Gladys Pearson

Dr Gladys Pearson is a Reader in Human Physiology and Director of the Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Sciences and Sport Medicine at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research focuses on optimizing exercise approaches for chronic condition management, musculoskeletal health, and aging populations. She oversees grant applications, laboratory management, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within a diverse team of biomechanists, geneticists, and social scientists.

Her work integrates wearable technology and digital health tools to assess physical behavior in conditions like motor neuron disease and psoriasis. Notable achievements include 90+ peer-reviewed articles, 17 PhD completions, and influencing UK exercise guidelines for older adults. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary diversity in advancing scientific innovation and societal impact.

Key research areas include sarcopenia, tendon mechanics, and the physiological effects of sedentary behavior. She leads studies on aging populations, muscular dystrophy, and the combined impacts of obesity and aging on muscle function.