Endo-MRE:Psoas Major Muscle Stiffness in Endometriosis_01 Sept 2025_v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) Protocol to Measure Stiffness of Psoas Major Muscles in Women with Endometriosis
IRAS ID
363204
Contact name
Andrew Horne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Endometriosis is a common, often painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of the womb, usually in the pelvis and abdomen. Many women with endometriosis experience symptoms like painful periods, ongoing pelvic pain, and issues with their bowel or bladder. This long-term pain can sometimes lead to increased muscle pain and spasms. Endometriosis can also affect muscles and joints, causing pain and problems with movement. We know that muscular pain can cause increased muscle stiffness. The psoas major (PM) muscle, which runs along your spine and hip, can be affected by endometriosis, leading to pain in your lower back, hip and thigh and possibly increased stiffness and reduced flexibility.
Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a special type of MRI scan that measures the stiffness of tissues, like muscles, without being invasive. Stiffer tissues transmit sound waves faster than softer tissues. This study is being conducted to see if MRE can be used to measure the stiffness of the psoas major muscle in women.
In this study, we will compare stiffness of PM between women with endometriosis and women without endometriosis to see if there is a difference between the two groups. We will also measure pelvic floor muscle function, hip flexibility and pain levels in both groups of women. We would like to see if there is a relationship between PM stiffness, pelvic floor muscle function, hip flexibility and pain; and if this relationship is different in women with endometriosis from those without to help us better understand and measure the effects of endometriosis.
We plan to include 12 to 14 women in this study. This will include about 6 to 7 women with endometriosis and 6 to 7 healthy women without endometriosis.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0273
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion