Gladys L Pearson

Prof Gladys L Pearson is a Professor of Musculoskeletal Frailty and Rehabilitation at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). She holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of East London, an MSc in Physiology from University College London, and a PhD in Physiology from UCL (2002). She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Physiological Society (FPhysiol), and Royal Society of Biology (FRSB).

Her research spans fundamental (genetic/cellular/endocrine factors) and applied (B-mode ultrasonography, accelerometry algorithms) aspects of musculoskeletal health, focusing on ageing, obesity, sarcopenia, and chronic illnesses like MS/MND/CP. She has supervised 19 completed PhDs and currently oversees 5 ongoing projects. As former Director of MMU's Musculoskeletal Science & Sports Medicine Research Centre (11+ years), she contributed to a successful REF2021 submission (UoA24 ranked 6th/61, GPA 3.31).

Key impacts include informing UK Physical Activity Guidelines and supporting commercial innovations via partnerships with Technogym/Exxentric. Awards include Physiological Society Fellowship (2018-present) and 4 REF Impact Case Studies (3*-4*). Teaching roles include Masters unit leadership and PhD supervision, integrating research insights into pedagogy.

Her lab focuses on musculoskeletal ageing mechanisms, rehabilitation strategies, and policy translation. Current projects explore equipment design for strength training and frailty mitigation in older adults. Public engagement includes >60 media features and 14 high-profile events raising awareness of healthy ageing.