Scientists at the University of Leeds are investigating whether amateur athletes are at a greater risk of developing potentially-disabling joint problems such as osteoarthritis.
For the past five years, the researchers have been examining whether professional sports people and other elite athletes are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of the joints, because of the intense wear and tear they are exposed to.
Research has focused on the damage that can be done to knees and ankles using state-of-the-art medical imaging and biomechanical studies, primarily on professional athletes.
The research is now set to enter a new phase, with the award of renewed funding from Arthritis Research UK, as it examines the effects of participating in physical activity on the risk and management of osteoarthritis for amateur athletes.
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