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.
Imaging and axial SpA
On behalf of researchers at University College London, we are asking for the NASS community to take part in a short questionnaire.
The survey explores patients’ views on the use of MRI, quantitative imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring disease activity and supporting treatment decisions. Your experiences and opinions are incredibly valuable and will help shape future research and clinical practice.
The questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
👉 Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5KT38HZ
The researchers, Margaret Cragg-Hall and Tim Bray, are also looking to set up a Patient Advisory Group to help them to develop their project further. If you are interested in joining this group, please email:
m.hall-craggs@ucl.ac.uk and t.bray@ucl.ac.uk
Definitive_UK_SEHRA-MEN: A Study of Sexual Health and Well-Being Assessment in Men with RMD in Italy, Turkey and the UK
This survey is part of a study aiming to better understand how sexual health and well-being is affected in men with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD), including axial SpA, living in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and Turkey. This will link to the UK arm of the survey.
This survey focuses on individuals whose sex is recorded at birth as male, that is, those assigned male at birth. We are using sex assigned at birth in this study to ensure consistency when exploring medical aspects such as hormone levels, biological factors, and sexual function. We recognise that sex and gender identity are not the same, and both are important for understanding health and well-being.
More specifically, this questionnaire will focus on:
• Look at patterns of sexual difficulties in men with RMD in different parts of Europe, using a standardised questionnaire;
• Learn if how these men feel their disease affects their sexual health and overall well-being;
• Find out what makes it easier or harder for men to talk about sexual health and well-being with their healthcare professionals.
PUBLIC: Public perceptions on the Use of health data across Biobanking, Linked to routine care, and artificial Intelligence (AI) in Care and research
People with axial SpA to take part in a short survey exploring people’s views on how health data (such as medical records or data stored in biobanks) should be used to improve healthcare and research.
This survey is part of a study conducted by a PhD student at Newcastle University, which seeks to better understand how people feel about the use of health data, research, and AI. Your views will help inform future policy and ensure that the use of health data reflects what matters most to patients and the public
Who can take part:
- Anyone over 18
- Lives in the UK
- Has one or more chronic inflammatory conditions such as IBD, psoriasis/eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, or autoimmune liver diseases.
Time required: 10 minutes
There’s a chance of winning one of 20 shopping vouchers, each worth £20!
Prize draw will take place on: 1st December 2026. By taking part, you will help researchers and organisations better understand how to use health data in ways that are trustworthy, transparent, and relevant.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Dr Chao Dong via chaonan.dong2@newcastle.ac.uk.
Recruitment to the ADAPT trial
- Have you been diagnosed with a rheumatological disease?
- Do you currently experience fatigue that impacts your daily life?
- Are you based in the UK?
If yes, then you may be eligible to take part in the ADAPT trial!
A team of researchers, patients and clinicians are looking at whether Pilates or Tai Chi online group classes (twice a week for 8 weeks over Zoom) can reduce fatigue and improve quality of life.
Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: 1) Pilates classes 2) Tai Chi classes 3) control group (no classes) and will complete online questionnaires at baseline, 10-weeks, 18-weeks and 6 months.
The exercise classes are specifically adapted for people with chronic diseases and the instructor will offer modifications to suit every level of ability, with regular breaks throughout.
To find out more visit the ADAPT trial website or email the chief investigators Dr Melanie Sloan and Prof Felix Naughton (University of East Anglia) on ADAPT.study@uea.ac.uk.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy? Take part in the MAMA Study.
The MAMA Study is designed to find out whether it is better for women who have arthritis and are pregnant to stop or to continue taking biologic medications throughout pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, and have arthritis which is being treated with a biologic, please visit the MAMA website for more information, or to register your interest in being involved.