Endo-MRE study

Why?

Endometriosis is associated with pain, inflammation and pelvic floor dysfunction. Pain and inflammation are known to increase muscle stiffness. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique that can measure muscle stiffness. 

What is this new study?

This study (Endo-MRE) will help us find out if we can use MRE to specifically measure the stiffness of a pair of back muscles called the psoas major muscles. We want to know if women with endometriosis have increased muscle stiffness compared to women without endometriosis. We will also measure the pain levels, hip function and pelvic floor dysfunction in the two groups. This will help us understand the relationship between muscle stiffness, pain and muscle function.

Who?

Endometriosis group:

• Female
• Pre-menopausal
• Aged between 18-45
• Experiencing ongoing pelvic pain and/or lower back pain with confirmed endometriosis

Healthy volunteer group:

• Female
• Pre-menopausal
• Aged between 18-45
• Never experienced chronic lower back pain or chronic period pain

Where?

NHS Lothian

When?

Recruitment from January 2026 to June 2026

Recruitment target

Endometriosis group: 7 participants

Healthy volunteer group: 7 participants

More information

For further details, please contact aishwarya.bobenpayapilly@nhs.scot and please type “Endo-MRE participant enquiry” in the email title section. This will help the team reply to your query sooner.