MRC Arthritis UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work

Aiming to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace

The MRC Arthritis UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work is led from the University of Aberdeen with partners from the Universities of Southampton, Lancaster, Liverpool, Oxford, Manchester, Salford, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College, London.

Research at this centre brings focused on addressing major research questions to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain and arthritis, in the workplace.

Back pain, arthritis and other conditions of musculoskeletal pain are some of the main causes of incapacity for work in the UK.

This centre aims to identify cost-effective ways to minimise the impact of musculoskeletal conditions in the workplace and establish a national resource for advice on musculoskeletal health and work, accessible to Government, employers, workers, health professionals and patients, and actively promote best work and clinical practice.

The centre established in 2014 and renewed in 2019 for a second term. It is now in its ‘Impact’ phase until 2029.

Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre

Arthritis UK Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Impact Report

For many years, we’ve known that mechanical loading and inflammation contribute to osteoarthritis but the biological processes that link these factors were unknown. The impact of joint injury and joint surgery on our biomechanics and biology, and subtleties in gait or alignment that could contribute to long-term disease, was also unclear. Until now.

Read the report