Thinking about starting to run? Help us understand how joints adapt to exercise.
About the study
Are you thinking about starting to run and becoming more active? We are investigating how joint structure and composition are related to movement patterns when people begin running, and how these characteristics change over time.
Participants will be asked to track their running activity and daily steps using a smartwatch or smartphone for 12 months. You will also attend three MRI appointments at Jones Radiology (SAHMRI) (45 min each) and three biomechanical assessment sessions at the South Australian Sports Institute (1h each).
Findings from this study may help improve our understanding of how hip and knee joints adapt to increased physical activity and recreational running.
Eligibility requirements
- Male and female novice runner (18 to 60 years old)
- Just started running or looking forward to starting
- Currently have a sedentary or low-activity lifestyle and be motivated to become more active
- Have no history of hip or knee replacement surgery
Recruitment timeline
Start of recruitment: August 2026
End of recruitment: Once 50 participants have been enrolled
Benefits
- Receive a $150 Coles/Myer gift voucher in recognition of their time and participation
- Gain access to beginner-friendly running resources and tips
- Contribute to research aimed at improving our understanding of joint adaptation to exercise.
Contact details
Main Investigators
Professor Dominic Thewlis, PhD
Discipline Lead, Orthopaedics and Trauma
ARC Future Fellow
School of Medicine
Adelaide University
Email: dominic.thewlis@adelaide.edu.au
Tel: 08 83137096
Isotta Bernardoni
PhD candidate
School of Medicine
Adelaide University
Email: isotta.bernardoni@adelaide.edu.au