NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding pelvic pain and musculoskeletal health in women

Official title: Musculoskeletal and Pelvic Floor Health in Female Chronic Overlapping Pelvic Pain Conditions (The MSK-PELVIC Study)

Funded at Loyola University Chicago · NIH-10705656 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into chronic pelvic pain in women, which affects many people, to better understand how it connects to conditions like endometriosis and anxiety, and to find ways to improve treatment for those who are struggling with this pain.

More Female research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLoyola University Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Maywood, United States)
Project startSeptember 16, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$192,500
NIH project number5R21HD105115-02
Project IDNIH-10705656 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 21 and older who suffer from chronic pelvic pain or related musculoskeletal conditions.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not experience chronic pelvic pain or related musculoskeletal issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women, which can affect up to 25% of the population. It explores how CPP is linked to various conditions such as endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and anxiety, and examines the role of pelvic floor myofascial pain and musculoskeletal health. The study aims to fill knowledge gaps regarding the neuromuscular function of the pelvic floor muscles and how overlapping musculoskeletal conditions may influence pelvic pain. By analyzing these connections, the research seeks to improve understanding and treatment options for women suffering from CPP.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnosis and treatment strategies for women experiencing chronic pelvic pain.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the connections between pelvic pain and musculoskeletal health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Loyola University Chicago
    Maywood, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Fitzgerald, Colleen Marie — Loyola University Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Fitzgerald, Colleen Marie

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.