Investigating hip structure and function in young female athletes

Hip structure and function in young female athletes

NIH-funded research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11112434

This study is looking at how playing sports might change the hip structure in girls aged 8 to 17, comparing those who play competitive sports with those who don’t, to help us understand how being active affects their bone health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11112434 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how participation in sports affects the hip structure of young female athletes aged 8 to 17. By comparing girls who play competitive sports known to increase hip issues with those who do not participate in organized sports, the study aims to uncover the relationship between athletic activity and hip development. Participants will undergo MRI scans to assess their hip structure and function, providing valuable insights into how sports may influence bone health in females. The study addresses a significant gap in research, as young females are often underrepresented in studies related to hip pathology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are girls aged 8 to 17 who participate in competitive sports that are associated with hip risks.

Not a fit: Patients who are not female or who do not fall within the age range of 8 to 17 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for hip-related issues in young female athletes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding bone adaptation in male athletes, but this specific focus on young female athletes is novel.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.