Opportunities to take part in research studies
On this page, you can find information about current research studies into osteoporosis and bone health, and how you may be able to help.
Some studies will need people affected by osteoporosis, sometimes with a particular medical history. Other studies will need help from healthcare professionals. You may not always find a study listed here that is relevant to you.
This page is regularly updated with new opportunities. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to find out the latest opportunities as they are added, or subscribe to updates.
Research body: Kings College London
About the opportunity:
Low back pain is very common and can limit movement, independence, and quality of life. Clinicians and researchers often use walking and balance tests to measure mobility, but these are usually done in clinics, which can be difficult for some people to attend. This study aims to find out whether such tests can be safely and reliably done at home by older adults with low back pain. If successful, this could make participation in research easier and reduce the need for hospital and clinic visits.
You can help if:
You are aged 60 years or older, living in the UK, have low back pain.
What is involved:
A small number of straightforward walking and balance tasks, completed twice about a week apart. The first session includes both an unsupervised test (timed by a friend, relative or carer) and a video-recorded test (video recorded on mobile phone and returned via email or WhatsApp). The second session repeats only the unsupervised tests.
Online questionnaires - about pain, wellbeing, and how easy the tests were to perform.
Participants will also try a six-minute walk test using a mobile app
Clear instructions, and a telephone support will be provided.
Completed in your own home - No travel required
Time commitment: about one hour
Any questions?
Please e-mail suzanne.p.mcilroy@kcl.ac.uk.
Research body: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Advanced Fellowship study at Keele University.
About the opportunity:
People with dementia are more likely to fall and have broken bones but less likely to take osteoporosis medicines. The DOMINO study at Keele University wants to understand osteoporosis medicine use for people with dementia.
You can help if:
You have memory problems or dementia and have been recommended tablet, injection or drip osteoporosis medicines.
OR you have a relative or friend who fits this criteria.
What is involved:
An 'interview' - which will feel like a conversation.
You can take part on your own or with a family or friend.
The interview can be in person or on the telephone or on video call, at a time which works for you.
How your interview will be used:
Personal information (such as your name) will be removed so that anything you say in the interview cannot be traced back to you.
The interview will be recorded. A written copy (transcript) of the recording will be made.
Interested to hear more?
For more information contact the DOMINO research team on 01782 731549 or research.domino@keele.ac.uk
Research body: PhD study at Keele University.
About the opportunity:
Osteoporosis and/or broken bone(s) can have various impacts on a person’s wellbeing, many of which are not well known about. Researchers at Keele University want to explore and address the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of people with osteoporosis and/or broken bone(s) to help improve care.
You can help if:
You have one or more of the following:
been told you have osteoporosis by a healthcare professional
been offered osteoporosis medicines (even if you do not take them)
previously broken a bone easily (e.g. from a simple fall on flat ground, turning or twisting, coughing etc.)
What is involved:
One survey (approximately 10-15 minutes).
You will be asked about how your osteoporosis and/or broken bone(s) have impacted your physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing.
Any questions?
Please e-mail c.kettle1@keele.ac.uk for further information.
Research body:
Be Part of Research provides the first UK-wide registry for all health and care specialities. It gives researchers and research sponsors free and easy access to research-engaged volunteers from across the UK.
About the opportunity:
Be Part of Research is a UK-wide service. It shows what research is currently happening across the UK. Be Part of Research is run by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), in collaboration with the NHS and devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How can you help?
You can create a free account on Be Part Of Research or search for trials and studies into health conditions, including Osteoporosis, at locations near you. Research takes place in lots of places, including NHS hospitals, GP clinics, or sometimes in your own home. Decide what works best for you and then find studies that fit your schedule.
Click on the studies below, to find out more.
Osteoporosis medicine use for people with dementia - DOMINO study 1.0
RESTORE - Study of AGN1 LOEP to prevent secondary hip fractures
*associated with a Royal Osteoporosis Society Research Grant
PLEASE NOTE: This list is updated monthly, for the most up-to-date list please visit the Be Part of Research.
Research institution: Our Future Health
About the opportunity:
Our Future Health is a charity working in partnership with the NHS, other charities and industry. The programme aims to recruit up to five million adult volunteers from across the UK to help researchers discover new ways to prevent, detect and treat diseases.
You can help if:
Every adult living in the UK is eligible to join Our Future Health, including people with pre-existing health conditions. By taking part in Our Future Health, you’ll support new discoveries that will help everyone live longer and healthier lives.
About the study:
More information about the programme including how to take part can be found on the Our Future Health website Our Future Health.
How can you help?
Joining the programme consists of three main steps:
Read and sign the Our Future Health consent form;
Fill in a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle; and
Attend an Our Future Health clinic appointment to have some physical measurements taken and provide a small sample of your blood.
Any questions?
Please contact the study team by email at support@ourfuturehealth.org.uk if you have any further questions.
Research body: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
You can help if:
You have osteoporosis or care for those who do.
About the opportunity:
The NIHR funds health research so professionals, policy makers and patients can make informed decisions based on research.
It needs people with everyday experience of osteoporosis to comment on research proposals related to the condition.
When can you help?
This opportunity is ongoing.
How can you help?
By becoming a reviewer. Reviewers look at a research proposal or commissioning brief and answer key questions for the board or panel.
Each review can be done in your own time, to an agreed deadline.
Any questions?
Find out more on the NIHR website.
Research body: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
You can help if:
You are a patient, carer or member of the public.
About the opportunity:
There are lots of ways to get involved in health and care research. NIHR is always looking for people to help guide what research is funded and how it is carried out. You can have a professional role in health or care, lived experience of a condition or just a passing interest.
When can you help?
This opportunity is ongoing. The NIHR lists opportunities on their website. Click the button below to see the current opportunities.
How can you help?
You can get involved in NIHR research by:
suggesting a research question
giving your opinion on potential research
joining a NIHR committee
becoming a Research Champion
giving your views on research findings and how they impact you
Any questions?
You can email enquiries@nihr.ac.uk.
Date added: December 2015
Research body: The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and University of Oxford
You can help if:
You have been affected by a rare type of osteoporosis, such as osteoporosis associated with pregnancy or idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis.
About the study:
This study is looking to improve understanding of rare bone, joint and blood vessel diseases, so new tests and treatments can be developed for them.
When can you help?
Ongoing, over a period of five years.
How can you help?
By completing and updating an online profile and family map, and a number of online questionnaires.
To take part, you need to give permission for the researchers to access your NHS and social care records.
Any questions?
You can find out more about the RUDY study by visiting the RUDY website.
