OPAL cohort study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle Study
IRAS ID
196643
Contact name
Sallie (Sarah) Lamb
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
8 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Over 70% of people will suffer with LBP in their lifetime with the most serious forms occurring in later life. LBP is associated with loss of mobility and falls in older people leading to frailty and decline in independence. Older people are more likely to have other health conditions considered to be more important than LBP so GPs and patients are less likely to prioritise treatment. There is a large body of research in LBP, but this has focused almost exclusively on younger people with little guidance for older people who we suspect respond differently to common treatments for LBP.
We will survey 4,000 people across England in the Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle (OPAL) study. Participants will be recruited via GP practices and complete a health and physical activity annual survey over 6 years.
The research is funded by a National Institute of Health Research Programme Grant for Applied Research.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0348
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion