Giving Their All

Swimmer

A message from Dr. Phillip Gardiner, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

Canada’s Olympic athletes will be giving their all as they compete against athletes from all over the world at the 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, England.

Our athletes have trained relentlessly to develop the strength, stamina, dexterity and mental toughness to earn their shot at the Olympic podium. Their training has placed enormous demands on their bodies and in response their bodies have increased:

  • Strength
  • Speed
  • Flexibility
  • Endurance   

What effects does this intense physical activity have on the musculoskeletal system? And by better understanding these effects, how can we enhance athletic performance, reduce injuries and improve the health and mobility of people of all ages and ability levels?

Researchers are helping us to understand the body, enhance athletic performance, and improve health

The CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) is dedicated to getting answers to these questions. With our focus on physical activity, mobility and health, we support musculoskeletal research across Canada, including research on:

Wheelchair racer on track
  • Bones
  • Muscles
  • Joints
  • Skin
  • Rehabilitation

In honour of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are pleased to highlight Canadian musculoskeletal researchers and images from their work.

As we cheer on Canada’s athletes this summer, we should also let out a cheer for researchers here at home who are applying their academic talents towards the improvement of the health of all Canadians.