For finished and publised research, please go here
Current research opportunities
Listed below you will find currently available research projects. All projects have Ethics approval. Please contact the individual researcher direct to ask questions or join the study.
Researcher: Catherine Cairns Leyman, PhD Researcher, University of Stirling: [email protected]
Young People, Pain, and Everyday Life: a research opportunity
I am a PhD researcher at the University of Stirling, looking to speak with young people aged 13–19 who live with long-term musculoskeletal pain (pain in the muscles, joints, or bones lasting three months or longer), and with their parents or carers.
The study is about how young people manage long-term pain in everyday life: what helps, what makes it harder, and how the people around them are involved. Taking part means one relaxed, one-to-one interview, usually online, at a time that suits.
Taking part is voluntary, and a small thank-you is offered for taking part. To find out more, with no obligation, visit: painandeverydaylife.stir.ac.uk
Catherine Cairns Leyman, PhD Researcher, University of Stirling: [email protected]
Researcher
Claire Madin, University of Winchester
Summary
This study aims to understand how symptoms experienced by people living with hEDS and HSD affect confidence in participating and maintaining exercise, with the goal of improving clinician understanding and awareness.
Start date: 01/05/2026
Finish date: 18/09/2026
Should you have any queries about this study please use the details below:
Claire Madin
Researcher
Michael Dare
Summary
This study will explore the lived experiences of people getting a diagnosis of hEDS and HSD and the lived experiences of accessing treatment for their condition in the United Kingdom.
Start date: 23/04/2026
Finish date: 30/06/2026
Should you have any queries about this study please use the details below:
Michael Dare
Researcher
Amelie Hennings, St Marys University
Summary
People with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) often report having their symptoms misunderstood, minimised, or dismissed. While these experiences have been explored in healthcare settings, very little research has examined how they affect participation in sport. This study aims to investigate whether experiences of invalidation are associated with lower psychological safety and reduced enjoyment in sporting environments. The findings may help improve awareness of the challenges faced by athletes with hEDS/HSD and inform more supportive, inclusive coaching and sporting practices.
The study aims to recruit approximately 100 participants aged 18 years and over.
Start date: 15/05/2026
Finish date: 15/07/2026
Should you have any queries about this study please use the details below:
Amelie Hennings
Researcher Lana Hayes
Summary
This study is to explore the reasoning behind behavioural barriers to physical activity that have been found within previous quantitative research for this with hEDS. The study will focus on all levels of PA and will investigate both those who are diagnosed and those who are on the pathway to being diagnosed due to the long wait times in the UK.
Start date: 11/06/2026
End date: 18/09/2026
Lana Hayes