Illustration of old people taking a survey at home during the pandemic.

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Survey launched in a bid to understand how coronavirus restrictions affect osteoarthritis risk in over 60s

Researchers at Loughborough University are investigating how changes in physical activity that are a result of the global health pandemic are related to osteoarthritis development and symptoms.

Benjamin Boxer, a PhD student in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and Dr Katherine Brooke-Wavell, a Senior Lecturer in Human Biology, have launched an online survey in a bid to understand this relationship.

“Being physically active has many benefits including improving physical function and reducing joint pain”, said Dr Brooke-Wavell.

“However, we don’t know how changes in activity, as we are currently experiencing due to the coronavirus restrictions, may be related to risk of osteoarthritis developing or worsening.”

The researchers are looking for anyone over the age of 60 to complete the online survey, which will have questions on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and joint symptoms.

This research aims to improve knowledge on whether changes in physical activity affect risk of new joint symptoms in healthy people or existing joint symptoms in those with osteoarthritis.

If you would like more information about the study or to participate, click here.

Icons showing different body parts with bone issues

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 20/79

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