Professor Underwood's main area of research is into the improved diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back pain and osteoarthritis. His portfolio of completed large primary care studies include: exercise & manual therapy for low back pain (UK BEAM), a group cognitive behavioural approach for low back pain (BEST) Topical NSAIDs for knee pain (TOIB), exercise for depression in care home residents (OPERA), and supportive self-management for people living with chronic pain (COPERs). Large trials due to report in 2020 ? 21 include; Prevention of falls injury (Pre-FIT), Supportive self-management for people living with chronic headaches (CHESS), supportive self-management of people using opioids for chronic non-malignant pain (I-WOTCH), home physiotherapy after knee replacement (CORKA), and a cognitive behavioural approach for people with COPD and mild depression (TANDEM).