MovIng to Support Sustained Improvement of Outcomes iN Rheumatoid Arthritis (MISSION-RA)
Research tells us that physical activity is good for people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, we know that taking part in physical activity can be a challenge due to symptoms like pain and fatigue.
The aim of the MovIng to Support Sustained Improvement of Outcomes iN Rhematoid Arthritis (MISSION-RA) project, is to develop a digital intervention to help people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis to engage in physical activity.
What is MISSION-RA?
The MISSION-RA study aims to develop a digital health intervention to help people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis increase their daily physical activity. This will be done through designing a mobile health app - the MISSION-RA app - which links with a popular physical activity tracker, the Fitbit.
The MISSION-RA app will be designed specifically for, and by people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. This will be done in two ways. Firstly, a series of interviews, focus groups and workshops will be conducted with people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, to develop the app. Then, artificial intelligence will be used within the app to provide personalised support, based on a person's activity patterns and self-reported symptoms (such as pain, fatigue and mobility).
Involving people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis in delivery of the MISSION-RA project
A priority of the MISSION-RA project is to involve people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the research process at all stages. This includes developing the research idea, helping to collect data, communicating research findings and helping to generate real impact at the end of the study. To facilitate this, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) are partnering the research, helping to ensure people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis are at the centre of the research process.
So far, NRAS have been instrumental in forming our Patient Research Partner Committee, recruiting 10 people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis who vary in terms of their age, sex, ethnicity, years since diagnosis, and severity of their Rheumatoid Arthritis. This helps to ensure a diverse range of voices are heard when key decisions about the study are being made. Find out more about the MISSION-RA Patient Research Partner Committee here.
Who can take part in MISSION-RA?
We are looking for adults living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, who are able to stand and walk either independently, or with an assistive device (e.g. a cane or walking stick). Click here to find out more about how to get involved.
