A graduate student in Biomechanics and Movement Science (BIOMS), Ph.D. Program at the University of Delaware is conducting Community Engagement Research this summer, studying the effects of hip pain and hip/postural stability factors on balance control in people with MS and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The primary purpose for the focus group study is to assess how physical, and cognitive symptoms and mental experiences were encountered during the pandemic. The project seeks to evaluate the role of hip and lower body pain and associations between balance, trunk, and hip stability challenges.
If you are between the age range of 35-75 years of age and with a physical disability that affects chronic pain, walking with or without assistive devices (i.e., cane, wheelchair, etc.), postural, core, and lower body stability, and balance symptoms, then you may be eligible to participate in a focus group research study.
The project seeks to implement 1 focus group (60-90 minutes) and 1 structured interview session (60-90) minutes as a formative assessment. Your participation requires 1 focus group and 1 structured interview session for a total duration of 120-180 minutes. In addition, you will be asked to complete 1 online post-survey. The survey asked 10 question items and will not take on average more than 50 minutes (5 minutes for each question). The online surveys are not timed. Before the focus group discussion, you are expected to complete a health questionnaire survey to determine eligibility. During the focus group and interview, you will be asked 10 open-ended questions.
The study focuses on balance, postural and hip stability, and chronic pain impacts and collaborates with participants in designing an accessible virtual physical activity program for addressing activity preferences and key targeted goals.
In addition, participants will offer recommendations for balance and postural stability programs. If interested, please contact Rachel DeLauder, MA, BS, by phone at (919)-530-0856 or email at
rdelaude@udel.edu.