A major study to understand how we can keep our bones and muscles stronger later in life is underway at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Researchers are looking for clues as to how we can prevent debilitating fractures and osteoporosis as we age, keeping the quality of life in the elderly as high as possible.
Previous studies by the University’s healthcare experts on research into ageing have shown exercise strengthens bones, potentially preventing serious injury.
Scientists have teamed up with colleagues at the University of Bristol (UoB) for the £1million study, called Vertical Impact on Bone in the Elderly (VIBE).
MMU’s specialists will study muscle and bone health in pensioner ‘masters athletes’ who have competed at regional standard in sprinting, middle and long-distance running over the previous year.
Analysis of the athletes’ bones will be compared with UoB’s results, which will be looking at over-65s who lead a more sedentary lifestyle.
Jess Coulson, lead researcher at MMU, said: “We are focusing on the benefits of the extra ‘impacts’ that bones receive when completing intense activities. We think these bring substantial benefits for your bone health.
“Swimming or cycling will improve muscle and cardiovascular health, but they don’t have much impact and may not be so beneficial for bones. If you walk down the stairs or run, high impacts are transmitted through the muscles and bones.”
The project will run for 21-months and MMU is currently recruiting more than 300 master athletes.
It is funded by the Medical Research Council. Analysis will take place in MMU’s laboratories using CT scanners, known as peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
That sounds like an interesting study. But won’t the CT scans make it potentially dangerous for participants? I read that exposure to CT scand can increase the likelihood of cancer? I hope you don’t mind me asking – I’m just interested.