Research

A group of wheelchair users sit gathered in a semi-circle around another wheelchair user, looking at a flipchart. This is for an article on how to donate and fundraise.

Research

Pathfinders are invested in creating an inclusive research environment for young adults with neuromuscular conditions. To do this, Pathfinders strongly advocates and practices co-produced research which is conducted and managed by those with lived experiences.

Pathfinders Research

In 2021, Pathfinders established a group of researchers committed to researching issues that affect people with muscle weakening conditions. The team is led by Dr Suzanne Glover, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (Type II). Our diverse team of researchers includes university academics, students, and individuals both with and without a lived experience of disability who have an interest in muscle weakening conditions.

You can see images of our current researchers below:

How we work

Pathfinders is committed to making sure that our research is carried out in an inclusive and innovative way, working as, and with, people with muscle-weakening conditions. Therefore, we demonstrate this throughout our own research, and aim to educate other organisations on why it is important for disabled people to be part of the whole research process. You can read here about a previous project supported by Pathfinders, that worked especially effectively in partnership with disabled young people as researchers and research leaders.

What we do

Our research aims to improve choice, control and the quality-of-life for adults living with neuromuscular conditions in the UK and beyond. We continue to achieve this through ensuring that disabled people’s lived experience is placed at the heart of all research we engage with. From social research concerning issues such as identity, to clinical understanding of conditions, treatment and interventions across both health and social care, we believe in co-production. You can read more about co-production here.

I would encourage others to take part in research as a participant, but to also actively shape the way in which research is conducted through involvement in peer-led work

Dr Suzanne Glover, Research Officer, Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Research projects

Pathfinders has recently fronted an innovative research study examining the transition to adulthood for those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), funded by PTC Therapeutics and NIHR School for Social Care Research. In November 2023, Pathfinders proudly launched their findings of this research in the ‘Entering Adulthood with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy’ report. You can read the report here, or by clicking the button below.

Further active research projects include:

  • Empowering Transition: A Co-Production Transition Resource Development Project – Funded by PTC and led by Dr Suzanne Glover
  • “More Than Muscle and Movement”, developing and using co-produced research outputs focusing on transition to adulthood for young people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – Funded by NIHR School for Social Care Research led by Dr Suzanne Glover.
  • Cripping Breath: Towards a new cultural politics of respiration – Funded by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award led by Dr Kirsty Liddiard, University of Sheffield
  • Scoping social care and support priorities for young adults with neuromuscular conditions – Funded by NIHR School for Social Care Research led by Dr George Peat, Northumbria University
  • More projects will be announced soon!

Past projects we have supported

Chief InvestigatorInstitutionProject Area
Laura McLartyUniversity of LeedsPressure Ulcer Prevention At Home (find out more)
Dr Megan McNiffDuchenne UK and the DMD Hub, RTI International and Parent Project MDClinician, patient, and caregiver attitudes regarding new treatments for DMD
Dr Claire WoodUniversity of NewcastleSexual Functioning and Fertility in DMD
Prof Bryony Anne BeresfordUniversity of YorkChaplaincy services and spiritual care and support needs of children and young people, and their parents, facing end of life

Project Summaries

Who Am I?

Dr Suzanne Glover – Research Officer, Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Suzanne completed her PhD in 2021 at Ulster University, Northern Ireland. During her PhD, she focused on resilience in family carers of those with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. She has subsequently supported many projects concerning the neuromuscular community and is a strong advocate for peer-led research opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Pathfinders Research Team, or would like to collaborate with Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance, please contact Suzanne.