More national media attention for our research

Professor Alister Hart shares knee study findings in Daily Mail Health section

Risk vs Reward

In the Good Health section of the Mail on September 11 2023, journalist Louise Atkinson shared advice for mid-life runners on how to avoid injury.

Her article, entitled How to keep running without tripping once you hit 50, highlighted typical injuries and what causes them. According to the article, many of the issues are part of the natural ageing process. The loss of fast-twitch muscle as we age is just one example.

The article highlights some of the dangers of running - with one professor explaining that on average, the risk of an injury while running is around 50% a year.

Good News from Exercise for Science

Pleasingly, the most optimisit contribution to the piece comes from Exercise for Science, highlighting that in contrast to popular opinion, running is not bad for our joints.

The article puts it this way: “And while running is commonly thought to be 'bad' for the joints, in studies of recreational runners and cyclists aged 30 to 60, Professor Hart found that even in marathon runners, running may reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

“Professor Hart says the main difference between the injured and the uninjured is that the latter build their stamina gradually, and work to increase their strength and balance through regular and continued training.”

The article goes on to include a quote from Professor Hart:

'I'm all in favour of exercise. I tell my patients 'motion is lotion' for the joints, and our studies show that if you train properly, running will not lead to a deterioration of existing problems, but will improve your muscle and bone strength in just a few months.'

We hope the article will encourage the over 50s to either continue running or dig out their trainers to restart!