Roadtrip Research

23 - Power Shift: How Hormones Shape Women’s Strength Through the Decades

Why do women experience muscle decline earlier than men—and what role do hormones play? In this episode, we unpack new research mapping how female neuromuscular function changes from age 18 to 80, spotlighting the sharp drop-off that begins around menopause. Discover how age, hormones like oestradiol and progesterone, muscle composition, and lifestyle factors interact to shape women’s physical strength across the lifespan. Whether you’re a clinician, trainer, or just curious about women’s health, this episode offers powerful insights into how to better support strength, function, and longevity in the female body.

22 - Single vs. Multi-Joint. How Exercise Type Shapes Recovery and Muscle Damage

Why do some workouts leave you sore for days, while others don’t? In this episode, we dive into new research comparing single-joint vs. multi-joint exercises and their impact on recovery, muscle swelling, and performance. You’ll learn: • Which exercises cause more functional fatigue • How muscle damage varies between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis • Why you might feel recovered before your muscles actually are • How to use this science to tailor training for strength, power, or hypertrophy Whether you’re a coach, clinician, or gym rat, this episode helps you optimise performance and recovery by choosing the right exercises for the right goals

21 - Strong for Life: How One Year of Heavy Training Boosts Strength for Four

Can a single year of heavy resistance training keep older adults strong for years to come? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research from the LISA study, which followed retirees for four years after just one year of supervised heavy training. The results are powerful: participants who lifted heavy maintained their leg strength and lean muscle mass, while others declined. Even more surprising? These gains were sustained without continued formal training. Tune in to discover why intensity matters, how neural adaptations beat muscle loss, and what this means for aging well, staying independent, and reshaping public health advice for retirement-age adults.

20 - Exercise, Anxiety and Depression

In this episode we dive into the latest evidence from a 2025 meta-analysis examining how exercise—both aerobic and resistance—can be a powerful tool in treating depression and anxiety. Discover why the type of movement might matter more for anxiety, how even sub-guideline exercise levels make a difference, and why physical activity remains underutilised in mainstream mental health care. We unpack what this means for clinical practice, how barriers can be overcome, and the real-world mental health benefits of simply moving more. If you’re a clinician, health coach, or someone seeking natural strategies to support mental wellbeing, this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: • Aerobic vs resistance exercise: what helps and why • Mental health benefits even below WHO guidelines • Why exercise isn’t yet standard mental health care (but should be) • Practical takeaways for patients and professionals alike

19 - Fixing Tendons from the Brain Down: Rethinking Tendinopathy Rehab

What if the key to healing a stubborn tendon injury isn’t just in the tendon—but in the brain? In this episode, we dive into cutting-edge research that flips traditional tendinopathy rehab on its head. We explore why eccentric-heavy protocols often fail, how cortical inhibition sabotages recovery, and what actually works to stimulate tendon healing. From isometric holds that rewire the nervous system to metronome-paced strength training, triplanar movement, and personalized loading based on joint laxity, this episode unpacks powerful, evidence-based strategies to manage chronic tendinopathy. Whether you’re an athlete, clinician, or rehab nerd, you’ll walk away with tools to rethink how tendons are trained, treated, and rebuilt for long-term strength and performance.