My media presence
The Times commentary
In the article, I explain how different forms of exercise can have powerful benefits for brain health and cognitive function. For example, endurance running has been shown to increase grey matter volume in the hippocampus, which is the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. This suggests that regular endurance activities could help improve brain function.
I also highlight the importance of balance training for spatial awareness—the ability to understand where our bodies are in relation to our surroundings. Studies show that just 50 minutes of balance exercises over 12 weeks can significantly improve memory and spatial cognition. Simple exercises like standing on one leg, especially with your eyes closed, or using equipment like a Bosu ball during lunges and squats can challenge your balance and engage your brain.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is another powerful tool. It boosts levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays a crucial role in cognition, neuroplasticity, and protecting the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. Lower BDNF levels have been linked to Alzheimer’s, so maintaining or increasing BDNF through exercise like HIIT is very promising.
Finally, I point out that weight training can help slow the decline in brain function that often comes with age. In fact, weight training may be even more effective than other types of exercise for preserving cognitive abilities. For those new to it, starting with light dumbbells at home and gradually progressing to gym workouts is a great way to support brain health.
Overall, I encourage incorporating a mix of endurance, balance, HIIT, and strength training exercises to boost and maintain your brainpower as you age.
The Guardian commentary
In view of carbon footprint and logistical challenges, The Guardian published a piece on the actual evidence for the ice therapy used in Paris 2024 Olympics.
These considerations can be also viewed from a wider perspective which is present in my clinical practice and research:
do we know why treatment works? do we care?
In elite sport these conversations are slightly less nuanced that they can be in a research environment, because the price and pressure is too high. In academia, there is space to acknowledge that we may not have all the data, that we may not really know what the mechanisms of the treatment are, or that after careful examination of all the evidence we can consider the treatment ineffective in certain cases.
Elite sports doesn’t allow time or space for this - if there are any ideas, proven or not, for the athletes to perform better, they tend to be implemented quickly.
I had a great opportunity to contribute to this conversation in The Guardian UK.
CNN commentary
I was asked to comment on the importance of exercise in the process of aging - and I was very happy to share my thoughts as this is a topic I talk about a lot with my patients.
Ultimately the process of aging is a process of managing loading in response to changes in our lives - in how our bodies change, how our goals, activities and resources change, and how our lives change. No two people are going through this process in the same way - and that’s why the attitude to what’s best to do while we age needs to be very individual and bespoke!
King’s College London internal publication
The research that I led, investigating female athlete hip strength profiles, raised interest in the King’s College London internal publication. Together with my 2 colleagues we produced high quality work that was appreciated on the International conferences as well as internally. It was a great honour to contribute to the publication within the University of so many powerful researchers!