MUSCLES
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MUSCLES: Measuring and Understanding Sciatica and Leg Weakness Study
IRAS ID
334123
Contact name
Lucy Dove
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain in the leg, but it is actually caused by an irritation of the small nerves in the lower back. One in four people with sciatica also report weakness in the affected leg. In my recent work, 85% of people coming to a hospital appointment for sciatica reported leg weakness, but our hospital tests detected weakness in only 34% of them. This means that many people have a problem that their health professional cannot detect.Methods
There are 2 stages:1. Interview study. I will interview 12-15 people who have sciatica and leg weakness. I want to know exactly what people mean when they report leg weakness. This will help us to better describe leg weakness in people with sciatica.
2. Profiling study to find different types of weakness. I will invite 115 adults with sciatica to take part. I will examine in detail the muscle strength and endurance of people with sciatica. I will ask people to complete questionnaires on their symptoms and general health.Funding
This research project is funded by a Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship awarded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).Recruitment
I will recruit research participants from NHS settings where people with spinal problems see health professionals. Recruitment will also be through advertisement such as public noticeboards, leaflets and social media. Recruitment will also be from relevant previous studies in the Neuromusculoskeletal Health and Science Lab in which subjects have consented to be approached regarding further studies. Recruitment will also be via the 'Be Part of Research' volunteer service email provided by the NIHR.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0170
Date of REC Opinion
7 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion