Musculoskeletal Health

The Functional Muscle-Bone Incongruity Index (FKUI) is a novel approach developed to evaluate the relationship between muscle function and bone health. This prospective observational study aims to investigate the clinical applicability of FKUI, which combines handgrip strength, total hip bone mineral density (BMD), and lumbar-hip BMD discordance. Approximately 200 adult participants undergoing routine DXA assessment will be enrolled. The study will examine whether the combined evaluation of muscle function and bone health parameters provides a more comprehensive assessment of musculoskeletal status than individual measures alone.

The aim of this observational cross-sectional study is to compare the physical fitness characteristics of professional and amateur e-sports players and to determine whether differences exist between the two groups in terms of physical fitness parameters.

This study investigates the role of multivitamin and multimineral (MVM) supplementation in improving metabolic, musculoskeletal, and mental health among midlife Asian women aged 40-60 years, a critical period marked by hormonal and physiological transitions from pre- to post-menopause. Evidence from the GUSTO cohort in Singapore has shown that higher plasma levels of vitamins B6, B9, B12, and D are associated with better metabolic profiles, insulin sensitivity, and mental wellbeing, while deficiencies are linked to increased metabolic and psychological risks. Given that vitamin insufficiency and central obesity are highly prevalent among Asian women even at lower BMI, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate whether 12 months of daily MVM supplementation can reduce MetaboAge and improve metabolic, mental, and muscle health outcomes compared with placebo. Findings will inform preventive strategies for extending health span and mitigating chronic disease risks among midlife women in Asia.

Healthspan Connect is a new research programme designed to understand what helps people stay healthy as they age. The programme will explore how lifestyle, environment, genetics, and social factors influence healthy ageing and overall wellbeing. The programme will recruit participants aged 12 years and older across the UK. By including adolescents, the programme aims to understand how early life behaviours and experiences shape long-term health. There is no upper age limit, and people from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Special pathways ensure that young participants provide consent in an age-appropriate way. Healthspan Connect is a digital and home-based study, meaning participants can take part from home using smartphones, computers, and online surveys. Participants may also be asked to collect samples such as blood, saliva, stool, urine, or other biological specimens at home using easy-to-use kits. In some sub-studies, participants may be invited to attend research visits for additional tests, scans, or clinical assessments. Family members and close contacts may also be invited to participate in some studies. Through Healthspan Connect, researchers aim to: * Identify the biological, environmental, and social factors that help people live longer, healthier lives. * Understand how different groups, including those historically underrepresented in research, experience ageing. * Explore ways to support behaviour changes that improve health over the lifespan. * Provide near real-time information to inform health policies and interventions. Participants may also be asked for permission to link their information with health records, education records, and environmental data to better understand health outcomes over time. This programme will serve as a flexible platform for multiple sub-studies, allowing participants to contribute to a wide range of research questions related to healthy ageing, resilience, and long-term health. All data and biological samples will be stored securely and used to advance scientific knowledge, with participant privacy carefully protected.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Floss Band application works as effectively as mobilization with movement (MWM) to improve shoulder mobility in volleyball athletes. It will also explore whether these techniques affect athletes' perception of movement fluency and sport-specific performance. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does Floss Band application immediately improve shoulder range of motion in volleyball athletes? Does Floss Band application change the perception of movement fluency compared to MWM? Does Floss Band application impact sport-specific performance tests compared to MWM? Participants will: Be randomly assigned to receive either Floss Band or mobilization with movement Have their shoulder mobility, perception of movement, and sport performance tested before and immediately after the intervention

The health of former elite athletes has been identified as a critical research gap where there is limited knowledge about both short- and long-term consequences after ending their careers. The transition phase from an active elite career to everyday life has been shown to be particularly problematic, yet this issue has been little studied among former Norwegian elite athletes. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the health of athletes from weight-sensitive sports, such as weight-class, aesthetic, and certain endurance sports. These athletes face specific challenges related to maintaining a certain physique and frequent changes in body weight during their active careers. This group has been shown to be vulnerable to a range of problematic health outcomes related to low energy availability, and little is known about the long-term effects of a career involving this. Therefore, the overall purpose of the project is to map the mental and physical health of former elite athletes. At the same time, there will be a particular focus on the differences between weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, different types of sports, gender, as well as previous dieting and eating behaviors.

This study aims to evaluate potential correlation of stress as estimated by certain biological markers, namely saliva cortisol, Heart rate variability (HRV), Electromyography (EMG) with musculoskeletal system health status, and assess the impact of a stress management intervention..The intervention group will be trained to apply two evidence based stress management techniques and they will be guided with tips and advice about musculoskeletal health. Impact of the intervention upon measured stress related markers will be assessed.