nov 09, 2012

Stanford team receives $1.8M from DARPA to create a simulator to predict soldier performance and injury risk. Read more about the project here.