New smart patch study 'could aid early detection of osteoarthritis'
Detecting the early signs ofosteoarthritis could become easier with the development of a new smart patch by UK researchers. A team from Cardiff University has commenced a study that aims to develop a cheap and easy method of identifying the telltale signs of the disease before it fully develops, potentially revolutionising the future treatment of the damaging condition. How the smart patch will work The research will focus on the use of acoustic emission technology to detect the small cracking sounds that joints make as the process of osteoarthritis-related degradation commences. Many patients with the disease notice audib...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 24, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Chair yoga 'can effectively treat osteoarthritis symptoms in older people'
Older people withosteoarthritis could address many of their symptoms and improve their quality of life by practising anexercise technique known as chair yoga. A new study from Florida Atlantic University, published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, has shown how chair yoga can have a beneficial impact onpain and physical function in older adults with osteoarthritis, showing this could be a valuable new alternative approach to managing the painful condition. How chair yoga can improve quality of life For this study, 131 older adults with osteoarthritis were asked to take part in either ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 20, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

The Duchess of Cornwall meets our researchers in Aberdeen
 This week we were delighted to welcome our Patron, Her Royal HighnessThe Duchess of Cornwall, to the University of Aberdeen. In a joint visit with the National Osteoporosis Society, Her Royal Highness met students, staff and patients at a reception held at the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences.Her Royal Highness was introduced to Professor Cosimo De Bari whose team have been researching howstem cells can be harnessed to treat and prevent joint damage.  In addition to preventing the progression of joint damage in people with arthritis, the study also aims to trigger the repair of damaged tissue, me...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 19, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

New treatment option for psoriatic arthritis recommended for routine NHS use
An effective new oral therapy for psoriaticarthritis has been approved for routine NHS use by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The regulatory body has issued a final appraisal determination recommending the use of apremilast, also known by its brand name Otezla, for the treatment of adult patients with activepsoriatic arthritis, and may represent an important new breakthrough for the treatment of the disease. A first-in-class therapy Otezla is designed for use by patients who have had an inadequate response to or are unable to tolerate treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumaticdru...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 19, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

New Year Message from Dr Stephen Simpson, Director of Research & Programmes
We are delighted and enthusiastic to share with you our progress and plans around delivering against our strategic focus to 2020, which we defined in 2015 as being to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis so they can say“I am in control, independent and recognised.”Review of 2016 activity We have now started to cover significant ground in all of our charitable activities that will move us closer towards making a true difference to the lives of people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Our approach to research funding continues to support exceptional research that aims...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 18, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Launch of Richmond Group Report - My Data, My Care
 How better use of data improves health and well being Today the Richmond Group of Charities, of which Arthritis Research UK is a member, launches its report‘My data, my care’.   Dr Liam O’Toole, Chief Executive Officer at Arthritis Research UK attended the launch at a breakfast roundtable in the House of Lords.The purpose of the report is to highlight the importance of good data in the charity sector and the benefits it brings for improving health and well-being.  The report features real life case studies of how charities use data,  including Arthritis Research UK’s M...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 16, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Improving clinical research in rare musculoskeletal diseases
Arthritis Research UK Clinical Study Groups are running a workshop, Improving clinical research in rare musculoskeletal diseases: challenges and opportunities, on Friday 3 February 2017 in London.The aim of this workshop is to understand the hurdles, share experiences and identify the opportunities or clinical studies in patients with rare musculoskeletal diseases. This workshop will run from 10am - 5pm at The Light, Friends House, Euston Road, London.Topics covered will include:Challenge of rare disease research– patients’ voiceChallenge of rare disease research– CSG perspectiveWhat do the regulator...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 13, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Older arthritis patients 'can benefit from 45 minutes of activity per week'
Older people witharthritis can see benefits from getting more active, even if they are not able to achieve the recommended ideal amount ofexercise on a weekly basis. This is according to a new study from Northwestern University in the US, which indicated that even 45 minutes of activity per week can result in tangible health benefits that would not be achieved if patients remained sedentary. Setting more achievable goals Currently, US government guidelines recommend that people take part in 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to prevent premature death and serious illness. However, only one in ten older American adul...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 13, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Arthritis Research UK supports the Design Museum ’s NEW OLD exhibition to encourage inclusive design
Arthritis Research UK is supporting and contributing to theNEW OLD exhibition, which opens today, as the charity calls for more empathetic design for people living with arthritis.The NEW OLD exhibition runs until 19 February and asks the question: "How can designers meet the challenges of a rapidly ageing society?". The exhibition will include a display of "arthritis friendly" designed products, including magnetic buttons for clothing and vegetable peelers which you can use with one hand, which Arthritis Research UK has developed in partnership with organisations such as the Design Council. It will also feature futuristic ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 12, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Evolution could increase arthritis risk, study suggests
This study is fascinating and innovative in its use of modern technology. "We know that more and more people are living with the daily pain of arthritis, due to many factors including an ageing population and a rise in obesity rates; this research highlights some of the physical reasons underlying joint pain, and indicates that if current trends continue, then millions more will have to live with the pain and isolation arthritis can cause." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - January 12, 2017 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

New partnership forms to accelerate arthritis therapy
A new partnership, named the M40 alliance, has been launched to accelerate the development of novel treatments for arthritis. The new venture is supported by a£7 million investment from the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research.The M40 alliance will develop a network of consultants, nurses and clinical researchers in clinical units along the M40 corridor, based on a partnership between the Universities of Oxford and Birmingham, with other hubs in the area also involved. It will harness the existing research strengths of both universities in order to accelerate the development and testing of new therapies for patien...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - December 16, 2016 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Workplace adjustments 'can help rheumatoid arthritis patients return to work'
Workplaces could be doing more to adjust their practices and provide greater flexibility in order to help rheumatoidarthritis patients return to work. This is according to a new study from Lancaster University and the Arthritis Research UK-MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, which aimed to offer a different viewpoint on sickness presenteeism, or the practice of continuing to work despite illness. A strong desire to work despite rheumatoid arthritis Generally speaking, sickness presenteeism is seen as having negative consequences for businesses and individuals alike, yet equally there is a perception that return...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - December 14, 2016 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Running 'may reduce knee inflammation and protect against osteoarthritis'
This study does not indicate that distance runners are any more likely to get osteoarthritis than any other person; instead, this study suggests exercise can be a type of medicine." Arthritis Research UK's view Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation atArthritis Research UK, said:"The benefits of exercise on bones and cardiovascular health, as well as weight management, are well known. This is interesting research highlighting the potential health benefits running can have by lowering markers of inflammation in knee joints. "More than four million people in the UK are affected byosteoarth...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - December 13, 2016 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Transforming musculoskeletal health challenge
We support researchers to find the breakthroughs that help people break free from the limits of arthritis. As part of this ambition, we are pleased to announce that we will be releasing our new transforming musculoskeletal health research call in applied health research on 21st December 2016.Aim of the transforming musculoskeletal health challengeThis call will invite research applications that aim to provide outputs that will produce evidence on the quality, accessibility and organisation of health and care services relevant to people with arthritis, and provide knowledge on the benefits, cost and wider impacts of interve...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - December 13, 2016 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis 'genetically distinct from other forms'
This study is very important, as it brings us closer to understanding one of the more severe subsets of JIA. It is imperative that we now start to consider systemic JIA as a unique disease with its own specific disease mechanism. "As a charity, we are committed to funding exceptional science, including funding our specialised Arthritis Research UK Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology. We are hopeful that these results will lead to unique novel therapies." (Source: Arthritis Research UK)
Source: Arthritis Research UK - December 9, 2016 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news