This global network aims to unite researchers, clinicians, and digital technologists to advance knowledge of spinal pain in adolescents. The goal is to identify targets for prevention and develop new models of care for adolescent spinal pain, using digital technology.
Spinal pain becomes society’s leading cause of years lived with disability at the end of adolescence, and adolescent spinal pain is likely to continue into adulthood. Thus, adolescence is an opportune time to intervene for prevention and treatment of spinal pain across the lifespan. Despite the importance of pediatric musculoskeletal health, given a long-term impact on health trajectories, there is currently a paucity of research in this area. To move the field forward, it is essential that the efforts are coordinated, and resources are spent wisely to avoid research waste.
University of Southern Denmark, Aalborg University, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University are world leading research centers for spinal pain in children and adolescents. We have conducted epidemiological and clinical studies in both clinical- and community settings such as kindergartens and schools. We already have a track record of collaboration, but expansion of the network to also include digital health technologists (Trade Expansion), as well as increased interactions will increase the productivity.
In the network, we will combine and expand the existing knowledge base regarding risk populations and intervention targets and move forward by translating these into digital solutions for treatment and prevention that can be delivered on relevant platforms for young people.
By anchoring this network at the University of Southern Denmark, we will strengthen Denmark’s leadership position in the field and create opportunities for Danish Health Technology developers.