This research has been funded by the National Osteoporosis Society and studies have been carried out in collaboration with City Hospital Nottingham, QMC Nottingham and UCL Medical School. Depression is associated with increased risk of osteoporotic fracture and altered diurnal cortisol patterns. Studies in collaboration wih University of Westminster are examining associations between salivary cortisol levels and bone density. A large study funded by the Depratment of Trade and Industry is evaluating stair use behaviours in older people in relation to fall risk, whilst a study supported by a Wellcome summer scholarship examined the influence of lighting level on postural stability. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and a major cause of infertility.
Current treatments are of limited efficacy.
As obesity and insulin resistance have important roles in the aetiology of the disorder, it is possible that lifestyle interventions may have a role in its management. In collaboration with Cambridge University, this study is examining the physiological, biochemical and immunological responses to anthelmintic treatment in Bangladesh with a view to establishing the mechanisms by which helminths contribute to childhood malnutrition and growth faltering. In collaboration with Department of Aboriginal Studies at Curtin University, Australia this is a retrospective study of child growth and nutrition in Aboriginal children from the Kimberley in north-west Australia. This research will examine the effect of rapid changes in lifestyle, diet, health services on Aboriginal child health, morbidity and mortality. In collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaeocology at Leicester Royal Infirmary, this study is investigating longitudinal changes in daily activity patterns during pregnancy by means of 24hour activity monitoring using actiwatches.