University of Glasgow researchers have secured funding to launch a new project aimed at improving access to bone density scanning for individuals with muscle-wasting conditions.
Led by Dr Jarod Wong, the new study – one of 12 new research projects from across the UK sharing in £1.7m from Muscular Dystrophy UK – will involve people living with muscle wasting conditions, along with healthcare workers, to improve the accessibility and performance of bone density scanning. It is hoped through improved access to scanning, monitoring the progression of conditions will be more straightforward.
In the UK there are more than 110,000 children and adults living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions. Muscular Dystrophy UK funds research projects that aim to improve diagnosis, monitor progression, and test potential new treatments. The 12 new grants bring the total number of research projects funded by Muscular Dystrophy UK to 51.
Dr Jarod Wong, from the University’s School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, will look to improve accessibility of bone density scanning for wheelchair users living with a muscle wasting condition.
Dr Wong said:
“People living with different neuromuscular conditions, who are wheelchair users, highlight that having a DXA scan (bone density scan) can be a nightmare. I’m passionate about improving bone health for people with medical conditions having seen the impact of fractures on people with disability.
“We hope that the DXA scanning experience can be improved for people with neuromuscular conditions who use their wheelchair full time. Hopefully, our research will lead to more DXA scans to be performed to help treat weak bones earlier.”
Dr Kate Adcock, Director of Research and Innovation at Muscular Dystrophy UK said:
“Every year at Muscular Dystrophy UK, we look to fund the highest quality research that will not only bring research forward but also improve the lives of people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
“We’re always delighted to fund research into a variety of conditions, including Dr Jarod Wong and his team which include collaborators at the Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The project will be essential to help improve accessibility of bone density scanning for wheelchair users living with muscle wasting conditions.”