Explore our scientific studies
We offer evidence-based answers to common questions about the effects of exercise on joint health, by applying medical research techniques on a significant scale.
Below you’ll find summaries of all our completed studies, encompassing knees, hips, spine; activities that include running, walking and cycling, and a broad range of participants in terms of age, gender, outlook and fitness. Each summary gives you a simple overview, with a link to the published scientific paper.
What do levels of muscle fat tell us about muscle health?
With this study we wanted to test the idea that the amount of fat in your muscles can be a good indicator of muscle, hip and general health.. We compared different groups, ranging from the healthy and active to those who were inactive and suffering from hip pain.
Can muscle fat levels predict future hip problems?
By looking at a range of different measures, we’ve been able to set benchmarks for exactly how much fat to expect in the gluteal muscles of healthy individuals, and the critical levels that could indicate future problems such as hip disease or sarcopenia.
What effect does running your first marathon have on your hips?
This study, based on the 2019 Richmond Marathon, was the first to focus on MRI of the hips of marathoners. 28 runners participated – all first-time marathoners in their 30s, with no known hip injuries.
Does ultra-marathon running damage your hips?
This collaborative study analysed the hip joints of inactive non-runners, moderately active runners and highly active runners. Our findings suggest that regular distance running does not cause additional damage to runners’ hip joints.