Previous work from the team at National Centre for Sports, Exercise and Health Medicine (NSCEM), at Loughborough University, found that doing the exercise for just five minutes-a-day, at home, could improve bone strength and may reduce the risk of hip fracture. Now, the researchers are continuing to investigate the effect of exercise on bone and joint health to help improve the understanding of conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Supervisor Dr Katherine Brooke-Wavell said: “It is estimated that half of women aged over 50 will have an osteoporotic fracture at some stage. The loss of bone after menopause contributes to the bone weakness that can lead to osteoporosis. Because of this, it is important to find out whether the exercises that improved bone strength in older men can also benefit postmenopausal women.”

PhD student Chris Hartley, who is coordinating the study, added: “It is also important to investigate the effects of exercises that strengthen bone on joint structures that may be affected by osteoarthritis.”

The team is hoping to find women (55-70) to volunteer and help them the research. The study involves five minutes of exercise daily, at home, for six months. During that time, volunteers will be invited to visit the new NCSEM building at Loughborough University for MRI scans of their joints and a DXA scan for information on bone strength. Researchers will monitor any changes that occur and measure the effect of the exercise programme.

Anyone who is interested in taking part, or would like more information, please get in touch with Dr Katherine Brooke-Wavell (01509 222749) K.S.F.Brooke-wavell@lboro.ac.uk or Chris Hartley c.hartley@lboro.ac.uk.