The Bupa Foundation* funded pilot research by Dr Shilpa Patel through the Phillip Poole Wilson Seed Corn Fund, which aims to nurture new research ideas.
The study, based at Warwick Medical School, will develop and test a group-based interventional programme, which will include exercise and behavioural components, to help manage the physical and mental health issues that affect older people in the community with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis causes joints to become stiff and painful and mostly affects the hands, knees, hips, feet and spine. Older people with osteoarthritis can often become physically restricted, which then has an impact on their quality of life and mental health.
Dr Patel's team hope to provide a group based exercise programme for older adults in the community with osteoarthritis to prevent them becoming isolated and developing related health problems.
Sources
- Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Research UK, accessed 3 June 2011. http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/conditions/osteoarthritis.aspx
* The Bupa Foundation is an independent charity that funds medical research into the prevention, relief and cure of sickness and ill health. Since 1979, The Bupa Foundation has awarded grants in excess of £33 million to medical research and healthcare initiatives. Bupa donates £3 million per year through Gift Aid to the Bupa Foundation. Further information is available at www.bupafoundation.co.uk
