Overview
At HSU, our research is driven by a clear and enduring purpose: to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for individuals, families and communities – now and into the future. We focus on generating evidence that supports healthier lives and more effective, compassionate care.
This research narrative brings together interdisciplinary work across musculoskeletal (MSK) health and preventive healthcare. Our researchers are tackling the root causes of ill health, exploring how lifestyle, environment, policy, and care systems interact, and developing evidence-informed strategies to enhance health outcomes throughout the life course.
Key research themes
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Health & Care:
Our research addresses the prevention, diagnosis and management of MSK conditions, with a strong emphasis on person-centred care, early intervention, and effective conservative approaches. We collaborate closely with practitioners and patients to ensure research is clinically relevant and grounded in real-world practice.
Preventive Healthcare:
We are advancing knowledge on how to prevent disease and maintain wellbeing, across physical, mental and social dimensions of health. Our work spans behavioural science, public health, early screening, and health promotion, seeking to reduce health inequalities and support healthier ageing.
Featured projects
Our researchers are leading and contributing to a wide range of innovative projects that address real-world health challenges. From developing approaches to early intervention in MSK conditions, to exploring community-based models of preventive care, our work is shaping the future of healthcare.
Explore a selection of current and recent projects below:
Enhancing Health Literacy in Schools
This project was a collaboration with a patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) group co-producing ideas for workshop resources, delivered to school pupils, aged 11 to 18, on key health priorities affecting women and girls.
Strength training in older adults
Sarcopenia is a condition which causes gradual loss of muscle mass, strength and function, thought to occur due to aging and commonly affecting the elderly population. The project aimed to explore the improvement of strength in older adults.
Education through Simulation
The SimEdCare research project aims to explore the use of simulation-based education to upskill the care sector, equipping home care workers with the range of skills and capabilities they will need to provide high-quality care.
Spinal Pain in Adolescents
This study is the UK arm of 4-site feasibility study, looking to assess study design to inform a large prospective study of clinical spinal pain (as in, spinal pain that prompts clinical visit, rather than population-based study
Research centres
National Council for Osteopathic Research
The UK’s leading organisation for osteopathic research, promoting a strong evidence base for osteopathy and supporting practitioner-led studies.
HSU Centre for PAIn Research
A multidisciplinary centre investigating the complex nature of pain, including its management, mechanisms, and societal impact.
Latest Research News
Stay up to date with our discoveries, events and impact stories from across the HSU research community.
An innovation developed through HSU’s Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership (CORaL) has been selected by the World Health Organization as one of just 21 projects worldwide to feature at the WHO Global Summit.
In October, HSU was pleased to celebrate the publication of the Priorities for Osteopathic Care (PROCare) study in BMJ Open.
Earlier this week, we were pleased to welcome 13 new PhD students to Health Sciences University during our induction event.
We're proud to share exciting research from Professor Steven Vogel and Emeritus Professor Alan Breen at HSU, part of a unique longitudinal study examining how UK chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists manage low back pain.
The Chiropractic Research Council (CRC) has gifted its funds to the new National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR) based at Health Sciences University (HSU) and in partnership with London South Bank University, McTimoney College, Teesside University, and the University of South Wales.
