Tag: Queen Margaret University Edinburgh

QMU teams up with Hearts FC and professional theatre company to revive historic plays at Tynecastle

A university in Edinburgh has formed a unique collaboration with an award-winning theatre company to co-produce two ambitious plays for Heart of Midlothian Football Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations this year.

The hugely popular and critically acclaimed shows, A War of Two Halves, and Sweet FA, will be revived in collaboration with BA (Hons) Acting & Performance and BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction students at Queen Margaret University (QMU).

Taking place across November 2024, the shows will be performed at the renowned home of Heart of Midlothian FC, Tynecastle Park.

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of QMU, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that our students will get the opportunity to perform at such an iconic Edinburgh venue and help Hearts mark their special 150th anniversary – an experience that I’m sure will stay with them for years to come.

“As we celebrate 150 years of Queen Margaret University in 2025, we take pride in the many meaningful collaborations we’ve fostered over the years, each of which reflects our deep commitment to supporting our stakeholders and enriching the communities we serve. This new partnership, merging the vibrant worlds of theatre and sport, perfectly embodies QMU’s core values of creativity, innovation, and community engagement.”

Heart of Midlothian FC has welcomed productions at Tynecastle Park since 2018 and recognises their vital contribution to the heritage and cultural understanding of the club and its history.

Throughout this year of Hearts’ 150-year celebrations, the club has found a number of innovative ways to commemorate this important milestone. 

Ann Park, Director of Communities and Partnerships at Hearts, said: “Both of these productions highlight important episodes from the club’s proud history, and we are thrilled that both plays make these accessible and captivating for football and non-football audiences alike.”

A War of Two Halves is a powerful story about the Heart of Midlothian players who, in 1915, showed tremendous courage and team spirit and volunteered en masse for McCrae’s Battalion. This promenade performance leads the audience on a moving journey through various locations around Tynecastle Park, including the home dressing room.

Sweet FA is a companion piece to A War of Two Halves. It is a play with music that tells the inspiring tale of an Edinburgh women’s factory team in 1915, united by their passion for football and their unwavering support and love for one another against the backdrop of the ban on Women’s Football. It will be performed in a purpose-built stage within the main concourse at Tynecastle Park.

The cast of Sweet FA will also be performing at half time of the Women’s Premier League Capital Cup game on 17th November.

Ann, continued: “A War of Two Halves performed to sell out audiences in 2018, 2019 and 2022. BBC Radio 4’s Front Row listed Sweet FA as one of the three must-see shows across 2021’s Fringe and International Festival.

“It is fitting that it is being revived on the 50th anniversary of the lifting of the ban on Women’s Football in 1974. Brilliant dialogue and powerful songs deliver a timely, no holds barred, take on Scottish culture during the Great War.”

Bruce Strachan, co-founder of Two Halves Productions and Lecturer in Acting and Performance at QMU, said: “This new collaboration between us, Hearts Heritage and Queen Margaret University, looks to build on the award-winning success of these two ambitious plays, rooted in the history of Edinburgh.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for two young casts, on the cusp of their launch into the professional world, to explore the importance of these stories and their impact on local history and contemporary Scottish theatre. Given current global events, both pieces serve as a timely reminder of the horrors and futility of world conflict.”

A War of Two Halves and Sweet FA will take place at Tynecastle Park from the 9th to the 21st November 2024 with varying performance times. To purchase your ticket, visit Heartsfc.co.uk. 

University develops care home workers as osteoporosis champions

WORLD OSTEOPOROSIS DAY – 20 OCTOBER

A university project, which is raising awareness of the shocking rise of osteoporosis in adults across the UK, is to provide specialist education for care home workers and community champions.

On World Osteoporosis Day (20th October ‘24) Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh announced that it is expanding its vital work to ensure osteoporosis is viewed as a public health priority.

The University team will be encouraging staff from care homes, and people living with the condition, to become better educated about the common bone disease which affects over 3 million people in the UK.

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. Developing slowly over several years, it’s often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to fracture.

Affecting over 250,000 in Scotland and accounting for around 527,000 fractures per year in the UK, QMU’s Lydia Osteoporosis Project is passionate about raising awareness to help halt the rising numbers of people affected by the condition.

Although it is frequently perceived as a condition primarily affecting postmenopausal women (affecting 1 in 2 women over 50), evidence indicates that osteoporosis affects approximately 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.

Given its often ‘silent’ progression until fractures occur, it frequently evades diagnosis until it reaches an advanced stage.

Dr Karen Matthews, who leads the Lydia Osteoporosis Project at QMU, explained: “Osteoporosis silently undermines bone strength over time. Often, it remains undetected until a simple fall or sudden impact results in a debilitating fracture.

“Typically, individuals with osteoporosis experience fractures in their wrists, hips, or spinal bones. It can even lead to a broken rib or partial spinal bone collapse triggered by a mere cough or sneeze.

“Older people can develop the characteristic stooped posture as their spinal bones weaken and are unable to bear their body weight.”

Due to our increasing aging population, osteoporosis is now increasingly prevalent, with a high incidence of people with the condition living in a care home setting, as well as in the community.

Dr Matthews explained: “It is not always obvious that someone has osteoporosis, as it can essentially be a hidden disease. But it is critical that staff in care homes and health care settings develop a better understanding of the condition so they can prevent any unnecessary bone fractures when moving or handling patients.

“Care homes workers who may be moving people in and out of beds, chairs, wheelchairs etc., or even helping them wash or change, need to be aware of the condition, to avoid handling which may cause people’s weakened bones to fracture accidentally.

“Staff in care homes, healthcare professions and the public can all benefit from improved knowledge about preventing osteoporosis through lifestyle choices, physical activity, and a balanced, bone-healthy diet, as well as how to prevent unnecessary fractures.”

Dr Matthews emphasised: “We cannot underestimate the importance of care home staff when it comes to the care and welfare of our elderly population. We must invest in their education and professional development so they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to give the best care to their residents. 

“That’s why Queen Margaret University will be offering a number of free modules as scholarships to individuals working in the care home sector. We want to develop a community of Lydia Osteoporosis Champions who can help to raise awareness of this important condition within the sector.”

The QMU team is also keen to develop champions in the community who can work to reduce the incidence of osteoporosis within the population by promoting good bone health and preventative behaviours such as weight bearing exercise and healthy eating.

Dr Matthews concluded: “Osteoporosis is now such a significant health problem in today’s society that it needs to be viewed and addressed as a public health priority.

“Education and research are key to raising awareness. That’s why we are ensuring it’s taught as part of our undergraduate and postgraduate healthcare professional courses at QMU, and in our PgDip Advancing Care Home Practice (Person-Centred Practice).

“But we also need to reach people who are already in healthcare roles to spread awareness of knowledge across healthcare settings. Partnerships with staff in care homes and other healthcare settings are going to be crucial to our development of Lydia Osteoporosis Champions. 

“Ultimately this will improve person-centred care of people living with osteoporosis across our care home sector, and reduce the prevalence of this worrying condition in Scotland and the UK.”

Local teenagers take part in innovative Frame Running study

Ian and Poppy experienced improved physical and mental health due to Frame Running

A new study found that Frame Running has the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

Frame Running (formerly known as RaceRunning) is an adapted sport for children, young people and adults who cannot run and who rely on aids for mobility and balance.

A Frame Runner is a three wheeled frame where the individual is supported by a saddle and body plate. The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like those on a bike.

Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength after 12 weeks of Frame Running training and many participants noticed an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill. Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust jointly funded the study.

Poppy’s story

One of the study participants, 13-year-old Poppy, has paralysis and weakness in her upper body and core due to a rare neuromuscular condition called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) which she developed at age six.

“For Poppy, Frame Running and participating in the study has been life transforming. As a result of developing acute flaccid myelitis, Poppy had to learn to sit, stand and walk again and uses a wheelchair,” says Laura, Poppy’s mother.

“She also has a gastrostomy (feeding tube) to help her get the nutrition she needs and uses a ventilator at night to help her breathe. Before the illness, Poppy was a very sporty child and loved running, but as a result of the illness, she could no longer run or take part in any sport safely – until she discovered Frame Running.

“The opportunity to try Frame Running was a positive turning point in Poppy’s life. She left one of her early sessions with a massive smile on her face and said ‘Mummy, I am so happy that there is a sport that I can do.’ She felt strong and accomplished and it gave her a huge confidence boost.”

The results of the study are significant as people with cerebral palsy and conditions such as AFM may be at increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to reduced mobility.

Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties walking and can find it challenging to take part in physical activities. This can lead to a lack of exercise that often starts early on in childhood and persists throughout their lives.

Dr Marietta van der Linden from the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh says: “Our research showed that Frame Running can have a wide range of benefits, not only on outcomes of fitness and physical fitness but it also allows young people to feel part of a club, make friends, compete and go fast.”

In the pilot study, 15 children and young people with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury affecting coordination took part in a one-hour weekly Frame Running training sessions for 12 weeks.

Results show that Frame Running is a feasible, enjoyable and safe activity for children and young people with severe walking difficulties.

In the study interviews, children said that they enjoyed the sense of freedom and speed of Frame Running and that it provides them with opportunities to be active and competitive.

Parents liked that Frame Running could also serve as physiotherapy or as part of their rehabilitation strategy. The data collected before and after the study showed positive trends indicating improvements in resting heart rate, muscle strength, and self-reported performance of activities such as being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

However, further studies with more participants are needed to verify this.

Action Medical Research are pioneers in funding innovative early research which paves the way for new treatments and management of medical conditions.

Dr Caroline Johnston, Senior Research Manager at Action Medical Research, said: .“The success of this research in demonstrating the health benefits of Frame Running is significant as it could result in people with mobility problems and cerebral palsy participating in physical activity and reducing their risk of heart disease and diabetes,”

The research has stimulated additional research funded by the MS Society investigating the feasibility of Frame Running for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

“We found very similar themes in our study involving people with MS, but there were some interesting differences as well, which highlights the importance to regard each health condition and each person individually,” says Dr Marietta van der Linden.

Ian’s story

Participating in an innovative Frame Running study has transformed the life of thirteen-year-old Ian from Edinburgh who lives with cerebral palsy. Ian’s mother Sheena came across RaceRunning, now known as Frame Running, in 2019. In Frame Running people use a Frame Runner, a three wheeled frame where the athlete is supported by a saddle and body plate.

The athlete propels against the frame using their feet, and steers using handlebars like on a bike. Ian, even though he was only eight at the time, really took to the sport and has been Frame Running ever since. Hi – hi

The study that Ian took part in 2019 was funded by Action Medical Research and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust. The pilot study, led by researchers Dr Marietta van der Linden at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and Dr Jennifer Ryan of Brunel University in London, aimed to investigate the potential benefits of regular exercise on the health and mobility of young people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury affecting coordination.

Ian was one of 15 young people who took part in the study, which found that Frame Running had the potential to positively affect health and wellbeing: Researchers observed a trend towards improved muscle strength and many participants observed an improvement in their performance of activities including being able to walk for longer and walking uphill.

The results of the study will inform the design of future larger studies involving participants from both the UK and abroad.

Dr van der Linden comments: “These results are promising and we hope that these custom-built running frames can enable children with cerebral palsy to take part in aerobic activities that can help improve their overall fitness.

“We are delighted that Ian has really taken to Frame Running and hope that this example will inspire other young people who have mobility issues to benefit from the exercise and freedom that comes with Frame Running.”

Ian’s mum, Sheena, comments: “Ian really enjoyed being part of the study and trains twice a week. Frame Running has given Ian a sense of physical independence and made him realise that he can achieve great things.

“Ian challenged himself to climb 8,810 steps which is equal to the height of Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and he did it! I am thrilled at what Ian has achieved including winning the Rotary Young Citizen Sporting Hero award.

“I really hope that he has shown what is possible with Frame Running.”

Chief Executive at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, John Cowman, said: “It is so brilliant to see the results for this study which clearly show that frame running has a very positive impact on the health and wellbeing of young people with limited mobility.

“Hopefully, this research will pave the way for it to become more widely available for children, young people and adults who rely on aids such as this to take part in sports and to be able to enjoy all that it has to offer.”