Take part in research

This page details all of the current research studies looking for participants. Studies relate to axial SpA (AS), arthritis, rheumatology and musculoskeletal conditions, as well as research relating to long term conditions, pain and well-being.

Are you a researcher? Visit our information for researchers page to find out how to get your study advertised across our channels.

Get involved in pain research work at the University of Oxford

The National Institute of Health and Research (NIHR) Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) are looking for patients, carers or interested members of the public to be involved in their pain research work at the University of Oxford.

What is patient and public involvement in research?

Research provides evidence about what works best. Patient and public involvement (PPI) in research means research that is carried out ‘with’, ‘by’ or ‘in partnership with’ members of the public, rather than ‘to’, ‘about’ or ‘for’ them.

You will be able to work with researchers to help shape:

  • what research takes place and how
  • how it is carried out
  • and how the results are shared and applied in practice.

They are looking for anyone who has experience of pain – as a patient and potential patient, people who use healthcare services, carers, and people from organisations that represent people who use services.

Who can be involved?

They are looking for up to 6 people to join their PPI group informing how pain research is conducted within the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. This would be a commitment of 2-3 online meetings a year across 3 years, occasionally performing a task or activity such as reading and commenting on an abstract, or a focus group to provide your opinion on a proposal.

NIHR will provide payment for your time, skills, and expertise at the following rates:

£12.50-£25.00 for involvement in a task or activity such as reading an abstract or participating in a focus group

£75 for involvement in approximately half a day’s activity such as an online meeting or participating in a focus group with some preparation beforehand.

If you are interested please contact Angeline.Lee@ndph.ox.ac.uk

Interoception and physical activity in axial SpA

Researchers at the University of Essex are carrying out a study looking at the relationship between something called ‘interoception’ and the levels of physical activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis. Interoception is the ability to be aware of internal sensations in the body, including heart rate, respiration, hunger, fullness, temperature, and pain, as well as emotional sensations. It is believed to be a key component to many mindfulness or mind-body interventions.

Take part and find out more here

Collating the Voice of people living with Autoimmune Diseases (CoVAD 3) Survey

The CoVAD team comprises a group of physician-scientists undertaking a project to determine patients’ subjective well-being. By assessing these, we aim to understand your life holistically including factors influencing life satisfaction. These answers will help physicians understand the healthcare interventions needed to improve the lives of people living with chronic diseases.

If you are over 18 years of age, wthey would be grateful for 15 minutes of your time to respond to this survey. You may fill out the survey at once or exit and re-enter the survey to complete it in parts at your convenience.
Both patients with autoimmune or rheumatic disease and healthy individuals can take this survey.
Take part here

Have you experienced a flare in the past 6 months?

Researchers at the University of Bath are  conducting an online questionnaire and online interviews to understand how flares affect daily mobility and physical activity. Your insights will help shape future studies on using virtual reality for pain management.

Eligibility:

  • Aged 18 or over
  • Diagnosed with axial SpA
  • Experienced a flare within the last 6 months
  • Have access to a device (computer, tablet, smartphone) for the interview

Why Participate?
Your contribution will provide valuable information to help others manage axSpA.

Contact:
PhD student, Alaa Kattan: ak2870@bath.ac.uk or find out more here

Have you had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for your axial SpA?

40% of people with depression or anxiety also have a long term conditon (LTC) and 70% of people experiencing LTC also have mental health comorbidities.

Having an LTC significantly affects mental health and is one of the predictors of poorer outcomes following CBT.

50% of people with an LTC make significant progress following CBT, although dropout rates are higher for this group.

  1. Do you have a long-term health condition (LTC) (e.g., diabetes, arthritis, chronic pain, IBS)?
  2. Have you completed at least 6 one-to-one CBT sessions that ended at least 12 month ago with an NHS service?
  1. Are willing to discuss whether CBT has helped you to manage your LTC in the long-term?

If yes to the above, please contact the researcher, Jodie Cave, via Jodie2.Cave@live.uwe.ac.uk. You will be given an information sheet to decide whether you wish to take part. Results will also be anonymised, and your identity protected.


NASS is happy to share research requests but is not responsible for the content of external websites. By following any of these external links you understand that you participate in any research at your own risk and without liability to NASS.

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