Musculoskeletal function in health and ageing

About our research

Our world-leading multidisciplinary research contributes to an improved understanding of musculoskeletal health and function across the life course.

One of our ultimate aims is to find effective interventions that promote healthy ageing and help people live active, independent lives for longer.

Together we strive to lead research from cell to society - addressing important global challenges with work that has real-world impact.

Our research spans a number of key disciplines, including:

physiology
cell biology
biomechanics
psychology
epidemiology

We draw on a range of specialist techniques, some of which - such as muscle imaging using ultrasound - have been pioneered by our teams.

We conduct observational and interventional studies within a wide range of different populations - from elite sportspeople and masters athletes to patient groups with specific clinical conditions. We also lead laboratory-based research using animal models and cell cultures.

Our research partners include clinicians and local authorities as well as specialist bodies like the European Space Agency and masters athletes associations.

We work closely with colleagues from the other research themes in the Centre for Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine, Sports Medicine and Elite Performance and Movement Impairment.

Our expertise

Our wide-ranging expertise allows us to study musculoskeletal health and function in varied and innovative ways at different life stages.

Current research includes:

age- and disease-related changes in multiple aspects of musculoskeletal health and function including neuromuscular function, muscle-tendon units and pain
impacts of obesity, sedentariness, disuse and smoking
physical activity assessment and monitoring
sarcopenia, frailty and falls
nutritional interventions
in vitro and in silico modelling of skeletal muscle physiology, mechanics and neural integration in the context of ageing and nutrition
inter-relationships between the musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory systems
pre-habilitation

Since launch of the service, Stockport has moved out of the lowest quartile nationally for injuries from falls. Our position is improving and the number of patients admitted with injuries from falls is significantly reducing.

Nicole Alkemade, Stockport CCG - talking about the Steady in Stockport service built on insights from Manchester Met research

Selected impact case studies and projects

Ageing and frailty

A body of work on the biomechanics and physiology of older muscles and bones is helping combat ageing and improve quality of later life.
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Exercise and rehab equipment

A body of research built over 20 years is changing the way manufacturers think about strength-based activity and the equipment they design.
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Musculoskeletal function in master athletes

A study by the Centre is changing the training routines of hundreds of older runners.
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