Research | ARMA

The MSK health innovation ecosystem

New report into MSK innovation ecosystem

Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has launched a State of the Musculoskeletal health innovation ecosystem report. It is a synthesis of two new research studies commissioned by ORUK – business data analysis Beauhurst has identified and analysed innovative MSK companies (including spinouts) in the UK; meanwhile, academic researcher Businessable has produced a dataset and subject analysis of those involved in MSK research in the UK.

The purpose of these research studies is to improve understanding of the MSK health innovation ecosystem and ensure that support is focused on the right areas.…

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Early diagnosis of osteoporosis study

Keele to lead new study to improve early diagnosis of osteoporosis

A Keele University–led team has secured £4.8 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to improve early identification of osteoporosis among at-risk and under-served patients in primary care.

Led by Professor Zoe Paskins, the PROTECTS study will design, implement and evaluate a new digital bone health model of care in general practice (GPs). This model will enable earlier treatment, prevent fractures, reduce pressure on the NHS, and provide economic evidence to inform decisions on targeted osteoporosis screening.…

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Survey of Physiotherapists Supporting Self-Management

HCPC-registered physiotherapists are sought to participate in a new survey from the University of Hertfordshire:

A Survey of Self-Efficacy and Performance among UK Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists Supporting Self-Management of Chronic Low Back Pain

This is a cross-sectional survey of UK HCPC-registered physiotherapists working in a musculoskeletal setting with a caseload of chronic low back pain patients. The survey will assess self-efficacy and performance among UK MSK physiotherapists in supporting self-management in chronic low back pain patients.

This research will run for about 4 weeks from 19/01/2026, and is expected to close 16/02/2026.…

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APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health

All-Party Parliamentary Group publishes report on osteoporosis

The APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health has published Seen, Heard, Supported: Transforming Osteoporosis Care. Drawing on survey data from over 3,300 patients, the report found more than half of people with osteoporosis had no NHS contact about their condition in the past year. It highlights fragmented pathways, weak long-term condition management, and stark inequalities, and calls for national audit of the entire patient pathway, comprehensive local pathways, and bone health questions to be added to the NHS Health Check.…

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MSK Innovation Accelerator open for applications

Applications are open for researchers and entrepreneurs working on innovations relevant to musculoskeletal health, to participate in the next MSK Innovation Accelerator programme.

The programme, which is the only one of its type dedicated to MSK health technologies, is hosted by MedTech SuperConnector and funded by Orthopaedic Research UK. It is designed to accelerate the development of musculoskeletal innovation and thereby create and scale early-stage MSK ventures across the UK. It involves a 6-month intensive learning journey, providing participants with entrepreneurship training, masterclasses, and access to expertise.…

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Scottish Survey of autoimmune inflammatory conditions

NRAS is leading on an important collaborative survey of people with autoimmune inflammatory conditions across Scotland about their experience of care in the NHS. We want to hear from any patients with a diagnosis of any of the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Axial Spondyloarthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis or Psoriasis
• Lupus
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The survey is live from 1st September 2025 until 10th October 2025.

Below is a link to our website and a copy of our flyer.…

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Osteoporosis APPG launches patient experience survey

Have you ever felt unsure who to speak to about your bone health? Or wished your osteoporosis care was better joined up?

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Osteoporosis and Bone Health – a cross-party group in Parliament supported by the Royal Osteoporosis Society – is running a new inquiry into how people with osteoporosis are supported and empowered throughout their care. The voice of people with lived experience is essential to informing this work.

The APPG is asking people affected by osteoporosis to complete a short survey about their experience of care.…

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ORUK research funding opportunities

ORUK is one of the leading funders of MSK research, working in partnership with other charities and academic institutions. This year it has its strongest ever line-up of funding opportunities for MSK researchers.

BOA/ORUK Research Fellowship 2025

The BOA & Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) are pleased to announce a joint research fellowship, with the goal of developing a pipeline of research-active orthopaedic surgeons. This scheme will award two fellowships of up to £65k for a project in any area of orthopaedics each year.…

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Health economics report from the BCA

Recognising chiropractors in NHS could save the UK economy £1.5 billion, new BCA report finds.

The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is excited to share with the UK MSK community that their new Health Economics Report, created in collaboration with the York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC), shows that integrating chiropractors into the UK National Health Service (NHS) could reduce waiting lists by more than 100,000 appointments each year. Additionally, this integration could enhance national productivity by £400 million annually. Over the duration of this Parliament, the total potential economic benefit could exceed £1.5 billion.…

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Devastating postcode lottery for osteoporosis medication

The Royal Osteoporosis Society and the APPG on Osteoporosis and Bone Health have published a new report exposing how a “postcode lottery” in NHS prescribing leaves over 1 million women without access to vital bone-strengthening treatments. This analysis calls for unified, system-wide policy reform to ensure equitable medication pathways for all.

Read the full report here.